This week has been a bit crazy. We had a world wide missionary training with some general authorities.  The last time that happened, was about ten years ago.  It was a great training.  It was a great reminder of the purpose of missionary work.  It is so simple.  We were reminded that we are to teach repentance and baptize converts.  Before the broadcast of the training, we had our weekly district meeting.  I had been asked to teach on humility.  And what a humbling experience that was. It was good to be reminded that the Lord's way are higher that our ways.  We must always have to desire to say "not my will, but thy will be done."

The Lord has definitely humbled Sister Porter and I this week.  Our investigators haven't been able to meet with us much lately, so we are pretty much starting from scratch!  It was frustrating and discouraging at first.  But as we took a step back, we saw how the Lord was trying to prepare us for this week.  The lesson on humility and the world wide training gave us the tools we needed to work through it and rely on the Lord.  

It wasn't the most successful week numerically speaking, but I definitely learned a lot.  I know that the Lord has called us for what He needs to do through us, and will happen only if we do it His way.  I know that the Lord has great plans for the people here in Bonifay.  We just need to trust in Him and find out what it is that He needs to accomplish through us this transfer. 

I am so grateful to be a missionary.  It is such a privilege to be the vehicle that the Spirit uses to touch the lives of others.  I have not done anything through my own efforts.  All the success comes from being obedient and relying on the promptings of the Spirit.  The Holy Ghost is the true teacher.  Our purpose as missionaries is to just bring the spirit unto the hearts of the people and teach them how they can let the Spirit into their hearts.  

My testimony has grown so much over this past week. The Lord has truly blessed me with so many tender mercies to help shape me and mold me into the person that the Lord needs me to be.  

On a lighter note, Sister Porter is the bomb!!  We definitely have a blast in Bonifay! The only thing we cannot seem to agree on is how to eat Oreo's the right way haha  (the true and only way is to stick a fork in the cream and dip it in some milk.) We are so excited to continue learning and growing together!  

I hope y'all are doing well and have a blessed week!

Love 

Sister Melissa Jean Wood

(AKA Sister Woods... because people in the south add an "S" to everything haha)