WEEK 75

This week I've had several treats while serving at the Visitors' Center. Coming to the close of my mission, many people whom I've met in this past year and a half have been on my mind lately. Many of them have showed up at the Visitors' Center this past week, and I have had the opportuniy to thank them for touching my life. We've been able to exchange contact information and take pictures. Did I ever mention how awesome serving at the Oakland Temple Visitors' Center is? =)

Well, the best part is that this week we just received a very special exhibit of 13 sculptures by artist, Angela Johnson. She is a member of the church and is very talented in many ways. The sculptures are pieces that depict the life of Jesus Christ. The title of the exhibit is "The Healing Power of Jesus Christ." These sculptures were on exhibit at the St. George, Utah Temple Visitors' Center for several months, but they are now finally in Oakland! We are so excited to have these sculptures early, cuz we were expecting them to come after this transfer is over and the 5 VC sisters who are leaving (including myself) would not have had the chance to see them. We have been preparing for this special exhibit since the beginning of this year. We had studied the book "Jesus the Christ" by James E. Talmage together during our weekly Tuesday morning trainings, which was a very excellent resource in helping us prepare for these 13 sculpture exhibit. From studying "Jesus the Christ," my testimony of the Savior has been strengthened and my knowledge and understanding of the Saviors life and of the New testament has increased tremendously! Having had the opportunity to plan and prepare Tuesday morning trainnings with Elder and Sister Pedersen (our VC directors) has helped me gain a deeper appreciation for what they do here as directors. It has also given me an opportunity to increase and expand my knowledge as I've learned a lot from all the studying and preparation I've been involved in for training purposes...Sister Hsiao had made a comment once that is very true. She observed that one needs to study deeply in order to teach simply. The Savior is the best teacher because His knowlege of everything was so great, and He knew how to gather all the important points and teach it so that a little child could understand. And then to the hard hearted, He could teach in parables so that the learned person would be confounded, and only the humble and penitent could hear its profound message.
There is a very good quote found in the "Preach My Gospel" book that is related to teaching the gospel so that even a little child could understand it. But I don't have my book with me right now, so I will share it with you next week..

I love ya!