Called to Serve: week 2: there will be miracles...happy halloween 2020!

hello hello!!

My favorite Sister Jex told me that “the MTC days go slow and weeks would go fast” and man that is the TRUTH! Everyday seems so full and slow, yet I only have one week left holy smokies! I love my comp, my district, and my teachers more and more everyday! It makes my heart sad to know I may not meet most of these amazing people, but what a blessing to spend 10 hours a day with them over zoom!

This week, my companion and I were able to begin teaching lessons to "nonmembers" in what are called TRCs. We were able to teach Marshall, a kid from Georgia who plays on the UVU soccer team, twice this week. We read 3 Nephi 11 together and discussed how we would feel if we were able to be one of the people who was there when Jesus came to the Americas. It was so precious to place ourselves in that situation and think of what we would do if we were to meet the Savior and then to bear our own testimonies of Christ and his love for us. Even if it was a fake lesson(super awk when we invited him to a church activity with us and he followed up with, "Aren't you guys in Oregon and Montana?" Pray Marshall doesn't show up to a fake soccer game we planned on Monday night hahaha!), it made me so so excited to begin teaching real lessons to people all over the world!

Oregon blessed us with a week of sunshine and high 50s, so you best believe I took advantage! I sat outside for class on Wednesday and part of Thursday to soak in the sun while all my Canada, Logan, and Montana friends sat bundled indoors. Friday, aunt Kathryn came to visit in my class break to go on a walk in Graham Oaks and catch up! (fav aunt points

). Today, mom and dad and I went exploring and found a new hike w a great view of Mt. Hood!!

I feel like Halloween 2020 just sounds like a good name for a horror movie(you're welcome Hollywood). But nothing scary here! Pumpkin carving is always my fav, so this year I obviously had to do something cool to represent the mish! Utah to England and mom’s masked jack-o-lantern hehe.

ok let’s get spiritual!

When I went to HEFY in Mexico a few years ago, our theme was "There Will Be Miracles." Every night, we would look back and find the miracles and time we had seen God's hand in our lives throughout the day and we were amazed to see how MANY times He had blessed us. My goal on my mission is to keep that same theme in my heart and look for miracles throughout the week and share them with you all!!

I love Alma 26:11-12 that says,
11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.
12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.

So on that note, this week's miracle came from Thursday's field trip to the dentist. One of my teeth was starting to turn gray, so they were worried it would need a filling or root canal or even to be pulled, none being very not good options(especially w my mission sched)! But, they took some x-rays and scans and it was all okay!! We were able to leave after an hour and not have to worry about any crazy or expensive procedures before I leave in a week! A true MIRACLE! I know Heavenly Father is watching over each of His children. He loves us and if we have faith and expect those miracles, He will bless us!!!

love you all, sister dougall