WEEK SIX : His Work, Not Mine

What a week. We started off with a pday at FIVE GUYS. I've been craving an American burger so I was chuffed.

On Tuesday we had interviews and training with President Green and our district. My companion and I thought it was in Sheffield but it was in Doncaster. Long story short, our train was delayed, our bus didn't come, and we ended up walking 40 minutes in the rain to get to our destination. We showed up 2 hours late. When it was my turn for an interview, President took me on a walk. I told him my frustrations and concerns, and after talking it out with him it suddenly clicked. I feel helpless. I can't speak the language of the majority of the people we are teaching, I am being trained, I'm brand new, the public transport here is garbage, etc. But now that I recognize my struggle, I see exactly why the Lord put me where he did. He needs me to not feel in control in order to learn how to do this work HIS way, not mine. Isn't it funny how the Lord gives us the exact trials we need to grow? He knows me so well:)

On Wednesday we visited a cute elderly woman in our ward named Jean Collier. She showed us pictures in her scrapbook of her grandmother, Eliza Jones. She also showed us pictures of her many years ago as a ballerina and acrobat!

Sister Collier. She brought a bag to church of fruit and treats for us to take home each week

We also went to the British Heart Foundation to dust furniture for weekly service...and let me tell ya. Dusting for 3 hours feels like eternity. Luckily this week they had an old piano out for sale, and instead of dusting I got to play piano as background music for customers coming in. It was honestly such a blessing because I have really missed playing the piano because it helps relieve a lot of my stress. I played a lot of hymns so it was a form of missionary work...right?

Macko family. Kids are Anna maria, Janko (yan), nikolas and Geisa

I wanted to share some brief insights that I had in my personal study this week. Have you ever heard the story of Gideon in the Bible? Go read the talk "The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon". It's golden. There are two main takeaways I want to touch on. First: we ARE capable of doing what the Lord asks of us. Gideon was just an average Joe with no special talents, but through the Lord's help led an army of 300 to victory. "God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability!" Second: The Lord needs to humble us so that we know we cannot do it on our own. I have felt that as the Lord has put me in a position where I do not feel in control of just about anything. I learned quickly that this isn't my work, it's his. I couldn't do this without him. Take a step back and think about the trials you are currently facing. Do you think that there is a reason he gave you that specific one? He gives each of us different trials that WE need in order to grow, and so that we rely upon him. Keep that in mind.

Have a fantastic week! Cheers!

Sister Jones

(PS: I have a job for you. Go to the temple for me this week. After going to the temple every week for over 2 years, I realize what a difference it made in my life. I can't go for a while so will you do me a favor and go? Thanks.)

the beginnings of a life long friendship

Sister Pegg came to visit with her dog "Honey" and chat so we could take a little break. She called us and said, "Look out your window." If you know me, I love dogs!

I'm grateful for these kind people who are always watching out for the missionaries!