October 3 - Lumberton, North Carolina

I can't believe that it is the last week of my first transfer here in Lumberton!! Where is the time going? I also can't believe that Jordan is home now! Has it really already been 2 years?? WOW!! Time doesn't seem to slow down at all.

This week has been really great!! It was my second week on bike which actually wasn't as bad as I thought the second week of biking would be like. We've been able to get up with many of our investigators this week and set expectations with them. We have been able to determine who in our pool we feel will begin to progress and who we need to turn back over to the Lord for a time! This week, the Elders handed us over one of their investigators and she is really great!!! Her name is Katie and she is from Minnesota and yes she loves the Vikings!!! We talked for a good few minutes about the new stadium and other places in Minnesota! And, believe it or not, she lived in Brooklyn Park for a little bit!!!! She has been meeting with missionaries for a little over a year now. She was introduced to the church through her boyfriend who is also in our ward. They recently ended things for a time recently and that's why the Elders gave her to us. She is really amazing though! She really wants to know if this is what Heavenly Father wants for her. She still has lots of questions, but she is the prime example of an open mind, a sincere heart, and having real intent!! I really look forward to working with her!! We were also able to see our investigator Harold who is also a great example of having a true desire to find out if the church is true!! We talked a little bit about the Plan of Salvation and left him with the pamphlet to read. We also talked to him about General Conference and was very interested in watching it! We will have to see if he was able to watch it when we see him this week.

General Conference was fabulous this weekend!! This weekend was the first time that I actually brought a sincere question to be answered during conference and do you know what?? My question was answered!!! It was truly an amazing experience to seek personal revelation and see how Heavenly Father revealed it to me through His prophets and church leaders! I had many favorite talks from General Conference. I absolutely loved President Uchtdorf's talk about the Plan of Salvation. I think the talk that stood out the most to me was Elder Hales talk. My favorite part of his talk was when he said "Don't be afraid. Have faith to testify of what you know to be true....A you share your testimony of the gospel your faith will grow and your confidence will increase." As missionaries and with all members in general, there is a lot of fears that come into play when you want to share your testimony with others. Everyday, there are fears that flood into my mind and heart as I go out ready to share the gospel to the people of North Carolina, but as I open my mouth and share what I know is true my faith really does grow and my confidence increases. I am so grateful for the opportunity we have every six months to hear from our prophet, his apostles, and other church leaders!!

I absolutely love my mission!!! Everyday I am learning new things and coming closer to my Heavenly Father! It is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever been able to experience in my life! It's even greater than going to Disneyland!!  

I love all of you so much! Thank you for all of your love and support!! I miss you all so much!!

Love,

Sister Paynter

 

Here are some much anticipated pictures of me and my bike!! :)