Hey there! Another week has somehow come and gone. It was quite a crazy week but God always has a plan that is for sure! We were kind of in limbo while my companion was waiting for some health news in her life. All is well though. We received transfer news today and I am sad to say that she is headed to the city. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to meet and train her, and for all of the fun moments and memories we have had here in Drayton Valley. As for me - I will be staying here for a 5th transfer with a new companion, Sister Hill, beginning Wednesday. I have also been called as a STL.
Last Tuesday we went to Edmonton for some appointments. We were able to spend a few days there with some sisters there and it was SO good! I alway love seeing my MTC companion and friend, Sister Smith, and other mission friends. We were also able to have supper with one of my most favorite families ever, THE SOROCHANS! They are a famiy I grew to love in my very first area. It was so great to see them and catch up. The rest of our week was filled with visits, lessons, and as always - SERVICE! We had an awesome lesson with our good friend Hans - he is doing so good! The spirit was so strong and he is working hard towards setting a baptismal date! My companion and I are hoping for good things for him. We also were blessed to visit with the sweetest girl we found on a list of formers, people who had been previously taught, and it was awesome! We found out that we have a lot of things in common and we are excited to keep visiting with her. As for our service opportunities, we helped a member move and build shelving units in a storage room. Super exciting! We even got to play with cute little kittens in the process.
I just wanted to end by sharing a couple simple thoughts. The first revolves around a saying from the movie "God's Not Dead" that says "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good." For some reason this has been a constant thought the last few days, and I can't help but think how true it is. Regardless of our different situations, circumstances and the trials we go through, God never ceases to be God, nor does He ever cease to be good! While He doesn't neccesarily cause or plan for trials to occur in our lives, He allows for them to happen and uses them to teach us lessons we need to learn. How amazing is that?! Sometimes it is hard to remember that there really are things to learn from hard times, whether it is something we need to know now or in the next life. I know that I have been able to see God's goodness as I take the time to ponder and reflect on various struggles that I have gone through - I know that you can too! My next thought comes from a song called, "Even When You're Broken," by Julie Yardley. It states, "Even when you're broken, you are loved. Open up, let Him reach into your soul, meet you where you are and He will make you whole." I really love this! This has particularly stood out to me lately as I have witnessed God meet me where I am. I know He will meet me in any situation or progression level and make me WHOLE! He has molded me into more than I ever could be on my own. God is not waiting us to be perfect to come to Him, He just wants us to come as we are. He wants us to love Him. He wants us to try our best to invite Him into our lives. He wants us to pray no matter how hard it may seem. I testify God always there. He loves you and He is intentfully listening to you. God is so good!
I know that this church is true and that it is full of so much love! I know that Christ is leading us, and that together with God they are rooting for us! They love us more than we are ever going to know in this life, and they always want what is best for us. We need to let God teach us in every situation and allow for Him to work in our lives. We need to try and give our all to Him and just trust Him and love Him. We are all worth so much and loved beyond words! This is my favorite message to share as a missionary. I hope everyone can receive a glimpse of the love both our Father in Heaven and Savior have for all of us!
Keep going! Keep smiling! Keep loving!
Love, Sister Merrill
Sister Petelo and Sister Merrill with Lori
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