Follow Me FOREVER

The last couple days home were happy. I saw so many of the people I love so much. I got surprise visits and some extra goodbyes. I guess I shouldn't say goodbye, more like some see yas. I wasn't super emotional until the night came. The Johnson's came to say bye and the tears started to come. We finished packing and I went to bed at 10:30. I slept the whole night surprisingly and then the morning came. 3:30 am alarm. I got up, said a prayer, got ready and we left. When we got to the airport, I saw a bunch of missionaries and their families and I did not think I would cry. I was laughing as we went upstairs to check the bags and singing and dancing through the airport. My two checked bags were 59 lbs. and 52 lbs. $200 sorry mom & dad. Then it was time for these goodbyes. We got our pictures and then started the hugs. Well, let me just tell ya, nothing can prepare you for this. It was hard and it was sad. Worst case scenarios filled my mind and even though part of me wanted to stay, I knew I just had to go. So I walked away fast after the hugs. I turned back as I was reaching the corner. Held up I love you and went. My tears were light and then they were gone. It was time to let go and get to work. 

 

 

The flight was delayed 40 minutes while we were sitting in it. I wanted to sleep but I got blessed with the sweetest, most chattiest lady. She was telling me her life story and how her brother was a mission president and how she has kind of gone inactive. I so subtly invite her to read the Book of Mormon again. Who knows if she will. I fall asleep, wake up to do my personal study and as I finish, she goes on to tell me she has the worst headache of her life and she is hyperventilating and rocking in her chair for the entirety of the flight. I felt so bad but there was nothing I could do. All I had was gum so I gave that to her and she was thankful. When we got off she asked me what my name was and I said "Morley" she said oh what a pretty name and I said well "Hermana Morley" and she said oh Hermana, how pretty. So we parted ways and she will forever think my name is Hermana but I didn't want to explain again. We were in Houston. I had no sisters with me so me and the 10 elders went to panda express ate and went to our gate where finally there were more sisters and like 10 other elders. I bet the Houston people were intimidated by us because there were so many missionaries but it was cool to see. We boarded and I had no one next to me this time and I totally fell asleep again. Then I see Mexico. It was so colorful and so cool flying over it. We got off the plane, got our bags and they inspected mine. I hid my pepper spray from the Mexican police while he inspected my bag and then went on my way. We walked through the airport and I promise I was sweating buckets. It was so hot and I was carrying about 150 lbs of stuff. And then we rode the bus for 35 mins to the CCM! It was the funniest drive because the bus was full of like 50 missionaries and all our bags and the drivers in Mexico have no chill. 

 

 

The CCM is beautiful. It is so cool because there's so much land just surrounded by the busiest city and it's all fenced off with guards. Inside is the prettiest landscape and 1,000 missionaries. Nights are hilarious because there are dogs barking and what I assume are gunshots. I'm safe though. They've told a few stories about how the president receives revelation for us and has foretold some things and kept the CCM safe.

 

 

The day after we got there we had a devotional. The mission president and his wife got up and said "it's time to drop your crutches and go." Basically meaning it's time to go all in. I felt the spirit so strong. In class we talked about this and in my journal I wrote, "invite angels and Jesus Christ in my classroom and in my home by keeping a prayer in my heart always and living the standards of missionary work. Remember that you are being watched over by ancestors and your future children. Do all that you do with Christ." The most important thing to do is to do it all with Christ and through him. 

 

 

Classes have been good!! Long but good! We wake up and have 30 minutes to get to breakfast, eat and then go to class and then have lunch. After lunch, we have personal study, gym time, and comp study. Then we have class. 20 minutes after class starts, we have dinner and then back to class. Then once class is over we go get ready for bed. Each of the classes we laugh, share personal experiences, and feel the spirit. I love my companion, just like I knew I would. I love my district, just like I knew I would. We are like family already and it's only been a week. My teachers share amazing insight always and I love them. 

 

 

It was Mexico's independence day and we got to have a party. I don't know what word to use because definitely not a party but whatever. The sisters sat in front and the elders in the back. The mission presidents gave some powerful talks and we all sang battle hymn of the republic and I promise I started to cry. All of those missionaries singing so loud brings the spirit like no other. Gab I thought of you. "GLORY GLORY GLORY" We all recognized the countries we are from by yelling VIVA after someone introduced themselves. And then they tied it into the restoration and it was beautiful. 

 

 

Sweet sweet Hermana Dowdy got sick on Saturday. We think maybe it was food poisoning but she went through the ringer. I'm actually writing this as she's sleeping next to me. We missed morning class because of it and she came and took a nap. I was reading conference talks and totally fell asleep too. Kind of the best thing ever. Then we went to the doctors office here. He had her stay there and I walked myself to class for the last 30 minutes and then to lunch. Just me and the elders but it was allowed. And then we spent the next long while in our room and she just kept on sleeping. Poor girl, I felt so bad. We ended up going to the night class and I think I just needed something that day so it felt so good. We watched a video in Spanish about Christ and even though I didn't know what it was saying I felt the spirit so strong and cried. After, I told Hna. Dowdy that we watch videos of Christ and talk of Christ always. We KNOW him but don't remember exactly right now. We just have what we're told and what we've felt so I can't even imagine the power and peace we will feel when in his presence again. That is a day that I am excited for. 

 

 

Sundays here are full of the spirit!!! We go to church and we all have to prepare a 5 minute talk and they just randomly pick about 6 speakers. Luckily I didn't get picked so we just will see when I do! In the evening we had a devotional! We all gathered in an auditorium and listened to a devotional Elder Jeffery R. Holland gave to the provo mtc years ago. There were some amazing things but I will just share one!!! I was in tears. 

 

 

He told the story of Peter, James, & John. They didn't know what to do once Christ died and decided to go fishing. They could not catch any fish and they were out there all night. They saw a man on the shore early in the morning at a fire and he told them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. Just like that, their nets were FULL. They could not pull the catch in. They said "It's Him. It's Him." It was Christ. 

 

 

Christ said, "Do you love me more than these fish?" And Peter answered saying yes I do. And Christ asked again. Peter said the same thing. One more time, Christ asked, "Do you love me more than these fish?" Peter responded, "I love you, more than anything." Then Christ said, "then feed my sheep. Leave your nets. Follow me FOREVER. 

 

 

It was forever. It's not over until it's over. & there is a work to do. Do you love Him??? 

 

 

He finished this devotional by saying that life will never be the same after serving a mission. It is a new life. A new day. A new time. You will break God's heart if you turn your back on Him, on the gospel. Never let it be over. Never walk away. Stay the course. Leave your nets & feed His sheep.

 

 

The spirit that is here is unlike any else. You do not go a day without at least feeling the spirit once. Yesterday we got the privilege to have a devotional with a General Authority!! Elder Hugo Montoya of the Seventy. Hermana Dowdy and I ended up being in the front row!! We all stood to sing 'If the Savior Stood Beside Me'' in Spanish and English. It brings the spirit like no other!!! Then he and his wife spoke. The messages were beautiful. My favorite part was when he said to Learn from Christ. To be aware of the people who are looking at you. To smile always. And help those in need. Act as He would each and every day. After he spoke he asked us to sing the same song again!! It was so cool. And THEN! Him and his wife came down the stairs and wanted to shake hands with each and every missionary that was there. So our row started going in order and I was smiling as I shook their hands. As I shook his hand, he looked at me and smiled and said "Beautiful smile." It was so pure and so sweet. Pray for him!!! He's speaking in general conference for the second time ever in his life! 

 

 

There was an earthquake! It was a 7.4 which is huge. I felt it, but barely. Just like a little wave. It was actually crazy because we did a drill just an hour or so before the actual one came. Everyone thought it was a joke, but nope. 

 

 

Went to the temple for p day! It was so pretty and so cool. I for sure got lost of course and all the sudden I'm in a sealing room and there's my companion hahaha. It was in Spanish so that was weird and I couldn't understand a ton but did it!!! This week was full of good moments & I'm excited for more!!!

 

 

If you read to this point, I'm sorry it is a novel and I love you!!!

 

 

With all my love,

 

 

Hermana Morley