you I'll see you in two. Crazy! Well words can't express how I feel
right now. I guess just extremely blessed. It feels surreal. This past
week has been incredible but I guess I can tell you about it in a
couple weeks:) I'm going to copy Hermana Ross and right a little
mission history:) this experience has been so wonderful that I hope I
can put a few of my thoughts in feelings into words.
After arriving to the Spain MTC October 28 2014 I had the opportunity
to come to know and love so many beautiful people. Hermana and
president Lovell have been two of the most influential people I've had
in my life and they helped my enthusiasm for the gospel and sharing it
grow. All of my teachers and friends in the MTC helped me have an
amazing spiritual experience but over all learn to truly appreciate
the work I was about to start.
Santa Cruz... My first 4 and half months of the mission were spent in
the Canary Islands. I was lucky to have two amazing trainers who both
taught me so much and who I love dearly. Hermana Reyes had infinite
patience. She helped me find joy in the start of my mission and
pathed the way for and easy transition. Hermana Costagliola is my
Italian. I learned a lot from her and in our last transfer together we
saw miracle after miracle unfold. I never thought I could find more
love in my heart after leaving Tenerife.
Later I spent 4 1/2 months in alcobendas. Wow. This was my time of
growth. I came and had the opportunity to learn from Hermana Pavez.
She is a machine from Argentina. She helped me gain more confidence in
myself and in my teaching, but even more rely on the lord and seek
for his guidance. She prepared me to train Hermana Harper. When
Hermana Harper came I was terrified. I did not feel adequate to train.
We were two babies and we figured it out together. She taught me so
much. We hastened the Lords work without speaking perfect Spanish or
knowing exactly what we were doing. But it was good and we saw
miracles.
I left Alcobendas completely heartbroken but excited for a new
adventure. I got sent to B9, a ward in Madrid, to white wash the area
with Hermana Rossberg. This was one of the most incredible transfers
of my mission. We started out with nothing, but by half way through
the transfer we were blessed with almost more than we could handle.
Hermana Rossberg was exactly what I needed. She taught me how to be a
more diligent missionary, exactly obedient, and enjoy my time while
doing it. I got jipped to only have one transfer with her!!
B2, my next ward in Madrid. The time pasted waaaay to quickly. I made
life-long friendships. I served with two of the best Hermanas in the
mission, and I learned so much. Hermana Barkle is my crazy from
Australia. Serving with her is like serving with a best friend. She
always kept me so entertained, and she is such a hard worker. Hermana
Ross was also amazing! We were MTC compy so I was continually amazed
the whole transfer of how much we had both grown. We worked hard,
served others, and also made countless memories. She taught me that
missionary work is not a sacrifice, but the greatest blessing. I love
these two both so much. They made me a better missionary.
Finally finishing strong with Vigo. Well it is by far my most breath
taking area. The branch is amazing. I didn't think the mission could
get any better leaving B2 but it does. Hermana Jensen and Hermana
Schriever are both younger missionaries, but the hardest working
missionaries I've know. Hermana Jensen never stopped running. She is a
machine. And this past transfer with Hermana Schriever has been one
with so many miracles. We have literally seen our work load triple
before our eyes and I can't think of a better way of finishing my
mission.
Over all during this past year and a half my testimony of my savior,
his church, and the power of his everlasting atonement have grown so
much. I know he lives. I don't have any doubts. This last year and a
half really has been the best in my life. I love all of my companions,
areas, and the people I've taught and served. I'm so grateful for this
opportunity Heavenly Father gave me. Love you all so much. Thank you
for your constant support, and I'll see you before we know it.