Aloha everybody!
Well, the news is in. I have been transferred out of Laie and into the Aiea and Pearlridge Wards on the other side of the island. I am in the Honolulu West Zone and things here are soooo different. I love it. Instead of waking up to the sound of the ocean, I wake up to the freeway traffic and the horns from the boats in the harbor. My new companion is Sister Rachel Braun from Fresno, CA and this is her 3rd transfer on the mish. Our apartment is on the 11th floor and we have big living room and bedroom windows, with a balcony, overlooking Pearl Harbor. I can the see the Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri from our balcony everyday. Sister Edwards served in this area for 6 months and now I am taking her place. We just missed each other!
It's been an interesting transition but the awesome thing is that I have been feeling a lot better lately, which is good. I always liked tracting when I was in Kahuku and Hau'ula and I still think it's fun. We have already seen many miracles in these past 4 days.....new investigators, baptismal dates set, doors opening because they recognize me from the Open House/Visitors' Center.....really cool stuff.
As far as what I've learned this week....I think I'm really starting to understand the importance of putting my trust in the Lord and recognizing that He has a plan and His purposes will be accomplished. I have no doubt in my mind that I am where I need to be right now. I was supposed to be an Online Missionary for one more transfer in Laie and so I shouldn't have been transferred, except I got sick and it was time to re-evaluate what could be done to help me. That is why I'm here....the Lord provided a way and miracles are happening. It's so amazing to think that our trials often times are what get us to where we need to be. I'm a complainer and I don't like going through hard things, but my testimony has been strengthened and I know that it is part of God's perfect plan for me. He really does know best.
We have a picture on our wall that is painted by Greg Olsen of the Savior standing on a hill looking back to Jerusalem with sadness. A couple of days ago I felt completely overwhelmed as I was standing on the balcony overlooking our area. With tears in my eyes I thought about the people that I have stewardship over at this time and what little difference I felt I could make to so many people. As I looked at the picture, I realized that I am getting a small taste of how the Savior felt as He taught His gospel. I am grateful for the opportunity I have at this time to come closer to Christ and to have a deeper relationship with Him, especially in this beautiful month of December. Can you believe I've been out a year already?!?!?
What an amazing transfer it is going to be!
I love you all,
Sister Stringer
