March 6, 2024 (Simply Lemonade is TOP Tier)

Three emails in a row! Man this has gotta be a record for me haha. 

Life is great, per usual, out here in Leavenworth, Washington. The time has been flying by and there's already one week left in this transfer. That blows my mind cause I feel like I just got here. Definitely hoping to stay, but we'll see what God has in store for me.

Some highlights from last week:

- helped out with a Special Olympics basketball event in Wenatchee. I was an usher so I escorted a team of athletes into the arena and then to their seats. My team had some ballers on it for sure. They told me that they were gonna win the whole thing. Unfortunately I only helped out with the Opening Ceremony so I never got to see if they could back up their big talk, haha. 

- had a fire exchange with Elder Williams. He came out a transfer after me and we served around each other at the start of our missions so it was great to catch up with him. Had a pretty lowkey day, but the vibes were extremely high. 

- the ward is AWESOME. We got homemade cinnamon rolls and these massive cookies from some members. and they fed us dinner several times. best of all they are so supportive of us missionaries and are always trying to help us find more people to teach. 

- My MSF card finally got here. So your MSF card is what you use to pay for groceries and the last couple of weeks I have been using my companions card(they've given him twice as much money don't worry Mom) while I waited for mine to get here. It got here this last week, but the best part is that my card refilled twice. So I'm basically rich now. Elder Bauer, our mission finance secretary, said that this might happen because he accidently requested to have my card be filled twice and he said if it happens I can consider it a welcome back gift. That's why Elder Bauer is the GOAT. ( I've been splurging on fruit with my extra money.. and a frisbee)

I've been slacking on spiritual thoughts on the last couple emails, but I got a buttery one for yall this time: Isaiah 55:8-9 

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

I love this verse cause it reminds me that God knows what is best for each us and in his loving wisdom he will direct us in the way that we need to go. I've really seen the reality of this statement as I've returned to full-time missionary service. I have no doubt that me going home for a little bit was a part of God's plan for me. I don't know all of the reasons for it and I certainly didn't plan on this, but I find comfort in knowing that God's thoughts/plans are even better and higher then mine. 

I love you all! Feel free to reach out and I'll try to hit you back in a timely manner. Have a great week!