A Week of Leadership

June 21, 2010
Happy Belated Father's Day.

This last week was one of learning. I had my second interview with President Palmer. He is absolutely an amazing man. Love just radiates from him. We discussed charity. It was so powerful. I am really beginning to understand who I am and the role I pay not only as a missionary but as a daughter of God and as His disciple for life. I could feel the Spirit working and changing my heart.
This week we met Tony, a vagabond. He's a big black man from New Orleans, who makes his route every 18 months. He really took us off guard especially since there were only three of us in the institute building. He was friendly and loud and wanted someone to care for his needs. He drew me a picture of Jesus. He said I was cold hearted because I am from Las Vegas. So I guess I needed Jesus more than the other Sisters. Bruce came to give him a ride. You could literally feel the presence of the priesthood. It was amazing to be able to realize the security it brought. Sister Adams and I became worried when we never heard back from Bruce. We eventually did and were glad that not only was Bruce safe but Tony had made it to his next destination of Pullman. He made it and the next night he was back! He wouldn't even talk to Sister Adams and I and took "Lamont" and Gentry outside. They took him to motel and Brother Jenkins explained Tony to Sister Adams and I. Even though Tony was scary and demanding he was the as he said the best looking bum I ever saw. My heart really goes out to Tony. To be a wanderer and to choose to stay. I know God loves all His children, especially those who are lost.

“Lamont” is amazing! He is getting baptized on Saturday. He has truly changed. He just lights up. He was so excited to plan his service. He chose the most random Hymns to be sung. Here's how the gospel changes people. "Lamont" has had a hard life, when I got here he still wasn't coming to church. Then he started coming. Now he sits wherever, it doesn't matter by whom and assists in cleaning, setting up, and participates in class. He hurt his knee and we had gotten him a ride yesterday and when it was 20 to he called to see if he needs to start walking to church in the rain. He gets it. He is a miracle. His life looking up and a new begging is what the gospel has in store for all of us. The ability to see our potential as children of God and then become it through repentance and covenants.

Friday night Elder Pearson came from the 1st Quorum of the 70. It was amazing! Not because he was here. The message could have come from anyone but it was indeed the message. We are the Children of God and as we change our identity it shapes our reality. For when we know who we are we become that if we choose to change(for the better). He talked of the Frontier to see miracles and that our prayers are indicator of knowing our relationship with Heavenly Father. Faith really is essential in our lives and the gospel. But we somehow choose to limit God. We limit our faith by doubt, discouragement, distractions, lack of diligence, disobedience, disbelief, and eventually denial. These things all combine together- one leads to the next. Please see where you could increase your faith. Once we understand true doctrine we have the capacity to change, to exercise our faith. P.S. I got to say the closing prayer. Coolest part was that it felt like it was just me and Heavenly Father. I am beginning to understand my own identity as his disciple. Elder Pearson is coming to Las Vegas this Fall. He if comes to speak in your stakes invite your friends to come to church.

Jenn taught her first lesson on Sunday! It invited the Spirit. Her whole focus was on Jesus Christ and how when he was here He loved everyone. The love was not continually. It was extended to everyone. Love truly is the motivating factor. When we are loved we want to change.

We are putting some major miles on my feet. We've meet so many neat and amazing people this last week. It's hard to capture all the words of how I feel but I love them. I am growing and learning. My Zone Leaders are amazing and can make a classroom an environment to teach with the Spirit.

Thuy is doing amazing! She just glows and loves being a member. She has already set their temple date as 6/12/12. So their marriage anniversary, her baptism date will all be the same. When we thought it might be three years- Aaron said that was too long to wait but the leap year will make it all happen. I am so excited for them.

Hope everyone is doing well. Next week is transfers so we shall see what happens.
Love you all. Thank you for your support. You are all in my prayers!

Love always and forever Sister Peck!

PS I heard from Sister Lisonbee. She is in Maine.! She is not having as much fun with me. jk. But It is great to hear from my MTC district. v