WEEK 74 "Ask and Ye Shall Receive, Knock and it Shall be Opened"

This week started the beginning of a lot of "lasts." ahh I know soo so sad but I guess God has bigger dreams and missions out there for me to tackle. But one of my favorite quotes from Elder Uctdorf says there are no true endings only true beginnings. I love how we are made out of eternal matter. That is the reason why endings are sometimes so hard for me.   I just have to remind myself that I can take all these amazing changes and experiences with me and keep progressing and becoming.

In my departing testimony that I gave at zone conference this past week, I described how on my mission I have come to truly understand and cherish the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Often times I like to describe my mission and all the life-changing experiences that I have had with my Savior as a Painting. When I first came out on my mission it was very white and blank. However over time with faith and a willingness to be humble and teachable the Savior has helped create a beautiful masterpiece. Every stroke of brilliant color on my painting has created a change within me and has helped me understand the incomparable gift that my Savior offers each one of us. On my mission, I have tasted of the JOY that comes from repentance and being healed through His perfect touch of grace. I have also witnessed many miracles of how Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. In fact, He does hear our prayers and does rescue our loved ones. I have gained a testimony of how the author and Finisher of our Faith can make weak things become strong. My testimony of the Restored Gospel was weak in the beginning and now and I have also found so much strength in studying the scriptures and learning more of Him. In Doctrine and Covenants 18, when it says how great will be your joy if you save one soul in the kingdom of God, I have learned that the one soul is most definitely referring to is me. On my mission, My Savior has taught me, walked by me, and has created a miracle within me. I am so excited to keep creating this beautiful masterpiece when I return home as well. I know that this is only the beginning. 

This week we saw many incredible tender mercies. My favorite being our cute friend from Lima, Peru named Maria. Okay, so down here it is the rainy season and also blazing hot. We were knocking in North Maimi beach with the sisters and all of a sudden we see the darkest clouds come out of nowhere... I was not prepared at all and had locked my jacket in the car not thinking. and we didn't have the keys. so We go up to this house and ask them if we could come in before we get drenched. She told us nicely that she never lets anyone in but then said, Yes!" We talked for 45 minutes about the restoration and how we can find all the blessings in store for us through this perfect plan. She was beaming by the end of the conversation and even told us she would come to church this Sunday with her friend who used to be a member. I wish moments like these could last forever. The spirit was so tangible and her face was glued to us as we shared a familiar message with her that would change the course of her lifetime. I have high hopes that the sisters will keep teaching her and helping her understand her divine potential. 

I love you all so much!

xoxo,

 Hermana Richards