The latest post...

Note from Mom: With our move to Nebraska, several of Lonnie's posts have not been posted.  I will work on that once we are settled into our new house.

Hey everyone!

Sorry I didn't send an email last week! It was......a bit crazy trying to write everyone back. I hope you all know that I love and appreciate y'all very much!

This week....where to begin??? Hmm....well first off--I DON'T HAVE CHANGES!!!! :D This has been something that Sister Call and I have been praying and praying and praying for. We have too many investigators that are progressing and that we love. I just get worried every time I leave an area because I don't know if the next sisters are going to take care of them like we do. I'm sure they'll be great--because all sister missionaries are great--but I still worry, ya know? But alas, Sister Call and I will be together for another month at least. (Yes, this next transfer will just be a month because President and Sister Hintze have a mission presidents meeting in Guatemala right when changes would happen.) So we're VERY excited! Sister Patt and Sister Hunter will be staying as well! :D

So. E____ and I_____ (the other sisters' investigators) were baptized yesterday. Yes, I know that they aren't my investigators, but we're neighbors and the sisters have been telling me everything. I just feel so....connected with them somehow. It was a night full of joyous tears. :) What a happy moment! I wish I had more time to share their story with you all, but maybe I'll just have to write a letter home to Momma and she can type it up and put it on the blog. Or maybe y'all will just have to wait until my homecoming talk or when I finally return from my mission (which will be a LOOOONG time from now)! :) I just want to testify that miracles happen. Every day. Here on the mission we meet people that we need to meet. We have such a blessing to be called to serve here on our missions and nudge people to make changes in their lives that bring an even greater supply of happiness in their lives. It truly is remarkable and it's families like these that make the mission worthwhile.

M___, E______, and S____ were able to come to the baptism, too! They wanted to see what it was like "in case E______ wanted to get baptized, too." I hope they know that that is our plan for the WHOLE family. :) The gospel is already bringing so much happiness to their lives. M___ told us that since she has started praying (and let me tell ya, her very first prayer? So sweet, so humble, so....perfect. :) I love it when people make that step for the first time! Best. Feeling. Ever.), she sleeps better. She actually sleeps because she didn't before. She was worried that she was dying when we first came over because her body hurt--especially in her stomach. She said she also swelled all over, but especially in her hands. Not anymore! :D She feels more love for her children and for E______. We are working with them on the goal of getting married (and baptized). They are so prepared and Sister Call and I love them with all of our hearts! My mission would not and could not be the same with out them.

As we were singing "Families Can Be Together Forever" last night (at the baptism), I had the privilege of leading the music. Therefore I could watch these darling three people whom I love so much. THIS is a family that I want to see forever. THIS is a family that I will come back and visit in the temple in a year. THIS is a family that my future will forever be intertwined with. THIS is one of the reasons why I am here on a mission. I needed to find THEM.

I love my mission. I have never been happier. I love my companion. She.....is always there to lift me up when I'm down. I'm always improving when I'm with her and I can truly feel God's love through her actions. I know she has my back and I am so grateful to our Heavenly Father for putting us together. I love this work. It is the greatest thing that someone can take part in during this life. I wish everyone had that desire to "catch the wave!" :) You can (and should) wherever you may be. There are "missionary opportunities" everywhere. Just with a simple smile and saying "I love you!" can dramatically change the life of someone you know. Invite Christ's love intoyour life and into the lives of those you know. It will make a difference.

I love you all. Thanks for the letters, emails, prayers, and support. I hope y'all are looking forward to General Conference this week! It's an amazing opportunity that we have to listen to God's chosen servants on the earth today. If you weren't planning for it, pencil it in! I encourage you all not to miss it because it can (and will) change your life for the better, if you let it. I know that this is God's only church on the earth today and that if we follow His prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and the things he teaches, wecan return to our Father's presence and be an eternal family. Go to General Conference! See for yourself. :)

Love Always,

Hermana McCulloch