So, on Sunday night, like I
mentioned, we stayed the night in Kona. Then Monday we stayed the night again because
Tuesday we had our meeting in Kona in the morning. oh, ya and for pday we
played volleyball and got shave ice! it was awesome!!! So then, when went on
exchanges again. I stayed in Waimea and took sister Uasila'a-vaha back with me.
This week we have just been focusing
a lot on how much our baptism has been a blessing in our lives. Thus
we have been trying to help people to set a goal date for when they want to be
baptized so that they have something to work towards. At the beginning of this
week, only C had a set date. But on Tuesday J and K set dates to make those
covenants; on Thursday T and Ta set dates; on Friday J set a date and on Saturday
K made the same decision, to make that a part of her life. It has
been amazing to see how many people are ready to take that step. They just need
a goal to work towards. It motivates them! That is why it is so important to
set specific goals! In our district this week we have all four set the goal to
not crack our knuckles! haha and we account to each other each night. that is
another thing about goals: they are easier to stick to if you have someone to
account to! And the third thing that I have learned about goals this week is to
shoot for the moon! When you set a goal, set it to stretch yourself! As you put
forth your best effort, and ask for the Lord's help, you can achieve so much
more than you think! So push yourself! "There is no growth in the comfort
zone, and there is no comfort in the growth zone"!
Our mission president did a big
training on member missionary work, and we have really seen a difference! We
have had a lot more members coming to us to see how they can help with the
work. It has been going well!
This week, while we were tracting,
we met this one lady who spent the whole time telling us how we were in a cult
and just didn't know because we were to young and deceivable....and how if we
ever wanted to get out she could help us. I personally believe that Jesus is the Son of our Heavenly
Father....especially considering how He prayed to God, and specifically asked
His Father to forgive the men who crucified Him. According to her conclusion,
I'm going to Hell. But I told her, that if Im going to hell, I will have some good company:)
It was a very nice conversation....I've never been told that I was going to
Hell in such a nice way. We thanked her for her kindness and concern. I just
told her that I am doing my best to do what I know is right. and she got super
upset and told us that it isn't about what we do at all, but it is about Jesus
and We can't get to heaven by what we do. true.....but I know that faith
without works is dead, so I am going to work to show my faith in my Savior. I
know that I absolutely need His grace and mercy to achieve anything, but I know
that He expects me to try hard and learn and grow while I'm here on earth.
Hence, the importance of goal setting, once again.
We had interviews with the President
on Friday, and then we had Cs baptism It
was good to see president and Sister Warner again. They just checked
in to see how we were doing. It has been a great transfer. So that's good. Then everything went well with Caryssa's baptism. she was pretty excited and then -in the Hawaiian style- there was a big dinner afterwards:)
We went to the temple
today!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was wonderful! After the session I just sat for a long
long time and enjoyed the peace. Then I double checked the chandeleir- it's
still broken:) haha
Well, as I've mentioned, I've been
thinking about goals a lot this week. I have a strong testimony that Heavenly
Father wants us to set and reach our goals. He wants us to succeed. He wants us
to be happy. And he provides a way! He already knows who He wants us to be. He
already knows how we can get there. He paves the road to our potential; we just
need to walk it! And we have the promise that we never have to walk alone. Our
Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ will walk the road of our refinement with us.
And if needed, He will carry us. I know, because I have felt the times in my
life when He has carried me.
So, set some goals, and invite
Heavenly Father's help. He'll never let us down
Aloha nui loa
-Sister Hodgson
