Hottest Week Ever

What's up to my favorite people! I hope y'all are doing well. My week was so good; I think I'm still smiling from all the little tender mercies and miracles that we saw. Let's run it up!

We're experiencing record-breaking temperatures out here this whole week, so it's been around 112°F with about 65% humidity, and we walked in it all day. It was literally so fun though! We mostly talked to people about Jesus Christ while sweat was dripping down our faces. I don't know how the Saints did it; I honor them with everything in me.

We found Tim who knew all about the missionaries because he used to live next door to them and always had them over for dinner.

We went back to teach Tim, but he didn't answer. I had a Book of Mormon that I knew someone needed that night, so I had a prayer in my heart the whole night that I would know who should receive it. We then felt prompted to stop by Cole, whom we found my first week here. His girlfriend answered and was so kind! Cole arrived right then, and we were able to teach them. They told us we could come back.

I had interviews this week, and it was so good. I've been praying sincerely for specific things for weeks, and they were an answer to every prayer I had. I felt the spirit so strongly. I love President and Sister Barney so much; they are the greatest people I have ever met.

We had exchanges in our area. I was with Sister Warner; she was my first STL, and now we're back in the same zone, and I'm her STL again. It's so fun! We had a spirit-led night. There wasn't enough time in the night, but the Lord guided us to where he needed us to be. He led us to AbdiKarim! He is so cool. We asked if he knew anyone who wanted to talk about Jesus Christ, and he said, "Oh me!" This turned into a 30-minute conversation about pretty much everything. He had so many questions, and the spirit was strong. He asked if we believed in the trinity, and we explained that we believe in the Godhead. He was so mesmerized and told us it made perfect sense to him. So cool!

We were then led to a couple of less active members who said we could come back and call them whenever to share messages.

We then stopped by a mega less active member. His wife and son are not members. We tried to share a message, and he was very hesitant. But then he told us his wife wants to be more involved in things, and he thought of Relief Society. So, we explained all about Relief Society to her, and she seemed super excited! Then he went and got his son from downstairs, introduced us to him, and explained how he wants to be part of the YSA. God is working hard on them. It was so cool!

Then we went to dinner with Sister Brewton and Jumper, her husband who is a non-member. All the elders are obsessed with Jumper. Right before I got transferred here, one of my old zone leaders, who just went home, told me I needed to work on him. Sister Cowley and I have been trying to become friends with Jumper. Anyways, their situation is tough because Jumper takes care of his mom 24/7; she is in her 90s, blind, and deaf. It's really sad. BUT Sister Brewton told us that they just got a call from an old folks' home, and they have a spot for her. So, they're going to put her there so she can receive the help she needs! She then told us how Jumper almost got baptized, but then his dad passed away, and he had to start helping his mom. Sister Brewton also told us she just got her temple recommend and is preparing to go to the temple after 13 years. I could've cried. These two are amazing, and God is aligning everything for them right now. A big side note is that Jumper is going to teach me and Sister Cowley how to play the guitar since he used to be in a band and apparently is really skilled. He has like 50 guitars. He showed me a picture, and I can confirm he isn't lying.

This week, my studies spoke so personally to me! Here are two verses that I love:

Doctrine and Covenants 64:33-34

33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

34 Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind, and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.

I have seen COUNTLESS times this week how small things proceed to that which is GREAT! I keep being reminded that small things bring forth the greatest miracles!

I have felt like the small miracles get so overlooked by the big things, like putting someone on a date for baptism. But really, someone going to the temple for their first time in 13 years, and someone who previously wanted his records removed now sits and listens to our messages when we go over for dinner is HUGE. The Lord requires a willing heart and mind, and by that, small things proceed to that which is great.

This is the greatest work there ever is. I promise I love my mission more than anyone else on earth. I am so grateful to be here. I love being a missionary and wearing Jesus Christ's name across my chest every day.

There is nothing greater.

God is SO GOOD. God is a God of miracles; we just have to open our eyes! He's in the details of all of our lives. I know this is true.

I love you all! Let me know if I can do anything for you.

Love, Sister Liljenquist.

Also, our mission is doing a "Gift to the Savior" and is reading the Book of Mormon by Christmas Eve. If you would like to join, I'll put the information below.