WEEK 47: West Side Story

Hey!!

We have had such a tender week this week!

First off, we got to take our sweet recent convert, Ginger, to the temple on Saturday! She had us do the proxy baptisms for some of her family members who have passed on. Due to health problems she couldn't get into the baptism font, so she had Sister Seibold and I do the female names, and a temple worker did the male names! Included in the group were her sister, aunt, uncle, and brother. When we were confirmed for the names, the Spirit filled the room so strongly and Brother Haub who was pronouncing the confirmation became very emotional. There was a special feeling in the room as he read the names, and we all knew that the spirits on the other side were joyfully accepting their saving ordinances.

Our friend Kathy is an absolute gem, and she is on date for baptism for May 30th! She is so sweet. She is experiencing a lot of family opposition in her decision to be baptized, but after fasting and praying about it, her commitment has only increased. She is steadfast and immovable in her desire, and she's faithfully moving forward towards her goal!

We are teaching someone named Cesar, and he is the most elect person that I have ever taught! He's a referral from some members in our ward, so we have lessons in their home and it is just incredible. He just soaks up everything we say, and he visibly lights up when he feels the Spirit. He has been prepared by the Lord, and it's so obvious. The only heartbreaker is that he lives across the valley, so we will have to pass him off to the West Mission, and it's so sad. But, it's selfish to keep him when he's so golden. We want him to bless as many people as he can, and he needs to be baptized into the ward where he resides. But Cesar has literally changed my life and I've only met him once! He's amazing!

This week was sad, as we had our last interview with President Rodarte. He's getting through all of our interviews this month, as he and Sister Rodarte finish their mission ad head home at the end of next month! Time is moving too quickly, and it's so bittersweet. It's a strange experience preparing to have a new mission president, and there are so many conflicting emotions. But, the last interview went well, and it's always good to see my misison leaders!

And now, my Story from the West Side: We were enlisted for a special assignment this week, which was to help the mission office bring new cars from the dealership to the chapel. We agreed to help before we knew what we'd signed up for, and then before we knew it we were in the mission vans heading across the freeway (into the other mission!) to pick up the cars from the dealership. The icing on the cake was that we had to each drive a car home, so we were companion-less, TIWI-less, and outside our boundaries while driving. Even with President's approval and a caravan of office misisonaries to make sure we didn't get lost, it was still terrifying! It was the weirdest experience and it was a lonely 12 minute drive back to the mission office without a companion in the passenger seat.

Anyway. It's been an awesome week! There have been a lot of sweet moments with our friends, and as Sister Seibold and I have focused on following the Spirit and asking questions, we have been led to those who are prepared. It's been amazing to reach and exceed some of our goals, and when we do all we can, the success truly is in the hands of the Lord!

Alma 26:11-12

But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.

Love,

Sister Malmstrom

595 S Green Valley Pkwy #2014 Henderson, NV 89012

Pictures

- At the temple with Ginger!

- Thunder and lightning storm clouds!

- View of the Strip from the Dark side. Just kidding, we love the West Mission!

- View of the Strip from the correct side.

- Companionless!

- In the mission vans, which we haven't been inside since our first day, almost 11 months ago!

- @ the dealership with the office missionaries.

- Comp pictures while knocking doors.