Mostly.

Mostly I wish I could re-do the first time people asked why I came home. I did not come home because I was depressed. 

Mostly I don't go to the temple nearly as much as I should. 

Mostly I think about how often I'm praying for something, and someone else is praying for the exact opposite!

Mostly I love stealing my nieces and nephews for the day to be the coolest Aunt ever. If I don't have any money it's their fault for being so cute.

Mostly I read books that make me FEEL something. Books that inspire!

Mostly I can't wait to go back to the East Coast. I miss my friends there :)

Mostly I want to go camping. Bonfires! Sleeping under the stars! Mallows and hot dogs! 

Mostly I try really hard not to be annoying or appear obnoxious. But, I'm really bad at that part.

Mostly I like to laugh.

Mostly I ALWAYS think Duke should win, and UNC never should.

Mostly I can't wait to go back to the beach. A week and a half left. Then I'm THERE! 

Mostly I eat chocolate. Seriously I've been keeping track. I eat more chocolate than anything else throughout the day. I think it's doing wonders for my health :)

Mostly my Mother has been getting extremely sassy. It's been very entertaining to see.

-Sarah

Talking to the moon.

My love. I'm here again in the dark. The world has long gone asleep, but I'm still here. I'm talking to the moon.

I send sweet whispers to the moon. The sun was to hot. It burned those sweet nothings long before they could reach you. But the moon. A gentle force that reflects all things. Even love.

My love. Sent up. Sent back down. Sent so far. My love, do you feel my love? My love. Do you know of my love? So much distance and time.

What once burned so strong, has the flame dimmed? Has it flickered out into darkness? My love. Do I still feel your love? What was once so sure has become so muddled and obscure.

So I send my love. I send it with all that I am in hopes you may feel the tiniest sliver of my love. Feel it and let it spark once more. I'm talking to the moon. Are you talking back? I'll always be talking back. Talking to the moon.

Ephesians 1:7

The pure love of Christ is CHARITY.

GRACE is charity in action.

THE ENABLING POWER OF THE ATONEMENT is His grace.

There are more words and more phrases or terms. But it truly is all His LOVE.   

Help Wanted.....Now Hiring.....Position Available.....

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Come work for an employer that is passionate and excited for new things! I am looking to hire someone fun who wants to work in diverse environments. This position requires someone who is looking for long-term commitment and is working towards being promoted. From spontaneous adventures to predictable evenings, this job is perfect for a relationship oriented person who is looking to take that next step in life.




JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (include, but are not limited to):

-Holding my hand and cuddling for extensive amounts of time
-Surprising me with chocolate (any kind will do)
-Being willing to talk openly and honestly about various topics such as: sports, your employment with me, friendships, family issues, school, work, cars, movies/books, politics, and any interests of yours and mine
-Eating meals prepared by me and trying new recipes
-Attending various family functions where ridiculing and mayhem (will) occur
-Defending my honor
-Temple dates
-Having an opinion and being willing to share even if everyone else in the room disagrees
-Participate in athletic endeavors
-Making me laugh
-Dealing patiently with mood swings and other emotional moments that will make no sense to you at all

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

-A humorous disposition
-Taste for adventure
-A thorough willingness to handle a saucy tom-boy attitude
-The ability to bring out my softer/feminine side
-Love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
-An understanding of effective "comp inventory" and ability to carry out said action
-A kind heart
-Desire to grow
-Good with kids
-Someone who likes/plays/understands sports better than I do
-Terminating all employment elsewhere, and not looking for employment elsewhere while employed

This job requires that if you quit, or are terminated, from this position you will wait at least 7 days before searching for employment elsewhere.

Applicants will be given a testing period of one or more dates before the position is offered full-time. Hours are from 8 am-10 pm Monday-Thursday and 8 am-12 pm Friday-Sunday. Please study carefully the pictures below before applying.

         
             

Sad hearts.

There seem to be many people in the world today who are angry with how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is functioning. In particular, women who are members. It truly saddens my heart.

A question of church doctrine is not a question of some old man's decision making. Heavenly Father calls a Prophet to act as his voice on the Earth today. It began with Joseph Smith in the early 1800's and has continued since then. I believe this with all my heart.

I feel like the world has grown accustomed to the thought that you can get anything you want, if you throw a big enough hissy fit. There is always a never-ending stream of comments on the sad state of mine, and the upcoming generation. We are described as spoiled and over indulgent. We get anything we want and don't know how to show respect because we believe we deserve everything. But behavior like this is taught.

There is a growing number of middle aged women who refuse to be satisfied with the word of God. A growing number who are determined to get something they will never receive. God laws are unchanging. While small "cultures" of the Church may change, doctrine never will.

When Christ was on the Earth he saw many people making mistakes in regards to how the commandments were to be lived. He did not whine or stomp his feet. He lovingly shared the truth and let people make their decisions. May we not all act this way?

But there are so many different ideas about what is right. But our opinion of what is right is not always true. People call me brainwashed and unable to think for myself. I've come to know, through answers from God, that his Prophet speaks the truth. The Prophet teaches and institutes truth. No amount of foot stomping or loud yelling will change the truth.

There are many determined to take this angry and tumultuous path. "For he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." -2 Nephi 2:27

There are many determined to get their way. And if they don't, they will do all they can to ruin the experience of everyone else who loves this Gospel and ALL of its teachings. I'm sorry, but does this sound Christ-like? Or does it sound more like the scripture cited above? Aka, you're acting like Satan. Personally I see that as quite a problem..........

I'm grateful for the knowledge of God's work on the Earth. I'm so lucky to have a group of leaders I trust to never lead me astray. They always share truth. And occasionally I don't get too excited about something that will make me change my life. Change is hard at times. But I never have to question the things I am encouraged to do. Everything about this Gospel encourages me to be the best I can possibly be. I love the Priesthood and the power men have to act in the name of God. I love this divine role I have as a woman. I hope all turn to God with the questions in their hearts and trust, and accept, his answers.

I'm that girl.

I prefer basketball shorts and a big pull-over hoodie.

Make up is a hassle and generally my least favorite part of the day, so I don't use it very often.

I don't brush my hair, like ever.

I would eat carbs all day every day. Bread. Pasta. More bread. Throw some chocolate and cheese in there, life is golden. Whipped cream? Even better.

Nothing is greater than a Disney movie.

I'm a nerd about space. Black holes are fascinating and I wish I was smart enough to learn more.

The outdoors are much better than the indoors.

Getting dirty is mostly fun for the long shower you get to take later.

With the exception of Duke Basketball, I don't care who's playing, what sport, or even the level. I want a good game.

There's something really satisfying about making something delicious that other people eat and enjoy with you.

There's always room for dessert.

Books, books, and more books. Never mind the fad of electronic reading. One day I want a huge home library. If you ever get me a present a book is all I want.

I daydream way too much :)

Nothing makes me happier than spending time with kids, even if they're being bums.

I don't think I have an artistic bone in my body,

My greatest ambition in life is to always be financially stable enough that if anyone ever comes to me for help I can give them any aid they need.

I have a legit bucket list. They WILL all be fulfilled before I die.

I hand write in my journal every day and have since I was 15 years old.

I don't formally pray as much as I should, but my thoughts are always plees. He knows all my thoughts right?

Sometimes I make ill-informed and emotionally based decisions. I think it's often a good thing actually.

What's right for me tends to be the exact opposite of what everyone else thinks should be the right thing for me to do.

I love to laugh.

If it sparkles I want it.

I've been accepted.

3 years ago I dropped out of college.

Now I am a student again!

Salt Lake Community College. I'm a Bruin. (ucla!)

I'll be living with an Aunt in West Jordan, UT. My mom's family is the greatest for so many reasons.

I'll start in January.

I'm actually really excited for all the classes I'm going to take.

I'm going to be working towards a degree in Social Work. It's perfect for all the things I like to do.

It's going to take me a while to complete the degree while working, on top of school.

I can't believe I'm doing this.....

It's totally possible that I might drop out again, and that's ok.

One day at a time.

How am I paying for it? One day at a time.



See you in October Utah!

Vacation turned Stay-cation

We decided to run away to the Sequoia National Park for some down and dirty camping. I was determined to:
-roast a hot dog over an open flame
-sleep under the stars, on the ground
-one perfect s'more every night
-get lost in the woods
-pray in a completely secluded part of the forest
-pee in the wild

The drive up was so fun. Big curvy roads that really reminded me of West Virginia, only everything was dead and brown.We were only at the campsite for 24 hours. But I did everything except for pee in the wild. When we first got to the park there was a cloud of smoke far on the horizon, but we didn't worry too much.

But within 2 hours the smoke was all around us. But we're tough and weren't going to back down til they kicked us out of the park. We set up camp, roasted hot dogs, made s'mores, explored the woods, and got dirty. Adam and I slept under the stars, but sadly woke up to being covered by thin layer of ash. 

We tried to go down to the lake for kayaking and the lake was depleted. They've been picking up the water in helicopters to put out the fire. That wasn't an option anymore. The air was full of smoke and it was really hard to breathe. And the fire was just getting worse. We tried to go horse back riding and that wasn't possible either.....womp womp womp!!!!!! We toured as much as the Forest as possible while making our way out and enjoyed the trees.

So we decided to head for the coast and camp by Monterey Bay. That didn't happen either. We were at a McDonald's for about an hour trying to figure out what the next plan was. We decided on a stay-cation. So we wanted to be tourists in San Diego. We had to hit up the Padres game.

We ate at Chin's (family staple), made s'mores in the back yard, and watched the first Lord of The Rings movies. Today we stayed in pajamas all morning and kinda gave up already. But we saw, we conquered, and had fun. Sometimes plans don't go as planned. That is so ok! 

And he puzzled and puzzled til his puzzler was sore.

I see life as one great big puzzle. Heavenly Father gives us one or two pieces of the puzzle at a time as we're ready. My problem is that every time I get a piece I think I know what the whole puzzle looks like and become desperate to complete it as fast as possible.

Then Heavenly Father gives me a new piece, It doesn't fit in "my" puzzle. I get confused, I panic, then I try to re-create the puzzle to include the new piece but still be my image.......He's very patient with me.

I've found a lot of peace in taking each piece and seeing how it fits, and then waiting for the next one. Instead of trying to see the whole puzzle I'm trying to focus more on each individual piece and imagine the possibilities. Instead of trying to make each piece conform to MY vision, I try to see how each piece adds to the beauty of the picture that is HIS vision (and let's be honest, his picture is WAY better than mine).

Am I sexy yet????

I find it so interesting how everyone seems to be obsessed with the word sexy. If it's not labeled as sexy will someone buy it? For example I've seen: sexy banking, sexy fries, sexy clothes, sexy shoes, sexy weightloss, sexy phone plans, sexy car, etc. Do you get the picture?

Why must everything be sexy? At least in my mind, sexy is the equivalent of lust. And lust is the most selfish thing in the world. While it's nice to be thought of as attractive, who wants to be lusted after? Well, I guess girls with low self-esteem and daddy issues. So when did banking fall in that category. And who lusts after banking anyways? Can you understand why I'm confused? When did sexy become the best thing? What happened to kindness, love, and understanding? Why don't banks want to be labeled as that? I think it sounds much better.

So I think I decided to start a journey to be as un-sexy as possible. Not un-attractive. We don't want that (I have hopes of being married some day). But definitely not sexy. Modesty truly is the most attractive. I dream of being wanted for my eyes not my thighs (see how I rhymed there?). Life is good being the quiet girl in the corner instead of the one in the flashing lights. Life is good covered up instead of naked. Life is good being a solid 6 on the scale instead of a sexy 9 or 10. Life is good being healthy and in shape but not obsessed with having the best body. Life is good in sweatpants on the couch, watching a sappy movie with ice-cream AND caramel popcorn instead of being at a party.

To being un-sexy! May it be a lifelong ambition. I hope you all find your un-sexy side and embrace it, and make it your only side. Fill the world with true beauty and not flashy trash. Take pictures with silly faces that you might not look "your best" in. And love every moment of it.

And the answer is!

Common questions I'm asked:

1. Are you adjusting well? 

I don't feel like I'm the weird person who can't be normal because I'm still in missionary mode. But you should probably ask my mom more than anyone. It's also weird because I'm not the same person. I've changed so much that it's hard to judge where I'm really at because I don't know what's "normal" for me anymore.

2. Are you dating anyone yet?

It's been 2 weeks. Really? And I came home early for a very specific reason. Forget my state of mind. I would seriously question the state of mind of anyone who wanted to date me! Either way, I promised my last companion I wouldn't get married til January. But I have been on a date. My brother-in-law took me for ice-cream, and we went to the beach, and then watched a movie!

3. What's your plan?

I'll probably be here til January to work and save money before moving back to Provo to work, and have fun, and date! That's the extent of my plans. I don't have a job yet. But I got my own phone plan! I'm an adult!!!!! 

4. Can you still send me a "best and worst" email?

Well, I never had many person's emails to begin with. But I promised a few people already to put it on the blog when I post. The demands of some people!!

5. Did you enjoy your mission?

Absolutely and positively yes! I loved my mission experience! It was difficult and I might not have loved every second, but it was beautiful. 

6. What was your favorite part?

This is my least favorite question. How do I answer this? The people. Seeing people's lives change. Seeing my life change. Learning things that really will impact my life forever. The best friends I made. Becoming a "softer" person. My mission President. Being able to recognize the Spirit better. It was just wonderful.

7. Did you miss me?

The answer is yes! To everyone!

Best:

1. Watching basketball.

2. Easy money.

3. Getting my own phone plan. I'm so grown up!

4. Holding my babies again. And just babies in general. I love kids.

5. Disney movies.........they're the best.

6. Listening to good music. 

7. Swimming!!!!! 

8. Most of my clothes actually still fit!

9. I have all my nail polish back :)

Worst:

1. Shaving more often.......

2. The dang stomach virus still hates me.

3. Panic attacks. 

4. My medication gives me heart burn!!!!

5. Having my self-esteem so stinking low. It's not good.

"Wait, you're home?"

I'm still waking up hours before everyone else. Going from East Coast, to Pacific Coast, to Mountain Time, back to Pacific Coast probably isn't helping. But it's interesting to be the first one awake in this house. My Dad used to always be awake and moving at like 3 or 4 in the morning (he must be getting old)!

The first thing I still do in the morning is exercise and then study my scriptures before anything else. I can't miss these things. I love these moments in my day, even if it's just for a few moments. Without them I will crumble.

I love reading books! Harry Potter will be the first on my list.

I've seen Interstellar and Inside Out. Both amazing movies. I'm glad they were my firsts.

It took me almost a week from actually getting home to get to the beach. It was worth the wait.

The meds should be "taking effect" at this point. Are they working? I have no idea.

Break downs are still happening. To be expected. Still in places I would have least expected. It's so strange for me to be surrounded by people I've literally known my whole life, and be panicking about having to talk to them.

There was one night that I stayed up an hour past everyone else and I ate 4 bowls of cereal. Sometimes it sneaks up on you, but other times you really feel it coming on early. The next morning I really didn't think I would get out of bed that day. I was not going to move. Then I thought, "I can go to the temple.......I can go to the temple. I can go to the temple!" I got out of bed and got there, and the rest of the day was great! I even got to talk to my best friend in West Virginia!

I think my new motto is, "If it feels right, DO IT! Heavenly Father will stop you if it's not." So if it feels right I'm gonna do it. The same thing happened with the decision to come home. It absolutely felt right. It still does. I have no doubts about that decision.

I feel like I'm exploring myself and finding a whole new person. She's different. But not glaringly. I think I like her. In some ways I feel more confident. Which is very strange because I mostly have felt shattered in the self-confidence category. I'm still learning about her. She surprises me every day.

A lady that works for my Uncle is getting baptized on Monday. We got to have an awesome lesson with her and the Missionaries. My Uncle is stinking excited.

I still don't have a phone, and probably won't for another week.

Church tomorrow........it will be great!

People keep asking me about school. I still have no plans to go back. Maybe one day. For those who are rolling their eyes, foaming at the mouth, and gnashing their teeth I say, "When you pay for it I'll be happy to go." It really is just a money issue. I would love to go back. I love learning new things and I would love to learn more, I'm just butt broke. So send me a check and I'll be sure to use it!

Trying to find the words.

So let's talk about depression.

I think the most important thing to start with is that I was determined to not come home. I did everything possible to stay and would never have ever left unless I was absolutely positive it was what I was supposed to do, and my Mission President was positive as well. So I prayed my butt off. So did he. We fasted. He knew before I did that it was time for me to go home.

So why did I come home? God told me to.

Underlying issues? Depression. Obviously lots of physical illness but overall, the depression. The past year has grown steadily worse. I very much thought my Mission would be full of fun and joyful times. It was! But it also was the most trying time of my life. I slowly felt more and more out of control of my emotions. Week by week turned to day by day, which turned to hour by hour and minute by minute. In the past 3 months I've found myself "turning off". It's like someone has a light switch control over my different faculties.

I would get so angry. Over nothing. In the middle of lessons with investigators of the church I would start to boil over and start shaking. Or before we even went in I knew I couldn't go teach someone about Jesus Christ when I was so angry.

Then I would have no ability to love or have any patience.

And the worst was when I couldn't feel anything at all. In the middle of a lesson I would go blank. No words could come out. No thoughts could come. I was empty and blank. That was a problem. I met with my Mission President almost every week as we discussed what was going on and how to make it better. Eventually we decided on medication. I had been taking it for 2 days when I got the overwhelming feeling AGAIN that I needed to go home. 3 months ago we decided to take it one day at a time and it seemed like every day it got worse. Every day I felt like I needed to go home.



I wasn't functioning as a missionary. The work seemed to completely stop. I wasn't functioning as a human being. And we knew it was time for me to come home. I got to call my parents before the final decision was made.

The decision was made Sunday and I was home Wednesday. Thursday was spent at home. The Sister Missionaries came over for a lesson with an investigator. I got to see my little red heads.

Friday we drove all day to Utah. I thought that this is my comfort zone and where I'll feel the most normal. Maybe being back will just shake me back to the way I was. It'll be like the depression never happened!

I was wrong. Being around my family, not even cousins, just my siblings, I was shaken. Panic attacks and shut downs. We were at the park and I cried. I needed to hide so Mom and I went to the movies. Perfect, a dark place where I could zone out the world.

Realization........I CAN'T be the person who shuts out the world with technology and can't function without my head being in a screen. Where's the balance? Good thing I don't have a phone yet.

Michelle was worried about "cousin game night" (which was siblings with Nate) and wanted to cancel.

Realization........if I stop doing those things because I'm scared of how I'll react I'll never do it and never be "normal" again. I have to push through because I never know when it will be a good day or not til I'm there.

I know I want to get back to Utah and be living on my own. No one likes moving back in with the parentals. But I don't have any money. And I feel certifiably crazy right now. I'm not in a position to make any decisions right now. But once I'm ready I'll know and I'm gonna go.

Realization........I'm going to be very expensive for my parents for a while. Pray for them. Never mind me. They have to deal with my crazy butt.

So yes, I'm on medication. It's been about a week? We'll take it for a month and see what happens. Psychiatric help? I didn't have the best experience with a counselor on my mission so I'm not excited about that option, but I probably need it.

Sunday I felt perfectly fine. I was happy, and joking like I used to always. It happens sometimes, it's just seems to be a matter of how long I can last before I "turn off" again. And then how long before I come back to "normal". Have I ever been normal? Probably not. I've struggled with depression pretty much my whole life. I've got a history of crazy people in my family. I'll blame it on them.

I have a great desire to be a wife and mother one day. I can't be like this and do those two jobs. So lets get healthy! Today is a good day! Hopefully it stays a good day!

Word of caution to all who interact with me:
If, in ANY way, you tell me to think "happy thoughts" and all will be better, I will hit you. HARD. I know all the tricks. I've been doing them for years. They stopped working. So now we're trying medication and regular temple attendance :) Lets see miracles happen.

Best:
1. Nieces and nephews I had never met before!
2. The smell of salt water when I got out of the airport.
3. My mom's patience. It's outstanding.
4. PANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5. The confidence from knowing I'm doing what Heavenly Father wants me to do.
6. I fit into my old clothes!

Worst:
1. Not knowing how to answer people's questions. Do you really want to know the answers to what you're asking?????
2. Not knowing what tomorrow brings in any way shape or form.

And Some Video

More Pictures

Picture Dump

The Week of Sister Sorenson

July 6, 2015

Lets start with the fact that she's stinkin funny. And she hates her crazy curly hair. And every companion so far has taught her something to make her more "girly". 

I told her I'd teach her how to spit, and that was about all I could do for her.

Wednesday we went to the Nevins and shot whipped cream into each others mouths by spraying a blob on our fists then launching it into the air. It was fun!

Thursday was transfer day so we drove to Charleston and got Sister Campbell set up with her new little missionary, said goodbye to the departing missionaries, and then Sister Sorensen and I got going. Once again no one will meet with us and we're struggling to find new investigators.

Friday I had a bit of a non-functioning day. That was fun for Sister Sorensen..........

I had hoped to go a little bit longer before letting her see that side of me, but, what can ya do? We're working together. And I have no doubts we're together for a reason. It's cuz she makes me laugh.

Saturday was a Holiday! There was a parade downtown that was pretty cool. They threw out so much candy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

We were having a lesson with Pam when her Visiting Teacher called on accident, butt dial. But she came and picked up Pam for the parade as well. It was perfect for her. She might be getting surgery this week and it's making her nervous so it was exactly what she needed. We had dinner with the Nevins and used some cheapo sparklers. It was fun! 

Then we walked to the local park. It was gross to get hit with the wall of sunscreen and sweat. There were so many people. Three fields jam packed. And it was humid and hot! But everything was free. Free ice-cream, snow cones, cotton candy, hot dogs, etc. We found the shortest lines and got us some snow cones. 

We had to be home before the big fireworks started. But our neighbor had some VERY illegal fireworks we watched from our front porch. And they went off all night.

Sunday was a very special day for me. I fasted with a very specific question in mind and got a very specific answer. I love Sacrament meeting. We're continuing to explore and meet new people. We're continuing to find people who are ok with us coming back, but whenever we can find them...........UGH! No new investigators this week. But it'll get better. It always does.

-Sister Packard

Best:

1. Free snow cones.

2. President's interviews.

3. A patient companion.

Worst:

1. My patient companion is a cleaner. Like, throw away everything in the house cleaner. 

    Even food............so my patience did not match hers. We'll find a balance :) 

    I like stuff, options is a better word.

The Week of Thousands of Words

July 1, 2015

We've been inviting the members of this Ward to join us in a special fast this Sunday for an opportunity to introduce a friend to the missionaries. I invite you all to join in the same fast for your own Ward missionaries.

-Sister Packard

The Week of A Stomach Virus..........Again

June 22, 2015

Four times in six months. It's really getting old.

Monday we met at the church and played some games and porked out on pizza with Emily and the Elders. We had lots of fun, and then there was booming thunder and pouring rain so we ran outside and danced for a little bit and got all wet. It's rained a LOT this week. I guess we're getting the backlash from Texas.

Tuesday we got to meet with Dennis and talked about how he aspires to serve in the church. There's so many things he wants to do now that he has all this knowledge. Tuesday we had a powerful lesson with Dannette. She explained to us that every time we come over it's like something inside of her is telling her to join us and to believe the things we're teaching and get baptized..........OK! 

So we talked about the Holy Ghost and how these things are coming from God. She pulled out her calendar and picked July 18th to be baptized and said nothing will get in her way. It was pretty cool. Pam has been loving her Ensign and is always excited to share the most recent thing she's read. I never understood how powerful of a tool that magazine is. I love it.

Check the magazine out here

Wednesday we had Specialized Training in Charleston with President and Sister Salisbury. The themes were obedience, the Atonement, and keeping the Sabbath holy. With obedience he emphasized that between July 2nd and August 13th 66 new missionaries will be joining us in the WVCM. So he needs lots of trainers. And he desperately needs trainers to be obedient. That's a lot of new missionaries. 

I spent a good chunk of the meeting in the bathroom rolling on the floor. I was miserable! We spent the rest of the day at home because I thought I was dying.

Thursday I died. I puked AAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL day. We had several appointments and I was so annoyed to cancel.

Friday I was still a little queasy but we wanted to make sure I was clean for 24 hours before going out and getting anyone else sick. So it was another boring day. But Sister Keller brought me some chicken noodle soup and it was the only thing I would eat. It was so stinking good.

Saturday was an interesting day. We did our weekly planning and came up with some great ideas to help this area grow and for us individually. I have determined to find a family to teach the Gospel, every Sunday for the rest of my mission. Obviously I'd love to find several throughout the week as well, but Sunday is family finding day. 

We headed out to Nitro to try some of our investigators and totally missed the freeway exit, we're still confused how. But we found a new part of our area at the next exit that we didn't know existed. We met some cool people and we're excited to go back. 

We also found some cool people in Nitro and then met a Recent Convert from 6 months ago that had been missing since he got baptized and no one knew where he was. He's been doing drugs. Lots of drugs. His brain is so fried. I don't know what's gonna happen there. I honestly didn't feel very safe around him. 

We found this gazebo on the lake while exploring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Emily has been getting really gross cysts in her armpit and they've gotten extremely infected so she had to go to the emergency room and we ended up keeping her company for 2 hours. She was so scared to be there.

Sunday church was great! The building was so FULL!!!!!! Why can't it be like that every week????? Thomas didn't make it because he was sick, and Dannette didn't make it either :( 

But I focused on "Worthy to Partake" by George Albert Smith. Basically it's 5 questions to ask yourself during the Sacrament service. It made a big difference for the Spirit and peace and I could feel. 

We spent a solid 4 hours at the Hospital with Emily while her Dad went to take a shower and take a nap. Happy Father's Day Brother Nevins! She's developed MRSA and so they did surgery to remove the infection and will be keeping her til at least Tuesday. I don't know if I've mentioned this but Emily has Autism and so sometimes she gets really sensitive to stressful situations. This is one of them. She hates hospitals. I'm glad we could help. We were just there for a really long time. But we felt like it was where we needed to be. 

On the way home from the Hospital we found a small hidden road with trailers. I felt like that was where we needed to be so we went to find our family! As we walked through the park the cutest 5 year old boy ran out and started talking to us like we'd known him for years. I'm usually pretty apprehensive about talking to kids because people get so weird, but it just felt right. He ran inside and we started to walk away. We looked at each other and said, "That's a future missionary right there!" It was like the Spirit slapped me in the back of the head and said, "DUH GO BACK!" So I turned around and went back, Sister Campbell didn't realize I had walked away haha. His mom came out right as we walked up and we started talking to her. We didn't pick her up as an investigator, but that's not really the important part. We found a family to work with.

-Sister Packard

Best:

1. Playing in the rain.

2. Exploring new areas.

3. Chicken noodle soup.

4. A sweet peace at church.

And don't freak out. People here just have the coolest jewelry ever. I take TONS of pictures with rings. I just like this one the best so far.

Worst:

1. Vomit. I'm so done.

2. My water spilled all over the car and it started to stink! Hopefully it'll clear up soon.