Week 78

Okay, I actually left time this week to write my email, although it is not a ton of time!

This week was great! The past couple weeks, when I haven't been emailing, I have been dealing with one of the lows of my mission. Things have been crazy and a little...a lot stressful, but these experiences are not just something we are forced to get through, they are meant to teach us, refine us, and help us to "become something far greater than what we were" as President Uchtdorf shared in his talk this weekend.

Speaking of General Conference, wasn't that a privilege?! Holy cow, the talks were all very inspired and inspiring. I loved hearing from the living prophets and apostles. I have been studying and pondering recently the vision of the tree of life found in 1 Nephi 8. I really enjoyed the thoughts that were shared on this chapter during conference. One thought that has come to me repeatedly as I have pondered this chapter and this prophetic vision is that the iron rod (or the word of God, and particularly the Book of Mormon) will get us through any mist of darkness, no matter how thick or thin and no matter how long we are called to travel through it. As I struggled these past few weeks, I found peace and solace in the pages of the Book of Mormon. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I share a verse from the hymn, "The Iron Rod."

"And hand o'er hand, the rod along

through each succeeding day

With earnest prayer and hopeful song,

we'll still pursue our way.

Hold to the rod, iron rod!

'Tis strong, and bright, and true!

The iron rod is the word of God,

'twill safely guide us through!"

I know this is true!

Jessica is doing so well! We have found and taught a few new investigators these past few weeks, but they do not seem interested in answering our phone calls anymore haha!

Sister Moore watched conference with us at a member's house yesterday, and she felt the influence of the Holy Ghost as she listened to the inspired counsel of our leaders! I say a miracle is about to happen in the lives of her and her children!

Thank you so much for all of your love and support! Thank you especially for your faith which goes a long way in the work of the Lord!

I love you all!

Love,

Sister Lewis