I guess I'll start from the beginning. Sister Skousen went home on Saturday, she had some things to take care of at home, but she will be working hard to come back to Washington in January. She was incredible and I loved the time we were able to be together. I learned so much from her!! Also, she is pretty stinking hilarious. :D Well, with her leaving, that left the question of who would be coming to Lake Holm with me. There are a couple of trios of sisters so it wasn't too hard to figure that one of those sisters would be coming here. Only, I did not expect who I would be getting. President Eaton called us on Thursday morning and asked if I was ready to hear who my new companion would be. Of course I said yes. Without a moment's hesitation he said something like "now this really shouldn't be happening, but Sister Zavala will be your new companion." I think I literally screamed.
She came on Saturday and we have kind of been living in a dream like state ever since. We did some sercive and had stake conference on Saturday night and Sunday and pday today, so it just feels like we are on an extended exchange. We both keep looking at each other and saying "is this even happening right now?" "Is this real life?" "I don't know what's going on" haha ;) it's just soooo weird! We have 4 weeks together because we are 99% sure that this isn't going to last.
Also, President Eaton goes home this week and we will be welcoming the Rassmussen's to our mission! So excited!
During companion study this morning Sister Zavala shared this amazing insight that I'd like to share. It's in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon where the Brother of Jared is petitioning for the Lord's help in providing light for their journey across the ocean. The part that stood out the most was when the Lord touched the stones "one by one" (Ethere 3:6). When you reference this to 3 Ne. 17:21 we see that the resurrected Lord took the Nephite children and blessed them "one by one". Our Heavenly Father's plan envelopes all of His children, but it is also a plan that is personal for each and every person. They know us individually and by name, and one by one Jesus Christ "[took] upon Him the pains and the sicknesses of His people" (Alma 7:11). Going back to Ether 3:4 He does this so that we can be filled with His light. As we humble ourselves before Him He will "prepare [us] that [we] may shine forth in darkness". We all have the light of Christ in us, but it does take a willing heart and mind to fully submit to His will so that He can shine that light to those around us who may be sitting in the dark, without hope and without light. It's been such a blessing to be able to witness first hand the way that the Lord uses His servants to shine forth His light in a darkened world.
I love you all!
Sister Hammond
