My heritage

It has been another simply awesome week in Orlando.  Things just keep getting better.

Early last week, I was just overcome almost to the point of tears at how proud I was of my heritage.  Can we talk about it a little? Let's!

I am proud of my heritage as an American.  Talking to people from many countries every day, it is easy to see the blessings we have in this free country.  Many of them come here for a better life, freedom from persecution, and to keep their families safe from danger.  They come to this big, beautiful land where things aren't perfect, but they are fair.  They give up their jobs as dentists and lawyers and politicians to clean houses and drive trucks.  It is so humbling to hear their stories and be so thankful to be an American right alongside them. I am grateful, especially now finishing up Alma in the Book of Mormon, for the people who fought with God to make this country what it is.  I love this land.  What a heritage.

I am proud of my heritage as a Fuehrer and as an Allred!  And as a Boehm and as a Shroepfer!  Our family's heritage is rich.  I was almost brought to tears thinking how grateful I am for you, Mom and Dad, and everything you have taught me.  I am grateful for Grammy and Poppy for being pioneers in their families, despite persecution.  I am grateful for Grandma and Grandpa and for their dedication to the Lord's work in spite of their trials.  I am grateful for Nonnie's brave decision to be baptized when she was 80 years old.  I am grateful for Frieda and her answered question of the soul.  I am so , so grateful for the legions of earthly and heavenly angels that are my family.  Thank you, Mom, Dad, Ty, Brandon, Bryson, Alyssa, Eto, and Ash for that heritage. :)

I am proud of my heritage as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I have a fiery and living testimony of the truthfulness of what we teach.  I am grateful for the pioneers.  I am grateful for the early Saints.  I am grateful for the Bible/Book of Mormon prophets who were also members of the Church.  I am grateful for Joseph Smith.  I am grateful for the other 80,000+ missionaries serving in the Lord's army throughout the world. I am grateful for miracles and revelations and peace and an anchor.  A priceless heritage of faith.

And that is my heritage spiel! I am a grateful missionary today. :)

This week was awesome.  We found another family to teach!!!! Well, the other Sisters did and then referred them to us. :) It is the A. family.  They moved here from Puerto Rico a few months ago.  There are three children, and they all sat as a family for our lesson on Saturday.  They were so involved and understanding really well.  Sister A. said to her husband at the end in an explanation: "No, this is different from anything we have ever heard before."  They were touched by the thought of authority and a living prophet.  We are excited to keep meeting with them and helping them progress towards baptism.

The G. family is doing pretty well.  They didn't come to church yesterday, but we are determined to help them come this week!  We can see the light growing in Sister G as she is reading and trying to get closer to God.

We continue to love talking to everyone and trying to testify powerfully.  There were quite a few people that we talked to this week who had problems with the Book of Mormon.  I want to close with my testimony of the Book of Mormon.  I know it is true.  I know it is God's.  I know that the men who wrote the Book of Mormon saw Jesus Christ.  No "demons or men or whatever it be" can shake me of that testimony which is part of who I am.  I am a different person because of that Book.  When I started to study it, I started to change.  I can never deny the testimony that comes from the person I became.  Read it.  Study it.  Defend it.  Love it.

I love all of you so much.  How blessed we are to share the same heritage!!


Hope you got my letters!

Love, Sister Allred