Sep 4th

This week was pretty crazy as we had an exchange, and transfers! Fortunately transfers didn't really affect us, so it was just the STL (sister training leader) exchange that was the most different. But I actually left Tacoma!! And I've learned, at least in this mission, that Tacoma is one of the least attractive areas to be in. Don't get me wrong - there are still pretty views, and I love Stadium with its old, tall buildings and neat little town feel to it, but when I went to Gig Harbor - wow, I was blown away! The view from the STL's apartment looks out from near the hilltop to a view of the harbor and an expanse of gorgeous pine trees, and a few really nice houses. Tracting was my favorite as we got to walk by the bordering trees which smelled damp from the morning rain, and the sun shined intermittently from behind clouds... it was exactly what I'd imagined Washington to be! Sister Fowkes had been there for 6 months, so she acknowledged that she'd probably gotten adjusted to it as I kept commenting on how beautiful the area was, but when Sister Walker and Sister Loy came to make the switch, they were just as blown away. In all that was the most fun exchange I'd ever had as Sister Fowkes and I learned we surprisingly had a lot in common.

Friday, the day we changed back, we had a baptism!! Visal got baptized, and it was the perfect baptism for Sister Loy's first convert. We had over 10 people attend - not including us three, or Visal, we had all Cambodian speakers, and everything went smoothly. He's really excited to be going to church and we're hoping that he'll be able to get off work and come to Sunday school with us soon.

Monday, for Labor Day, we had a BBQ at President and Sister Blatters for three of the central zones. (Pictures will probably be up soon on: calledtoservewa-tac.blogspot.com) Once everyone finished eating, all the sister went out to the front lawn to play volleyball while the Elders stayed to chat, which was quite the switch, but super fun!

Quick note from personal study today: As I'm reading the Book of Mormon again while highlighting charity, I just finished 2 Nephi chapters 8-9, and realized a lot of my notes consisted of God's attributes. I realized then, that my first perspective was to learn ways God's love is made evident in our lives, and how I can integrate charity in my life. But when I saw that, I realized: God is love, and as I learn about charity; I learn about God. As I learn about God, He becomes more real and I draw closer to Him. As I draw closer to Him, I want to become more like Him, and that's when it begins to be possible for me to truly change and develop Christ-like attributes. And I realized how true Elder Packer's statement is, quoted in Preach My Gospel (pg 19): "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." So true!

With love from the WA-TAC,

Sister Dunster

                                                                     1.   Visal's baptism!!                                                                                                              2.    Me and Sister Fowkes (yes, she modeled for a bit)