Insane Week Full of Surprises

It has been a long week filled with all sorts of crazy out of the norm
things. It did go by fast though, which was nice. I can't believe that
we are ending the transfer next week. We will find out by this
Saturday on what is happening. I really hope that I will be staying
with Sister Loveless for another transfer. I feel like I haven't had
enough to time to serve here yet!

So we had an emergency transfer happen in a different area, so a new
sister came in on Wednesday. The only problem is that bother her and
her companion can't drive now (both are foreign), and one of the
sisters doesn't have a bike. And they live a mile away from their
area. Sooooo I went back into Harmony Hills for the weekend to help
the new sister with the area and to get rides set up. It was really
fun being back and we found a bunch of new investigators! It was
awesome :) It was the first time being in leadership that I actually
felt like I actually helped someone. It was a really good weekend for
me and for the area :)

We found a Hispanic investigator a week ago! We went to go teach the
first lesson, and she had a whole meal prepared --authentic Mexican
food. It was the BEST :) It made me miss my Spanish areas, but it was
so good. I was so stuffed afterwards. We also received a member
referral for a teenager, Trey. He is really interested and loves the
gospel! He really wants to change the path he is on and help build his
future. I love teaching teenagers and young adults--they have so many
choices going on, that they need the direction the gospel brings.

We have had two really cool opportunities as a mission recently.
First, was a worldwide broadcast for all missionaries. The quorum of
the 12 was there, and we received a lot of help and guidance to be
better missionaries. Then yesterday, we got a training from Elder
Corbridge of the seventy. He talked about not being fearful of our
leadership callings. We need to use the Lord more and trust in His
decision. I really needed to hear that as I have definitely been
struggling with understanding my calling to be a leader. But I know
that Heavenly Father called me for a reason!

It was a great week! I can't wait to see what else the Lord has in
store for me and for our area. I love you all!!

Love,

Hermana Erickson

Another baptism!

This week has been really good for me! I have had a lot of self-discovery and learning. I feel that I have grown a lot in this calling as a STL. It has pushed me to become a better missionary and has caused me to go out of my comfort zone. I am excited to see how I grow within the next couple of months.

So we had a baptism! He is 9 years old. His family went less-active during the time he turned 8, and then started coming back to church. They are a super fun family, and Danny was really easy to teach. He knew everything, and was very prepared. We have never had so many people show up to a 9 year old baptism. Even President Snow and Sister Snow showed up! It was a great baptism that was filled with the spirit. That family is one step closer to becoming an eternal family :)

We found this awesome couple this week to teach this week. We were walking around, when we saw this young guy. He had gauges and tattoos, so we totally thought he wouldn't be receptive to the gospel. But then
we started talking him, and he was really open. I was telling him about baptism and why we need it. He then says "yeah, I am probably due for one pretty soon." It was awesome! It is amazing how the Lord prepares people for the gospel. We should never judge who is ready or not.

We have this super awesome investigator, Brian. He has a Mohawk and is a punk rocker. It is pretty fun teaching him! He really loves the gospel, and is very receptive. His dad is a less-active and is
becoming active in order to baptize Brian. Brian came to institute (a church scripture class), a Why I believe activity, and to a baptism. It is amazing to see how much he loves the gospel! We really enjoy teaching him.

This week has been great and I love missionary work! I can't believe that I am on the downhill slope. It is crazy to me that I am ending my mission at the end of this year. I love the people here though and will miss them immensely. Until next week!

Love,

Hermana Erickson

Goodbye Holidays!

This week has been pretty good! Life as a STL is never boring, we always have something going on. I am starting to get used to it...but I don't know if I ever will get fully adjusted to my new crazy life! I ended up getting sick this week.....with bronchitis. I thought I just had the flu, but our investigator's dad turned out to be a doctor. I was super grateful that he was able to get me some meds! I feel so much better now :)

This weekend we have had a mini missionary with us and it has been super fun! I don't know if you all remember Ellie (from East), but she is leaving on her mission this week! I love having mini missionaries with us. I wish I would have done one before mine. We always have super fun experiences! For example, we knocked on a random door. The lady said not interested, and tried to slam it, but it got stick. It was the funniest moment of our lives. Haha!

I got to lead my first exchange this week in Pelican Creek with Sister Paa. It was super fun being on the side of a STL. It was really scary leading it, but it went good! SIster Paa was very sweet and said I was a natural leader. Haha, no. But maybe after 8 months I'll get there....!

Sorry, I don't have too many crazy stories this week. I was pretty dead for most of it ;) I am sad but happy that the holidays are over.  People will finally be back on normal schedules! But I will miss having the whole world focused on Christ. Today is my ten month mark....AAH! I can't believe I come home in September. This year is going to be awesome! I can't wait for all of the new experiences. I love you all!