Mount Kachigga Goes Crazy

Hi to my favorite people! Please forgive me for slacking lately. I'm really trying to be laser-focused in these last two transfers, so if I don't respond, forgive me. These past three weeks have been crazy, to say the least. I feel like I have so much to talk about, so let's dive in.

These past couple of weeks, I have been so overwhelmed with so many emotions. I feel like I have had some of the highest of highs and some of the lowest of lows. As I'm approaching the end of my mission, I had a sudden rush of so many thoughts racing through my mind: "Have I done everything the Lord needs me to do?" "Am I a good missionary?" "Have I made a difference?" etc. Your mission brings out your biggest weaknesses. Mine has brought out ones I didn't even know I had, so some days I feel so discouraged. Imagine waking up in utter panic every day, knowing you're running out of time. That's how I feel, haha.

Eighteen months are not enough time. One hundred years are not enough time. There will never be enough time to do everything we need to or want to do. It's comforting to know that if Jesus Christ were on the Earth, He would still be teaching, He would still be walking around, talking to every single person. He would be doing exactly what I'm doing.

Something that I have learned on my mission is that every single missionary's mission looks different. I haven't baptized every person I've taught, and I haven't talked to every person I see even when I should. But the Lord always magnifies my efforts. He knows me way better than I know myself. He knew I needed to be sent to Iowa. He knew I needed these people. He knew I needed every companion I needed when I needed them. His plan for me is far bigger than I could ever have for myself.

So, the obvious answer to all of my questions is yes. I may not be perfect, but the Lord sees my efforts, and it will always be enough. I know it will.

If anyone has any advice or talks for me to read or listen to, send them my way, haha!

Okay, sorry for the soppy stuff. On to the miracles!

We had a lesson with a guy I found on Facebook. We had Sandy (who just returned from her mission a year ago) join us! This guy is so cool. Okay, picture Jimmer Fredette; that's him. They could be twins. This guy is 6'9 and played basketball here at Simpson College! He told us he wants to gain a relationship with God but doesn't know where to start. We taught very simply and taught him how to pray! It made me realize how lucky I am to have grown up in the church and have the relationship with God that I have. These are basic truths that we take for granted.

On exchanges, we called a lady who sent in a referral, who answered and told us she was going to show up at church the next day.

Someone I friended and messaged on Facebook said she's interested in coming to church and learning more.

Ran into someone while we were walking who I OYMed, and he goes, "Wait, you messaged me on Facebook... Hi, Kim!" Yup, that was awkward. He told us he wants to come to church and learn more.

Whenever we invite people to church here, they say, "Oh, the one next to Fareway." They mix us up with the JDubs (Jehovah Witnesses). It's so funny; we have to kindly say that's not our church and that we're the real missionaries. (Haha, oops.)

This is my favorite part of these past couple of weeks, something I will never ever forget. President Porter, Sister Runia, and Sister Yee came and did a women's conference and spoke at a bunch of stakes in my mission. President invited all of the sisters in the mission to drive to Iowa City for it. Afterward, we got to talk to them, and I hugged Sister Runia. Let's go! Then they had us drive to the mission office where they had a sister conference with just the sisters in the mission. We did a protein ball cooking class and played games (which I won, of course), and made bracelets. Then President and Sister Barney gave the most powerful message about how much they love us and how needed we are in the mission. A moment I will truly never forget. One thing I have absolutely loved about President Barney is how much he loves the sisters. It's so evident that he cares and loves us so much, and I feel that every day!

I literally have the greatest mission. How did I ever get so blessed?

We also had a zone P-day last Monday with three zones, and wow, it was so much fun! Our zone is so elite. I love them with my whole heart. We do zone themes, and our zone is called "Mount Kachigga," so one of our DLs called the other zones. Basically, all zones were cars themed this transfer, and we pulled up to zone P-day in matching shirts, and it was so competitive. I loved it. I took a dub for my zone and won rock-paper-scissors. Let's go!

Alma 26 is one of my favorite chapters. I read it this week, and it felt like it was written specifically for me.

Alma 26: 29-30

29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God, we have been delivered again.

30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.

My joy is so full knowing I have been the means of saving at least one soul.

This is the greatest work on earth.

Never have I felt more peace and joy.

I don't want this to end.

I have truly never been this happy in my whole life.

I love you all with my whole heart! Let me know what I can do for you.

Love, Sister Liljenquist