Jan. 9, 2013
The Spirit of Kirtland

Fam Fam!

There is not a whole lot to report this week. I had an interview with the President yesterday morning. It is amazing how much you feel loved when you meet with that man! It made me have a renewed love for my mission.

I can't get over how cool it is to be here in a place where both the Book of Mormon (possibly) and the organization of the church took place. One of the neatest things is the members, especially hearing their stories about why they came to Ohio. Many of them knew almost nothing about Ohio (I mean, who does?!), and then by 'random happenstance' ended up here, and they felt like this is where they were guided. Many of them were able to sell their houses during the real estate market depression almost immediately and lived out of their car until they found their home a couple of days later. Then they would do family history and find out they had an ancestor who lived here, or felt a particular draw to a specific early saint that lived here. It is so interesting! My favorite is that our bishop just so happens to be related to Newel K. Whitney, the 2nd bishop in the restored church, and 1st here in Ohio (Edward Partridge was called to go to Missouri). This really is a special place. You feel closer to Joseph Smith and the early saints who lived here.

This ward is AWESOME! There are so many strong members in this ward- especially the youth. During fast and testimony meeting, almost all the people who came up to bear their testimonies were from the primary or the YM/YW, and they were POWERFUL! They all are very good speakers, and the spirit was so strong. I think what really helped set up that meeting right was Sam. He is a down syndrome boy who was recently ordained to the priesthood, and he was so excited to pass the sacrament for the first time. He had a helper deacon to show him where to go, and he was beaming because he was so happy! The deacons passed the sacrament with such reverence, worked with each other really well, and then when they were done, they were all so excited for Sam and were complementing him on how well he did. It was the neatest thing to be there to feel that spirit that those young men brought! People should never underestimate their influence on others.

Love you so much family! Keep being awesome :)

Sister Mahrt