This week we helped with 2 moves which was so fun. And awesome to see a ward pull together even last minute. And that the church really provides an immediate support network.

Last Sunday, November 12, a lady  called the church and asked that missionaries come by. We didn't think too much of this - last time missionaries were requested from the church it was for a good bible bash in the McDonald parking lot and sometimes people are just funny! We tried the address a couple times but no one answered. The note had said to try after 6 so that's what we've been doing but we also felt like Saturday is probably different rules in regard to time. We stopped by on Saturday and met her husband. He is a member of the church, but hasn't attended in several years. Also his address had changed so we would've been looking for him in the wrong place if they hadn't called. He said that he wants to come back to church and his wife wants to be baptized! We are seeing them this week on Friday night. 

We had a lesson with a woman  this week. Early in her life she began to ask questions of her pastor in regard to what they believed and why she believed it. Because of her questioning, she was labeled as a blasphemer and banned from the church. Since then, she has not ceased her search for a religion that she can call her own. She picks a religion and studies it and practices it. And is looking for something that her family can build on, despite awful experiences with church early in her life. I was so impressed with persistence and the hope that she clings to. I love finding people like H who have not closed themselves off to their Father in Heaven, but rather move forward and cling to the faith they do have. I know that the restored gospel is the answer to Heather's search. We are excited to help her progress. We were also thrilled to be able to explain to Heather that questions - sincere, truth-seeking questions - are more than welcome. 

While tracting this week we met a lady named K. Her and her husband are searching for an Episcopalian church to attend but she was super willing to talk to us and we had an awesome conversation about the church and were able to leave her a Book of Mormon! I love the Book of Mormon. I try to focus on giving them away every day and it makes me happy.  I know that the Lord is pleased with our best efforts and I love when those efforts include putting more of the word of God into the hands of people yet unaware of the great wealth of knowledge given to the world in the past 200 years.

Okay funny story - sometimes we come across Vivint doorbells or skybell doorbells where the people can see you and hear you and talk to you from your phone. Usually they are kind of frustration because people choose to stay inside and tell us no through the doorbell rather than come to the door and at least have some kind of positive exchange. This week we literally MADE A RETURN APPOINTMENT THROUGH A VIVINT DOORBELL WITH A FAMILY THAT IS OUT OF TOWN AND WANTS TO LEARN MORE.  We just laughed and I felt grateful for technology. 

This past week it was Sunday at about 7pm. We had one hour left of proselyting time because we were headed to watch the face to face devotional at 8pm. We had planned to go and try a  family and then walk around their neighborhood. The family wasn't open to having visits so we hit the street! We met a lady who gave us paw patrol cupcakes so that was cool but no one who wanted us to come back. Last door of the night and we met a man named John. John and his wife have 2 kids - one 3 and one 3 weeks. John has lots of LDS family and spent time with a cousin who served a mission in the area while he was a missionary.. if that sentence made sense. Anyways, John was so kind and open and we are going to see their family the week after Thanksgiving. Talk about a Sunday night miracle. 

We were able to go to a Relief Society gratitude dinner this week. One of the women who spoke shared her firm belief that gratitude is the single most important way to be happy in this life. And that there is a difference between saying thank you and being thankful. Of all the incredible blessings God has given us, the matchless gift of His divine Son is the greatest. I am thankful for Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on behalf of each of us. And I am thankful for an Eternal Father who loved us enough to sacrifice His son. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real - I have experienced it's healing and changing power. Please use this incredible and infinite gift daily. Call upon the Lord for strength to resist temptation- for comfort- for the ability to do more- for forgiveness- for the ability to forgive- for desires to do good continually. I know that this process of daily repentance brings great peace and knowledge that we indeed are on the correct path Home.

Be strong and of a good courage.

-Sister Gore