did you SIMI in Moorpark?

I went back to my first area this past week. Moorpark 1st ward. I haven't been there since my first transfer. It was somewhat bizarre walking the same streets i used to walk, feeling much more confident sharing the gospel. i saw a hill by a swimming pool in an apartment complex and told sister evans, "That is where i taught my first plan of salvation lesson."

I remembered a door we would knock on to talk to the son. often times the mom would answer and we would ask when he would be home. THIS time we talked to the mom and shared the gospel with her. it felt good to be given an opportunity by the Lord to add to the labor i already gave in that area. as we walked up to the door and she answered her sons name came out of my mouth, "Is Chris here?" I was so surprised i remembered his name as i have not thought about him in over a year!

On my second day in the field (June 18th 2013) we knocked on Jonnys door. She let us in and we talked. well, she talked a lot. we tried to teach her the restoration, and although she loved god she did not feel like she needed anything more than the bible. sis hiatt and i cried as we left her house. We loved her so much and yet, she would not listen to this wonderful message. We went back to her house. we were able to testify (and get a few more words in). She said, "I always knew you'd come back." because we couldn't tell her our first names that summer she called us faith and joy. as she met sister evans she nicknamed her hope. We shared the video he is the gift with her. at first she was reluctant to see it, but we told her she would agree with the video 100% she loved it. It is great to be able to testify about the restored gospel. but also show people that we believe in Jesus Christ. 

We had a great lesson with Kimberly on Wednesday. Our new relief society president came with us. Kimberly is the caretaker of a member named Monica who hasn't been able to come because of health reasons for years (had a stroke). we taught the plan of salvation and she loved it, she said she wanted us to come back and share it with her husband. We went back last night. she had great news to tell us she read TWO pages of the book of Mormon with Monica and new it was true! :) 

She is very spiritual and believes in Christ but never had any formal teaching or church exposure as her parents were non-religious. Her husband was home and asked if we were christian we said yes and gave him a pass along card with Mary and Christ on it. her was happy to hear that. We taught them both the restoration and they both received it so well! he really connected with the idea of the apostasy or man corrupting and misrepresenting truth. kimberly said she felt a connection with joseph smith when we told her about the scripture in james "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God." After we told the story of the first vision and the restoration of the priesthood she turned to her husband and said, "Do you believe this?" "I do." " I do too." 

BEST THING EVER! we told them that baptism is a step to work toward, they were both so happy. their plan is to come to church in the new year (the change of time works best) go for a month to services and then talk about a date to be baptized. We didn’t push it,, because they will get there. Joy was beaming out of their eyes and smiles. it was such a wonderful, sacred experience. and well worth the mistreatment or unkind receptions we get for bearing the message of truth. 

Love you all, Sister Snow