Coming Forth as Gold

Sister Vanderhoff and Sister Rowland 

Hey Family,

So, I know I have shared this before but one scripture that has come to have great meaning to me over the course of my mission and especially this past week is Job 23:10

"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

I know that trials and troubles and hard things are simply refining us and making us all we can be.

This week has been crazy. On Saturday, we got a call from our mission president informing my companion and I that we were being transferred unexpectedly. He gave us three hours to pack all of our stuff, clean our apartment and give all of our investigators to the other sisters serving in the ward. Suffice it to say, Sister Day and I were upset. We had been seeing so many miracles! We had ten investigators on date for baptism for the month of August! That is insane! And we weren't given any time to say goodbye to anyone. We were picked up by some other missionaries and taken to our new areas.

My new area has no baptism dates set, and no real solid investigators. The ward is struggling. The work is slow. I was angry and frustrated with my mission president and with Heavenly Father! It seemed so unfair!

But Saturday night, after I got settled in my new area. My companion and I went and met with the Bishop to talk about the needs of the ward, and how we could help him. This bishop has only been a bishop for two months. But he has an incredible vision for this ward. He is currently reorganizing EVERYTHING. As we were talking to the bishop about the needs of the ward and his vision I felt the spirit so strong. The spirit confirmed to me that this transfer was not a mistake, but a merciful act of God. I felt that I needed to be here because I can help this ward. I also felt that I needed to be here because this area and ward can help me to become all that my Father in Heaven expects of me.

Amid all the crises on Saturday, my companion and I asked the elders for a blessing. I don't remember anything that was said in that blessing except that Heavenly Father knows my potential. He sees who I can become. And He is doing all in His power to help me to get there. He knows that someday I can be GOLD! This is all part of the refining process. I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to push me, stretch me, and maybe even hurt me a little so that I can experience a fullness of joy.

So, I am going to see how much lemonade I can make of these lemons these final few weeks. Honestly, this is probably the easiest way to finish a mission. Whenever you get to a new area, you are always on fire. You have another chance to make a good first impression. New places, new ideas. Its easy to be bold, work hard and focus for the first few weeks in a new area. And now my first few weeks are also my last few weeks. I think this will work out nicely:) My new companion is wonderful and beautiful and sweet and I'm really excited to see what miracles will happen here.

So just remember, sometimes what seems to be the biggest injustice is really the largest blessing in disguise. Don't be too quick to judge!

God's plan is perfect! I love you all:)

Have a great week!

Love always, Sister Rowland

our address is:

5714 Calais Ln.

St Petersburg, FL 33714