Manahoana

Manahoana means hello! :) 

Today was our temple day, we were able to attend a session at the Oquirrh Temple, it was absolutely beautiful and gosh, I learned so much more! It's true, every time you go not matter what number of a time it is, we always are enlightened and given greater knowledge. We don't have a lot of time to email, so I will be short, sweet and simple!

So I recently started reading the New Testament and from my reading this week, I just wanted to share what stuck out to me...maybe each of you might learn something from it.

Mark 6:48-52

The Plan of Salvation for Solo in Malagasy

At The Visitors Center at Temple Square

Heart-attacking someone's door :) 

"And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased:and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened."

Right before these verses, Jesus Christ fed the 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fishes. Then following this miraculous event is when this scriptures come in... When Peter saw it was Christ, he asked if he could walk on the water and of course, these miracles only work according to our faith. As Peter went to walk on the water, the winds and waves scared him and he began to sink, but in the account of Matthew chapter 14, Christ immediately stretched forth His hand and saves Peter. When His disciples saw that He could stop the winds they were so amazed and in this scripture above, it says that they "wondered." When Jesus saw that they were pondering how this could be, He says "for they considered not the miracle of the loaves." Needless to say, how often to miracles happen in our lives and soon after we forget of the miracles? Why are they so easy to forget? You know, through this story I got that Christ was inviting me to recognize His hand more in my life and to never forget the miraculous things He has done for me, for my family, and for those we are teaching! 

Also, we are teaching someone from Madagascar. His name is Solo (pronounced Soo-loo). We began teaching him this week! Our first lesson was the Plan of Salvation and we drew it out for him on a white board and wrote it in Malagasy so he could follow along. His daughter and her husband translate for us. It's been amazing to gain a testimony on the gift of tongues and to see it right in front of us. Solo has taken the discussions before, he knows the church is true and the BOM is the word of God, he just has some personal hold-ups! He leaves back to Madagascar in November. Please please pray for him. We are taking him to Temple Square soon, there is only ONE Sister there who speaks Malagasy! What a blessing :) It's been so amazing teaching him and learning so much about the church over in their country. It's almost like I am not even serving in Utah! Haha.

One more thing! This Stake is growing, we have the same vision as the Stake President and are doing everything in our power to set goals and make plans to make that vision come true!! Elder Clark of the Seventy said that, "Goals not written down are only dreams. Dreams don't come true." Oh, that hit us hard! Setting goals is a lesson to learn for a lifetime! This Stake has such powerful leadership! SO much is going to happen this transfer! My new companion is a rock star too...love her so much!

Well, thank you for the love and support! I appreciate and pray for you all! My hugs and handshakes go out to you. Have a blessed week! 

Some other words in Malagasy:

Valoma=Good bye

Salama=I'm doing good

Tafandria mandry=Good night

Misaotra=Thank you

I told Solo and his family (who are all members BUT him) that I am going to Madagascar! I have this new obsession with the language :) 

 

Valoma!

Sister Garretson