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Studying. In a classroom. In Provo, UT. With a missionary nametag on.

Basically what I'm trying to say is that I was a missionary 1 year ago. That blows my mind. Almost exactly 1 year ago (my year mark was June 19th) I was a fresh-faced Sister B trying to make heads or tails of Preach My Gospel and drinking chocolate milk by the gallon in the MTC cafeteria. 

Can you believe it? Can you believe that I'm actually one of the "seasoned" missionaries in the mission now? Can you believe that I'll come home a 23 year old California girl with a tan in the middle of the winter? I can't. My brain is still trying to wrap around that one.

All I can say is that being a missionary is the craziest thing I have ever done, and I love it. I love what I have learned and how I have grown in the last twelve months. I love the people I have met and the friends I have gained. 

Mostly, I love knowing that I am doing something that my Heavenly Father is proud of. Even on my bad days, when I'm not sure I want to be on a mission, I know my Heavenly Father loves me. He is so proud of each of His children, even when we don't think we're doing anything right.

This week, like every other week, I've been learning that again. I've been learning, as Brad Wilcox once said, that "there should never be just two options: perfection or giving up. When learning the piano, are the only options performing at Carnegie Hall or quitting? No. Growth and development take time. Learning takes time. When we understand grace, we understand that God is long-suffering, that change is a process, and that repentance is a pattern in our lives. When we understand grace, we understand that the blessings of Christ’s Atonement are continuous and His strength is perfect in our weakness. When we understand grace, we can, as it says in the Doctrine and Covenants, 'continue in patience until [we] are perfected'." 

I loved celebrating my year of missionary service this week. Mostly, I loved all of the little surprises that my lovely companion orchestrated behind my back, and all of the sweet things that members of our ward did for me this week. I am so so lucky to be a missionary here in San Marcos!

And man do I love all of you! I am so grateful for the continual support, guidance, and inspiration you've sent my way for the past year. I would not be out here if it weren't for all of you. Thank you.

Love,

Sister B