Goodbye Lake Sawyer

The news came on Saturday. They called all the missionaries who have spent 6 or more transfers in their area a day ahead so we would have time to say goodbye. I am so grateful for the 7 transfers IO have served in the Lake Sawyer ward. I know I have stayed here this long for a reason and even though I'm in complete denial I know God has plans for me elsewhere. Never thought I'd have to be homesick twice. Once for leaving my home back in Cali and now another for leaving the home and family I've made out here.

Of course the week was great... because that just makes it all the harder to leave. Haha! Ah, so goes life. We have made some super awesome friends with a couple named the Brandenburgs. They are seriously the best people ever. :) They came to watch a baptism with us on Saturdayand then took us to Red Robin... Yummm. Holla! :) They are so cute and so in love it's ridiculous. Seriously, he sang to her! Ahhh! We've known them for about a month. I'm sad I won't be able to teach them anymore, but feel so blessed to have been the first set of missionaries to meet them. Sister Webb is a lucky duck. :)

Speaking of Sister Webb. I'M GONNA MISS HER LIKE CRAZY! She has become one of my best friends these past 12 weeks. I feel like I have known her forever. She is going to do great things in Lake Sawyer though so I'm stoked for her. I want to come back for all the baptisms that happen. Hopefully I can. It's not the end of our adventures together that's for sure. :) Missions are just the best for bringing lifetime friendships. She's definitely one of them. Mothers always love their daughters.

My favorite and not-favorite part of being a missionary is the added capacity you are given to love. I have felt it these past 6 weeks more than ever. It's my favorite because it is incredible to feel how much God loves every individual we meet and teach and work with. It's my not-favorite because it opens up the door to heartbreak and disappointment. If I've experienced one thing on my mission, it's been that. I thought you were supposed to handle all your heartbreak when your lovey dovey high school days were over...? Nope. I'm starting to realize it's just begun. Haha. :) But I am grateful for this chance to feel as the Savior feels for all of us. It's incredible. I've learned so much from it.

When we love and serve people, we love and serve God.

http://www.mormonchannel.org/bible-videos?v=3019145138001

http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages/topics/love-and-marriage?v=1101417659001

Cool thing that I found out. A man in our ward came up to me and told me something I didn't know. Coresa, the awesome friend I've made and helped find her way back to the church these past 9 months, was actually baptized in his ward at 8 when he was the bishop. And now he got to see her come back (again in his ward) like 20 years later. Small world. 

I LOVE SEEING PEOPLE CHANGE. THE GOSPEL IS BEAUTIFUL.

A man in our ward recorded my Atonement song yesterday with some better equipment, so hopefully I can get a copy. :)

Soooo... I can't remember anything funny that's happened because I have been too freaked out about this upcoming transfer. This next 6 weeks is going to be a refiner's fire for sure. I finally get transferred and instead of making it a easy one I am training a brand new missionary and white washing (opening an area or replacing elders... basically starting from scratch). So neither of us will know ANYONE or ANYWHERE to go or ANYTHING. Woohoo! Haha, bring on the adventure baby. This is gonna be fun. I feel bad for the new missionary; she's gonna think her companion is a chicken with her head cut off. Oh well. Life is goooood.

Well. I love you all! Until next time, I'll be doing it the Federal Way.... or trying at least.

Much love,
Sister Pearson :)