So I am going to start out this e-mail with the fact that Sister Nyland and I rode 23 MILES on our bikes Friday. Yep, we did. We are pretty proud of it actually (thank goodness the next two days consisted of a lot of sitting at conference....) But when we told the Zone Leaders they were shocked and said we put the Elders to shame. All in a days work. haha we had to end the conversation by asking for more miles though, they didn't think that was too funny. We were able to teach 3 lessons and figure out some new service opportunities in the community. We were wiped at the end of the day though, but felt like we did some good work, and sacrificed to save miles for a different day.
This week in our member and less-active lessons we focused a lot on asking questions and looking for the answers during general conference. We taught one of the YSA's in the ward, and she had told us she had never done it before. We got a text from her last night saying how all weekend she had been trying to think of a question but nothing was coming to mind. But as she watched President Uchtdorf's talk she felt like questions just started being answered. She thanked us so much for that experience. That was neat!
Also, Sister Nyland and I may have splurged a bit at the Easter candy sale at Wal-Mart. So we were on a sugar kick for about 4 days, but on Thursday we taught one of our investigators who has a tea and coffee addiction- so we told her that in a 2 week period, if she could go 7 straight days without either, we would have a ding dong party (her favorite treat) and then Sister Nyland stepped it up a notch saying we would go without sugar.....BOTH of us! Yes, we are learning how to exercise control now as well, it was hard not to eat the brownies and ice cream at the between conference social, but it is amazing how we have kept in contact everyday with her through the hard times. She is going to stick with tea right now, and once we help her with that she will move to coffee. Addictions are rough. But tender mercy, we were talking to one of the YSA's and she works at the same Wal-Mart as our investigator, so we gave her some money to buy some tang and crystal light and take her a note so she can focus off the tea. Our investigator- Debbie sent us a text and was so grateful for this sister that gave her the gift and how it made her day. When you think out of the box, and use the resources the Lord puts right in front of you, miracles happen!!
Conference was really great, we learned so many things, and sister Nyland and I talk about cool things that stood out to us in each lesson all the time. She and I are really learning a lot together, and have set some great goals on how we can bless the lives of those in this area more. President Holzapfel taught me about the story in John 10 a while back, and how the Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, he is always working, not taking breaks, not being selfish, trying his best to lead them through the gate- to their Savior Jesus Christ. He told me that we have to be the shepherds, and not the Hirelings. The Hirelings run when things get hard, but the Lord has given us these people to help, and we have to do our best to diligently work our hardest for them and for the Lord. Conference talked a lot about bringing peace into the lives of those around us- that is our job as members and as missionaries. Think of helping at least one person each day, bring a little bit more of the light and peace of the Savior into their lives. Our lives will change and so will theirs. I am grateful for all of our prophets seers and revelators, and that we can read the Book of Mormon and the Bible through the lens of the general conference talks. We have prophets who can help us understand! What a blessing- I am so grateful that we have 6 more months to study their words, understand them, and apply them into our lives.
I love you all! Have a great week :)
Sister Coleman
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