Sister Meservy’s Letter from March 3, 2014
Subject: “When it really matters . . . I make 500 bad impressions.”
PREFACE:
Sister Busath and I are practicing this new phrase we invented. We’re spreading it throughout Smile Prairie, and throughout the world VIA email.
In order to be more effective at spreading the gospel, when talking to those who could use the Book of Mormon in their lives (which is EVERYONE) we try to relate the book to their lives by saying, “You remind me of…” and then inserting the name of the Book of Mormon character that they remind us of,and inviting them to READ! This works great for members and missionaries. You should try it out. I’ll try it out in my email. Here goes.
OH MI FAMILIA! Mes amies!
. . . . I don’t actually speak ANY languages. So both of those are probably wrong. I realized that this week when we met Clara Marie. She is from France. We had to say her name like 100 times to get the pronunciation right. Then I had to say her name in the prayer and as I tried to do the french ‘r’ sound I had a flash back of French Class. When we went around the room and our teacher pointed at who would pronounce the next work. When she pointed to me EVERYONE LAUGHED because I did such a heavy ‘R.’ Like I was choking or something. Well…. I did it again, my friends. Turns out I’m not meant to speak a language yet.
Here’s where you say, “You remind me of King Limhi, who couldn’t translate the plates of the Jaredites. . . . you can read about his struggles in Mosiah!”
Anyway. It’s freezing and snowy in Spokane. We took out a Laurel with us on Saturday. She didn’t wear leggings. Did I mention it’s freezing here? Well… the first door we knocked on let us in and gave the laurel tights to out on. IT WAS A MIRACLE. We’ve never gotten in Julia’s house before. Then the next women let us in as well and gave us a drink. Members bring miracles. Thank goodness. I should have used this for the lessons, “You know, you remind me of Amulek. He took in a prophet of God. . . Would you like to read about it in Alma 8:21….”
Guess we have a reason to GO BACK. 🙂
I’m grateful for those who let us in.
So…. I’m an embarrassment. Turns out EVERY TIME I see the bishop I do something embarrassing.
1st Impression:
Bishop meets us and introduces us to the Young Men….
Bishop: We are so excited to have 2 sets of missionaries in the ward. We have never worked with sisters so this will be new for us and might be a challenge at first.
Me: Well… Don’t worry, Bishop. We’ve been sisters our whole missions. So we can probably help.
-SILENCE-
Nobody thought that was funny except for me.
2nd Impression:
Walking out of a dark chapel after closing down from a church tour. I had just made a joke, so I was laughing and holding on to Sister B’s arm. We walked right into the bishop who was in the midst of a serious conversation.
-SILENCE-
3rd Impression:
Driving to the bishops house to drop off a note, we got there and he pulled up, so we started driving away. Then remembering that we have a very recognizable car and our missionary bike rack, we stopped in the middle of the circle. Ran up to the bishops car, gave him the note, and walked away as he was talking to us…. awkwardly. While laughing. Because the car was still running. and I’m awkward.
Anyway. I’m probably immature. But Sister Busath and I love the bishop. He is the GREATEST. I can’t even tell you how amazing this whole ward is. And despite my jovial nature, they put up with me- and the Lord is helping me turn my weakness into a strength. . . . (Ether 12:27- that’s been a theme for the week)
Just like Sarah in Gen 21:6. God hath made me to laugh so that those that hear will laugh with me. 🙂 I’m working on laughing at the right moments, not the wrong moments.
“You remind me of Sarah… because she laughed at the wrong time sometimes… but her laughter could also be a blessing to those around her….”
ANYWAY. I love working here in Smile. It gets better and better every day. The ward council is AMAZING. The ward is amazing. I am so grateful for my mission, my companion, and my Savior. I know that this is His Church. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Thomas S. Monson is a prophet today. I know that is true.
I love you.
Don’t forget to use “You remind me of….” It works best when you use it as a compliment. 🙂 Not an insult. Practice around the house. Then invite everyone to read the Book of Mormon. to ponder in their hearts the message it contains. . . and then to ASK GOD, the eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if it is true!
Love,
Sister Meservy!