Sister Amarae Huffaker: Good Ol' Louisiana (Sept 2)

Hello Sweets!

Can you believe I've been in Louisiana for a year already??

Oh right...a week. This past 7 days have been the longest 7 days of my life! Sitting here trying to decide what to talk about is impossible, BUT I'll share some cool experiences if you don't mind!

As you are all aware...here in the South, everyone and their dog (because honestly, everyone has a dog here) goes to a church. In a span of a mile from our house, there are 15 different churches. It has been a very hard adjustment for me, as we try knocking on door to door and everyone KNOWS God loves them, everyone KNOWS Jesus died for them and everyone is COMFORTABLE with the religion that they have been raised in that they don't want to hear the Lord's message. I've had to take a hard look at this trial and realize that it is actually a blessing that so many of God's children have those truths in their lives. Most people I have met so far, are trying so hard to be the best people they can with the knowledge they have. I'm grateful for their examples. I know the Lord has prepared people to hear His message, and due to the fact that a lot of people don't, it makes things a whole lot sweeter when we find those people that do.

One day, walking out of a investigators home, I had to back out our car in the driveway. (mission policy) I had a thought pop in my head as I saw a guy come out of his trailor, " Go talk to him" It was this very faint, very subtle thought and I wasn't at all completely sure if it was me or the Spirit, so being the nervous weirdo that I am, I get in the car to leave and then it got more persistant. Thinking of Elder Bednars remarks on if its me or the Spirit and him saying "Stop worrying about it." got to me. I told my companion Sister Zemp, " Do you care if we go talk to him real quick?" We get out of the car and talk to this guy, Skylar. It just so happens this 20 year old, young dad of two and his girlfriend, are looking for a religion! THAT DOES NOT HAPPEN HERE! I was so excited and of course thanked my Heavenly Father for guiding us there 10 times.

Something that has really hit me is being in the Ghetto parts of town..in the trailor parks. It always makes me think for you Mama and how far you have come from living in such a humble setting. These people tend to have no hope in life, have the attitude that they were born with nothing so why try to make something of themselves. It made me cry a couple times realizing that you lived with Grandma in one of these. You have to have a certain kind of determination and extreme hard work to push past that and make it. I just wanted to tell you, I'm so proud of you:)

One more thing, in church I got called a 30 hour before church that I had to write a talk on the Atonement. I am a strong believer in prayer my friends! I got a talk done and ready for my first day in the Brownlee Ward and didn't pass out!! The Lord is so good to us:)

Missionary work is in no way easy, I'm exhausted everyday of my life, but I do get to wake up to knowing that I can be a part of saving someone's salvation today. What a thought to wake up to huh? Haha I'm grateful for all of your love, prayers and support! You have no idea how excited I get to hear from you on Mondays! Remember, everyone has been called to bring the lost sheep back to His fold. YOU are no exception. Do your part, bring someone to church, do visiting teaching, or ASK the missionaries to go teach investigators. It's the most amazing thing. Love you!

Love your missionary,

Sister Huffaker