What I've Learned: PRAYER  

(Finland – Week 69)

03 May 2016

My dear ystävät, you have all gone way too long without a tale of a language blunder. Fortunately, my language skills have improved over the last 18 months (yes, I hit my 18 month mark last week!) so there aren't as many, but buckle up, this one is good. We were having lunch with a wonderful Finnish woman, she loves music so I told her about the Mormon Tabernacle choir. How they are a choir of members of our church that sing wonderful hymns around the world and such. Her eyes got huge and she said, "Wow! That's amazing! Just unbelievable!" I thought, yeah they are amazing but it's not that unbelievable that members of our church can sing... She saw that I looked confused and said, "It's just amazing that they are so accomplished even though they can't hear!" I then realized I had accidentally switched the words "choir" and "deaf" saying that there was a large group of deaf members, not a large choir of members. Those words are too similar! I was rather embarrassed, my companion didn't understand why, I explained later and she found it humorous.

I can't believe I hit 18 months as a missionary last week! Serving a mission is without a doubt the best decision I have ever made. My time focusing on others and what is most important, the gospel of Jesus Christ, has changed and blessed me in more ways than I can say. Today I want to focus on one: I have truly gained a testimony of prayer. I have always prayed, my parents taught me how before I can remember, but I never prayed  before my mission like I have on my mission. Any time in the past 18 months that I have wanted to call my mom, my dad, my sisters, my brother, anyone, I haven't been able to. So instead I called on my Heavenly Father, and He listened. I asked Him my questions. I asked Him for advice. I asked Him for help. I told Him what made me happy, what parts of my day were a good surprise, I told Him when I was upset, why I was upset. This has strengthened my relationship so much with my Father in Heaven. I know prayer works. I have seen it work so many times. It's more than just a cry for help, it's communication from Heavenly Father to one of His precious children. I know that we are each children of God, and that He always listens to our prayers. I invite each of you to remember that relationship as you pray.

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! 

That calls me from a world of care

And bids me at my Father's throne

Make all my wants and wishes known.

In seasons of distress and grief,

My soul has often found relief

And oft escaped the tempter's snare

By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

And oft escaped the tempter's snare

By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

(Sweet Hour of Prayer, William W. Walford)

Have a wonderful week!!

Love Sisar Mendenhall

Here is my celebratory 18 month meal, carrot casserole and kiiseli:) And our Vappu meal! Brain bread and lots of other strange things that aren't really Finnish.