Challenge is Good for the Soul

What. A. Week.

Birthday Girl!

This week was my birthday. Yay, Happy Birthday. I am no longer a teenager?..what? Where did the years go? So for my birthday, I made no-bake cookies for our district meeting, we went out to Shakey's for pizza for lunch, and I got a new assignment.

Yes, you read that right. At about 9:30 Thursday night, we got a call from the Assistant's that Sister Andres would be transferring to Canaman (my old area) and I would become companions with Sister Sanft, my old apartment-mate in Canaman.

Due to some mistakes and disobedience of missionaries, we had an onslaught of emergency transfers occur this week. It was a BIG shock and hard to say goodbye to Sister Andres but things are going well for Sister Sanft and I. While waiting on Friday morning to meet up with our new companions, one of the Assistant's, Elder Davis, said "Disobedience never just affects the one being disobedient." Although a bit harsh, it is true. That was one of my life lessons and reminders this week, to always be aware of what you think, say, and do, because our words and actions affect others. 

It was quite unfortunate that Sister Andres and I only got to be together for 3 and a half weeks, and that we were split up due to the actions of others. We all have agency, but we also have consequences (good and bad) that come, based on our choices. 

I am not a perfect person, but that is my goal, my desire. None of us our perfect, but that is what we should be striving for every single day. Because God knows we will continually make mistakes in this life, He has given us His son, Jesus Christ to atone for our sins. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can repent, receive forgiveness, and become clean again. We will all fall sometimes, but what is of utmost importance, is how we will react to that fall...sit down and allow yourself to be defeated? stand up and slowly walk again? or jump up, start running, anxious to try harder this time?...We need to pick ourselves back up from our weaknesses, our challenges, our imperfections, and our mistakes, and start running again. We may stumble a little bit here and there, but how do we expect to grow without some struggles along the way?

This week was full of change, with a nice, new set of challenges in tow as well. Although the mountain may seem really big right now, step by step, before we know it, we will be at the top and be able to look back and recognize all the growth that came, all the hard times overcome, and the joy of staying strong in the faith, the entire hike uphill. 

I know God is aware of all of His children and not only has a plan for you and me, but He has a plan for this area, this Baao, Iriga, Philippines area. I am so grateful to be here at this time when the Lord continues to hasten His work.

Remember to pray and read your scriptures every single day! I just about want to cry when our studies are over each day because I just love the time we get to soak up the scriptures, the word of God, and learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I love you all and pray for you every day. :) We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. Always remember who you are and never let your thoughts, words, or actions, say otherwise. As my MTC Zone always says, "Obedience brings blessings, but EXACT obedience, brings miracles."

Much love from Baao to you! :) 

Mahal Kita!

-Sister Roderick