Sweet is the Work

I really can't believe that it is May! This past week we had some great opportunities to serve with the members of our ward!

Last Monday we had an awesome opportunity to have dinner and FHE with some members in our ward! They also invited a part-member family to join us. Member work is the best! We had a great time getting to know everyone better and sharing our testimonies of the Savior. So much power!

On Tuesday we went on exchanges with the STL's in Shenandoah. Always fun to go back and stay the night in my last area. :) I got to spend the day with Sister Pope who is also going home at the beginning of June. It was great to talk about our goals and things we've learned while out here on a mission. That night I got to teach John! It was such a blessing to be able to see him again and hear his testimony. How amazing to be able to see someone you taught progress as a new member in the gospel! Having the constant guidance of the Holy Ghost is one of the biggest blessings we could ever have in this life. I know that the Spirit is essential in our everyday lives. He brings us true and lasting joy!

We got to help a family in our ward make some taco casseroles to take to the homeless shelter on Thursday! They invited some friends who aren't members too. It was a blast! So fun to be serving together. On Saturday we got to be at the homeless shelter and help serve that food with some youth and leaders in our ward. What a neat experience!

On Thursday morning we had an awesome meeting with all the Sisters in the area out in a park by the Potomac River. So much fun!

We taught Vanthan on Friday evening and Sunday morning. Those are always my favorite parts of the week. :) She is so fun to teach. Yesterday she told us, "I so happy baptize!!" with a big grin on her face. Her excitement just makes mine that much more! She is really coming to understand and LOVE the principles of the gospel. She holds the pamphlets to her chest and smiles. I'm so grateful for pamphlets!

When we taught her about and invited her to keep the law of the fast she said, "I try". I feel that that is all God asks of us. That we TRY. I know that no effort is wasted. Our Heavenly Father knows when we're striving and doing our best.

Yesterday we got to teach Sharing Time in Primary! We taught about the Restoration and Joseph Smith using a visual. We "built" Christ's church with little cups - and the key cup in the bottom of the pyramid was the Priesthood. (This is a common visual that many missionaries use) Those kids loved it! I love how simple and powerful it is. Teaching all the little kiddos was one of the highlights.

This week while reading in the Book of Mormon I have been learning more about Abinidi. He is AWESOME. He has no fear and keeps preaching and testifying even when all is against him. He kept going even though he never saw any fruits from his labors. He had no idea that Alma was listening and would later convert many! I want to be like Abinidi.

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Mother's Day on Sunday! ♥

Love,
Sister Winterton

Pictures:
1. Teaching John on exchanges!
2 & 3. Sisters Meeting by the Potomac.
4. Vanthan and Sidony. ♥
5. We got yummy frozen custard last Pday!:) ..mine had some mango
Italian ice too! YUM.
6. On exchanges with Sis. Pope! It was a hot day! Thanks to Hector for
the water!
7. Sisters Meeting. We made boats and put a rock with something we're
"sacrificing" this transfer. Look at us all unified!
8. Silly picture at the sisters meeting. Fun stuff!