So IM GETTING TRANSFERRED!!! Actually both me and my companion are getting
transferred so there will be two new missionaries here in La Center. I'm not
sure where I'm going yet but I'm hopeful for a great new area and companion. I should be getting a letter today that will tell me
my new area and companion so I'll let you know. I am a little sad to leave just
because of the few families that I really came to love and because they definitely
made me feel at home when I went into their homes. So it'll definitely be hard
but like I said, I'm hopeful for what is to come.
I actually had an experience last night that made me realize that I was supposed to come to this area. Our mission motto is, "God doesn't do random" and I really came to see this in action. So we were at the Rxxx's house last night for our weekly lesson with their less active son and earlier at church when I told Brother R that I was leaving he got so sad/mad. Oh it was so hard to see him like that. He then came and whispered in my ear, fighting back tears, "I don't care what they say I'm giving you a hug before you leave" haha made me laugh but still sad. So then in this lesson we were talking about fasting and I felt super prompted to tell Txxx about my first week here and how I was having a real hard time and I wanted to leave. I also told him how me, some people in the office, and my family back home were fasting for me to have strength and possibly have a desire to stay. And let me tell you it was super hard to talk about as I fought back sobs. Anyway I'm telling this story and all three of the Rxxx's are crying as well, I'm not sure about my companion, and so I end by baring my testimony about fasting about the power it has if you faithfully fast for a purpose. And Brother R then tells me how he could see I was struggling and that he was praying for me because he knew I was supposed to be here. Then Txxx explains how he regrets so much not going on a mission and he could only imagine the regret I would have if I left early. Then he said he was so happy that I didn't leave because he knows I was supposed to teach him for a reason. And what's amazing is he has really been making progress in coming back to church since we began teaching him. And of course sister Rxxx tells how thankful she is that we have been able to help Txxx and how happy that she is that I stayed.
I actually had an experience last night that made me realize that I was supposed to come to this area. Our mission motto is, "God doesn't do random" and I really came to see this in action. So we were at the Rxxx's house last night for our weekly lesson with their less active son and earlier at church when I told Brother R that I was leaving he got so sad/mad. Oh it was so hard to see him like that. He then came and whispered in my ear, fighting back tears, "I don't care what they say I'm giving you a hug before you leave" haha made me laugh but still sad. So then in this lesson we were talking about fasting and I felt super prompted to tell Txxx about my first week here and how I was having a real hard time and I wanted to leave. I also told him how me, some people in the office, and my family back home were fasting for me to have strength and possibly have a desire to stay. And let me tell you it was super hard to talk about as I fought back sobs. Anyway I'm telling this story and all three of the Rxxx's are crying as well, I'm not sure about my companion, and so I end by baring my testimony about fasting about the power it has if you faithfully fast for a purpose. And Brother R then tells me how he could see I was struggling and that he was praying for me because he knew I was supposed to be here. Then Txxx explains how he regrets so much not going on a mission and he could only imagine the regret I would have if I left early. Then he said he was so happy that I didn't leave because he knows I was supposed to teach him for a reason. And what's amazing is he has really been making progress in coming back to church since we began teaching him. And of course sister Rxxx tells how thankful she is that we have been able to help Txxx and how happy that she is that I stayed.
Anyway it
was such an amazing experience and I just really felt like I was called to La
Center for this exact purpose. Meeting the Rxxx's and having that connects
with them through Jamie has just been such a blessing and I'm so grateful that
I've been able to have enough strength to stick around to see this. Although I
didn't get any baptisms I was able to hopefully help reignite the spark for
Txxx so
that he can feel the love the savior has for him as I have felt it so much in
my life.
So this week I ate at a casino... Twice!!! Haha Sister Txxxx (who we live
with) had us signed up for dinner and so she took us to the only restaurant in
town called The Last Frontier Restaurant which is connected to one of the four
casinos in town. Lol it wasn't a big deal but it was fun to be at a restaurant
again, and plus I was able to hear normal music again and that was the
bomb.com. Haha oh and then a
few days later we went to the restaurant again with another member, she goes on
splits with us all the time. She's awesome. So yeah I got a nice big burger and
it was so good! Haha
The Ward
Christmas party was on Friday and it was so great! The first part was a bunch
of musical performances then we went to the gym for food and dessert and crafts
and mingling and of course Santa. The Ward did a great job and we even had some
nonmembers and less actives show up which was awesome. It's so weird though
because now that I'm a missionary I have to actually walk around and talk with
people which is not at my comfort zone but I'm working on it. Lol. I can't wait
for the Ward activities where I can be a normal person again and just eat my
food in peace hahaha.
Omg I forgot to tell you! Brother Rxxxx is the best. He bought me a case of 24 500mL bottles of Coke! And so every time I go to their house which is more often than not haha he pops open a bottle and I get my Coke for the day! Oh it's amazing haha, although I definitely think my New Years resolution is to try and give up Coke because I have been drinking it wayyyyy to much! Lol we will see. Oh another thing that happened this week. So we volunteer at the food bank each week which is such a beautiful opportunity that we have. I love it. We get the food really and then give it to the people right then. And oh my, this week this lady came and it was her first time so we give a little bit more than they usually get, and so we have her shampoo, soap, toothpaste, tooth brush, and toilet paper. When we opened the door to give it to her and explain what we were giving her she was so happy. Like wow, just glowing because she was getting soap. She almost began to cry she was so happy. Then a man we gave some food too came up to the door and knocked and told us how thankful he was because the food we gave him was going to feed his family for Christmas. He was so happy to receive a little bit of food that I couldn't believe it. Man it was such a humbling experience for me. We are so blessed with all that we have. We shouldn't take anything we have for granted because there are so many people who have nothing. I love that I was able to help those in need, and I can't help but think of the hymn, "Because I have been given much, I too much give." We need to give to others this holiday season and always. We have so much in our lives and we should share because that's what the spirit of Christmas is about. It's the spirit of Christ and we need to always remember that because all that we have we owe to Him so why not share with all? So yeah, that was an amazing experience.
Omg I forgot to tell you! Brother Rxxxx is the best. He bought me a case of 24 500mL bottles of Coke! And so every time I go to their house which is more often than not haha he pops open a bottle and I get my Coke for the day! Oh it's amazing haha, although I definitely think my New Years resolution is to try and give up Coke because I have been drinking it wayyyyy to much! Lol we will see. Oh another thing that happened this week. So we volunteer at the food bank each week which is such a beautiful opportunity that we have. I love it. We get the food really and then give it to the people right then. And oh my, this week this lady came and it was her first time so we give a little bit more than they usually get, and so we have her shampoo, soap, toothpaste, tooth brush, and toilet paper. When we opened the door to give it to her and explain what we were giving her she was so happy. Like wow, just glowing because she was getting soap. She almost began to cry she was so happy. Then a man we gave some food too came up to the door and knocked and told us how thankful he was because the food we gave him was going to feed his family for Christmas. He was so happy to receive a little bit of food that I couldn't believe it. Man it was such a humbling experience for me. We are so blessed with all that we have. We shouldn't take anything we have for granted because there are so many people who have nothing. I love that I was able to help those in need, and I can't help but think of the hymn, "Because I have been given much, I too much give." We need to give to others this holiday season and always. We have so much in our lives and we should share because that's what the spirit of Christmas is about. It's the spirit of Christ and we need to always remember that because all that we have we owe to Him so why not share with all? So yeah, that was an amazing experience.
The only thing that happened was while I was lifting the cans and different boxes at the food bank my back went out... Oh man I was in so much pain and struggling but I pushed through. So this week has been hard on my back but it's definitely getting better, slowly. Haha so pray for my back lol. Hmmm what else happened....? Honestly I have no idea. This week flew by which was a #christmasmiracle and it wasn't all that bad. So I guess things are getting better. I'm still missing home, and family, and Texas. Oh the rain is no fun at all. But I'm definitely getting used to it. Also the cold isn't so bad anymore. I think I'm acclimated!!! Haha only took me about two months but I think I made it! Speaking of two months, I'll have been out two months next week!!!!! Is this real life???? Only 16 months to go? Wow i can't believe it. But then looking back my birthday was only like 2 weeks ago. It goes by so fast but so slow. A mission is the strangest thing ever!
Well I love you all and miss you tons :)
Xoxo
Sister Batey
UPDATE: I'm getting transferred to the Fairway
Village Ward in the Vancouver east zone!!!!! And my companions name is Sister
Finn. That's all I know!!!!
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