Miracles

Hey!

Another two weeks have gone by, and it's crazy. This transfer has been hard, yet so miracle filled. Everyday I have seen the Lord guide us to those who are ready to receive his word.

About a week ago, we were teaching Lisset, a young woman from Venezuela. About four years ago, she chose to come to the United States for a better future for her daughter, Camila. However, while she has been here, she's struggled to know her purpose. Usually, for the first lesson we teach the restoration, yet for some reason we chose to teach about the plan of salvation. After reading about the fall and how we were all responsible for our own sins, she started to become really curious. She then asked us if babies could sin. When we told her that Christ had atoned for the sins of young children, her whole demeanor changed and she started to tear up. She explained that her daughter was born out of matrimony, and believed that she brought a sinner into the world. With a smile, she explained that she had carried this burden for twelve years and now she could finally let it go. Simple truths are so powerful. Sometimes I forget the power the doctrine of Christ can have in each of our lives. This appointment was a good reminder of that. 

Another miracle we had was meeting Carlos and his family. On Wednesday, we had plans to go over and teach Leonarda. She was running a bit late though so we had to sit outside by the parking lot. While we were waiting, a man approached us and started speaking to us in Spanish. Within those 10 minutes, Leonarda pulled up and her daughter, julia, ran up to give me a hug. When Carlos saw that we were friends with his neighbors he pointed to the second floor of the apartment complex and invited us over for the next Monday. I was shocked. We were complete strangers, yet he was so willing to invite us into his home. He has a family of four, and explained to us how willing he is to learn about what missionaries do. Guys. This doesn't happen.

And we had another crazy moment too. A couple days ago, we received a referral. We called him, but he didn't answer and we didn't really think to much more of it until we received a call from the mission office. The referral secretary asked us to contact him again, and so we did but this time he answered. Javier, explained that he had been looking for a church for awhile and he wanted to improve his relationship with God. He even went a step further and said that he'd see us at church next Sunday. Wow.

Another miracle! Okay so on Saturday we went over to go teach Lucy and her family English classes right? Well at the end of the lesson we just got straight to business and asked them if they had any interest in learning more about the book of Mormon and improving their relationship with God. Lucy was the first to say yes- and since then has read the first couple pages in the book. But wait there's more. Haha just as we were about to leave she pulls out this BIG cake. And it means a lot guys. Their family lives in rather humble circumstances. On the cake both my name and sister Marks name was written. So freakin cute. And when they handed out the paper plates, our names were also written on the back. I died. These people are so giving.

I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to serve here. I truly have come to love the people of Georgia. 

Have an amazing week,

Hermana Pulver 

I Have A Personal Trainer

Hey y'all!

I want you to imagine yourselves at the gym. It's January, you just made these new year's goals to look like this cross fit model you saw in that one magazine and well you're pretty hopeful. You go to the gym for the first two weeks of the month, then you start to feel discouraged. You realize you have 11 months more of this rigorous routine. And for a moment, you think of walking away from your goals and saving them for next year. But before you decide to do that, a nice, strong ( maybe good looking) gym buddy comes up to you and signs ya up for personal training. And you're like great. This is where I die. ;))

I think we all understand this example of the gym, because we've all been there. This week was really hard for me and looking at what I had to do was just straight up overwhelming. But, instead of dwelling on what I couldn't do, I found myself a personal trainer. Someone that could coach me not just at the finish line but RIGHT now.

Jesus Christ sacrificed for us so that we could use his enabling power to overcome challenges. His mercy would never be limited to just after a trial ends. However, in order to recognize his help we first need to recognize our purpose. Understanding the trust that God has in each of us to complete our callings will help us continue even in the most challenging moments.

As I've been leading the area with my new companion, Sister Marks, I've seen so many miracles. Sometimes our schedule is so hectic, but we are always able to complete what's most important. With God's help, we taught two new families this week. Every person we met, called us asking for an appointment. Guys. That never happens. God really does guide his church today. I'm seeing that every single day that I'm out.

Thank you for all the emails! Y'all are amazing. If you ever need anything you know who to talk to.

Hermana Pulver

"Anna?"

Hey!

About a week ago today I woke up terrified about what was going to happen. I knew I had a day left with my best friend in GA, and a whole new transfer of change ahead of me. Sometimes I think that the mission is crazy, maybe because it's true. We openly accept to live with people we hardly know and then do it all over again in a matter of weeks. Feeling pretty overwhelmed with the upcoming transfer news, I asked for a blessing from my bishop. And now looking back at what happened this week I know I'll never forget the words in his blessing.

We've had a pretty tough time finding people in Magnolia. On Facebook we've advertised for English classes, service, and gospel messages but found little to no success. At times, it has discouraged me as most of my motivation for missionary work comes from who we are teaching. Yet, the lesson that comes from a rather empty teaching pool could potentially fill it up in a matter of hours. We are never in control of God's work. As soon as we are able to accept that, God begins to trust us more. I definitely saw that come into play this past Sunday.

As usual, for the first Sunday in the month we were all invited to share our testimonies. As I was sitting in the congregation, I couldn't help feel a little sad. One of our amigas told us that she could come to church, but then canceled last minute. 

After the meeting concluded, I went over to go talk to my mission leaders family. As we were discussing the plans for the upcoming week, we were interrupted by a young woman who I didn't recognize. In a hushed voice, she told me that an investigator was here. I looked over to where she was pointing and couldn't believe it. The woman she was referring to, got up to share her testimony.

Without really thinking, I quickly made my way over to introduce myself. But, before I could even say a word she came up to me and asked me if I was Anna. In COMPLETE shock, I replied yes. At this point I had about a million questions, and well so did the other members behind me. A family that was sitting next to her asked who invited her. She told them that an hour prior to the meeting she had gone to a different church to find the spanish service. Realizing that she had the wrong direction and time, she asked a man for more information. This man ( whoever he was - still don't know his name) gave her the full names of both me and my companion and told her that she would find us there at 2pm. What the heck? Could this get any better?! Well it does.

After visiting with her for a couple minutes, she told us that she had been investigating our church for a while now and felt like it was the right one. Not only that, but also she knew she had a calling for service and it could be fulfilled in this church. I have never met someone so elect. She even set up her own appointment for this Thursday. 

I feel so humbled to know that the Lord trusts me enough to help this woman and her family find His gospel. In my blessing, it promised that the Lord would help guide us to those who were ready and I know without a doubt that we saw the promise fulfilled. I love my mission and can't wait to continue the work with my new companion, hna Marks! 

Love y'all,

Let me know if there's anything I can do for y'all 

Hermana Pulver