The Day I Became a "Mom"

What a week!! :)

Last Monday night I got a call from the Assistants telling me that I have been called to train a new missionary!! I was so excited and so nervous! I kept thinking about my experience when I was trained and tried to remember how I felt as a new missionary. Wow! I can't believe I have been out this long! It's amazing how much I have changed. I haven't even realized how much I truly have changed until I sat and pondered! Missions are amazing things! I feel so much more confident in the Spirit and in myself!

On Tuesday we had our last District Meeting before transfers! We had a great District! Sister Thomson and I made cookies the night before to bring for everyone. Fun! It was great to reflect on the goals we set at the beginning of this past transfer. Time to repent and work even harder!

Wednesday was a fun day..and a sad day! Sister Thomson and I both had a little anxiety about transfers (as usual). I helped Sister T get all packed up and ready to go for the next day. She also got to say some goodbyes to some families in the ward.

Thursday Transfer Day!! I showed up early in the morning to attend the Training Meeting before transfers. It was fun to see so many Sisters that came out with me! We all became "moms" together! Haha! Later in the meeting, all the new missionaries entered into the room and waited for President Riggs to call their name, and then their trainer up! (It feels like just yesterday that I was the new missionary waiting to hear who my trainer would be!) Annnnnnd, my new companion is Sister Makowa!! She is from Zimbabwe!! She is so wonderful! We hardly get missionaries from out of the U.S. so it is so awesome to have her!

The Transfer Meeting was great! It was also very sad, as President and Sister Riggs gave their departing testimonies/talks. There was a lot of tears. We will miss them so much!

I love Sister Makowa!! She is so dedicated and willing to learn! We are having so much fun learning from each other. She is adapting well to the culture here so far! (It is her first time in America!) I am teaching things I never knew I would have to teach: how to download things on an iPad, how to send text messages, and how to use a Debit card. So fun! She is doing so well! We are also having a great time tracting a TON. We are in search for more investigators!

On Saturday we met a few nice people while tracting, and are hoping they will meet with us soon! It has been amazing to see the Spirit work through me as I am now the leader. It was as if a switch was turned when I got a new companion! I know what to say and feel so much more confident in my teaching abilities than ever before. I'm so grateful for the guidance of the Spirit!!

Yesterday was such a great Sunday! During my personal study I found a really cool insight. I was reading 2 Nephi 9, and found a gem while reading verse 39! Jacob is testifying and tells the people: "to be spiritually-minded is life eternal". If you look at the first letter of each word, it spells "s.m.i.l.e."!! We are truly happy when we put God first and have an eternal perspective. I know this to be true with all of my heart! I promise that if you focus on the eternal perspective of things, your days will be filled with joy!

I wish I had so much more time to write, but sadly I have to end here.

I am SO excited for these upcoming transfers! I see many miracles coming!

Thank you all for your prayers and love!

Love you all and wish you the best this week,

Sister Winterton