So... 3/24/14

Hello!

I have realized that I say the word "So" a lot to start sentences.. It is kind of sad that I can't think of anything else to say.. I need to work on creativity. We spent more time outside this week to find people and to be seen. The weather has been nice, so people are outside, but it is also Spring break, and a lot of people are gone. They get 2 weeks for spring break here, which is crazy! It makes it kind of difficult to set appointments, but sometimes people are home who wouldn't normally be home, so it works out. This week has been another week where we have really been led to those who need us. We planned on stopping by a members home, he is active, but we didn't know him at all. We got there and he was trimming his rose bush, perfect! We walk over and then A less-active who we hadn't met yet came out and we talked to her. We offered our help to do yard work (we bought garden gloves last week to bring with us. People don't take us seriously when we offer to help, we thought they might if we had gloves!) So we helped her for a bit, and then had a lesson with her, she said that is what she really needed. She also came to church on Sunday! After that on Thursday we stopped by another less-active for a few minutes before an appointment we had. They were very nice and we set up an appointment for Saturday with them. 

Saturday's appointment with them went well. They lived in Utah for 5 years and they are back here because he lost his job. They really want to go back to Utah, and are having a hard time dealing with being here in California. We planned on talking about the Atonement with them. I was thinking more of the redeeming power of the Atonement but as we talked with them, I felt like they needed the enabling power of the Atonement. They kind of broke down and opened up with us a little and told us that basically they have lost hope. They were searching for peace in their life. We talked to them about their conversion, which got them thinking, hopefully they recognize that they need to come back to church.. We will keep meeting with them though.

I love meeting with recent converts, their faith and testimonies amaze me. I learn so much from them every time we meet with them. They go through a lot in their life and to see how God prepared them to receive the Gospel is inspiring! 

I am running out of time, I am sorry this is short. I love you all! 

Love,

Sister Kellee Gardner