Skirts and Tags: August 2015

Not too much to say this week.

Hna Cannon and I have been working hard to prepare our area for this next transfer since I won't be here. We have been meeting a lot more with the ward leaders to figure out what we can do to help some of the less actives. We have also been working closely with the Rodriguez family as they have decided to work towards going to the temple before the end of the year!

I had my final interview with President LaPierre yesterday after church. He gave such good advice, and I am definitely feeling excited to start a whole new adventure (maybe a little terrified as well, but that's normal I hear). The plans for tonight include a dinner at the mission home, a testimony meeting, and lots of farewells. Tomorrow morning starts the long process of traveling home.

I am so grateful that Heavenly Father called me on a mission! It was definitely not something that I had ever planned to do, but I know it was the BEST thing for me. I know Heavenly Father loves us and knows us perfectly. His plan is to help us develop and progress and become better. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that through His atonement we can be cleansed and then filled with light. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. I know that the Book of Mormon was written by inspired prophets for our day. I know that we can trust in the Holy Ghost to guide and warn us. I know that the temple is a holy place and that families can be together forever. I believe all these things and they fill me with joy. They fill me with a "hope of a better world," and with an excitement to learn and grow.

I love you!

Hermana Simmons

Well... this past week has been CRAZY.

On Wednesday I went to Ituzaingo to do divisions with Hermanas Hartley and Pitts. They are two amazing sisters and both have less than 6 months in the mission (Hna Pitts is still in training). I couldn't believe how well they have a handle on the language and their area. Heavenly Father truly prepares us for our callings, and then He supports and strengthens us as we put forth our best efforts. Their area is a beautiful town next to the river. During the siesta I thought "This is what they mean by "sleepy beach towns."" The one thing that was weird is that all of Ituzaingo is covered in sand instead of the red earth.

We went to the mission home on Sunday night and left for Iguazu at 2am Monday morning. It was a 5 hour trip in a rented van. We arrived at Iguazu at 7 am and had to wait until 8 for the park to open. I don't actually know what else to say about Iguazu. Breathtaking? Stunning? There is a reason it is one of the Wonders of the World. I'll send some pictures later. I went with a group of 11 missionaries. We will all be flying home next week.

We arrived at the mission home about 7 on Monday night, I ate with President LaPierre and the other Hermana Leaders, and then woke up bright and early on Tuesday for Consejo. It was an amazing last consejo. I loved being able to see how much the mission has grown and improved in the past months.

Hermana Cannon and I have been brainstorming a lot on how to find new investigators. What we have really decided is that the best way to find new people to teach is through the members. If all the families could just pray for and help the missionaries work with even just one reference, we could advance God's work and be so much more effective. So the challenge to everyone reading this is try to find at least one person to share their testimony with!

I thought that this was a beautiful scripture! Mormon 9:27 "O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him"

Love,

Hermana Simmons

ps- Yes, I will be able to email next Monday, but I probably won't be saying much. So if you would like to write, feel free. If not, that's fine as well. Love you!