Talofa!!! :) (that's hello in Samoan)
This week was AWESOME! We started out with a TON of rain, and a couple earthquakes! No worries, they were just small ones. But I was so happy I actually felt my first shake. ;) It was like a hundred miles away but so big we could feel it. There have been a lot in SoCal this month. But so far, nothing major.
The rain, however, was a HUGE deal. We needed it so bad, but it was an absolute downpour for 3 days. We tried to stay indoors as much as possible, first because it was wet and cold, and second because the roads here are incredibly slippery and dangerous going up and down the mountain when it rains. So we visited some less actives and some members. But we had a window tracting Wave street on Tuesday, so we braved the rain and went knocking doors for an hour. We were pretty wet, but my pink raincoat was a lifesaver. Sis Siaosi didn't want to wear shoes because they would get wet and that's how she grew up in Samoa, so I just laughed and went along with it. Lol. But the good news is - we found someone to teach!! It was tempting to just move our window to a different day because of the weather, but this one was proof to us that if we have the faith, Heavenly Father has the miracles. We met this woman (maybe late 50s?) named Kim, and she had been to church and youth activities with a Mormon friend growing up. She was so happy to see us, and wants to come to church on Sunday! We are going to go see her tomorrow :) I'll make sure to tell you about it next week.
Thursday I went to my first MLC, or Mission Leader Conference, with the mission presidency, APs (assistants to the president), the head sister training leaders, the zone leaders, and the sister training leaders. Clearly, this is a BIG meeting. We talked a lot about how the last year went, and how we could improve this year. It was cool to hear the reports on how each zone is doing and my favorite was when the Newport zone talked about how a mom and a daughter are getting baptized this month.... then I realized - that was the woman Sister Jensen and I found tracting on an exchange!! Total miracle! We had planned to tract a specific street that day, but when we got there we realized it was gated and we couldn't go in. So we prayed, and drove across to the next neighborhood, and just picked a street that had a fun name... I think it was Rainbow Falls? We thought it sounded promising lol. So we tracted the whole street and found two potentials. I had no idea until this week that they were actually teaching one of the families! How amazing it is when we get to see the miracles from following the Spirit.
I have had some really cool experiences so far this transfer from being an STL (sister training leader). I have gotten to form friendships and love each sister in the zone through our exchanges, and I've gotten to see how our leaders both in the mission and in our stake are working so hard to help this work and the faith they have in us and in the Lord. Last night I did what we call "AMPs" (yeah like a music speaker amp) with Hermana Carmack, the other STL in our zone. I must admit I don't actually know what AMP stands for... something about missionary progress? I don't know. But basically, AMPs are a worksheet we fill out as STLs to help the mission leaders prepare for planning the next transfer by telling them how each sister in our zone is doing, what could help her, how she is working/getting along with her companion, and any other info or suggestions that can help them know who to transfer. We try to be really prayerful about AMPs and give the best feedback we can, but ultimately we know the Lord will inspire the mission leaders to help everyone be where they need to be. He always has a plan.
I reread (
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/ye-must-be-born-again?lang=eng) by Elder Bednar this week. It has always been one of my favorites. I can never remember the title, though, lol I always just call it "the pickle talk." But I loved the part where he talks about how becoming more like our Savior requires "time, patience, and persistence."
My scripture this week is Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Ok so I know this one is a little detailed, but I think it's beautiful. There are several things it is teaching, but the one I'm focusing on is that because of what Christ did for us, because of His atonement, because HE LIVES, we can live by faith in Him. We can follow His example and become like Him. We can be strengthened and changed because of His love for us. I testify that He loves us. He loves you. Trust in Him. Live with faith in Him.
I love you all so very much! Until next week! <3
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Sister Heather Bambas
California Irvine Mission
heather.bambas@myldsmail.net