07.03.17!

This week has just been really good! A few things stood out to me- one was when we were teaching this one less-active family about prayer, and as part of the message, we shared the mormon message "Abide with me." After the video, we were surprised to see the 13-year-old just in tears, and her comment really make me think. She said, after noticing that we didn't react as strongly as she just did "you guys are so strong, you must be so lucky to watch and study things like this everyday." That really made me thing about my life before, and how great it really is to be able to do more things through out my day now to help me feel the Spirit. We helped her recognize the Spirit and what she was feeling, and it was just a great thing to be part of. While walking down the road to an appointment, this guy pulls over, and he's seriously so amazing! He saw us and just wanted to tell us that we were doing a great work, and he thanked us for what we were doing. He also told us just briefly about how he's a convert of about 20 years, and how he was rejected by all of his family members for joining the church. He just glowed, and was so incredibly grateful for the gospel in his life. He told us that no matter what we think, that we are making a difference. Afterwards, Sister Barber looked and me and said "he's probably not an angel, but he should be!" I totally agree with her! I'm also just so grateful for our country and the opportunity we have to celebrate our freedom. Heavenly Father gave us agency, the freedom to choose, a long time ago, and that was one of the best gifts he could have given us! we were able to attend church with a few of our investigators yesterday, and a less-active family who went to sacrament for the first time in awhile. It always is just others using their own agency, and acting on their faith! 

~Mormon 1:15- in this, I love how Mormon mentioned that he was able to "taste" and know of the goodness of Christ. I feel that I've been able to see that more and more each day. We were in RS yesterday with one of our investigators, and the lesson was all about loving one another. I feel that I have been able to "taste" and know the goodness of Christ just a little bit more and more while searching for those small opportunities to love and serve others.  

~"Faith in Jesus Christ propels us to do things we otherwise would not do. Faith that motivates us to action gives us more access to His power." 

-President Russel. M. Nelson

~"Overcoming the world is not one defining moment in a lifetime, but a lifetime of moments that define an eternity." 

- Elder Neil L. Andersen 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Independence Day! 

Love,

-Sister Cottrell 

P.S. Today marks my 11th month being out, and being here seriously has been the best ever :) 

Pictures: Sister Barber and myself :) 

Exchanges with Sister Ganbold! I love her so much!! We have way too much fun together sometimes!