1 Nephi 3:21 11/11/13

Dear Family-

AHHH! Nine days left until I can see ya'll!!!! Just a little freaking out going on.... Ok, calming down.

But lots of wonderful things are happening over here. Yesterday the stake came to our ward and split the ward, creating a completely new ward! The areas are just exploding with work and we are excited for the new growth. Many members are sad and excited at the same time. We still don't know details, but the excitement is high. When I started my mission in this same stake only sixteen months ago, there were five wards and three branches. Now there are eight full wards and one branch that is growing quickly to become a ward. Incredible. I absoutely believe that this growth will continue, especially as we utilize all the resources we have. On Saturday we had a Family History Open House to spread information about the Church's family history resources and it was an incredible success with dozens of investigators.

Thank you all for your prayers and support for those we are teaching. Sandra and Hna Cano both came to church yesterday and we are setting baptismal dates this week. The people here make the work so precious and so many special memories. I am working on getting lots of pictures so if I don't email them I will bring them home. 

After finishing my study on Christ in the Book of Mormon, I started over again the next day. And I decided to study the doctrine of the family and the Lord's guidelines for building family relationships found within the Book of Mormon. And I am absolutely loving it. The Book of Mormon is just full of guidance for us in our most importance relationships. I especially love the example of Nephi as a brother. 1 Nephi 3:21 is when he is working to convince his brothers to continue on in obtaining the plates. "And it came to pass that after this manner of language did I persuade my brethren, that they might be faithful in keeping the commandments of God." In the role of a brother, Nephi sometimes persuades, sometimes rebukes, often encourages, usually helps through his example, but always always loves. I know I am not a perfect sister, but I want to strive to be more like Nephi and know how to really love my family. I love this video from lds.org on the power of a righteous mother, but I think it is just as applicable for all of our other roles as daughters and sisters. 

I love ya'll. Make someone smile today.

Love,

Hermana Kristi Koerner