WEEK 37: "Men Are, That They Might Have Joy!"

Well, hey!! Happy Monday!! I hope all is well with you and your loved ones. I'm excited to talk about the wonderful week we've had over here in Henderson!

First of all, I was still sick on Tuesday and was mandated by the mission nurse to stay inside, gurgle salt water every hour, and not talk for two days, in an effort to get my energy back before Zone Conference and to save my voice, which I woke up completely lacking Tuesday morning. So we did that. But it was well worth it, as I woke up feeling much better on Thursday and we made it to Zone Conference!

Zone Conference was POWERFUL!!! I loved every second of it. It was one of the most spiritually uplifting Zone Conference I have ever been to, which says a lot because every Zone Conference is just phenomenal. We had some local service missionaries attend from the stakes we serve in, and the stake presidents all came and spoke with us in breakout rooms It was amazing! The Spirit was definitely present, and I recieved answers to some of the things that I have been struggling with and worrying about. Like Enos, I felt my guilt and fears and concerns be "swept away" (Enos 1:7). I just felt an overwhelming peace, and the things that have been weighing on me for weeks seemed to melt away, and I just felt so much of God's love run over me. It was very encouraging, I loved reuniting with some of the missionaries who have become good friends to me, as well as receive a classic Sister Rodarte hug!! We recieved a lot of different trainings, and it was very edifying and uplifting. I loved every second.

We had exchanges this week!! It was so much fun! The YSA sisters have moved into what was my very first apartment as a missionary, so it was crazy going back and spending the night! There's so much history in that apartment, and best of all I got to see our next door neighbor, Emil again! Exchanges went from Friday afternoon to Saturday, and it was all just stuffed full of miracles. I loved being with Sister Gariety for the day, and learned a lot from her, as always. We did a lot, and I was exhausted by the end of the day, but it was the best kind of exhaustion--knowing you did absolutely everything you could to fulfill your missionary purpose that day. It was a great exchange! We finished it off with froyo, as always.

Saturday night was the adult session of our Black Mountain Stake Conference! It was all about the temple, and the testimonies and experiences that were shared were so beautiful. But, the whole time, I just felt off. I couldn't focus, and I felt like we shouldn't be there. It was a weird feeling, and I wasn't sure why. But right at the end, the Spirit's message came through clearly--GO BACK AND VISIT SARA. It took me back for a second, as Sister Gariety and I had already tried to visit Sara at her trailer earlier that day and she hadn't been home, plus we've had little to know contact with her for 2 months. But I can take a hint, so I leaned over to Sister Eastman and shared the thought, and we packed up our bags and left. Let me be clear that normally I don't condone leaving stake conference early, but this was under the direction of the Holy Ghost, so I think we get a pass on this one.... And it payed off, Sara had just gotten back to her trailer and we got to spend some time with her! It always does my heart good to see her, and she had light in her countenance. She and Bob had bought a cake to celebrate something (I have no idea what), and they shared it with us. So we ate cake with Sara and Bob! It was the perfect way to end the day.

I'm just really grateful for this week. It was a much needed boost to my heart and soul. I feel really encouraged and motivated to continue on, and I'm rediscovering the joy that is in missionary work. Yes it's work, but that's what makes it so joyful! President Rodarte talked about how faith is energy and enthusiasm in everything you do, and I took that to heart. Missionary life and work can be really tough, but we are promised great joy and satisfaction when we give our all and press forward. I have definitely seen those promises be fulfilled all throughout my mission, and they were reiterated to me this week. I am really grateful for it. God never abandons those who covenant (promise) to follow Him and help move His work forward. We learn in the Book of Mormon that "men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). I know that is true! We are here to experience joy, and the way to do that is by giving what you have to God, and serving others. The kind of joy and love that God can fill us with can't be found or replaced by anything else in this world. It's really an amazing gift that He allows us to do His work with Him, make covenants with Him, and partake of that great love! IT'S SO COOL! I definitely recommend it. If you're not sure how to get started in all of that, I'd love to help. Turn to God this week!! I promise you'll be filled with joy like never before.

I love you all! Have an AMAZING week!!

Love,

Sister Malmstrom

231 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy #2226 Henderson, NV 89012

Pictures!!

- Finishing up exchanges at -- you guessed it -- Island Frozen Yogurt Bar, the greatest froyo store on the planet!

- Reunited with good old Emil!

- Eating cake with Sara and Bob. Good times.

- Mission-wide Zoom with President and Sister Rodarte. There's always lots of laughs with them!