Sister Flake's Mission Blog: Changed

Aloha 'oe Hawaii

Aloha ohana!
Wow, I never thought this week would come, but it has. My mission has meant everything to me. I am a different person than who I was when I left Minnesota 18 months ago, changed for the better by Christ. I'm going to miss the people, nature, food, experiences, and everything else about being here! It's bittersweet.

Here's just a few highlights from the week, and then I wanted to wrap up with a brief testimony:
-Junior committed to a baptismal date! Woohoo!!! He will get baptized on March 23. I'm pumped for him and wish that I could be here for it. He is a neat guy. He had to miss church last Sunday, and a few days later he told us that he felt very weird missing church. He said he's been to a lot of other churches, and whenever he misses a Sunday it feels fine, but when he missed our church last week, it made him feel really weird/off. He told us he thinks it's the blessed bread and the water... we were like "YEAH, you're absolutely right! It's because of the sacrament blessed by the proper priesthood authority!" It's always cool to see others come to their own conclusion about a truth, like the importance and sacred nature of weekly partaking of the sacrament. I feel blessed to have gotten to teach and help Junior.

Junior aka Martin Garcia, but he goes by Junior

-I ate PIG'S BLOOD this week. AHHH. We went to a filipino baby shower for Jheciamae, someone we are teaching, and they had all sorts of fun foods. The lumpia was great, as always, as well as the rice desserts (as if they didn't eat enough rice during the actual meal, they have to make desserts out of rice too;). I didn't realize it was pig's blood until after I dished and started eating... soooo of course I kept eating it to be respectful! It actually didn't taste that bad, it was just the thought of eating pig's blood that was weird.

Jessa at the baby shower

-We had a mini mission tour with Elder Klebingat of the 70, and it was amazing. My mind was blown to bits by the doctrinal stuff he taught us about. Those 3 hours felt like 3 minutes! Spiritual things like that always go by fast.

Well, I just want you all to know that I have a testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know He lives. I know He loves us. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father. When we talk with Him through prayer, He always listens--there is no line to wait in, or appointment to be made, to talk with Him, but rather we can pray anytime, anywhere, and we have His full attention. I know that the Lord has called a prophet today, and it is President Russell M Nelson. President Nelson directs Jesus Christ's church on the earth today. I know that I've been protected as I've followed the Lord and His chosen servants. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and that it changes lives. I know that any sincere truth-seeker who reads, ponders, and asks God with a sincere heart to know of its truthfulness will gain a testimony by the power of the Holy Ghost. It's happened for me. I know that families can be together forever through the temple. I know with all of my heart that the things I've taught and testified of for the past 18 months are true! My heart is filled with gratitude for the experiences I've had.

If anyone reading this has even an inkling of an interest to know more, please do not hesitate to reach out. It would make my day, and it could change your life❤

Love you all, and I'll see you soon! Keep smiling, and love the pace of life God gives you this week (I'll be doing my best to do so too!).

Love, Sister Flake

Reminder: I will be speaking at church about my experiences on Sunday, March 17 and would love to see you all there. Church begins at 10:30 am. Email or message me if you'd like the address of the chapel. I hope you can make it!