17 Months

The mission is blessing my life in more ways than one. I'm seeing the importance in knowing exactly who you are and knowing where you stand in God's eyes. My dear people, remember the importance in having faith in yourself as well as faith in Christ. Miracles cease when faith has ceased. 

Life is happening and I'm feeling really good.

As of Lately

My dear friend Sara's parents only live an hour away so they took us out to lunch!

My book of questions to ask my Long lost Sister

Our Christmas Eve consisted of treats and hummus! It was quite lovely

A Christmas Party to remember

Transfer Meetings never get any easier

Sister Woomer Came back to visit!

The temple brings peace to our souls.

Life is happening and the spirit guides it.

15 Months

This journey is good for my soul. From a human to  Dancer is an incredible transition. I am learning what it means to truly love my Savior. I am proud to "suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41).

Look Not Behind Thee

Genesis 19:17

A Christmas In Africa

I love  you more than you know. Thank you for your support and love. I hope that you had the most incredible Christmas. I would love to hear about it! It breaks my heart that the Christmas season is over, but I am determine to keep the spirit of Christ alive all year round. I had the amazing opportunity to skype my Sister Mary, in Africa. It was my first time seeing her face to face and it was like nothing I have ever experienced. I immediately started crying and the feeling of love overwhelmed my heart. I was surprised at how easy it was to talk to her and connect with her. We compared childhoods and laughed over good things. I sang and played the ukulele for my 2 year old niece. It was funny because she thought it was a movie, but then I started saying her name and she like freaked out haha! I was blessed to share a short scripture with them out of the Book of Mormon and it was interesting to see my older sister lean into the camera more as I was teaching . She really was taking to heart everything I was saying. Just then I realized that my words and energy are what can inspire others. It made me more aware of how I want to be. She expressed her gratitude for me and for her Heavenly Father. She's Methodist and I thought to myself " So you're saying there's a chance?" She brought me outside to see Africa and it was surreal. I can't wait to go and visit her and connect with her even more! I then got to talk to my family in Boston and I can not even describe my excitement and love for each of them. We are all so different and unique but it works! My mom was beautiful. I really miss her some days.
I got to participate in some of Sister Belnap's traditions as well! Christmas eve, we had a Bethlehem dinner. We got foods that they would eat in Bethlehem (hummus, pita, grapes, cheese) and we set up blankets on the floor and dressed up in nativity clothes. We even drug our beds out and slept under our humble tree. We laughed and ate by candlelight. It was spectacular to feel the real spirit of Christmas enter our tiny apartment. This Christmas has been one to remember for the ages. I have been inspired to share so many things with my family and future family.
I have also been making amazing spiritual discoveries about myself and what I want to do with the life God has given me. I am learning to not fear the light He bestowed in me. Sometimes it's hard, but I want to focus on beautiful positive things.
"Shun no effort to make yourself remarkable in some talent" -Seneca

It also poured most of the holiday! Oh well! Tis the season!

cheryl.neufville@myldsmail.net

Merry and Bright

The People Around Me

Sister Petersen: Honest

This is my girl on fire! I have loved every second of being her companion. Every on of her emotions is so honest and true. She will never deny that she feels the spirit, nor allow anyone else to either. She  has helped me to not be afraid of my feelings or impressions.  She has inspired me to be honest with the ones I love most in a way that encourages people to be better. I am grateful for you and I love you Pete. 

The People Around Me

Elders Van Buren and Linton: Bold

(of a person, action, or idea; showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous.)

I have had the honor of with serving with 2 of the boldest missionaries in this mission. They wear their testimony on their sleeve and their heart is honest. It's amazing to watch how fearless they are when they testify of our Savior. They fear not what man can do to them. They understand what it means to care for the people around them and they don't hold back. They have been fierce friends to us and I will be forever grateful. Thanks Vanny and Lint for teaching me to be bold in my actions towards others and my God. Prattville BFFS for life!

14 Months

I am grateful for my simple but full life. I have seen God's hand in every beautiful moment of my life. As I've been on this path of true discipleship, I've had the joy of recognizing my abilities, habits, weaknesses, strengths and fears. I never thought I'd ever get to the point where I was grateful for my insecurities but the people around me have inspired me to embrace every good thing and allow God to mold my weaknesses into strengths. Recently, I had the opportunity to hear a man's journey from Zimbabwe to America. His story was heart breaking and incredible. With every trial he faced, he never forgot to thank God for his circumstances. He knew without a doubt that God was carving his path. The joy on his face was real and immovable. I had never seen anything like it. He reminded me a lot of my mother. She trusts so effortlessly. I strive to grasp every good thing, no matter where I am and trust effortlessly.

The time is going and my soul is aging. I'm happy.

She brings joy to this old heart.

The People Around Me

Elder Toro: Powerful

(Having great power or strength)

From his lessons to his interactions with the people around him, this guy is able to strengthen others through his inspirational words. Not only does he strive to understand his own power, he relies on the Ultimate power source to inspire others to go after what they desire most. "Only the humble are truly powerful". Humility allows one to be molded into the person God needs us to be. Thank you Elder Toro.

The People Around Me

Sister Cooper : Serenity

(the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled)

This girl is my sister. I found it extremely difficult to narrow down attributes for her. She has helped me through the hardest points of my mission and the most joyous. Every time I see her, an amazing wave of serenity fills my soul. That's exactly what she does. She fills you with peace with her energy. I will do our friendship injustice if I try to describe it. There are no words for how much she has blessed my life. I am grateful for her calm and peaceful mind. Thank you Sister Cooper.

Time. It goes.

The people around me

Sister Nelson: Meek

(quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive)

This dear human being has only brought me more peace of mind and comfort. I am grateful to have her in my life. If anyone has ever been around her, they can agree that her quiet and tame spirit can only humble the human spirit. I now see the value in a shy heart because of her. I have become more aware of others if I silence myself and listen to an even quieter voice. Thank you Sister Nelson.