If we don't find Tommy or Gina this week I'll be highly disappointed.

Halfway baby. How did that happen? Couldn't tell ya. State the obvious, this week was not a perfect fantasy. I'll be honest with you, we're hardcore on the struggle bus to find new investigators right now. Fairhope is a really fun, artsy city, kind of like Park City, therefore people don't recognize anything missing from their lives. BUT that's ok! We're still searching. 

​Sis Asberry made me caramel popcorn for General Conference <3

General Conference was fab. Like totes ma goats the realist. I could get very deep with you and share all my personal insights, but it would take me years to write that. I loved hearing from God. Read the Book of Mormon daily. It is true. There are no coincidences. Show your love for others by putting your phone down long enough to serve them. Yes, that applies to you who are reading this thinking that doesn't apply to you.

Just a note on my favorite humans in Fairhope (:

Marina and Byron Ramos~ Marina is taking the lessons right now and we're taking things very slow with her. She is from Moldova and her foundation of Jesus Christ is really shaky, unlike every soul in the south, she really isn't Christian. The sisters have been teaching her for a long time, helping her know about Jesus Christ enough to come to know Him. Also she's pregnant and she is the cutest lady in my life! Brother Ramos is a convert himself and he absolutely loves the gospel. Yesterday they had us over for dinner and she made me BORCHT (Spence, I don't know if that's how you spell it). It was the kindest thing in my life. She made it because I mentioned how I wanted to try it one day! The spiritual highlight of the night was when we asked about their experiences watching conference. Brother Ramos told us his only goal in life is to have his priesthood restored so he can be worthy to give his children father's blessings. I almost fell out of my chair the spirit was so raw and powerful.

I've never thought about how blessed I have been in my life until I served a mission. 

Sister Evensen is stuck with me another six weeks and we have our work cut out. It is our reaction to the hard situation that we're in that will distinguish us from the world. Also, I love her more than peanut butter so it's gonna stay bumpin.

Sis Evensen sent this...She
s determined to teach Sister Petersen the Splits!

Mid-Mission Crisis: A milestone that one reaches halfway through serving a Full-Time LDS mission (typically 9-12 month mark), when said missionary reaches the capacity to handle emotional, physical, spiritual stress and starts to question or doubt the effectiveness of the past several months. Usually resulting in a state of panic causing much stress and self criticism, while recognizing desired improvements and goals that may or may not be reached by the time they are released.

Antidote: "Take my hand, we'll make it I swear, we're livin' on a prayer."

SISTER  p e t e r s e n 

speak softly, but carry a BIG STICK

I learned how to juggle this morning at the beach, check that off the bucket list.

dat southern tree overhang doh ft. Good Will dress numba uno

At district meeting last Tuesday we sang I'm trying to be like Jesus, and let me just tell you when you have 8 adults who are literally trying their hardest to be like the Savior singing a primary song, the spirit is pretty overwhelming. It was definitely one of the better parts of the week! Also me and Sis E bought a bunch of dresses at Good Will last pday and we've been rocking those on the daily! Elder Greene said I looked like his first grade teacher hahah! 

Wednesday we had interviews with President Smith, and it was one of the most spiritual experiences I've ever had. I know that the Priesthood leaders of this church, especially mission presidents, are called of God. Just another testimony to me of the truthfulness of this gospel. 

The Moellers fed us again and their five kids chased a fly the whole dinner it was hilarious!

OK The KENSTER!!!! Kenny! He's getting baptized on SATURDAY! Yes, you read that right! This Saturday!!!!! Oh my goodness words do not explain the joy I have for him. Yesterday we taught our last lesson on Tithing and Fasting and not gonna lie, I thought it might be a deal breaker for him. Well after we taught tithing, he was like "Yeah that totally makes sense, I'll do it." So I'm thinking sweet hard part's over, NOT QUITE! Kenny isn't your average Joe! Ha! So we teach fast offering and he goes "What! You want me to not eat! I HAVE to have BIG meals" HAHAHAH I was SO taken back that he was willing to pay part of his income in faith, but not skip a couple meals I don't know why but it struck my funny bone! He's just so funny and he's so flippin prepared for the gospel it's unreal. Yesterday he told us he might go on a mission one day! He's so awesome! 

ok final words from yours truly... Carrying a big stick, aka your testimony of the Stick of Ephraim- The Book of Mormon. Testimony is the only thing we have. Really. And I believe that's why it's so powerful. All we have to know that Joseph Smith truly did see God the Father and His son Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove, is his testimony. We stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places. We don't have to shout, we just have to share. The spirit speaks softly but the impact it has is BIG. The Book of Mormon is the only way to know that all of this is true. When we are anchored in the words of Christ, we can testify boldly and the spirit will work through us. One of our Part-Member families we have been extremely involved with just dropped us and I'll admit I was at a loss as to what to say to them. I honestly could not hold back my tears as they were denying themselves the opportunity to be an eternal family. So in response to their concern and what seemed like a final answer I just opened my mouth and testified of the Book of Mormon. It had nothing to do with what they were worried about, but I knew it's what I have been called to bear my witness of. The family agreed to continue reading the Book of Mormon but will not be taking the lessons any longer. Although my heart felt crushed because of how much I love this sweet family, I know that they will come to find the truthfulness of the everlasting gospel. I know it. Those who have ears to hear, let them hear. So speak softly, let the spirit testify through you, but be anchored in your conviction of the Book of Mormon. It is the words of Christ. I know it and I cannot deny the miracles I have experienced because of it. 

I love y'all so much!

-sister P E T E R S E N    pics or it didn't happen: 

Stewbies with a captial S, 

 car selfie for the win

 and lastly my home girl Marie (Age 89) and no she did not want to take this picture, all I remember her saying when I asked was "I always hated chocolate"