Love for my family week!

September 28, 2015

Hey Family,

So this week has been a pretty good week. We had two babies born. Cynthia and Jottie had their babies. They are so cute and I so wish I could hold them!! Also remember when I had that Joseph Smith week, well this week was Family. It always got brought up about our future husband and family. And they talked a little bit about it during the Women's Broadcast. It made me really think of what I want in my future husband and how I should be the women my husband deserves. 

On Tuesday, we went out with Sis Bryant to go visiting teaching. But we ended up in the emergency room with some less actives. Her mom wasn’t feeling good so we stayed with them to make sure that everything is going well. Sis Acosta is doing better now, just trying to get better, so keep her and Yadi in your prayers. 

Wednesday, the Zone Leaders came up to teach ZDM. They introduced some new rules that have been made. Yay, more rules :( It was really nice though to hang with Elder Clyde and Beckstrom for a little bit. Then when we went tracting that day, we came across a less active. Her name is Melissa. She was very sweet to us and let us in. She goes to another church because something happened that were not sure about, but we're just going to be doing practice lessons with her and hopefully bring her back. We sang How Firm a Foundation with her and she sang with us. It was pretty cool. Then later that night the West Elders had a baptism. Carol McCool was baptized and her baptism was amazing. You could just feel the love and spirit there. There was only one glitch, when the elder told us that we had to teach about the Restoration. But we did it, and it went so well. I could feel the spirit while we were teaching it and was able to bear my testimony. It was such a great experience. And being able to see the difference in Sis McCool and she has just been glowing. It has been amazing to see the change in her life. 

On Saturday, we got to go visit with Miss Mary. She can't talk because she had a stroke, so she writes everything down. Last time we visited with her, I shared Isaiah 41:10 and she really loved it so we shared it again. Then Sister Williams and I sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" and she loved it. She then wrote down, "I can feel the Holy Spirit" and I started crying and so did she. I was so overjoyed that she could feel the spirit because I could too. She then wrote down, "I feel better since y’all come here". I will never forget this experience. These experiences/moments help me remember why I am out on a mission. To be able to bring joy and happiness to others has made all the hard times disappear.

Also I really loved the Women's Broadcast. I learned so much and am excited for General Conference this weekend. I am interested in who the 3 new apostles will be? 

On Sunday, in church we talked about Missionary Work and it was cool. Bishop Blalocks parents came up to talk, which they were in the Brandon Ward so it was nice to see familiar faces. Also, Payton taught in YW's so we went in on her lesson, and she did a really good job. We watched the Stop Bullying Video and talked about using good language. Then we had the linger-longer and it went very well, then we stayed after to help clean up.

Then later we went over to the Slaughters home to teach Jaylon and Payton and also figure everything out about their baptisms. We taught them the 10 commandments, Pray often, Scripture Study and Obedience. It went very well and they understood everything. We then talked with them about their baptisms. They will both be baptized on October 10. This will be enough time for them to learn all the lesson and for them to ask us questions. So now they won't be so rushed. We are super excited for them. Then we figured out that we will be over at the Slaughters for General Conference :). 

So excited to hear how Mikey is doing and crushing it out on the field. I knew that he can do anything he puts his mind to. I will for sure keep Chaz in my prayers and hope he has a speedy and healthy recovery. I am happy that Ashleigh is doing well and hope she knows that she is always in my prayers, all of you are!!! Tell President McMurtury Hi and that I am doing great!! We have interviews this week so we will see what happens. 

I love you all and miss you!!!! Just remember that Heavenly Father loves you and is always with you!! 

Sister McKenna O'Connor

P.S. Today I have been out on my mission for 8 months. Time flies by!!!

 New dress that Sister Fern gave me....she loves it and it looks great on her.

Out doing Sunday visites with Sister Connie!