Wow. I don't have much to say. Is it Monday already?
I guess the highlight of this week was going on an exchange last Thursday. I went with Sis. Wimmer and Sis. Hobbs, and we went tracting. (Going door to door knocking) Which is not that common for me. We don't tract at all in my area because every single neighborhood but one is gated and that one has been tracted so much by other missionaries that everyone there knows exactly who we are and if we walk down the street towards them they turn around and go the other way. It's kinda funny really. Plus half the ward lives there.
Anyway, we were at our last house and we knocked on the door. And this girl opened the door and just smiled. She had no idea who we were, but she was soooo excited to hear our message of Christ. She has been through so much in her life and her mother was abusive, so she just got sent to live with her dad and feels pretty lost. We were so thrilled to teach this sweet 16 year old girl about Christ, and how much He loves her. Her name is Becca, and my favorite part of the whole lesson was one of those moments where I started telling her things and I had no idea what I was saying. It just came out of my mouth and felt so strong. I told her that Heavenly Father knew her challenges and sufferings and that He was so proud of her. I told her that He loved her, and had been waiting for her to reach out to Him. Tears flowed down her face, and the spirit was incredible. We weren't even close to perfect teachers, but the Spirit was, and that was more than enough.
Then, later that day, we went to UCI campus. We had a survey with us that asks questions like, "Do you believe in God?" and "Are strong families important to you?" The survey isn't really for anything, it's just a way to open good conversations. We were there for a window, and it was INCREDIBLE. We contacted more than our WEEKLY goal in that hour! We talked to so many people! They were just everywhere! We picked up a new investigator, placed three Book of Mormons, and got numbers for several potential investigators as well! We walked away totally shocked and amazed by God's miracles.
Then, after our window, we went to teach Scott. Scott has been investigating for years. He has been dating a member in our ward for 12 years. He has a real problem with making commitments. He knows the
church is true. He knows the lessons. He has a testimony. But he just hasn't been baptized. We really prayed for courage before that lesson, because we knew we were going to have to be bold. The Spirit just kept telling us that it's time for Scott to be baptized. That lesson was a challenge, but he did it! Scott is going to be baptized! We don't have a date yet, but it's going to happen! I sent a couple pictures Scott took at that lesson. The first is us and Creela, who taught with us, and the second is my plan of Salvation pictures, which Scott really liked.
I really don't have a whole lot more to tell about this week, but we just keep working, and the Lord takes care of us. Also, I discovered this week that I REALLY like sushi!!! :D Yes, even with raw fish. We went with Palmer to this cool little restaurant where there's a conveyor belt next to the tables that has little plates of sushi, and you just grab whatever plates you want as it goes by.... it's way cool. Um... so yep. That was pretty much my week.
I really love you all so very very much! Thanks for your prayers!!
Sister Heather Bambas
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Sister Heather BambasCalifornia Irvine Mission
heather.bambas@myldsmail.net