GIVE THANKS November 26, 2018

There are so many wonderful things to be thankful this week!

Here's my quick summary of what we did...Sang at Bob and Wanda's, at real Chinese food, served old folks breakfast, dog sat crazy poodles, got my blood drawn, light the world training, set up Christmas tree, ate octopus, quality conversations bingo, left mission, went to Dallas, saw a miracle, came back, two thanksgivings, dessert exchange, and ate so much food!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with a lot of the members and even some of the people we are teaching. It was awesome! With the first family we ate with there were three turkeys and it was a dad, son, and son in law. The dad kept teasing the son in law that his Turkey looked like a duck. It was hilarious! He was so offended by it and then yesterday ar church the dad was teaching Sunday school and brought it up and all the family was laughing. (The family makes up most of the congregation) It was so great! It reminded me of all the teasing that goes on in my family. The second dinner was with another fun family and we were able to get to know the part member family more. It was such a great day! Then we stopped by the people we are teachings house to drop off pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and they invited us in to meet everyone and then gave us homemade cheesecake to take home. It was great!

Then on Saturday we had the opportunity to go to the Dallas temple!! It was so cool!! It was the youth trip and one of the recent converts came with us. It was really good because he hadn't been in a long time. Also we were able to have a very tender experience. We were driving on the freeway and saw a lot of cars stopping and noticed a motorcycle on the ground. Our branch president drove our giant van all the way up and stopped right in front of the man laying on the ground. It was very tender because our branch president is a nurse. It was amazing timing for us to be there at that moment. He immediately jumped out of the car and started helping this man. There were a lot of others who soon stopped to help. The youth were all watching because we were right there. One of the young women suggested we say a prayer and one of the young man said one. It was very sweet and we all felt the Spirit so strongly. Sadly, this man was not wearing a helmet and they did everything they could, but it was his time to go back to Heavenly Father. Then we went to the temple and it was so spiritual! We all felt so strongly that that man is in the Spirit world learning about the gospel. Yesterday at church a few of the youth and leaders bore their testimonies about what happened and it was amazing how they testified about the work we do in the temple. It's amazing that we have the opportunity to be baptized for those who have not accepted it on earth and that they have to opportunity to accept it still. I know that God knows each of us and is aware of our needs. He gives us all the things we need to know how to return to live with Him again and we can help others on both sides of the veil.It's amazing! I am so grateful for this knowledge and the temples we have to do the work for our ancestors.

I'm so grateful for the things I am learning on my mission and for the wonderful people on this earth. It's amazing how even though no one knew each other or the man, they all wanted to help. There is still so much good in the world, we just need to share it. I'm so thankful for Heavenly Fathers plan as well and knowing that there is more after this life and we WILL see our family and loved ones again. I know this is true. I felt it so strong this week and I cannot deny it. I hope you all can find that peace and comfort this week as well as look for the good in people! I love and miss you all! (: