And all my life, reflect thy will

This week has been mega-interesting. Got rejected a lot and even Bible bashed by a member of the church. Never expected that to happen! It's interesting how the Lord continually gives us chances to go through rough stuff so we can grow. On Saturday (June 25th) we had an all-day, giant meeting to say goodbye to our mission leaders. They go home this week, which is pretty sad. But as I sat in that meeting, I was filled with gratitude for the Lord and the changes he has caused in my life over the past (almost) year and a half. I looked around at missionaries I've served with, past companions, past areas, and thought about how much I've changed. I realized how selfish I was in the beginning, and how somehow Jesus has helped me become a little more like him. I love this simple quote: "To follow Christ is to become more like him." When I think about who I want to become, I think of someone who is selfless, loving, kind, & compassionate. Someone like the Savior. It makes so much sense that as we do what Christ would do, we would become more like him. Our mission president read the words of this hymn with us, and it felt like the prayer of my mission. "Savior redeemer of my soul" Savior, Redeemer of my soul, Whose mighty hand hath made me whole, Whose wondrous pow’r hath raised me up And filled with sweet my bitter cup! What tongue my gratitude can tell, O gracious God of Israel. Never can I repay thee, Lord, But I can love thee. Thy pure word, Hath it not been my one delight, My joy by day, my dream by night? Then let my lips proclaim it still, And all my life reflect thy will. O’er rule mine acts to serve thine ends. Change frowning foes to smiling friends. Chasten my soul till I shall be In perfect harmony with thee. Make me more worthy of thy love, And fit me for the life above. I know that Christ can transform us and bring us to places we never thought possible. This week, I got to go back to my old area for exchanges, and it filled me with joy to see people again who Christ has also transformed. My friend, Norm, who started reading every night with his wife let us call and read with him. He asked amazing questions and explained verse by verse what the chapter was saying. Lorelei (a cute girl we taught with her grandma) gave me the biggest hug that made my lungs feel like they'd collapse. The excitement on her face to see me was the highlight of my week. And I got to be back with Sister Larson for the day, which was a huge relief for me. God is in the smallest moments of our lives, and He is doing his work every day to bring his children closer to him, including me. Don't forget that Jesus loves you, Sister Wallace Lots of pics this week: 1. Random bestie selfie 2. Lorelei!! 3. Cutie comp 4. Got to see Sis Hardman!! 5. Cutie comp pt. 2 6. Pretty trees 7. The Book of Mormon: another testament of Jesus christ is true 8. Got to see Hermana Babcock this week, and we got a pic!

9. All the sisters (I'm in the back row)!