Mission Letter 31 "Don't You Just Love the World on a Day Like This?"

This month I have really gained a testimony of service. I think of a
quote from Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration, in which a
woman tells Joseph, "I don't agree with your religion, but I
appreciate your service," and he responds, "Mam, service is our
religion." I have truly seen how it can soften hearts--including my
own.

Some time ago we had felt prompted to knock the door of Perla's
sister, Laticia (not knowing she was Perla's sister). She turned us
down flat. This past week when we asked Perla if we could see her she
said to come to her sister's place and gave us the address. Laticia
recognized us and let us in. She and Perla are both single parents
with little kids and the apartment was a mess. "Can we help?" I
asked,and she declined. Then, as Sis Hinojosa talked with Perla, I
felt like we needed to serve. I got up and cleaned the kitchen and
Laticia's countenance visibly changed. She listened to what Sis
Hinojosa was teaching Perla and by the time we had both finished, we
asked her if she would listen to a message and she eagerly agreed.
I realized that i had judged her as not ready, but that we can't
judge. Also, that day had also honestly been a one hard for me and
leaving her house, I was so happy and so full of love for her and her
kids. Honestly all I could think of was the quote from Ann of Green
Gables, "Don't you just love the world on a day like this?" I
certainly did.

Also, I FINALLY finished the Book of Mormon yesterday and I love that
Book so much!! I was so eager to start again that I am already half
way through first Nephi. This morning I woke up early to read and told
myself I would read until I felt the spirit. I could have stopped
after a couple verses, but I couldn't stop! The spirit was so strong.
My new study themes are "Evidences of God's patience, grace, hope and
mercy with those who love him and desire to serve Him" and "the
relation between Faith and Power."

Hermana Anderson

Our last supper with the elders at Pizza Hut
Our cute little lizard friend that made it into our apartment and
entertained us for part of weekly planning (Hna Hinojosa had never
held a lizard before . . .)