Week 3, June 22, 2026

Ya girl is officially in Alabama! 

And WOW, where do I even begin?! Well, first of all, let me tell you where I'm even at...T-TOWN BABYYY. (That means Tuscaloosa lol). My comp and I are opening a new area in Northport yipeee!! feel so blessed to be serving here. It has been a little crazy starting from scratch opening a new area (and also just being thrown into missionary work in general), but I have been learning so much and can feel that this area has so much potential and growth, I cannot wait to see who the lord brings us to! 

Here's my thoughts and what life has been like thus far 

- I LOVE, absolutely love, my mission presidents. I really think they are one reason I was called to this mission!!

- My area and district and comp! We have the coolest (and biggest) district in the whole mission!! There is a lot of work to be done here, and we all feel this transfer is gonna be lit. My trainer/comp is Sister Henry from Lehi, Utah, and she is the sweetest and so on her game!! 

- You guys. People weren't joking about the Alabama fans. They are so die hard that a member we visited literally has a dog named "Tide," so when they tell it to roll over they can say "Roll Tide".  I got a good chuckle out of that.

- That leads me toooo the MEMBERS. Holy moly! We have the best ward, the people here are amazing, and even non-members, southern hospitality is REAL. This whole week we have been driving to members' homes since we have no one to teach, and we had already three member dinners and it hasn't even been a week! The Elders Quorum pres, Brother Benners, is the GOAT. He was the first member we met basically and he and his wife told us to come in for dinner after we had just knocked on their door. He even made a sign-up sheet for more member meals for us. And he already has so many referrals for us. He's not even a legit missionary, but this guy is legit in his missionary work and does so much for the ward.

Also its so presh everyone here in the ward says "Welcome to Zion," so that makes me feel at home a little. Shout out, Bro Hutchison.

- The HUMIDITY. I think I actually love it. It is doing my skin wonders. I might change my mind about that when we hit 100 degrees and straight sun though...

- I held a raccoon 

Anywho, overall the past 5 days (feels like its been weeks) has been amazing. I get it now when people say missionary work is HARD, it's no joke. But it is also so GOOD. And never in my life will I have this experience to be so close to the spirit and see so many miracles. I have seen God's hand so much!!! Even through the hard. 

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT

"...But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." 1 Nephi 1:20

Look for the tender mercies because they're there, and they're not coincidences. I love that despite Nephi's trials and persecutions he faces, he chooses to STILL see god's hand in his life.

Have a fabulous week ya'll. I think about and love everyone of you!!!