"He is with us" & "God's Helpers" - January 11, 2021

 

2 weeks in one, here we go! 

My companion and I have counted so many miracles this week from being in quarantine. We're literally writing a list! The biggest was 2 weeks ago after watching Emma Nissen's concert in Sweden. VW nővér sent it to a Hungarian friend living in Sweden and it opened up another conversation with her about the gospel. We met with her that night and it was so powerful. She said during the lesson, "I'm grateful for free will but sometimes I just wish God would pick me up in His hands and make my life what He wants it to be." The feeling in the room was electric as we talked about prophets, The Book of Mormon, and the Restoration. The gospel brings hope, light, and direction into lives in literal ways. In this week's Europe-wide media meeting (my last one) :'( we shared this miracle after Sweden gave a presentation about it and their mission president was so excited and friended us on FB and now is connecting us to Sister Nissen and her companion. Wow, it's so cool to be a missionary! It's the coolest feeling of comradery and strength. And it's like 3000+ built in best friends all over Europe :)

Enikő is doing well and yesterday we had a really good lesson with her. Sneak peak into next week: I'll probably be in a new city by then, Érd. Yesterday's lesson was beautiful and as I shared my testimony of the Restoration, I felt washed over with gratitude and amazement that Heavenly Father has let me play a tiny part in this. It has been such a privilege. I love Enikő. After our first lesson with her, VW and I said, "We all knew each other in Heaven." I just know it. I would've come to Hungary and served for a year and a half even if I had never met Enikő. Yet I was able to meet her! It is just the cherry on top. Heavenly Father really does love His children. I always say that because it goes with Alma 26:37. I am truly learning this. He even loves those who live in tiny towns in Hungary who are just looking for goodness, truth, and light. Enikő will be an eternal best friend. 

Guess what?! Do you remember sweet Bórika néni who we would take muffins to and sang "Families Can Be Together Forever" to? We were eating with the member who referred her to us and we found out that Bórika néni is her 2nd cousin! This sweet old couple loves family history and Bórika is probably like their only living relative in the world! And they live in the same little city! We had no idea about the whole back story but now I'm just so grateful we made all that effort to call her, find her, visit her a few times, find her daughter's address, sing to them on Christmas Eve, etc. ALL of their ancestors are supporting them and helping them--and were guiding us, too! She is so so old, but I really do believe that if she could just hear us well enough through masks and understand us, she would accept the gospel. Someday in heaven for sure. We will be able to understand each other finally :) and I know she'll embrace the gospel whole-heartedly. We will do our best in the here and now to help her! I have a lot of faith that she is in His hands and has a bright future, even at 90 years old ;)

Sorry this is only the cliff notes of the past two weeks. It was a million more times incredible than this even explains. I never want to sound over-dramatic or fanaticical as a missionary. The honest truth is that it really is as incredible and miraculous as it seems. And it's not magic, either! And the way I know it's true is that amidst it all, it is beautifully simple. Only a loving Father in Heaven could orchestrate this all.  

Happy 2021! 

Love, 

Emma Rae

Francis nővér

Pictures: 

Biking through Kecskemét <3

We have THE BEST view at sunset. 

Dinner with the Kovácsék (Bórika néni's relatives that referred her to us. He was the mission leader in this ward for a few months while I've served here and they are so old and good. Neither had family members join the church with them and now they have 4 righteous children and 12 grandchildren. I love serving where it's all still first generation converts. It's so powerful to learn their stories. They are literally pioneers and are paving the way. Enikő, too! People of such strong faith. If you need a sign that Heavenly Father is aware of and loves His children, come to Hungary and meet with these saints. They literally have built beauty from ashes. It is nothing short of God's deep goodness and infinite mercy. 

See you next week from Érd! I love you, Kecskemét!