aware

We had a wonderful experience seeing how aware the Lord is of each of his children. A 93 year old man named Joe came into the Hill Cumorah. He said he just came for literature. I started talking to him as I was gathering pamphlets and the Book of Mormon. He said he and his wife used to come walk up this hill every time they would come up to Rochester, and he was here for memory's sake. He showed me a picture of his wife who died in 2008. He told me about his life a little. He obviously was a very successful accountant. 'I'm sorry I'm talking so much," he said. "It's just that I don't have anyone to talk to." As we were having this conversation, there were a bunch of people from the Pittsford Ward setting up a new display for the 75th anniversary of the Pageant. One was Brother Clifford, who probably hasn't been inside the Visitor Center for years, but who was kind enough to volunteer for the day. He stopped what he was doing, came over and said, "Joe Kostoo?" It turns out Brother Clifford's dad had been a main client of Joe's for many many years in the 40's-60's. When they made the connection it looked like both men wanted to cry. They both said they knew they needed to be here that day. Brother Clifford also patted the Book of Mormon Joe was holding and said it would change his life. Joe said it had made his day. They talked awhile and then Joe hobbled out to his car {after offering to pay for the material}.

I know the Lord is very mindful of Joe Kostoo even at age 93.

As a whole mission we are again reading the Book of Mormon aloud as a companionship, but this time slower - we will finish by August instead of 6 weeks. This has been much easier, because it is only 5 pages a day instead of 13. I am loving it! Last time I was in Pittsford with Sister Gonzalez, and it made a huge difference! That was one of my best transfers, and we saw so many powerful missionaries, and my love of the savior grew very much. I'm excited to have the opportunity again.

 

It's been a good week. It's hard to believe it's June. Time is going very fast! One year ago, I arrived in New York, and so I have been thinking about how merciful the Lord has been to me this past year. Wow. It's amazing.

 

Yesterday a youth group from all over central Utah came on tour at the Joseph Smith Farm. My groups were AWESOME! The last group I took was 14 boys that were all 18, and it was so powerful, because in the Log home I asked if anyone had Joseph Smith's account memorized and all of them except for 2 had a huge chunk of Joseph Smith History memorized that they recited together. The spirit was so strong, and I was grateful for the testimony of all these young boys who are getting ready to go on their missions.  

 

Next week is transfers, so my preparation day may be on Monday, if one of us is transferred, just so you know. Thanks for the updates. I sure love you all!

love,

Sister A