Hello Everybody! :) 8/6/12

Hello!

                So my first transfer is this Wednesday, AND......I am staying in Memorial Park; however, my trainer is not! Which is weird because I was supposed to be with my trainer for 12 weeks, and I have only been with her for three. So, basically I'm getting a new trainer! I'll tell you about her next week I guess. :) I don't know my new companion, but I know that my current companion is leaving. They called this morning to tell her to pack and get ready for transfers. Crazy!

                I can't believe I have been on my mission for such a LONG time! It's amazing how time warps in the service of the Lord. the days are long, but the weeks are short. I've already been out for two months exactly! Crazy, crazy.... :)

I'm sorry I didn't get to really e-mail you last week. The day didn't go as planned, it got us quite a bit off schedule and prevented me from really being able to e-mail.

There are so many things going on right now.

                I have a little twelve year old girl investigator and her mom as well, but the father is causing lots of conflict. If you could take a moment to offer some prayers for the ---- family I would appreciate it. However, I don't remember if I'm allowed to ask you to do that or not.....mmm. Well, I think that prayers are okay.

                Bro. ---- ---- is planning on getting baptized but he postponed his date. He doesn't feel like he's ready. He is such a precious man- he doesn't realize how ready he is to enter into the fold of God. However, he is full of faith that the church is true. It's actually really cool. And he's going to put in more effort in reading the Book of Mormon to know and be ready and everything. He has come so far since I met him. The gospel has already blessed his life. He is much happier than he was. He smiles more, and jokes a little. It's beautiful to see how much all of us need the gospel in our lives, and how special the blessings are for each one of us.

                 I love the Lord teaches us individually in the way we will understand. He has always taught us one-on-one, and all of our tests have been open book. He has never asked us to do something or endure something that He hasn't given us the strength to complete and accomplish. And He even loves us enough to pull us up out of the holes we get ourselves into as well.

                I want you all to know how special you are to me. I love you very much, and you have been a wonderful and lasting influence in my life. I am grateful to have been blessed with the time I was given with you! My heart will always hold spots reserved just for you, forever and always. Please remember that I love you!

                I am actually going to go to the alligator park today! That sounds exciting....hehe! I'll send you some pictures, or at least the boys some pictures. ;)

Me-rockin' the sign. :)
It's like Yellowstone, but with gaters!

                I don't remember all the wonderful things that have happened these last few weeks, normally I make a list of the things I want to tell you. Just to make sure I don't forget anything! But I don't have my list with me....so I basically forgot EVERYTHING! Some strange things about Texas:

• There stop lights are horizontal instead of verticle.
• They have the most obsurd colors of fire hydrants. I call some of them smurfs because they have a blue body and a white top.
• They have the funniest advertising....They totally do the whole made by Texans for Texans in the fresh produce section. :)
• They have a street in Houston named Texas.
• They have caution church signs. :) That one made me laugh so hard!
• They also have streets that were designed by 6 different minds and 7 different organization patterns....or somebody woke up one day and said to themselves, " I am going to make a road system that will wreak havoc on Sis. Chris. when she comes to Texas on her mission!!! HAHAHAHA!" I'm fairly confident it is the latter. :)
• Sigh, there are so many things I would love for you to know, and share with you! Nevertheless, the one thing I need you to know next to that fact I love you, is that I love the Lord. I am so grateful I made this choice. I have so much to learn about the gospel, but I know what I need to know to be an instrument in the hands of my Savior. And come what may, I hope it will be said of me: Her life was lived for the Lord. He died for me, and I live for Him. I pray that my desire will spread like wild fire to the people I meet. That they will have a desire to come unto Christ as well, with me.

                 I know life gets pretty crazy, but take time this week to sit down with each other and share your testimony with those people closest to you. Let them know you love them but sharing your love of the Savior with them. They are precious, and it will be a precious experience. Help each other learn and grow. Lift each other. That is what we are here for! And especially come to know your Savior, know Him and He will know you. I love you and pray that all is well with you. I pray that you see the gospel is blessing your life as I know it is! Look for the tender mercies!

              I'll remember my list next week so I tell you everything, and I want to close with a quick testimony:

My dear friends and family,

I want...I need you to know: I know that I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. I know that He knows my name, and has prepared a path for me to walk. He has a specific and individual plan for me, and for you. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me, and is VERY patient with me. I pray that I can emulate such behavior with those around me. I want to become who He meant for me to become. I want to go home and have Him recognize me, and for Him to tell me: : Well done, my precious daughter. Welcome home!

I have a knowledge of the Atonement. It is far more expanding than most people allow it to be. Christ's Atonement is a sacrifice to cause healing. We have fallen, we are broken and ONLY He can lift us up and heal us. I am grateful to know that He knows how to run to me and give me aid in my sorrows, pains, and afflictions. I am grateful to know Him and to grow closer to Him the rest of my life! My Savior is my friend! A dear, dear friend who I come to know better every day.

The church is true. It's as simple as that, and if you will follow the council given by the Prophet and Apostles, if you abide by the precepts of the Book of Mormon, if you make convenants with the Lord, if you strive to follow His example you will receive the greatest, purest happiness you will ever know, and you will endure to the end.

I know this to be true, I carry it in my heart and thank God that I know it. May His peace be with you. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Love you!

Forever,

Sis. Chris.

All different gaters - all wild gaters - all seen and photographed by me! :)
Oh, and a banana spider - which is HUGE!