Cedar Falls Week 12

Fortunately for my testimony, sometimes God gives us knowledge and then allows us the opportunity to use it. Saturday was a rough day and it reminded me that missionary work means I'll need to WORK! With our district leader we listened to a really really amazing talk by Elder Holland about how it's SUPPOSED to be hard because Salvation is not a cheap experience and that we can't have this life be easy if we want to be along Jesus Christ in whom life was NEVER easy for. 

I think i've told you about H---, but not really. Here's her brief story:

My companion and I followed some promptings and wound up talking to this desk receptionist on one of my first weeks in Cedar Falls. She is 23 and left the church when she was a teenager. We taught her, she prayed and had an amazing experience, and she is now fully active and we went with her yesterday to receive her Patriarchal Blessing. It was a sweet, sweet experience.I think she and I will be friends for a long time. We each bore testimony on the way home that we were here in this place at this time for this exact reason. It was very powerful.

The Patriarch told us that our blessing is "our personal KEY to receive revelation" I think that means it shows us HOW to. As all things in life, prayerfully study yours today!

Also, a girl named J--- that I found in Iowa City set a baptism date for April 18 and I am SO EXCITED!

Love, 
Sister Sumsion

She gave us her companion's blog this week and we able to read a lot of what Chloe doesn't tell us... :-)  I think one of them will be transferred tomorrow but Sister Monroe has lots of pictures and experiences of the last 12 weeks together...

ofcornfieldsandconversions.blogspot.com

 

Cedar Falls Week 11 - Got to go to the temple!

This week was awesome. The weather IS picking up a TON and it is warming EVERYONE's hearts, including my own. It has been so nice. 

I have had a crazy month of being stretched thin and that is the only reason I didn't write much.  

I WENT TO THE TEMPLE! It was so peaceful.

Love, Sister Sumsion

 

Cedar fall week 10, Week 24 Mission

March 10, 2014

I love this work SO MUCH. My companion and I have really different opinions...but we love each other SO MUCH! It is a lot of learning, but it is SO great. 

I was taught this week to really trust in the resources God has given us. I feel like God is trying to tell me that if I trusted in -  the leaders I have been given, the Book of Mormon, prayers of gratitude, and revelation through church attendance.....ALL WILL WORK OUT!!!!!!! He always attempts to speak to me. I just have to open my heart.

The boots......so, story: I got those boots from Holly, right? The ankle ones...and then you send those big snow boots, right? So there is a sister here that is in an all walking area and she was coming down with pneumonia. Her parents are really struggling and she is REALLY struggling financially. I actually gave the snow boots to her. I asked if they fit her. I think she almost cried. so.......your boots are in a good home.....and I haven't needed them at all because we have our own car. :/ I hope you are not upset because I really am doing good and staying dry and warm. 

I know this is another day of craziness, but please don't worry. I am learning from the Lord.

Keep doing what you are doing
Love, Sister Sumsion 

Cedar Falls, Week 9, Week 23 Mission

(She didn't really write an email last week to post)

March 3, 2014
Hello,

I'm trying really hard to consecrate my prayers this week to the work. It's pretty amazing what can be accomplished....although it's a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.

This week was zone conference, which is 1/3 of the mission. it covered my zone and 3 others, including Iowa City. (her old area so she got to see old friends)  I literally gave myself an anxiety attack driving up to the stake center. I got to talk to Sister Murphy.  It was SUCH A TENDER MERCY.

 This week I talked to the Lord a lot...because He listens perfectly. He offered me advice, which I was praying desperately for. I am so happy here mom. I love every moment, even when communication is hard. I feel like I am really starting to recognize what the Spirit feels like and do what the Lord wants me to do every minute. 

This week I really tried to focus on being unselfish, and instead I thought about home constantly. The Lord is really helping me to control my thoughts here. IT IS SO FUN.

Crazy how the Lord helps you through other people.

TENDER MERCIES ARE REAL!!!!!!

 Love, Sister Sumsion

From a friend of a friend whose daughter is in this picture too.  Thanks Sister Mindy Marsh

 

Got to see Sis Murphy again

Zone Conference with 1/3 of the whole mission