WEEK 34: First Week Of Training? Check!

Alright, y'all. Wow. Here we are!

We've successfully made it through the first week of training! It's going well! I think. I hope. Sister Eastman is my companion, and she's just lovely. She's very soft spoken, but is eager to learn and asks a lot of great questions. She's so sweet, and I'm enjoying our time together! I absolutely do not feel qualified to have this responsibility or calling, but I have found peace in knowing Thomas S. Monson's statement that, "Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies." I am trying to focus on the Savior and applying His atoning power to my life. I make a lot of mistakes in my missionary work, and I'm trying to make myself understand how Christ's Atonement applies to the people we're teaching, but also to myself! I don't know why it's such a hard concept to grasp. I definitely am really hard on myself and put too much pressure on myself, and I'm trying to learn how to let Him in and let Him take it. It's much easier to say, "Give it to God!" than it is to actually give it to God. But I'm learning.

I was able to take my companion to the temple this week for a special family event! We recieved permission from President Rodarte to attend a temple session, and Brother and Sister Robinson graciously took us. I had family members in the San Diego temple and in the Ogden temple at the same time, and it was really sweet knowing that we were all in those holy places, in the Lord's House, together even though we weren't physically together. It was absolutely beautiful, and I'm so grateful to know that families are truly eternal! Jesus Christ performed the Atonement so that we can all receive forgiveness and strength. It's His love and sacrifice that allows families to be united forever. It's a special knowledge that I'm grateful to have. 

I've been reading about Abinadi in my personal studies this week, and I love Mosiah 15:7-9:

"And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection. But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death."

This is one of my favorite passages! These verses explain so simply why Jesus Christ's sacrifice is important, and how He makes all the difference. The sting of death truly is swallowd up in Christ, and He is the light that brings hope and warmth and life. I am so thankful for this knowledge and it has changed my whole life! Without this knowledge I would be a very different person. Jesus Christ truly makes all the difference!

This is definitely a period of growth that I'm in right now. I'm learning a lot, and I'm trying my best to lead the area and train Sister Eastman. Thankfully she's patient and sweet, and gives me a lot of grace. Our friends are doing well. Things have slowed down a little due to a lot of people getting sick, but we're hoping that we can get some good momentum moving again! We have solid goals and good plans to get there, and we know that the success is in the hands of the Lord when we act in faith. Please pray for William, Amanda, Gavin, Paysen, and Christopher!! Hopefully I'll have more updates on them next week.

Love you all!

Until next week,

Sister Malmstrom

231 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy #2226 Henderson, NV 89012

Pictures!

- Picture with Sister Welch and Sherea! She's a gem. Literally terrifying, but also hilarious and she is the most loyal person once she knows you.

- Picture with Sister Eastman after our first day!

- The view of the valley from our apartment complex!

- Us being bundled up from head to toe because it's been absolutely FREEZING cold all week for no reason!! It snowed on Tuesday. For what?? And it's been bitter cold ever since then. I am not a fan. Would not recommend.

- Companion picture at the temple!

- Picture with Sister Robinson at the temple!!

- With Hermana Madsen and Sister Salazar at transfers!!!

- With Sister Mudrow before she trekked back to Kingman!!