This past week has
been crazy, I went on three exchanges with three wonderful sisters, and this
week we have two exchanges, so it's going to fly!
Because this is my
last weekly, I wanted to specifically dedicate it to talking about a few of the
many highlights from my mission:
1. Ashley coming out
proselyting with Sister Christenson and I in Forest Grove. She is the cutest
thing ever and was so bold in telling people in the streets about the Book of Mormon!
2. Going to the
temple with Sarah, Sister Christenson and Sister Child, and while we were
there, seeing President Wilde and his family there coincidentally!
3. Having the studies of hope that was
introduced to us by Sister Wilde, the mission president's wife. It was truly
inspired, especially where I was at when she gave us the challenge to study
about the topic of hope. It saved me!
4. Feeling the love
from the Wildes when they visited me after I was notified of a family thing at
home, and they brought me a pie!
5. Last year
attending the one and only FULL mission-wide tour where Sister Boss and I,
along with over 150 other missionaries, were able to hear from and shake Elder
Cook's hand! He is of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles and it was a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
6. The lesson with
Sister Teters where we taught our friend Robert (a foreign exchange student
from Taiwan) where our mission president and wife also came because they speak
Mandarin! It was a very powerful lesson where the power of the Atonement of
Jesus Christ was felt so deep in my heart!
7. My trainee
becoming my best friend! Sister Leifson has made such a big impact in my life
and I couldn't thank her enough!
8. My amazing
trainer, Sister Schmoekel, becoming my soon-to-be-roomate! I learned so much
from her and I'm so excited to see her again!
9. My MTC companion,
Sister Christenson, becoming my companion during our year mark! I love her so
much!
10. My roommate of 6
months, Sister Child, becoming one of my greatest and closest friends! She saw
me during some of my lowest and she has inspired me so much!
11. My
half-companion becoming the older sister I never had! Sister Anderson is
amazing and I miss her famous, healing hugs!
12. Battling bedbugs
in Forest Grove (as stressful and annoying as it definitely was, it was also a
bonding experience for sure)
13. spending my
first three months of the field on bikes (sure got me into shape fast!)
14. seeing how many
times a verse in the Book of Mormon that they needed to hear touch someone's
heart
15. seeing the look
on people's faces when I introduce myself as an Arizonian in rainy Oregon
16. being able to go
on exchanges with many Sisters and learning SO MUCH from them!
17. having so many
amazing companions that I needed exactly when I needed them
18. for every trial
(whether it was mission-related or personal) that I faced that allowed me to
become stronger, better and able to emphasize with others
19. every lesson
that had kids involved and coming to find out that I love teaching kids!
20. the trio's I got
to be apart of (they're a party!)
21. coming to see
how a missionary's favorite holiday is General Conference
22. seeing how much
better everything is when I put my will into His hands and trust that
everything will work out as it should
23. having some of
the most spiritual experiences on the side of the street
24. being converted
to family history
25. Doing tie dye
shirts with the sisters in Forest Grove, the mission president's wife and their
daughter
26. Sharing Mosiah
24:14 with Laura on her porch and seeing the light in her eyes sparkle just a
little bit more, as she considered the hope that she may be able to feel from
the gospel
27. learning what it
means to be "fair dinkum" (all in) in missionary work!
28. seeing the
changes in myself throughout these past 18 months and realizing more of my
potential as a daughter of God
29. Going on
exchanges with Sister Leifson after a few transfers of not being companions
with her!
30. experiencing
Dutch Bros.
This really is only
a few of the many highlights of the past 18 months of my life. It is so surreal
to think that my time is almost up, but I am immensely grateful for the opportunity
I had to dedicate this time to serving my Savior. He has given me so much, more
than I could even begin to comprehend, and I am thankful for everything that He
has given me!
Out of all the
things I have learned on my mission, out of all the experiences and changes of
heart, out of...everything, the thing I am most grateful for is the personal
conversion I have been able to have to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ,
especially through reading the Book of Mormon!
Throughout the time
I have been a missionary, I have been able to read the Book of Mormon cover to
cover five times, and each time I learn more and more and MORE! My goodness, I
can see why we are commanded to feast upon the word continually, because there
can never be a time where we will be able to say that we have learned all that
we can from the Book of Mormon!
There is nothing
that has brought me more peace in my life than the precious moments I have been
able to read these unchangeable words that seem to have changing impacts in my
life, as it pertains exactly to the things I am going through at that time.
I love the Book of
Mormon. It is my anchor. Even just hugging it gives me more peace and makes me
feel better. I am thankful for the testimony of it that I have been able to
gain, as well as all the years ahead that I have to continue to read and learn
from it! If I could get on the rooftops and scream about how much I love it and
how much it has changed my life, I would...except that probably wouldn't leave
the best impression! That's okay, though, because the greatest changes of heart
happens when you read it for yourself, and feel the quiet whisperings of the
Holy Ghost- often a warm feeling in your heart- that testifies to you of the
truthfulness of the Book of Mormon! I know that I have experienced that
numerous times and I am thankful for every answer I have received and every
scripture that I have been able to share with others!
I love this gospel
and I love my Savior. I have loved being and missionary and I am thankful for
this last week that I have to wear a black name tag with the name of my family,
the name of my Church and the name of my Savior Jesus Christ on it.
I love you all and I
am thankful for all your love and support these past many months! Thank you
everyone, and I hope to see you all soon!
All my love
Sister McCown
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