This week has been great though. We started it out with an epic zone conference all about how we can "keep the sabbath a delight" while on our missions and for when we eventually return home. I was also able to meet up with almost all of my past companions! I saw my MTC companion, one of my MTC roommates, Sister Daughety, and Sister Cox...all at one time! It was a joyous reunion to say the least. It was great to be able to make goals for myself to keep the sabbath day separate from the other days of the week both on and off my mission. It's hard when you're on a mission and it's spent like any other day as we teach and visit people, but I was able to think of small sacrifices I can make to keep the day more holy.
Sister Black and I were able to go to Brother Blaisdell's shop and do leatherwork with him! It was SO fun..we made leather bracelets that turned out so cute. We've been trying ever since I've arrived in Bethel to find the time and day to meet with him there but it's hard getting another woman to come with us since we can't be alone with a man. BUT we pulled it off the last week! It was a miracle and I truly am going to miss him like crazy. He is such a great guy with the sweetest heart. I have enjoyed every day and every hour spent helping him come closer to Christ. He's come such a long way! :)
The McLarens surprised me big time on Saturday...They invited us to lunch at Roosters which is my favorite place to eat in Bethel. Little did I know, they also invited BROTHER SYPHER! The member I got very close to in South Royalton was sitting there at one of the tables and oh my gosh, it was the greatest surprise ever :) the McLarens are like my parents away from home and wow...I am going to miss them so much. #ouch
On Friday we had the ward Easter party which was a huge success! There were so many people that showed up both member and non-member. We were in charge of the games, the food was great, and it was able to bring the Easter spirit. Perfect finale to my service in this ward! Every day spent between all of this was spent cleaning and packing and organizing and preparing for the move. Yaaaayy.. My Easter Sunday was wonderful!! Sister Black's mom sent us Easter baskets that we opened right when we woke up. Then we went to church and sang in the ward choir and said goodbye to everyone...it was very hard and very tearful and it made me realize how close I got to the people in the Oxford ward.
I was having a difficult time throughout the week with the idea of leaving because I felt like I really hadn't done anything here with my time since we hardly got to teach anyone...but after going to church yesterday and having people tell me how much I'd helped them, how much they'll miss us, etc. I feel so much better. It was an answer to my prayers to know that I was in fact here for the ward members that I have grown such an immense love for. Missions are so hard..You grow nice deep connections with people, and then get sent away to do it again with another ward and have the same
problem. Oh well, I signed up for this right? After church we went to the DeSantis' and had an Easter meal with them and the elders and then dyed some eggs :) it was the perfect way to spend my one and only Easter!
problem. Oh well, I signed up for this right? After church we went to the DeSantis' and had an Easter meal with them and the elders and then dyed some eggs :) it was the perfect way to spend my one and only Easter!
As nervous and stressed as I am to leave and start over in a new area, I know that everything happens for a reason. I know that Heavenly Father has a purpose for me in Georgetown, Massachusetts and I can't way to see what it is. I'm excited to meet new people and have new adventures and new memories. I love being a missionary and I love this gospel and the pure joy that it brings.
I heard a quote on a recent Face to Face interview where she said "Study the life of the savior long enough to love Him." I have taken that advice and I've been studying about His life and His ministry and my love for the Savior has grown more than I ever could have thought. I challenge you all to take a few moments each day to study the life and the miracles and the grace and the mercy and the unchanging love of our Lord Jesus Christ. I promise you that a light will enter your life and you will be able to cherish a deep love for Him.
LOVE YOU ALL. And if you need me, I'll be in Massachusetts ;)
Saying goodbye to the Oxford Squad
Brother Stinkin Sypher :)
Leather bracelet I made!
BFFs!!
Us at the ward Easter party!
Goodbyes are the worst....
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