Lovest Thou Me More Than These?

Hey all!

This week was insanely busy but insanely good. 

We got news... sis Schmidt is leaving to go back to the Spanish Branch. And I'm staying here and getting Sister Mamata!! I'm so grateful for sis Schmidt. She has made a huge impact on my life and has taught me so much. I really look up to her and the way that she loves our friends so deeply. She is powerful. I'm devastated that she's leaving but I know the Hispanic people need her. I can't wait for after the mission when we get to hang out and have long talks and watch movies together:))) she has changed me for the better! 

I am so excited to get Sister Mamata! She's a legend in the mission and I can't wait to get to know her better. 

Tracy got a priesthood blessing yesterday. It was powerful. In the blessing the Lord expressed His love for her. I had been having a hard time knowing how to help her and then after hearing how much the Lord loves her and needs her in His church it brought be comfort to know that He has a plan for her. And that we need to keep giving our all to help her. I love her tons and am so excited for her to experience the blessings the Lord has for her. I know it will come in time!! 

I've had so many experiences that have shown me how much God knows me. For example we were craving little Ceasars pizza Monday night. We didn't get any. But then the next day we had a dinner with our food friend Margaret. She got us little Ceasars!! We didn't even tell her we had that craving. It was a small detail that reminded me that God cares about the little things. That dinner with Margaret was powerful. She shared what she's been going through with us and it felt so good to talk and be with her. I love her tons! 

We met with so many members this week and each time it was so powerful. Our district leader promised us that as we did our best to be with members this week, we'd see miracles and they would be encouraged to share the Gospel with their friends. We saw that happen!! There are so many amazing members in this area. Some who are fired up to share the Gospel in little ways. And others who are so strong as they face their trials. It felt so special to be with them. I learned that being vulnerable is powerful. Those members were vulnerable with us and it brought the spirit in such a special way. 

President Gentile, the first counselor in the mission Presidency, has given some powerful devotionals to our mission lately. In a recent one, he talked about John 15:2. The Savior is talking to Peter and says, "Lovest thou me more than these?"

I love that scripture. Pres Gentile asked us... 

Do you love the Savior more than numbers? 

Do you love the Savior more than miracles?

Will you still love the Savior even if things don't go your way? 

It was powerful. A good reminder to me that everything is about Him. This work is only possible because of Him. I can be whole because of Him. Our friends will be okay because of Him. I know He is in the details. When "those majestic forces from His heart and ours meet without restraint, there is a veritable explosion of spiritual, moral power. Then, as Teilhard de Chardin wrote, “for [the] second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”" (Elder Holland, October 2021) 

I want that. I want to increase my love for Him and make everything I do about Him. 

I love you all!! 

Sis Ross 

1) Bible study group!

2) a big snowman and the best district ever 

3)horchata!

4) Margaret:)

5) we needed crumbl after our interviews w pres.... that's when we found out sis Schmidt was leaving 

6) hehehe we got like no breaks this week. I needed to lay in the snow to wake myself up lol cuz i was dead tired 

7) weekly Thurber dinner!

The rest.... people I love sooo much!!