November 24th

Dear Family,

Best story ever. So Sister Brook and I had dinner at a member's home. It was a TON of food and when we left I was telling her how full I was. I looked over and she looked so concerned... The member had a salt shaker with no filter on it, and Sister Brook accidentally spilled about a tablespoon of salt on this burrito thing and then instead of wiping it off like a normal person, she spread it around to try to make it more evenly dispersed. Bahaha. And she is so good at hiding things that I could tell something was up but could not figure out what. She drank about four cups of water. After we left we called the doctor in the ward to see if she should do anything and he is really old and usually pretty good at keeping a poker face but he laughed so hard at her. That was probably my favorite part. My poor companion. I didn't even sympathize. I just laughed really hard.

Shawnee was baptized this week!!!!!!! I know I already said that but I am so happy. I was thinking about her this week because I could not figure out why she was not baptized and we're not allowed to communicate with missionaries from other zones. But she looked so happy. If I figure out how to take a screen shot (not likely :)), I'll send a picture.

I realized one of the reasons why I was sent to Vernon this week. When we were teaching Niki she just completely opened up. I feel like I really understand her now. I feel that if we truly knew each person's stories and the things that they go through, we would love each one of them. It is so true that God loves each of His children. She has had an incredibly difficult past and has overcome so much and is still working to overcome a lot. I just shared how deeply I love this gospel and how I absolutely know that the Savior's Atonement (and access to it) can heal her. We told her that's why we want her to be baptized. Not because it benefits us at all, but because we love her and really and fully believe that the authority to perform ordinances that can heal her, like baptism, are back on the earth. As we were talking I could just feel so clearly that I was sent to her.

I feel like we were sent to my friend Shannon as well. I absolutely love her. I don't really know if I can explain her over email and do her justice but someday I'll talk about her. :)

Transfer calls are this week and we're 90% sure Sister Brook is going. I don't really know where the Lord will want me for the last three transfers, but we'll see.

If I could quote President Uchtdorf's entire conference talk (and feel like you would read it:)) in this email, I would. I love it so so much. Go read it! :) https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng

"Suppose you were able to travel back in time and have a conversation with people who lived a thousand or even a hundred years ago. Imagine trying to describe to them some of the modern technologies that you and I take for granted today. For example, what might these people think of us if we told them stories of jumbo jets, microwave ovens, handheld devices that contain vast digital libraries, and videos of our grandchildren that we instantly share with millions of people around the world?

Some might believe us. Most would ridicule, oppose, or perhaps even seek to silence or harm us. Some might attempt to apply logic, reason, and facts as they know them to show that we are misguided, foolish, or even dangerous. They might condemn us for attempting to mislead others.

But of course, these people would be completely mistaken. They might be well-meaning and sincere. They might feel absolutely positive of their opinion. But they simply would not be able to see clearly because they had not yet received the more complete light of truth."

I love you all!

Sister Thomson

PS. I forgot to mention this, but last week we were visiting a less active single mom and her three boys. The middle child, who is six, prayed "please bless that we'll have a baby sister soon" and his grandma said--"don't forget the missionaries!" And he said, "Oh yeah--please bless the missionaries...........that they won't die. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
PPS. Bet you can't guess what our district leader wants to be when she grows up... So I'll tell you. A teacher. :) Also, it snowed!
▶ Show quoted text