New Companion Update

February 17, 2014

Well, Sister Kagie is safely up north and my new companion is . . . Sister Cheney!  We served in the same district in Airdrie!  She was in the 2nd ward and I was in the 1st ward.  When I found out we were going to be companions, I don't think I've ever been so excited in my entire life!  We were great friends in Airdrie and she is amazing.  She's been a member of the church for just two years, but has an amazing testimony.  It's been cool to teach people with someone who has gone through the missionary conversion process.  This will be the best transfer ever!  (Hopefully we’ll remain companions for more than one transfer.)  She been out for 4 1/2 months so she came out with my last two companions.

Besides transfers, we've had lots of exciting things happen.  We met with Jodi Manyfingers again and her 24 year old son, Stormy, decided to stay and listen to the lesson.  He really liked it and asked if he could have a Book of Mormon as well.  Jodi is in a very sad situation.  Her "tradition" husband left her right when he was most needed.  But she told us that instead of turning to alcohol like she usually would, she wants to turn to Christ.  So we're going with her to the "addiction recovery program" on Wednesday.  Although she is very stressed out about her situation, she knows that she feels a lot of peace as she comes to church.  Stormy is coming to the young single adult home evening tonight, so we're excited about getting some fellowship from the YSA branch. 

Bertha was in the hospital again this week.  Her lungs are slowly failing her and I'm afraid she doesn't have much time left here on earth.  She's been too weak to come to church, even though she wants to.  Normally, someone has to go to church twice before they are baptized and I don't know if we could get special permission in her case.  Homer is no longer living with her and she is now keeping the word of wisdom, so she has really come a long way.  She's receiving a blessing on Tuesday.  Hopefully that will help all of us know what to do. 

On Thursday we had a zone goal setting meeting where we decided to double our "member present" lessons.  It will really push us, but Sister Cheney and I are committed to putting in our full effort.  We've been praying about this and yesterday a couple of members came up to us and said to call them if we need someone to go with us.  When you pray in faith, the Lord will provide! 

I'm ready to see some amazing miracles this transfer.  I'm so happy to be a missionary! 

I love you, family!

Love, Sister Crystal Gardner    

                                   Service project quilt with Sister Kagie