The Week of "A WHOLE NEW WORLD!!!"

A whole new world!!!! A new and interesting point of view. Everyone tells us no, and WHERE to go. And says we're only dreaming!

Lynchburg, VA! Home of Liberty University (Baptist college). Home of huge honka houses.

People here are LOADED. Everything is brand new. And it throws me off. I don't know how to teach these people! But I'm working on it.

Sister Lopp is lots of fun. Reminds me of Kylie Foote so we have quite a bit of fun ;) And she's really cute.

But it's always really hard to adjust. I've had more people here get in my face in these 3 days I've been here than the 4 1/2 months in Dublin. I don't know what to do. I just shut down. I can't argue. Cuz then I'll want to punch people, and that might not be the best way to "hasten the work". It's a good thing Sister Lopp is so excited and can find ways to end on a happy and good note with provoking people cuz I just want to say, "Have a nice day!" and walk merrily on my way. I'll figure it out. I don't really have a choice, because there's no avoiding it :)

Adjusting to anything new is weird and hard, but leaving is harder. The Martins drove us to Blacksburg and we got to hang out for a few hours waiting for the bus to come. We had so much fun and they spoiled me rotten with gifts. My favorite is the sign Dylan picked out for me :)

And then the bus came. And Dylan cried and cried, and I cried and cried. I love that kid like you wouldn't believe. That was just hard, and in retrospect, not the best idea for anyone.......too many tears. BUT I did leave. Eventually. I really didn't want to.

I miss my home in Radford Ward. I keep comparing everything to it. And I fear I always will! There's lots to be done here in Forest though. There are currently 3 wards and a branch in Lynchburg and they're pushing hard to be able to become a Stake. So that's our focus here. What can we do to turn this area into a booming Stake!

Thank you for all the ideas and support about the headaches. I found from some people that Lynchburg is the WORST place for allergies and sinus problems......so yeah. It's been real fun.

I don't really know what else to say..........I haven't been here very long.

-Sister Packard

Best:
1. Own closet and bathroom. SAWEET!
2. I'M SERVING WITH ELDER LOPEZ AGAIN!!!!!!
3. People in the other Ward know lots of family in Washington.
4. It can only go up from here.

Worst:
1. People get up in my personal bubble.
2. People complaining about money problems.......oh, they have no idea (yes I'm judging).
3. Most people talk properly here.....BORING! I've turned hick too soon :)
4. I miss my Dublin home and family members.