INSPIRE!

ALOHA FAM BAM!!

This last week was FULL of tender mercies. Sister B, M and I have been working haaaard, trying to visit literally every house in the 5 wards we are covering in these last few weeks. And that, coupled with our Visitors' Center shift... has been very rewarding :)

Life is good here in Hawaii!!

Yesterday, I was having a slightly hard day for some reason and I was pushing through it and praying that I could see a miracle or small tender mercy to know that I was doing enough and the second we arrived to shift at the visitors' center, my "hanai mother" (P) from full-field had brought her daughter and husband in to come see me!! P is not a member, we taught her a lot full field but she isn't interested in the church. However, she is the most Christ-like woman I have ever met. Before I left, she gave me a pearl necklace and told me that I was like a daughter to her. I hadn't seen her since until she came into the Visitors Center to see me yesterday!! I was so surprised and full of love that I wanted to cry :) I asked her how she felt at the Visitors Center and she said "I only came to see you, I would never set foot here on my own." haha! Someday I hope and pray that her heart will be softened to the gospel because I know without a doubt that it will only bless her and her family. I know that she was one of the people I was supposed to meet on my mission. Maybe not for her benefit, but certainly for mine. With all that she's been through in her life, she has inspired me to always look to God and trust. It is easy to lose our faith when trials come. It is harder, but more rewarding and noble, to keep our faith even when we are in the furnace of affliction. It reminds me of something that President Uchtdorf said this last general conference in the priesthood session, "there is nothing noble or impressive about being cynical. Skepticism is easy—anyone can do it. It is the faithful life that requires moral strength, dedication, and courage. Those who hold fast to faith are far more impressive than those who give in to doubt when mysterious questions or concerns arise."

I love you all!! Thanks for your continuous prayers and faith!! Be an inspirer!

Sister Willardson