Joy and Heartbreak

Look what Sister Mathis got...A haircut!!

Joke of the week- What kind of a pet did Lehi and his family have?

Hello my amazing friends and family. This week has been such a bittersweet week. I remember my teacher in the MTC tell me, "as a missionary you will never experience such joy, but you will also never experience such heartbreak." A mission is full of ups and downs, bumps and curves and unexpected detours. It is an exciting roller coaster that I am so fortunate to be riding on. A mission is a trial of your faith, and your ability to endure to the end. Everyday my faith is challenged and as a result I can honestly say I've never before felt my faith grow so strong. I am constantly building my foundation on the rock and just like we are taught in Mosiah that when we build our foundation on Jesus Christ, the winds, the shafts in the whirlwind, the hail, and the storms shall not have power over us. I am grateful for that rock we are able to build upon. I realized this week that I must constantly be putting forth my best effort because I know there's no way I could walk up to my Heavenly Father and say, "I am sorry. I just couldn't do it. It was just too hard. I gave up." That's not who I am. I am strong because He has made me strong. I know I am nothing without Him and I can easily recognize my imperfections but I can fully testify that He is working with me every step of the way.

May we all run this race we have entered. May we work hard and put up a good fight. If you will remember the most recent conference, this is our four minutes! That is all we have. Four minutes to show Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that we are worthy of their presence. Turn to our Savior. He is there for all of us. He loves us more then we can even begin to comprehend. I love you guys. I appreciate your support. I want to hear how you are doing. I want to hear your testimonies. Please feel free to write me

Sister Lauren Mathis

19 Clairedan Dr.

Powell, OH 43065

I love you all so very much, but even more importantly I know how much your Savior loves all of you.

To end the joke:

Lehi and his family were commanded to take their family and FLEA into the wilderness.

Have a wonderful week. Work hard and have fun!

Love Sister Mathis

Lauren's Third companion Sister King from Pocatello, ID 

Lauren's Second companion Sister Schauers from California