What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Well...I guess all I can say is that it's been quite a week. So many things have happened to make this the absolute most crazy week of my mission so far. I sure hope it's the craziest week, because I don't think I could handle much more insanity!

Lesson of the week: since I survived this week, every week after will be a breeze.

To start off with, it was our Mission President's LAST week! Because of that, we had our last zone conference with him and it was pretty emotional.

President and Sister Tateoka spent the conference bearing their last testimonies. President focused on developing the gift of charity and Sister Tateoka focused on strengthening our conversion to the gospel all throughout our lives.

Many missionaries, both elders and Sisters, were crying at the end when we all gathered in the foyer to shake their hands one last time.

Earlier in the week, President and Sister Tateoka also took us out to dinner, so that was pretty cool!

Then on Friday, President and Sister Tateoka joined our District Council last-minute. It was super cool to have them there!

This weekend I also went on exchanges! I went to Vernonia with Sister Mecham and she is an awesome missionary! Vernonia is a teeny tiny town in the north mountains of Oregon. It is seriously like a hallmark movie. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, knows the missionaries and people driving by get super disappointed if we don't wave to them! It was super fun being with Sister Mecham- we know a lot of the same sisters- so it was so cool to be able to finally get to know her!

This weekend, we also had a sudden surprise: because of the odd number of sisters in the mission, I'm now in a trio! I'm with Sister Christenson and now Sister Child, and we're covering 2 neighboring areas. It's going to be pure insanity as we work to balance all the lessons of our two areas.

Yesterday, we were at church and meetings until 2pm! We didn't have a minute to go finding because we were doing studies, going to lessons and trying to figure out our areas. Needless to say, it's been pretty crazy, but our brains feel better and we're excited to see miracles together these next few weeks!

Something that I've been thinking a lot about this past week is just the calling that I have as a missionary, and how much of a privilege it is for me to be here! I love being a missionary and I love helping people to experience the blessings that come from living the gospel.

I've noticed how much more my love for the gospel has grown the more I share it and the more I learn about it. There is no where else I would rather be at this time in my life. Come what may- all the stresses and trials! I know that, through it all, Heavenly Father will sustain me and strengthen me in all that I do. I have faith that He is involved in every stitch of our lives and will magnify our every righteous effort.

I love this gospel and I love my Savior! Thank you everyone for all your love and support!

All my love,

Sister McCown