the highs and lows of missionary life

This week HONESTLY feels like it was an eternity! Hahahaha- it was the epitome of a spiritual roller coaster... Probs the hardest week of my mission- but also still a great one.

Some lows:

So my companion, Sister Robison, went home from her mission this morning. She has had the trial of having to deal with anxiety and depression and a lot of mental illnesses no one should have to encounter.

Honestly, Sister Robison had to get to a pretty dark point to make this decision-- but it really just taught me the stark juxtaposition of palpable darkness and the illuminating power that comes from the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.

There truly is no depth of despair that the Saviors light cannot shine to. Sometimes, we will have very real feelings of utter loneliness, or that we have been completely forsaken. I just want to testify of God's power to lift us. As Christ atoned for our infirmities-- He personally came to know our struggles and our most deep and personal heartaches. But as He was lifted upon the cross for us, He was given the power and strength to lift us. For in His personal act of service for all of mankind, we can all recieve of His strength to be raised and lifted from what may seem like inescapable darkness. I know Sister Robison showed sooo much faith in Christ by making this tough decision. I love her very much and I already miss her!

But for the mean time, I'll be in a trio with Sister Rogers and Sister Jeffrey. We'll somehow cover all 4 of our wards.... :) Our area and their area have probably the most work in the zone right now, so we'll stay very busy!!! And in about 2 weeks at transfers I'll get a new companion and be back to just covering our wards :) They have already made me feel sooo welcome this morning, I am so grateful for them!! This will be a fun crazy adventure, the mission is crazy, eh?

Some highs:

Well last week I hinted at a South African family wanting to be taught.

Well we taught em'.

Let's just say--- best lesson on my mission.

These people are so dope. They have south African accents and gnarly tattoos. They look super hardcore but their hearts are literally 128 karat pure gold.

We taught about Christs life, they started CRYING when we taught about his Atonement! They were like "wow. that is so amazing." Like they actually understand the significance holy cow????

I taught about Joseph Smith (honestly, most powerful time in ma life) and i was like "do you believe Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?" (usually i never ask this cause people will be like "na" and then spit out blasphemy and false doctrine) but all of them were like "ABSOLUTELY" and i was like "ok r we being punked????????"

And then we talked about the Book of Mormon! They thought it was sooo amazing. They had a million questions and were sooo pumped to read it!

Like the Knoetze family has been lookin' for a church and they're like "ya know, I believe we meet certain people for a reason!" @us!!!!

AND GET THISSSSSSSS

Literally that morning I had an uncanny and unearthly cravings for TimBits (essentially Canadian munchkin donuts). The elders called and after the phone call they're like "anything we can do for you?" and i LITERALLY mumbled "TimBits....." cause I literally wanted them SO BAD.

And that night, the Knoetze family gave me a box of TimBits to take home and they didn't even know I wanted them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer to prayer? of course.

Fulfillment of prophesy? probable.

Literally SO FLIPPIN AWESOME.

ah, the highs and lows of missionary life. but the highs always overpower the lows :)

P.S. Elder Nattress of the 70 came and he was awesome! Shook his hand, #starstruck. But they literally played our heart strings real good cause they legit didn't even mention smart phones at the conference. Real sneaky.

Lol, Love you all. Thanks for the prayers-- I feel them. :)

Love,

Sister Meiners

sry no pix.....