Yep I am officially 18 months old. I am sad that the transfer takes me past the mark so I miss Thanksgiving, but honestly I am also so grateful to spend this time with the members and people here in the mission. We have a plan for dinner but we have no idea what else we are going to do to fill the day. Hopefully people will be merciful and let us in even for a few minutes.
This week went by so fast I am not even sure what happened. It got cold, like ice on our windshield cold this morning! And our heater in the apartment sets off the fire alarm as soon as we flip it on, so we have to figure that out. The apartment is at 70 right now but they need to get on it before winter really sets in.
This week has involved a lot of family history which is the best. That seems to be a focus for me in this area. I love that I can use and improve my skills with family history here. It is just so much fun for me to do, especially when I am helping someone else with their tree. I worked with the L family a couple days this week. Together we found about 50 ordinances that need to be done. We didn't even take an hour and there was that much fruit! I am so excited for them to have a chance to do those names. They were having so much fun, too. I think that is the best part about the work...not you having joy but seeing other people have joy. Yep. That's it. The youth went to the temple on Saturday and were able to take the baptisms we found. I even found a few names for Dad to do. I seem to always find men!
This week I have just fallen in love with the members. I mean I already adore them but for some reason this week made me not want to leave them. I feel like I just got the ball rolling and now I am going home. I guess that is what happens when you are only in an area for 2 transfers.
One funny thing that happened this week was the night we went to heart attack a less active. We got all the hearts on us and taped and ready to go. We were parked right outside their home, get out and take two steps out the door...then the door opens and the husband comes out with a flashlight! We go back to the car (a miracle he didn't see us!) and wait till he goes back inside. It takes him a few minutes and then with all the porch lights still on we cover the door. We were trying so hard not to laugh. Seriously we have had some awkward moments as a trio. For some reason we are blessed with the awesome timing of people getting home as we are standing on their front step or they pull out to leave as we get out of the car. Just some awesome things that we can't help but laugh about.
On Thursday we did a service project with the women in the ward. We tied lap blankets for the elderly at one of the local nursing homes. We had a blast just sitting and talking with the Sisters. We made 50 in about 2 hours which I was very impressed with. This ward is just fun. I don't know how else to describe it. They are open and love to talk and tell stories. I guess it is just the small town feel.
We went to do visits at a nursing home this week. There is a less active woman that lives there. While looking for her all the other old ladies stopped to talk to us. Olivia became our tour guide. I love nursing homes. It brought back the memories of doing visits and caroling there as a youth.
This week has made me sad to leave right before Christmas. I forgot how much fun and joy you have during this time of year. People want to talk about Christ and the Spirit is just every where around you. I am excited, though, that I get to come home and spend it with y'all :) It is hard when your heart is stuck in two places. Seriously, though. I am going to miss Texas. As I have spent time looking back this week I couldn't even wrap my head around the things I have learned and the people I have met and come to love. This has been the hardest but most fulfilling time of my life. It is terribly hard but there is so much joy that you can easily forget the pain. I don't know how I am going to leave...it honestly doesn't feel like I ever will. It sneaks up on you.
I testify that this is the Lord's work. His hand is in it every moment of the day. He is preparing the way and fixing the holes we leave behind. It is perfect. As we trust in Him each of us can play a role in helping people come unto Christ. We are a fallen people but He loves us and sees our potential. He is patient and caring. He knows us individually and will guide us if we will just listen. I know that I am redeemed because I have felt the power of the Atonement every single day I have been out here. He is giving us strength and ability beyond our own. I would have been home months ago if He was not right by my side. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and it has been an honor to represent him here in the Texas Houston South Mission.
I want to thank each of you for writing me, praying for me and supporting me. I have been so blessed by each of your examples and your faith. Thank you for fulfilling your callings and roles in and out of the home. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I am excited to tell you all about it when I get home. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and your last Kalle-free week ;)
I love you and I will see you next week!
Sister Greaves
This week went by so fast I am not even sure what happened. It got cold, like ice on our windshield cold this morning! And our heater in the apartment sets off the fire alarm as soon as we flip it on, so we have to figure that out. The apartment is at 70 right now but they need to get on it before winter really sets in.
This week has involved a lot of family history which is the best. That seems to be a focus for me in this area. I love that I can use and improve my skills with family history here. It is just so much fun for me to do, especially when I am helping someone else with their tree. I worked with the L family a couple days this week. Together we found about 50 ordinances that need to be done. We didn't even take an hour and there was that much fruit! I am so excited for them to have a chance to do those names. They were having so much fun, too. I think that is the best part about the work...not you having joy but seeing other people have joy. Yep. That's it. The youth went to the temple on Saturday and were able to take the baptisms we found. I even found a few names for Dad to do. I seem to always find men!
This week I have just fallen in love with the members. I mean I already adore them but for some reason this week made me not want to leave them. I feel like I just got the ball rolling and now I am going home. I guess that is what happens when you are only in an area for 2 transfers.
One funny thing that happened this week was the night we went to heart attack a less active. We got all the hearts on us and taped and ready to go. We were parked right outside their home, get out and take two steps out the door...then the door opens and the husband comes out with a flashlight! We go back to the car (a miracle he didn't see us!) and wait till he goes back inside. It takes him a few minutes and then with all the porch lights still on we cover the door. We were trying so hard not to laugh. Seriously we have had some awkward moments as a trio. For some reason we are blessed with the awesome timing of people getting home as we are standing on their front step or they pull out to leave as we get out of the car. Just some awesome things that we can't help but laugh about.
On Thursday we did a service project with the women in the ward. We tied lap blankets for the elderly at one of the local nursing homes. We had a blast just sitting and talking with the Sisters. We made 50 in about 2 hours which I was very impressed with. This ward is just fun. I don't know how else to describe it. They are open and love to talk and tell stories. I guess it is just the small town feel.
We went to do visits at a nursing home this week. There is a less active woman that lives there. While looking for her all the other old ladies stopped to talk to us. Olivia became our tour guide. I love nursing homes. It brought back the memories of doing visits and caroling there as a youth.
This week has made me sad to leave right before Christmas. I forgot how much fun and joy you have during this time of year. People want to talk about Christ and the Spirit is just every where around you. I am excited, though, that I get to come home and spend it with y'all :) It is hard when your heart is stuck in two places. Seriously, though. I am going to miss Texas. As I have spent time looking back this week I couldn't even wrap my head around the things I have learned and the people I have met and come to love. This has been the hardest but most fulfilling time of my life. It is terribly hard but there is so much joy that you can easily forget the pain. I don't know how I am going to leave...it honestly doesn't feel like I ever will. It sneaks up on you.
I testify that this is the Lord's work. His hand is in it every moment of the day. He is preparing the way and fixing the holes we leave behind. It is perfect. As we trust in Him each of us can play a role in helping people come unto Christ. We are a fallen people but He loves us and sees our potential. He is patient and caring. He knows us individually and will guide us if we will just listen. I know that I am redeemed because I have felt the power of the Atonement every single day I have been out here. He is giving us strength and ability beyond our own. I would have been home months ago if He was not right by my side. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and it has been an honor to represent him here in the Texas Houston South Mission.
I want to thank each of you for writing me, praying for me and supporting me. I have been so blessed by each of your examples and your faith. Thank you for fulfilling your callings and roles in and out of the home. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I am excited to tell you all about it when I get home. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and your last Kalle-free week ;)
I love you and I will see you next week!
Sister Greaves