Adventures of Miff & Petey: Pt 2

ok hello this has been one of the best/craziest weeks of ma lyfe!

So I'll tell a quick story with each of my photos 

(: 

-My snakester. We were walking on campus and it's practically d e a d because it's finals week right before summer break aka not a soul really wants to talk to us. So we (I) chased down this girl holding a snake and she had to take the picture for me because Sister Mifflin was standing twenty feet away HAHAHAHA, in the end the girl wasn't really that interested haha

-Katy Lu (: She is my person. I feel like there's a special moment when you meet that soul you were sent to save and Katy was mine. She is so special to me. Sacred. This summer she is going home and we introduced her to her sisters so they can take care of her. I will never forget the spiritual witnesses that I've had being with her. Every time we talk I know that God is real and His love is so deep for Katy. I know Heavenly Father has a detailed plan for her returning home.

-For 17 months all I can think of everyday is how much I love my little brother Oskar. He has taught me so much about gentleness and love. He is the most caring passionate person I know. This week he received his mission call, assigned to the Mexico, Hermosillo Mission. I could not be more proud of his decision and determination to serve. I love this kid.

-BREE! #dunked. Bree is like our best friend in the world. I love her so much!!! She was taught on a different campus by some elders but it's like they found her so we can love on her! Hahah she is a true bff and a real homie. Basically moving in with me in July (;

-Sister Gale got transferred this week because of her wedding proposal hahah but it was actually so sad. She is such a good missionary. SO loving and has a deep desire to share the truths of the gospel! WOW I LOVE HER! I will never forget our jam sessions and her beautiful voice singing Called to Serve (;

- Sister Mifflin! HAHAHAHA What a funny little human! Man she is a hoot! So we have to go pick up dinner for the new missionaries and we get a text from President Smith and it says his credit card is hidden on the front porch. Needless to say we acted like spies and I made Sister Mifflin do a tuck and roll to get in the car. Hahaha but as you can tell in the next pic she got a little worn out while we waited for our service project that day.... HAHAHAHA Oh my word. Sister Mifflin has really been my anchor this week. I've been a little all over the place with transfers and sending home my Sister Smario, but Sister Mifflin has held me together. I really don't know what I would do without her. On a final note, today at Bree's baptism I felt the spirit so strongly testify that God knows me. He knows my heart. He knows our dreams and our fears. He knows what we each need to return home. I know that He knows you. Choose to be an anchor in someone else's life. Every person in my life right now give me reason and purpose to be my best self. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father places each of us right where we need to be. Whether that's the middle of Mexico or Florida State University. He has a plan and He is working miracles on the daily. (:

-SISTER  p e t e r s e n 

Carry On!

- Last car selfie, but look it's 3 of my companions in one car!
 LOL (LOT'S of love)

This week was insane! So, Sunday night we got the anticipated phone call from President Smith with Transfer news. LO AND BEHOLD Sister Smario got moved to FORT WALTON BEACH. You can bet your apples I was crying! I was dang excited! Sister Mifflin is pretty awesome. What can I say I actually have the coolest companions in the south. Just Sayin. She's from Bakersfield, California and I served with her when I was in Fort Walton! Back in the day, Sister Evensen trained my fierce little companion! She is stellar! I am really excited to serve with her again!

- This is how Sister Smario left my desk.
Little notes and I love her and miss her so much!

- Sister Viola is leaving the field and I love this sister with all my heart.
She changed my mission!

Well, transfer week kind of shot our week but that's ok. Just a lot of craziness. We got to invite the new missionaries into our mission home and I love seeing them so much! Just their excitement and passion for the work! Friends, this is not a fairytale. We are doing important stuff and even though my home and my family and my cat seem like a distant dream, I feel the sacrifice that my fellow servants make and it reminds me of my own and that we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, do not sacrifice and follow Him in vain. Decide now what you're willing to do to endure to the end. 

I had the opportunity to go to a small fireside here where a church administrative, smart history byu professor, of sorts, came and spoke. His name is Robert Millet or something (; anyway it was really inspiring. He talked to us about deep conversion. Having pure understanding and knowledge of simple truths creates a deeper devotion to the Savior and the commandments and blessings He promises us. This coming week in conference we will be invited to do the small and simple things. We will be reminded and chastised by the spirit what we can improve on and we will be guided to light. If we are but willing to act on that light, our testimonies of the truthfulness of the restored gospel will burn within us. I have an unshakable testimony that I am an instrument in the hands of God for the salvation of His children, and guess what, so are you. Accept that in your heart. You are influencing the people around you and they are influencing you. Surround yourself with goodness and fellow saints and stay on the path that leads to eternal happiness! I love each of you so deeply and it is because of all the simple reasons that I love you that I can love you so deeply. When you mess up once or twice, I cannot throw away our entire relationship, this is how you need to be in developing your of the Prophet Joseph Smith and relationship with Jesus Christ.

Joseph was an instrument, a prophet of God. We have prophets on the earth today and we have the glorious opportunity to hear the voice of the Lord this coming week. Let us build upon our testimonies and the testimonies of those who have come before us. I love you all!

1. — Firm as the mountains around us,

Stalwart and brave we stand

On the rock our fathers planted

For us in this goodly land—

The rock of honor and virtue,

Of faith in the living God.

They raised his banner triumphant—

Over the desert sod.

2. We’ll build on the rock they planted

A palace to the King.

Into its shining corridors

Our songs of praise we’ll bring,

For the heritage they left us,

Not of gold or of worldly wealth,

But a blessing everlasting

Of love and joy and health.

And we hear the desert singing:

Carry on, carry on, carry on!

Hills and vales and mountains ringing:

Carry on, carry on, carry on!

Holding aloft our colors,

We march in the glorious dawn.

O youth of the noble birthright,

Carry on, carry on, carry on!

(ps you can sing the last line in the voice of Nate Ruess) 

-SISTER p e t e r s e n

Ain't no rest for the righteous

What a week my friends. Truth be told the Lord used me as an instrument this week because I would have died if I was supposed to orchestrate what we accomplished!

-Sometimes you have this kind of week where all you want to do is
get your groceries inside and you drop them everywhere and then
your companion takes a picture instead of helping you. HAHAHAHAHA

Highlight of the week! Due to some last minute transferring situations, we now have Sister Wilson in our little #POUND of sisters! WOW I LOVE HER! She is probably the happiest little Australian gem I've ever had the pleasure of being around! Gosh I love her and we have Marianna in common and I love Marianna, so sorry for everyone else but she just jumped to the top of my A-list (;

Ok, ok, ok, I'll tell you a story! So Valentine's day was absolutely nuts on campus! So many booths and people and the spirit was just NOT there. We were feeling pretty weird so we decided to head back to the institute and on our way there we see these SCARY AS HECK catholic priests walking towards us! I'm talking full dark cloaks with huge crosses on their necks, it was like Da Vinci Code, Voltaire, paranormal activity scary status! Like the spirit WOOOOOOOSH left us! Yeah......we ran. hahahaha but then we decided Satan was not going to scare us off campus there's only room for one of us in this town! Next thing you know we find this super prepared girl who's looking for a church and read the Book of Mormon one time that was in the nightstand in her hotel room. Moral of the Story, when you think your soul is about to get sucked out by death eaters, just remember there's a cool girl ready to talk to you just over that mountain!

-FSU because I love it with my life!

Next! Katy is doing so awesome! We had a great lesson with her and she's hopefully going to make it to church this Sunday! She throws the hardball questions but she's genuine and she doesn't know how close she is!

Elder Holland is riding in our Mini Van next week. Yep. We're basically famous.

My last and final note of the evening. I serve in a foreign country where people have shortcut phrases you don't typically hear in the civilized world. This week's newest term of endearment refers to a VW Beetle. Aka Herbie. When they want to nickname it, instead of the normal person term "SLUG BUG" they call it "PUNCH BUGGIE". Yes, I repeat, "PUNCH BUGGIE". 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I have an ongoing feud with this kid in our YSA ward about which is more politically correct haha. Cast your vote.

-This is my pal Willie. Willie has a 7ft arm span. Willie is cool.

All I have to say is,  Acts 17:30 "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent". Saying Punch Buggie was cute and fun, but this is the real world where we say Slug Bug. I have mercy on my brethren though, His truth I will proclaim! 

-SISTER  p e t e r s e n

Sister Smario's Valentine for when people
bash us on campus!!!

-SISTER WILSONNNNNNNNNNN eating
Chips and Salsa in the car hahahahaah I LOVE HER!

Since I'm going to Hawaii I haven't been eating sugar SOS

Hello friends. I am in Tallahassee Florida and I've never been colder in my life. 

-first night in Tally and we had to sleep on the floor. #lol

So right now, FSU Campus is closed for Winter Break. Fortunately, we have a man who receives revelation from on high for the missionaries here! We have literally just been riding the Tallahassee city buses for days on end talking to everyone we come in contact with. It's so fun!!! After we meet people and such, we just hand them off to other missionaries. It's kind of sad because we don't get to teach them and see them progress, but we are contacting like fools!

Bus people are crazy. 

Straight up.

 

-bus life. just look at this picture. this is bus life.

                        I have to clarify before I tell you this story, I DID NOT HITCHHIKE! Ok, glad we're both on the same page! We got stranded our first day, twice actually. The first time a miracle happened! We were nowhere near a bus stop and the bus we needed to get on was passing us and I may, or may not, have stopped it, so, very graciously, the bus driver pulled over and we were able to join the future saints of the C Bus!! (: I won't go into detail but we have been stranded a couple times and they have been learning experiences and growing pains! I remember Sister Smario through tears of laughter, and rain freezing us to the marrow of our bones, with a semi that just splashed water on us, said, "This is the lowest point of my mission!"   HAHAHAHAHAAH   Later, as we were waiting for the bus that never came, we decided the only thing worse than standing there would be if other missionaries saw us, right then a Malibu with a bike rack pulls up to the light! IT WAS THE ASSISTANTS TO THE PRESIDENT! ...TALK ABOUT EMBARRASSMENT ... HAHAHA!!

Real talk, we met a really special couple at one stop. Sylvester and Christine are from New York looking for work. They were SO PREPARED! They both accepted a Book of Mormon and Christine started crying and told us she prayed very earnestly on Christmas that God would find her and we were the answer to her prayers! We have a church tour with them today! It was almost like a movie to me. It was one of those out of body experiences while we were riding the bus with them and having a very spiritual conversation. Elder Jones and Elder Burbidge were also on the same bus contacting the person next to them. I was listening to Sister Smario testify of the restored gospel and the peace Jesus Christ offers us. The spirit was penetrating our small company. It was one of the moments from my mission I will never forget. The kingdom of God is rolling forth.

-What better time to wear matching ugly sweaters
than when skyping home?

For Christmas we watched a movie called The Other Wiseman. There was one line that really hit me. This wiseman was searching for Jesus Christ his whole life and a prophet told him, "To find the Savior you must look among the sick and impoverished, the weak and the weary, and there you will find him." That's how I feel being on the buses. Even though we have met some prepared people, most of the people we are in contact with are homeless or very close to being so. It breaks my heart to see them in this state, but I know that the Savior loves them and he suffered for each one of them just as he has for me. What an eye-opening experience to bring the gospel to my brothers and sisters here. <3

-SISTER  p e t e r s e n

-FTM Jingle Belt

*Christmas conf pics because look how fun it is!!*

            

*MERRY CHRISTMAS*

 & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Pday or BDAY

-That awkward moment when Sis. Amare gets me a Bama bag
 and then FSU is the new thing.

Holla atcha girl I'm old now. 
2 decades ago this beauty was born!

Well it seems as though the Lord said there was no room in the Fairhope Inn for Sister Petersen so I have to move my residence across the mission to Tallahassee! I am being transferred tomorrow to FSU Campus with Sister Smario!! (: (: (: It's going to be crazy fun and wow I'm just so so so so so excited!!! Did not see this one coming but it's going to be really awesome and fun so yay!

-BEN CAME TO CHURCH

BEN CAME TO CHURCH! BEN CAME TO CHURCH! BEN CAME TO CHURCH! In case you didn't hear, our investigator Ben came to church! OK Legit the best present I ever could've asked for! I was CRYING I was so excited and happy! It was perfect! I actually got a picture with him but only because I told him I was leaving haha not actually because he was in the church! But anywho,it was so good! He sat next to me and we were singing the song Far,Far Away On Judea's Plains, and I look over and realize he's not singing! UNACCEPTABLE! So I nudge him and I'm like, "You're not singing, you're just moving your mouth!" Then NO JOKE he started singing RIGHT ON THIS LINE!

Lord, with the angels we too would rejoice;

Help us to sing with the heart and voice:

Can you say Christmas...... MIRACLE?!?!? It gave me chills and I could not stop smiling the entire time!

- #sohotrightnow

Another cool story! We were on our way to Saraland and we saw a broken down truck and this police man got behind his truck with his police car and pushed him into the parking lot. I don't know why but I thought it was really touching. Thinking about Light the World initiative I loved seeing the good people in the world help each other out. I have truly loved every minute that I've been blessed to serve my brothers and sisters here in Fairhope. I am truly going to miss them. This is a sacred area.

- the bff Damaris my fav investigator giving me life advice per usual

Ok y'all that's pretty much all I've got for you! I love you all so so very much! Thank you for all the birthday wishes and packages I actually bawled like a baby! Thank you so much! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! Other sheep I have in Tallahassee. It's been real my friends. It's been real good.

-SISTER  p e t e r s e n

oh yeah last note, pdays are on Saturdays for me now haha #campuslife

Momma I made it!

.. y'all don't even know what's about to hit this zone

SISTER HULSTINE OF THE HULSTINE FAMILY OF THE SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA PROVIDENCE IS PLEASED TO JOIN ME IN THE WORK OF SALVATION.

Picked up this Sister who was hitch hiking down the road and needed a ride back to Fairhope. Sister Hulstine is sweet. Like suuuuuwweeeet! She is from California and she actually came out on her mission the transfer right before me! We served in the Fort Walton Zone together and basically she doesn't know this but I've had an undying desire to be her companion for 11 months. (: So I'm excited!

The most exciting thing in the mission right now is that we made it on the news! HEYO! Basically there was a big lighting of the trees in Downtown Fairhope, and we went to talk about Hashtag Light the World with people, and this guy was like hey do you wanna do an interview and we were like, yeah. So now I'm famous! I've made it. I've arrived. I might as well just pack up and go home now because I've peaked getting that black tag to all of the the Mobile Tri-State area 

 (: .. my 15 mins of fame - link -   News - Fairhope Christmas Tree Lighting #lighttheworld

Elder Beheshti from the seventy came to our stake conference and it was awesome! He was so powerful as he testified about repentance. It really all begins with one choice. Who do you want to be in one year? In five years? In thirty? It had a huge impact on me. 

 all my beautiful sisters from the Mobile Zone

Yesterday wasn't Pday so we could have a Zone Conference. Friends, there's a lot I don't know. There's a lot I am imperfect at. But I know President Smith is called of God to be here and to lead out this mission, and in knowing that, I know even more deeply that this work is true. I am beyond grateful for the knowledge I have of this restored gospel. I take it for granted far too often. I have such a deep love for my Savior. He truly is the Master Healer, the Great Physician. Please, come and join in His redeeming love. 

.. the one and only Sister Nielsen, she brings life to my soul

HAPPY THANKSTURKEYGIVINGGUMBODAY

-SISTER  p e t e r s e n

Can you hear my voice this time?

We're gathered here today to remember our dear loved one Sister Evensen, who is graduating from this period of her mortal life. She was a fighter. Her name will always be engraved on the hearts of many in Bama including for starters my own. This soldier has changed my life and impacted the history of the world. Tallahassee 6 is gaining the best of the best of the best SIR. I truly had the time of my life fighting dragons with her. Only Jesus Christ and probably Mama Suz truly understand how much I adore and love Liz Evensen from Alpine Utah. I thank my Heavenly Father every day that she is a soul I have in this life to call my friend.

On another note, this week changed my mission. We have some really incredible people we're working with. One of our bff members Sister Schuerman (Nikos aka Dumbledore's mom) referred us to her neighbor and Katrina is SO COOL. She loved the Restoration and when we taught her about Joseph Smith she was like "whoa, I have chills." It was cool. But there were a lot of distractions so even though she got a lot out of it we didn't really feel the spirit, it was weird haha. 

Thursday the RS threw a baby shower for Marina Ramos at Olive Garden! Oh it was such a blast! I love this woman with all my heart she is so great! Her mom was visiting from Moldova and only speaks Russian. Well when we were leaving her mom grabbed my bag of leftovers and would not give it back because she thought it was hers.. I was anxious. I wanted my leftovers woman. I EAT CANNED SOUP, GIVE ME MY RAVIOLI! Long story short through an awkward broken conversation I got my food.... I'll spare you the details...

Friday we had a mission wide no car day and it was supposed to be really faith promoting and seeing a bunch of miracles but we just got stranded and had to walk and waste a bunch of time...... I guess it built our character or something. HAHAH

Saturday my testimony got wrecked. We visited a family who hasn't come to church in a while and apparently they converted to Catholicism. He was so nicely and cunningly vicious. Like he would compliment us and then just stab doctrine and testimony and he liked completely ripped apart the character of Joseph Smith. We left on a good note but all that night my spirit was hurting so bad. The next day at church was not a fix. In Sunday School our class very quickly got into deep doctrine and the elders were scrambling like turkeys because their investigator was there for the first time and she was SO FREAKED OUT! So basically it was like a million stress levels and a half. 

By the end of the block I was drained. The elders had a baptism for these two kids right after church and that's when God lifted all my burdens off my back. President Jurgens over our stake, pulled me and Sister Evensen out to ask us about something and we ended up debriefing our work with him. He gave us so much good advice about being a missionary for Jesus Christ and truly understanding what we are offering people. He told us that the "darkest night is just before the dawn." It changed my mission. I felt so powerful walking out of that divinely appointed meeting. The rest of the day went seamlessly. And the most piercing miracle of my full-time service occurred. 

Two days previous we met a kid named Damelle who was home early from school. Because of time this was the only house we knocked on in this huge cul-de-sac. When we came back to see him Sunday night I felt a special presence of something about to take place that I would forever be a witness to. His mother then answered the door. Damelle was attending a night session at their church but we told her who we were and Danyka invited us in. We sat five feet away from her small, humble, living room and we answered questions she had about God. We explained to her how important our message of the Restoration of Jesus Christ's gospel is and the spirit shielded the entire room. Every word that we spoke was not from us but it pierced her heart with truth. Danyka heard, for the first time in her life, two ordained ministers of Jesus Christ. She is getting baptized December 9th and I plead with each person reading this to pray for her family. Pray that they will not forget that night.

Sometimes being a missionary is rough. But Jesus Christ never had it easy, so why should we? He will shape our backs to carry our load. He is working through us at every turn. Brothers and Sisters, I testify to you that this truly is the fullness of times. God has a prophet on this earth. Now is the time to arise and bring our families back with us. 

"It doesn't matter how hard you hit, it matters how hard you get hit and get up and keep going."

-SISTER  p e t e r s e n 

Hurricane Nate: Forecast for disappointment.

I'll cut to chase, I'm still alive. Nate hit over in Mississippi. It's always a sad day when they tell you you're gonna get a hurricane and then it never happens..(Irma, Jose, Nate) Quit playin with my heart Al Roker.

Tuesday- Embarked on a man hunt for people to teach. We biked. We walked. We danced. We sang. We knocked. We worked our little butts off. And as it turns out, the Lord is very mindful of His servants. We were led straight to Missy and Sophie's front porch! Missy was raised all hell fire damnation, and demonic crap, which has caused her to become somewhat agnostic. We testified of the Plan of Happiness and just seeing the light and love that filled their home. Wow. Sophie is 10 and she is the cutest girl in my life. Pretty much a miracle if I ever did see one.

Wednesday- 9 MONTH MARK BABY! We had to spend the day at Transfer Spot in Pensacola.. it was hot, hot, hot. BUT, I got to see our Elders from the MTC so that was super fun! Oh man at Chick-fil-A I couldn't decide what to order so I let ONE person go in front of me and he turned out to be the 100th customer of the day so he got free food and cookies!!! UGH I WAS SO SO SO ANGRY AGHHHHH. Still mad just thinking about it. Lesson learned.

SHOUT OUT~ Tiff birthed my new baby niece!!!!! <3 

family is forever, that's what's up.

Thursday- In the car for 6 hours to be at Mission Leadership Council, but don't worry I told the whole story of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat to Sister Evensen with music included. MLC was hilarious but turns out I'm the only person in the mission who understands quality humor, so yes I was the only one laughing basically the whole time. HAHAH!

Friday- Zone Conference in our building. It was craziness. Basically, Thursday night we drove straight to the church, set up tables, drove home, slept, came back to the church. So my little tush was sitting for almost two days! It was a good conference but the energy level was low. We did everything we could to pump it up, BUT THEN we got word of the hurricane coming in!!! Dang that was super exciting! 

Ok best part of the whole day, Sister Evensen was a champ and got her flu shot!! We supported her the whole way, she never would have got there without us. (; but fo reals she was a flippin baller getting the needle plunged into her arm!

Saturday- We wake up to texts and phone calls from the Zone Leaders that they are evacuating us! HAHAHAH We were SO EXCITED. Throughout the day we got assigned and reassigned to other missionaries/members homes. We finally ended up staying at our Stake President's home with his family. Then a miracle happened inside my soul...

The Jurgens made their kids get our stuff from the car, now that's quality service.

This whole week I was having somewhat of a pity party being a little pooper. I was really missing home. I was sick and tired of my leadership role. I felt like we didn't get to work much. My head and body have been throbbing (because of the drastic changes in air pressure), I was basically done. Friday night I prayed to God and I told Him I just can't do it. I cannot be the missionary He expects of me. I received a spiritual confirmation "hold on til tomorrow". Saturday we spent literally from about 3:30 until 10:30 playing games and eating and laughing and telling stories with the Jurgens family through the storm. They had a bedroom set up for us. We mentioned caramel popcorn and they made it. I had homemade waffles with Mrs. Buttersworth Syrup! CHECKMATE ATHEISTS!!! They treated us like royalty! We had permission to watch Aladdin. For the first time in my mission I felt like a normal person. This was probably one of the funnest nights I've had this year. 

Sister Evensen's first time watching Aladdin, obviously converted her.

As I was writing in my journal that night I realized that my true favorite part of the whole day was teaching Ben the Word of Wisdom. I found so much joy teaching him about the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. And that's when I understood true happiness. Don't misunderstand me, Saturday was beyond fun on so many levels, but nothing will ever compare to the pure joy I feel when I find, teach, and baptize God's children. Nothing compares to the pain this burden is. Nothing compares to the happiness that enters my soul to look into someone's eyes and proclaim to them a God who created them and loves them. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father sent Hurricane Nate, which ps never even touched our area just some intense thunderstorms, to let my see first hand the contrast of my normal life and what I'm doing now. Commandments, mission rules, standards, promises, covenants, they are not restrictive, I promise they create the perfect and only path for true undying joy. I know that God wants me here. I know that we are making a difference in His kingdom.

I know that God answers prayers.

-SISTER  p e t e r s e n 

Permanently moving to Alabama just for the sunsets.

Sweet Home ALABAMA. Cliche? Get over it.

ALABAMA BABY!!!!! I LITERALLY MADE IT. I AM LIVING THE DREAM!

This past week has been such a bizarre dream. Monday/Tuesday was complete chaos getting ready to leave Marianna. We went to appointments and said goodbye to people and just ran around like chickens with their heads chopped off! BUT I'll have y'all know, I did manage to pack all my things into my 3 suitcases...... with a laundry basket for my shoes hahaha. BUT THAT'S REALLY GOOD FOR A SISTER! After the ward party Tuesday night (they were celebrating P. Monson's birthday HAHAHA),                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             we drove to Tallahassee and spent the night with some sisters there. Which was such a tender mercy because one of the sisters served in Marianna and Fairhope so I got the goodbye and hello! 

Transfer Day: GOLLY. So exhausting. I helped people pack up stuff all morning and geez louise Florida is a warm little bugger I'll tell you. We sweat a lot that day. So I rode the Hasselhough! I drove on the transfer 15 seater van on the longest stretch, Tallahassee to Mobile! It wasn't that bad but I was so tired after being energetic and upbeat all day long to please the fans. But I did see all my comps leaving like Sis Ramadhar and Sis Saunders (: When I got to Mobile stop you already know Sis E greeted me like a long lost puppy that finally returned home. We were flippin. And basically we haven't stopped talking and laughing and straight up preaching the gospel since that moment. I literally love serving. I just love my calling. I love scattering sunshine into people's souls.

this random dude gave us free donuts because we're missionaries. Legit I love Alabama

Fairhope. what. THIS IS THE CUTEST PLACE IN THE WORLD. I mean seriously. This place is like so perfect. Everything here just ignites my soul. I love being in Alabama, I love the people. Fairhope is like "small town" but it's like classy southern. Not just run down old time southern. IT'S SO CHARMING. And we are working with amazing investigators. AHHHHHH. We had a lesson with Tracy about the Plan of Salvation and she was so excited and just loved everything we taught her. It's lessons like that when I know that this is so true. There's no way something false could bring so much happiness and joy into a conversation. She is getting baptized September 23rd, send prayers (:

dun dunna dun dun dun ~STORY TIME WITH SISTA P~ 

We knocked on someone's door who wasn't home and I get stung by a bee, 🐝 so I was a little grumpy. Then Sister Evensen was like, "Why did the Lord want us to be in this neighborhood today? Who do we need to talk to?" Right then some guy pulls up next door and gets out of his car. So we speed walk trying to get to him but he goes inside and we knock on the door and he's totally not interested, no worries thank you for your time sir! We look across the street and this older gentleman is washing his car. So to break the ice I say hello and ask if he has any cream for my bee stung finger! He was very alarmed and he directed us firmly to take a seat on his front porch while he went inside to get something. John came back out with a pharmacy in his arms and his front shirt pocket was stuffed full of creams and ointments. HAHAHAH. It was so kind! He was so so cute! He then proceeded to cake my finger in antibiotic ointment just to be sure. He was so cute! We started talking about our purpose as missionaries and he got really emotional. He told us a story of a young man that was in the Navy with him many many years ago who was a Mormon. John told us how much he always loved his example of the Savior and just being so Christlike. It was such a miracle that we got to talk to John and that he had the opportunity to serve us with my finger. We are going back to teach John and his wife Marilyn later this week. 

I know this is not just a coincidence. I know we are on the Lord's errand and He is working miracles all around us every single day. Open your eyes to His miracles. They are everywhere and they are not just limited to His missionaries. The day of miracles has not ceased. 

Well that's about it for the weekly. Sister Evensen is all of my wildest dreams come true. I swear it shouldn't be allowed for us to be companions because we basically are like best friends and we have way to much fun for this to feel like work. We talk to everyone. We even parked our car on the side of the road and ran down this girl walking! Take advantage of every blessing God weaves into your daily life. 

SISTER  p e t e r s e n