Farewells and Hellos

So my companion in Nauvoo, who has officially become one of my bestest friends, said her farewells in her talk in church today.

She talked about how much Missionary Work means to her and you could just tell that she loves being a missionary for the Lord. Her smile is contagious and I couldn't stop smiling throughout her whole talk. I truly love her.... with ALL MY HEART!

Ain't she just grand?

So my farewell was to her, but my hellos were to a lot of my Nauvoo friends! I saw some people who changed my life and although not everyone was there, I felt their love and miss them continually. It felt like home to be surrounded by people who I grew to be so close to. Their hugs and questions about how my life was doing made me feel on top of the world. Sometimes, that is all that is needed to lift your spirits. 

These people were brought into my life by the Hand of the Lord. My relationships with them were divinely designed. Every moment I have with them means so much to me and I treasure them like a shepherd treasures his sheep.

Life takes us on adventures. Some we don't expect and some we desire to happen, but I have no doubt that the Lord has place in each of our adventures. There is a reason I am living in this apartment complex. There is a reason that I am living with these specific 5 girls. There is reason for my calling. There is a reason that my sister and her husband are still here in Provo (I am SOOOOOOO grateful to them and everything they do for me!) There is a reason that I visit teach certain girls and that I have the certain visiting/home teachers. 

I remember an experience in Nauvoo where I was having an extremely difficult time and I kept asking the Lord why. I told Him that I knew I was in Nauvoo for a reason, but I wanted to know why.  It was so overwhelming to me that I couldn't play in one of the concerts and I literally faked my way through the entire thing then ran to the bathroom to cry my eyes out. I needed to know why but I wasn't getting the answers that I wanted. 

That night I talked to some really special sisters and then sat in the kitchen and wrote down everything that I had learned while in Nauvoo and the things I was grateful for. Then I said a prayer and I wrote my prayer down. It was one of the most amazing expereineces because I got my answer that I didn't need to really know anything because I have already learned so much. 

Nauvoo was a pivotal turning point in my life and I can't wait for the next journey. The Lord has prepared me in ways I had no idea He would. How grateful I am to Him for all He has done for me. 

The people in Nauvoo are apart of my life.... even if they don't think they are, they are. 

I love all of them soooo much!