Time for Great Growth

Hello!

This week was pretty good :) It was busy, of course. On Tuesday we had our first MLC, and it was great! They went through a lot of things that need to be clarified about guidelines on the mission, and we did accountability, where each of us had to give our averages for the month and talk about what went well. We made a goal as a mission for the rest of the month for baptisms. We are really really close to where we were at last year, and President Craven does not want to not do as well as last year. It was really neat getting to be with so many great missionaries, though. All of the zone leaders and all of the sister training leaders. They spent some time on talking about Christ-like leadership as well, which I loved. It really taught me a lot and helped answer some concerns I had about what I should do as a Sister Training Leader. Basically nothing too different, just be a good example. Really I feel like I am here to learn from the other missionaries! They also talked a lot about "He is the Gift". They are pushing for it big time here! At the meeting we also decided what the monthly focus would be, which ended up being revelation through prayer and the Holy Ghost, as well as finding. January of this year was the worst month they've had since the Cravens have been here, so they are wanting us to take advantage of December to find and find new people! I must say, it's been so great having He is the Gift! Such a great starting point for talking with people.

We had Zone Meeting this week, which meant we had to help plan it! That was different. Usually I just show up to Zone Meeting and just get to enjoy it! :) But it was great getting to talk with the zone leaders and the other sister training leaders about what we wanted to do. Sister Nielsen and I ended up doing a training on using "He is the Gift" and just really emphasized using it to bridge to the Restoration, because otherwise we are just showing a great video and it doesn't lead anywhere. I think it went well. It was kind of scary! I've done trainings and talks before in district and zone meetings, but for some reason this was a lot more scary. But it turned out well :)

We went on exchanges with the Kannapolis sisters (the other sister training leaders) and it went well. Sister Hong is from Hawaii and is so sweet :) Now we are starting on the rest of the exchanges, and will be going on two this week and two next week. And we have a mission conference this Saturday with a General Authority!! :) I'll tell you next week who it is ;)

What else... We've still been working a lot on finding new people. It's been going ok, we are just trying to find more people that will progress.

Thursday the Urbans and the Hunts from the mission office (couple missionaries) came to our apartment because apparently missionaries in September requested a new dryer (it really is not great, but we didn't realize they requested one!) But when they brought the dryer up and loaded the old one to take down the stairs they realized it was either the apartment complex's dryer or the church was renting it from Appliance Warehouse, so we just have to call the number on the dryer to get someone to come fix it. BUT then they were looking around our apartment to see how it looked and we looked on the back porch (I've never gone out there!) and there was a little closet/shed that we had never opened, we were kind of nervous to see what was in there and there was Christmas stuff!! Whoever has been here before must love Christmas, because there is a ton. We have a tree, lights, ornaments, everything! Sister Nielsen and I were SUPER excited and now it really feels like Christmas :) Our other favorite Christmas thing is driving down Union St (downtown Concord) where everything is lit. Downtown Concord is the best! :) :) So cute. When I come back one day I'll definitely visit there.

Anyway. We love Christmas. Christmas a missionary is great. Sometimes it's hard, but mostly it's wonderful and you really get to focus on the most important things :) There's not a better time to serve the Lord than during Christmastime!

Sister Nielsen and I get along great. We have a lot of fun together! It's weird because we forget that there is a 4 year age difference between us. Until I say something about how I graduated in 2012. Haha.

(Linda) has been great. She has been sharing the gospel with everyone!! She is always listening to the Spirit! Like there was a lady that is next door to them in the hotel they are at, and she just had this feeling she needed to talk to her the next day. So she ran into her and told her testimony of the gospel and is giving her a little missionary gift bag that our ward has put together (has a Book of Mormon, pamphlets, Family Proclamation, etc.) She has so much faith! She is still struggling to find a place to live, and she is still keeping her hopes up. We've been praying and praying for her. Hopefully soon. She and Michael and her kids came to the Watsons (ward mission leader. My favorite family.) with us to watch the Christmas devotional. I loved the devotional! Wow. I think what I learned most was the responsibiltity and purpose we all have in life. I liked that the talks were about how Christ came to do His Father's will, and to descend below all things so that He could succor His people. And then they compared it to how we also have come here to do the Father's will and that we too have to descend  below some things so that we can know how to help others. If you didn't watch it, you should check it out online!

This has been such a wonderful time for "great growth". Right before I was transferred from Morganton to Concord I had this impression that the last few months of my mission would bring great growth. And it has! Sometimes I worry I haven't changed enough, but as long as I am pointed in the right direction and always trying to be better, then I am on the right path. I know that the gospel is true. If I didn't know that before, I know it now. The Book of Mormon is so true! Sometimes as I read the Book of Mormon, the only thing I get out of it, is that my testimony is really solidified that no man could have written this book! It had to be inspiration. Jesus Christ really is the Savior of the world! He gives life and light to all things, whether they recognize it or not. I love that all of you have been sharing with me some missionary experiences you've had. I know it's sometimes intimidating sharing the gospel, but just remember that EVERYONE has the light of Christ and that whether they recognize it or not, He influences them. I love my family! Thank you so much for all of the support and the love you have given me. I know I could not do this without you all. I feel so incredibly blessed :) There is so much to be happy about.

Love you all :)

Sister Adams