So, this week was a little tough.
Sister Moisio heard some sad news. A few months ago, she served in the Uttica, New York mission for a brief period of time. While serving there, she served with Sister Bentley from Arizona. They were teaching companions for 6 weeks. To our sadness, Sister Bentley was killed, while still serving as a missionary, in a car accident. Here is the article about Sister Bentley. It's been a really tough week. But honestly, a really great learning week. We've put things into perspective. What's really important. What's not important at all. And honestly, we've had a really sharp wake up call. We've got to live life to the absolute fullest. BE HAPPY. Sing a song or two--even if we can't carry a tune. I am so grateful for the plan of happiness.
I may have put this link on before, but I watched it this week again with some guests on the square and I started crying. Such a strong woman. So much courage. So much faith. I want to be this kind of woman. I love how she considers motherhood a privilege. She cherishes LIFE.
I was eating dinner in the mission kitchen.
The phone rings. Someone answers and says, "uh...Sister Harmer. Phone's for you". Yep. That would be Sister Kemsley. Stinker. I love you. I heard Carol got to see you this week. She was beaming. :)
I highly endorse alternative Sunday School. Guest speakers galore.
Larry! Hooray for shameless Bay Area plugs. He went to Del Valle High in Walnut Creek.
MORMON.ORG/ASIA/!!! LOVE THIS. SO obsessed with this. It makes me crave Boba drink.
We met Pauline and Willie this week--from Florida. They love God. So much. Southern Baptist. They were open and loving. They told us about their trip across the US and all the beauty in between that they'd seen.
--Willie: "There has to be a God. I tell my kids--you know, there's a reason why you's is breathin' this mornin'.
I am such a sore thumb at the Scandinavian language meetings. But hey, I love it. 2 Finnish. 2 Swedish. 1 Danish. And then me...California. :) That's Scandinavian for you.
August 1--Christmas lights are starting to be put up (right before the cold...). Hooray for sparkle!
I am grateful for the opportunity I get to serve full time for my Heavenly Father. This week, more than ever, I have been reminded of the important and hopeful message that the gospel of Jesus Christ really is. And what it isn't. It's about JOY. Real joy. Eternity. Perspective. Not mini-vans, warm cookies, or you know my favorite, CTR rings. It's about Jesus Christ. It's about Heavenly Father. His kids. We're full time inviters. We invite people to be a little bit happier, by inviting people to follow the Savior's example--(by the same token, not forcing or contrasty withholding the opportunity).
THANK YOU for the INCREDIBLE amounts of support you all give to me. THANK YOU. I am so grateful for your examples.
I love you so much.
-Sister Harmertime
