Better attitude = better sucess!

From August 10, 2009, email: When one door closes, another one opens! I'm sure your release from the branch will bring even greater opportunities! But I am sad that things won't be the same when I get back. Hopefully the new ones can carry on the wonderful tradition of the branch.

After Preparation Day last week, we helped a member family in the ward to paint their kitchen cabinets. Good thing I've had a lot of painting experience in my life!

We're working harder to get to know the members because some of them aren't too supportive of the missionaries. The best way to soften them up is to teach them! We are SO thankful for the members who do come out to appointments with us and feed us. Coming to Windsor from Groton is like going from feast to famine. But I look at this in a good way...I've gained too much weight out here! I'm sure you're all laughing at the pictures I've sent home because I'm not quite the same as before. I sure laughed at Adam & Joel when they plumped up.

Tuesday we went on exchanges with the Rocky Hill sisters. Sister Timothy (from Bear Lake area) came here with Sister Monson and I went to Rocky Hill with Sister Murray (from Rexburg). We had a wonderful time! It's always good to get a change of scenery for a bit. Sister Murray is a wonderful missionary and I very much enjoyed our time together.

Wednesday was Zone Conference and it was probably the best one yet! The general theme of it was "Recognizing the Spirit" from chapter 4 in Preach My Gospel. This is something I've felt like I've struggled with and, of course, the best way to learn is to give a talk! President Pehrson asked me to give a 3-5 minute talk on personal revelation and it went very well! I'm so glad that I have grown so much! I can give a talk and not be too nervous about it! The other missionaries who gave talks did a wonderful job and the Spirit was definitely present. The sad part was I had to say goodbye to Sister Haueter & Sister Glenn. Their time here in the mission was up and it came so quickly!

Saturday night we had a really good lesson with a young kid named Dominique. He had talked to missionaries previously and had received a Book of Mormon. He has lots of good questions about God and Jesus Christ. It sounds like he never had any religion in his life. It blew his mind that Christ came here to atone for our sins and weaknesses. I don't know how anyone could make it through life without a knowledge of the Atonement. Life just seems bleak and pointless without it. He had never prayed before, but had read in our pamphlet how to pray so he tried it out. I see great things in this kid. He is being prepared to one day receive the gospel.

We are seeing many great and small miracles happen in this area. Sister Monson and I decided that we were lacking a bit in faith and were a bit negative about things. So we have made a change in our attitude and amazing things are happening! We're excited to get things rolling here in Windsor Locks!