"How the Other Half Lives"

Another Broadway title for y'all (this time a lyric from Thoroughly Modern Millie).

I finally understand how elders live. I've been saying for months just how curious I am about what elders apartments look like, so I guess that's why Heavenly Father is having me take over this area. And oh man, my eyes have been opened. I also finally understand why the packing list told me to bring shower shoes...

Now ok I won't make a blanket statement about elders because I'm sure my besties on missions (@elder Durant @elder krantz) keep their places nice. But a big thanks to the elders here that left behind a tower of empty soda cans and mold in the trash can.

Saying goodbye to Los Lunas was one of the hardest things I've had to do. And that's saying a lot because I haven't hugged my mom in almost 6 months. It took a lot not to cry at every goodbye. Betty Jo 100% made me cry, though, and Trinity was not happy that we told her so last minute. Well same girl!! Haha?! Also that day, they had us clean their car with glass cleaner and a little dust broom. Weirdos. Brother Senior was soooo mad that I was getting transferred. He said missionaries weren't allowed over anymore. Which, of course, was a joke but also, it's Brother Senior, and I knew there was some seriousness to that declaration. And then there's Noé and Diana. Ohhhh break my heart. Noé cried saying goodbye. It was so cute, he had us video some of our favorite songs and even picked one that he thought would comfort me during this time of change for me. HE ALSO FINALLY FINISHED MY PORTRAIT. literally the most amazing thing I've seen. We decided after we left it looks more like him than me. We had a really powerful lesson with them and the spirit confirmed to me that Noé is ready and wants to be baptized. One day it will come.

After all these goodbyes, I realized how much Los Lunas and the people changed me. When I left my first area, I only really cared because of the ward members I was leaving. But this time was different. I actually felt a connection to the people we taught. I saw them grow and change and I gave them a chance. Some missionaries may have gone into the area, thinking that they just needed to "drop" all the people since they weren't considered "progressing investigators" (a term I completely despise, by the way). But I saw Noé and Diana slowly have their hearts soften, our friend Victor started to believe in modern day prophets, and Trinity and Betty Jo said they would read the Book of Mormon. Yeah they weren't coming to church regularly or being put on date for baptism, but they were all progressing in individual, beautiful ways. Tuesday night before I left Los Lunas, I went to bed thanking Heavenly Father deeply for the chance I got to serve those people.

The rest of the week was just a whirlwind. It went by so slow yet so fast. Wednesday our online schedule for the area didn't get to us till 6:30 pm, so there wasn't much we could do in the way of missionary work. So we spent some time making this place live-able and not a health hazard. And now I gotta say, it looks pretty cute. Also I'm like .5 miles away from a Sprouts, 3.5 from Trader Joes, and 2.5 from Target. So I'm living the life!! Plus got me a Chick Fil A chocolate shake on Saturday.

This new area is just bursting with potential. There's honestly no where to go but up! The elders didn't have tons of people they were teaching, but we've already received so many referrals from the ward, and I know there is so much we can do. I'm excited to get to work and not feel so lost, haha. Luckily, coming to a brand new area keeps getting easier and easier.

Life is good, God is good, Jesus is good. Because we cover two wards, we get to go to two sacrament meetings. I feel like I have double the time to reflect on my Savior and ponder everything he has done for me. I'm so grateful to know that he has saved me. I try each and every day to more fully believe that Christ's atonement has the power to change and cleanse me. Go to him. He meets us where we are at, and takes us to places we never thought possible.

Well here's to another week of uncomfortable growth, tender mercies, and somehow more joy than I've ever felt! The mission is weird (in a good way).

Don't forget that Jesus loves you,

Sister Wallace

Pics:

1. Saying goodbye! I miss her!

2. Hahaha oh I love Noé

3. The Seniors ♡

4. Cleaning "the weirdos" (aka Trinity and Betty Jo's) car

5. Saying goodbye to my fav Los Lunas apartment

6. Before (featuring my new comp)

7. After