This week there has been nothing too out of the ordinary-- just having a great time doing missionary work like usual! We are teaching some amazing people that are very close to baptism! Mario is on date to be baptized the 27th of this month, and he is so excited. He loves everything about the church and LOVES reading the Book of Mormon! We are working with lots of other great people, and great things are happening. The old investigators from my last Ward (that now pertain to my new Ward) finally came to church, it was great! Hopefully the Ward will welcome them and make them feel loved!
Hermana Garcia went on exchanges this week, so it was kind of weird being back in a regular companionship of 2 with Hna Christensen for a day, but it was fun. For Valentine's Day we put hearts and ribbon on a few Books of Mormon and wrote a little message in them about God's love for us, and gave them out to people we met on the street.
I also finally had one of the famous Banana Nutella shakes from the Silver Diner, and it was so good! I can't believe I lived right next to one and I have never had it before! Unfortunately it snowed today enough so that we can't drive, so we get to walk again!
This week I have been thinking a lot about just how important the Book of Mormon is, and how lucky we are to have it. Many people always argue with us that the Bible is the only word of God and that there can be no more scripture, but luckily we know that God loves us enough to give us more scripture. If we only had the Bible, we would be so confused. The Book of Mormon not only is another testament of Christ, but it helps us clarify things that have been changed or are not so clear in the Bible. For example, the Bible talks about how Christ was baptized to "fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:14-15) and in the Book of Mormon we find out what it actually means to "fulfill all righteousness" (2 Nephi 31:5-9).
It is amazing to see people come closer to Christ, especially as they take the step of baptism. I am so glad I get to be a missionary and play a small part in the lives of others!
Chao!
Hermana Peabody
Another great week in the mission!
At home, Mom got to meet one of the Hermanas who returned home and gave her report. Slowly, the Hermanas who Ashley has known on her mission and has come to love, are returning home, as their time on their missions end. New missionaries will fill the spots, but those she has spent the most time with so far, will be missed yet lifelong friends! (And a bonus deal--us Moms are friends now too!)
Ashley's mission is a blessing to the people with whom she is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but in giving this service, so many blessings from the Lord are given back--a stronger knowledge and love of the Gospel, new friends--including missionaries and investigators, the knowledge of the Spanish language, the ability to be more outgoing, and many, many more--probably innumerable! What an amazing blessing Ashley's mission has been, to both her and her family!