Sister Caressa Ann Pitt: AMAZING WEEK!

So much happened this week... This email is probably going to be the most jumbled thing ever, but it was an awesome week, so I hope I can sufficiently explain everything.

First off, we had an amazing experience while inviting our dear investigator Lilly, who is 85, to be baptized. In the morning, we were praying to God, asking Him which date would be best. Sister Barlow and I were stuck between the 7th and the 14th of June. We said another prayer, and both agreed on the 14th. We were a little worried about her concern of being baptized again, but we prepared a lesson for her all about the priesthood authority with references to the Book of Mormon. When we taught her, and then invited her to be baptized on the 14th of June, she got this HUGE smile on her face. She started saying, "That's my day! That's my day!" We were kinda confused, but then she told us that June 14th is her BIRTHDAY! She without a doubt accepted the baptismal date. She explained to us how she has already prayed and asked God if this is the truth and this is the church that He wants her to join. She got a YES from God. She has come to church the last two Sundays, and she loves it. She has been reading every single pamphlet, she has been reading the Book of Mormon. She loves everyone at church. At church, during relief society, she explained how she was looking for a church to go to, and God sent Sister Barlow and I to her. My heart is full of joy. Lilly is amazing. She is truly one of the prepared. She is 85, but she is the spunkiest 85 year old ever. She talks so much, and she is so full of life. She had attended a different church for 14 years, and left that church, because she knew it wasn't true. I am so happy that I will be able to be at her baptism. Just pray that this will all work out! I have faith that she will be baptized. I'm so excited! :)

There are so many people looking for the truth, they just don't know where to find it. We have to be those who bring it to them! Talk to everyone. We had another great experience while going out with Sister Gayle down in Treasure Beach. We went to go visit an investigator who hasn't been picking up his phone and we ended up meeting his wife. We talked to her, and she became a new investigator, but she doesn't seem 100 percent interested. But, after that we walked over to the house next door and the lady happily invited us in. She told us that she had a feeling that she would meet people today who would help her. Can you believe that? So neat! She is really excited to continue to meet with us.

We have another investigator who's name is Percy. He is 27 or so. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, and he is really annoyed with all the churches in his area. He has been to so many, and he doesn't understand why all of them are wrong. He firmly believes in God, and knows that God has to have some sort of truth out there. He is awesome. He had questions about fasting because he heard that churches do that, and we didn't even ask him to fast, and he just tried it out for himself to see if he could do it. He says that he wants to see if he can do the little things, so eventually he can do the "hard things" the true church requires. I just love him so much.

We had 3 investigators at church! Sister Gayle brought them all in her taxi. Lilly, Semone, and Sister Gayles son, Jermaine. (But we probably won't be teaching Jermaine much longer because he has developed a big creepy crush on me). They loved it so much, and the branch was so accepting of them. I am so grateful and just loving the mission. It really is true to say that the hard times or bad times really make you appreciate the good times. I've had some rough patches on my mission, but I am so happy that things are looking up at this point in time!

We had Zone Conference this last week. It was great. I really felt the spirit, and was edified. President Brown talked a lot about, "desire," and how to develop it more. They then talked about first impressions as a missionary. I am trying everyday to be a missionary that smiles at everyone, and talks to everyone, despite how difficult it can be. It's hard to smile at people who are rude, but sometimes a smile can be the only testimony you get to share with them. Sister Vance said something that really touched me. She was talking about how I have an ability to make people around me feel comfortable and feel like we are long time friends. I'm not trying to brag at all, but I really needed that compliment. Every once in a while it's nice to get some reassurance.

On a side note, I think there is at least one day each week that I forget my name tag. You think I would have learned by now.

Anyways, this truly was an amazing week. There is so much more that I learned and that happened, but I don't have all the time in the world. I truly love my Father in Heaven. I love that He sent Jesus Christ to this world, to be our savior. I know that this Gospel is true. I know that as we not only outwardly appear to live the gospel, but inwardly live it as well, we will see miracles. God blesses those who seek him earnestly. God gives liberally to all that ask. I wish I could write the feelings of my heart, but it's an emotion that I cannot express. I know with all my heart that this truly is the work of the Lord. I can feel even more change taking place within my soul, and I know it is because of the influence of the Holy Spirit in my life. When I think of the world and the worldly things, I have lost all desire to be apart of it. Of course, I will eventually have to go home, but I will be in the world, but not of it. Can you imagine the day we will leave this world to be with God? How amazing that will be!

Love and Respect,

Sista Pitt