This week really hasn't been too exciting, although many great and wonderful things happened. So I will just tell you about one highlight :)
Saturday I had an exchange with Sister Corpuz from the Philippines. She just got to our mission this transfer, although she spent three months as a missionary in the Philippines while she waited for her visa. She is 22, and has already graduated with a bachelors in pre-med. She is such a sweetheart - she makes you feel on top of the world. She is so encouraging and radiates happiness and cheer, so you just can't help feeling wonderful with her. Her English isn't perfect, but she tries so hard and smiles so much and loves so easily that it doesn't matter at all. She knows why she is here, and she gives everything she has to love and serve God's children. I learned so much from her that day. Friday night as we planned together for the next day, she prayed that each person we visited would be home, and would be available when we came that we could share a message. I admired her faith, as I had simply never thought to pray for that, I don't know why. But I watched in utter amazement the next day as every single door we knocked on opened and we shared message after message. All in all, we taught 7 lessons Saturday! It was a total miracle! I felt like I really understood the verse that says "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (D&C 123:17) I think Sister Corpuz completely embodies this verse. It was one of the best days of my mission, and I went to sleep that night so completely exhausted and with every assurance that we had done all in our power for the Lord's work that day.
Oh! Also, it's been so long since I've included a prayer list, so here are the people we're working with:
Cathy I (to be ready to make changes and commitments)Shawn G (to be willing to give up alcohol and feel of God's love for her and understand that the Atonement can heal her personally)Karen M (to be ready to learn and accept the gospel message)Breezy (to find hope and peace in the gospel, and to be ready for us to teach her)Mila (to be willing to take the next step and commit to be baptized, even without her siblings)Tammy G (to come back to church and for strength with her cancer)The "A" Family, Sam and Tosh, Casten, Addison, and Dominic (to read the Book of Mormon everyday and to have the strength and Spirit to keep the word of wisdom to prepare for the temple)Us! (to have the courage to do our very best in teaching and inviting with boldness this week)
Thanks for your prayers! We really appreciate them :)I don't have time for more this week, but I promise a better letter next week! Maybe even a recording of a song my comp and I are writing :)Love y'all! Have a great week!<3 Sister Heather Bambas
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Sister Heather BambasCalifornia Irvine Mission
heather.bambas@myldsmail.net