Steadfastness In Christ

Hey everyone!!

Wowowowow. I have so much to say. My email last week was pretty short BUT.  here I am to share the amazing things I've experienced the past couple of weeks.  

Saying goodbye to the people of Wyoming, Michigan ripped my heart out. I miss that place and those people with everything in me. The way I grew those 6 months in that area was so so incredible. The Lord taught me many things. I had an incredible companion, sis mamata, who taught me what it means to do things right beside our Savior. That we don't need to to it alone. Everything that's asked of us is possible because of Him!! I've learned that I  don't need to beat myself up when I make a little mistake. I can move forward with peace and happiness because Christ is my Savior! He has suffered for me and for you. He wants us to rejoice in Him. In Wyoming I learned of the blessing of daily repentance. How cool is it that we have the opportunity to move forward. To not be stuck in our same mistakes or trials. The Savior allows for us to keep moving forward. I also learned of the importance of binding myself to Christ through covenants found only in this church with His priesthood. I feel so grateful for Him. 

The people I met there changed me completely. I will never forget all I learned in that place and how I came to understand the Savior and myself in such a special way. 

This week in Kalkaska has been special!! So so so special. I've been in a trio with my MTC companion (Sister Hawea), and Sister Stewart! They're both incredible. Sis hawea actually went home this morning because she finished her mission! So grateful I still have two transfers out here #thankyoucholesteatoma 

It was cool to be with her and get to know her better. We shared some special moments together and it was great to reflect on how we've grown throughout our missions. And Sister Stewart, my new companion, is absolutely incredible. She works so hard and I love her tons already. 

This weekend ELDER SOARES CAME TO OUR MISSION!!! OH MY THAT WAS SO COOL. Elder soares is an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is called to represent Christ and minister to others on His behalf. It's pretty amazing. Having him come visit us as missionaries was so special. 

 I learned so much about the Savior when he came. Elder soares is humble, honest, charitable, in the moment with people, and is just trying to be more like Christ. I loved that about Him. He talked about our commitment to serve the Lord as missionaries. He talked about how Christ magnifies our efforts. He emphasized the importance of always staying true to our covenants and to the Lord's purpose for us in life. That includes not falling away from the covenant path. The right way is the Savior's way! That is where pure joy is found. Pure joy and peace. I have felt that and I know it's true! Satan wants us to think joy is found elsewhere. But I know blessings come when we follow the prophet and follow our Savior. He is the only way. 

Elder soares gave a multi stake broadcast on Sunday as well. He talked about the importance of moving forward with positive spiritual momentum. He shared things that really brought the spirit.  

A scripture that stuck out to me was 

2 Nephi 31:19-20 

"ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope..."

I know hope is found in our Savior! We all face dark trials and confusion in this world. But I know as we move forward WITH CHRIST, and hope and trust in Him, everything will work out. I could write for hours and hours about how grateful I am for Him. It hasn't been an easy transition leaving Wyoming but I've felt Him there every step of the way. And i know you can, too!

I love you all!! 

Sis Ross 

1) Our fun trio!!

2) the shoe tree in Kalkaska with elder and sister lake, the senior couple here!

3) I love these twoooo 

4) got to see my moana!!! :)

5) we love this book 

6,7,8) saying goodbye to sis mamata, the Reids, and Tracy: (