Paciencia!

Letter from Oct 10

Hi, hi!

The weather is cooling down, and it is beautiful. Fall in California is so great, because it's not cold, but there is still a feeling of fall in the air. I love it here.

Last night, we had a member come out with us to try and visit a whole bunch of potentials. Unfortunately, no one was home, or no one had time, but it was fun having the help of Hermana Marquez. She doesn't speak english, but we know that her testimony is strong and so we still wanted her help. We met 2 men that have very strong faith. They are close friends with members of the Church of Jesus Christ and they agree with almost everything that we teach.The only thing holding them back is the Book of Mormon, but he admitted himself that it's probably because he doesn't know much about it. We had Hna Marquez testify of how the restored gospel has blessed her life, and the spirit was invited so strongly. She spoke in Spanish with confidence to these men, and they listened as if they understood what she was saying. Hna HS translated for them, and then they really understood. I know that the spirit softens the hearts of God's children, and I know that he softened the hearts of these men. They accepted the invitation of having the english elders over to help them understand more about the Book of Mormon.

So this week, we had Stake Conference. It was wonderful! The focus was service. There are so many different ways that we can serve everyone and anyone, and we should always be looking for service opportunities. We can do physical service projects, we can listen to people when they need someone to talk to, we can serve in our callings, we can serve in the temple, we can serve in the home, and we can serve literally any where we go. So why don't we do it more often? I have learned so much as to how to be a member missionary, and I know that it can start with service. I plan to look for different service opportunities for the rest of forever and I would love your help in doing so.

For the Sunday meeting of Stake Conference, there was supposed to be a room for the members of our ward so it could be translated and they could actually understand. Well there was a room set up with a TV, but there was a whole bunch of english people in there and no translator. So, as missionaries, we stepped up to the plate and took on the job of translators. Hna HS, Elder Gibson, and I took turns translating the talks, for our group of 5 members who didn't understand a word of english, and it went great! The room was still full of english members, but we sat on our side of the room and translated for our little family. Elder Beal would've taken a turn, but he's only been out 10 weeks and doesn't feel that his spanish is strong enough yet... I told him he would've been fine, but there's always next time. I have never translated before, and so I jumped in with full faith and trust in Heavenly Father and his gifts. Through Him, I was able to translate the talks. It was so fun! I learned that I can translate. Of course, there were still a few words that I didn't know, or it was a little fast at some times, but I was able to keep up fairly well, and I felt the power of the spirit working through me to help our members learn from Stake Conference. I know that Heavenly Father knows us personally. I know He loves us. I know he will help us at all times as we desire to do His will. I am so grateful for every experience I have had as a missionary, and am excited for the many more that I will have for the rest of my life.

I have learned a lot about patience recently, and have noticed that it's a characteristic that we are all working on. In one way or another, we are all striving to be more patient. When Alma is writing to his son Shiblon, he helps him recognize that it is for his patience and trust in God that he can withstand his trials and temptations. I know that as we strive to be patient and trust in God with all things at all times, that he will help us. Pray with faith, be patient, and trust in our Heavenly Father. He knows you can do it.

Alma 38:3-5:

"3 I say unto you, my son, that I have had great joy in theealready, because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, andthy patience and thy long-suffering among the people ofthe Zoramites.

4 For I know that thou wast in bonds; yea, and I alsoknow that thou wast stoned for the word’s sake; and thoudidst bear all these things with patience because the Lordwas with thee; and now thou knowest that the Lord diddeliver thee.

5 And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye shouldremember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in Godeven so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, andyour troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be liftedup at the last day."

I hope y'all enjoy your week, and crunching leaves as you walk, and early Halloween candy.

Have the best day ever!
Love,
Hermana Sager