Newfoundland

Crissy sent me some pictures from the party.It looks like you all had a good time. I hope that Mom's recovery is going well. Thanks for the updates on everyone, including Grandpa Renda. I have been thinking about him and wasn't sure what progress had been made with his cancer. That's very exciting news about Kali! I'm sad I won't be there, but you will have to congratulate her for me. I was thinking about Nikki this last week and figured she must be coming home soon. Wow! Time sure flies! Way to invite the sisters over. I hope that their practice teaching brought the Spirit and that they will be able to find someone to teach soon.

This week was filled with miracles. I almost couldn't fall asleep one night this week because I was SO happy. The senior missionary couple in the branch finished their service and left this morning to make the long trek back to Utah. Their names are the Scheels. They are from Fruit Heights. Elder and Sister Priest are the new missionary couple. They are from Greenwood, Nova Scotia. I am excited to get to know them better and serve alongside them.

We had a surprise going away party for the Scheels this week. They were told it was an emergency preparedness fireside, but really it was some shocking good party for them instead. (A little Newfie lingo for ya).

Bear, the Newfoundland

I had a day this week that I felt rather discouraged, but I remembered Austin telling me that any time I felt that way as a missionary it was because Satan is trying to get me down so I don't accomplish what the Lord needs done that day. That proved to be true. We found some of the most prepared people that day. We set up appointments with them for later in the week. We contacted this couple at a secondhand store that we were looking to volunteer at. They were in the parking lot dropping off some items to donate when we got there. We stopped and chatted with them. Their names are Brendan and Wanda. They both grew up Christian but it wasn't until the past few years that they truly came to know Jesus Christ personally. We set up a lesson with them for the next day and when we arrived they weren't home. :( The day after we called them again and Brendan wanted to meet that night. He is thirsting after righteousness and felt good about meeting with us to hear our message. Last night we taught him again and invited him to be baptized in October. His response, "Yes. What do I have to do to prepare?" :D One of the most prepared people I have met on my mission.

I love being an instrument in the Lord's hands. Most often I don't realize that I am. In retrospect, I see how the Lord is painting this incredible picture and how everything miraculously fell into place. We just need to act on those small thoughts to do something good. Just do your best and leave the rest to Him.

I love you! Have a great week!

Sister Maren Renda