Week #22

Hey family and friends! 

This week... I feel like I never even know what to say or where to begin. Being a missionary is just the greatest thing ever. The beginning of the week was so hard. I never thought leaving an area would be so tough but it was. I love the people in Palm Harbor and have learned so much there. Sister Bowen has taught me so much about the gospel and who I am striving to become. We balled every night until transfers, like typical girls. I'm so grateful that I have had the opportunity to serve with her. She is one of my best friends!!! 

Tuesday Sister Bowen and I set goals for our last day together. One thing that I have learned this transfer, is praying for specific opportunities. Sister Bowen and I said a prayer for the day and asked Heavenly Father for his hand in hastening the work in Palm Harbor and that we would recognize those who are searching for the gospel. The day went on and some of the young women in the ward wanted to get ice cream over at Menchies. So we spent dinner at Menchies. Gilliam Marcucci saw the cutest family and simply said Sisters go talk to them.. wow she's a better missionary then I am haha!:) We challenged the Young Women to pass out all the pamphlets and pass along cards we had in the complex parking lot. We said a prayer all together and then split up and met back at Menchies. It was so fun to see all of the girls get excited about missionary work. They were so bold and confident. We met back up and took a picture. Then I had to say goodbye to all of them and yup my heart was ripped out! It was so cool to see how the Lord truly does answer our prayers. The work in Palm Harbor really is hastening and it is through the youth. Those young women amaze me more and more everyday! 

We had a lesson later and Sister Bowen and I both had red puffy eyes😂 Melissa was waiting by the door for us. She had water in cups and a plate of cookies. She is so cute and so excited to get baptized. We had a great lesson on the Plan of Salvation.

Wednesday was transfers. I have never been so nervous. We had a multi zone world wide Conference. The First presidency has made some changes to our schedule and key Indicators. They are allowing us to pick and choose when we want to study, eat, etc. it's really exciting because it's teaching us how important managing our time is.  It's definitely an area I need to improve in. At the end President spoke and we had a conference on our mission goals! When all was said and done the worst part was saying bye to sister Bowen. My new companion is Sister Minson and she's amazing! It is her last transfer here. She is from Arizona. She has taught me so much already! I'm pretty stoked for this transfer. 

YSA is such a party. I've loved it here. It is so weird being around people my own age though. We cover 4 zones but only contact on University South Florida campus. It was pretty hard at first to realize that I was going to be doing the exact same thing everyday but Sister Minson and I have brainstormed fun finding opportunities for campus. It's way different being around a ton of missionaries all the time. We see the assistants everyday. And we are on car share with two other sets of missionaries. Speaking of cars we drive a 12 passenger van! And my companion can only drive until Saturday so guess who has to get van certified! This girl!:) I have to take a test with Elder Duffin and practice parking in the church parking lot. So nuts. 

This week has been fun and full of a lot of change. There have been many highs and low. Trials and challenges but I can promise that the power of prayer is real. The enabling power of the atonement really works! I know that when trails are put on our path that the Lord is giving us the opportunity to grow! I love this gospel with my whole heart and I'm so grateful to be a missionary!! Have thee greatest week ever!! ☺️

Love, 

Sister Kenzie Graham