Another week that was full of unexpected highlights. Awkward lowlights still abound. I have come to learn that these moments keep things interesting.
And again with the highlights -
#1 - Sister Rossi and I are having a wonderful time teaching the members in our ward the missionary lessons. It is amazing.
#2 - Elder Kopischke, a General Authority from our church, came to visit our mission and he spoke to all the missionaries. He is from Germany. I am beyond impressed with his ability to express himself. Amazing. I learned so much from his words. Without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of my mission.
#3 - One day this past week, Sister Rossi and I arose at the crack of dawn to teach Seminary to the high school freshman. There are so many youth between the three wards that share our church building that they have to spilt up the Seminary classes into the four high school age groups: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior. The students were amazing and we had a blast teaching them.
#4 - We "boo'd" three doors to celebrate Halloween: one of our sweet recent converts, our incredible ward mission leader and the hilarious member couple that meets with us each week to help us plan each day.
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| The orange and black are not because it is Halloween. Congrats to the 2014 World Series Champions The San Francisco Giants!!! |
#6 - We are hoping to start teaching some of our ESL students! They are seriously so prepared. I really hope it works out. I have become quite close to so many of them. They are my friends.
#7 - This isn't very missionary, but how 'bout those San Francisco Giants? My mom sent me photos of our family celebrating. My dad and brothers have their pulse back. I wore black and orange all week long, and it wasn't because it was Halloween. Go Giants!
And again with the awkward lowlights -
#1 - We just returned from a hike. We went to The Great Falls of the Potomac River. I hiked. Plot twist...I enjoyed it. I have become an avid outdoorsman.
#2 - Due to sleeping in a weird position I have had some awful neck kinks. I am now a proud owner of a rice bag and I wear it around my neck all day when I feel the kink. I make it look like a scarf. The golden trick works.
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| My scarf/rice bag. Works for me! |
#3 - As the designated driver of our companionship, Sister Rossi has developed nerves of steel. I make a lot of mistakes behind the wheel. The other day, I made a wrong turn, down a wrong street and there in front of us was a HERD OF GEESE THAT WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF OUR WAY. I officially hate geese.
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| The famed geese |
And here is the "I had no idea" portion of my blog entry.
Last Sunday, Sister Rossi and I were asked to speak to the Young Women in our ward about why we came out on a mission and what we do each day as missionaries. We were also asked to each them how they can prepare to serve a mission. Preparing for the lesson allowed me some time to self -reflect.
Ever since I was eight-years-old I knew in my heart that I was going to serve a mission. At the age of eight, we are baptized. Afterwards, we get a blessing to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost which provides us comfort and guidance throughout our lives. We are given this blessing by someone who has the proper authority. In my case, it was my dad. My dad laid his hands on my head to give me this blessing. During the blessing, he paused for a few seconds and then blessed that I would serve a mission. When the blessing was finished, my dad shared with my mom that he was not prepared to say anything about me serving a mission. He felt in his heart that these were words from God. My parents often shared this story with me throughout my childhood. It was a huge motivation for me to prepare to serve. It also helped that both my mom and my dad went on missions. I loved hearing their stories.
I went on a mission with a knowledge that it would be an unforgettable experience and that I would have a life filled with service and love.
I HAD NO IDEA - that my mission would change me for the better. And, I am only four months out.
I HAD NO IDEA - how much I would grow, spiritually as well as emotionally.
I HAD NO IDEA - how much my weaknesses would be magnified so that they would be turned into strengths.
I HAD NO IDEA - how much refining and polishing I had to do. I thought I was already OK?!?! I guess OK isn't good enough.
NOW I KNOW WHY - people say that serving a mission is one of the hardest yet best things you will ever do.
What will the next 14 months hold? I can't wait. Good or bad.
Love you all...a lot!
Sister Kelly
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| She still loves me, despite my driving. |
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| This pic is for my mom. When she was an intern on Capitol Hill, she would wear her sneakers to "work" so as not to scuff her good shoes on the sidewalks. It's a look that screams, "I can get the job done!" |
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