Good news and bad news

Hi everyone!

Some good news and bad news...

The bad news: Jean did not get baptized this past week but only because the people she wanted to participate and give talks were going to be out of town. Also, it was such short notice they didn't get to announce it in church.  

The good news: Her baptism is rescheduled for this week. She is so ready and we are so excited. We had the most amazing lesson with her this week. We had a "movie night" at a member's (Cindy) house and we watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration". I have seen that movie for what seems like a hundred times before but, for some reason, this time was special. As we were watching it, I just felt such a sweet spirit. I was filled with an increased love and appreciation for the prophet and all that he did. Afterwards, we had the most amazing conversation about priesthood and the reality of the priesthood power that has been restored upon the earth. It was so amazing to be able to reflect upon how much the priesthood has influenced my life and how grateful I am to have been surrounded by priesthood holders, first and foremost being my dad.

Another super cool thing that happened this week...There's this AWESOME recent convert named Lilly; she's 17, a senior in high school, and just joined the church in February. Her mom is very involved with an organization that helps women In Africa become educated. This week one of Lilly's friends, named Nelly, was visiting from Kenya. Nelly is AMAZING. She frequently represents Kenya in the UN and that's why she was in the states and just swung by Oregon for a visit. She was telling us how she's seen missionaries in Kenya, in France, and now in Oregon. We talked A LOT about the similarities between what we do. I seriously have so much respect and admiration for Nelly. And we ordered a Swahili Book of Mormon to give to her! We promised her we'd come to Kenya to see her and help out with the work she does in the schools and orphanages over there. It was so cool to be able to share in that mutual love of serving others with her and to feel of the genuine love that she has for others and especially those she helps.

with Nelly and Lilly

Love you all! Have a great week!

Love,

Hermana Meise

More pics...

Okay if I had to sum up Bend in one picture it would be
this one. EVERYONE is OBSESSED with biking and dogs. Clearly.

 Benddddd!  That dark spot in the horizon is the rain that you can see from the distance.

Breakfast! These are fresh eggs a member gave us from their chickens
mixed with quinoa and vegetables, yogurt and granola, and tea that we
buy from downtown where you just buy the herbs by the ounce... This
one is called Superberry and it's my favorite!

And one found online from her Zone Conference this week...