Goodbye Houma, Hello Oakdale!

Well, you guessed it...they're moving me out of Houma. I've loved this place so much, it's hard to leave. But I'm leaving this part of the Lord's vineyard in truly capable and loving hands---Sister Thomas and Sister Schultz are going to be AMAZING down here.

As for me, I'm headed to Oakdale with Sisters Myer and Bunker. Yup, I'm going to be in a tri-panionship. It's going to be SO much fun. I've been dying to serve with these two stellar sisters, and I never thought I'd get to. And now, BLESSINGS FROM HEAVEN and TENDER MERCIES, I get them both! HOORAY!!!

We did have a baptism this weekend---Sister Dana Rutledge is the newest member of the Thibodaux ward! HOORAY!!!! She's still struggling with smoking, so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep her in y'all's prayers. She's going through some rough stuff right now, and could use all the extra prayers that she can get.

Um...let's see. Not much else to report on, really. It's bittersweet, leaving Houma. I've learned SO MUCH here. I can honestly look at myself and see the growth that I've made because I came here. I've been so blessed. I've had amazing companions and good areas my entire mission, and I am only adding more to that list. God works in mysterious ways. I know that it was He that called me to Oakdale through President Woods, and when the call came, the only answer I could give was, "Here I am, send me."

We are led by men of God, who are inspired by Him. What joy and relief that brings me! We will never be led astray by them, and as we hold true to the promises and teachings of Jesus Christ, we will see so many tender mercies! I love y'all! I'll get my new address up here next week. Until then, send stuff to the mission office address:
Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission
12025 Justice Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Keep on keepin' on! Do good, TRUST GOD, and don't worry.

Your Friend in the Faith,
Sista P! ;)

Hey y'all!

So, I'm being forced to say goodbye to Sister Santos...sigh. She's been a blast and a half, and I'll miss her like crazy. If any of y'all are going to be visiting Temple Square between now and March, find a Brazilian sister and ask her to find Sister Santos for you so you can give her a big hug for me (if you're a girl, at least!).

I'm probably not going to be in Houma much longer...droga. (That's 'dang' in Portuguese.) We had to push Dana's baptism back again...she went through some major stress, and picked up smoking again. Keep her in y'all's prayers, okay? We've got our fingers crossed for this weekend.

Um...I can't think of much else. We've been working our little hineys off, and have been seeing so many tender mercies, I can hardly keep track of them! I love being a missionary! I love being able to tell people, "This is how you can have eternal happiness!" The gospel really is the answer---and the fulness of it is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's true. I know it.

Sorry so short...down to mere seconds!

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Your Friend in the Faith,
Sister P.

No time...sorry!

This week has been really good. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED GENERAL CONFERENCE. We are truly led by men and women inspired by God. Anyone who missed Elder Holland's talk in the Sunday afternoon session NEEDS to find some way to watch it. WOW. I now know how to better bear my testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I know that Jesus Christ lives, that He loves us, and is still guiding us today. He has set up one way of doing things (see Ephesians 4:4-6, 11-14), and it is our duty and privilege to always be striving to find that way, that path. I know that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are the words of God, and when used together, bring us more peace and assurance in this life, and the promise of life eternal in the world to come. If you have ever doubted the veracity of the Book of Mormon, know that you are not alone. There is one simple way to find your answer concerning it's truthfulness. Read it, ponder its message, and then ask your Heavenly Father. I promise you, as a servant of God, that He does hear and answer our prayers, and that if we ask with "a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto [us], by the power of the Holy Ghost." (Moroni 10:4)

"Hearken unto these words, and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words, believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good." (2 Nephi 33:10)

I love you all! Thank you for your prayers! Please keep the new members of the Church in your prayers as well...they need your love and your support.

Your Friend in the Faith,
Sister P.