Good-bye Spokane Valley, Hello Argentina!

Hey Leavitt Fam!

Wow, things have changed in the blink of an eye!  President told me to do my laundry and email my family on Saturday, so that's why you're getting an early email, because on Monday I'll be in a plane headed to Argentina!  But you already knew that. :) 

I honestly don't know what to write because I have no idea what's in store for me, but I'm definitely beyond excited to be able to start my "second mission."  Ever since Wednesday it's been a crazy whirlwind of action, getting Sister Almaraz ready to take over the area and getting me ready for Argentina. The poor thing is so nervous about taking over the area, and she has to be a "solo sister" for a week seeing as I'm leaving before transfers.  And we have just been seeing miracle after miracle this week in the Bowdish area.  I wanted to tell you about one specific cool thing that happened. 

On Tuesday something happened where many of our appointments fell through and a missionary's worst nightmare was realized: We didn't have any more plans, we were left with nothing to do.  So being the faithful little things we are we said a prayer to Heavenly Father asking for forgiveness for not planning very well and asking Him to guide us as to what we should do.  Nothing hit us, so I suggested we go tracting at some of these apartments that I had tracted when I first got to Washington.  I wasn't terribly excited about my idea, seeing as this apartment complex isn't the most pleasant of places (there's a sign on one of the doors that says "No Solicitors and NO HANGING BLACK TAGS!!") but hey, it was something to do. 

So we went and started knocking and finally a door opened and a big man with a huge beard stood in the doorway.  I immediately recognized him and realized with horror that we had already knocked these specific doors a few months earlier and this particular man hadn't been the friendliest guy ever.  He obviously recognized me too, but his reaction took me by complete surprise.  "Hey I know you! You're the church girls." What followed was then a delightful conversation with this man who had been so grumpy the last time and wanted NOTHING to do with us. But THIS time he was like, "You know I've been looking for a chuch, and I think this might be just what I'm looking for."  Um.... what?!  We were so surprised and happy, and we have a church tour with him next week! 

It just goes to show that Heavenly Father really does guide us, even in our ideas that might seem silly.  He knew that Dan was now ready to open his heart, even though just a few short months ago he had been completely closed.  So He led us to him, and gave him a second chance. But I also want to note that we had to knock at a few nasty doors and get rejected a good amount before we got to the miracle.  Patience.  It's something we all want but don't want to practice right?

Anyways, that was super cool, and just one example of the way that this marvelous missionary work is moving forward in the Spokane Valley.  I'm gonna miss this place with all my heart.  We went to a ward barbecue last night, and I realized how much I LOVE all of these people.  They just wrapped their arms around me and made me their own, and the little Indiana Branch and amazing Bowdish Ward in Spokane Valley will forever be in my heart. 

I love this work so much, and I love being a representative of Jesus Christ each and every day!  I know He lives and that He brings light and happiness and peace to our lives if we just let Him.  His Restored Gospel is on the earth today in all of it's glory!  And I'm so excited to see this work move forth in the Buenos Aires West Mission now!  It's going to be another adventure of a life time!

Love you so much fam, and I hope you have an amazing week.  Thank you so much for all of your prayers on my behalf, and tell everyone else thank you too.  It means so much to me.  Love you, and the next time I report, it'll be probably be from a little internet cafe in Buenos Aires, Argentina! :)

All my love, 

Hermana Leavitt

 Our crazy district.  I'm gonna miss these Elders and Sister a LOT.

We had a girl's facial night at Sister Floyd's house with Alicia and Katelyn, along with an amazing lesson. Now THIS family I am going to miss.  And I'm so sad that I miss their baptism by a week especially since I've been with them throughout the whole journey.  But the good thing is I get to come back and visit in a few years! :)

If I Could Only Say One Thing...

UPDATE ON VISA WAITERS form the Buenos Aries West Mission Blog:

8/21
"The good news is that we have received all of the April visas for the missionaries that were due to come in that group! I know that some mission presidents have already told our missionaries that they will be on their way next Monday. However, ALL of the April group will be coming! If you haven't heard from your missionary, please do not worry. Please do not call or write or try to communicate with your missionary in any way. Many presidents, including the one here in Buenos Aires West, don't tell their missionaries they are leaving until the day before. Just be sure you have your phone handy on Monday in case your April waiter happens to have a little extra time at the airport to give you a call. Otherwise, you can look forward to a picture from Argentina next Tuesday...a week from today!!!!!!!

That good news means that we have 13 waiters left...7 still in the US and 6 in six different countries of Latin America. We are not forgetting them and continue to keep them in our prayers."

Elise's email yesterday was short and sweet--she was catching up on longer family letters, and we sensed a bit of discouragement at not having her visa. Elise doesn't know she's going yet, but she will be soooooo thrilled! Thank you for all your prayers and support! Check out pics on the Buenos Aries West Mission Blog next Tuesday! Hello Argentina!

If I could only say one thing...it would be that God is REAL, He is our FATHER, and He LOVES us!

I honestly am so sorry I don't have more time, I will make up for it next week. I love you all so so very much. 

Love,

Sister Leavitt

This is HIS Work!

Dearest Family,

My heart is full and grateful right now as I write to you, and I'm excited to share some amazing things I've learned this week with you.

The work here is moving along beautifully, even though every day I grow increasingly aware of my weaknesses as a missionary.  There are just a thousand ways that I want to improve: working better with members, teaching with more power, talking to EVERYONE, keeping accurate records, following the Spirit.  The list goes on and on, but the amazing thing is that the Lord's work still moves on despite the shortcomings of His servants.  And that is just a testament to me that this truly is His work, and He is in complete control. That realization was so huge to me this week, and this is so important, I just need to write it again: this is HIS work, and HE IS IN CONTROL.   And if we are doing our best to be obedient, he is going to use us for more good than we can possible imagine.  I sense that the same thing is happening in Highland, UT right now with faithful people who, though not perfect, are being used by the Lord in grand and incredible ways to move His work forward. 

Here in Spokane Valley, we are still working with Alicia and her beautiful kids to help them feel ready and prepared for baptism.  The oldest, Caitlyn, just got back from Girls Camp, which was a huge blessing as the girls really rallied around her.  The youth of this Church are incredible. I have a really neat experience that I want to share, but I'm running out of time so I'll have to share it next week.  But just as a preview, it's about an alcoholic woman I met months ago who's embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ and now pours over the Book of Mormon the way she used to read Vogue magazine. :)

I've gotta run, but know that I love you all so very very much.  I'm amazed at the goodness of my family members.  Above all this week, I'm grateful for your examples.  I love being a missionary. :)

Love, Hermana Leavitt

He Is In Control!

Dearest Family,

My heart is full and grateful right now as I write to you, and I'm excited to share some amazing things I've learned this week with you....

The work here is moving along beautifully, even though every day I grow increasingly aware of my weaknesses as a missionary.  There are just a thousand ways that I want to improve: working better with members, teaching with more power, talking to EVERYONE, keeping accurate records, following the Spirit.  The list goes on and on, but the amazing thing is that the Lord's work still moves on despite the shortcomings of His servants.  And that is just a testament to me that this truly is His work, and He is in complete control. That realization was so huge to me this week, and this is so important, I just need to write it again: this is HIS work, and HE IS IN CONTROL.   And if we are doing our best to be obedient, he is going to use us for more good than we can possible imagine.  I sense that the same thing is happening in Highland, UT right now with faithful people who, though not perfect, are being used by the Lord in grand and incredible ways to move His work forward. 

Here in Spokane Valley, we are still working with Alicia and her beautiful kids to help them feel ready and prepared for baptism.  The oldest, Caitlyn, just got back from Girls Camp, which was a huge blessing as the girls really rallied around her.  The youth of this Church are incredible. I have a really neat experience that I want to share, but I'm running out of time so I'll have to share it next week.  But just as a preview, it's about an alcoholic woman I met months ago who's embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ and now pours over the Book of Mormon the way she used to read Vogue magazine. :)

I've gotta run, but know that I love you all so very very much.  I'm amazed at the goodness of my family members.  Above all this week, I'm grateful for your examples.  I love being a missionary. :)

Love, Hermana Leavitt

Remembering the Gospel

Hi everybody! 

It sounds like life is wonderful in Utah and out in Michigan, and it's especially good to hear that you are HAPPY.  Thank you so much for your emails and support.  This week just about exploded with miracles that I'm so excited to tell you about!

First miracle is Haley.  A long time ago, back in my first transfer here, we went tracting one day (which is kind of a rare occurrence since it isn't always the most effective) and knocked on this door where the man was super nice and down-to-earth, but wasn't interested because he didn't have Christian beliefs.  BUT he told us that his wife and two daughters were hard core Baptist and that his older daughter, Haley, had a goal to go to all the different churches in the Valley this summer and do some exploring to find out for herself which is THEE church.  And this girl is only 12 years old!! Sound like a familiar story? No wonder Heavenly Father revealed His restored gospel through a 14-year-old boy!  These kids are so incredible, so insightful, and most importantly, so humble. 

Anyways, we came back many times to talk to Haley but she was never home.  This past week we went back again and she was finally home!  So we met Haley, and let me tell ya, this girl is cool.  She acts like she's about 30, but has the teachablility and humility of a small child.  So we sat down with her that day, taught her about the Restoration, and invited her to be baptized at the end of our first meeting.  I almost fell off my chair when she quickly nodded and said without hesitation, "Yeah!"  She had just been baptized into her Baptist church two months ago and is very committed to her church.  But it just goes to show how powerful the Holy Ghost is in testifying of truth.  We've had a few lessons with her since, and it is so amazing to hear her say after a lesson,"That just makes sense."  (definitely a common theme that we hear from our investigators.)  Haley isn't LEARNING the Gospel. She's REMEMBERING the Gospel.  Her Spirit is just remembering everything that it already knew about Heavenly Father's love for her and His amazing plan for her. 

So my time is up, and I'm so sad because there was so much more to share!  I really need to get quicker at this whole story-telling thing. But I'm so excited to let you know about Haley next week!  I love you all so much fan!  

Love, 

Hermana Leavitt