Hungary for the Gospel in Montana: Week 14

Why hello there my dear friends and family!!

I now know where the phrase "Oh dear!" came from, because everywhere I turn there are deer! I have caught myself exclaiming "Oh deer!" frequently.

I love my companion, and as always my love continues to grow each day! We had a tough week after the zone conference (and I don't think it had anything to do with the conference, even though it was a lot to take in, Sister Flake and I pulled a lot of great things from it!) It was just an emotional roller coaster of a week, lots of dinners cancelled, Sister Flake was struggling emotionally (and I have a hard time when I can't help my companion feel better etc.), and we had to work really hard to fill our schedules. There were some hard moments, but we have gotten through it! These past few days we have been on fire! Feeling amazingly (although I wouldn't say I was struggling, just worried about my companion) and and getting so much done!

Our area is doing well, we have gotten 2 new people we are teaching this week! Both are referrals, and one even came to us first before we got to her! The other is the fiance of an inactive member, and both are very interested in the church because of its family focus and the sense of finding home each time they learn more. It is thrilling to help people find the same comfort and joys of the gospel that I have had my whole life!

Yesterday, fast Sunday, was a Spirit-packed day. There wasn't anything in particular that made the day special, but I felt like I was floating with joy, excitement, peace, and the love of God! I think fasting played a big part in it. It is such a sacred and sweet thing -- to pray all day, giving up food and drink to show our focus and commitment and have hunger as a reminder of what we are fasting for. Sister Flake and I also had wonderfully engaging spiritual discussions as well as discoveries as we studied together. What a delight the Sabbath day is!!

Spiritual Thoughts for the Week-

This was a random tangent during my personal studies, but I thought it was worth sharing:
Why hurt alone? Or suffer alone? If you're not contagious then why choose to stay home? Being alone just makes things worse. If you're going to be in pain either way (physically/mentally) why choose to be alone, exclude yourself and isolate yourself? Oftentimes what we need is interaction! It helps and can distract from what you're going through. Opening up in love and service to others is the antidote to all!

Also from my studies:
Jacob 4:10 "Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from His hand... He counseleth in wisdom, justice, and mercy over all His works."

When we pray, don't command/counsel the Lord! Take His counsel and follow His commands, We don't comprehend all He does--therefore we must seek His guidance!

I am seeing more and more, how many people are going through terribly difficult things. When the Lord leads us to a path, or shows us the way to go, He will always provide away. Look for the tender mercies. Look for the hand of God. He is there. He loves YOU. And so do I.

I love you all!
Sister Alger

The snow is so fluffy, that it feels like feathers of snow. I LOVE IT!!!!

Admiring the beautiful snowflakes up close! They're so cool!!