Things are Never Quite What They Seem...

Nov. 23rd, 2015

It all started at 7:30 on Monday. P-day was over and we had just finished a lesson and dinner with one of our recent converts. We pulled out the phone and saw several missed calls from President Griffin including a text that said, "Hi sisters, call me ASAP." That doesn't worry you at all... ha! We called back and that was when I was told that I was needed in Knoxville to be in another trio to help out with a sister who was very sick. I am so grateful for the spirit because I think I would have broken down right then, but I simply felt peace, with a reassurance that it was right. I was absolutely still sad though! I loved Murphy! And my companions! And the branch!

This area is VERY different. I am serving in a ward that is one of the smallest areas in the mission. It is a strong ward! I went from the mountains, to the city (we actually get cell service here!) and I now have any store I could possibly need within 10 minutes. I have now served in every stake in the mission though! But I am still living out of my suitcases, because tomorrow we are moving apartments! A mission presents a lot of change. Even with all the differences, I LOVE IT! 

The sisters that were already here were Sisters Winter and Parry. I have known sister Winter for most of her mission, but when I saw her as I arrived, it was obvious that she was sick. She was small already, but you could tell it was now at the point it was unhealthy. She hadn't eaten in over a week besides maybe a spoonful of applesauce a day. She wanted to stay the week and see how things panned out, but that wasn't able to happen. She went home Friday morning. I remember when we had to take her home to pack, she just crumpled. She was devastated about going home early. That was heart-wrenching. 

I am now here with Sister Parry who is a great missionary and simply a great person. With this situation and packing up the apartment to move, we haven't been able to see too many people, but from what I have been able to participate in, they have a great teaching pool with great ward support! The church has put out a new Christmas video titled, "A Savior is Born" which will be found at Christmas.mormon.org on November 28th. We had the opportunity to see it this week and it is amazing as it focuses on the need for a Savior. We shared it with a couple of families and they accepted it right away and made plans to share it with their friends! It is a great tool to use for missionary work!

But yes, I know that Thanksgiving is first. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am so thankful for my mission and for the opportunities that I have been able to participate in. I am thankful to be a member of this church and have the knowledge of the full Plan of Salvation. I am thankful for my family who has played a central role in who I am and in preparing me for the life I am living. I am thankful for Jesus Christ and his atonement.

Have a great week! Make the most of every opportunity!