You know you're a missionary when...

This week was the week of service!

We did many much service this week and it was amazing! The first service activity was filling in holes in a Sister's backyard. Sounds completely humdrum doesn't it? Pero espera, ay mas. She has greyhounds. 8 greyhounds. 8 slobbery, huge greyhounds. And she was getting another one the next day. Yeah, it was a bit nuts trying to fill in holes that they'd dug. Once we were done, we ended up trying to run with them and that is, by far, one of the most terrifying experiences that I've ever had! I thought that I could do it because I used to do it with Rosie all of the time, but she's a bit smaller than a greyhound. Seriously, the sound of 8 greyhounds thundering after you is a bit terrifying. But of course, we got it on film, so it will be enjoyed for years to come :)

We also got to help someone reorganize their garage to prep for a garage sell and I discovered an allergy to cats when we helped another member go through some boxes to clean out her storage room. It probably doesn't help that it's allergy season out here, with all of the pollen and flowers and the 80 DEGREE WEATHER. Don't worry, you can be jealous, because karma is going to hit in a few weeks and I'll be jealous of your "under 90 degree" weather. It'll be interesting to be out biking when it's super hot... I might melt if my bike doesn't melt first.

My new companion is pretty awesome! Her name is Sister MacKillop and she's from Dallas, Texas! And she let me teach her how to crochet! Now we are both hopelessly addicted and there will be some pretty awesome Christmas presents that will stem from this addiction. Just kidding. We're not that crazy about it, but it helps us both de-stress. She is also a Spanish sister, so this will be the 5th companion of mine that has spoken another language. 5 out of 10. So, technically, I've been in a "zebra" companionship for more than half of my mission. I figured that this meant that I needed to learn Spanish, so Sister MacKillop is going to teach me Spanish!

I was studying President Bensons talk about the First and Great Commandment this week. I really really loved the part where it said that when we love the Lord, above all else, everything will either fall into place or drop out of our lives. I loved that because, many times, we expect miracles, but the miracles that WE want to happen, when really, God has much better miracles in store for us. I LOVE that. Because, honestly, life isn't going to be sunshine and roses all of the time... Oh wait. It is! Granted, there will be random thorns on every rose and every once in a while a cloud will block the sunlight, but that doesn't mean that the sun will stop shining! Thorns don't lessen the beauty of the rose. If anything, the clouds and the thorns give us greater appreciation for the soft petals and the warm sunshine. God's love never stops shining. His blessings never stop. We may have a hard time recognizing them when it's overcast and we may have a hard time seeing them when we get poked with a thorn, but they are ALWAYS THERE. When we love God and put him above all else, we recognize the beauty of the rose, despite the thorns. We know that, the clouds are a necessary thing in life, but that the sun will always come back.

Look for the beauty in the trial. Look at the darkness with the knowledge that the light is there. It's always there. I'm so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and for the amazing opportunity that I've been given to serve my Redeemer for this short amount of time. I know that this is his church. I know that God loves us and speaks to us through his prophet today. I pray for and sustain the prophet and apostles. I especially know that families can be together forever and that I've been blessed to be sealed to mine for time and all eternity. That hope is what helps me see the sunshine when I seem to be surrounded by clouds. I love you all and hope that you all have a wonderful week! I pray for you every day and I know that God has been answering my prayers. He always does.

Love,
Steph
pic1: the greyhounds.
pic 2: I really love the sunsets and the "moon-rises" here. They are gorgeous!