October 1, 2019

Bonjour tout le monde! This week was a spiritual overload! It really wiped me out haha! I got to go to stake conference, zone conference and the temple all in the same weekend! It was so so special because I haven't been to the temple in over a year. So after such a long time, walking into that building was healing. Literally, the peace was tangible. It was a very sweet and sacred experience. It was great too because all of the missionaries in the zone came together and sang in the missionary choir. We did this beautiful rendition of called to serve. The whole entire theme of stake conference was missionary service! It was so cool!! We had RMs speak, people that were just about to leave on their missions, and people that served missions a long time ago. It was wonderful to hear all of the different points of view. One thing was constant throughout all of the talks. It is the hardest thing I have ever done, but it was the best thing I have ever done. I feel like that's the cliche phrase that everyone uses, but it's true. It amazes me that the numbers of trials and frustrations that come with serving a mission can coexist so perfectly with the mountains of blessings and Joys that come from serving a mission. I am a witness of that. I don't understand how it works, I just know that it does. We went on exchanges this week with the Yarmouth sisters. It was so fun! Sister Stoddard is absolutely amazing! She is also an Aggie so I guess that's why! Just kidding lol. But she is seriously so awesome. I work with such focused and consecrated missionaries. It is a great blessing. I have been thinking a lot this week about what makes a successful missionary. I read the Ricciardi letter (it is SO good. I would totally recommend it to anyone!) and it said that success is measured by our obedience, not by how many people we find or teach. The Lord knows where the elect are. He could lead us straight to them if he wanted to. But why would he deprive us of the experience and the growth and the learning that comes from finding them on our own? He knows the experiences that we need to have to help us become. I am trying to tell myself that. As long as I do, I will never fail. I love being a missionary. Sometimes, it is so hard. But I look back at where I was a year ago and I see why it has to be. As much as it hurts sometimes, I am grateful for the ways the Lord has kindly and lovingly shaped me. I love him so much for that. I know that the church is true. It just makes so much sense! The more I study and teach it, the more I am sure that it is directly from God. I am just so grateful to be a part of this work. I love you all:) Keep being amazing! Love, sister Bates