Well, it happened...

I officially did not get a single letter from anyone this week; I am an official missionary. Didn't think I would reach this point so soon, but I am honored. Haha!

Well I'm starting with the random facts thing first because I didn't do any last week:

1. IT WAS THE RAINIEST SEPTEMBER IN HISTORY FOR WESTERN WASHINGTON!

...go figure. I'm thinking extreme weather follows me. Coldest winter in Provo, wettest September in Washington. Ah, it's precious really.

2. A tornado actually touched down somewhere around this side of Washington. Woot-woot!

3. Everyone has two doors. The screen door and the regular door. For someone who is knocking on doors half of the time, it can get irritating.

4. Hardly anyone has peep holes on their doors.

5. Apparently Sister Hopkins has seen them in Utah, but I have yet too see one in Cali so I'm putting it on here. Library-2-Go. It's a van library that rolls around and kids go in and get books. I thought that was pretty sweet.

Alright, I'm done. I can't think of anymore.

Well I'll begin by saying a lady in the ward made us some delicious enchiladas similar to my mom's so that was great.

Oh and I finally solved the mystery of the smell in the kitchen that has been haunting me since they day I got here in Lake Sawyer. Since the day I walked into the apartment, there was this rotten stench that would blow over me every now and then. It was in the kitchen. I searched multiple times a day for that smell. Sister Hopkins thought I was crazy, but I could not deny the smell I smelled. FINALLY, a few days ago. I was searching through the spices in the small cupboard above the stove and there it was... I reached for a plastic produce bag and pulled out a decent sized rotting garlic clove!!! It was horrendous. But the mystery has been solved and my senses were justified. I am happy to say our apartment has been garlic free for 6 days now.

We had the chance to make my mom's chocolate chip cookies and put them in a cute little basket and leave it on the Mission President's door. Funny lately we I think God has definitely been directing us to show up places and do little things for people just at the right times. President Eaton said he had an extremely long day and it was wonderful walking up to the door with that little gift there. Similar to that, there is a lady we talk to every now and then who we randomly felt we should see at like 8:00 PM one night (which over here feels and looks like midnight) and after knocking on her door and talking to her for a while, she told us "You know what. Today I was thinking the Sisters haven't stopped by in a while. They're gonna come today. I really needed you today." It is an amazing feeling knowing you are being directed to help other people just when they need it.

Sister Hopkins fell asleep while I was praying one morning. That was lovely and hilarious to open my eyes and find my little companion sound asleep. Funny thing is it was probably like 30 seconds. Haha. The mission wipes you out I guess.

I somehow managed to open the car door on my shin the other day. There is a delightful bruise as evidence.

We also witnessed an intense dog attack yesterday. Big dog attacked little dog. Big man-owner attacked big dog. It was quite the scene. They were rolling on the floor trying to rip the dog off.

Being a missionary is incredible! Yet, everyday you get your heart broken. Every time someone sets up an appointment with us and then fails to be there... heart break. Every time you know you can help someone, but they won't let you... heart break. Every time you extend a commitment to someone that they don't keep... heart break. It's like an emotional roller coaster hour by hour and day by day, but knowing I'm being an instrument in God's hands I would do it over again.

I have decided to find miracles in everyday. I am keeping a miracle journal where I just write out some of the daily miracles I am able to witness. Especially when things aren't exactly going our way, I think it's always a great thing to note the good. I listened to a General Conference talk given by President Deiter F. Uchtdorf, the other day and he said something along the lines of this "It's not a race, it's a journey; enjoy the moment. Sometimes in life, we are so focused on the finish line we forget to enjoy the journey... there is something in each day to embrace and cherish." I have decided to enjoy the journey. I will not look forward to the moment I get to hit the pillow at night. I will not look forward to the day I am going to go home. I want to find joy in the journey. Looking ahead is good to some extent, but not if it's preventing you from enjoying what you have right now.

Well it looks like my email is going to shut off!

Until next time I will be doing it the Federal Way!

Love, Sister Pearson  :)

P.S. GO WATCH GENERAL CONFERENCE. IT WAS AMAZING!