I Stand All Amazed

Hey Y'all!

"I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died."

It's been a little while since a medical update. All is well, though. :) I had my sinus surgery and it has so far been a great success! Besides a stuffy nose that will last a few weeks, everything is clearing up. The doctor promises no more problems for a long time. :) As for my jaw: I will be seeing an infectious disease doctor today for his input and to develop a plan of action for my treatment. It's amazing to me how medical science has advanced so far as to help someone like me be cured in such a short amount of time!

These past couple weeks have been a little crazy. :) On top of my sinus surgery I was also asked to speak again in another ward and invited some youth practice missionaries over for dinner and a beautiful lesson. 

"I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That he should extend his great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify."

On Monday, I got to help out with my mom for the festival of trees. She was part of a committee that made treats for the event to sell for Primary Children's fundraiser. We made a bunch of short bread triangles and chocolate dipped spoons. The whole day was filled with baking, dipping, and wrapping. A week from tomorrow we will be heading out to help set up stands for the various trees that will be auctioned off for the hospital. I'm excited to do this and will tell y'all all about it next week. :)

"I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!

Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet."

To top off the week, I was asked to bake cookies and help prepare a lunch for the missionaries in the zone that covers my stake. It was a wonderful opportunity that I wouldn't trade for the world. It was great to see full-time missionaries filled with the spirit and ready to go out and preach the gospel. While there, my mom and I met the mission president and a senior missionary couple who both happened to be related to us, which was way crazy! :D The Lord really puts many miracles into our paths. After the conference, I was asked to make more cookies for the next conference in salt lake city. It was so much fun! I'm excited to do it again!

"Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!"

These past couple of weeks have been amazing and encouraging. :) As Thanksgiving draws closer, it really draws into perspective all that we have to be thankful for. I chose this song as my theme because we have so much to be amazed about. All the tender mercies and all the gifts our heavenly Father gave each and every one of us is truly wonderful. He cares for us so much, that to top it all off, he sent His Son. Jesus Christ loves us so much to suffer and die for us. That is the greatest gift that I can be thankful for. All though I am not in the most ideal circumstances, and sometimes it's easy for me to think about how awful it is to have had to go home early for a short time. But it's easier for us to look at the negative and not remember the gifts. I am grateful for my Lord. I am grateful for His gospel. And I am grateful for all that he has done for me in my life. I challenge y'all to think of what amazing gifts of God you are grateful for this week. :)

Y'all's Southern Bell,

Sister Rebecca Welch

Some more baking fun for the festival of trees!

The missionaries sang "Called to Serve" to thank us! :D

Let Us All Press On

Hey Y'all!

If we do what's right we have no need to fear,

For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near;

So sorry for not emailing last week, there wasn't much to talk about. :P However, this past week has been pretty crazy! First off, I'll give y'all a quick medical update. I did have my oral surgery as planned, it went very well and they sent a bone biopsy off to be tested for infection. It came back last week as positive. But fear not! My oral surgeon is sending me to go see an infectious disease specialist who will put me on a course of hard core antibiotics. You know, the kind that work out in the gym every day and are all buff. ;D Hahaha! Hopefully after the antibiotic corse, the infection will be gone and I will have no other surgeries. 

This week I will be having a sinus surgery. My doctor will be straightening my deviated septum and opening up my sinuses so that I will have a lower chance of sinus infections. It's gonna be pretty awesome to finally breath again! I went in last week for my first CT scan too before the surgery, which was WEIRD. O.o 

In the days of trial his Saints he will cheer,

And prosper the cause of truth.

In other news, We had a pretty interesting past couple of weeks, but most of the stuff happened last week. We celebrated Halloween in the ward a couple days before the holiday. I decided to be fun and help out at the trunk or treat by decorating my trunk with spooky ghosts, lights and spider webs. It was a lot of fun! Even though my cheek looked like a chipmunk because of my surgery. :P 

Fear not, though the enemy deride;

Courage, for the Lord is on our side.

On Wednesday I had the great opportunity to be a missionary again with my best friend sister Palmer who has also returned early for medical reasons. My ward mission leader asked me to help with this youth missionary program that will teach the youth what it's like to be missionaries. Last week we even had a little MTC training where Sister Palmer and I taught the youth how to teach in unity then demonstrated teaching the restoration. It was lots of fun and so amazing to be able to teach that wonderful lesson again. I loved it. :) And it was even better that I got to do it with my best friend. The experience didn't end there, however, this week the youth get to put this plan into action at members homes who will host them. My mom and I signed up to be one of those families so I'll tell all y'all about it next week. :D

The rest of the weekend was more uneventful. I was able to see one of my best friends for the first time in 9 months, as well as my third oldest brother who I also haven't seen in 9 months. It was great to have this opportunity to see them and spend some time with them while I heal. :) 

We will heed not what the wicked may say,

But the Lord alone we will obey.

As I prepared to teach the youth how to be a missionary last week, lots of thoughts popped into my head. First off, I was excited about being able to teach again. I was also sad because I won't be a full-time missionary again for a while. But I was also in awe at how wonderful it was that we have missionaries. Our Lord sends them out, 2 by 2 to testify and proclaim that the way back to Him is once again on the Earth. That's a powerful message, one that any good missionary knows. It's so powerful in fact, that it encourages us to go out and devote 18 months to 2 years of our lives to tell people about it. Being home, it's been hard to not go out all day every day and do that. The song I picked for this email I think fits perfectly with missionary work and with regular saints. Let us all press on! Do the work of the Lord, because one day we will find that one person who is ready to be baptized. Don't fear what lies ahead. Take courage for the Lord is on our side. Heed not the wicked, for satan's only goal is to lead you away from the truth and nothing more. obey the Lord and trust in Him and He will never lead you astray. I love that message, because sometimes it's hard. It's hard to take a leap of faith in any circumstance we may be in. Whether that's being a missionary, or a regular saint. 

During my time at home, I've had to rely on and trust in the Lord in different ways than ever on my mission. I don't know what will happen next, and being a person who likes to know what's next, that's really scary. However, I know the Lord will lead me to where I need to be and what I need to be doing. I know that He cares for each and every one of us that much. He will lead and guide you. He has promised that. And He has promised all the faithful eternal life when we trust in Him. So don't stop believing. Don't stop praying. Don't stop trusting, even when you feel like He isn't listening, He is. I know that is true. So don't give up. :)

Y'all's Southern Bell,

Sister Welch

More of the youth missionaries pointing out their areas.

 Pepper got a new bed! And a new outfit! ;D

Trunk or Treat excitement!

Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy

Hey Y'all!

Yup, it's me, Sister Welch. :) I may not be on the mission now, but I still have many miracles. Here is an update on the temporary home life!

"Brightly beams our fathers mercy

From His light-house ever more..."

First off, a medical update for all those who wish to know. I am having my first jaw surgery this Wednesday. They will find out if the infection got into the bone and find the best anti-biotic that can treat it. If the infection does not return in the next 2 months, then I can return to Atlanta Georgia! If it doesn't, they will do surgery again and remove the molar closest to the site which should solve the problem and give the site more room to heal wihtout getting infeced again. If so, then I can return 2 months after that surgery. I am also having a sinus surgery to repaire a deviated septum adn clean out my sinus's in hopes of stopping my frequent sinus infections and making it easier for me to breath. Wooh! :D

"But to us he gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore."

After my return home, I went out to eat dinner with my parents and Great Grandmother who is turning 94 on Wednesday. She is still so healthy and lives all by herself in a 3 story condo. I can't believe she is still so strong! We had such a good time with her as she shared stories from her childhood and meeting her husband. It was a great opportunity to see her again so soon. :)

"Let the lower lights be burning;
Send a gleam across the wave."

I had the wonderful opportunity to go to a plethora of doctors appointments, and also to spend some time with my good friend Sister Palmer who has also returned early from her mission to the Atlanta North Mission due to health reasons. The highlight of our time together was when we went to the Bountiful temple to do endowments. It was my first time doing a session in this temple and I was in awe at how big it was! I guess I'm still used to Atlanta's small size. When I entered the rooms my jaw almost dropped. Haha!

I was also recruited to give a talk in a different ward with a departing missionary. It was so much fun to talk with her about going out. She was very excited and very nervous. It reminded me of how I felt 9 months ago. It was a very exciting time, but also a very scary time. But I wouldn't trade the last 9 months for the world.

"Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save."

In preparation for my talk I studied a lot on love at home. I realized how much I have seen the Lord's love for all of His children. I never realized how much he cared for each individual until I set out to teach all of them the gospel. Heavenly Father puts those special people in our paths just so that they can have another opportunity to accept the living gospel. How amazing is that?! I love this gospel, I loved being his servant and I can't to head back out and be his full-time servant again. Until then, I'll do his will here. :)

Y'all's Southern Bell,

Sister Welch

Lead Kindly Light

Hey Y'all!

"Lead, kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom;

Lead thou me on!"

So this past week has been unexpected in many ways. There have been a lot of changes, and some of them have perhaps not been as happy. Others are more bitter sweet. But one thing I know for sure is that God leads us and this work. He will guide us where we need to be. :)

So first off, on Wednesday we had an interesting day. First, we attended the funeral of a member family's son who died while serving for the military in Korea. It was a very bittersweet day for this poor family. Just after learning about his death, their daughter returned from her mission. I can't imagine coming home to that, and I am glad that wasn't me. However, the family remembered the simple messages of hope found in the gospel. That they would see their brother again. Death isn't the end. And that they were sealed to him for time and all eternity. I hope these principles continue to give them peace, comfort, and guidance as they go through this process. 

The same day we attended this funeral, we dropped by "S'" house. There we found the miracle aunty who looked very upset. She was planning on taking "S'" 8 year old daughter "K" away. Why? Because drugs were found at the apartment in an easy to reach place and she was left home alone. This was very upsetting news. The grandmother "D" was extremely upset about the situation. We talked with her for a little, and made her a promise that if she read 10 minutes in the Book of Mormon every day she would feel the light and hope at the end that there is in the gospel. She readily agreed. We also asked if she wanted to quit smoking, if there was a better way to feel calm. She said yes enthusiastically. By the end, we had called the Elders and asked them to come by and give her a blessing that night. It was a very sweet and tender experience. 

"The night is dark, and I am far from home;

Lead thou me on!"

The next day was pretty amazing. It was hump day! :D Yup, I hit my 9 month mark along with my companion and one of our STL's, Sister Lunt. We had an exciting day and everything was great. I had a doctors appointment so not much was done, but that was okay. We celebrated. :)

However, at the end of the night President and Sister Foote called, concerned. I have another infection in my jaw. They were considering sending me home. 

Friday was very stressful, there was much I had to do with doctor notes being transferred and whatnot. We also found out that Sister "J" got into anti material. By the end of the day I got the dreadful call from my mission president. They are sending me home to find out what is wrong. I had until after our stake conference to pack and say goodbye. My companion and I were very sad to hear the news. We were so excited to stay together. The next two days I packed and said goodbye to all those I have grown to love in Hiram.

Saturday we did our last chalk-art together. :) We drew Christ coming to the Americas. Many people loved our chalk and complimented. It was an amazing experience.

Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene--one step enough for me.-- 

On Monday I boarded a plane. Headed away from a place I had called home for 9 months. During this whole experience I felt a sadness leaving those I loved. However, I knew it was for the best. I asked the Lord to lead and guide me. Give me just enough to see one step in front of me. And He did that. :) I made it to my plane. I made it to my parents. I made it home. And eventually, I'll make it back to dear old Atlanta Georgia to finish my mission. This is not the end, I know the Lord just needs me to do here. 

During this unsettled time, I found comfort in a scripture I found while studying in Mark. I had just finished reading about Christ feeding the 5,000, and got to the point where he was waking on the sea towards his apostles who were struggling with the winds. When they first saw him, they were afraid. But he called out to them as he walked closer and said:

"Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid."

That scripture hit me with force. Christ is with us. Sometimes we see trials as terrifying, like me going home. However, they are there to make us more like Christ. We need to recognize where he is in our lives. Sometimes he is right in front of us, walking on our spiritually turbulent waters. His message is plane and simple. Be of good cheer... be not afraid. Don't fear the trials ahead. Don't fear what might happen. Look to Him. Let him guide you. Take a step of faith into the waters, and know that if you start to sink, He will catch you. I learned that lesson as I was preparing to go home and even now. We cannot be afraid of what lies ahead. Just look to our loving savior and He will never let us falter, never let us fall farther than he can reach. That is an amazing promise, and one that I'd like to leave any who may be going through a hard time. Look to the Savior. Listen to His words. Be of good cheer! And don't be afraid. :)

Y'all's Southern Belle,

Sister Rebecca Welch

Hump Day Pictures

Christ in the America's chalk art frenzy.

My last night in Hiram.

Celebrating with sparkling cider. :D

Sister Williams ready for bed! She wears that headband because she's afraid of bugs crawling into her ears.

Sister J

Sister Byle saying goodbye! She and her husband played a key role in helping Sister J come back to church.

Coming home

Hark, All Ye Nations!

Hark all ye nations! Hear heaven's voice. 

Through every land that all may rejoice!

Angels of glory shout the refrain:

Truth is restored again!

Hey Y'all!

So this weeks has been a fun one. :) Many miracles have happened and we were able to teach lots of people. Our first great lesson was with "S's daughter "K" and "D" the grandmother. We decided to teach "K" the Plan of Salvation with chalk. So we drew it out with her in front of their house. She really loved it. The next day we came over with a team-up and were told that she had been explaining the Plan of Salvation to EVERYONE. It was very cute. :) And I really enjoyed helping this little 8 year-old learn about how she can live with her family forever.

The next great lesson came that night and the next day. We found out that one of our favorite returning less active members "J" is going to be a ward missionary! :D We were supper excited because we haven't had ANY at all! So that night we set up an appointment with our investigator "T" and went the next day with Sister "J". We thought they would be perfect because they have similar backgrounds. But little did we know how absolutely PERFECT they were for each other! :D They are literally the same person except one has the true gospel. We taught the Plan of Salvation and listened to President Monson's talk from last general conference. She really seamed to take it well and is still interested in finding out if he is a prophet. :) Sister "J" testified the whole way and it turned into a very amazing lesson. :)

Searching in darkness, nations have wept;

watching for dawn their vigil they've kept.

all now rejoice; the long night is o'er.

truth is on earth once more!

Baptism's at the temple with Sister J.

Speaking of Sister "J", this Friday was the day she went to do Baptism's for the dead for the FIRST TIME! :D We went with her, and it was such a spiritual expereince. As we were driving up there, we saw a big double rainbow above the temple as we were driving up and entering. It really amazed sister Jones. While in, she was able to do several family names. the spirit was so strong, I just knew it was Heavenly Father telling her that this was the right thing to do. :) I can't wait until she gets her endowments. :D

Chosen by God to serve him below,

to every land and people we'll go,

standing for truth with fervent accord,

teaching his holy word.

My last miracle I'd like to talk about has to do with something that I have done before. That's right! SIDE WALK CHALK IS BACK! :D We had a competition with the elders who could make a better plan of salvation. In the end, we decided that we should have collaborated because they both had strengths and weaknesses. :P However, while we were drawing, a man came up on his bike and asked us what we were doing. We told him what it was and he was very interested. We have a good conversation where we answered some questions and rumors he had heard about Mormons. In the end we gave him a Book of Mormon and testified of it's truth! It was very cool! :D Many others looked at the chalk and really enjoyed it. We hope more questions are raised, it was a very busy place and many saw it. :D

Oh, how glorious from the throne above

shines the gospel light of truth and love!

bright as the sun, this heavenly ray

lights every land today!

This last week has really shown me how much I love the restored truths we now have. :) As you may have noticed we taught a lot of the plan of salvation. We also asked many what they thought would happen to them after we die. Many had a very bleak and sad outlook on who our loving heavenly father is and what he would do for them. However, we know the truth. Thanks to that loving heavenly father who restored it through Joseph Smith. I am forever grateful to him and to God for revealing these truths again. It is because of them that I can be out serving a mission and preaching repentance and the restored gospel to all those who don't have it in their lives. This gospel is truly a "light of truth and love. . ." As this song says. And it is the reason we go out every day and serve him, rain, shine, or anything. Nothing gets in the way of God's work. :) I hope to always remember that I am called to spread this message.

Y'all's Southern Bell,

Sister Welch

Selfies in the car! :D

Pictures of our fun district! I forgot to mention that it's transfers this week. My companion and I are staying but we are loosing our amazing district leader! (the one in the picture holding the guitar) so we said farewell to him. 

 Pictures of our amazing chalk art at the park! :D