Sister in Sydney: Hallo-what?

Week 14 Belconnen

What a week! It was a good one y'all!

Biggest miracle. I am teaching a pro-rugby player's wife and she is golden as! I absolutely adore her! She is British. Knows about Ben's cookies. And is so keen. Her husband came to our ward one Sunday, said his wife wanted sisters (in neighboring congregation). Went over and found out she likes church, and wants an eternal family. Return appt. 2 days later. Taught Plan of Salvation, Gospel of Jesus Christ, aka all of lessons 2 and 3. She was so receptive and we committed her to baptism November 23rd. Then she asked about Book of Mormon, so taught second half of Restoration aka lesson 1. It was crazy. We would NEVER teach that much in an hour but she was so prepared. She is pregnant and that little baby that is coming straight from heaven and is softening her heart so much. Even after that lesson she text us to say how much she appreciated our visit and when could she see us next. Two days later we finished the rest of the Restoration and found out she did all her reading assignments. Then she came to church the next day, and wants more reading assignments. I love her to pieces. Oh and on the way out one time we apparently saw the biggest rugby player on the wallabies. I shall get a picture next time I run into all these famous athletes I know nothing about :)

Our 12-year-old Sudanese is keen as. But her Dad was home during our last appointment. Her mom loves us but the dad didn't seem all too thrilled. She has been reading and has the most sincere questions. Hopefully we can still continue to meet with her. If not, we will tell her to keep reading and praying (she so already has a testimony) and find missionaries when she is 18. And of course add us on facebook or something to stay in touch :) But we found another Sudanese. Single mom of 4 and let us in straightaway without us even introducing ourselves and let me tell you THAT NEVER HAPPENS.

So cute German shepherd of a less active family... Went to go walk it. And while their son was getting her leash, she booked it out of the house. So then the son had to chase down the dog. So much for service eh? We shall bake them cookies instead I think haha

I also am having a baby named after me. It will be Kennedy Michelle if it’s a girl. :) It is of a less active we have been working with who also are planning to get sealed in temple this April which means I can goooooo! :) Other less active miracles is the 19 year old we have been working with. He even picked up a missionary handbook and Preach My Gospel to start studying, and yesterday got his patriarchal blessing which afterwards he said he wished he would of invited us too. How cool is that? We will catch up with him and now his cousin who wants to get her life back on track through his example on Tuesday!

(Pocahontas, Mulan, Snow White, and Rapunzel)

So. Halloween... Lame as here. We still worked all night since like no one trick or treats. But we helped put together the awesome Halloween party and trunk or treat which was a success. We sisters all dressed up as princesses with a "the gospel is your path to happily ever after" theme with quotes from that talk by President Uchtdorf.

Also, I couldn't help myself but come up with corny signs for all of us... Myself as Rapunzel (tried to weave in some fake hair #failure) "Sister Rushunzel has seen the light!" Sis Holtz as Mulan "Sister Holtz-lan thinks eternity is worth fighting for" Sister Taupau as Pochahontas "Sister Taupahontas let's the spirit guide" and Sister Perez as Snow White "Sister Snow-ez serves with a smile." Couldn't help my corny bone come out and dress up and try to celebrate Halloween as much as possible for being a missionary ;)

Halloween with Bishop and sister O'grady

Halloween with sis young and sis kikkert- LOVE THESE TWO

Great week, good Zone training meeting, found 15$ skirts WITH POCKETS, the Polynesians all say I am the tannest palangi they've met so that must mean the sun has been shinning and let me tell you I have some rude tan lines (try to figure out rude in that context, having a New Zealand comp is making me speak with this slang so much haha she even says I say a few words with an Aussie accent for all those who keep asking). And also, my studies this week have just been the best. Getting to study for 2 hours each morning is my favorite, so much personal revelation and insights. I love the scriptures; they are the word of God. Read them. They are for our day. And pray. The power of prayer is unbelievable. It works. God is my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is my Savior. As a nonmember door I knocked on told me, that is the center, and when I testified that she could tell I knew it and I do, without a doubt. There is a relationship for each of us that they are waiting to have with you. Christ can relate to everything and pull you through it and God's arm is always extended. I know this without a doubt and am so grateful for the fullness of the gospel. If you are too, share it.

Love yous!

Sister Rushing :)

P.S. played ping pong at a dinner appt to remind me of our good solid matches Layton and Will. Love my brother bonding moments. Oh and learned a magic trick too Layton I will have to show it to you!