EXCLAMATIO​N POINT!

October 7, 2013


Dear Family,

YOU HEARD IT! It's time to do missionary work....exclamation point! Time to be member missionaries, people! When I was watching conference I kept thinking, "This is going to be so great! The brethren are backing up what we're trying to get the ward to do! Now no one can say 'no!' Hah!" Then the thought came, "What's my family doing to be member missionaries? Am I letting them off too easily?" Yes. No one ever shares missionary moments with me. What's up with that? I'm a MISSIONARY. That's what I care about. I have had the best examples of gospel living growing up through mom and dad and all of my amazing siblings. It's great that we're examples to each other, but we ALREADY HAVE THE GOSPEL. Duh. haha. Please, make a goal to be better member missionaries and please tell me about it. Maybe you don't all actually read this letter, but you might as well do it now when  you only have to hear from me once a week. Whenever that dreaded day comes of going home, nothing can stop me from bugging you like crazy. Yay. Love you, exclamation point!

Sister Burwell and I are exhausted. We put so much into the exchanges that we go on that when we get back to Ventura, to our area, we feel like we're moving in slow motion. It's a good exhaustion, though. It's being exhausted in the Lord's work. That is definitely a rewarding feeling. The amazing thing is that He helps us quickly renew our strength so we can go another week and help the sisters. I'm reallyexcited for this upcoming week because one of us, either Sister Burwell or I, will be in our area everyday this week. I'm grateful because we've felt like we're neglecting our area. We know it's not true, but it's hard to not think that at times.

As far as how I'm doing after this past week, I feel a lot better. My mind is clear, and I don't feel burdened down anymore. I learned a lot from what I went through, and now I'm more on guard toward allowing myself to entertain those thoughts of inadequacy, comparing, or competition. There were a lot of things that I learned from Conference about what I went through, since it's still on my mind at times. I had an interview with President Castro on Saturday night, and he talked to me about what I wrote about last week. I have also been thinking a lot about what we talked about in my interview. He really just took a lot of time to tell me that I'm doing really well and what I'm doing well at. He was building me up and helping me see the things that are "in my blind spots" at times. I've been praying to really understand who I am, personally, so I don't need to rely on anyone telling me those things. I shouldn't need someone to tell me how great I am, or how much I've changed or grown. I should be able to go to the Lord and hear those things from Him, but also recognize them in myself. I am very grateful that he was willing to point those things out for me, but I don't want to have to always have that from someone. I do think I need some reassurance at times in little things that people say, but my overall self-worth can't depend on someone telling me what it is. I know who I am. I know where I stand with the Lord, but now I just want that to be more solidified within myself. It's a good feeling that I have right now. I feel in control, when a week ago I felt totally out of control. I am capable of so much more than what I tell myself at times, and I've been really recognizing that this past week.

We had Mission Leadership Council this week. It was awesome I learned a lot! President Castro talked about faith, hope, and charity. That was really good. I love how inseparable they are, but when we study them we can pull them apart to really understand each attribute. In the end, though, you can't have one without the other. It's great. One huge thing that stuck out to me is that Charity doesn't come from us, but it works through us by revelation. It's not OUR love. It's "the pure love OF CHRIST." It doesn't say the "pure love of Sister Bennett" or whoever else wants to posses it. Charity works through us. I love that, because it puts even more emphasis on the fact that we truly are just instruments in the hands of the Lord.

Sister Burwell and I were asked to do some training at MLC, again, but I'm really grateful for all of the opportunities Sister Burwell and I are given to teach in those types of settings. I learn so much as we prepare, and I just love teaching the other missionaries. That's what a huge focus is for me, just helping the other missionaries. I feel like I've been blessed to have my vision raised a lot on my mission, and I want to share that vision with everyone else.

Jed is doing great. We had lunch with him in between sessions of General Conference, and I'm just so amazed by his growth and perspective on things. He loves Heavenly Father so much. He just talked to me a lot about how he's seen Heavenly Father more in his life, because he goes to God more. He said he used to struggle when he was at school, teaching, because he would want to do everything perfectly, but lately he stops and takes time to say a little prayer or listen to a hymn on his phone. Jed has gained a lot of peace as he's been progressing in the gospel. I love that. That is the most important thing for us to do as missionaries - direct the investigators toward their Heavenly Father. Yes, Jed and Stefanie really love us a lot, they trust us, but I know that they trust God more and look to Him more. I'm getting so excited for their wedding and for Jed's baptism! I'm really excited to meet their family and for Jed's family to feel the Spirit at his baptism. I'm just excited. Super, DUPER excited! It's only two weeks away now, that's great!

Diana came to the ward picnic on Monday and LOVED it. She actually went without us, because we got there late, and when we showed up she just said "hi" and kept doing what she was doing - talking to members, playing with her kids. I loved it! There were so many people at the picnic that Sister Burwell and I have taught, and it was really amazing to see how they don't need us. They were all being taken care of by the members of the ward. Yes, they said "hi" and were excited to see us, but if we had never shown up they would have felt fine. Jed and Stefanie were there as well, and I can't tell you how popular Jed is. Everyone wants to talk to him and be around him. All the men in the ward were flocked around him. I loved that! It makes total sense. Jed is a very special person. You can't help but just be around him and talk to him. I understand why everyone loves him so much.

Since the picnic, Diana and Phillip have fallen off of the map, kind of. We went to see Diana yesterday, because she had something come up on Saturday and couldn't meet. She seemed a little sand-offish, but it's ok. Her boyfriend's parents were there so maybe that affected her. We're meeting with her next Saturday, but I really don't want to wait that long. She needs to keep progressing like she has, and not seeing us for a whole week may not be the best. We're praying about it and we'll figure it out. Last night, I was just pleading with the Lord to help her read the Book of Mormon and to stay engaged in learning and progressing. It was just so obvious how happy it made her to come to church and associate with such great people. I'll be praying for her a lot this week.

It was a great week.

Love,
Sister Bennett

Jed and Stefanie joined us to get pedicures! Compliments of Sister Pellum (Aubrey's mom)

The Laws made Sister Burwell and me a Harry Potter dinner. We're drinking butter beer....and we look a little drunk!

"Do You Believe Christ, or Do You Just Believe In Christ?"

September 30, 2013



Dear Family,

"Do you believe Christ, or do you just believe in Christ?" This quote really resounds with me right now. I had a hard week, and I didn't think I would write about it, but I think it's important to share even the hard experiences especially because it gives me the opportunity to reflect on the things that I've learned. I have never felt the way I felt this past week, throughout my entire mission. I've had ups and downs, of course, but what I went through this week was so much different than anything I've experienced. I don't really know when it started, but I know when it hit me the hardest. I started to feel myself pulling away from Sister Burwell. I think it's just a defense for when she finishes her mission, because the last time we were separated it was very hard for me. Thoughts of competitiveness and comparing kept coming to my mind, and I felt like I can never be a missionary like Sister Burwell. As I continued to entertain those thoughts, I would realize that those thoughts aren't from God, but I felt like as hard as I tried I couldn't get them out of my mind. I then started to have thoughts of inadequacy and shortcomings. I felt like I wasn't measuring up to what President Castro thought I would become, what my family thought I would become, and most importantly what the Lord wanted me to become. I've never felt so lost and alone when I was constantly around people. I just felt disgusted with myself, and then I'd realize how I was feeling and become more upset because I allowed myself to feel that way. It seemed to me like the weaknesses that I've worked the hardest to change on my mission had not been strengthened in any way. Sister Burwell knew that there was something wrong. She told me that I've looked like there was just a cloud around me that was trapping me. I started to recognize that I was experiencing some kind of depression. Sister Burwell has been so patient with me throughout this. I'm sure it's been really hard for her, because she has so much going on herself. I mean, she's going home soon. That's enough to think about and then there's me, adding my burdens to her load.

I guess the reason that I share this is because it's more of an experience of triumph. Sister Burwell was very blunt with me about what she felt was going on with me. She talked to me about relying on the Lord for things that people can't give to us. The thing that really hit me that she shared was that it seems that there are times when I don't really believe or recognize who I really am as a daughter of God. That was hard to swallow. That forced me onto my knees. I wanted to know how I really felt. It was good to have Sister Burwell, but she doesn't know. I know that I am a daughter of God. I know how much He loves me, but what she said was great because it pushed me to strengthen that testimony and revisit that conviction that I've already gained. I spent a long time on my knees this past week. Sometimes, I would just sit on a chair in the kitchen for a while after I prayed so I could listen and feel what the Lord wanted me to learn. My prayers were answered at church. I repeatedly felt the love of my Heavenly Father. I honestly was barely listenening to what anyone said, but I was listening to the Spirit. I felt like the Savior was sitting next to me waiting for me to let Him help me. The Lord is always there with arms outstretched...that's what the scriptures teach. I need to practice what I preach, and constantly reach out for His hands. I am grateful for the trials that we go through in life. I'm grateful that I can trust in my Savior who understands me better than I undesrtand myself, and that He'll put me through the refiners fire. I'm sure it's hard for Him and for Heavenly Father to see, but they can bear it because they know what I can become as I am refined and as those impurities are burned from me. I love the Lord. He is who I need to lean on at all times, in every hour and moment.

I feel like I can't say enough how grateful I am for Sister Burwell. I'm trying to not think about her going home, because that's going to be rough for me. She's my best friend. I've never trusted someone outside of my family as much as I trust her, and she's a strength to me spiritually. I just love that our friendship was built purely on a spiritual foundation and it's propelled by our love for the Lord and for Heavenly Father's children. I really feel that she needed to serve a mission, partially, for me. I have seen the Lord work through her SO MANY TIMES to help me in my conversion process. She is an administering angel on earth, just like Elder Holland spoke about, that I get to have with me all the time. I know that when she leaves I will be ok, because I have the Lord and I will still have her, but I just don't like thinking about it. Our friendship is very special, and I actually might be able to get married someday because she's helped me so much. I'm especially grateful for her support these past few weeks as I was going through the trial that I went through. She helped me so much.

Amidst this trial that I've been facing these past few weeks, I was still able to feel the joy that comes when we forget ourselves. The hardest times for me were when I had  time to think, so I am grateful that I was kept so busy that I didn't have a ton of time to think. We saw some great miracles in our area this week, and we had very fulfilling experiences with doing training for the sisters and with going on exchanges.

I went on an exchange with Sister Reyes this week in Goleta. She's a great missionary, especially since she's only been out for a transfer and a half. She has changed a lot since we came last transfer to work with her and Sister Stoker. Their companionship is so strong. I wanted to know what had changed that helped them be so united, because the other sisters really need that in their companionships. They've both humbled themselves toward each other, but really toward the Lord. I can see that they're both so focused on understanding and doing the will of the Lord, that it naturally unifies them. It's amazing because so often I would share something with Sister Reyes from Preach My Gospel or the scriptures, and she would say that she and Sister Stoker had been discussing that recently. Sister Reyes has such a nice way about her. She's very natural with the people we teach and is never trying to be someone else. She just teaches what she knows and bears powerful testimony of Jesus Christ. Honestly, I didn't really know what to tell her to work on specifically because all the things that she can improve on will just come with time. It felt good to build her up and let her know that she is doing well. We all need to hear that we're doing well sometimes; not because we're prideful, but because we're human. Sister Reyes and I actually experienced a great miracle on our exchange. We drove to try a potential investigator that we had planned to see at that specific time, but when we got there Sister Reyes realized that she and Sister Stoker had already spoken to this person and he wasn't interested. She suggested that we move on with our plans and just do what we planned in the next half hour, but I felt like we had planned to be there for a reason. I told her we just need to talk to one person and we can move on to our next planned activity. We got out of the car and tried a few doors on that street where she and Sister Stoker hadn't talked to anyone. No one answered. I started feeling like "oh boy, am I wasting the Lord's time with this?" I pushed that idea aside and told myself that I had received a prompting and we were going to obey it. We went to a connecting street to try to find a house that they hadn't already talked to people at. There was one house that had a car in front of it, so I suggested that we try that house. We met a woman named Natasha there. We began to teach her the restoration and Sister Reyes was teaching her about how we have a Heavenly Father who loves us. When I looked up she was crying. She told us that she had been having a really hard day and that she couldn't believe that we were at her door. We testified of the divinity and reality of Jesus Christ as our Savior and how we can have a personal relationship with Him. She accepted the opportunity to learn more and the sisters will be going back this week to teach her! That was amazing! Planning is a divine activity. Absolutely. I am grateful for the guidance of the Spirit and the blessing the Lord grants us when we are obedient.

I also had a great exchange with Sister Snow in Santa Maria. She and Sister Higgins are perfect for each other. Sister Snow is so hard for me to read, so I constantly felt like I was second guessing the advice and feedback I was giving to her. We talked a lot about leadership and what it means to be a leader because I know that's something she strives for. I shared my experience with her about when I was asked to have this assignment. I never wanted to be a traveling sister/sister training leader. It was the last thing on my list of "to dos" but the Lord had other plans for me. I felt really strongly that I needed to testify of the Lord's plan for us and that we need to follow the Spirit and gain the confirmation that what we're doing is a part of His plan. Aspiring to be a leader isn't what the Savior would have done, because that would have made things about Him. We talked a lot about motives and what should drive our actions. I think she was really listening, but tries to act like she already knows these things. I'm not sure why, but it just felt like that. She is a great missionary and a really good person. She wants to be the best she can be, and she will be as she allows the Lord to make her into that person.

We have some amazing investigators that the Lord is allowing us to teach right now, and He just keeps blessing us with miracles whenever we're in our area. Diana, an investigator we've taught a few times, made HUGE strides forward in her progression in just two days. We went over on Saturday afternoon for our appointment with her. When she opened the door she looked so tired. She told us that she had been taking a "power nap" and wasn't feeling the best. We ignored the last part and went right in. She had tons of laundry all over her living room that she had just washed, so we sat down and started folding it for her. She fought us at first about it, but eventually gave in. I think she secretly wanted us to help. We watched the Restoration DVD while we folded so she could gain a better understanding of Joseph Smith and what he did means for her. She enjoyed the movie and shared that she really felt like she identifies with Joseph. She said she's been confused about what to do. We talked to her about baptism and invited her to be baptized on November 9th. She responded by saying, "Woah. November 9th? That has a really nice ring to it." She accepted the invitation to prepare for the 9th. When we were teaching her, she talked about how she never really gets time to herself and that she feels like everyone in her home (her boyfriend, dad, brother and 4 kids) don't really understand her. Well, that's what the Relief Society is for. We invited her to come to the Relief Society dinner and broadcast with us that evening and she immediately said yes! She loved it so much! She met so many people and she really felt the Spirit. Even just during the dinner, I asked her what she thought and she said that she just felt really good being there. She felt super positive and happy. At the tables for dinner, there were these cute little magnets that had a quote from Elder Ballard about service. She asked us to round up any extras because she wanted to give them to her friends with an invite to church! She's doing missionary work and she isn't even baptized yet! Yesterday, she came to church as well. She had to bring her newborn baby, Nico, with her. It was a miracle because he slept through all three hours of church. She said he's never slept so long! The members in the ward were very welcoming and inviting toward Diana. All of the young moms that we were hoping she would meet came right up to her and said hello. They got her phone number so they can invite her to "park days" and other things that they do together, and I was so grateful for that. Diana is really looking for some good friends that she can go to for help and support. I just love her. She kept telling everyone that she's getting baptized
on November 9th and was inviting them to come. The craziest part was that Jed used to be her teacher in high school because Diana is only 26! That's a miracle, too! We feel like maybe Jed can get through to Diana's boyfriend so we can teach him to so they can get married. We'll see, I guess.

Jed is doing really well. He and Stefanie came to all three hours of church again and really enjoyed it. We had a lesson with them after church and it is so obvious how much the Lord is blessing them for the sacrifices and changes they're making to follow Him in their lives. Stefanie talked about how close Jed is to the Lord, and I know it's true. He wants to do what Heavenly Father expects of him. That's why he went to church last week without Stefanie. He understands what's most important. Stefanie talked about how with OCD he usually isn't very flexible, but he is so flexible when it comes to things related to church. To me he just seems so much more at peace. He reads in the scriptures and Ensigns everyday and I can see the light in his eyes becoming even brighter. His baptism is going to be so amazing. I seriously can't wait. I wish it would just get here already!

I'm doing well. The Lord is aware of me and He is helping me continue on amid sunshine or rain. That's the truth.


I love you,
Sister Bennett

My desk

This is where we did all of our planning

Can There Be Any More LOVE?

September 23, 2013

Hey Fammmmilllllze,

We had another very busy week this week. I felt like I was "on the go" even more so than usual. That's saying a lot because missionaries are always "on the go." I'm grateful to be so busy and even more thankful for what I'm busy doing. It's really fulfilling to go and help the other sister missionaries in the mission. I think so often about the counsel that President gave Sister Burwell and me a while ago. He told us that now we need to focus on helping the other sisters have the experiences that we've had throughout our mission. He also promised that we would continue to have wonderful experiences, which we have (Jed and Phillip). It feels good to focus all of my attention on the sisters and helping them baptize. I never imagined my mission being like this. I would never have guessed that I would think about the other missionaries as much, or more, than the people I teach. I didn't ever imagine that I would love all of the other sisters as much as I do now. This transfer, Sister Burwell and I set a goal to be more spiritually prepared for the exchanges and interactions that we'll have with the sisters. We've decided to fast each Sunday to prepare and to really focus our thoughts and studies on the sisters. We usually do fast at the very beginning of the transfer just once, but we felt the need to really sacrifice for the sisters this transfer. I've already seen blessings from this decision. This past week, I was able to have some really wonderful experiences on exchanges. I felt so much love for each sister that I was with, and I felt that I really, clearly knew how to help them feel loved and how to help them improve. I feel really close to the Lord when I'm on exchanges, and I know that it's because those times are when I'm focused outward more than ever. I don't have any time to think about myself on exchanges. I'm too busy thinking about the sister I'm with, and then any other time that's left I spend thinking about the person we're talking to or just talked to. I feel an added measure of help through the atonement, this transfer, to continue on. I'm so grateful for that enabling power, because without it there is no way that I could ever do what I've been doing for this long. I'm grateful that I have never been left to do this work alone, and that I have the assurance that I never will be left in the future. Now, I'm just trying to help the sisters understand that.

Guess what!?!?!? We got to go to the temple for Mission Leadership Council. We have MLC once a month on the first Tuesday of the month. For some reason we didn't have it at the very beginning of September, so we had it this past Tuesday. It was so inspired that we had Mission Leadership Council at the very beginning of the transfer rather than at the usual time that we would've had it, and that it worked out in a way that we were able to have that experience of going to the temple. It's totally helped me feel more prepared for all of the work ahead this transfer. I know that the Lord has, again, raised my vision for myself but even more so for the sisters. I love the temple so much. It was such a special experience to be there with President and Sister Castro, as well as the other missionaries. Going to the temple caused
me to ponder a lot on sacrifice, and the covenants we make having to do with sacrifice. I've really learned on my mission what it means to sacrifice, but I've also learned how. I'm so grateful for that, because when my mission is over that's not the end of that covenant that I've made. I'm going to be sacrificing throughout my life as a member of Christ's church, but my perspective of sacrifice is so different now that I'm grateful for the many opportunities that I'll be given to do so.

Ok, something cool that we've done this transfer - President asked us if we felt it would be a good idea to take a few sisters to do exchanges with us. Basically, we're trying to prepare the sisters that will become sister training leaders after us. I thought it was a great idea, especially because it'll help me figure out who my companion will be. Haha. Honestly, it hasn't helped me at all in that way, but we took Sister Randall, Sister Hiatt, and Sister Hegstrom with us this past week. I feel peace about eventually leaving one of them with this assignment after I'm gone. The sisters will be in such great hands. Really, they'll be in better hands. These sisters are so much better than I am.

I took Sister Hiatt with me for an exchange in Dos Vientos. That was a neat experience. It was nice to get to talk with her and learn from her. She is a wonderful missionary and it felt so natural to have her there with me to do an exchange. She's very focused and dedicated to this work and I want all of the sisters to have the opportunity to learn from her. I forget so often that she has only been on her mission for three transfers. She just has something about her that is so special. I always feel the Spirit so strongly when I'm with her. She did really well with the exchange, and I know that she gave Sister Klemm the help that she needs. Now, Sister Klemm just has to act on the things that she learned from Sister Hiatt.

While Sister Hiatt was with Sister Klemm, I was with Sister Unga. I love her. She is one of the kindest people I've met. She has such an even temperament about her and is always willing to compromise. I talked to her a lot about not compromising on obedience. It made me feel bad because I know how badly she wants to be obedient. She told me many times that she knows that is all she can do, be obedient. However, with Sister Klemm she struggles because Sister Unga doesn't want to cause any tension in their companionship. I helped her understand that if she loves Sister Klemm and, more importantly, the Lord she will do whatever it takes to be obedient. Sometimes we need to sacrifice being liked to do what's right. I know that Sister Unga is so capable of helping Sister Klemm. Sister Unga is also really impatient with herself, and that just broke my heart because she is so great. She is doing a wonderful job, and she is a great missionary. I'm grateful that we can go on exchanges with sisters that feel that way so we can reassure them and help them see how well they really are doing. Sister Unga is great. I love her.

I also went on an exchange with Sister Randall. I went with her last transfer as well, but this exchange was so much better. We were in her part of 2nd ward, so I think she felt a lot more comfortable with taking the lead. She is doing better than before, but she still seems so unsure when she is teaching. She's so obedient, diligent, charitable, and humble. She also has great leadership skills, but she still needs a push in the teaching department. I talked to her a lot about really studying the restoration. She seems very uncomfortable when we talk to people on the street, and I know it's because she hasn't totally made the restoration a part of who she is. I know that I can go up and talk to anyone, because I feel like teaching the restoration is now a part of my DNA. Sister Randall now has to pay the price to be/feel the same way. She needs to get that down before she can really grow in teaching. I am just so grateful for a missionary with her attitude. She loves this work so much and is so open about it. I can't tell you how many times throughout the day that she told me she loves this work. I told her to be even more open about that in group settings, because people need to hear and see that. She's great.

My last exchange for the week was on Saturday. I took Sister Hegstrom with me to Westlake to work with Sister Thurgood and Sister Miller. I can't say how grateful I was to have that time with Sister Hegstrom. She is such an important part of my life now, and I was so happy to talk to her and train her a little on how to do exchanges. I always used to think about how cool it would be to train her as a Sister Training Leader. I guess I kind of had that opportunity this past weekend. We talked a lot about how she's doing and why she's doing so well. I'm always so amazed by her focus on the Lord. She knows why she's here and what she needs to do to reach her goal of helping others. She understands who's work this is and who is truly having the successes. She understands that she is simply an instrument and she knows that it's a privilege.  She absolutely belongs in a leadership position. The other sisters need the opportunity to work with her so they can learn from her. There's a reason that she's so great. She has prepared so well to be a missionary, and I know that preparation didn't start when she had her mission call. That preparation has been taking place throughout her life, and she's made choices in a way that she could come here to impact not just those she will teach, but thousands of others through having the assignment of being a Sister Training Leader. She still has a lot to learn, but she will learn it and quickly. She has changed a lot just since I trained her, and it's because she's allowing the Lord to change her. I just love her so much. I can't express how grateful I am to the Lord that He allowed me to be her trainer and to become a close friend. Honestly, we're closer than just friends....we are sisters. It's so great because she pushes me to be better. I know she looks up to me a lot, for what reason I'm still curious, but I'm grateful. I want to be better for her and for any other sister that may look to me as an example. Sister Hegstrom is doing so well.

Now, about my exchange with Sister Miller. I won’t lie. I was a little worried about working with Sister Miller. Sister Burwell and I had discussed her needs a lot to prepare me for my exchange with her. I know that when Sister Burwell worked with her last transfer, Sister Miller was struggling with being teachable. She's grown a lot since then. We had a really good exchange together. We talked about goal setting and how much goals can help us on a day to day basis to reach bigger goals that we've set for ourselves. I know that will help her a lot. She has a lot that she wants to accomplish, but she wasn't sure exactly how to do it. Now she does. She will be a great teacher, but first she really needs to study and learn the restoration. She knows how to recite it beautifully, but that doesn't do anything for people. I talked to her about being herself, but she can't be herself until she feels like teaching the restoration is natural to her. We had some cool miracles as well, and I think that really helped her feel excited about the work. I'm glad I got to work with her this transfer.

Ok, enough about everything else, time to talk about Jed. He is so great. I love him so much. It's crazy how much I love these people! Jed came to church on his own yesterday! That is HUGE. He doesn't do very many things without Stefanie, but Stefanie was sick yesterday. The most amazing part was that Jed stayed for all three hours. I was so glad that he made the decision to come because he needed to hear the talks in sacrament meeting. Sister Wood spoke on the atonement of Jesus Christ and it was amazing. I personally learned so much from her talk and I felt he Spirit so strongly. She is just an amazing person and someone that I know we can count on...not just for missionary work, but for anything. Anyway, Jed was really touched by her talk. I know that he really needed to hear about the healing power of the atonement and how we can change through Jesus Christ. He actually started crying during the closing hymn, How Great Thou Art. I didn't think I would ever witness that, but I know the Spirit was teaching him exactly what he needed to learn at that moment. I love him. I love Stefanie. We had a lesson with them last night, and at the end of the lesson they told us that they've bought rings for their wedding. We also decided on a time for Jed's baptism and for their wedding the day before! This is really happening. I never doubted, but it's coming so fast and I can't wait for the day that I see Jed standing in that baptismal font. The only day that can be better than that is when I'm sitting in a sealing room in the temple, a year from now, as Jed and Stefanie are sealed together for all eternity. I LOVE THIS WORK! Have I ever said that before?

We're working hard here, and we're going to keep doing it. :)

I love EVERYONE!

Love,
Sister Bennett

How Can His Plan Be so Perfect?

September 16, 2013

Dear Fambam,

We did so much planning this week for the upcoming transfer! We needed to plan for the training we'll be doing at interviews for the sisters, our exchange message, goals, and when to have exchanges with each set of sisters. It was a lot, but we got it all done. We definitely had a lot of help and direction from the Spirit. It's funny because we really didn't get to go out and teach that many lessons this week, but, when we actually got to go teach, we taught people that are getting baptized in the coming month. That is such a tender mercy from Heavenly Father. He has been providing us with so much success, and I know that we really have nothing to do with it, because we're too busy to have anything to do with it. We just try to do our best to gain His trust, and pray for those opportunities to teach His children. Jed is so elect. I keep wondering to myself, "How can Heavenly Father's plan be this perfect?"

Jed and Stefanie needed us to be the missionaries teaching them. I am sure of that. They needed to be in this ward at this time with the Bishop we currently have. I know that we, Sister Burwell and I, needed to have this experience with Jed and Stefanie. The Lord is truly showing us His power through the experiences we're having with them. We have seen miracle after miracle, and I have seen, so obviously, how He has a plan that is so intricate and so personal to each of us. I can see how it is working to bless each of our lives as we go through this process together. He made it possible for each of us to be here at this time to learn these specific things that we need in order to become like Him. He loves us so much, and understands us so well. I feel that he is rewarding Sister Burwell and I for the efforts we've given throughout our missions, but He's also showing us that we have SO much more to learn. This mission isn't the only time when I'm going to be shaped and molded by Him. Sometimes I catch myself worrying that I'm running out of time to change, but really I'm being prepared to understand how to change throughout my entire life. There's not a certain level I have to reach by the end of my mission, because it is definitely not the end of my progress. I would not be able to handle that. Seeing the way that Jed and Stefanie are has really helped my testimony grow of how well He knows us personally. He knows exactly  what trials they both need to go through right now, and I can feel that. He's allowing me to understand His plan more, so that in the future I can remember this when I'm going through those trials. It's been an amazing experience because I feel that He's sharing His vision for Jed and Stefanie with me. I can see who they will become as they endure these trials and grow from them. This has been a very sacred experience for me. I can feel myself coming closer to Him, because I'm understanding Him so much more. Why does He do it? Sister Wood pointed this out very clearly yesterday in our lesson in Gospel Principles; He loves us. That really hit me yesterday as I was pondering on these things that I just shared. I'm learning a lot, and I'm grateful for it.

This are moving forward with Jed and Stefanie. The obstacles that were in the way for them to get married are being removed little by little. Brother Dottl, in the ward, is a CPA. He isn't practicing, currently, but we told him about the situation with Jed and Stefanie and he said he has friends who are practicing accountants that deal with these kinds of situations. Brother Dottl came to an appointment with us this week and explained to Jed and Stefanie the options that they have to protect Jed's income for when they get married. Stefanie was crying a lot and was just so grateful. She kept saying "I know that if I keep living the tithing law and being obedient, the Lord HAS TO BLESS ME." She is so right. He has to, but, even more so, He wants to. There is such an obvious blessing that she has been given as a result of her paying her tithing - her faith has increased tremendously. She is an amazing example of faith. Satan is putting her through a lot, but she will not stop. She's had a few breakdowns here and there, but each time she comes up stronger than at the start of it. She is such a great woman. I didn't know that they had already planned on a day to get married, but they have! They told us that they'll be getting married on the 18th of October and then Jed will be baptized the 19th and confirmed the 20th. That will probably be the best weekend of my mission! The Lord seriously works miracles when we have faith! It is so true! Jed and Stefanie both came to church yesterday and stayed all three hours. They are doing so well, and I just love them SOOOOO much. Wow. How can I ever go home and stop doing this work? There is nothing better than being a missionary.

Don't worry, we haven't just been seeing miracles with Jed and Stefanie. We had an appointment on Saturday with Phillip, who came to church last week, and his daughter Diana. Diana is in her early 30s and has 4 kids. She is the one we were originally going to teach and her dad, Phillip, joined us for a prayer, felt the Spirit, came to church and loved it. They were both there, ready for our lesson when we came on Saturday. We taught them about the restoration of Christ's church and the Spirit was really strong. Diana wanted to get a notebook and write things down as we taught about Jesus Christ and His atonement. When we shared the first vision, Phillip spoke up and asked "Why don't I know about this already? Why doesn't everyone know about this." We smiled. We explained that that is exactly why we were sitting in their living room at that very moment. We are sent out to tell people about the amazing news that Christ's church is on the earth today, in it's original, perfect form. We invited them to be baptized and they both agreed. Phillip said "Of course! I'm getting baptized unless something stops me, but I don't think anything can stop me." They both have been searching for something. Phillip has been searching for a new beginning and more. He works long hours and a few weeks ago he had been praying and just asking Heavenly Father if there isn't more to life. The next day we came over. Diana wants closeness in her family. She wants her children to know God and she wants a stronger personal relationship with Him. We know where she can receive all of those blessings. It is the best feeling in the world when people share their wants and desires, and we can tell them "We can help you with that. We know exactly where you can find those things." The gospel is such good news, isn't it?

I love this work so much. I had a miniature panic attack the other day as Sister Burwell and I were driving from our appointment with Phillip and Diana. I was picturing myself standing in Lavelle Edwards Stadium at BYU watching a BYU football game. I just felt empty. I don't want to go back to a selfish life. When I was picturing that, I just felt like I could never have this same feeling of fulfillment when I go back to normal life. How am I going to keep the Spirit like I have it now? I don't want to turn inward again like I was before, because I want to keep feeling this kind of joy. True joy. I don't want to go back to fun. I don't like fun. I like joy. I know the day will come when I finish my mission, and, honestly, I've been okay with that, but now that it's getting so much closer it's becoming a lot more real. That was the first time that I really felt like I REALLY don't want to leave. I don't want to take off this name tag and be released. I never want to loose this power and authority I've been given to represent my Savior. I know, I have to, but I really don't want to think about that anymore. I do love my family, and I ache to see you, but I just want to understand how I can have both. I want to be able to be with you but still feel as amazing as I feel. I guess I'm going to be doing a lot of praying and fasting. That's the last I'll be talking about that, though. It makes me feel queasy to think about it.

I love the Lord and His work. I am going to keep harvesting until I get kicked out of His vineyard. Wait and see. :)

Love,
Sister Bennett

P.S. - The picture is of Sister Walker and I. I love her SOOOO much. She just went home on Wednesday. She's one of the Sisters that I'm living with in the winter. Hopefully.....if everything works out. I love her.

Companion love

Sister Higgins and Me

Jade Akina and Me at transfer meeting - last time seeing her before she went on her mission to Mexico!

Sister Burwell, Sister Klem and Me at transfer meeting

Where Did You Come From?

September 9, 2013

Dear Family,

Transfer Report: SISTER BURWELL AND I ARE STAYING TOGETHER FOR ONE MORE! I get to be Sister Burwell's last companion! We'll be together for a total of 7 and 1/2 months! Who knew I could handle that? It's because I love her.....plus she's weird so for entertainment purposes...I'll keep her.

It was a crazy week! Don't worry, though, I loved every minute. Sister Burwell and I had to take a Spanish sister to the airport because she went home for medical purposes. On our way back from the airport we got to stop at the temple for Sister Burwell's birthday. Then, when we got to Ventura we picked up our new "temporary" companion from Temple Square - Sister Klemm. She's from Germany and she's hilarious! Crazzzzzzy week PEOPLE! CRAZY!

We saw SO many miracles and Sister Burwell and I had a great experience going to the temple for Sister Burwell's birthday. I felt rushed trying to get to the temple, because we didn't want to be getting back to Ventura so late in the afternoon, but the traffic was so terrible on the 405. When we got to the temple, finally, I was a bit flustered. We rushed in and got changed as quickly as possible, but I was held up for a minute because I saw Sister Matweyew's (from Moorpark) mother-in-law. I had to stop and say "hello" to her, which I was so happy to. That was a little treat to see her. She told me that brother Matweyew received the Melchizedek priesthood and gave Gavin a priesthood blessing for the beginning of the school year. That helped me calm down from having to rush so much. Then, Sister Burwell and I walked over to get a name and the sisters there told us that we missed the session by 5 minutes. What? I'm so grateful for Sister Burwell. I know she could tell I felt bad that we would be getting back to Ventura so late, so she turned to me and said, "Where is there a better place to be for an extra hour and fifteen minutes?" She also said that she felt like the Lord wanted us there for a little extra time. I was so thankful for her perspective on the situation. I learned a really good lesson. "We can't control the wind, but we can control the sails" came to my mind. Our lives have a lot of bumps in the road that we don't really expect. They happen everyday, but we can choose how to react. That's a huge lesson I've learned, repeatedly (because I have a thick head), throughout my mission. The remainder of our time in the temple was wonderful. The new endowment film is amazing. I learned so much and it made my love for Heavenly Father's plan deepen even more. I'm so grateful that we can go to the Lord's house and commune with Him. I know that the temple is literally His house.

I have really enjoyed having Sister Klemm with us for these past few days. She has such a fun personality and the way she teaches has been great to learn from. She is always so positive and that's been good for me, because I've been tired and I think I've been letting it make me grumpy. Sister Burwell and I will miss her a lot, but I'm grateful she could come and experience the amazing miracles that happened this week with us.

Jed and Stefanie. The miracles and faith do not cease with them. I think a huge reason why I needed to be here to teach them was so I could learn from them. Sister Burwell and I have gotten so close with them,  and it's funny because we don't really know that much about them personally. We know them spiritually. We've shared so many spiritual experiences with them that it's created such a strong bond. Those are the relationships that I want for the rest of my life, relationships built on a spiritual foundation - Jesus Christ. We had two lessons with Jed and Stefanie this week. The first lesson was on Wednesday and the Bishop was able to come with us. We taught them about the Word of Wisdom. Stefanie has an addiction to cigarettes. She has been smoking since she was a teenager, so it's really hard for her to quit. Before we even started teaching about the Word of Wisdom, we really focused on the Savior and His atonement. We read Alma 7:11-13 with them and talked about how He knows all that we'll go through and He's overcome it all as well. He will help Stefanie overcome this, I know He will. We talked about the blessings of the Word of Wisdom, the greatest of which is always having the Spirit, and both Jed and Stefanie talked about how they want that. Bishop explained the 12-step program to Stefanie, and she immediately said that she wants to try it. She also said that she wants to quit smoking through the program and have it as a calling to be in charge of it. I thought that was a neat goal. Well, on Saturday we had another lesson with them. This was a miracle lesson. We were planning on teaching about the Law of Chastity. Jed and Stefanie need to get married so Jed can be baptized. When we got there, Stefanie asked us to talk to Jed about seeking perfection. Jed struggles with the idea that we can't be perfect in this life. He's really hard on himself if he makes any mistakes. We shared a lot of personal experiences that we've had with the atonement. I felt like I could really relate to how Jed was feeling...to an extent. Sister Burwell is always getting on my case about not being too hard on myself. I shared some of my feelings with him and the things that I've learned as I've come to feel and understand the atonement more in my life. I've seen the atonement change Jed already. He is such a special person and I can feel how much Heavenly Father loves him. As we were talking with him, he said he just doesn't want to do anything to mess this all up because he feels so good. He never wants to loose the Spirit. I felt so strongly that I needed to stress the fact that he needs the gift of the Holy Ghost. After each of us bore our testimony of the importance of the gift of the Holy Ghost, Stefanie turned to Jed and said, "We need to get you baptized as soon as we can so you can get the gift of the Holy Ghost." She then turned to us and told us that she told Jed at the beginning of us meeting with them that they were not going to get married until next year. Then she continued to tell us that she knows they can't wait to do that. She told Jed that they need to get married so he can be baptized in October. All three of us had our jaws on the floor. I almost started bawling. I just felt so much love for Stefanie right then and I could feel how proud Heavenly Father is of her. Her faith has grown So much since we first started teaching them. I know that increase of faith has come because she paid her tithing. It is an immediate blessing from putting the kingdom of God first in her life. She said that she didn't want to die, stand in front of the Lord and have Him ask why Jed wasn't baptized and she would have to answer "Because I was in debt." She said she has no choice but to trust in the Lord to provide. I know He will, because He always does. When we obey the Lord is bound, isn't that what the scriptures teach us? Jed is getting baptized on October 19th. That will be one of the best days of my mission.

Another quick miracle, we taught a lady named Diana on Saturday. She was a referral a long time ago from the Hermanas and I've met Diana many times. We were always trying to find a time to teach her but she's so busy that it never worked out. Finally, we got to teach her on Saturday. She expressed so many desires that she has when we asked why she was willing to meet with us. She wants her family to be closer together (she has 4 children), she wants her kids to have God in their lives, she wants to have good friends and support from good people, and she wants to have a better individual relationship with Heavenly Father. We were pleased to tell her that she will receive all of those blessings through the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. Her Dad, Phillip, was there and he's so nice. He gave us bananas to take home and he came in to pray with us at the end. He even asked us to kneel! He beat us to it! Diana told us that she would definitely come to church the next day. When we were at church yesterday, we were walking in from our car and there was Phillip sitting on the church steps reading his Bible! I was so surprised that I almost didn't recognize him! He told us that Diana's kids got an infection called "hand, foot, mouth" and it's super contagious so she couldn't bring them to church around the other kids. Phillip told her he was still going to go and that he'd tell us "hi" for her. Haha. He loved church! He talked to me about the first time he met me and another sister I was on exchanges with. He came out for a prayer before we left that time, just like this last time.  He said every time we're around he feels so good. He feels something different. We explained the Spirit to him and told him to look for that feeling again while he was in church. He sure felt it! He said that he'll be back next week, he'll be at our appointment with Diana on Saturday and he signed up to feed us dinner! That was an amazing miracle. I was just like "Where did you come from????" over and over again to Phillip. Haha.

I love these people so much. I never could have imagined how much joy I would feel as I have done this. I am so grateful for the examples in my life that helped me get to this point. Going on a mission was the best decision I've ever made. The course of my life has changed dramatically because of that decision. This truly is the best year-and-a-half FOR my life.

Love,
Sister Bennett

Jed Looks Good in Church Clothes

September 2, 2013

Dear Family,

Alma 22:7-8 - "Aaron answered him and said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God? And the king said . . . if now thou sayest there is a God, behold I will believe. And now when Aaron heard this, his heart began to rejoice." Aaron realized that his newest investigator, King Lamoni's father, was elect, prepared to receive the truth at that time, and his heart rejoiced. I read that this morning during my personal study, and I know exactly how Aaron felt in that moment. I have felt that multiple times on my mission, but I've been feeling it more than I've ever felt as I have been blessed to teach Jed and Stefanie. Every time we go over and have a lesson with them my heart "rejoices" because  Jed has shared so much with us. I can clearly see how the Lord has prepared him and Stefanie to receive the gospel at this time. Jed came to church yesterday and had an amazing experience. Sister Burwell and I had been praying so much to have a great fast and testimony meeting and our prayers were answered. I was so grateful for the Spirit that I felt, and even more grateful because I knew that Jed and Stefanie were feeling that same Spirit. I am thankful that the whole meeting was so focused on the atonement of Jesus Christ because they needed to hear other people's experiences with using the atonement to change themselves. After sacrament meeting ended, they were going to leave but Jed asked if we could show them around the building so he could feel more prepared for when he comes for all three hours. There were so many people who came up to meet them and the members were so loving and welcoming. That was another blessing. When we were talking to them before they left, Stefanie said, "Well, big things have to happen if we want the big things to happen." She said that they are willing to take the big steps and they know they have to if Jed's going to get baptized in October. Sister Burwell and I almost screamed because we were both fasting for them to get married so Jed doesn't have to wait to be baptized! Stefanie and Jed know what they want, and they're putting their faith in the Lord rather than in themselves. In our lesson with them this past week, Stefanie had gotten her paycheck and had made the decision to pay her tithing. That was huge! When she said the opening prayer for the lesson, she prayed that the Bishop would be able to come (because we invited him to) so she could get that money away from her and in his hands. That made me smile. Well, a few minutes later the Bishop walked in and she immediately went to get her tithing to give to him. What a huge step of faith she took. I know that was just the beginning. I know that because she acted on her faith, that her faith will increase so much and she'll be able to do the things that she really wants to do for herself and for Jed. Amazing. We are teaching two of the most amazing people I've met on my mission and we're just praying so hard that we'll be together to see Jed get baptized and to see Stefanie take the sacrament again. Miracles can and will happen.

Maliah was baptized on Saturday! It was a really great baptismal service. She was so happy, and it was really cute because she wanted to say the closing prayer for her own baptism. However, when it came time for her to do it, she was so nervous that she just whispered it. She really loves Sister Burwell and me, and it's so sweet of her. Her older sister, Monica, also seems to have attached herself to us, but I'm grateful for that because she needs people to look up to. I'm happy to fill that role for her. They both need to be really strong for their parents. Brother J is less-active and their mom isn't a member. She's actually pretty against the church but says that her children can make their own decision about it. I think she's been disappointed that they've both decided to be baptized. Monica and Maliah also need to be really good examples for their younger brother. I just hope that Brother J will ponder on the feelings he had this weekend and act on them. He knows the church is true and he knows that he needs to get his act together, but he just doesn't do it. Fear is stopping him from preparing for the time when his wife will be ready. He needs to think about that and have that be the driving force for him to come back into full activity in the church. I love the J family. They are really great people and they've been so welcoming and kind to Sister Burwell and me. We've been very blessed in this area together.

Now for a report on our exchanges this week.

On Tuesday we had an exchange with the sisters in 3rd ward. Their area has been struggling, so we decided to fast together to find new investigators that day. I know that was a key to us having such a great day. I was with Sister Hiatt, and we really enjoyed working together. I felt the Spirit a lot throughout the day and I'm really grateful to have Sister Hiatt in the mission. She is a wonderful missionary. She works so hard and she is so dedicated. She just wants to help other people - that is her entire motivation. She's funny because sometimes she would say things to me, and then she'd say "anyway, never mind, but...." It was almost like she regretted sharing things because it made her seem vulnerable. I talked to her a lot about allowing her companion to see her when she is vulnerable. I want Sister Hiatt to feel like she can trust her companions and to confide in them. I know that will make her a lot happier. She's stressed about the work in her area because she feels like she is failing. She feels like she's been wasting the Lord's time because she hasn't had a baptism. I talked to her about what success really is and told her to not demand more of herself than the Lord does. She's a great missionary and she'll be a great leader.

On Wednesday, we went on an exchange with the Camarillo 5th ward. I worked with Sister Tagaloa in our area. It's hard to work with Sister Tagaloa sometimes because it starts to feel like she thinks it's just time to have fun with one of her friends. I talked to her about that at the beginning of the exchange and asked her what she felt the purpose of exchanges is. I didn't want her to feel like she had to be straight faced and super serious, but I felt that she needed to take the opportunity to learn more seriously. I was also tired, so that may have made me less-patient. After we talked about that, we worked hard that entire day. I talked to her a lot about slowing down. People have a hard time connecting with her because they can't really understand her with her accent and with how quickly she talks. She and Sister Clark are doing well together. She said she really likes being her companion, so that made me happy. Sister Tagaloa is doing well.

We had our last exchange of the transfer on Thursday. I had the opportunity to go back to 4th ward and to work with Sister Arndt. It was a really amazing day that Sister Arndt really needed. I just let her lead the whole day and she was amazing. She's a great teacher! She teaches so simply. I was so impressed by how well she teaches, so I told her to let Sister Hegstrom know that she wanted the opportunity to lead more often. I know that Sister Hegstrom will willingly do that, but she probably didn't know that Sister Arndt needed that. Sister Arndt said that the day was a huge confidence booster for her. She had been feeling like she really wasn't cut out for missionary work because she didn't feel effective. After our exchange her perspective changed, and now she knows what to focus on now rather than just having a huge list of things that she wants to change. I really love Sister Arndt. I'm grateful for missionaries like her that come out here and are so obedient and so dedicated.

Well, that's all that I have time to share. It was a great week. I'm looking forward to this next one.

Love,
Sister Bennett

P.S. - That's a picture of Sister Burwell and I at the Ventura Harbor. It's sweet! The other is of Maliah's older sister, Monica.

Monica and me holding the picture from Maliah's baptism

Monica Juker and Me. I love her!

Hermana Walker and I at the Ventura Harbor

Out to dinner with Sister Rabago. I'm sure she was embarrassed by us 

Maliah's Baptism! 

Jed. I Love Him so Much.

August 26, 2013

Dear Family,

It looks like I got this right this week. :)

I just wrote an entire letter and it got deleted. That is frustrating. I will do my best to recreate everything that I just typed up, but I don't want to take forever doing it.

We had a really great week. We had three exchanges and they all went pretty well. I'm always so grateful for the guidance of the Spirit as I'm working with each sister, because they have individual needs that I can only be aware of through the guidance of the Holy Ghost. It's been amazing how almost every transfer, the sisters that I work with for that transfer cycle have very similar goals. The even neater thing is that almost every time their goals have been exactly what I had been working on the previous transfer and they have been things that I really felt that I had improved on. That's amazing! It's helped me know what to do to help the sisters reach their goals, and helped me feel adequate to give them feedback and insights on trying to reach their goals.

I worked with Sister Randall on Tuesday. We had a great day together in my area. We talked to a lot of people, which was great because her goal was to work on connecting with people. Sister Randall is so personable and outgoing with other missionaries, but when she is out teaching she almost freezes up and doesn't know who to be. I talked to her a lot about being herself, and understanding that the Lord called her to serve a mission - that includes her personality. I had a hard time with that at the beginning of my mission too, so I was grateful that I could pass on the advice that I had been given. Sister Randall has really great leadership skills. She's confident in decision making because she relies on the Spirit. Now, she just needs to refine her missionary skills so she can be a well-rounded missionary.

The next exchange I had was with Sister Xayadeth in Camarillo. She has improved a lot since her last exchange. I could feel a difference from just sitting and talking to her while we were planning on Tuesday evening. She is now a very obedient missionary and I could feel that she was ready to learn. I told her that she would be the senior companion for the day because it was her area and I didn't know the people. She didn't look excited about that at all, but then I saw a quick change in her expression and in her attitude. She put the fear behind her and decided that she was just going to do it. I reassured her that I would be right there with her and just like a normal companion. She did so well. She was nervous with almost every person that we talked to, but she kept going and kept growing. It was amazing how much she grew in just one day. She is such an optimistic, happy missionary and I'm grateful that I got to work with her.

We had some amazing experiences this week with Jed. I love him and his girlfriend, Stefanie, so much. Jed has a lot of tattoos and he's a really huge, muscley guy so from the outside you would think that he is a harsh, rough person. However, when you look in his eyes you can see the light of the Savior and you can feel how much he loves his Heavenly Father when you speak with him. I love that so much. Every time we go and see them I leave their home feeling so good and full of the Spirit. On Tuesday night, while I was on an exchange with Sister Randall, Stefanie texted us and said that Jed needed a blessing. We called the Bishop (I felt very strongly that it was supposed to be him giving Jed a blessing) and headed over to their home. When we got there it was obvious that Jed was having a very hard time. He was having an OCD meltdown/anxiety attack. The Bishop sat down and talked with him for a minute but then Bishop Allen decided that Jed should get a blessing first and then we could all talk. The blessing was so powerful. I have never felt the Spirit in that way before. I felt like that blessing was not only for Jed, but for me, too. In the blessing Jed was told how much Heavenly Father loves him and how aware of him He is. It talked about how proud He is of Jed and that He would never leave him. He promised to guide Jed through this journey and that He knows what's best and would make it known to Jed in the right timing. I almost started crying. I just felt so much love from Heavenly Father for me and for Jed and Stefanie. After the blessing, the Bishop sat down right in front of Jed and shared his (Bishop Allen's) conversion story. He talked about emotions and concerns that I know Jed is feeling and how he got through them. Jed shared that he just wants this so badly that his OCD is making him freak out, wanting it right now, this second. We taught him about the Lord's timing and how there is no rush. I know that the Lord is so aware of Jed and his needs. He knows what's best for him and will guide Jed on this journey. Jed and Bishop were just sitting there crying together, and I was so grateful that Bishop had come. I know that Jed needs someone like the Bishop to look up to that he can trust and confide in. Jed is a very special person. I have never met anyone like him, and I know that he is an elect son of God.

I am so grateful that the Lord entrusts such precious people to our care. I know, however, that He doesn't leave us alone to take care of these people, but that we truly do have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost which will always guide us and tell us what we need to do. He will not leave us, not in this work. This is too important. These people are too important to Him.

I love this work.

Sister Bennett

Let's Harvest This Field, From Sunrise to Sunset!

August 19, 2013


Dear Fambam,

I AM SO SORRY! I am an airhead/loosing my mind because there is so much stuffed in there! I totally forgot to send my email last week! Forgive me!! Well, here's the one from last week!

When we were on exchanges this week in Santa Maria, Sister LeSeur played a song for me that I've been thinking about a lot since Friday. The song is called "Harvester" and the chorus made me emotional as I thought about what it means to be a missionary. The song says "From all that we've grown, how could we forget those who don't know or just don't know yet? We'll harvest this field from sunrise to sunset. The Master is coming, we are not done yet." I've been battling with myself a lot lately, or, really, I've been battling with the adversary. The tactics he uses with me are not that of temptations to sleep in or disobey rules, but he is trying to break my confidence and distract me from my stewardship. Lately, I've often had thoughts about how tired I am and how long I still have to go until I can rest. I know that those thoughts are not coming from the Lord. That song, quoted above, helped me remember that I am not done yet and I don't want to be done yet. I want to be here preparing for when the Master comes as long as I possibly can. The other thoughts that Satan has been putting in my head are thoughts about my growth. I keep doubting myself and how much I've progressed. I've been so worried lately that I haven't grown as much as the Lord has wanted me to, but I know that I have. I know that I've given this work my all and I'm going to continue to do so. As the song says "From all that we've grown, how could we forget." I can't allow myself to forget how much I've changed. The Lord has really blessed me this week with confirmations of my growth. I was able to speak at Lisa's baptism, which was wonderful, and as I pondered on that experience afterward, I remembered an interview I had with President my 4th transfer. I had the opportunity to do part of the presentation for the training, with Sister Putnam, and he had been in the room as we presented. When I came into my interview, he spoke to me about how I present myself and being confident in myself and in the authority I have. He talked about how at times I seemed unsure, as if I was thinking "What am I doing up here in front of all these missionaries? I don't belong here." I will always remember what President taught me. He told me that I need to stand tall, with confidence, and remember that I've been given power and authority from Jesus Christ to do His work. When I thought about my talk at Lisa's baptism, I realized how confident I've become with speaking and that whenever I am given an assignment to present or to speak I feel totally confident in that power and authority I have and in the Spirit's ability to guide me. I'm grateful that the Spirit helped me realize that growth.

I had an exchange this week with Sister Anderson in San Luis Obispo. I am really glad that I had that opportunity, because I had only heard about her from Sister Burwell and Sister Hegstrom. I had never actually gotten the opportunity to teach with her or work with her. She has the best attitude. She has been through a lot in her life, and she is totally converted to Jesus Christ. Her motto in missionary work is "if all else fails, just knock doors and testify." I love that because she understands why she's here. She is here to testify of Jesus Christ and even though she is with a missionary who has been out just as long as she has, she doesn't doubt. She also loves the people, so much. She really does have a desire to help them and lead them to Christ. It was a great opportunity for me to work with her, because it helped me reflect on my attitude and why I am here. I'm excited to see her as she grows in her teaching skills, since she is still so new. She is becoming such a powerful missionary. 

My last exchange was with Sister LeSeur in Santa Maria. We had an amazing day! It seems that everytime we go to Santa Maria we have the greatest miracles! It felt really good to go out the entire day and just work super hard. We talked to every single person that we saw, including groups of people. She was a bit hesitant about that at first, but she had no choice but to follow me and talk to everyone. At the end of the day, she talked about how good she felt because she knew she had done all that she could. She said that she had honestly never gone up to a group of people before to teach them about the gospel, and that she was grateful that I showed her that it is ok. I'm glad that I was able to help her see how satisfying it is to return home at night tired, worn out, and ready for bed because you've done all that you can.

When Sister Burwell and I got back on Saturday, we had a busy day. We had two baptisms and we went to a third baptism that evening because one of the investigators we're teaching, Dawn, was going. Daniel's baptism went really well. The Spirit was definitely there and Daniel couldn't wipe the smile off of his face. He's such a good kid, and I'm really excited for his future. I'm also so grateful for the fellowship that he has in the ward from the Deacons quorum. He's already good friends with them, and I know that they'll keep track of him.

Lisa's baptism was beautiful. The Spirit was so strong there. She was very emotional. At first, I was worried that she was having doubts, but when I asked her what she was feeling she just said, "really good." I felt at peace about her answer and knew that she was feeling the Spirit. I spoke on baptism, and had felt very impressed to share the conversion story of Alma the younger (Mosiah 27) and to really focus on being born again. I learned a lot from preparing to speak, and I definitely felt the Spirit working through me as I spoke. I love having the opportunity to speak because I love that powerful feeling of the Spirit that I receive every time I speak. There was a good amount of members who came to Lisa's baptism, as well, and I was very grateful for that. She really needed this, as everyone does, but Lisa needed to have that healing. I know that she's had that and that she will continue to heal through the atonement of Jesus Christ. She is just a special person and it's so obvious that the light of God has truly come into her life even more through her baptism.

We got to teach Jed and Stefanie again yesterday, and Stefanie's less-active son, Cody, was there, too! Once again, it was an amazing experience. Sister Burwell and I had discussed talking to them about getting married, because, of course, they need to get married so Jed can be baptized. We weren't exactly sure of how to bring it up, since neither of us has taught someone with this situation, but we knew that we'd be lead by the Spirit to know the best way to discuss it with them. When we got there, one of the first things Stefanie asked us was "How can Jed have a baptismal date? You do know that we're living together, unmarried, right?" That was a blessing, because it would've been awkward if we had just brought it up. We shared with them the thoughts and feelings that we had about them getting sealed in the temple in a year and that they would need to get married sooner so that Jed can get baptized. Stefanie then told us why they aren't married yet. Stefanie has some debt from a previous marriage that she needs to pay off, and if she marries Jed the IRS will go after his money and Stefanie doesn't want to do that. She got pretty emotional and talked about how she doesn't want to hinder his progress in the gospel because he really wants to get baptized. I wasn't sure what to tell them. I thought they were just afraid of commitment or something, and I didn't know anything about debt or the IRS. Sister Burwell, being totally inspired, spoke up and said that the question kept coming to her head, for Stefanie, "Are you paying your tithing?" Stefanie almost jumped off the ground, and explained that her dad had just asked her the same question a few days ago and really urged her to pay her tithing. That was a miracle! We totally shifted our lesson from re-teaching the restoration to teaching them about tithing and the blessings that come. Stefanie has a really good perspective of tithing. She talked about how she doesn't want to pay tithing for the wrong reasons, and wants to do it the right way - not just for the blessings. She said that she knows that she needs to do it, but it will be very hard. I know that she can do it, and Sister Burwell and I are going to pray and fast for them to be able to get out of debt so they can get married and Jed can get baptized. I don't know how long it will take, but I know that they will receive help as Stefanie pays her tithing. I also know that Sister Burwell and I are the missionaries that the Lord wanted to be teaching them, and I feel that I will be here for Jed's baptism. I don't know how it's going to work, I just have faith that it will. I love them so much. Because they have such amazing faith, it's helped mine to grow. They're coming to church this Sunday, and I'm so excited to introduce them to the members of the ward and to Bishop Allen! I LOVE THIS WORK!

The Lord is always blessing His faithful servants, isn't He. Now I just have to continue to be faithful and I can hope for, or expect, the blessings to continue to come.

Love,

Sister Bennett

Daniel's baptism!

Lisa's baptism!