Sister Kendra Reynolds: Episode 13: Squirrels and Testimonies

I love this work and I love being a missionary!!!

WOW!! This week was a slow/fast one! You ever feel that way? haha Sister Brereton was still sick so we were inside until Friday. It's hard being stuck inside with not much to do!! haha But it's ok because the three of us were really able to get to know one another. This past week has actually been such a spiritual upliftment for me. As I have been able to get to know each of my companions, they have shared their testimonies with me about the gospel. We have had many opportunities to share insights and thoughts about certain subjects and really have just enjoyed each others company! I love the women I am able to serve with, it sets the perfect example of who I want to become. We have discussed a lot about the second coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ and our role in preparing the world, or preparing West Virginia for this miraculous event. We have all been able to express our deepest gratitude for Christ and what He can truly do for us. We were able to create a plan of how we are going to help those we come in contact with to develop or deepen this same testimony! That He is the Son of God, that He lives! That He atoned for our sins so that we may return back to our Heavenly home. He conquered death so that we may be able to, too. His love is deeper than any situation we have found ourselves in. It truly amazes me...His love for me and for all of us.

A neat little story, we were at Walmart picking up some more medicine and we needed a few soups as well, and while in the soup aisle an elder woman stopped in front of us with the biggest smile on her face and asked "Who are you? I need to know who you are!" We were a bit taken off guard but we introduced ourselves as missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She seemed to have tears in her eyes as we stated that and went on to tell us "I knew it. I can feel the light of Christ when I'm around you, and I can see His countenance in you three women. Keep doing what you are doing because it shows!" It was such a touching moment for the three of us and it testified that we are truly messengers to preach His gospel...and if necessary to use words. (I love that talk by Elder Uchtdorf "Waiting on the Road to Damascus" April 2011). But it's true and it was a tender mercy for all of us.

My companions are just great!! Mostly because they are willing to go along with my ridiculous ideas...like skinning a squirrel!! :D haha I was driving and I saw a black squirrel on the side of the road (take note: we have a Senior couple who the lady will make book covers and all sorts of things out of hides of animals) and so I find a plastic bag, pick it up and when we got back to the apartment...I skinned it!! I was inclined to do this because it made me get a tiny little taste of what it's like to being in the OR...it's a stretch haha but we had fun with it and I was able to entertain us for a couple of hours while being stuck in the apartment...only in West Virginia...and only Sister Reynolds...but now it's all salted up and in our freezer!! lol I had never skinned anything before but have seen my father do it many times and I was actually really surprised at how well I did it!! With the help of my two "scrub nurses" haha. I'm sure our neighbors thought we were crazy with our constant squeals of ewws and yucks haha. (We did NOT eat it because it was roadkill) lol but it was a fun adventure!

So that's how it's been for us, unfortunately since being sick we still haven't picked up teaching anyone new, but it's given us opportunities to see our members and plan meetings with them and getting them excited for missionary work in their own neighborhoods. Something we have been inviting members to do is carry a pass along card with them and either pass it along as you feel prompted to in those moments or pray to give it to someone specifically. We have seen and heard many success stories from doing this and it's simple and easy! You're always prepared for an opportunity to share the gospel!! :) I love this work and I love being a missionary for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The church is true!! The Book is blue! And Moroni's on the Ball!! ;D Have a great week Ya'll! I love you all!
Sister Reynolds