week 35

I'm a little sad that conference is over and that we have to wait another 6 months.... but this weekend was amazing. It's incredible to me that the Lord truly answers our prayers and questions when we seek His guidance. The church is true!

so Mad pointed something significant to me today. On October 9th she will have been home from her mission for two years. Well one year ago on October 9th, I received my mission call.

One year ago I had no idea what in the world I had gotten myself into and I had no idea how amazing a mission really would be. I often think about the fact that I thought so long and hard about a mission and yet I got here and really had no idea what it was going to be like. Surprises came left and right and up and down. I remember telling Bishop Williams and President Oyler that I was done waiting and that I just wanted to submit the papers even though I wasn't sure if it's what I wanted to do. Now I look back and I just want to yell at myself a year ago and say, "DO IT DO IT DO IT! You will never regret it. I don't care how scared you are now, just trust the Lord and do it!" 

I was looking back at my journal from the night before I got my call and it ended with this, "It's been 3 weeks since the papers went in and I would say that each day I come closer and closer to the ultimate comfort that I've been searching for, for over two years. Moral of the story- move forward with faith when the time is right. The Lord might still hold us back when we move forward because the timing isn't quite right -- wait patiently, but be on your toes, always ready to move towards Him".

The next day I opened my call and as I read, "Florida Tampa Mission" I knew that it would be a place that I would hold close to my heart for the rest of my life, and I can honestly say that it has done just that. I love this place and every experience I am having. It's hard, don't get me wrong, IT'S HARD. But I wouldn't change it for anything. 

So if anyone out there is wondering whether or not to go, take it from someone who thought about it for well over two years... Do it, it's worth it and you will never regret it. 

I love you all!

sister mal

Eating in between conferences!

Maddie and Merrick... our favorite young women. They looked back at us during young women's this week and made these precious faces at us. I love them!

shout out to auntie Tamara for providing conference treats for us
all. You're the best!!