I LOVE being a Missionary

I have now completed 2 full years as a (ward) missionary in the NY, NY mission. It has been an extremely challenging calling for me. I have had many interesting experiences throughout these two years that have helped me understand the highs and lows of a full-time mission. I have taught an amazing teenager, been yelled and cursed at by a man in his underwear, visited a heart patient regularly, traipsed up and down the streets of our neighborhood in a skirt, felt the gut-wrenching sorrow when a new convert fell away, and felt more joy than I have ever imagined as I took our newest convert to the temple for the first time. Our area is "white and ready to harvest" right now. We have been blessed with 10 baptisms in the last 4 months. I make baptism scrapbooks for each of our new members so it has been a busy time, but I truly feel privileged to be part of this amazing work. Case in point...

Meet Hashi:

(the beautiful lady in the middle)

Hashi was born in Bangladesh. Her mother and father both died when she was very young. 15 years ago, she immigrated to the United States for a better life. Without too many details, she has a difficult life, including many medical struggles with her husband. She supports her husband and four-year-old son by working hard. She has not taken a vacation in 15 years. This wonderful woman was baptized in early August and has completely dedicated herself to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't know half of the trials she has been through or goes through daily, but I know that she inspires me to do better and be better. While walking one evening, I mentioned that my brother was on a mission. I explained that it was a volunteer mission that he had to pay to go on. Without even a second thought she said, "I can do that. I can volunteer for two years." Not knowing that this service was not asked of her, she did not hesitate to give herself completely to the Lord. After watching General Conference, her greatest desire was to visit Salt Lake City and see Temple Square. We are working on making this happen for her. Last Saturday, my companion and I got to accompany her to the Manhattan temple to do baptisms for her deceased mother and father. It was a truly humbling experience to see her faith in action. I now understand the phrase "How great shall be your joy" because my soul is truly filled with joy.

This is the shot of the Manhattan temple I took for Hashi that day.

What a beautiful refuge in the bustling city.