Hi everyone!
It's much easier to write weekly emails when you only have one day to write because now I feel like I can do it at any point so it never happens =)
When I left off, I had just gotten home. That Sunday I gave my "welcome home" talk in church which was a special treat because I had my grandparents and great grandpa with me. I had planned to talk about my mission and what I had learned, but what I felt prompted to do instead was the message of the Restoration. It was a powerful moment for me because even though it wasn't the same, I could still feel the truthfulness of that message. I was particularly grateful because my great grandpa isn't a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and he was able to hear my testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. My prayer and hope is that one day he'll accept what the Spirit tells him, but that talk was another stepping stone for him.
After church we went as a family to a national park that is famous for its alligators. We had a great time walking together and spotting alligators! When we were tired we went home, all the way singing songs together and enjoying one another's company. We had a great afternoon together and then finished the evening with amazing BBQ that my dad smoked himself. Utah has many beautiful and awesome things, but its BBQ is not up to par =)
That Monday my great grandpa, grandparents, mom, and I went to Galveston island to sight see the older homes there, in particular the Bishop's Palace. The thought I had while there was how resilient this little island has been. It had its dark times, such as the Great Storm (a hurricane that killed many thousands of people and nearly destroyed the entire island) but today it's a thriving city with a rich history. How resilient am I against the adversary's attacks? In Helaman 5:12 we learn that he will fight, it's not a possibility but rather a surety, so we need to fortify ourselves. We need to build upon the rock, the great cornerstone, even Christ.
The rest of the trip was really good and my family went home Tuesday; I had really missed them so I'm glad that I had that time with them. It wasn't how I imagined coming home but it surpassed my expectations and it was amazing. The following couple of weeks have been spent readjusting to "normal" life.
I have applied to volunteer at a hospital downtown, been called and set apart as a temple worker, prepared to enter school, and other needy things. I have played board games with my siblings, gone outside and played catch, and met up with some old friends.
The first time driving by myself was nerve racking; I think I spent a couple of minutes praying before I left the driveway asking for help and calm nerves. I then laughed at myself as I realized that only RMs would understand this feeling as most people drive by themselves everyday.
I cried for a good 10 minutes one day, letting myself feel homesickness for my mission.
I received a father's blessing from my dad for the first time in a year and a half a week after I was released.
I'm working out every day for nearly an hour, some days more, trying to loose the weight I gained (who likes feeling fat in their jeans?).
Goodwill became my BFF as I needed new clothes (see point above haha).
I've been able to keep up my personal study albeit it's shorter now (I'm spending about 15 minutes each day rather than an hour) and my prayers every morning and night.
I have watched about 10 movies and still have more to see.
I went and saw Moana and cried my heart out at nearly every crucial point.
Dr. Strange was the first movie I watched with my family and I nearly passed out in the first 5 minutes from how intense it was.
I have laughed until my sides hurt with my family while we sat around a fire to roast s'mores.
I'm applying for the nursing school at BYU Provo and trying to "sell" myself to people now. "Why should we have you with us?" "Because.....I'm awesome?" =D
I have gone to institute.
There is so much good in my life! Returning is hard, I'm not going to lie, but I take the hard moments as they come and then I remember how much good there is. The Lord has truly blessed me in my life and I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to serve. I'm excited to see how He'll lead me in my life and I'm excited to see what life has in store. All of us have the potential to be like Him, that's why we are here so trust that He'll help you. He'll weep with you, comfort you when you need it, and help you stand up again. What He asks of us in our baptismal covenant He already does with us.
I love you all. You helped make a difference in my mission and I hope that you stay with me for the rest of the ride. Know that I'm always here for you whenever you need someone.
Be good and remember who you are!
Love,
Rachel
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