On My Way


 25 July 2021 

 

Dear Family,  

 

I’m on my way to North Carolina!  My last week in MTC training was like trying to drink from a firehose.  (I’m sure I didn’t learn everything they were trying to teach me.) In addition to MTC classes, I had other demands on my time.  Tuesday I was scheduled for a teaching opportunity (instead of a lunch break) with an actor who may or may not have been a member of the church.  Not knowing if he was a real person made it awkward, but it was a good experience.  I had multiple phone calls with housing coordinators in Raleigh NC who have not yet found an apartment for my companion and me.  And unlike young missionaries who only have to pack a suitcase and go, I had to pack up ALL my belongings and get my house ready for other people to live there.  Whew! 

I think the only real missionary work I did was a brief visit with a neighbor Friday morning.  I was out walking and he said hello.  I waved hello and kept walking, but something told me to go back and share a message with him.  (I’m way too comfortable being like the Priest & the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan, but my missionary badge gives me courage.) This neighbor is not active in the church and has had a hard life, but I felt impressed to share a scripture with him and invite him to go to church.  We read Matthew 11:28-30.  I promised him that when we do all that is within our power to help the Lord with His burdens—however small our efforts may seem—the Lord will carry our burdens; that the Lord would do the heavy lifting.  Then I invited him to go to church.  (I told him I wouldn’t be there because I was leaving for my mission.) But I promised him he would feel the spirit and I testified of the truthfulness of the gospel.   He said he’d go to church!   

Today, Sunday, Adam and I were able to attend church in Liberty Missouri.  There were 6 sister missionaries at church (not counting me) and at least 5 elders!  (Not at all like Provo where I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen missionaries in my ward since I moved in three years ago.)  The sisters are here serving at church historical sites for the summer.  After the summer they have all been assigned to serve as proselyting missionaries in various other states.   

After church Adam and I were able to visit the Kansas City temple, Liberty Jail, Independence Visitor Center, and Adam-Ondi-Ahman.  I’ve attached photos to this email. My favorite was Liberty Jail.  The young missionary sister did a great job leading the tour.  I pray I can learn my missionary duties and do as well.  

I love you all J 

Sister Manwaring 




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