"Jesus is a God of Miracles"

My area has a lot of trailer parks with lots of amazing people to teach. The other day we were walking to our car and said hi to this lady getting in her car. It was a super brief interaction. We didn't really even say who we were, she just saw us, shook her head yes, and said "come back next Wednesday morning."

We didn't even get her name, but went back hoping for the best.

Sister Larson has "a perfect brightness of hope." I, on the other hand, am often a bit too realistic. We knock on the door and stand there for a few minutes and I'm like "yeah this ain't happening man." But once again, I learned I don't have a right to tell the Lord what is and isn't possible. The same lady answers the door, in her pajamas, and immediately lets us in. She tells us to take a seat and she grabs us both a glass of water.

She proceeds to tell us that she knew right off the bat that we were her friends and that she knew who we were. Apparently when she lived in Santa Fe 8 years ago, the missionaries taught her in Spanish but she moved away and never found them again. She still remembered the Book of Mormon and the feelings she had with the past missionaries. Her English was pretty good, but she could only understand the scriptures in Spanish. I pulled the Book of Mormon up in Spanish on my phone and read her this verse:

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."

She loved it and told us what it was about, and then goes "ok now I will read the next verse." This happened about 3 more times, as she just wanted to keep feeling the spirit of the Book of Mormon. We left her with a copy in Spanish and she was excited to read the rest of the chapter.

We have so many experiences like this that just can't be coincidences. I'm baffled everyday about how aware God is of his children. He loves us all so much, and knows exactly what we need, when we need it.

I've been amazed, too, at how aware he is of me. This week was so good, but also so tough. I got super anxious Friday night and had a panic attack on and off between lessons (didn't know that was possible). Luckily, God helped me breathe the second we were teaching. I thought maybe I was getting super stressed because of transfers and potentially getting a new companion, but Sister Larson and I are stuck like glue at this point. I decided that all that stress was because I was realizing how fast the end of my mission is approaching. I've loved my mission, and it has gone by way too fast. With only 3 months left, I realize how soon I have to figure out normal life again. It's a scary thing! It was hard enough adjusting to being a missionary, adjusting back terrifies me. But I know the Lord is aware of me and knows what I need. He is showing me miracles every single day, reminding me of why I'm still here.

In all honestly, this week I had a lot of "what even is the point of all this" moments. I try not to get discouraged, but when people you love and teach chose to stop coming to church, it sucks. I know each person can chose what they feel is right for them, but when you put so much in, it can all feel fruitless. After some reflection and advice from my awesome mom, I've realized that the sacrifices of my mission aren't so much about the impact they have on others, but the impact they have on me.

At the end of the day, I've decided this is all worth it. I'm tired and of course excited for the day I can hug my mom and get some Nielsens custard, but until then, I'm trying everyday to give what I have to the Savior. I'm amazed at his ability to change lives and bring peace when we desperately need it.

I hope my realness wasn't too real. I only get 12 more weeks, so I need to be as genuine as I possibly can.

Also, at this point, I struggle remembering song lyrics. Soooo look up "The Miracle" to hear an awesome song about Jesus.

Don't forget that Jesus loves you,

Sister Wallace

Pics:

1. Our fav friend Lorelei made us roses!

2. Chipotle with my fav sisters ♡

3. I got super sick Saturday and Sunday (probs stress related) enjoy this soup pic.

4. More illness

5. Excitement of not getting transferred

6. She has terrible hug timing

7. The zone!