On this week's episode of Sister Cale in Columbus-the sisters had an
awkward split p-day, went to the temple TWICE, the sisters finished
their quilts (and it was awesome because they decidedly looked like
each of their personalities), the humidity was just a treat and a half
of swimming through the air, the missionaries made a music video after
District Meeting, Sister Kelly made the sisters kadi and piratha
(authentic Indian food), Jessica made them yukanomi again and it was
really quite hot.
Hey Guys,
So I really kind of forgot that I needed to write this e-mail. We've
just had a really leisurely p-day with browsing at Target and the like
and when I got back I spaced for at least an hour that I had not yet
written about my week. Oops. Hey, I remembered.
The obvious highlight from this past week is getting to go to the
temple two days in a row this week. On Thursday we were able to attend
the temple with our zone and with President and Sister Daines.
President had asked us to come fasting to seek how we can better teach
repentance and baptize more converts. He said something that I loved
as we met before going into the temple. He said that we should be
careful not to limit God on the answer he could give us. He said that
we might get answers that very obviously connected with our questions,
but we also might get answers that seemed to have little or nothing to
do with what we had asked. I realized that I am often quite guilty of
dismissing God's answers because they don't seem to fit with my
personal expectations. So I'm going to do so much better at that.
As always being in the temple was amazing. Nothing compares with the
quiet peace that I feel in the temple. It was so interesting after the
session to see all the missionaries sitting in the Celestial Room
seeking further direction from God. None of us wanted to leave. We
were all soaking in heaven's light. It was glorious.
The next day we were able to go to the temple with James for his first
time doing baptisms for the dead. Our bishop's wife has her degree in
family history so she was able to help James find not only one name to
take to the temple, but an entire family. It was so cool to be able to
participate at the temple with James and the other members who had
come. On the way home we got to talk to Sister Birch which is always
the best thing in the world. I swear, we always learn new things when
we are with her. I'm so grateful for the examples of Holy Women that I
have met across the course of my mission.
This week was one of humidity and quite a bit of rejection. I've been
doing everything in my power to have charity for all of those that we
come into contact with. Charity is so much work! Loving as the Savior
would is not easy, nor is it instinctive, but it definitely has
changed me as I have done my best to see everyone as Christ would. It
is so easy to remain aloof and unsurprised when people shut their
doors as soon as they see your name tag, but I've realized that
removing myself like that interferes with my ability to love. I have
to let things hurt, because the message of the restoration of the
gospel of Jesus Christ matters that much for every person that answers
a door or doesn't. They obviously don't know how much it matters, but
I do, so I will feel that loss for them if that is what they choose.
It is amazing to me that the Savior is always waiting for us. He was
all in, is all in, and will always be all in. No matter where we are
he waits with a sincere anticipation that this is the moment that we
are going to further commit ourselves to being like him. What a
miracle it is to be able to represent my older brother and invite
others to experience for themselves the ways that the gospel can bring
additional light and clarity to their lives.
The church is true, life is good, God's in charge, and Satan hates you.
Love,
Jessica
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