Shrackumwayley!

Transfer week! It was kind of super crazy and has felt like it was a month long. But we made it!!!! I loved getting to see all the sisters I came out with, but to be honest, the best part was probably seeing all the new missionaries and realizing that I have one whole transfer under my belt! Ha! Only 12 more to go!  

I LOVE Sister Rackley! I mean, it's only been a grand total of four days, but they have been a good four days. She is so funny, great at drawing/painting/doodling, and has a beautiful singing voice! In fact, we sort of accidentally and impulsively volunteered ourselves as a musical number for Zone Conference next week, and have been regretting it since haha! We even came up with our own companionship name: Shrackumwayley!!!!!!! It is going to be a wonderful transfer, I can already tell.

In each of the lessons we have taught the Spirit has been so strong. I can’t wait for everything she has to teach me  

We got to teach the most wonderful couple this week. They have been prepared by the Lord to hear the gospel at this exact time in their lives. It has been a miracle and a blessing. The Lord works in mysterious ways, but sometimes His ways are pretty darn clear. The father of this young family actually grew up in Palmyra New York! In Joseph Smith's home town! Whaaaaaaaat? One of his high school buddies was a member of the church and set a wonderful example for him as he was growing up. Now they have been trying to find a good church for their family, and have been seeking guidance from Heavenly Father to go where He wants them to go. So he called his old high school buddy who told him to call us! We have been blown away at how much faith they have and how well they recognize what the Lord is telling them. We taught them about the restoration and left them with a copy of the Book of Mormon. The lesson was probably one the most powerful and Spirit led lessons I've ever experienced. I love the Holy Ghost and I cannot believe how empty my spirit had been before leaving home. The Spirit really does fill the holes your heart that you didn’t even realize were there. 

On a less happy note, one of the people we have been teaching left his Book of Mormon on the porch with a note saying he no longer wanted to meet with us. It broke my heart because I know how the Gospel of Jesus Christ blesses lives because of how much it has blessed mine. I honestly have no idea where I would be without it. Sister Rackley says we just need put him back in the Lord's area book. 

I love my mission, I love the people here in Sevier county, I love my Savior and His gospel, I love the plan of salvation that He has for us, and I love the joy and peace from receiving a witness from the Holy Ghost that even if life is hard, I am where I need to be, and doing what Heavenly Father wants me to do. 

I want to remind y'all that this is a life of progression and NOT of perfection!

I love yuns and I'll see y'all next week!

Sister Shumway :)