Service

Well, as many of you may or may not know, my grandma passed away the other week. She was a wonderful lady full of stories, a strong testimony, and best of all a stubborn attitude. ;) Sometimes being the youngest I feel cheated from having the experiences of my brothers and sisters have had, with having grandparents there to pick out their first car, and to approve of their boy friends/ girl friends, and than to have them there for their weddings. But that is the beauty of the gospel. I have the knowledge that their life really isn't over, they continue to live and are able experience all these things even thought they are not here in the flesh! Families really are forever!!

There is one story that my grandma always shared about her mission, and it was when there was a roadshow and her companion wanted to go, but she didn't because she wanted to meet their goal of a certain number of lessons or "cottage visits". So they had exchanges and her and her temporary companion not only met the goal, they exceeded it!... She was a great example of diligence and how when we remember our purpose, whatever it may be and we work hard, we can always reach our goals! My grandma was great at giving compliments, and you always knew they were honest because she would tell you "I mean it, I don't lie when I say that". hehe :)

I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to care for not only 1 but 2 grandmas as they began and ended the last chapter of their mortal lives and that I am forever thankful for. 

We have a less active family in our ward who is very poor, and they don't have very many things in this world. We went to their house the other day to teach and they were both laying there very sick, nay has been sick for a while and tay just got it. Sister Collins knows how to do this cool massage thing that they do in Samoa so she offered to massage Nanays head. Well we needed a certain type of leave so we went and got it and at the same time we picked up some food since they had none. When we went back Sister Collins worked her magic and I cooked them dinner. While I was cooking, and things were quiet out of no where I heard a harmonica playing "How great thou art"... For those of you know know my family, you know that my grandpa plays the harmonica beautifully! what a beautiful moment this was! Since I was here on the mission when my grandma passed away I was unable to help as much as I would have like, but there I was as if I was at home, helping those I love! 

 "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."- Mosiah 2:17 The Book of Mormon

When we are willing to serve, He will allow us to be instruments, and he will allow the empty holes in our hearts to be filled! 

-XOXO- 

Sister Hawkins