Chapter 75: Ray's of Sunshine

Hi y'all! This week went much too fast. I'm finding myself clinging to every second I have left out here, and it's not enough! But the Lord is helping me realize I'm also ready. I've done what He's asked me to out here, and now I have more learning to do back home. It's really the most bittersweet sensation and experience I've ever had and probably will have. 

Started the week off with my last mlc! Gave my departing testimony. Which I didn't cry during. Be proud of me! I got to see Sis Jolley again. Also, fun fact! Sister Ward and Sister Jolley are my last companions to be in the mission field! 

Sis Jolley, Sis Ray, Sis Ward

But I'm very grateful for the opportunity God gave me to serve in this assignment as a sister training leader. It's definitely stretched me and taught me countless, valuable lessons. 

Wednesday was dcm! It was extra fun because the zone had interviews with President, so we all went to the Stake center building. We had our district meetings in separate rooms then had a big lunch all together afterwards! It was good to see the whole zone in person again one more time! 

One of the days, I forgot which, we did a media referral blitz in our area! Basically everyone in the district came to our area, plus the zone leaders, and we divided and conquered! But with a twist because we only visited people who have sent in online referrals. We've been working lots to get our media teaching rate up so we can have good and effective ads posted for people to see.

Now the best part. GENERAL CONFERENCE! Round three on the mission! And! The best one! God was just saving it for last. Sunday we were able to watch some with our friend Zolayshia. She's an absolute queen and a half! She took notes and had some really solid spiritual questions! I adore her so much. And our friend Curtis was able to watch some as well. He also took lots of notes and said that every time he had a question, it was answered!! 

Curtis and Zolayshia have been such amazing examples to me of a humble and willing heart. They both have such a sincere desire to follow God's plan for them. To change and become better. And to learn all they can. I am simply amazed by them and very grateful that God trusts Sister Ward and I with them. 

ALSO. Thanks to Elder Dushku, my family now has a "theme talk"! We are Ray's of Sunshine! There were so many good talks and I could go on forever about each of them, buuuuut, I'm not going to. Sorry if you really wanted that soap box. Here's a different soap box for ya. 

I am so grateful for the restored Gospel. I am grateful for a loving God who gives direction through a living prophet and personal revelation. I love how we can all hear the same message, but take from it what God needs us to hear. My God is a God of everyday miracles! I've probably written abt this before, but my mission has made me realize how alike miracles and shooting stars are. They are much more common than we first realize! But when we know to look up for them they will undoubtedly be there! 

My mission has taught me many many things. And I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity the Lord has given me to share His Light and share His Love with all those who are around me. I know that it is through His Light and Love that we become who we are divinely destined to become, and return to live with our Heavenly Father. 

I know my time in South Carolina is quickly coming to a close. Soon I wont be wearing my Saviors name in a visible badge over my heart. 

But I'm working to be okay with that. Because I have strived to have His name engraven on my heart. And I know that my mission has set me up for the rest of my life. 

If you have even the slightest thought about going on a mission, DO IT. Literally stop everything you are doing and go. You will be changed. In the greatest ways. 

There is so much more I could say, but this email would go on for much too long. So I'll end it here. Don't worry, I'll send an epilogue email next week. 

Always remember, God loves you, Jesus loves you, I love you, and go shine your Lights!

-Sister Ray

Sister Pday painting Book of Mormons

Entering the mission field!

Exiting