Sister Shumway Takes Tennessee!: There's No Toilet Paper!

I feel like we are living in a movie. I've never seen contagion, but from what I've heard, I feel like I'm living it! The Coronavirus is making such a BIG impact, it's pretty crazy. On Thursday we found out that all church meetings are temporarily suspended until further notice due to the Coronavirus, and on Friday we all got an email saying we should go to the store and make sure we have provisions to be able to survive in our apartments on the risk we get quarantined. Yikes! So we had to go stock up on food and soap and toilet paper, but literally everyone else in Loudon County was doing the same thing because shelves in the stores were EMPTY. It took us FIVE stores to finally find some toilet paper! (Thank you Loudon Dollar Tree!!) It's been weird to say the least. But I can't even imagine how much crazier it is out West, or even North of us, because down here in Tennessee, 90% of the people believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and have no fear of what may come. Most of the people we talk to have the faith-filled attitude that the world is in God's hands and that whatever happens, we will be okay because Jesus Christ loves us all. It's amazing to see!

On the bright side, how absolutely amazing is it that our Heavenly Father has called a doctor to be His prophet during these times? That President Nelson has taught us how to strengthen our testimonies of the gospel at home and not just at church so that we can continue to grow and have "church" at home? We are prepared and we shall not fear because we are led by the prophet of God!

Sister Christensen and I had the most beautiful experience having the Sacrament in a member's home yesterday. The Spirit was so sweet as he testified to me of the importance of the Sacrament in our lives: wherever we are and whatever the conditions of the world, the Savior suffered and died for us. We have the opportunity to remember that sacrifice and express gratitude for it as we apply it to our lives every single week. How beautiful is that? Remember Him. Be still and know He will always be there for you.

Other than all the Coronavirus chaos, this week was pretty slow. With it being Spring break, and with the Coronavirus scaring the other 10% of the people down here, we didn't have much success talking with new people about the Gospel that we know to be true. In fact there was one guy who didn't open the door, but yelled at us through his closed window that he was "isolating!" I'm trying to find it funny while I'm not quarantined, but it won't be nearly as funny when I have to say the same thing. . . .

I know the Lord lives, I know He loves us, I know that there is a living prophet on the earth today. I love this gospel, I know it's true, and I have felt more fulfilled than I ever have in my life out here in Tennessee serving my God.

I love y'all! And don't you forget it!

-Sister Shumway