Welcome to Life in St. Marys

Hello World!

This week I want to be simple and just write about all the things I'm grateful for. This may get carried away, but stay with me. I just feel so incredibly blessed all the time. 

I'm grateful for....
*Those moments when the sky seems to explode with water and within 5 seconds my companion and I are absolutely soaked. I have probably never laughed harder sprinting through what feels like gallons of water pouring on my head. (The thunder and lightning here is INCREDIBLE)

*Beautiful music. Jericho Road's Homeward Bound is my favorite song as of now. We listen to it every morning and it sets the tone of the day perfectly. (Side note-I'm also obsessed with Amazing Grace. Ahhh I love music.)


*Manicotti. It is positively delicious. Be proud of me Jaclyn for finally having some. Oh my word I could eat it every day.


*My mission. The church actually already owns a plot of land here in Jacksonville to build a temple on. I know with all my heart I am here to help prepare these wonderful people for their own temple finally so much closer than Orlando.


*Sister Angel, one of my ward missionaries. She is truly inspiring. I cannot adequately express the difference it makes to have members in lessons! We thought one of our investigators was falling away, but with the spirit brought in by Sister Angel, Kiisa is praying about baptism again. Her last name perfectly describes her.


*The worldwide missionary broadcast last night. It was so exciting and motivating. I have never been more excited for the next year and half of my life. Ahhh I have already witnessed so many miracles. Can't wait for more.


*Chick-Fil-A and the fact that I've never met so many people that are in love with chicken as I have in the South.

*Armadillos. Quote of the Week:" I didn't know Armadillos were real until I killed one!" (Yes, I said that in near freak out mode. I ran over a poor Armadillo. But, don't worry. I've named my bike Amy the Armadillo in honor of that creature.)


*The spirit. One woman we are teaching, Rachel, is quite possibly right out of a TV show. I can't find the words to describe her, but she talks a mile a minute and is difficult to teach to because she gets side tracked within 30 seconds of any conversation. By some miracle, the last time we went over, something was different. She was calm. She read the Book of Mormon with us. My companion and I sang her a hymn, Nearer My God To Thee, and the spirit that filled the entire room was undeniable. Now, Miss Rachel is planning on coming to church. She's praying, and we are so so so excited to keep teaching her.


*Brother Stebbin's Baptism!!! He is getting baptized and we are so happy. He is quitting smoking and is so ready to come closer to being sealed to his wife (who's already a member) a year from now. Oh my word. This couple feels like family already.


*Dogs. Bug bites. and the 18 predicted hurricanes this summer. Okay, maybe not exactly grateful, but working on it. Every family without fail...has a dog here. I have had my water bottles licked to death, my face jabbed, and my skirt torn a little bit. Fingers crossed I can start loving these animals haha.By the way...15 bug bites and counting. I think I have to whip out the bug spray tomorrow. Woot woot.


*Weddings. My ward's elders. And the hope that someday spouses will accept the gospel. 

*AK 47s. Mmmhmm, that's right. I've held one now. It was quite fun. Don't worry Madre-it wasn't loaded. I think I'm becoming a bit of a hick everyone. Don't be shocked in 18 months please.


*Really when it gets down to it, I am so grateful I made the decision to serve. I have the opportunity to share my testimony of Jesus Christ every single day. What could possibly be better? 

So dear world, I love you all so very much. And I appreciate your love and support more than you will ever know. Have a wonderful week and be excited for a much more mature sounding email next week as I will be 20. PARTY.