2/9/15

Thank you all so much for all of your letters. I ran out of time again. I am sorry. But I just want to share that I know that the Church is true. I know that what I am doing as a missionary is important. I have seen it work in so many people's lives. I know that this gospel is so precious. It truly is the Church of Jesus Christ Restored.

Here is a quote from President Alba that I really really like. Once again, it was clear to me that we must give up all to become like Christ, our Savior. The Prophet Joseph Smith said the following: “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.”
It is so true. It is not about what you can gain, but what you can give. That is what life is about. That's what being like the Savior is all about.

I love being a missionary! Truly! The more I think about it, the more I realize that my whole life has been pointing to this precious year and a half. It's gone by so fast. This week I learned a lot about humility. I learned that I really cannot do this on my own. I need Heavenly Father every step of the way. I have learned that I don't have to be perfect to be loved by Him. I don't have to be perfect to be worthy to be one of His missionaries. All that He asks is that I try. As long as I am truly giving up my will to Him and really trying to be the best I can be, then it will all turn out the way it is supposed to. l feel like I keep learning the same lessons over and over on "my" mission. One thought that came to me this past week is that I need to treat everyday like I am still a greenie. Never get comfortable! Soak it all in! Learn as much as you can! That's something that I going to push harder on this week.

I love Arcata. It's really blossomed. We are teaching Less-Actives like crazy. Our ward mission leader is on board. We are just trying to meet with our investigators more often, so that they can progress.

You know, when I first came out, my idea of what my mission would turn out to be was nothing like it has actually turned out to be. Each area, each companion, each person taught is so unique, and each has such a different feel, and you just learn to take the good out of all of it. I have learned a lot about my weaknesses from Sister Whimpey. It has been humbling. She is amazing. She is so kind. She is always in a good mood. She never gets upset or angry, even if she is having a bad day. She is such an example. I am working on being as good a person as she is.

The sisters (Sister Harmer and Hermana Steiner) seem to be adjusting well. They are definitely two wonderful sisters and I am looking forward to getting to know them and learn from them.

As far as the 20-3-1 goes, our zone has not given up. It is a struggle, but we are still working hard everyday to try. The zone has only missed it for the past few days by only one companionship, but we are not upset, but still trying to work in unity. We will do it though. Sister Whimpey and I are both very excited for it. It really helped us last week.

Love,
Sister Darby Milller