August 30, 2011

Hello Everyone!,
  Another great week to be a missionary! Elder Zwick of the Seventy met with us yesterday for a special Mission Conference. It was awesome and really powerful. We received a lot of good advice, but more than anything, he expressed love and gratitude for all that we are doing, not only from him, but from the first presidency. I felt truly honored to be a missionary. Of course, I feel that every day.
  We had four women from our branch go to the temple to receive their endowments on Saturday. The light they brought back with them was blinding. I was a little jealous. More than anything though, I was so grateful to see the change that came over them and to be a part of it. I hope I can see that change when many of their husbands go in November as well. What joy there is in the Gospel and in seeing families joined together for eternity.
  I know I talk about the gospel in just about every letter. It’s just that as a missionary I see the difference between those who live the precepts of the gospel and those who don't. I used to feel the commandments were restrictive. Now, as I’m involved in this work, I see it is the World that is binding and that there is freedom and safety in the commandments. I wish there was some way to show each one of you the difference. I do know that when we live the commandments and follow the teachings God has given us to help us, we have so much more happiness in our lives. I am so grateful for their safety and protection for me, not only as a missionary, but as a daughter of God.
  Still two weeks until the end of the transfer. I have NO IDEA what is going to happen, but I think this may be the end of my companionship with Hermana Dollahite. As my Dad told me earlier this week it is absolutely useless to speculate and frankly is a waste of the Lord's time to do so. I will be grateful for every second I have with her. She is the greatest person I have ever met. I am so lucky to have her as my friend, companion, and sister.
 
I love you All,
Hermana Levanger