October in Florida has Come Again

October 23, 2012

Yes that's right, Family and Friends, I have been in Florida for an entire year! I welcome this time of year again, because it isn't so ridiculously hot anymore. At least, not everyday!

And, just so you all know,

I am getting TRANSFERRED!!

Yup, I'm finally leaving Miami after being here since May. I have to say good bye to Snapper Creek YSA which brought some good times, and some really difficult times, but overall made me a better person. I hope.

I have gained a new appreciation for the 3 Nephites this week. The were promised to never feel pain except for the sorrow that comes from wickedness. I'm here to tell you that the wickedness of others is pretty painful.

The thing that made our week most stressful was our recent converts. Both of them said they did not want to come back to church anymore! It was so sad! We had a fast for Alvaro (who still hasn't received the Holy Ghost) and he changed his mind and decided to come, but then he slept in and no one could wake him up for church! Then Jaclyn called and told us there was too much "sin" in the church and she couldn't stay. She is convinced that God told her to leave and that the leaders are teaching false doctrine! I was so crushed when I heard this it literally made me sick. I guess she doesn't have a solid understanding of the Restoration. She believes Joseph Smith was a prophet, but she also thinks she is. She is at least still willing to meet with us because she says we have pure hearts, but will not come back to church. This is why it is not recommended that recent converts move into homes run by other churches. Or maybe it's just Jaclyn. Either way, I'll let you know when I find all the pieces of my shattered heart.

Ok. That was a little dramatic, but can you think of something sadder than someone leaving the church like this? It is not something I want anyone else to ever feel.

One of the more up-parts of this week was when I finished the Book of Mormon for the 3rd time. I finished it in a little less than 3 months and really enjoyed going through this time looking for the blessings of the atonement. I found so many of the blessings I already have in my life that come from the Atonement, as well as many more that I can have as I live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My testimony of the atonment as certainly grown, not only by reading about it, but also by living it - using it in my own life.  How many blesisngs can you find?

We did, however, get some sweet new investigators this week. Frank was found by the other sisters. He showed up at institute and we met with him the next day, taught him the Restoration and gave him a Book of Mormon. He came to church on Sunday and we met with him again yesterday to teach the Plan of Salvation. He is so awesome and has a sincere desire to find the truth and fill the emptiness that has come into his life because of the negative experiences he has had with his ex-girlfriend and his parents' recent divorce. He is getting baptized and doesn't even know it yet!  (plus, he is 25 and of football-player build, so he is very welcomed into the branch!)

On Saturday night, we knew we were behind in blessings and wanted to go harvesting. As we were choosing a place to go, we both felt like we needed to go visit a referral we received from other missionaries. Following this prompting, we drove out to see "Jones." As we walked up to his house, he walked out. We introduced ourselves and had a good chat in his driveway. We talked with him and shared a scripture that really touched him. He accepted our invitation to read the Book of Mormon and to come to church! We set up a ride for him and the next day, he showed up! He has been through a lot in his life, including a recent death of his brother (during a home-invasion. Yes, Mike Jones is a complete gangster, with friends on the most wanted list!), and is really looking for peace. I am so glad we followed the spirit and that he was able to come to church! So sad that I don't get to teach him anymore!

Well, I don't know where I'm going to go, but I'll let you know. Next week. When I've already been there for almost a week. Fun times.

Love you all! Keep Spreading the Word! And PLEASE live your testimony to the fullest. People are watching your example!

Love, Hermana Sheffield