September 12, 2011

Hello Everyone!
I can't believe I am actually writing this...Hermana Dollahite and I are staying in St. Pete for a fifth transfer! Not only have we been together longer than any other sister missionaries in one area with one companion, we have now passed all missionaries! I guess the Lord just isn't done with us here! The thoughts and feelings of my heart right now are amazing. While I was okay with a transfer, and I knew I would miss Hermana Dollahite and St. Pete desperately, I also knew that whatever happened would be the will of the Lord. I am so grateful that the will of the Lord is to keep us here! Hermana Dollahite and I will serve together for seven months, nearly half a mission! When this transfer ends, I will be three days away from my nine-month mark.....NUTS!!!!! I remember Hermana Dollahite celebrated her nine-month mark on my third day in the field...I thought she was such an old missionary! How did that happen!
We had the blessing of having Elder Nelson in our mission this past week. I learned so much in that conference, not only about being a missionary but about myself as well. I learned more about my role as a missionary, and had my power and authority as a servant of God emphasized and reaffirmed by a prophet of the Lord. What a blessing it is to be a missionary! We have been given so much, and I know that much is expected. How I look forward to every second I have, proving my commitment and love to the Savior and His work.  It was truly an experience I will never forget as long as I live, sitting at the feet of an apostle (the assigned seating had Sister Dollahite and me in the front row, right under the pulpit), being taught and having a blessing pronounced upon us and our work. I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to be one of the Lord's chosen servants at this time.
Two of our investigators right now are the parents of a recent convert in the Palm Harbor area. They were originally from Portugal and most recently from Venezuela. They have a REALLY heavy Portuguese accent. Anyway, we have been working with them, and at first no one thought they were going to be interested because they told others they were Catholic (like EVERY Hispanic convert!). When we began teaching them, we realized they aren't really THAT Catholic! The Mother is especially proactive about learning about the church and had already read to 2 Nephi before we even had the first lesson with them! Last Wednesday, we had an incredible lesson on the restoration with them. It was so powerful. We committed her to a baptismal date and the spirit in the room was amazing! Even the flat tire we got on the way home didn’t bring us down! Once again, Hermana Dollahite and her trusty AAA card/membership saved the day! (Funny story: she got her renewed card only a couple of hours earlier in the mail!) Amazing how Heavenly father looks after his missionaries!
In a previous e-mail I mentioned that I hoped the Largo Branch would be meeting in the chapel by the end of the year. I know that was well beyond my authority to foresee, but I really did feel a confirmation that this was the future of the branch, that the people here were simply too incredible and precious in the sight of God to have them not grow and continue to progress. Well, on Sunday we received the news that the Largo Spanish Branch will be meeting in the chapel for a three month trial period beginning January 1st, 2012. For example, the picture with this post is of the two sisters baptized since our arrival, with their babies who were born after they arrived in the branch. See how the branch is growing! Only by seeing into my head and heart could you comprehend the joy I feel! I know I am unable to express it in words; I am so thrilled and honored to be a small part of the miracles that are happening in Saint Petersburg.
We already have plans to have that first meeting packed, and all those that follow. By the end of this year, the Largo Spanish Branch will be changed forever, and will still only be beginning to reach its potential. If nothing else comes of my mission (and I know there are many more blessings to follow), I will know with a full surety that I have been a part of something truly remarkable. These are the kind of experiences that change you, and I can assure you all I am changed forever because of the blessings I have received to be here in this area with Hermana Dollahite.
Love you All,
Hermana Levanger