If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone
astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine... and seek that which is gone
astray?" This scripture in Matt 18:12 has really hit home once
again this week as I've seen the blessings that come from going after the
"one". I broke my highlights
into 3 categories so enjoy :)
EXCHANGES
Being an STL is super exhausting- I don't think I've ever
had bags this big under my eyes before-YIKES! Ha, ha, ha but I love getting to work
with so many sisters :) -Sister Thompson is serving in Washington, PA but came
here to Pitt 3rd where we had some great laughs and great opportunities to
reach out to "the one." Recently we've felt inspired to reach out to
an older active member of our ward and see her more often. When sister Thompson
and I showed up to her house for lunch, we realized there's more going on
behind the scenes which this sweet lady is dealing with and she really needed
some uplifting and love. We were able to mop her floors which was a real feat
considering she doesn't ever let anyone do service for her. I loved being able
to reach out and lighten her load.
Sister Roberts is now serving in Wheeling, West
Virginia. And get this, her new companion is Sister Johnson, my mission
"sister" (Sis. Hansen just trained her.) But they both came here and
the powerhouse was back together working miracles in Pitt 3rd! We had an
awesome lesson with our recent convert, Mary Lou. We watched a conference talk
with her and after a few moments of silence she exclaimed with a smile
"They really are called of God!" I love, love, LOVE seeing peoples'
testimonies grow. We also were able to go visit a less active member that we had
gotten pretty close to but she hasn't let us come back since sister Roberts
left. We were able to testify to her about the peace that comes from living the
gospel and remind her that she is so very loved. It seemed to be just what she
needed to hear and now she is going to let sister Taunima and I back this week
to see her.
SERVICE
We were able to do TONS of service this week. I really
have gained a testimony that when we serve with a smile and reach out to those
around us the Lord is able to work miracles!
We were able to go help out a family in the ward, the
Myers, with their spring cleaning. One
thing PA has taught me is to be a good listener #RamblesForDays ;) But really,
it was awesome to hear Brother and Sister Myers' conversion stories. I love that a majority of
the members out here are converts and have great testimonies! It was a great
reminder that every day we are either progressing or regressing on the
conversion path.
Sister Taun and I visited this awesome lady that hasn't
been to church in ages. Sister T had to
use the bathroom so while she did so I was talking to this sweet old lady. Come
to find out she used to be in the Mormon tabernacle choir! And that she lost a
daughter that was pretty tragic years back. I felt like I should share the
Hallelujah video with her and share how losing my cousin Chris was hard too but
also testified that I know that Gods eternal plan of happiness is real and we
WILL see them again. She took a Book of Mormon for the first time in many, many
years and I just felt the pure happiness from those above cheering her on.
Leaving her house we felt prompted to knock on her next door neighbors door.
Her neighbor Mario answered and we had a good hour long lesson with him! He
said right off that bat that he recognized us as disciples of Christ because we
first asked if there was anything we could do to serve him just like Christ
would have. Miracles I'm tellin ya!
On Saturday we had double service. We got to help out
at a Conservatory parking cars, hiking and looking pretty! ;) By the end we had
so many people coming up wanting to talk about why we were sacrificing so much
of our time we even had a great discussion with the head CEO. So you never know
what can come of service with a smile!
Afterwards we went to see a less active and she let us do
service for her too which once again no one has ever done for her. I LOVE IT!
INTERVIEWS
Getting to see President and Sister Johnson is always my
favorite. I am CONVINCED without a doubt they are the BEST Mission parents in
the whole world. I love them so much! They gave a great training about how we are all called
to the specific mission we are, for a reason. I have really come to see this
being out here the last almost 9 months. When I first got my call I was excited
for a big change but was like alright Pittsburgh here I come... I guess! Ha, ha, ha,
but being out here I have met so many people that have left a mark and changed
me. The Lord knew I needed to come here to serve with certain people, teach and
relate to long lost friends and to be forever humbled and changed, as well as
to be increasingly "thug-ified" and sassy! ;) I am so grateful I was
called to serve here!
I love being able to have time to talk one-on-one with
President Johnson. I look up to him so much and am so grateful to have such a
Christ-like example, full of charity and humor to lead this mission. It means a lot that he takes the time to know how I am
personally doing. Did I tell you that I love he and Sis. Johnson?!?! They are
the bomb!
I'm grateful for the time I have to serve my Father in
Heaven and be the Savior's hands here in Pittsburgh! It's the very best, hard,
but the best. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. :) Love you all and encourage you to go out
of your way to serve more this week!
~Sister McDonald
Ponderize: Matt 18:12
Quotes: "a Lamanite- don't be one. It's as deep as
'Jesus wept' and 'My father dwelt in a tent'" ~ bro greenway "Walking
tag: it's safe!" ~Conner Wilson
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