Moving to a Family Stake

Hola Family!
What a wonderful week! Sister Hill and I were blessed to take part in two baptisms this weekend.

Sister Shumate and I met Jose about 6 months ago. Jose is an amazing example of diligence and perseverance. He bore his testimony at his baptism and told every one that his next goal is to serve a mission. WHAT?! He walked up to the baptism with a white shirt and tie on and I had to take a second look because he looked just like a missionary. His countenance was shining so bright. He has faced a lot of opposition preparing him for this point. He can't wait to come help us teach others who share the same struggles that he does. I'm not going to lie, for the longest time I never thought Jose' would get to this point so soon, but miracles people, MIRACLES happen.

Remember Whitney? Pretty sure I told you about her when we found her about 2 months ago. Well, through this process of teaching her, she's gotten back in contact with her mom who was baptized about 2 years ago. She thought this would destroy her family because they are all Methodist, but it's done quite the opposite. At the baptism, they embraced each other in tears. Whitney bore her testimony and stated, "Sister Fredrick found me. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!" One Monday night a couple months ago on the sidewalk we picked up a conversation, sang her "I am a child of God", and invited her to learn more about the church. What brought it all full-circle and also brought me to tears was when we sang "I am a Child of God." Whitney chose to sing it in remembrance of that first cold night we randomly chose to sing it to her.

I know that I am called to serve in this mission in this area for things like this. I know I knew Whitney and Jose before this life. I promised them that I would find them and bring them back to Heavenly Father.

I know now that my time here at ISU is coming to an end. We received transfer calls this week and on Wednesday I am going to be serving in a neighboring stake. It will cover 7 wards. 1 YSA and 6 family. I'll actually be serving in the area where the mission home is! For quite some time now I've been thinking I really really desire to be part of a family baptism. I want to give back to the hard work the sisters took to find dad's family. I know as I work hard in Highland, the Lord will bless me with the righteous desires of my heart. I'm sad to leave, the wards had me bear my testimony this last Sunday. My setting-apart blessing came to mind when President Johnson told me that I would make lasting friendships with members and nonmembers. He said I would grow heart to heart with those among whom I serve. I know this has come true.

I love love love this work and am stoked for this, probably last area of my mission! I'm going to do the Lord's will and push through all that is thrown my way. I'm going to make Heavenly Father proud and serve letting him know that he can count on me.

I love you all and hope the gospel is becoming more and more a part of you every day.

Peace and Blessings,
Sister Fredrick