Monday, March 24, 2014

March 24

Beautiful Ohio countryside


S Bakker and Jill working on the Word of Wisdom

Mom,
  
So this week we have been working hard preparing for a lot of things coming up.  First of all, I would like you all to know that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland is coming to visit Kirtland on May 21st to hold a mission conference!  WE ARE SO EXCITED!  We have had all sorts of good news this last week.   
We have been doing a lot of service this week.  We went over to Jill’s to help her clean in preparation for her surgery this week.  She asked if we would hang up pictures in her apartment.  It has been a bit bare the whole time she has lived there, and that was fun for me.  She really needs to be living the word of wisdom for her surgery, and she just can't quit her smoking.  We have been doing a lot to try and help her, but if she doesn't want it herself we can't force her.  So in little baby steps we have been trying.  She sacrificed two of her remaining six cigarettes this weekend.  That was good. The word of wisdom is such a blessing to us.  I never realized how much until I saw just how horrible it is on people. 
Jim is doing great.  He is as golden as ever.  We are really looking forward to his baptism this Saturday.  He wanted to change the date because his family decided to drive in from down in Cincinatti.  Hopefully it will be a good experience.  I talked Sister Chapman into singing (she has a beautiful voice) so that will definitely enhance the spirit there.  We have been inviting everyone so we hope to have a really good turn out from everyone. 
It was a great Sunday with many people there (maybe 50, but a lot for our Branch).  Michelle was the first to come in.   She and her son, Joey (17), came to church this week also!  It has been years since she came to church.  When she walked in, she was shaking a bit, and she promised she would be back next week (depending on her husband...) .  The F’s also came to church yesterday!  Dane wasn't going to stay the whole time, but he ended up coming into Gospel Principles for our lesson on the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  I have never had such a good experience in that class before.  The spirit was strong, and it was evident that everyone was edified.  Our class was so big, they had to move us out of the little kitchen area and trade rooms with another class.  That was a good feeling.  Sometimes as a missionary you work so hard to help people come to church, and in the end many missionaries never see the results.  It felt rewarding for the Jensons as well as us to have so many people there.  We are building up St. Marys!!!!
That was just a little update for our week.  I hope you are all doing well.  The weather is trying to warm up.  We are predicted to have snow again this week (which I am okay with :) ).  We will see what it looks like this weekend.  Spring is trying to happen, but my guess is we still have a little while. 
 I love you all.  I am so excited for all of the awesome things happening in each of your lives.  I know that our Heavenly Father cares about us, and the things that are important to us.  He will help us achieve our greatest potential! 

Love,
Sister Bakker

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