Hottest, Longest and Hardest week of my Mission So Far.....

August 10, 2015

Hey Family,

So this week has probably been the hottest, longest, and hardest week of my mission. This week we didn't have the car so we biked and walked around everywhere. We’ve been trying to get rides from members to meet with people. And this week it has been super hot and humid. 

On Tuesday, it wasn't the best day. We met with Essie, and we have had the feeling that we need to drop her. When we were talking with her, you can tell she has a strong testimony of Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon, the whole gospel. She just won't commit to coming to church. She has been meeting with the missionaries for over a year and it is just frustrating. So she asked us about meeting with her this next week, and we said it all depends on if she comes to church. She said she will call us when she is ready. It was so hard leaving her house. Sister Demo and I have grown to love her so much and hated that we had to leave. But this might be the best thing for her right now.

The rest of the week hasn’t been good with all our appointments falling through and no one wanting to talk with us. We tracted 8 hours this week and no one wanted to hear our message. We got a few doors slammed in our face and even one lady rose her hand and told us to be gone. Some people in the South.

We were supposed to see Tidd (Ty) and Janice Saturday but they weren't home. They didn't come to church either, which made us really sad. We stopped by yesterday and were able to set an appointment this week. Keep them in your prayers please.

Then the lesson in Relief Society was on the Roles of Fathers and Mothers. Which Sundays are hard for me and Sister Demo because that's when we miss our families. 

After Church, we went out with Connie and tried to visit some people. We got to visit with Miss Eva Jane Walden who is an elderly woman in her 90's in the ward. She is such a sweet lady. Her grand-kids were there this last weekend and they left a huge mess and Miss Eva Jane started to cry. So Sister Demo and I cleaned her dishes and the kitchen. Then after, Demo had the idea to rub her feet and hands, so we grabbed some lotion and massaged her feet and hands. When I was doing her hands, it just reminded me of grandma and oh how I miss holding her hands and being with her. This made me feel really close to grandma.

Even though this week has been rough, I know that it has helped me become stronger and I have been able to feel the Saviors love for me. I loved reading Darricks last letter and how the Atonement is such an important part of our lives. When we visited with the Bryant's this past week, we read from 2 Nephi 9. The Atonement is so important and I have grown to love and appreciate it more on my mission. These last 6 months have gone by super fast and can't believe I have a year left. I know that this Gospel is true and wouldn't be here in the hot and humid south if it wasn't. I love my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ so much!!!

I love you all so much and am so grateful to have you as my family. On my mission, I have realized how much y'all are a blessing to me and how much you truly do for me. 

Love you and Miss you!!!!

Sister McKenna O'Connor    

Our apartment in Meridian, Mississippi