God is a God of Miracles!

Hey guys!

So, some of you may have gotten hints about my transfer and the haps there! Well they are indeed true! I am training a new missionary!!!!! Woohoo!!!!!!!! And I am staying in Wollongong! Hell yeah! (That's not a swear word here in Aussie) hahaha!

I was so excited! Can't wait to get my trainee tomorrow, it is going to be sooo awesome! I'm pumped-as!!!! Anyways, it was an interesting week here in Aussie. Action-packed, and full of adventure!

The one thing that I have been requesting since I got into the Mission

I don't think I can tell all of the events that happened in order, they are pretty scrambled in my mind. We will see how we go. So, y'all may be wondering where I got my transfer hints. Let me tell ya! On Friday we all had a meeting with the zone, called Zone Training Meeting (I used to dread them!). This time round, President and Sister Back came to reward us for good conduct and diligent work. Cool stuff! Since Pres and Sis Back have been in the mission (about a year) they have told me days early my transfer details. Every transfer. Without fail. So I had a hunch that at some point at this meeting I would find out transfers! Keep in mind, this is happening on Friday. Normally, we deep clean our flats on Saturday, and then we are able to find out if we are getting transferred. Then we find out who our companion is on Monday. Special assignments come in on Saturday as well, such as training or other leadership assignments. So hopefully that puts it in perspective when I say I get my details early every transfer hahahaha. So Pres pulled me aside during a break between training. Said to me "Hey, I've got a job for you. I'd like you to stay in Wollongong and train a new missionary. Can you do that for me?" "Hell yeah!" I thought. I didn't say it (Remember that's not a swear word in Aussie). "Of course! I would love to!!!" *insert ginormous grin on my face

I am so excited to train. That has been the one thing that I have been requesting since I got into the Mission (basically) or maybe since President and Sister Back got into the Mission! Woohoo!

Sweet reverence of the Celestial Room

Elder Coats and I went to the Temple on Saturday. It was incredible! There were a number of things that I learned from my trip. I feel that I learned a lot more because I prepared for a week or so, because I was so excited for the opportunity. Some things that I learned: All of the symbols in the temple have reference to the atonement of Jesus Christ. That was quite significant, and I began to understand some things a lot more fully! Also, I learned to love the sweet reverence of the Celestial Room, where I felt that I had never been nearer to God. I was able to pray, reflect on my past, and on who I am becoming, what I need to do to improve, and all of this without the distractions of the world, or even temptations of the devil. What a special feeling! Then I realized this was a feeling I am entitled to feel, even supposed to feel all the time! As I qualify for the Holy Ghost's presence, I am able to feel that same closeness to God, desire to serve and obey him, and peace, without any desire to do evil. It just became a lot more important to have the Spirit as my constant comp.

God is a God of Miracles! 

The baptism after the temple trip was amazing! We drove straight to Campbelltown after the session finished, and got there in time to help prepare for it. The meeting itself was incredible. It was very interesting to juxtapose the ordinance of Baptism, and the symbolism so similar to that in the temple. Symbols of Purity, Cleansing. Significance of the Savior etc. I felt that confirming witness from the Spirit tell me that the Baptisms were ordained of God. So, 3 individuals were baptized. A_ was baptized, her auntie (who is younger than her) M_, and A_'s bro, Al_. (see pic below). When A_ was baptized, I felt so happy for her, knowing the journey that she had taken, and of the trials she had faced. She and her family made it!

The coolest thing that happened was when A_ shared her testimony [after her baptism]. She told us of the trials she had been facing and of the things that she had been going through, which she knew were attempts by the adversary to distract her and keep her from being baptized. At some point during the week, she hurt her arm. Not sure what she did, but apparently the pain was strong, and almost unbearable. She even asked for a blessing, but to no avail. She told us that when she came out of the water, immediately and miraculously the pain left her arm. Completely healed! What a miracle! My heart continues to burn within me to bear testimony that God is a God of Miracles!

So, top left is M_, to her right is Ma_, then A_ then me. Below M_ is D_ her 6 year old son, then V_ (got baptized with M_) and in front is Al_. Good stuff!

Mormon 9:11 (See whole chapter)
 "11 But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are."

How grateful I am to have been able to witness one of God's many miracles, and to have my faith strengthened!

Best teaching moment was with M_. He is still the man. He still has lots of amazing questions. The Ward is getting to know him better, and things are picking up otherwise!

Larsen and Coats - pic taken by investigator, M_

Stanwell Park, New South Wells

Elder Coats flew out this morning! He is done with his mission! Crazy stuff! I learned quite a bit from him. One of the things that I will remember is the importance of having fun while serving. Working hard is important, but if we do not enjoy what we are doing, then something needs to change. I will also remember his great stories, and his ability to make people laugh. Such a great guy! I was sad to see him go, but I know that he will do great things back home! My favorite memory of him.... Hmmmm... Thats hard..... I think that my favorite really is just a compilation of all of the funny things that happened--falling into the ocean on a P-day on accident, picking on the Chinese Elders we lived with (always jokingly and with love) to name a few. What a great guy!

Farewell Elder Coats...

Anyways, pray for me and my new comp! We really do appreciate the prayers! Love you guys heaps, and talk to you soon!

Love,
Elder Larsen