Week 17

It has been a beyond wonderful week! So many amazing things are happening here right now! We were able to find amazing less actives who are in such need of the gospel and who are willing! One sister was very quiet and very reserved until near the end of our appointment. Though we had asked her before what had kept her from church, after our thought and more discussion she opened up and told us how she feels guilty leaving her non member husband at home. Amazing what the spirit can do to soften hearts and allow us to know what we can help her with to bring her back to church! Just wonderful! I have fallen in love with knocking once again, searching out those individuals and finding the opportunities Heavenly Father puts in our paths while we are in specific areas is just the coolest feeling! We had multiple great funny moments while we were out this week as well including a man literally losing a tooth, it falling out of his mouth, while talking to us, good thing he had one left! :) Also during exchanges this week i was called on to drive for the first time in 4 months, crazy! I did pretty well till I got stuck in a car dealership and had to back myself out! They ended up really fun though, Sister Major is great and went to Utah State we were practically neighbors and never knew! Our investigators are doing really well! The spirit is helping them each in their own ways they need it. Marco is softening and is so desirous of the spirit, he gave the most sincere prayer at the end of our lesson asking God for a better connection with him! Another, Robert is making the steps to be able to recognize the answer he has recieved. I know he knows he just has to identify it! We also had a wonderful experience at the Christmas Devotional last night. Another investigator, Robert, who we have been trying to help do the searching on his own, he missed church because of the rain and we were both really discouraged for his lack of commitment. After church we let him know about the devotional and he came, he was so determined and even late, from the bus he came and enjoyed it! It was amazing and i was so grateful for President Erying's declaration of "you have felt the spirit." So bold and direct, something I want to try and integrate into my teaching, having faith and confidence in the power and promise of the testifying witness of the Holy Ghost! An ironic and amazing experience also happened to me at the end of the devotional, we had set an appointment for 8 and thus right as the Prophet was beginning his remarks we realized we had to leave. As he began I got this overwhelming resounding witness that he truly is a prophet of God and just how amazing that really is! It was so strong and I was so torn having to get up and leave, realizing as a missionary I would not be able to acess his remarks later. Of course emotional me I started crying as we left, so sad not to be able to hear the prophet's words but knowing that he would want me to leave and share the gospel and this amazing gift with someone who lacked it. I composed myself and with faith went to the lesson which of course fell through. It was sad but I was so grateful for the faith building experience and the testimony I was able to strengthen. If any of ya'll missed the devotional go look it up right now and read it or watch it im sure it will be up soon! It is amazing and so important we remember the true meaning of Christmas!! I am loving this work and all that I have been able to experience! My heart has grown in places I never thought were possible for the people and the ward here in Saint Cloud A. I am truly so grateful for it, we were able to go to a relief society dinner and be with all the sisters, and then at church.. I just LOVE them! So very much! This work is true it is as simple as that. This is our purpose in life to follow Christ and perfect ourselves, slowly but surely, with his help in every step! I hope that all is well and that you are staying happy and enjoying the spirit of this time of year! I love you all!!!!!

Sister Camarella