Chapter 35: Bug Bites and Softened Hearts

Hey y'all! It's been a full week in Hilton Head! Feels like it's been waaaaay longer though. Haha, we've been BUSY! 

Monday we went to SeaPines. It's some fancy resort/vacation spot on the island. Definitely didn't help with the fact that I already felt like I was on a vacation and not a mission. This area is trippy. But that was fun! We went on a nature walk and watched the ocean. Also watched a guy gut a fish... gross.

The bugs here. They're a different breed. Even with bug spray I still find myself covered with bites. Then those bites end up turning into a rash and itch. This did not happen back in Utah. The bugs here just are a different level. So if you've got any tips for keeping bugs off, send them here please. 

White washing is fun! Both of us came into the area knowing nothing, no expectations, no biases. Just a fresh start; for the area and us! It's honestly been super nice. We've been grinding it hard with the work! 

This week was full to the brim of visits. With a couple lessons added for some spice. Our focus has mostly been on meeting everyone. Members, active and not, friends, recent converts, and referrals. It's been a lot of work and my brain is working over time on remembering who everybody is. Thank heavens for AreaBook. 

We've seen a lot of little miracles this week. There are a LOT of gated communities in Hilton Head. And most if them you need to have an appointment with the person you're visiting so they can get you pass to get in. Not very conducive to the missionary life of just dropping by. But! We've managed to get into quite a few of them without a pass! Either the gate was just open or the security guard had a softened heart and let us through.

That's another miracle we've seen. There have been so many times where we've started talking with someone and they're not super into it, or they're a bit standoffish, but then their countenance changes as we talk with them. It's incredible watching the Spirit work through us. Especially when we're in lessons. There have been multiple times where Sister Ward and I are thinking the exact same question and when one of us asks the question, you can physically see the Spirit testify and work on the people. 

Sunday was fast Sunday. I did something I haven't done for about 10 years. I got up and bore my testimony. And I'll end this email by sharing with y'all what I shared here. 

I was reading in the Book of Mormon this week, and I came to the chapters in Alma where Korihor, the antichrist, comes and tries to convince the people to turn away from Christ. He asks them the question "why do ye look to a Christ?". That question made me stop and think. Why do I look to Christ? 

I know that Christ is hope. I know that He is peace. I know that Christ is love. Christ is not just the Light at the end if the tunnel, but the Light that gets us through the tunnel. When we turn to Him we can't help but be enveloped in His love and find the peace we need. I look to Christ because I know He is my hope. 

I invite you all to ask yourself why you look to Christ? Ponder on it and write it down. And even go that extra step to share with others your reason for believing in Christ. 

I love you all so much. I know that God and Jesus love you even more.

-Sister Ray☀️🌻

We randomly have the same skirt!