So as most of you heard, I was emergency transferred on Thursday to Northwest Tucson. A sister decided that a mission wasn't for her after being out for just a few weeks and went home. I feel bad for her because she's going to miss out on so many great opportunities now that she's gone home.
I guess that President really struggled with whether or not to just close the area but then decided to leave it open and for Sister Mackay or myself to come here for 2 weeks. When he called he didn't initially tell us where and I was just praying that it wasn't to El Paso. Well, even though he said that either of us could go, it was me that he wanted to send. It was funny because on the phone he kept saying, "Sister Anderson, I'm so sorry but this is just for 2 weeks. In 2 weeks you'll be back in St. David with Sister Mackay." We were both so so excited to hear that. I'll be honest, this transfer has been difficult. It's hard because I'm only here for 2 weeks and it isn't really my area, but Sister Howard and I are working really hard and seeing miracles.
Speaking of miracles, on Friday President Walker interviewed our investigator Matt in St. David. Matt has had a bit of a rough past so one of the bishops asked that President would interview him. I guess at the end of the interview he called Sister Mackay and Sister Rodriguez into the interview. Matt was sobbing and President told my companions that he didn't want Matt waiting any longer to be baptized and so he got baptized Saturday and confirmed and given the priesthood yesterday. He also got his temple recommend and will be going to the temple on Saturday. I've been talking with my companions everyday and they were telling me about how amazing it's all been. Matt's friend Paul baptized him and I guess that there wasn't a dry eye in sight. After the baptism I talked to Matt, Paul, and Nat on the phone. It was really neat because it was like I was almost there. Thank goodness for phones.
Also yesterday, Terry, Ian, and Conner were given the priesthood. It's hard not to be there for those things, but I know that I'm needed here in Tucson.
(The night before transfer) This weekend Dorothy will be baptized. I've realized that it doesn't matter if I'm not there for baptisms, what matters is that they are doing what is right. It was funny because before this transfer I was just praying to be able to stay focused on my mission and not on anything else and this transfer has really helped me to focus. It feels like St. David is my home and that it's where I belong. I just love that place.
Everyday being here in Tucson it gets better and better. I guess that the sisters didn't really have a whole lot of chances to work hard before I got here so Sister Howard and I are working hard to fill of the teaching pool. There are a few investigators but not nearly enough. We're covering 2 English wards. The members here are really willing to help out so that's super nice.
Like you know, I sat next to Kimmy's roommate yesterday in RS and that was really cool. After the 2nd ward Sister Howard and I were talking to some people. They asked me where I was from and I told them and they said something to the fact that I was there cousin. Well it turned out that it is Uncle Norman's daughter Sister Strickland (I don't know her first name). Apparently we have lessons in there home often so that's neat.
Last night we went to an appointment and the people weren't there. As we were walking away Sister Howard saw this man and approached him, gave him a Book of Mormon pass-along card and said, "call this number for a free book." We walked away and a few minutes later he approached us and said, "what if I need something more than just a book?" So cool! He invited us into his home and we taught him the first lesson and now he'll be baptized at the end of July! It was amazing because he said that he always closes himself off to religion, but he was out and felt like he needed to go home so he did and we showed up right as he pulled up. It truly was a miracle that we needed.
I know that the Lord really is preparing people and it's up to us to be bold and open our mouths. I know that there are no such things as coincidences. It was no coincidence that I saw the people I saw yesterday and that we met Jaime just outside of his car.
(My New Companion Sister Howard) Someone else that we're teaching here is named David. Last week he saw the elders at Taco Bell and approached them and told them that he wanted to be baptized. He is hungry for the truth and it is so amazing to see how he has been prepared as well. Something that I've noticed is that it is often the people that we least expect that are the most prepared. It is so amazing. The Lord's hands really are in all that we do. I know it.
A scripture that I've had as my motto this week is Proverbs 3:5-6. It says, "trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct they paths." In all of life we need to trust in the Lord. As we do so He will direct our paths and lead us to peace and joy. I see this everyday. He loves us and really does want the best for us. It's up to us to do our part. I know that as we do so we will see the blessings that we so desperately need. Trust Him!
I love you all and hope that you all have an amazing week!
The Gospel is definitely true.
Love, Sister Anderson
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