June
9, 2014
Family!
I'm so sorry... I'm running out of time to
email... I have to admit that I spent a big part of my time sending an email
for Jane's wedding!!! It seriously won't hit me that I'm missing Jane's wedding
until I come home in December and see that ring on her finger... I've cried a
little bit in the Family History Center today. I miss her so much but I'm SOOOO
happy for her!!!! She looks so beautiful and so happy! Since when were we old
enough to marry? Who knew?!
This past week was FULL of great things!! This
is the best week that I've ever had number wise on the mission. We taught 24
lessons, 11 of those were member-present lessons and Sister Welch and I are
just on fire here in Olympia!! We have been working super hard to get this area
moving and things are coming!
I don't even know where to begin... so I'll
just start with the biggest miracle that happened this week!
There is a 30-year old part-member couple that
have been like the dream people to teach for all missionaries here in this
area. They are just perfect in every way. Well, for many months missionaries as
well as the home teacher have gone in to a lesson with full intent to invite
them to meet with missionaries... but during their visits the spirit would tell
them not to.... well, last night their home teacher asked us to come along for
the home teaching lesson... and we didn't know what to expect or what his plans
were because he wouldn't tell us... which was a little nerve racking... but
long story short, the spirit was super strong in the room and the home teacher
invited the husband, Dave, to take the lesson from us :) The spirit was super
strong and I felt impressed to share with him the scriptures James 1:5 and a
scripture on the "still small voice" in Kings. After we had read
James 1:5, he said that scripture has always pressed on his mind because that
was the first scripture that his wife had ever recited to him when they first
were getting to know each other. Then we talked about the power of the Holy Ghost
and how it usually isn't a big feeling that shakes you awake but a small, good
feeling inside. We then asked if he would say the closing prayer and ask to
come to know if the things we are teaching are true by the spirit. We all knelt
in prayer and he offered it... sooooo powerful!!!! You guys, I'm not kidding
when I say this..... if Dave becomes a member of the church... he will one day
be AT LEAST a bishop. He is amazing. I feel so honored yet a little intimidated
and humbled that Heavenly Father has given me this amazing opportunity to teach
him.... but I'm SOOOO EXCITED!!!
Just so show how cool he is I want to try and
recap a story of him and his wife before they married a couple years ago:
Both Dave and his wife are major runners and
athletes. Sister Helsel (his wife) was running in a Boston Marathon a couple of
years ago. It was one of the hottest days (record breaking heat!) for a
marathon. She had only run about half of the marathon and was very hot and
exhausted. Dave was waiting to cheer her on at about mile 17 and when he saw
her he knew that she was in trouble and was really tired...so guess what he
did? In his normal everyday clothes, he jumped into the race and ran along side
her, giving her words of encouragement and support by always being by her
side.... and they were able to finish the race!!!!! It touched me so much in
two ways.... 1. That is a sign of true love right there... 2. It made me think
of how the Savior does that for us all the time. He knows when we are
struggling and I know that He is ALWAYS by our side... whether we realize it or
not. He walks (or runs) with us, trying to guide us and give us strength to
make it to the finish line.
I JUST LOVE THEM!!!!
Well, sadly I'm out of time... but I'll try
and write more later!!!
I love you all so much! Once again, please
give Jane (and Alex!) a big hug for me and tell her that I love her.
Love,
-Sister Kirkham
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