Week 72 Rescue Mission and Soul Filled to Laughter

DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS:

Yesterday was the first day back at church! It was the first time I got to partake of the Sacrament in months! It was an unforgettable experience. Since we havent been able to partake of the Sacrament, it really helped me appreciate it more. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. 

THE FAMILY came to church and the Dad bore his testimony! He talked about how much he loves the Book of Mormon. It was incredible. You know when you want to laugh because you feel the Spirit so strong? That was me. I was almost full to bursting with smiles and the spirit! 

The dad has had back problems and after Sacrament received a Priesthood blessing from Borko and Brat Savić. Yet again incredible. 

The Rescue Mission:

Sister Andrews has been stuck in Montenegro. She was suppose to go home awhile ago but borders have been shut down and no flights out. .. So! 

The Austin's (senior couple) drove down to the border of Montenegro and picked up the 2 sisters serving in Podgo. They walked across the border to get out.

These sisters came to Belgrade and stayed with us.

Then Sister Dimas and I drove Sister Andrews into Croatia. Borders have been on high lock down, but they let us cross over, drop her off to a few elders and turn around and go back to Serbia.

These elders then took her to Zagreb where she got to fly home! 

So Sister Andrews got to go home! Yahoo

The eagle has landed!

So now Sister Dimas lives with us and is comps with Sister Hart! So I currently live with ALL my past companions who are currently still in the mission!! 

Sister Hart and I have been running every morning and I love running!! Best way to start the day(:

We have found awesome people to teach through FB! FB finding for the win! 

We did service this week at the food Bank! We worked in a big warehouse and made over 500 boxes!

Today we had a surprise birthday party for Elder Krmpotich! We ordered pizza and all got together (: and of course we went to the favorite ice cream place - crna ovca!

This ice cream place is the best! I have been there a lot! But without fail, every time I have gotten icecream from there it rains! So today it poured and ever since we have been enjoying a thunder storm! :) I love summer storms.

This week I bought 1 watermelon, 3 ice creams, and got a free umbrella. Summer is here (:

I have really learned the principle of "magnifying thine office". I know that when I magnify my efforts and do all that I can, that the Lord magnifies ME and helps me keep going! The enabling power of Jesus Christ is a TRUE & accessible power.

God loves you! 

Sister Gittins

Pics: fun pictures with members, service, escape missions, and ICE CREAM

Hello there dear loved ones!

Serbia is good(: I am doing well(: 

I just wanted to share a couple thoughts with you. These thoughts are near to my heart (:

I have read my patriarchal blessing many times in my life. But this week it stood out differently.

I always remember it telling me that one day I would choose to serve the Lord as a missionary, but as I read this line this week my heart was touched: (I added highlights) 

"are promised that we can bring blessings to all the FAMILIES of the WORLD, and YOU will have this OPPORTUNITY as you serve throughout your life."

I am so grateful for the sweet family we are teaching right now. I know that this is one family in the world that I am suppose to bring the blessing of the Restored Gospel to. I am so grateful for this opportunity to meet with them and help them progress in their knowledge and understanding. I am blessed to see my patriarchal blessing being fulfilled!

I also love this scripture 

D&C 121

45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

It tells us what we need to do to stand confident in the presence of God. 

-Full of charity towards all men

-faith

-virute garnish your thoughts

I love these 3 points because I need to improve on them!

I also love the phrase Dew from heaven. Dew isn't a huge flood or a rain storm. But it is just enough to water something to help it keep going. 

I know that God sends us Dews from heaven when we strive to follow Him. He gives us just the right amount of 'water' to keep on going. We can go from 'grace to grace'. I see little dews from heaven everday in my life. God gives me little things everyday to help me keep going. And I know He gives those things to you!

I invite you to look up/think about some of these key words

-Garnish

-unceasingly

-distil

-dews

-doctrine of the Priesthood

I defined those words and it enhanced my study of this verse! 

I love you all so much! I know that God loves you and has an army of angels ready to help you!

With love, 

Sister Gittins