Chapter 31: Beach, Birthday, Booze

June 05, 2023

Chapter 31: Beach, Birthday, Booze

Heeeeyoooo!! What a WEEK it has been!

Last Monday was my birthday. Wahoo! I don't know how I feel about being 21, but we're rolling with it! And don't worry, I'm a consecrated missionary. No booze for me. 'Cept maybe the homemade vanilla my dad sent me. Just gonna say, imma make some bomb cookies.

It was cool having my birthday be on pday. My only request was to go to the beach and watch the sunrise. So that's what we did before our weekly planning. We got our butts outta bed at 5am and drove to Folly Beach. We brought a blanket with us and just sat enjoying the atmosphere and the peace of just listening to the waves. And ofc we took lots of pics. Sister Noel's aunt was in town and took us out for our bdays,(Sis Noel's was the day before mine). We played some putt putt, went go carting, and had dinner at this adorable Italian restaurant. It was a good busy day!

Wednesday we did service and painted a less actives porch. That was fun. I really enjoy painting. Both the Moncks Corner and Goose Creek Elders came and helped, so it got done relatively fast. Then that evening we did some more service with the Goose Creek Elders. A lady called us both the day before and amen if we could help her clean out her garage. Not as much fun as painting, but I love service.

Goofing off at service

Thursday was ZCM! Woot! I love getting to see the whole Zone. Charleston really is the best.

Friday we did a blitz!! It's where the missionaries in a district go to one of the district areas and then divide and conquer. Everyone came to our area here in Nexton. It was a lot of fun! We did a lil mini exchange with it too, so Sister Noel spent the afternoon with Sisters Bailey and Payzant; I spent the afternoon with Sister Moorhouse. The Elders stayed together, lol. But it was sooooooo good!!! There were so many amazing little finding miracles throughout the day, and it was good getting to talk with Sister Moorhouse! We have a lot more people on our radar now and I'm so so happy for things to pick up again. We actually have lessons set up for every single day this next week! It's going to be so good and busy, haha. We've been dying with how slow the area's been.

After the blitz

Sis Noel, Payzant and I

(Sis Noel's aunt got us Stanley's for our bday, haha)

This week has been a really taxing week spiritually and emotionally. But through it all, I know God is there. One of my goals this past week was to find the little miracles each day. Because those little miracles are a saving grace through trials. And on Sunday during fast and testimony meeting a little boy got up and bore his testimony on miracles. He told a story of how right before church he was getting his little sister cereal for breakfast, and her milk spilled. But there was a blessing because it didn't get on her dress. How sweet is that?? He then said, "if you do the little things Jesus tells us to do, say your prayers, read your scriptures, you will see blessings are always there for you." What more can I say? I know it's hard sometimes to see those little miracles, believe me, this week has been an absolute killer, but intentionally looking for them and giving thanks to God for the simple things has given me more gratitude and peace as I go through the hard-I just want to stay in bed- days. I know God is my Loving Heavenly Father and that He doesn't want me miserable; He wants to bless me. I know it's the same for you too.

Hope you have a safe and peaceful week full of many miracles.

With love always,

Sister Ray

-bday cakes from some members!!