On exchanges with Sister Mataia from California, it wasn't until the very last house of the day that we tracted into someone that was open. It was even in a ritzy neighborhood, which sometimes scares me. A little lady named Sherrie let us in. She's Greek Orthodox and has been cancer free since March. Her hair is still very short and her skin is covered with pock marks and growths. We started talking with her when a little girl appeared at the top of the stairs. She cautiously made her way down. Then proceeded to ask her mom who we were. We introduced ourselves and then she told us who she was. Cheyenne is her name. She's 11. She's got an incredible light about her. And she's blind. We watched He is the Gift with them. Her mom read Cheyenne the words. Cheyenne is very special. She sang us a song and then asked us who is the Father and who is the Son. She was so excited to learn about God. We set up a return appointment for the very next day. When we went back and taught her again (sadly her mom was watching the broncos game instead) we shared the plan of salvation. When we shared with her that she would have a perfect body forever, meaning her eyesight as well, she exclaimed, "Oh! That's amazing!" I often forget how blessed I am to have all that I have. And dear little Cheyenne reminded me to be grateful for all that I do have. We asked her if we could bring her a braille book to read (book of mormon) and she said that would be great as long as it did not have any contractions. Oh how I love this little girl!
Andie (learned yesterday her real name is Andaleeb) is officially getting baptized on December 28th! She was interviewed by President Murdock yesterday. Because she is of a Muslim background, President wanted to ensure that if she was baptized, her safety would not be at risk. Andie is one of the most selfless, giving, caring, humble, real, genuine people I have ever met. I wish I could express to you how much I love people!
On Friday night we were privileged to attend the Lakewood Symphony and Mormon Chorale in concert. Andie and Zaim came. It was such a fabulous evening. Us missionaries were the ushers and greeters. Unfortunately, the hermanas got in a car crash on their way so we had to go pick them up. They were in sketch Denver and there was no place for us to park. So I parked in front of a bus stop sign, thinking we would only be there for a few minutes. As we were helping them get things out of their car, a bus turned a corner. My heart dropped, I yelled, "a bus!" and took off sprinting while holding a large box full of pamphlets and Book of Mormons. When I got there I hopped in the car and then it hit me, what I am going to do? Drive away without my companion? So then I awkwardly sat in the car while people got off the bus and then it drove away. At least I helped to alleviate the tension and concern at the site of the accident with my ridiculousness. While listening to the wonderful music at the concert, it really hit me that the Christmas season is so wonderful because we are able to remember the reason why we feel good when we do good things. It's because it is what Christ would do. He is real. He loves us. He wants us to be happy.
At church, we had 3 investigators come! Charleen, Colleen, and Andie! Our ward did such a wonderful job at fellowshipping and helping them feel welcome. Plus we had the cutest young couple randomly come to church! Sister Hancock and I thought they were members at first. But then we started talking to them. Kyle and Becca are their names. Kyle visited SLC and some sisters there really encouraged him to attend a sacrament meeting so they finally did. And we set up an appointment with them on Friday! Miracles!
Sunday night we were privileged to dine with the Gunthers and then watch the Christmas Devotional with them. They are office missionaries who also serve in the Lakewood ward. Sister Gunther is also President Murdock's sister. She told us some pretty great and hilarious stories about President Murdock's youth. Why am I so blessed? The Gunthers are so genuinely good. I love them.
I attended the temple this week for the first time since February. What a blessing that was! Sister Knecht and I were on exchanges. Unfortuately Sister Knecht was feeling really ill. And we accidentally slept through the alarm. Sister Hancock and Sister Remington came to pick us up to go and they forced me to go instead of Sister Hancock. Why am I surrounded by the nicest people on earth? How blessed I was to attend the temple with my trainer three weeks before she is done her mission! She is so great! And I looked like I had just woken up (because I had) so please don't mind the pictures. The temple always fills me with such good feelings of love. It's really hard for me right now to believe that God loves me, even though I share that with people every single day. And it's easy for me to believe it for them. But in the temple I remembered.
I hope you all have a great week and really capitalize on the wonderful time of year this is to share what we know to be true. That Christ really was born here on Earth. He accomplished all His Father asked Him to do because He loves us and He loves Him. And I love you all too.
Love,
Sister Turner
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