Another Day In The Day of A Mississippi Missionary 1/17/2017

It is humid and warm. Yes. It is January. And yes it is 70s most days. And yes, I wore short sleeves, a thin fabric skirt. And yes, I was sweating. 

One guy was even mowing his lawn, in true Southern January fashion.

So fun.

BUT...

On the plus side, I am a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that makes everythin better!

We have been teaching Christan Dammiens almost every day to prepare her for her scheduled baptismal date of January 28th. She is so excited and prepared. There is just her smoking habit that needs to be constantly maintained and kept away. She is doing well though. She may or may not have had a minor panic attack during Sacrament meeting because she was going strong on 5 hours without a cigarette. She made it through though. And is staying strong! 

I am absolutely in LOVE with her daughter Ava. She is 3 and is a sassy pants that always calls me
"turkey booty" but I still love her. She gets up real close to my face and whispers "I wuv you Mission-mary." 

heart melts. 

"I love you too crazy pants." 

If my children are anywhere close to as cute and adorable and sweet as Ava is, I will be winning at life. On top of it all, she is half black so she's got the nice darker skin and tight curls! LOVE IT!!!

I might have to sneak her in my suitcase and bring her home with me! Just don't be surprised if I do. 

Dianne showered me with gifts on Friday when we went to dinner and to teach her a lesson. She had bracelets, earrings, and a necklace to give me. They are from the thrift store her mom used to own, and she saw them and thought of me. She was beaming! 

I love her so much! She and I have formed a life long friendship! I plan to call her and check up on her once I am home. We will be besties! We ARE besties!

LOVE HER!!!

Sister Mitchell and I were asked to teach Gospel Principles on Sunday. I was preparing this week, when, Sister Karma Thompson called and asked us to teach Relief Society. So we made a deal. Sister Mitchell teach Gospel Principles, and I teach Relief Society. 

I had two days to prepare, only in personal study, but it turned out okay. It was lesson 2 in the Gordon B. Hinckley Teachings, Ensign to the Nations, A light to the world. 

I truly learned more than I think they did. That is usually how it works. 

I also got to see one of the past K▲'s who was in Purvis ward this week. She gave me a great big hug from Ashley and told me how proud Ash was of me. Meant a lot. 

In other news...

It has been 11 months since I began this wonderful journey. CRAZY!

Less than 7 months until I am set to walk down that escalator to your adoring faces!

But only 7 months left to do all the good I still want to do!! 

In interviews with President Olson this week I got to talk about what I was doing to make this time worth while. I told him about Dianne and the friendship I have formed with her. He was happy for me and advised me to "go forth and find more 'Diannes'" I am excited to make that happen. 

It is going to be amazing!

I am so grateful for this opportunity and the blessings and growth that are coming because of it!