Sestra Erin Rhodes: Holidays

What a week here in Slovenia! Two holidays, an exchange with sisters in Ljubljana and a half way mark! Starting with exchanges, I got to work with my trainer again! It was really great to serve with her again and work for our goals in unity. Exchanges are a time to learn a lot, and I always learn a lot from Sister Robertson. We enjoyed the time in Kranj together and got to teach a sweet member while she was here who happened to feed us a delicious, Slovene rice dish. We also celebrated my half way mark together! I blew out some candles and we watched the Joseph Smith movie. A true party I tell you. Especially considering the fact that neither of us were aware that they were trick candles and it took about 5 minutes to get them all out.

We also had two holidays, Halloween (noč čarovnic..night of witches) and Day of the Dead (dan mrtvih). Our miracle on Halloween was that . . . people were having a good time and didnt want to talk to us, but. . . one of our friends who is taking the lessons called to get together for a lesson that night! Perfect time to talk about the . . . plan of salvation! It went really well and she had lots of great questions, and I cant wait to meet with her again. She is so tiny and studying in Ljubljana and very busy, but has one of the kindest hearts I know! We also ran into her and her dad yesterday and her dad knew our names and was pleased to meet us!! pleased! (Having family support is HUUUUUUGE.) I would say the leading factor if they do or do not get baptized. So that was another miracle.

Day of the dead miracle . . . President Grant gave us an hour to go see a cemetery. They are COVERED in candles and at night it is really beautiful. But the true miracle is that while everyone is remembering those who passed on, we as members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints can remember with gladness in our hearts, looking forward to the day when we are reunited with our family. The knowledge and a TESTIMONY of the plan of salvation is one of the most priceless gifts we have in this life and it is vital that we have both.

'And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, (notice the two part equation here) they were firm,and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin;and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace,or they buried the weapons of war, for peace.' Alma 24:19

When we believe and know the truth of the plan of Salvation, our hearts are changed and we can live with the type of hope that is intended and described in this verse:

'For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.'

1 Cor 15:22

I know that God has made a perfect plan for us in order for us to be happy here and become like Him in the eternities. I love you all and testify that this is God's true church on the earth again led by living prophets and apostles. Have an amazing week and know that prayers are coming your way from Slovenia!

Sestra Rhodes