At about 12:30 am Thursday we woke up to somebody pounding on our door and excessively ringing the door bell and calling the phone. Needless to say Sister Wilson and I had no idea what was going on and were quite startled. The member we live with didn't hear any of this. We laid in bed whispering and trying to figure out what to do. After 5 or so minutes (possible more) the banging, ringing, and calls stopped. Eventually after a prayer we chose to act and figure out what was going on. Now the three of us (Sister Wilson, Grandma, and I) went out into the front hall and discovered a "friend" of Grandma's drunk and in her driveway after the police had dropped her off following her driving her car into the ditch. (This is a lady Grandma had been trying to help for nearly 10 years) Eventually she left and we all got back to bed a little after 1 am.
The next morning we get a text from the bishop asking Sister Wilson and I to come to his place of work. We knew what was coming when he said, "now sisters I want you to trust me and have faith", he then informs us that we are to go back to Grandma's and pack our bags because we're moving into a different members home. It was so heart breaking. It didn't make sense but we did as we were told and are now living in a very nice but very small set up. A lot of our stuff is still in our car but we are already seeing miracles come and seeing God's hand in all of this. Saturday morning Grandma's son passed away and with us not there it makes it more possible for her to properly deal with the situation and have her family come together. This whole mess also has paved the way for Grandma to finally decide she needs to pull back and stop helping the lady. Its amazing the difference in the feeling in her house now after just a few days of this lady not being over. The spirit is so present and there is such a peaceful feeling now.
In all of this my testimony that God's plan is perfect has been strengthened. He knows what all of His children need. No matter what it seems we have to give up its not nearly as valuable as what God is waiting to give us.
Thursday after sort of unpacking we drove to Tacoma and spent the night with Sister Rasmussen and Sister Harbaugh in preparation for the departing missionary temple trip. (Sister Rasmussen and I were the only sisters on that trip other than Sister Blatter)
It was a way fun sleepover that left us absolutely exhausted from long conversations and laughing at all the memories and stories. I just love these wonderful sisters so much!!!
Friday Sister Rasmussen and I were at the mission office early in the morning and with a bunch of elders we traveled to the temple! It was such a sacred experience. I am so grateful for the temple and the restored gospel that makes them so meaningful/possible. While there I was just so overwhelmed with gratitude for this time I've been given. There are no words. It was really wonderful.
It was weird being surrounded by so many elders. They didn't even make space for Sister Rasmussen and I to sit next to each other on the way there... awkward. We made sure they did on the way back.
The whole group before going in. Let me just tell you Sister Rasmussen and I we super cold haha
Sister Rasmussen and I after the temple.
Part of the group after the temple.
Oliver Garden upon return to Tacoma.
After the temple trip we returned to Tacoma and the next day we were on the road again for a baptism in one of Sister Wilson's old areas (a different part of Olympia than where I had served). Then finally came yesterday. I was so grateful to fast and also partake of the sacrament. Those two things are just so helpful! That's about it for the week of mayhem!
Oh wait! I forgot to tell you about transfer calls. In my final three weeks I will be leaving Bainbridge Island and going to Tacoma and serving with Sister Kramer and Sister Bigley!!! So excited to reunite with them both! It's going to be weeks full of miracles and memories worth keeping forever! So pumped!
On a final note I've gotten to reflect a lot on how my mission is coming to an end and I came to a conclusion. A lot of people have been telling me its almost time to "go back". I've recently discovered those are the wrong words. I'm not "going back" back to anything. I'm not really even "going home" My home has just expanded and in a few weeks here I'll be connecting them together. I'm not leaving anything behind and I'm not "going back" I'm merely following the plan God has for us bygoing forward. This time is such a blessing and I'll cherish it forever. I have three weeks that I'm going to make the most of and learn the lessons I'm meant to and prepare to continue going forward. Isn't God's plan just so amazing?! Isn't it such a gift?! How blessed are we to have such a wonderful Father!!!!
I love you all and hope that in this Christmas season you all feel our Savior's love because He is aware of each one of you and knows you by name!
https://www.mormon.org/
Take care!
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