Not too much happened this week because we were inside most of the week due to Sister Challis being sick but she is up and good to go as far as I can tell! The other 2 sisters that I live with were able to help us out so that I could make a few appointments and see some of our investigators.
We were able to teach Cisco and Raymond twice this week which was great! The first time Sister Henderson went with me and we went and found Raymond and Cisco and they tell us we should have our lesson outside under the tree. We agree so we go under the tree and then 3 of their friends walk by and so they invite them over too. We ended up teaching the Restoration to 5 kids that day and they were so amazing! I ask a question and they all want to answer, we talk about a scripture and they all wanted a turn reading so I had to quickly think of some more for them to read! We ask them when we can come back and they say everyday haha. Why cant everyone be as kind and accepting as little kids? ... We went back a few days later, though this time we were in the middle of one of their games and they were a bit reluctant when we asked if we could share a short lesson with them. We read a chapter from the Book of Mormon to help them understand it and start reading it on their own. The lesson was once again outside, though this time there were many distractions which made it really hard to keep the Spirit there. No more lessons outside...
Sunday, Raymond and Renuma (Raymond's sister) came to church and they were my little miracle that day. I was frustrated with things and we weren't sure if they were going to be able to come to church that day but when they said they could it was an instant feel good moment. Heavenly Father wasn't done there He continued to bless me as Renuma sat quietly and partook of the sacrament and then opened up the Book of Mormon that I had given her and started reading. Then the talks were just what I needed to hear. 2 less active families made it to church. The little girl and boy in front of me drew me a picture that said, "I love missions." (meaning missionaries). When after sacrament meeting Raymond takes off and finds his teacher and is off to class. Renuma finds the friend she made last week and tells us that she will see us after church. When church ends we walk them home and talk about church- tender mercy- "Why do you guys like coming to church?" Renuma "I just feel like as soon as I walk in all of my worries are gone and I just feel peace." Yes I teared up because that is exactly how I feel when I go to church! We asked them about baptism and they both said they would but they need to learn more.
My question of the week is "Why does God love me so much?" I feel incredibly blessed, spoiled, and I don't know why. Why was I called to Hawaii where the people are nice, where the food is not only edible its enjoyable, where I drive a car, I'm surrounded by beauty, I have a fan for when it is too hot, where I don't have a language barrier, I'm not eating bugs, and where I find family all around. I know that I am here for the people I am meeting and bringing hope to; still, the question, why me? What makes me different from anyone else? I don't have an answer but I continue to be humbled at how much the Lord loves me and cares for my little problems when so many others have greater needs than I.
Monday- we had interviews with our mission president and it was an amazing spiritual recharge. On a mission there are not many people you can be completely honest with- but he is one of them and I am so grateful that I was just able to talk about concerns I have. He is my presiding priesthood and thus has the authority to receive revelation for me. As a result I was able to find the added strength that I needed and that I was wearing thin on. He shared a scripture found in D&C 123:12-13 and I loved it especially the part about wasting our life and wearing it out. I think of a super hard work out and how afterwards you are completely worn out. That is how my mission should be and how my life should be. I need to wear myself out in the service of my God and thus, in the service of His children/my brothers and sisters.
Tuesday- TEMPLE DAY!!! Oh my, I have missed the temple and I am so blessed, once again, to be in a mission that allows us to attend the temple! It was my first time going to Laie and it was beautiful! Here I go again, a spiritual recharge! I can just feel the Spirit as soon as I see the temple! A unique aspect of the Laie temple is the Maternity fountain. It depicts a woman holding a shell that pours out water into this fountain that steps down making it look like it is going to the ocean. The shell is wisdom and the water is love that flows from generation to generation and throughout eternity (the ocean). A mothers love does not stop ever and the more I see my mom I realize that. And another tender mercy: sitting in the temple and feeling incredibly close to my family knowing we are sealed for eternity but yet I am miles and oceans apart from them. Why am I here? So I can bring this happiness to other families.
I am so grateful for small things, children, temples and sealing ordinances. I love this work, I love being outside, I love breezes. I love seeing how many people will say, "I love you," back to me. God is good always! I love you! Ofa atu! Aloha wau ia oe!
Love Always,
Sister Cassidy Jean Lang
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