Wednesday, July 22 Letter

Hello! I love writing this e-mail, although it is possibly the most stressful thing of the week :)
First off, I want to talk about non-spiritual things i guess. I have been playing basketball (baloncesto) in the gym the past couple of days. SO FUN!!! We have been playing with some of the Elders and it's been a blast. It also made me feel good when some of them commented on my skills haha. It is hard though because we cannot guard elders at all. I am also very sore, I'm sad to say. In my zone though in the two days that i played two Elders from the same district got injured! One has to get surgery on his shoulder and one sprained his ankle. Unfortunately the Elder that needs surgery was supposed to leave tomorrow for the Dominican Republic MTC but will probably have to stay here for another 8 weeks.
Another thing- hugs and handshakes are now allowed!! They weren't before because of the swine flu threat. Everyone cheered loudly at devotional last night when the announcement was made. It is nice to hug now! Sisters only of course.
Last week I was able to teach in the TRC which my companion and I and my whole district do every wednesday night to help us complete specific tasks aimed at helping us learn to teach better. Lately I had been worried about teaching by the spirit- which is stressed as the most important thing (well to be honest, everything is the most important thing...haha). But I was scared how would I know what to say or do? Would the spirit tell me in my mind? I felt like I hadn't experienced that before and I was so worried I wouldn't be an effective tool for the Lord's work.
However- God answers our prayers!! He knows me, He knows my heart, and He knows my fears and concerns. Last week we had a volunteer investigator. And we got to know him, ask him many questions, and I taught him. I followed what I felt to do- and at the end he said it was exactly what he needed. I knew then, and now, that what I need to do is be worthy of the spirit and then do what I feel is right. It isn't about a voice telling me what to do, it is about being worthy of the promptings and then my desires will match what is necessary for me to do at the time. I was very subtly directed in what I should teach and I know that it was the Spirit telling me what to do!! I am also able to look back now and see the many times that has been the case in my life before- I just hadn't necessarily realized it. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and that he wants to help and comfort me. I know that when we all turn to Him, he will bless us immensely, and we can look and see all the tender mercies He grants us, even if we may not have even asked for it.
Another example of that recently- I am pretty sure I have mentioned Hermana Crawford before she is the coordinating sister in my zone and has to interview all the senior companions. I love that time with her because I really admire her so much. Anyway we were talking mostly all about me, and then out of nowhere I asked if she is ever interviewed by someone, she said no and I said ok I'll give it a go! haha. I was able then to ask how she was doing. She needed that. I am so grateful for inspiration in our lives to help others. Because then I am helped so much in turn! She said thank you so much- she was able to talk about some things that had been troubling her and that she wanted to talk to someone and so I should consider what I had done inspiration. Yay!! Heavenly Father loves all His children- we just need to be worthy to notice when we need to help others feel that love. I am also grateful for others that have blessed me that way in my life!
On Sunday, it was a day of prayer! It was amazing to talk about it so much. IN Relief Society Sister Madsen talked to us about the blessings and importance of prayer. She said to listen as much as you talk- I had never thought about it that way before! And when we plan, especially as missionaries, we need to leave room for inspiration. Also through prayer we can learn- "Let the Lord teach you what you can become" Neal A. Maxwell.
Hermana Godfrey and I also taught District Meeting and it was on prayer. We based it off of Elder Bednar's talk Pray Always. It was really neat to share our experiences and look back on my life and see all my blessings from prayer. IN his talk he said that if the people we love and serve haven't heard us prayer for them then we need to repent. Prayer for others is a miraculous way to help others and show them our love.
That night for fireside, Brother Richard Heaton spoke to us also about Prayer. He said we need to always begin with it and have our investigators start praying right away! They need to build their relationship with God, so they can gain testimonies. In preach my Gospel it says, those who desire to know the truth must ask God. No matter what Invesitgators say or do, they've got to connect with Heavenly Father. Prayer is so powerful!
last night for devotional we were able to hear from Elder John H. Groberg. He spoke of the importance of the temple- All the missionary work we do should be to help people get on and stay on the path to the temple.
"The temple is the end result of all we do in the church" President Gordon B. Hinckley.
I am grateful for the example my family has set in going to the temple and I know that I can be with them forever! They joy that knowledge brings me, I cannot wait to share it with others and help them prepare to recieve those blessings and joy!
I encourage all to go Mormon.org and watch Elder Holland's testimony of the atonement. We watched it in class with a substitute teacher (all the teachers are so amazing- they bring all different insight, and it is also nice to get a change). The power of that testimony can change your life- as we watched it I could feel MY testimony strengthening immensely. I am grateful for the prophet and the apostles and the wonderful teachings they provide and the examples they set.
Tomorrow two elders from my district are leaving. It is very sad but I know they will continue to progress and become great missionaries! They leave to go to the MTC in the Dominican Republic.
I know this church is true- it truly is the restored gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ. I love being able to teach it daily, and recieve the blessings from a stronger testimony. I know the Book of Mormon is true and I love the time that I have to study it daily. It teaches so many wonderful things. I hope we can all take the time to read it daily and learn to love its message. I love you all and thank you so much for your support and letters! You don't even know how good they make me feel.
Love, Hermana Dunford
P.S. The spanish is coming along well- we taught the first two principles of the first two lessons in spanish. Also we try to speak in it whenver we can! I love you!!