Transfers!

Good news! Today was transfers and I'm still in Middletown. I'm going to set up camp because I'm pretty sure I'll be here for a while. Sister Chen will probably go back to China Town next transfer and then I'll be here with a new companion for at least 2 more. Anyway....
We found out today that we will be getting Ipads on Friday, so HALLELUJAH!! This is my last time on a crap-tastic library computer. All of our resources will be on the ipad so I don't have to carry my scriptures around anymore either! It will be such an amazing teaching tool... I can't wait!

This week has been really slow, to be honest. We've been struggling with some personal things. Sister Chen had a very close friend and mentor pass away a week or so ago, and it has been really hard to move on and adjust. We've been meeting with the same less actives and investigators... Two of our most stubborn less actives showed up at church! To the primary program! Sister Chen and I had to sit on the stand and help the kids behave during the program. Seriously, primary is THE BEST birth control! I'm so grateful that I'm a missionary when I'm done helping in the primary. I love the kids but jeez, they have SO MUCH ENERGY!
So, Friday is 11.15.13. That means that I left home 6 months ago! Can you believe it? I can't. I can't believe I am 1/3 of the way done with this crazy mission. Part of me keeps waiting for it to 'start'. Today President Morgan talked about the need to be grateful. He said "if you want to view paradise, look around and view it" All too often I find myself wishing away the time, when really I should be enjoying every minute that my Heavenly Father has given me to be here and to serve Him with all of my heart, mind, might and strength. There will ALWAYS be hard times, but remember, we knew that before we came to this earth.... but, we also knew that by coming here we would be able to return to live with our Heavenly Father. Never forget that the hard times better prepare us for Celestial Glory. "Men are that they might have joy" you know. I don't think that Nephi meant that we would only have joy when things weren't hard or when things were going exactly how we wanted them to. I think it's an invitation to find joy, no matter where you are at on this journey. So stop seeking the bad and enjoy more fully the good. Paradise is ALL around us, we just have to open our eyes and view it!

I'm continually reminded how much this life and this mission is not about me. I've learned how to be charitable and patient and kind (Stop shaking your head... I'm serious! ;) ) and the more charitable and patient and kind I am, the more I can feel the influence of the Spirit in my life.
That was a lot of word vomit. hopefully there is something good in there for someone reading this.. if not, just know that I love you all!
-Sister Toone