1 Year

I walk the streets of Alabama, tired and sometimes hungry. My skirts fit, but they're worn. My legs scar from the endless mosquito bites. The weight of the scriptures in my backpack cause me to ache at night sometimes. Sweat seeps into my eyes, causing them to burn. The Alabama heat is beautiful but has no mercy. My heart has never been more full. My smile has never been so big and honest. This is my life right now.  This is what I do. I put on my tag and I say a pray and I have never been more aware than at this moment that it ends. My time out here actually does end and it scares and inspires me. Time isn't given to me, no matter how bad I wish I could stay in moments for eternity. The one thing that is given to me, is what I do with the time I have. I can't go back and time and fix my mistakes. Sometimes I wish I could, but I can't. I realize that I wouldn't be me without them. I have an amazing Opportunity to believe in the power of forgiveness. Change can happen through Christ. I am not done changing. I am still being molded into the person God Needs me to be. He has more for me to learn through serving His children and that doesn't stop once the mission stops. So, as much as I want to reflect and sit and pray that time would stop, I can't. It keeps moving and so do I. I pray and hug strangers and it fuels my spirit. The doors slammed in my face creates my testimony of Christ. I laugh after a day of tears, and I feel His peace. It's not over for me. Not yet.

The People Around Me

President Hanks: Steadfast

resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.

My mission president is a steadfast, diligent and valiant servant of the Lord. He knows that the foundation of God is the most important ground we should stand on. He is the perfect example of leaning on our Savior in every situation. He knows us and helps us to see the potential God has for each one of us! I am beyond grateful that he is set apart to help us grow and learn. I hope he knows that he has inspired a young life to "lean into the church" as he would say, and will be willing to"hunt us down" if we ever forgot it haha! I am grateful to have an immovable president. Thank you President Hanks!

11 Months

Hello Good people! I thank God everyday that I was humble enough to listen to His council to come out here. As of today, I am 11 months out and I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am to see the hearts of people change before my very eyes. I honestly can't put it into words. This life is something else. Each life is so unique and different and I love it! We are surrounded by people that inspire our way of life. I believe we have the choice to be inspired or be offended by others examples. I am grateful of each growth pattern. 

Last week we had zone conference and it was probably the most inspiring conference I have ever been too! I have learned to accept others confidence in me and my abilities. I have learned to thank people that have inspired you, because most likely they don't even know they did anything. I have learned to stay firm in the faith no matter what anyone else is doing. I have learned that you can totally fall on your face, and get up and win the race! My friends, we are in a race towards Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! We aren't against anyone but our former selves! Be better than you were 20 minutes ago. I continue to learn that every single day. I am finally seeing my worth and abilities and it's an amazing feeling. I find connections to Heavenly Father in ways I wouldn't expect. I find my mind is clearer when I teach or surround myself with dear friends...or even if I go on the back porch and strum my purple ukulele haha! Do whatever makes you happy!

I love you to the moon and back.