Big 12 Szn

Sup to my favorite people! GO COUGS! I'm just gonna apologize right now for not writing an email last week because now I feel like I have so much to say, so I'll try to keep this somewhat brief, haha.

We got transfer news last night, and Sister Cowley and I are both staying!!! I could not be happier!!!

This past week, we were able to go to another district in our zone's district council, and it was the last one of the transfer, so we did a testimony meeting talking about what we've learned this transfer. So, I've been doing a lot of reflecting on these past 6 weeks. I have learned SO MUCH. It has truly been the most JOY-filled transfer ever. I have spent so much time on my knees, pleading with the Lord, and it has changed my whole view on missionary work.

This transfer has been so different and unique in so many ways. It has been such a different type of missionary work than I'm used to. But we have seen COUNTLESS miracles, and we have followed the Spirit and trusted the Lord.

These past 6 weeks taught me that this really IS the Lord's work. He uses His imperfect people to do His work. But everything happens in His time and in His ways. I have seen that every area has different needs, and it's important that we let the Lord tell us what He wants us to do, and we listen.

I have found so much JOY in the small and simple things. I have had countless nights where I have felt so discouraged because I feel like I wasted so much time because we found no one that day. But then I remembered that I did what the Lord needed me to do by showing up and proving to Him that I wanted to be there.

Most importantly, I found so much joy in just being a missionary even when there's not a lot of success, or when people are rude, or plans fall through.

There is always, always, always joy to be found in all that we do, especially when it's centered on Jesus Christ.

The Lord has been POURING out miracles in this area, and it's been reminding me that the Lord prepares. He is always working on His people.

We have been absolutely grinding our branch directory, trying to get into contact with less active members because we have so many.

We have been going by a less active part-member family who wants his wife more involved with the Relief Society. He hasn't been to church in years, but God has been working on him and his family.

A mega less active member CAME TO CHURCH with his son who isn't baptized.

A member who referred her friend to us brought her friend to the Relief Society activity this week, and the friend said, "Okay, when are we meeting?" Then invited us over for lunch AND a lesson. I could've cried; this was so cool.

We got stopped while we were in the square by a former who told us he wanted to start meeting with us again.

We had the most INCREDIBLE lesson with a part-member family talking about why the church is true, which ended in all of us bearing testimonies, which is a HUGE step closer to them getting married so he can get baptized.

I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with Sister Finau, who is from West Valley (s/o mom), and yes, she's related to Tony Finau (s/o dad) who's in training and has been out 6 weeks. It was the most spiritual exchange ever. She pretty much wanted to hear all my whys and asked me what I've learned on my mission. I had the opportunity to bear my testimony to her on why it's worth it and everything she has to look forward to. I would do anything to trade places with her.

President Nelson says:

"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives."

Hebrews 12:2:

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the JOY that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

If Jesus Christ can feel joy in the most excruciatingly painful time in His life, we can too. There is SO MUCH joy in everything we do. For me, I have found the most joy in some of the hardest of times, and it's because I have felt the Savior not only right next to me but lifting me and carrying me through. I know that can be the same for you! I invite you all to choose joy! I promise you it's always there.

I'm so grateful for the opportunity that I have to be a missionary. I'm so grateful for every day that I have to wake up and put on my tag. I have never felt more joy than I do out here. Time is flying; I'm panicking.

I'm so grateful that I get 6 more weeks here with Sister Cowley! Good things are to come.

If you're thinking of serving a mission, here's your answer:

D&C 66:6:

"But inasmuch as you can send, send;" #fullsend

I love you all! Email me!! Let me know if I can do anything for you.

ALSO, BIG 12 SZN LET'S GO! This is the best time of year!

Also, fun fact, Sis Cowley is a BIG Colorado Buffs fan, so you can imagine how our game day conversations go, hahaha!! All I'm saying is we're elite.

ALSO, big highlight!!! TJ and Mike Neyman in my home ward took me and Sister Cowley to dinner!! It was so much fun!!! I'm so grateful for them and their kindness!

Get ready for a spam of pics.