Expect the Unexpected {12.8.14}

If there is one thing I have learned on my mission it is to expect the unexpected.   I can without a doubt say that God has a very specific plan for my life (and each of yours) and that it's usually not what we ever imagined, but when we're willing to follow His will things work out better than we could have ever imagined ourselves! C.S. Lewis put it this way,

 “Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of—throwing out a new wing here, putting in an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace.”

So, what is the big change, you're wondering? Well, let me tell you. I'm being transferred for the last three weeks of my mission! I would say I'm shocked, but I really can't be surprised by anything that happens at transfers anymore. I've learned that whatever I say will never happen is usually exactly what happens. And that Is okay because God's plan is definitely always better than my own! 

Through change we are able to learn and grow. I definitely wouldn't be the missionary or person I am today if it weren't for all of the crazy changes I've had throughout my mission.

Now, let me tell you a few stories from the past week:

x. We had a chapel tour with Susan and her friend from work just happened to have her car break down (that was all God) so she had to come with her. The Spirit was SO strong as we talked in the chapel and Susan and her friend were both brought to tears. It was such a special experience. We're going to start teaching Susan's friend with her! Oh and we found out their catering business is based out of SLC and is run by Mormons! :)

x. Driving down the road one day, I looked over and noticed a sign that said Rolfes Landing. WHAT?! We found out it was a huge mansion so of course we had to knock on their door! We did and we found out their name is Rolfes, not Rolfe, but it was a pretty exciting experience nonetheless :) Oh and you will not believe this... their parents are Mormon! I'm convinced we're related down the line somewhere.

x. We had an amazing zone conference! Here are just a couple of the many, many things I learned... -If you want a life without problems, you want a life without Miracles -Regardless of my external circumstances, I can be content when I have Christ (phillipians 4) -You can have problems and find God in them (and grow!) or you can have problems and blame God in them (and become better) -Charity=the Atonement, Love=evidence the atonement is working in your life! Love the verb leads to love the feeling!

x. Our members are AMAZING member missionaries! A member of our ward invited a friend who has been asking her questions about the church to help her teach us to bake.. we had a great time baking together and talking casually about the Gospel. SHE invited US to her house to do it again next week! Another member invited us to their house to watch the Christmas devotional with their next door neighbors (Wasn't it amazing??) And another challenged her friend who has been asking her questions about her purpose in life to meet with us! The list literally goes on and on. I have really learned that the overall BEST way for people to come into the Church is through their friends who are members! You are more powerful and influential than you know!

x.We had a wonderful ward Christmas party! Seriousy, I have never seen an LDS church decorated so fancy in my life. There was brunch, a tuba quartet, a primary (plus sis Huber and I ) nativity, a service project for the orphanage, and Santa! If you haven't had your ward party yet, Invite a friend!!

x. We have had so many amazing experiences sharing He is the Gift. Pray about a friend you can share it with! Maybe even someone you could bring the missionaries with you to visit, carol to, and watch the video. I promise they will feel the Spirit!

The work moves forward! Greg's baptism is this Friday. He is SO prepared. I am hoping and praying I won't be too far away to attend it! 

I know without a doubt that I was supposed to be in Milford the past 6 weeks. I have learned SO MUCH from Sister Huber and the amazing experiences we have had together. I am confident that Heavenly Father has even more in store for me in my next area. Miracles to come!

xoxox

Sister Rolfe

(the gypsy missionary)