First off--I love Sister Johnson, my new companion!!!!! She is so fantastic and so hilarious!! She takes life as it comes and doesn't get stressed out or worried about things like I tend to..... :) We compliment each other's weaknesses really well, but yet, we get along splendidly! I love it. She is SO excited to be serving here in Fort Collins--she's been out 10 months and has always wanted to serve here. She's fearless when it comes to talking to people on the street, and I'm SO excited to learn from her!
So this is kinda weird...I hit my 5 month mark, and at the end of this transfer, I'll have completed 1/3 of my mission!! It really is crazy in a way how time flies! Well.....sometimes it feels like that. :)
We met a lady named Shauna who is RLDS!!! That was pretty cool!! We sat outside in an apartment complex parking lot and talked to her for an hour. It was interesting--she told us there aren't many differences in our religions--they're just more liberal, they accept gay marriages, and the women have the Priesthood...!! Wow...well...but they do believe in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants strongly. She was super sweet and told us to stop by any time. She even want to help us in spreading the Spirit and the word! P.S. she is related to Joseph Smith... :)
This week has been great, and Sister Johnson really seems to be gaining the ward's trust. They really seem to like her!
Right now I feel like I am doing a lot of preparation to be in a position of leadership when that opportunity comes. Because Sister Johnson is new here, I have to be the one to show her the ropes and do the planning and such to help us to be effective. She's the senior companion, but I've been here for three transfers, so the responsibility for a lot of things falls on me. Of course me being me, I have a tendency to get a little overwhelmed at times, but I always remind myself that the Lord isn't asking me to do this alone. He has called me here at this time, and I know that He is with me; and I DO trust Him.
Oh yeah, also they just made some new rules--no more P-day gatherings and only music that is appropriate for Sacrament Meeting. So it will be different, but I know that we will have an increased abundance of the Spirit in the work, which really is irreplaceable. I am grateful for my mission president and his inspiration.
I love you all!! Have a wonderful week! :)
--Sister Budge