Monday, January 3, 2011

Sister Ireland...sorry Dad that I'm not numbering my emails...‏

Monday, December 6, 2010

Dear Family,

This week has definitley been a transition. Family, this is my fourth transfer with my fourth sister....???? With most sisters in the mission, from what I understand, they've usually been with their companions for at least 2 to 3 transfers. After I learned that Sis. Tomlinson was getting transfered and I was going to be with Sis. Denis the question that kept on coming over and over in my mind was, why? Why can't I stay with a sister for more than one transfer? Am I crazy? :) It feels like with each transfer, thus far, the rug of 'change' is pulled out from under me and I have to keep on readjusting. For those of you that know me well, I do not care for change. It's uncomfortable, it's unfamiliar, at times it feels like I'm stepping into the 'unknown.' For example, most of you know that I love Macaroni Grill and that I always, without fail, order the spaghetti and meatball dish. It drives Mom and Dad crazy and remember one of my friends saying, "Why don't you try something different? Have a little....'change.' 'NAY!' I say, "because I love the spaghetti and meatball dish and nothing else can come close to it!" Once I'm comfortable with something I always stick with it and hardly ever branch out...because it's what's familiar. Well, I feel like Heavenly Father has something different in mind as I'm here serving my mission. This past week when I was doing my morning exercises I was asking the question to myself, "Why all of this change? Can't I have something consistent and familiar for a little bit?" Then the thought came to my mind, 'yes, you've been going through a lot of change and new things but 'I the Lord change not.' The Spirit taught me an important lesson that morning. He helped me realize that in the past I've been relying too much on people and circumstances that are familiar to help make me happy. But, people and circumstances come and go....things will ALWAYS change, but the Lord never does. I believe that I've been experiencing all of these changes so far on my mission because the Lord wants me to learn to rely on Him who is always there. Regardless of what sister I'm companions with or what new area I'm transfered to the Spirit always feels the same, and Gospel is always true no matter what circumstances or people I'm with. So, the Lord is definitely stretching me and I'm grateful for it.

Last night Sis. Denis and I went to the Christmas Devotional at the stake center. I felt a wee bit sentimental as I looked at the very familiar footage of Temple Square. As we were singing the hymns I was thinking how all of you were singing at the same time and I felt closer to you even though I felt far away. I thought about all of you during the devotional and felt so grateful that I have a family at home who is supporting me and is strong in the Gospel. The messages that were shared were inspired and came from servants of the Lord. I hope this Christmas we can all take the time to think more about our Savior and the Atonement that He performed for us individually. Perhaps our hearts won't become big by three sizes like the Grinches (ha ha I love President Uchtdorf) but they can become transformed as we place them in the hands of our Saviour this season, and for the rest of our time here on this Earth.

Love you Family!

Sister 'I'm starting to relish change' Ireland :)