Temple Square Happenings: Aloha from Temple Square

Aloha from Temple Square!! It's still amazingly warm here and it's NOVEMBER! I'm in shock! But snow is coming our way on Monday... you're probably already getting it right now! Well, it has been another wonderful week! (That's how being a missionary is! I love it!). Sister Smith and I received an assignment to work at Welfare Square every Saturday morning! Last Saturday we took one tour with 2 ladies- one of them was from Croatia! She was so sweet, and she loved what she saw. She now wants to meet with the missionaries! Only one tour, but that means one soul was brought closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. Welfare Square is so great. We get to see not only how the church is able to give to those in need, but also how the church helps those people foster self-reliance by working for what they receive. Also, many church members volunteer their time, talents, and skills to do much of the work in the facilities here. And a lot of our fast offerings go to the Welfare program. As I was learning all about it, I felt the need to increase the amount of money I contribute to fast offerings. You can never contribute too much. We are told to "feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church, or any other, or in no church at all wherever he finds them." (Joseph Smith). We cannot attain eternal life without serving or giving to the poor and the needy. God will pour out blessings upon us as we give freely! That's what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. His teachings motivate this welfare effort. Welfare is not a program, but the essence of the gospel. It is the gospel in action!!! And Sister Smith and I have another opportunity to serve there tomorrow! In fact, we were just told that a group of 200 people are coming!! I'm a little nervous since I've only given one tour before, but I'm confident that the Lord will bless us as we prepare ourselves and express our love for the gospel. Wish me luck! :)

Well how was your Halloween? The night before Halloween, the square closed at 6pm so we got to go home and make and decorate pumpkin cakes! We had a little party with our roommates :) The next day, Sunday, the square closed at 5pm and we had a "mission meeting" where we all gathered together and watched movies and ate candy! haha! We watched the Emma Story and the Errand of Angels. Loved it!!

Don't worry, we've been doing more than just partying!Â We'veÂ been working too!! Sister Smith and I planned for a Spanish contact one day, and sure enough, that whole hour was full of spanish people. Our nightly planning is seriously such a sacred time- Heavenly Father gives us a little glimpse of the future and lets us know who's coming and helps us prepare for them. As we are faithful and obedient, we really see those people come and miracles happen. I love it! We're also blessed when we don't pass anyone by- and talk to everyone! We saw a girl sitting on a bench the other day and figured that a bunch of sisters had probably already talked to her. We were almost about to pass her by, but we felt the need to talk to her. Surprisingly, NO sisters had approached her that day! We ended up taking her on a tour and developing a really good relationship with her. She had so many questions and was so accepting to everything we shared with her. To our amazement, we later found out that we were teaching the great niece of President Ezra Taft Benson!! And she had hardly heard much about the church! Except from some of her LDS friends!! Crazy huh?? She referred to have missionaries, and so we're hoping that she continues to keep her heart open and continues turning more towards Christ. I'm sure President Benson would be proud :) Another day this week, we were walking, trying to find someone to teach. We saw a man by the New Testament paintings and felt the need to talk with him. We walked towards him, but then his phone rang and he left the building. We were kind of disappointed. But a couple hours later, that same man was by the flagpole and we ended up taking him on a tour! He absolutely loved everything he saw. It was just a blessing to me because it renewed my testimony of the guidance of the Holy Ghost. As we are worthy of His constant companionship, and as we truly listen, He will speak to our hearts and lead us where we need to be, and help us say what we need to say. We are all instruments in the Lord's hands. I am honored to be assisting Him in this magnificent work!

Well, I sure love you all so much! And I miss you too! I hope you're having a great week- despite the challenges and trials that may come your way- just keep your chin up and keep moving forward! Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He will direct you. LOVES!!!

xoxoxo

RO