Well, this week has been full of courageous moments, since it's like, the last time I'll ever have the title of full-time missionary. I don't have much to say, but I do want to share this experience:
The past few nights have been of courage filled nights. Monday night we were tracting some, and it started to get dark, so we decided to walk back to the car. As we were walking back, a cute family was on a walk, but they were awkwardly too far to really say anything without being creepy and weird, so I decided to stop walking while I "looked" for the keys, so that they could catch up to us. They walked by, and we stopped them, but it was dark at this point, and so they were still kinda freaked out, and so we freaked out, and just gave them a family proclamation, and then sort of ran away, not asking for information or even asking if they'd be interested for us to come back.... and the minute I walked away I felt AWFUL. I KNEW we needed to ITL that family... at least give them the opportunity to hear about the restored gospel! But they were long gone at this point, and I doubted we'd see them again... well, I was wrong. We drove down the street, and there they were yet again... and all I could think was that we needed to get out and talk to them... but this time really talk to them.. not just a nonchalant "here's a pamphlet, bye!" kind of "talk". But truly talk of the restored truths I hold dear to my heart.... and so, Sister Stettler and I hurried and parked the car, walked right up to them, and stated the obvious. I said that we didn't mean to be awkward, that we felt really prompted by the Spirit to further talk to them, and that I truly feel from the bottom of my heart that our message can bless their family, and then we testified about eternal families. They were very gracious, said that they were already very active in a church, but they'd take our phone number and a copy of the Book of Mormon, and that they'd look into it. We got their names... The Hawks! and they gave us their phone number, and they said we could contact them to see how they liked the Book of Mormon..
It was the scariest thing ever! But also the most rewarding, and I know the Lord has softened their hearts, at least for that moment, and hopefully for future moments as well!
ALSO, conference was really good, and Elder Bednar's talk was my favorite.
The ripple effect is real. I love missionary work, and most of all I love the truths I've learned on my mission.. if you're worthy, and you are capable of serving a mission... don't pass the opportunity, because it's the BEST decision you could ever make...
I love my Savior. He has blessed me so much.
Love, Sister Kirkby
