Finding

Hey everyone!

This week has been great! We've had a lot of opportunities to find new people to teach this past week and it's been awesome! I know that as we're doing what we should be doing the Lord is guiding us more than we know. 

We were knocking in an apartment complex near a ward member this past week. We only had a little time, but we decided to finish knocking the rest of the building. We'd talked to a few people who weren't very interested or were busy, but we knocked till the last door. A man and his wife answered the door and we offered to pray with them. They accepted and explained that she'd had cancer for the past year and that she wasn't sure what her future was. The doctors weren't sure if it was back or what was wrong. They were planning on moving back to Pennsylvania and were in the process of packing up. We said a prayer with them and then got talking about her religious background and sharing our beliefs. She had so many questions! Genuine questions! We were able to give her a Book of Mormon and share our testimonies with her. She's moving soon, but I'm grateful we were able to share more and give her hope! People can see truth as we testify. They see it in our eyes! I'm grateful for the opportunity we have to share the beautiful plan our Heavenly Father has for each of us. I know that He is our Father and that He loves us more than we can comprehend! 

I hope you all have a great week! You are loved! And if you're never tried it, you should put some mixed nuts on your breakfast cereal. It's fantastic! haha. :)

Much love,

Sister Gessel 

It's not every week Elder Anderson comes to Tampa. . . :)

Hi everyone! 

I hope everyone is safe and well! We had some great experiences this week! We had a specialized training for sisters this past Tuesday where we come some great counsel from our leaders and were able to share our testimonies with each other. There is power in sisterhood. They reminded us that we're doing better than we think we are. Keep working, keep trying, but remember the Lord loves us all and will help us. He doesn't want us to be constantly stressed us, He wants us to work hard, but to enjoy life also! 

Elder Neil  L. Anderson, his wife Kathy, Elder and Sister Zwick came for a stake fireside last night! It's always an amazing and uplifting experience to hear from an apostle of the Lord. I love hearing their testimonies and witness of the Savior. I know that they are special witnesses of Him. He went over some of the remarks from President Monson from this last General Conference. Though they were short, they are what we need to hear. One of the things that stuck out to me was that He bore testimony that 'There will be none who will not confess that He is the Christ.' I hope that we can all be missionaries and share this beautiful message of peace and hope so that even more of our brothers and sisters will come to this knowledge here on the earth. He also shared how small decisions can change our lives. The decision to read the scriptures everyday can change our lives. The decision to pray fervently everyday, to go to the temple more, etc. they can all change our lives. 

Thank you all for your examples and love. Do you have any uplifting/inspiring missionary stories or experiences to share with me? Whether they're your own or one that you have heard and love, I would love to hear them. I love hearing how the gospel can touch people and I would love to be reminded of some of those experiences. 

Thanks! Keep the faith! 

Sister Gessel

P.S. When you have some time this week don't forget to listen to a conference talk! They're the best!

P.S. The pictures are as follows - 

1- Picture with Elder Anderson! Sister King, me, Sister Gafa, Sister Jensen, Sister Slawson, Sister Gucake, President Thompson (stake president), Elder Anderson, Elder Zwick

2-Sister Gafa and I with Sister Durden! She's the best! Sister Gafa and I did the music for a part member family last Saturday.

3-Sister Jensen and I at the sister's training. She's from my MTC district and she's the best! She got changed to be a spanish sister when she got here to Tampa and now she's training after her first transfer! I love her and I'm so grateful for her example! Don't ever forget to trust in the Lord. 

April!

Quickly, this week was good!

Two things! We got to pray with a deaf family this week! It was so cool! I thought they were joking because people tend to find ways to avoid talking to you. We wrote back and forth and we offered to pray. They said yes and that they would read my lips! So cool! I wish I remembered more sign language! 

We met a man a week ago out on his porch and he got talking about some hard times. We prayed with him and he promised that if his week went well he would come to church on Sunday. We stopped by Saturday night and he said his week went well and guess what! He came to church! It was so great! I could tell he felt peace there.

There are always tender mercies if you're looking for them. Keep your eyes open, the Lord is telling you He loves you in so many ways!

Love you all!

Sister Gessel 

Conference Weekend!

Hi everyone! :) 

Wasn't conference the best? I don't know if it just keeps getting better or if it's just me that is more prepared to listen to it! Haha, either way, I'm grateful to be able to listen to a prophet of God! 

I could share a million things, but I'll just share one. Like Elder Holland, I know that God will never desert us. He will always stand by us. He loves us with all His heart, might, mind and strength. We need never fear, He will help us. I'm grateful for his reminder that the Lord will bless those who want to improve. Heaven is cheering us on! 

I love you all and pray that we will all change even one thing from what we learned this conference. We are here to learn and grow! 

May the Lord bless you in your efforts this week! 

Love you,

Sister Gessel 

P.S. The pictures are from our district meeting this past week and the other is me and Sister Gafa. :)