Perfectly Perth: Accidentally Found Someone

Hello my friends and family,

I am very grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. SO grateful.

I think it's important to gain a testimony of every doctrine, every commandment and every principle of the gospel and of Jesus Christ's church. My mission is helping me do that. And just like the scripture says (can't remember where at the moment) 'When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (and sisters).'

We accidentally found someone this week. Now I know you're thinking, "How can you accidentally find someone? As a missionary you are constantly trying to find people!" Well, we were looking for someone different. We knocked on the door and a man answered, probably the same age as my dad, and we said hello and asked if he was so and so. He wasn't but he told us his supa long name (Marcosomethingsomethingsomething) and we started talking. He knew exactly who we were. When the Perth temple opened they put an announcement in the newspaper so that whoever wanted to could walk through and see the inside of the temple. This was 20ish years ago, I think. He said that he really wishes he would have gone. Lightbulb!! He still can!! He has some challenges in his life but he mentioned he is wanting to get back into the spiritual side of his life. He has been neglecting it for some time. We got his phone number and he sent us off saying, "Well I hope you find the person you were looking for!" We did.

Belinda is still coming to church and strengthening her testimony. We went to an Addiction Recovery class with her and Yvette on Saturday. Have you heard of it? The step the class was on was step 8 - Forgiveness. Even though I'm not addicted to drugs or alcohol or cigarettes that have led me to do things I regret, I guess you could say by my behavior in the past which you could class as addictive (for example, selfishness or pride, or laziness) I have hurt some people. The eternal principle of forgiveness is amazing! It is for this very purpose that Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ to the earth, so that we can be forgiven! Holding grudges, harboring hate, not letting go of the past etc, gets very heavy very quickly. Asking for forgiveness and forgiving others sets us free!

Here are some things I learned this week:

We're not sent to get along with perfect people, anyone can do that. We're sent to get along with imperfect people.

Our baptismal covenant means, your pain, my pain. Your sadness, my sadness. Your concern, my concern.

Heavenly Father is the most perfect, patient, forgiving, loving, helpful, and wise father. I love Heavenly Father. He knows we are weak. He knows we're going to struggle. It's all part of the plan! They key is to change! Don't stay standing in the same position and never move forward. Live what you learn. Walk the walk. Practice what you preach. Use Jesus Christ's Atonement and change! We are not expected to be perfect in this moment. Perfection is the goal. Progress is the journey.

Thank you for your love and your prayers. I feel them.

Love you guys,

Sista B