Week 13: Beachside Yoga, a Napkin to Remember Me by, and a Feast

Otay, this week was definitely one for the books! So many miracles, but only so much typing that I can take... the Lord is constantly blessing us missionaries so I'll just say the bestest ones 🙃😁

Odds n Ends

-My future children were named for me...Annabelle and Zakar

-I ALMOST got Sister McGhee to swing dance with me

-Shopped for Sister Darden... she is OBSESSED with butterfingers

-had breakfast lunch and dinner in the span of 7 hours one day this week

-finally got a working scale in the apartment!

-I was taught in a self defense class for relief society that a pen is better than a sword and ALWAYS to have pamphlets in hand to throw as a diversion.

-I passed out dead tired after a long day on the couch and Sister McGhee got me a blanket 🥺❤

-dodged Sister McGhee's hydro flask on the treadmill... I could've died

-it was biker week this week... IVE NEVER SEEN MORE MOTORCYCLES IN MY LIFE

Miracles

-This week we were able to be really humbled. We were grateful for the progress we've been making, and put our trust in the Lord. We knew we were successful as long as we brought someone closer to Christ, and that is always enough in God's eyes. After this humbling process, we were led to a referral, where we found 2 other amazing people. Delores and her daughter Ashley have a burning desire, and pretty much asked to be baptized! Opposition before the miracle!

-Delores, Ashley, and Ashleys boyfriend Andre all came to church! Our first new faces at church for a while!

-Ashley is a middle aged woman with hardly any education at all. It made me reflect how fortunate I am to have been able to learn! She asked if we could help her find a tutor, and we agreed to help. In 2nd hour at church, I wasn't able to sit right by Ashley. Sister Graubard asked if she'd like to switch me spots so I could, and I declined. Thank GOODNESS the Spirit told me to because Ashley turned to Sister Graubard and began telling her how she wants to learn her times tables and to be tutored. Guess who homeschooled all of her children and offered free tutoring? SISTER GRAUBARD!!! What a beautiful answer to our prayers!

-The Jacob's, a family we've been trying so hard with, has finally accepted the invitation to be baptized! Tony, Chelsea and Maximus are just eager to come unto Christ and come into the fold. Lily turns 8 next year but is so excited to see the rest of her family make this covenant.

Delores

I love Delores so much I decided I needed to brag about her. This woman is just a hoot! At first she thought I was 26 years old...(I definitely look younger than even a 19 year old 😅) and after seeing a picture of me with my hair down she decided I looked 17. Then she fed us this FEAST of a meal twice this week when we taught, even though she doesn't have much to give. Then she gave us a little napkin rag "to remember me by." Ahh I love her! And when we gave her her own copy of The Book of Mormon, she told me to write on the inside cover "This is Keyllow's Bible. DO NOT TOUCH." I reminded her that this was a Book of Mormon and wrote that instead.😂 She was the one who named my future children. She also came to church and asked if she was doing to be baptized. She's just so eager to come closer to God and receive the Holy Ghost! And one of my favorite things about Delores is when I sing in her home, or we sing in church, she begins waving her arms around as if she's leading the music and the Spirit. What's not to love about this woman!!! She's just so genuine. Her and Ashley have accepted the invitation to be baptized and we know God has a lot in store for these beautiful daughters of God!

Singing with the Spirit

I was fortunate to share my love for singing with the Surfside Beach Ward! I sang Savior Redeemer of My Soul. And wow you would think one day my heart might stop racing when I look out to see a bunch of people. But that day was not Sunday! Even though I was nervous, I could still feel the Spirit and I knew I had touched a few hearts. My family got to watch it on YouTube and support me even from far away which I loved. The hymns, children songs, and other church music are all INSPIRED AND DIVINE. When they are sung, the words will bring the Spirit, OR notes sung will. I KNOW THE POWER OF SONG. Remember how impactful it can be. It brings heaven just a bit closer.

Spiritual Thought

My mind has been focused most recently on how the Bible and Book of Mormon correlate. They confirm truths in each other, and the Book of Mormon reveals plain and precious truths that have been lost. Nephi says it best in 2 Nephi 5:32 "And I engraved that which is pleasing unto God. And if my people are pleased with the things of God they will be pleased with mine engravings which are upon these plates."

I know that if people are seeking for God's word and are pleased with the words of the Bible, they will ALSO be pleased with The Book of Mormon!!!! These books increase my testimony muscles more and more every day, and I'm so grateful for them. The testimonies of the prophets and stories and wisdom they share should be treasured! I invite all of you to treasure your scriptures and spend more time with them this week!

I can't believe I've been a missionary for a whole 3 months! Ahh! I'm excited to see who the Lord will change me into as Im in his devoted service. God is good! Have a great week yall! 😘

*I appreciate all those who send me emails, I'm sorry for the delay! Know that I DO read them and they touch my heart to know I'm being thought of back home. So thank yall and I'll respond next week hopefully!

Also, please pray for my dear Hermana Jacqueline Douglass, this fierce sister is braving it in the mission field and I want her to have a support and safety on her new journey!

Birthdays

Happy UNBirthday to you all! There might be someone I've missed, and if I have, y'all better let me know!!

Pictures