Gish On A Mish: Week 26

Hello! I hope everyone is having a good week!

My week was wonderful! We have been trying to contact a lot of people and are getting a lot of community service hours!

On Wednesday, we got a new investigator! Her name is Melissa. She is Cousin Pat's step-daughter! She even came to church on Sunday, so that was awesome! We were in the Popo Agie ward on Sunday, and we had a brilliant discussion in Relief Society! I love how we do discussions instead of lessons in Relief Society now because I love hearing the different perspectives of so many strong women! We discussed the talk "The Needs Before Us" by Sister Oscarson. It was given in the past general conference! I would invite you all to read it! We also watched the video called "Lift" (https://www.lds.org/youth/video/lift?lang=eng) This video goes perfectly with the talk! President Faust said it best when he said "Serving others can begin at almost any age... It need not be on a grand scale, and it is noblest within the family."

Speaking of family, I was thinking about mine this week. Someone was asking if it is hard to be away from home? Of course it is, but it has taught me so much! First of all, I am so blessed to have the knowledge that I get to be with my family forever! These 18 months apart are a fleeting moment, and I need to spread that very message to others that are searching for the truth. Second of all, it has made me appreciate my family! The reason I miss my family so much is because I have the best one ever! Yes, my life will be hard after my mission, but after my mission, I will never have to go through challenges without the help of my family again! I will be able to pick up the phone and call them anytime and anywhere. That being said, I can't be 100% reliant on them all the time! That is why the lesson learned that I am most thankful for is that I have learned to rely on my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, 100%! Before my mission, I would go to my mom with every single little problem. Yes, she is a super smart and creative woman, and has helped me through many problems, but she is not a fortune teller. I have to be able to work through problems by following the counsel of the Man who sees all the pieces put together! The One who knows my heart perfectly! Yes, a mission is lonely. Yes, there are times I just want to go home. I have never felt more forsaken in my life, but I have also never been closer to God. I wouldn't trade the hard times for anything, because that is where I have experienced the most growth!

I will end by sharing one of my favorite scriptures in Mosiah 23:21-22

21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.

22 Nevertheless- whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people.

Don't wish away your trials, but make the trials count! Get lost in the service of others! I love you all! Let me know if you need anything, even if it's just an extra prayer!

Love,

Sister Gish