G'day to you all!
After 11 weeks in Australia I finally had my first Australian say g'day. It was actually a slight shock for S. Ballif and I.
So it has been the best week, and I am not really sure why... it just has. My sleep is improving, so I am starting to feel better about life. I feel myself changing in a good way. I am recognising the beautiful blessings and miracles given to me each day. There is a true light that comes from a belief in Jesus Christ, from the knowledge that I am a loved child of God.
This morning I was reading Doctrine and Covenants, Section 123. Verse 13 really caught me!
"Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven."
This is what I have the privilege of doing bringing that light, that "brightness of hope" (2 Nephi 31:20) to all who seek it, to all who need it.
As disciples as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we are required to humble ourselves before God (D&C 20:37). We are invited to acknowledge Him as our Father in heaven, and submit ourselves fully to Him. We are invited to be humble that we might fully serve Him (Exodus 10:3).
When I am able to consider all that the Saviour suffered, I am humbled. When I consider that Heavenly Father allowed His son to die for me and all of us, I am overwhelmed. These emotions are motivation to me that I might more fully serve Him. That I might truly stand as a witness.
So funny story!! On Sunday morning we went by Ian at like 0750am. He takes sleeping medication and has missed his life to church a few Sunday mornings. We knocked and knocked, called his name, and there was no response. Through the window we could see he had carefully laid out his white shirt and suit, so we know he wanted to come. He had left his front door unlocked, so we opened it and called his name. He was asleep on the sofa, and still did not stir!! We where kind of laughing kind of worried. Finally we ran in a shook him a little, he pulled the blanket off his face and said... 'Sorry Sue'. He is so dang amazing!!! Here we are walking into his house, wakening him up from a deep sleep... and he apologises to us?!? Haha. We left him at 8.20am and ran to the other side of Doonside, and walked with Chris to his first Sunday at Church! We laughed so hard as we thought about Ian, and when we got to Church there he was, white shirt and suit in the front row!
I love this area, and all the people so much!!! Transfer calls are on Saturday, and we think we are both going to leave so this week we are going to try and get so much done so that the new missionaries can pick up all the wonderful people we work with!
I want to take this chance to bear you all my testimony. I know the Church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my brother, my Saviour and Redeemer. I know that God is my loving Heavenly Father and because of the Atonement I can return to live with Him. I know that the Book Of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, given to us through revelation from God to the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that we have a true Prophet here on earth, and that Thomas S. Monson is able to receive revelation to help us all. I know that I have been called of God and that as I serve I am able to rely solely on the Holy Spirit to teach and testify the truthfulness of this message.
I love you all. This journey is hard but I feel all the love and prayers shared for me, and all the other missionaries out serving.
Be kind to each other!!
Love you all,
Sister Dorman
The beautiful Australian sunset!
Yup just a random goat strolling around Doonside!
These are the daughters of an investigator... Amok (3) is wearing Sister Ballif's shoes, and Anor (1 1/2) is using her cane... lessons are always super fun when these two are around!
