To the many people reading this,
The life of a missionary just keeps getting better. Training has definitely stretched myself, but I feel God's hand constantly supporting and guiding me. Sister Williams is so great! She is very teachable. Pretty much everything I say she writes it down (like off the movie The Best Two Years.) It makes me feel important, but don't worry, I'm not letting it get to my head. :) She is always open to feedback and she enjoys practicing (which makes my job easier). We get along great! As we continue to get to know one another I know we'll be great friends. There aren't a whole lot of specific stories from this week that are standing out to me to share. Winter is here! Snow on the ground, -3C, and falling. All I have to say, "Bring on the Canadian Winter!!!"
Saturday we were planning on stopping by a member who we felt we should see. Our plan was after dinner to head over there. I however, ended up on Auto pilot and got almost to the Whitemud Freeway when her name came to mind. "Michelle." "Oh no!" I thought, "We are already this far. She isn't even expecting us. What if we turn around, get all the way there and she's not even home?" I battled turning around for a minute when the thought came to mind, "You asked to be prompted more, here's a prompting." I concluded that I'd rather follow all the promptings I got then not and not have God trust me with more. So we turned around. We knocked on the door and her roommate Mallory answered, "Sorry, Michelle isn't here. Do you want to come in?" It dawned on me, we were here to see Mallory! So we went inside and had an amazing lesson with her. We shared the same scriptures we were planning on sharing with Michelle and it turns out one of them was her favorite. She never mentioned she was struggling or having a hard time, but I know that God knew we should see her. I'm glad I followed that prompting.
Sunday was a really neat day. Church was cancelled due to the Calgary Temple Dedication. We went to the 10am session. It was amazing! It was really cool to have Chris Keene (Recent Convert from August) there as well. He loved it and is super active. He is actually a ward missionary and loves everything about the Gospel. It was awesome to see him in a white shirt and tie, so excited to show us his white hanky with the Calgary Temple embroidered on it. The Dedication itself was amazing! President Monson gave the Dedicatory prayer. President Monson shared a story about a family friend. A young mother (of about 6 or so young kids) passed away. He attended the viewing the night before her funeral. As he walked in he saw one of the youngest daughters. Excited to see President Monson she ran to him, "Brother Monson Come see Mommy." She then directed him to the casket where her mother peacefully lay. "Isn't she pretty?" President Monson began to cry. The young girl looked up at him, "You shouldn't cry. Before Mommy died she said, 'Don't cry. We're a forever family." I couldn't hold back the tears as President Monson related this story. I know that my own mother wouldn't want me to cry. I know that we are a forever family. I know that Mom is happy and at peace, that she isn't experiencing pain, heartache, or temptation anymore. I know that she is still here with us. We are Forever Family! We will see our loved ones again! We have this hope because of the Savior. He broke the bands of death. He overcame our weaknesses. He is our Mediator and advocate with the father. I know this because I have had the Spirit witness this to me. I know this because I have a calm assurance that everything is going to be alright. Does that mean that I don't have hard days? No. But through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be comforted.
I love you all! This church is True! I'm grateful the opportunity I have to be an instrument in God's hands at this time. It's going by way to quickly.
Love,
Sister Thompson
