I am safe and well! The hurricane was kinda fun! We had the Orange Park sisters at our apartment and it was a blast! We stayed very safe and sound. We have done a lot of hurricane clean up, the majority with our ward. It has been a blessing because it has brought greater unity to our ward family. As we have served together we have laughed and gotten to know one another better. It also has been a blessing becuase service softens hearts. This is a great time to reactivate those lost members becuase they are really feeling the love. My heart has been especially touched by the gratitude people have been expressing. My heart overflows with compassion and a desire to help them. And I can truly feel of God's love for them.
We were also able to teach Alberto this week. We moved his baptism date to October 7th becuase of General Conference. He is still so excited! We have started to teach him the commandments and I have been so inspired as we have taught becuase he understands that if God commands he must obey. Even if he doesn't fully understand a commandment or the "why?" he understands enough to say, like Nephi, I will obey. Truly the spirit has been working and preparing him for the gospel for a long time. I also think a good reason why he is progressing so rapidly is becuase he is close friends with members. He loves them and he has watched how they live and he see's the blessings they enjoy. Truly members are the best missionaries!! :)
TRANSFERS!! Sister Bryans is staying in Oak Leaf and Sister Beecher is going to Gainsville YSA! Wow! Blown away, I was not expecting that at all. I am so excited for Sister Beecher to go forward on her journey. She has been an incredible blessing to this ward and to each person we have met. She has learned and changed so much since day one. Her confidance has increased and so has her testimony. She is such a powerful missionary I know she is going to do amazing things in each area she serves. I will miss her though, she has become a dear friend. She has helped me though some of the harder parts of my mission. But I trust the Lord and I know he has a much bigger plan that what I see.
I am excited to have Sister Ridenour coming to serve here with me. I know she will be a great blessing to this ward and area. I am so excited for the miracles ahead! I had a neat experience Saturday night after transfer calls, I was praying for a confirmation and feeling a little discouraged and fearful about the changes ahead. And I was reminded powerfully of the training from Sister Neilson about companion unity. I felt strongly that there is a need for sister Ridenhour and I to be together for the next 6 weeks. That we need each other and I feel strongly that we will become fast friends. I also thought about Sister Beecher and prayed for her, and was reminded that no transfer is random. But each one is inspired, I felt that I needed to trust the Lord and encourage her to do the same. I know this will be a great transfer of growth for her.
I can't believe I am on my last 6 weeks. O.o It blows my mind. I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve. And I ask for y'alls help in keeping me focused for these last 6 weeks. :) WHEN you email me send me a scripture or a spiritual thought y'all have had. I love serving as a missionary. Everyday I am so grateful I chose to serve. I love what I am learning here and now and the ability I'll have to continue to apply it going forward. I love my Savior. I know he loves each of us. I know he is very aware of us. I am so grateful for his sacrifice and how the atonement can help us on the path to become.
All my love, Sister Bryans.
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