"Week of MIRACLES!"

Every week is a week of miracles! But this week in particular, the Lord's hand was in everything!

Kay, so first I have to tell you about last Monday! Guess what day that was??? BOSTON MARATHON DAY!!!! But first, we got to go to the TEMPLE! I can't even tell you how much I love the Boston temple. It's breathtaking. After that neat experience, pretty much every missionary within driving distance got to go into downtown Boston to see the Marathon. There were SO many people, which I thought was a little surprising, because of the events of last year. We didn't even really get to see people running. We finally made it to the point where we could see everyone WALKING, cooling down after the marathon. But it was so neat! We got to explore Boston, got some sunburns, had a great time. It was also Patriot's Day, so Sister Slater and I rocked our red, white and blue outfits. Pictures will have to come next week. :)

That night, when P-day was over, was the first amazing miracle! We decided to stop by Dawn's house with a Christ Easter basket. She was a lady we met when we saw her locked out of her house. She's a Catholic by birth, but looking. AWESOME. We weren't sure how her response to us would be, but she was so happy to see us! She let us in and opened her heart to us! SHE IS AWESOME and so willing to explore what we have to offer. I can't wait!!! She's going to love Relief Society and this amazing truth. She was definitely prepared for us to meet her! Even she realizes this was not coincidence. :) NEW INVESTIGATOR!

I went on exchanges for the first time! I was pretty nervous, but it was actually one of the most amazing days I've had so far. Sister Slater left, and Sister Crane, our Sister Training Leader, came to our area. Which means even though I was being trained, I also had to take a LOT of control, because only I knew the people and the area. It taught me so much! And Sister Crane is basically the sweetest person ever. I want to be like her someday. She helped me realize my potential and gain confidence in my abilities.

While we were on exchanges, we had another HUGE miracle! We got ANOTHER investigator! (They're considered a new investigator if you meet with them and set up a return appointment.) So a week ago, a man RANDOMLY walked into the church building and asked Sister Little (senior missionary) for a Book of Mormon. Say wha--?????? They had an hour long talk, she got his number and gave it to us, and Sister Crane and I were able to meet with him and teach him the Restoration!!!! Oh my goodness! He loves God and senses how good this church is. He found a long-lost cousin who is a Mormon and got really interested. He's not admitting that he is really "investigating" the Church yet. . . he claims it is just for information. But whatever. He SO felt the Spirit! And he already started the Book of Mormon!!! AHHHH!!!

I got sick this week. :P Pretty bad sore throat, among other minor symptoms. I handled it fine until Saturday. . . then we had a service project early in the morning in the cold rain, cleaning up the Charles River. Um, no fun. :P But Sister Slater cancelled our following appointment and demanded that I take a hot shower and go to bed. So I feel better now. I hate being a hindrance, but I can fully function now!

There's other details I could totally give you, but this is already long! So I hope everyone is doing well! You're all in my prayers! Keep in touch. Lots of love!

-Sister Merkley
MBM Missionary