Struggle Busin'

Yes, the above phrase is something unique to N.Y when you're. . . yes struggling:) This week was a bit of a struggle as it turns out. Probably the toughest so far, but that's OK because that means I'm getting tougher too:)

We had 6 cancellations, all with investigators and all lessons that we were so excited about. Because of that we spent a lot more time finding, which is good but it was in the windy rain for hours and nothing seemed to come of it! We were feeling pretty discouraged.

BUT! Never fear! I've been keeping a little "miracle journal" and writing down at least one little/and or big miracle every day. This is a wonderfully healthy practice and I invite you all to do it! We've been having all of our lovely less active ladies do it and I decided to do it along with them:)  Here are some miracles for the week: 

-We had lunch with the Phillips' (see picture:)

- I was able to bear my testimony of my knowledge     that the Book of Mormon and all of the scriptures are the word of God. This is something that I just know from personal experience and I had to share! You know that feeling when you know you should bear your testimony but for reasons completely unbeknownst to man you just sit there for like 10 minutes pretending that you don't have to? Aaah, bearing your testimony is one of the most sure ways of strengthening it! I have a testimony of that! (boom) I was really grateful for that opportunity because It was good for me to realize that yes, I do KNOW some things, I've been kind of feeling like I don't, so that was really wonderful.

-We had no money left for the month (don't ask) and yesterday at church one of the sisters slipped us an envelope with a note, "Thanks for being missionaries" and $20.00!

-The elder’s quorum president came up and told sister C and I that he's heard some really good things about us lately and just wanted us to know that our hard work wasn't going unnoticed. We both needed that so badly. And, although only 2 of our 10 investigators could come to church (never has happened=the worst!) A less-active family came that we visit religiously every Saturday and hasn't come since at least before Sis C has been here (October.)

So, as you can see, this really has helped me realize just how aware Heavenly Father is of me, especially yesterday after a stinkin’ hard week there were so many little miracles because people followed promptings they received, and they helped me out when I really needed it. Follow those promptings people.

Whhiiich leads me to some really great goals we've made for this upcoming week (and forever!).

-Follow promptings instantly! This is a great, very hard practice that I'm going to try so hard to work on. I had a couple of times where I didn't this week and it left me feeling very discouraged, just always do it!

-Right along with that- I'm going to go outside of my comfort zone, like REALLY outside AT LEAST once every single day. I've come to realize that that's how I'll be happiest, with continual growth and not regretting things I could've done to learn or help others or whatever it may be. That's what this mission thing is all about, changing, and growing, I should never be feeling comfortable, plus that's boring! We watched this oober-pump-you-up-type basketball video about Kevin Durant. . .along these lines. . .:)

We had some really great experiences with Mandie this week that I wish I had time to tell you guys about! She is still doing well although still living with her boyfriend but weaning herself off of tea! She's continuing to progress and we are praying for her boyfriend, Collin, that his heart will be softened and he will have a desire to learn more! Please keep them in your prayers! 

I have to go minha familia! I love you guys so much and tell sis C about you daily:) Good times, good times:)

Com amor,

Sister Ventura 2  Nephi 32:3