One Day I Will

October 18, 2021 


Dear Family & friends, 

 

The highlight of my week was Wednesday.  In my personal scripture study Wednesday morning I was reading in Mosiah chapter 7 when King Mosiah sent 16 men to look for the Nephites who had gone up to the land of Nephi.  They were led by a man named Ammon.  Ammon and his brethren wandered around trying to find the land of Nephi and when they did, they were thrown into prison.  I likened this to my missionary efforts.  I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what I should be doing, and sometimes just feeling confused or shackled.  However, when Ammon is finally given a chance to talk he says, “…I will endeavor to speak with boldness; For I am assured that if ye had known me ye would not have suffered that I should have worn these bands.”  This gave me hope that if I speak with boldness, I might be able to find my purpose here. 

Wednesday morning we had our missionary District Council, and afterward we all went to lunch together.  Our Zone Leaders were with us, which made it even better.  (When 8 missionaries walk into an establishment, people notice.)  I talked about the gospel with two people while waiting in line.  For example, the girl behind me in line was wearing a Bob Marley T-shirt.  So of course I had to mention his lyric, “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” 😄Then I pointed out that these missionaries give up two years of their lives to teach people how to be happy and I explained a little bit about the gospel.  She accepted a pass-along card with the missionaries’ phone number on it.   

It got really fun when I spoke to a friendly couple in the dining room as they were about to leave.  I told them we were missionaries. They said that they were missionaries too, so I jokingly suggested we all sing a hymn or something. That’s when they busted out singing a bluegrass gospel song called “One Day I Will.” Here are some of the lyrics: 

 I never have seen the face of my savior 

 But serving him has been such a thrill 

I never have seen the gates to the city 

But one day one day I will…. 

It was great and some of us missionaries joined in on the chorus.  After they left, there was a real good spirit in the dining room and I was able to talk to a few more people about the restored gospel. 

Thanks for your encouragement and prayers.  I’m getting better at this.  I’ve even been able to teach in Spanish.  But so far all my “teaching” has just been what I can find in public places.  The young missionaries do the real teaching.  My assignment is to help members and leaders who don’t really have much for us to do.  I’ve been volunteering for all kinds of stuff, but I have far too much free time (which is when I go street contacting.)  I’m praying that one day I will be able to do real teaching. 

 

I love you all, 

Sister Manwaring 

 

PS.  If the course of the Lord is one eternal round, then He must be golfing in North Carolina.  Lots of golf ball shaped mushrooms grow on stems shaped like golf-tees!  (See the attached photo.)   


Mushroom Golf



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