February 4, 2019

Funny:  The Dakotas are experiencing a polar vortex sweeping in. It hit us yesterday. It's not that bad though. Last week we had a high of 55! I didn't even need a jacket! then today we woke up and the high is like 5. It's not that bad. I have to keep telling myself that. Poor Sister Eliesa is used to Tongan weather, weirdly I get colder easier than her. That is why President Howell has us in Hot Springs, we are the two most cold intolerant sisters in the mission. 

Spiritual: The Atonement of Jesus Christ can truly get us through any and all things. The Lord knows us so well. Knows our strengths and weaknesses, knows our needs and desires. He knows all of it. He loves us so much. He lets us go through hard things so we can grow and learn. I am very grateful for that. Looking back there is not one thing I would have changed about my circumstances. Even when they were hard. I'm very grateful for every hard thing, because it is what has made me strong. Strength doesn't come from within ourselves though. It comes from learning to rely on Christ.

Where I am at: Sister Eliesa and I are doing great! We try our best every day to do the Lord’s work. We have seen lots of blessings and miracles this week. The Lord is hastening his work, and if we listen to him, and come unto Christ we can help him do his work! Being a missionary has brought me more joy than I have ever had. It's overwhelming sometimes how happy I am. The reason I have that joy is because I get to spend every day serving, loving, and teaching others the way that Christ would. I am so grateful that I have this opportunity! I love you all so much!

Mitakuye Oyasin