Another Great Week

Hey! 

This week Sister M** and I had a few big events.

It all started with Tuesday. Sister M** had some surgery! Trying to make the story short, last week she had her leg checked out and we found out she had Melanoma, so this last week she went in and had it removed. They couldn't close it until they knew for sure they had taken it all out, so she's had this huge hole in her leg since Tuesday. She is unable to look at it as well so I have been her nurse! I have pictures, but I know some of you will probably feel sick if you looked at it so I won't include the picture. 

 

We did find out that they removed all the cancer so she will be going back in on Wednesday to have a skin graft. They are taking skin from her clavicle and closing her leg up that way. 

Despite having surgery the previous day, on Wednesday we went to the temple! Our mission has temple transfers twice a year where everyone in the mission is able to go to the temple. Sister M** and I went with the senior missionary couple who took us, and also Sister R** and Sister M**. We had a blast! We went to the Fresno Temple which is a small temple. When I say small I mean REALLY small. When you walk in and turn immediately to the left, you are in the baptistry. You can even see Angel Moroni clearly at the top of the temple! It was a great experience though. I love the temple and the covenants that are made inside. Temples are such a blessing to us on earth and those who have passed on. 

 

Our temple trip was even better because there were so many missionaries there! There were 3 sets of Elders who went to the temple the same time we did. It was powerful to see so many of us. I loved it. 

 

It gets even better though. Guess where we all went to lunch. CAFE RIO. I'm not even kidding! We all were in Heaven! We haven't had Cafe Rio in such a long time, it was so good!

 

On Friday we had Zone Conference. I just love Zone Conferences. I love gathering with so many missionaries and learning with them. We had many great discussions. One thing that I should mention is that we are now authorized to use Facebook. We are all in the process of cleaning our profiles so they represent a servant of Jesus Christ. We will be able to post and teach through Facebook, but I will not be able to communicate with any of you. I still love you all, don't worry! Haha this is a new way of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I am excited to fill the earth with light.

 

Our friend, E** is doing very well! He was able to come to church yesterday and afterwards we had a lesson. I love watching his faith in Jesus Christ grow. Every lesson, he talks about feeling the Holy Ghost and how he feels new. He made a comment that touched my heart. After he said that he can already feel the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, he said he will have the Book of Mormon with him until the day he dies. That's how much it means to him. I was so touched! I hope the Book of Mormon means that much to each of you as well; that it is so special that you will cherish it until the day you leave this earth. I know I will. The Book of Mormon is the Word of God and it really can bring answers to life's questions, bring peace to your soul, and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know it is true and I know that every single person has the opportunity to know for themselves if it is true or not, by reading it and praying to God, asking with real intent if it is true. 

 

Thank you for all your love and support. I am am so lucky to know such wonderful people. I hope you have a great week this week!

 

xoxo, Sister G 

 

Ready to bandage Sister M**

[From a local member: Sisters M** and Groneman studying and planning on this fine day in Santa Maria.]

[From a local member: The Ward Mission Leader (CP) and I (SP) had lunch with the SM YSA Sisters today!
Word of the day: Remember.
Remember who you really are. Remember the blessings God has given you. Remember the commandments. Etc.]

We bought fresh strawberries this morning from a stand! Check that off my bucket list!

Dad--I ate this one for you!

[From a local member: YSA activity at our house last night! It was fun and I (SP) visited with these wonderful missionaries: Elder and Sister M** and Sisters M** and Groneman.]