I know this may sound so cheesy to some.. but I don't think I can even express the joy I felt yesterday watching Josiah be baptized. It carries on with me still into today. I was transferred to Odessa at the end of January and although the transfer here was unexpected, it was exactly what needed to happen in my life. Meeting those I have met in this area, has changed my life for the better. I know that one of the main reasons I came here was Josiah Reynolds. I feel so very connected to him and his girlfriend Nicole. Their story and relationship is familiar to me and you all know why! I have the strongest testimony that the Lord guides our lives, IF we desire that guidance. He will put people into our paths. We need to learn from them and they have something to learn from us.
I have never cried so much at a baptism in the last year and half!! I was overwhelmed with gratitude for this opportunity to witness the conversion process take place in Josiah. As he began to read the Book of Mormon and search out for himself, always asking our Father in Heaven for answers. They came, simply because he exercised a particle of faith. I feel honored to be the missionary who gave him the Book of Mormon and grateful to my Mom, who taught me to love the scriptures..I have passed that love on to many and now they love God's words, as I do. Someday in the near future he will be in my shoes, with a tag, representing our Lord, Jesus Christ and he will serve Him WELL. I am excited for you to meet Josiah and Nicole! It hit me pretty hard yesterday that unless a miracle occurs, Josiah will be the last I see baptized as a missionary. I couldn't go out with a stronger baptism though. The Spirit filled the room as Josiah shared his testimony in front of 40+ people and his parents. We all went to "Presidents Devotional" at the Visitors' Center last night and he shared his testimony again with two other recent converts and their were investigators listening. When President Van Komen stood he said some words directly to Josiah and told him that he would be a leader in the church, someday a Stake President. He seriously will be.
It brakes my heart to know I have so little time left, but I am deeply grateful for the past year and half. This has changed my life and helped me to understand much more fully the concept of LOVE. I now know much more how Christ feels about us and how much deeper my love is for others.
Sister Larson and I are having so much fun together!! We have seen so many miracles this last week and found many many new people to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to. It's exciting! It's a blessing to be here!!
Make it a good day and know that I love you. I am grateful for the HUGE support I have felt as a missionary.
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Love, Sister Powell
p.s. Go back and look at Josiah's hair in the last picture I sent of him and now look at it..he cut if ALL off. His parents said he has only cut his hair TWICE in his life and the shortest its been is right above his shoulders!!
Pic 1: Looks like we've got a NACHO up in here ;)
Pic 2: Nikky and Stephanie Kellogg
Pic 3: Me, Nicole, Josiah, Brandon(Nicoles older brother), Sister Larson
Pic 4: The best day ever!!
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