Companion: Sister Raelynn Pito
Good afternoon!
You'll never believe who my new companion is. Sister Raelynn Pito. Sound familiar? She was my MTC companion! :D At transfer meeting when we found out that we're companions we were sooo excited! Before the meeting started we were talking and said, "what if we're companions?" Ha ha.. I waved it off, saying that I didn't think they'd put her in an old people area after being in YSA areas her whole mission. We didn't think much about it after. When it was announced that we would be together we both laughed and exclaimed, "No way." We gave each other a big hug, and we seriously couldn't stop giggling about it throughout the day.
I don't know if I ever told y'all, but Sister Pito and I butted heads a lot in the MTC. Her and I were so different and always disagreeing on how to do things. By the end of our stay at the MTC we loved each other and settled differences. We learned so much from each other. It is because of her that I learned how to loosen up and have fun. She changed my life. From me, she learned how to be more obedient. It's amazing how much we needed each other. Even with the personality differences, we would never end a night on a bad note. The most powerful moments I had with her were when we knelt together in prayer. That is when we came together and grew in unity. After one disastrous attempt, we learned how to teach together with the spirit. I can't tell y'all how much I love Sister Pito, and how many fond memories I have of the MTC.
Our first evening back together as companions was great, and very eye opening to see how far we've both come. We demonstrated the message of the Restoration short and powerfully for the members who fed us dinner. We had no chance to role play beforehand or anything. We just did it. And wow... The transformation is drastic. We taught with clarity and perfect unity. We are both more able to teach the doctrines. Whereas before, we didn't really know how to express the truths we had always known.
Sister Pito is such an incredible example of dedication and determination. She works hard and knows her purpose. She has changed. As have I. This is such a tender mercy to be companions again. I always hoped we would, but didn't think it would actually happen.
This weekend we had a really neat experience stopping by a man Sister Rowley and I met a little over a week ago. His name is {B}. When Sister Rowley and I met him he was busy doing yard work and wasn't super interested, but not closed off either. He said we could come back on a weekend. He wasn't in our plans that day, but as Sister Pito and I were going to the street for someone else I felt like we shouldn't go to the person we planned and remembered spur of the moment that {B} was on that street and said we could come back. I know that was a prompting from the spirit. We went and showed him the "Because He Lives" video. We could tell that he was really feeling the spirit as he watched. I don't remember exactly what we said about it, but he ended up telling us about some hard things he has been going through. We shared something about the restored gospel that I don't fully recall. He was obviously touched. I asked if we could pray for him. One of the things I asked in the prayer is that he would be able to feel God's love for him and know that this visit was not a coincidence. He was on the verge of breaking down in tears after that prayer. I could tell he was holding back until he got inside. The spirit was undeniable. He told us we could come back the next week. This man is being prepared. He has been humbled through trials of life, and ready to hear what ever the Lord might tell him. I'm grateful to be an instrument in the Lords hands in helping his children come unto him. It is truly rewarding.
Because He Lives
Yesterday we witnessed what I felt was a small miracle. During sacrament meeting there was a special musical number composed of all who desired to come forward and join in singing "High on the Mountain Top." It was beautiful to watch people come forward voluntarily, and give of themselves in such an unexpected way. The choir was unpracticed, and perhaps "unprofessional" in the worlds eyes. They weren't all on tune. Some were singing louder than others. But it was the most Heavenly sound I've heard and scene I've witnessed all week. It was as though angels were declaring glad tidings of joy. I felt a wave of emotion at the sight. Brother Karchaske, who is our ward mission leader as well as the ward choir director, does things spontaneously. I love that about him. He gets it. He is a great singer himself. But he understands the power of selfless service and the spirit of music.
This ward is an amazing ward! I love them all so much. I love my mission, despite or even perhaps because of the challenges that come. It is a great joy to be on the Lord's errand. No amount of hardship or trial will sway me from serving him who saved us all, and who descended below us all.
Thank you for your love and support. I know this cause it true. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
With love,
Sister Record
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