"Remember, nothing is impossible"

The one where they went 11 days without a p-day...

Ok that sounds dramatic, but it really was a challenge! But somehow we made it. Also, National Tribute has been on repeat for us this week so my title is two-fold, haha.

Anyway, since I will have another p-day on Monday, I'm going to use this letter to tell you about the mission tour with Elder Alliaud from the Quorum of the Seventy (Church leadership), then on Monday I can tell you about all the other stuff we did... if I can remember that far back.

Elder Alliaud came with his wife to tour the mission, and it was incredible. I had met him once before when he came to our stake conference in Henderson a couple years ago, and I got to shake his hand then. But it felt even cooler this time. At the beginning of zone conference, we got to go and greet Elder Alliaud and President Weathersby and both their wives. We got to shake hands, and I got to hug Sister Weathersby and Sister Alliaud! I didn't realize how much I missed hugging and real human connection until now. This pandemic has been hard! I think we all felt so happy to be meeting in person again.

After we all got a chance to greet them, Elder Alliaud gave a super emotional welcome. He told us that if we didn't learn anything from the meeting, he at least wanted us to know how much he loved us and how much Heavenly Father loved us. He told us we were the first in-person mission tour in the world in over a year! In that moment I was hit with the spirit. I was overwhelmed with a feeling that God is aware of me and loves me so much. But I also was hit with the realization that he loved everyone in that room. There is something special about gathering with all the missionaries and it filled me with joy to be there. It was also wild because people who were fully vaccinated didn't have to wear masks! I was shocked to actually see faces! We get our second shot on Tuesday, and I can't wait.

I learned so much from this week that if I told you everything this would be about an hour long read. I was reminded of what I'm doing well, and my eyes were opened to what I can do to become better. But for now, I have two distinct thoughts that come to my mind that I would like to share. The first, was a powerful thought Elder Alliaud shared. He was talking about prayer and said "sometimes I think we have no idea who we are praying to." That just hit me. In that moment, the spirit was completely piercing. He compared this concept to if you were in the room with the President of the United States and he asked you if there was anything he could do for you, and all you asked for was a glass of water. I realized that I've been guilty of this throughout my life. It really made me wonder if I truly know who I'm praying to and made me want to pray with more sincerity. Sometimes I think we get into the routine of things and we only pray to check off that box. But it can be so much more.

The second thought that comes to my mind to share with you is from Sister Alliaud. She talked about perfectionism and how it crowds out peace and joy. She talked about how trying to be perfect will never bring joy, but that striving each day to become more and more obedient by repenting everyday, will bring joy. This is something I really needed to hear. I tend to be a perfectionist, and I am pretty hard on myself when I mess up or don't think I'm working hard enough. But she reminded us all that it is possible to be an exactly obedient missionary without being perfect. Isn't it beautiful that because of Jesus Christ we don't have to be perfect?! I'm so thankful for Christ's atonement, and I am striving everyday to learn how I can better access its power. God wants us to find joy in our work, whatever it may be! Don't let Satan tell you otherwise.

Anyway, I really just learned so much this week and felt honored to be in the presence of a special witness of Jesus Christ, even if it meant I didn't get a p-day. It was totally worth it. I hope that each of us can remember who we are praying to, and remember to SMILE!!! 2 Nephi 2:25- "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they may have joy." There is joy in the gospel of Jesus christ. I can promise you that. Like Nephi, "I do not know the meaning of all things," but I know you will find joy in Jesus Christ.

Talk to you soon! I love you all, thank you for all your support!

Don't forget that Jesus loves you,

Sister wallace

1. Reunited with Sister crane and sister hansen!!! It was so fun to see them.

2. Celebrating once 9pm hit Thursday night.

3. The faces of two missionaries after 11 days without a p-day...