Week 17: Just Out Here in the Boonies

Hey y'all! I hope everyone's week was just dandy! This week was another crazy busy one for us here in Mendenhall (mostly the boonies and sticks of Mendenhall).We were  Bible-Bashed twice (but we didn't bash back with them though, don't worry!), we saw so many miracles with the temple open house, and have pretty much just been going all over Simpson County trying to meet everyone! We have been all over this country side. It's been crazy but soooo good. My country accent is getting too good...someone visiting the branch this week asked if I was from the South during our Wednesday night activity. I guess I just pick up on a really strong accent when I'm around enough Mississipeans  Whoops.

So I feel like I'm officially a missionary in the South after this week because back to back days someone tried bash us with the Bible. But honestly, it was such a testimony building experience because I realized these people who have been studying their Bibles all their lives just are missing something, the whole truth isn't there. They didn't understand some doctrinal principles that are taught in the Bible but clarified in the Book of Mormon and it made me so grateful for the fulness of the gospel that I have through the Book of Mormon! Sister Glenn and I just couldn't be shook by these people, as hard as they tried. So even though it wasnt very fun having someone try to bash us, we both realized how solid our testimonies in the Book of Mormon were. If you dont read it, do it!!

Well we had a few miracles with the temple open house! For those of you who don't know, the Baton Rouge temple was rebuilt these past few years and they are having an open house at the end of October IN MY MISSION!!! I seriously lucked out so much by being able to be apart of the open house! But we, as missionaries, were given 250 invitations to give out to the people in our area. A pretty hefty responsibility for someone in a populated area, pretty overwhelming for us in this tiny area. But we have been diligent and we have seen miracles from it. There was this couple in their 80s that are members and I was honestly nervous to invite them because I wasnt sure if they'd want to drive that far, if they'd be able to stand that long. Basically, I had little faith and I'll admit it. But I prayed to have an opportunity to invite them come up and THE LORD PLOPPED AN OPPORTUNITY IN OUR LAP!! It was so cool to just have that little reassurance that He is with us in this work. So they're coming to the open house now! That's just one miracle, but we have seen so many! I'm so blessed to be able to see them and have my faith grow even more!

I came across a really amazing scripture in one of my studies this week that I wanted to share with yall. In Alma 36:22 Alma says "Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea and my soul did long to be there." I feel a lot like Alma sometimes! My soul really does long to be with God again one day. This scripture is from the chapter where Alma is becoming converted to the Lord and when I read that I realized conversion all comes down to desire. Where do we desire to be? Is it with God? Do we desire to grow closer with our Savior and repent? If we do, that's when conversion really starts! I know, like Alma, my soul longs to be with my Heavenly Parents again and with my Savior. That desire has changed me these past 4 months on my mission. It's so cool to see. I just really relate to that scripture. 

I love this gospel so much and I love being able to teach it every day! I love my Savior and my Father in Heaven and I love being apart of this work. I hope everyone has a good week and I love you all!

Sister Crouch

1&2. Country roads in the boonies of Mendenhall

3. Sister Glenn and I at transfers last week. We just got this picture!

4. Read the Book of Mormon!! Its the best!