June 17, 2013

June 17

Hello there family and friends, 

Wow I am so excited to see all of the emails from you all. It made me smile. It sounds like you are all having fun and enjoying your summer activities. Tyson I am sorry that you are doing well. That must have been scary to in the water being dragged down. I hope that you are doing better though. My prayers are with you. Mom, I love your new classroom items. They are so adorable. I can't wait to see in real life what your room is going to look like. Dad, I am super glad that you enjoyed your card. I loved your kind words back. I love you all and I wish the best for you all.

This week was a very hard week for us. Our faith is defiantly being tested. We went to go meet with Francis and she met us outside and wouldn't let us come in. She has gotten a hold of some Anti stuff about our church and doesn't like what she is hearing and she says that she is scared. She thinks that we are here only to build her trust so that we can take things away from her such as her family. It broke my heart to hear this and to hear that she didn't want to meet with us anymore. We tried to explain that none of that stuff is true and that we are here only because we love and care about her and we want to give her this everlasting happiness. She wouldn't let us talk. We left and we didn't know what to do. That was so heart breaking. It was hard for us to hear all of that because we love Francis so much and know that this is what she needs in her life right now. We keep praying for her that one day she will be open to the other missionaries that will come her way. 

Alex..he is going through a lot right now and said that he needs sometime to think and look over some stuff. His baptism was scheduled for this Sunday, but that won't happen. He called it off and said that he feels overwhelmed and is trying to figure out somethings in his life now. Something has changed in Alex. It is sad to such a change in him. We haven't lost him quite yet, but he just needs sometime to think things though he says. I pray for him everyday that he will be able to overcome the temptation of the Adversary and that his heart will be open still. Alex is a sweet person and is really trying to do what is best for himself and for his family. 

We have been out everyday talking to people, visiting less-actives, potentials, and former investigators. We have had some great contacts with people, however, none really want to meet with us. Sister Lee has been a little discouraged and I have been trying to keep my spirits up so that she will be able to be happy too. I tell her that everything happens for a reason and sometimes we don't see why or understand, but that means that great things are going to happen. I love the scripture Ether 12:6 ..."Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not, for ye receive no witness until AFTER THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH." I really like this scripture because it is true. We go through so many trials in our life and it is to help our faith grow. This is just a little thing that is going to help Sister Lee and I grow in our missionary work. It is also helping us to bring our companionship a lot closer as well. We are learning how to be patient and to rely on the Lord so much. With the Lord's help anything is possible. We just have to do our part and be out there everyday working as hard as we possibly can to find those people that He has prepared for us to find and teach. We aren't giving up we are putting ourselves out there everyday talking to people that we see.

My testimony and faith have grown so much this week. I have been doing a 40 day fast that my mission President challenged us to do. This isn't a fast for food and water, but a fast of habits that we want to overcome and things that we want to achieve. One of the things that I put down on that list is to not worry so much about what other people think of me and that I will be able to push that aside and be brave and talk to everyone that I see. With a lot of pray and help from the Lord I have been able to see myself grow so much in this last week. I am amazed at the amount of success that I have been able to have for myself and I can see a change in me already and I know that this has helped me to be able to find those people to teach and to let the Lord guide me. I don't mean for this to sound selfish, but I honestly think that I needed to ask for help on this because if I don't trust myself and have confidence in myself how can other people have that as well. The Lord truly blesses us when we ASK for help. Heavenly Father loves each of us and knows exactly what we are going through, but He wants us to open that door and communicate with him. He can't help us if we don't ask for help and He can't show us anything if we don't ask questions either. I have a strong testimony of prayer. I know that my prayers are always answered. Sometimes they aren't answered when I want them or I don't get what I want, but I do know that the Lord knows me and knows what I need. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of this wonderful gospel and the peace and comfort that I feel every time that I go through a rough time. I am grateful for the blessings that I receive everyday and I am forever grateful for my Elder brother Jesus Christ and taking upon him my burdens, pains, and affiliations. I know that He doesn't take it all away, but is there ever step of the way giving me comfort and aid. I love being on a mission. I can't imagine being anywhere but here right now. 

I hope for the best for you all this week. My prayers are with each of you and I am very grateful that I have each of you in my life. Take care and remember to SMILE!!

Love Sister Ackley