Hey, Family (and friends)
Honestly and truly I do! I love missionary work! I talked to President Tilleman and he told me I could extend for an extra 2 years! Sorry boys, no marriage for me! Sweet.
Anyway, really though, I love being a missionary and helping my brothers and sisters come unto Christ. It is the most rewarding thing that I have ever done. We have met so many wonderful people and I am so thankful for all the friendships that have been formed. Today I saw pictures of our baptism in Courtenay (I will send one home along with a picture of Sister Dean and I) and it made me tear up. She made a covenant with our Father in Heaven and took part in a necessary saving ordinance! I feel so blessed to have been able to teach her, though it was a brief moment.
The ward here is so awesome! We have the BEST ward mission leader in the world. Brother MaCrae is so awesome! We call him every night and he is so willing to help out with anything he can.
I have a story! So, there is a sister in the ward from Jamaica. She married a man from Cuba, he is not a member, yet! :) They invite us over for lunch on Sunday once a month. Well, last time we had goat curry. That is right, I ate GOAT! It was actually really good. Something new for me I thought I would never try! Well, he always makes good food. We went over for lunch yesterday and jokingly I said "What meat are we having today?" Without missing a beat he said "Ox tail." I was a little shocked and I think he saw the surprise on my face. He then went on to tell us how the ox/cow tail is a delicacy and that there is not a lot of meat, but it is good. So... I ate ox tail! Sweet. I am glad for a mission because there is no way I would have tried it otherwise. Aren't you proud? Still don't like pickles though.
I figured I would tell you a little more about Sister Dean. She is from Eagle Mountain Utah. She is 19 years old. Before she came out she was at the U going into Musical Theater. She has an amazing singing voice that makes me jealous. She has 3 older sister, 2 older brothers and one younger brother. She was adopted and is half Polynesian. How cool is that? I am taller than her though, so at least I have that going for me. She is really sweet and really taking a fitting to being a missionary. She has a powerful testimony. I feel honored and blessed to be her trainer, though she seems to be training me every day. She is a hard worker and she wants to be here serving the Lord. I have full confidence in her. She seems to be just soaking everything in. I love being her companion and I love being here in Maple Ridge. The ward is amazing and I am thankful to be serving the Lord.
One scripture I came across in my studies that I would like to share with you. "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." That scripture really hit me hard when I read it. As being a trainer goes, I need to be an example to Sister Dean. I need to be exactly obedient if I expect her to be exactly obedient. When it comes to being a missionary, I am a representative of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I need to be that light to those around me in darkness. Even as a daughter of God, I need to be an example. Not only do I need to be, I want to be. I want to be a true disciple of Christ. I want to be an instrument in His hands. When people see me I want them to see the love I have for the Savior. I want them to feel of His love and see His light! I love being a missionary more than anything in the world. I love helping my brothers and sisters return to live with God. These are not random strangers I am talking to, these are my brothers and sisters. Something Sister Duffy said before transfers "I picture my sister standing at the door. What if my sister (Megan) was at the door and not interested. What would I do to help her?" That is something I am applying.
I just love being a missionary. I come home so exhausted I can barely keep my eyes open, and yet, I have so much energy and I just want to keep going!
I hope all is well at home with everyone. Life here is amazing. Don't worry about me, I am doing great.
Love you all!
Sister Saal
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