Welcome to Encino Park

Hey, Hey, Hey> So, I am fairly certain that this past week has been the longest/best/> craziest of my life. Due to events in the area, having more to do with its> sketchiness and a sketchy investigator (more details after the mission but> this is also why last week was kinda tough and the email was so short) I was> transferred. It was a wonderful 6 weeks in Windcrest. I really came to LOVE> the ward and our investigators and Sister Collins so much. So I was> transferred and they put Elders into Windcrest, which I feel really good> about because since Windcrest was split back in May their Elders Quorum has> been struggling and as much as they loved us and we loved them, they needed> Elders. So, the Lord's will has been accomplished. We left the new elders> with alot of work to do and a few baptisms, so they can't complain too> much.> So now I am in Encino Park, which is North San Antonio, the temple is> right outside of our area. Sister Snow is my beautiful companion. We were> both SHOCKED. We are both still in a state of shock that I am here. But, I> am exactly where I need to be and doing exactly what doing. The wonderful> Sister Snow is from Tewila (I know I butchered the spelling) Utah. She was> born and raised there as a Roman Catholic. And 3 years ago in December she> was baptized and has since been ostracized from her family. They are all> very anti mormon. But, she is a rock. And I love her dearly. She is a> powerful missionary. And we have been best friends since the start. And> the ward is AMAZING. Honestly they are a text-book perfect ward. So many> strong and active and loving and missionary minded families, with a> wonderful ward mission leader and wonderful ward missionaries. Bishop Long> is an incredibly inspired man and is excited about missionary work.> So pretty much I've got the best case scenario right now and I my mind is> boggled. Like I am here to just work hard and we have all the support of a> functioning ward right off the bat. And every few hours Sister Snow just> look at each other and ask if this could possibly be real. We are so> excited and so is everyone else.> So are you ready for the real kicker.... it starts a few years ago when I> met my dear friend Roxanne DeBord, who is from San Antonio. Then> progresses to when I was waiting for my call and we would always joke that I> was going to go to San Antonio and her dad would cook me dinner. So, what a> surprise it was for me to actually be called to San Antonio. Roxanne> started crying and said that I was going to go help her dad. And what comes> next, but I am now in a incredible ward, with an incredible companion who is> a convert to the church, home of Steve DeBord. I don't really know what I> am supposed to do, but I do know that I could have gone anywhere in the> entire world on my mission, but here I am in the Encino Park ward. We have> wonderful investigators and are seeing alot of miracles. And I feel like> I'm on borrowed time because it feels like a fluke that I get to be serving> with Sister Snow and because I was supposed to stay in Windcrest. But, God> knows that this is exactly what was supposed to happen and I cannot wait to> see whats coming next.> I love love love being a missionary. Everyday I thank my father in> heaven for the privilege of being a missionary. That I am able to represent> my dear Savior and invite all to come closer to Him. I don't have any set> quotas, no matter what happens as long as I am doing to will of the Lord> that's all I care about. I know He knows whats up. I know He has a plan> for us, and that his hand is in EVERYTHING. The Lord doesn't care> about time, He is all about timing. And His timing is miraculous. I love> this work. The gospel is more perfect and simple everyday.> Thanks for your love and support. Keep smiling. Christ suffered for> everything, so that we could.> Love,> Sister Rooney>> P.S. We live with members. The Thomas family and of course they all know> Roxanne, and Roxanne's mom meets in the same building as we do, I haven't> seen her yet, but I was looking for her.>> New Address:> Sister/Hermana Rooney> Care of: Thomas Family> 21122 Pacific Grove> San Antonio, TX 78259