4/14/14
This week was amazing! Thank you for the prayers you have sent to heaven for me. I feel of your love.

Ok this week has been amazing! we had so many good lessons with Amy, Mackenzie and Sue. They are all at different points in their conversion BUT they are all progressing! and that is awesome! 

We had the opportunity to attend a baptism this week. It was all in spanish and the spirit was so strong. it was so fun to be there and feel of that. Although i didnt understand the exact words that were said, i knew that what they were saying was true. Truth is truth! the spirit testifies of it. :)

Ok. Friday was amazing! Friday was our mission conference. We met all together as a mission and learned about Joseph Smith and The first vision. It was amazing! we met in a Forrest preserve and the weather was just beautiful and perfect. we were going to do it a week previous to this day but we didnt because of the weather that day. it was rainy and cold.

Sister Fenn told us about Samuel Smith, the very first missionary and all the hard ships he faced. He did not baptize one person on his mission, but he didnt know of the great impact he had on the world. He gave a copy of The Book of Mormon to the Kimball family, Phineas Young (brother to brigham young), and someone else i cant remember now, but just because of his faith and hard work he helped so many. and brought 2 future prophets into the gospel. it was just an amazing story and helped me to feel so hopeful that i am making a difference, even if it is in just one life. 

President Fenn is amazing. Seriously love this man. He is such an amazing scriptorian and such an excellent speaker. He expanded my understanding of the first vision. Before coming on my mission i didnt really understand all of the basic principle we learn from studying the story of the first vision. He took all 10 of the accounts that Joseph wrote and kind of mushed them together and taught us of the principles we learn.

-first that the first vision was not the first revelation that Joseph recieved, it was in fact the prompting to pray after reading James 1:5. 

- the true chruch was not on the earth before this time

- God answers Prayers

- Revelation is real

- the God Head is 3 separate beings

- We are created in his image

- Satan's power is real. he does anything to keep us from praying. and uses the "least obtrusive means to prevent us from accomplishing the purposes of God"- p. fenn

- God speaks and calls prophets

- knows us by name

- knows us personally

- there was a real apostasy on the earth

- and we receive forgiveness of our sins - one of the reasons Joseph went to talk with the lord was to receive a forgiveness of his sins and we learn that the lord did indeed forgive him. 

the list goes on. it was a great discussion. President Fenn shared with us his testimony of the importance of standing up for the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. He told us that he feels it his responsiblity to ensure that every missionary he is in charge of is true to the prophet. I am so grateful to serve under president Fenn. I promise to be true to the Prophet Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon when i am faced with adversity and hostility towards these topics. I am excited for that to come and happen so that i can stay true to my promise and desire to stand as a witness. Its exciting to me! :) 

Then sunday we had a lesson about Joseph and Hyrum Smith. It was just a wonderful weekend to pay homage to them. I am exctied. I know that the greatest way we can each honor them and their sacrifices is to become closer to Christ. and the best way to do that is to read the Book of Mormon. -- AH! the church is so true!  

Ok well it was a great week. we are excited for this week and have great lessons set up with many people. We had a member invite us over for Easter Sunday to teach their friend about the gospel. we are super excited! this ward is on fire! 

Have an amazing week. I hope we will each reflect on this momentous time of Christs life and of the deep Deep abiding love he has for each of us. 

I love you!

Love, 

Sister O'Neil

ps. Chris! good luck on your talk! i hope all your friends come that you have been inviting! I am excited for you! I would love to have a copy of your talk. :) 

p.p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAHAM!! I love you buddy! eat some cake and do a crazy dance!!  I love you!