His hands

Sierra's happy day

Pday with Sister Edwards in the pouring rain = :)

Elder Christofferson came to our ward yesterday. That should give you a clue of how good our week has been.

We finally made it to Slidell! Sister Gamble and I have been so antsy to get into our area so when we got here we hit the ground running. It's been an adventure taking over an area from the Mississippi mission! The area book hasn't been updated for about 6 months so we spent a lot of time searching out investigators and former investigators and figuring out what they've been taught so far. It's been crazy but we are happy to stay busy. There's one investigator we've gotten close with who will be getting baptized this week! His name is Chance and we feel blessed to get to know such an honest seeker of the truth. 

It's amazing how work keeps popping up. Heavenly Father continues to remind us that we need to be here. 

Elder Christofferson came to Slidell yesterday to reinstate the Slidell stake! Slidell used to be its own stake but it was dissolved in 2005 with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Like so much of Louisiana, Katrina hit the church hard and many members left the area or passed away. But these people are finally getting their stake back! The Lord's work moving forward here and this new stake is evidence of that.

My favorite part of Elder Christofferson's visit was actually after the meeting ended. He announced that as much as he would like to, he didn't have time to meet everyone. But he asked if all the children could come up so he could shake their hands. That was powerful. It reminded me of the Savior's love for children and the different occasions that He blessed them. I know that the disciples are representatives of Jesus Christ but it was still powerful to see Elder Christofferson acting in a way that the Savior would. It made me think about how all of us have promised to take Christ's name upon us. We've committed to serve as He would serve and love as He would love. None of us are there yet but that shouldn't stop us from trying!

"We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children" - President Thomas S. Monson

I love y'all! Keep looking for ways to serve and love those around you. I'm sure praying for ya!

<3 Sister Thomas

p.s. Sweet Sierra was baptized on Saturday! I got permission to face time in for the baptism and it was such a special moment. I'm know spirit was strong in that room because Sis and I could feel it over the phone. Sierra was glowing. I love her so much!

New addy:

1734 Tidewater Slidell LA 70458

When Sis tries to open the blinds....

 I love Sis Gamble <3