It has been quite the eventful few weeks!! I couldn't email last week because I was making my way to the mission field!! Yes, you heard that right, your girl Sav is in the field... But more on that later!
The last week of the MTC was really rough on my entire district. On the Thursday before we were supposed to depart from the MTC one of the sweetest Sisters in my district got incredibly ill. She was in the infirmary for several days before they ultimately decided to send her home for further testing. It was a difficult goodbye. That then meant I was in a trio for a few days! I was actually pretty nervous about having a trio because I know that often in a trio at least one person feels left out but it ended up being an amazing experience.
Then, as if our district couldn't get any more knocked down, Elder Benevidez got incredibly sick. They ended up having to run him to the emergency room so they could help control the pain. So that entire day there were only 4 of us in our classes.
THEN my companion broke down a little bit and it really tore at my heart strings. I could just feel how amazing she was and how incredible of a missionary she could be and I had done everything I knew how to do but it still didn't help and it made me feel as though I was failing as a companion. I felt like I did everything but nothing worked and I was just so frustrated at myself. My teacher actually told me something that meant more that I think she even knew. She said that while I am doing everything I could, ultimately Christ is the only person who could really heal. I am not the healer, He is.
In that moment I realized not only did I need to have my companion turn to Christ, but I also needed to stop worrying about my family at home because Christ can heal them in ways that I never could. It was such a powerful moment for me.
After making it through those tough days with the district I felt like we were all so close that leaving them felt almost like leaving my family. They had all taught me in ways that touched my soul, their friendship had made me feel so secure, and their spirits inspired me to be better. That final goodbye was hard to swallow but I know that they will each go on to serve amazing missions! The world is blessed because the best people are heading out to serve them.
Then I got to do my favorite thing... FLY. I LOVE airports and flying on planes. The only sad moment was that every single seat on the plane was filled except for the ones right next to me... So I could share some of my "greenie fire" about Jesus with someone.
Once we landed in Colorado I met my mission president, drove to the temple, took pictures, drove to the mission office, and got my first area assignment......
*DRUMROLL*
CASPER, WYOMING
*CROWD GOES slightly WILD*
Since my area was one of the farthest from the mission home I didn't get to meet my trainer and I had to spend the night with the STLs before taking the transfer van all the way there.... It was a LONG day. I spent the whole day wondering about what my trainer would be like, what the area would be like, and generally thinking wayyyy too much.
Once we got into Casper and I met my trainer, Sister Harry, All of my worries fell away. Right off the bat I got mad Lauren Crowley vibes which was a blessing from heaven. We actually get along incredibly well! It's been a lot of fun.
After 2 full days of traveling I was more than ready to get to work!! We got a few things to eat but then went right to a dinner appointment with the Munger family. They are so missionary focused it's been an inspiration to me to be more of a member missionary at home. They have really changed everything and told us we weren't allowed to tract anymore so we have to completely rely on the members. They also helped me realize that every single person we meet is my brother and sister, why wouldn't I do absolutely everything to bring them to Christ. Who cares how awkward it might be!!
I also got to meet the sweetest man who just got baptized last week. His name is Roady and he has the nicest heart. He was so excited to get baptized and I could tell when I met him that he was so prepared for the gospel. He calls us his angel sisters and tells us how if we ever need anything he would be there in a heartbeat.
I also got to see my first baptism!! That's right, my first week in the field and I already have a baptism. Her name is Tiffany and when she went in for her baptismal interview came out crying because she was so excited to get baptized. It was a sweet moment to see her commitment to Jesus Christ through Baptism. I forgot the incredible spirit that is felt during Baptism. I didn't realize how important baptism was until I saw her get baptized.
I had so many amazing experience with the Lord this week but it will just suffice me to say that the Lord wants us to come back to Him. He is working so hard to try and get us to Him. Please please please look to Him for guidance and I know He will bless you in ways you can't imagine.
I love you all, email me if you ever need anything :)
Savanna
