# 35

Dear President,

I hope you enjoyed the Mission Tour....I loved it! After being trained on working with ward leaders, our district decided to fast for ways we can help the Bishop, goals for next year, and for auxiliary leaders' help in putting together a functioning ward council. Unprompted, the Bishop pulled me and Sister T aside and laid out the Ward Mission Plan for next year (2014). The goals that he told us are: 22 baptisms, 96% retention rate of new converts, and 50% of less actives reactivated. It was amazing how fast Heavenly Father answered our prayer. 

As far as lists of less actives, we have an updated list in our apartment, that we can send you next week if you would like. All of the auxialiary callings are filled here in Vanadzor, it is more a matter of working with some individuals to help them be more involved (without crossing the lines between mission and stake). As a district, we are going to work with these individuals and the Bishop to create a functioning ward council.

The ward members here are fantastic. The contribute a lot to missionary work. Sister T and I received many referrals and new investigators this week, many of which were from members. 

I know that this is exactly what I needed right now. This area and my companion are exactly what I needed. Sister T is so filled with hope and light. The people here love her and I love her. When we teach, it flows so well. We've have a few instances already where the spirit has prompted both of us to say the same thing at the same time. It was really awesome to watch that. In the end, it doesn't matter who says it, but we've recognized that it so important that we are both worthy to receive inspiration from the Spirit to help our investigators. 

I can't remember if I told you, but my mom has a staph infection that she is being treated for, and this week her doctor will be taking out her stitches from her surgery. My dad wrote me: "On Thursday she had a doctor's appointment. She was told that: 1) the antibiotics are succesfully attacking her staph infection; 2) her incision site is recovering quicker than anticipated; 3) the pathology confirmed that the cancer cells that were removed were recurrent and that it was a surprise that the cancer was back that quickly; and 4) it was a blessing in disguise to have surgery to get the cancer cells removed." Three out of the four are good news, and as for #3, she will be visiting Duke (the top brain tumor center in the US) for further treatment. Heavenly Father has really been blessing her and watching over her. 

This week in personal study I was reading Doctrine and Covenants Section 100. This chapter really stuck with me, especially at this time on my mission. In the first verse, the Lord talks about how missionaries' families are in His hands and not to worry and to continue on in the work. Later, He promised that if we declare all things with "solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness", the "Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say." I know that this promise is real. I think the best part of this promise is that when we turn away from our concerns, and sincerely focus on others' welfare, the Lord blesses all parties involved (those we are concerned for, us, and those we serve).

I'm so grateful to be here at this time, in this area with my companion. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and for His Son, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the perfect love that He has for me and for His sacrifice for me. I know that He is my Savior. I know Him and love Him. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Love,

Sister Morreall

Dear Family,

That is too bad to hear about the missionary transfers there. But I hope we get some more awesome missionaries there who are excited for the work.

That's funny that you were reminiscing about my embarrassing/funny moments as a child...as long as you never tell anyone!!

As far as my area and my companion. I love them both!! My companion reminds me of a mix of Isabel Tenorio, Kendal Ianuzi, and Nicole Kashou haha. She is awesome!!

I miss and love you all and I will write out a letter next week. We only get half a Prep day this week because we get all of Thanksgiving off! 

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving with the family! 

Love,

Misa :)

Funny/cool things:

They burn the dead leaves on the streets here. I come home smelling like a camp fire.

There is a girl here in my ward who is Asia's age that has hair down to here knees...I told her I am going to grow my hair out like that so I can cut it for Mom :)