Family and Friends,
This week in Uppsala has been great! We have had many challenges this week, but I'm glad to say that I'm still happy and enjoying the work. It's amazing to me that things are not always what they seem to be. I was in a way hoping that the 3 people who had decided to be baptized with Sis. Swenson and Sis. Virkamäki would be easy to meet with and totally ready to be baptized on the dates they had set. I also was hoping with all my heart that all the people we have been able to talk to, get their phone number...and who seemed quite interested in the gospel would be immediately willing to meet with us, learn the restored gospel and after learning of the Restoration of the gospel....want to set up a baptismal date and work to be baptized in Christ's church. I know some of you must assume that I see the world through rose colored glasses...and I'm sure that a lot of the time I do...but...I continue to learn along the way that sometimes we are faced with challenges to help us grow and to learn patience, to submit to the Lord's timing, etc.,etc., etc.
Not to disclose all the details of our week, I will just say that it was challenging. Things did not go as we had planned, and we continually needed to re-plan, use our backup plans, and then backup our backup plans. One day I was reading in the book of Mormon about the sons of Mosiah and thier missionary work. As many of you know...they were faced with all sorts of trials in their labors among the Lamanites. A couple of verses came to mind...and really helped me get through the week. First, was when the Lord's Spirit comes the them and says: "Be comforted. And they were comforted. And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth amongst thy brethren, and establish my word; yet be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls." Then, later, the same amazing missionaries had some hard times and they said the following, "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."
Now, I know that I signed up for this gig. I knew from the very beginning of my mission that there would be challenges, hard days, even sometimes hard weeks...but I also know that the Lord never leaves us alone in our trials, our afflictions, or with out weaknesses. I have continued to be amazed that the words of the prophets in the scriptures can truly help us to find strength, comfort and joy even during hard times. I have such an incredible greatfulness for the scriptures of the ancient prophets and the words of our latter-day prophet and apostles. Reading and applying their teachings helps me to be happy...and to face my challenges with courage...that the Lord will give unto me success.
I know this is the work of the Lord. I look forward to this week...the successes it will bring, the challenges it will bring...and most of all that I get to go out and bear my testimony that I know the truth...and that truth gives me incredible strength during this mortal life. I hope all of you have a wonderful week. I hope you are all healthy and happy...and of course that summer is treating you all well. I LOVE SWEDISH SUMMER!!!!!! It's SO beautiful here. I feel lucky to go outside every day and enjoy this amazing place! Please take care of yourselves and know that I continue to pray for you.
Much love,
Sister Suzanne Wood
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