quick hello

 I NEED to keep better notes on what happens throughout the week. Every night this week a wonderful member of the ward has brought us dinner and a little treat. We had chicken and waffles one night, and it was fantastic and delicious. We got some more soda, and I made up a new concoction, to my companion's and car mate's horror. It was barq root beer with peppermint and chocolate. Is that weird? Yes. Did it taste fantastic? Yes. Was it totally worth it too to see the expressions on the other Sisters faces? Defiantly! 

We have been having some Zoom dinners with the other Sisters in our area. It has been fun getting to know the people we serve with better! We are excited to get to know them even better in the future.

Sister Blattman (my companion) knows lots of people that are going back to Korea, and we are all crossing our figures she'll get the chance to go soon! 

Sorry I can't think of more to say. I'll try to be better next week! Until then, hope you have an awesome week!!!

Start your day right

Not too much to report on this week. We did some outdoor service for a friend of ours where we took cut down branches and logs and bundled them up. I had never done it before, but luckily neither had she so neither of us could tell if it was done right, so it worked out, haha.

We went to our favorite Soda shop and I invented a new drink combo. Root Beer, Chocolate, and Peppermint. Yes, it sounds VERY strange, but it was surprisingly pretty good. I might have to get it a second time, haha. 

I learned a new dish. I learned how to make crispy asian style orange chicken. It turned out really good and very convenient for leftovers! 

My companion and I decided to have a little fun today, so we bought a mini Waffle maker and some pure maple syrup. We are excited to try it out!

Sorry, that's all I can think of right now that happened this week. I will try to take better notes next time, that way the email is a little more exciting. 

I was reminded this morning of the importance of starting out your day right. While getting ready, I listened to some wonderful General Conference talks from the October General Conference, which spoke about diligence and the impact we have on those around us. Then after I decided to switch things up a bit. Instead of studying at my desk, I went to the bedroom, turned on some calming music, put some oils in my humidifier, and studied on my bed. The light was streaming in from the window, making the room warm and light. It felt peaceful and welcoming. I studied the word of the Lord through the Book of Mormon, highlighting every reference to Jesus Christ with blue. It was one of my best mornings in a while. Not rushed, not forced, but peace. It gave me a lot of time to reflect and be filled with gratitude for all that I have been given. 

I am grateful everyday for a chance to serve at such a time as this!

2021 begins

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! I hope you all had a lovely holiday season. Ours was filled with service, study, and joy. Christmas morning, we were able to call home and video our families. I got to open presents with Mom and Dad, then Luke and Leah woke up took me down stares to find their hidden Christmas book, which was so fun. They found them right away and are the proud new owners of Fancy Nancy and The Fat Cat on the Mat. I am so excited for them to read them to me one day! After that, we met with our district and made snow flakes to put on friend's doors as a little surprise, then we met with all the missionaries in the stake or the surrounding area, which was about 20 or so other missionaries, and we had a wonderful devotional about the different names of Christ and what they mean to us. I'd have to say my favorite name He has is Brother. In the evening, we were able to get onto a Zoom call with  the entire mission and do fun games, activities, and give testimonies. It was so joy filled and focused on Christ. We wrote and delivered about 30 Christmas cards to friends in the area and members in the ward who have been so kind to us. We are so blessed and spoiled here.

For New years eve, we worked until nine, then opened a sparking cider, drank a glass, then we went to bed around 9:30 or 10:00. I know I know, we are some real party animals over here, haha. 

Last Monday, we got a text from the mission nurse. Apparently, an Elder in our district that we had met with on Christmas had Covid. We had all social distanced and been careful with masks, but just to be safe we were put under quarantine. We had to go get the Covid test to be sure we hadn't gotten it, but the other Sisters had the car and we couldn't switch because of the whole no contact thing. So, bright and early at 6:40 we headed out and took an hour walk to their apartment. The path took us through a lovely park. The sun was rising, and the air was crisp with fallen snow. No one else was on the trail, and it was so very peaceful and enjoyable. We were able to get the car, go to the testing sight, get the swab, and drove back to the other Sister's house since they needed the car later that day. We took the walk back and enjoyed our time outside in the fresh air. The test results came out a day later, and we tested negative! We were freed! The first thing we did as newly freed missionaries was take a car ride with the other Sisters to our favorite Soda Bar drive through and order some fun drinks! Best way to celebrate freedom, I think, haha.

Other then that things are pretty quiet right now. We are working hard and seeing miracles every day. As a mission, we have been doing a wonderful study. We have been reading through the Book of Mormon and highlighting four different things with four different colors; every-time Christ is named, the Characters of Christ, doctrine and principles, and every-time Christ speaks Himself or through his Prophets, such as when it says "thus saith the Lord". Now my Book of Mormon has a highlight on every page, often multiple highlights. I have loved doing this study, because I feel like I have drawn closer to my Savior and recognize His presence even more, both in scripture and in my own life. His influence is everywhere, and I am honored to be able to share His love and words with those that I meet everyday!

I am so excited to be serving at such a time as this!!!