This week was better than the previous two but it still had some rough patches. But hey - the fact that it was a little better is a win in my books!
We went on exchanges Wednesday through Friday morning with the cute Rutherford sisters. They have taken me on a couple emergency splits to try and help me experience some real missionary days and work so that was good! While on exchanges Sister Da Silva and I found a really cool guy named Max as we rode the train to the mall for a lesson. He told us about the addictions and drugs he has dealt with in the past. It was kinda crazy because in my missionary setting apart blessing it talked about how I will encounter people with crazy addictions on my mission. And it wasn't 5-10 minutes before meeting Max that I was telling Sister Da Silva how nervous I was to actually encounter people like Max and then we met him! Funny how the Lord works like that! We talked with Max and got to know him for a big. He told us how surprised he was that he was actually talking to us because he doesn't usually talk to "people like us." He wasn't super interested in meeting with us to be taught the gospel, but we told him about the YSA family home evening activities we have on Monday nights. He seemed super excited to know about that and said that he could come so we got his number and are hoping to get him to an activity soon.
After we said goodbye to Max we went to the mall to meet with Clarence. We had a lesson with him on the restoration of the gospel. We met in the middle of the mall so it was kind of distracting. He was a pretty cool guy who was raised Catholic. He had a lot of questions and both Sister Da Silva and I tried our best to answer them with our knowledge and with the Lord's help. It ended up being a cool lesson and the spirit was still felt despite being in the middle of the mall!
One other lesson I was able to teach this week was on my exchange with my STL Sister Smith. We met with a girl named Valerie (different than the one we found together before). She is a less active member returning to the church and is the sweetest old lady! Her testimony and her spirit are so strong! It was incredible! We did a Book of Mormon reading with her and discussed the verses we liked and she shared what she felt while reading - it was just so cool!
One huge lesson that I have learned so far on my mission is that those people who are ready, truly are ready and prepared by the Lord. The way He works is incredible! I have seen and felt my testimony grow on the strength that I can receive through my Savior! I have been praying for strength and He has truly blessed me with it. He is so remarkable and honestly helps me more than I give Him credit for and more than I notice honestly. I am so grateful to know He is still there for me no matter what! I love the comfort and love I have felt from Him - especially these past 3 weeks in Canada. He has sent angels to bear me up and most of these are those of you who are supporting me back home! This is an amazing work and even though it has been super slow with not a lot happening in my area right now - I am just trying to trust the Lord and His plan and continuing to pray for miracles everyday! Thank you for all the love and support! Love you all!
Love, Sister Merrill
A wonderful member texted me this picture of Sydnee
and said, "We are with your wonderful daughter right now.
We love her so much. She says she loves you!
She loves wearing this tag
A cute new warm sweater she bought
Syd with the traveling sisters who live with her and her companion
Fun surprise from the traveling sisters
Sydnee has written down a
tender mercy
she has had each day on her mission
This poem was sent to Sydnee this past week from a dear friend.
It came at a time she needed it most! Tender Mercy for sure!
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