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.