was it a year or was it a day?

 Helloooo my friends! How is everyone doing? This week was so crazy busy. It was the longest week yet the shortest week of my life, hence the title. It flew by but also was eight years long at the same time, not sure how that happens haha. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

• INTERVIEWS: We had interviews with President Pulsipher this week and they were super good as always. During my interview, a homeless man ran into the church building and it was crazy. The stake president got involved and then the cops got involved and it was honestly just super bonkers. It's a normal thing here in Longview but definitely something I've never seen before. President also told me I will most likely stay in this area with Sister White to finish my mission and I'm so so excited for that! 
• ZONE CONFERENCE: We had zone conference with Elder Huge Martinez of the seventy and his wife. They are amazing! They are the kindest people and also have a really great sense of humor. They taught us a lot about member work and about our divine identity as missionaries. It was amazing to get to be with them! 
• MLC X2: We got to have 2 MLC meetings this week also with Elder Martinez. He asked us to share with him the overall issues we've seen in the mission and then he took time to counsel with us and come up with some solutions. We have so many exciting things to start implementing and I can't wait to see how it changes in the mission! 
• BISHOP: We had the best stop by ever last night with our bishop's family. They are the best family, I literally look up to them so much. Plus Bishop makes incredible sourdough bread and gave us a loaf which made my heart so happy! 
• 15 MONTHS: I hit 15 months on my mission this week! I am so incredibly grateful for the time I've had and the experiences I've had! I can't wait to see what's in store for my last 2 months! 
• BETHANY: HOLY MIRACLE! On Tuesday the YSA elders called us and told us about this lady. Her son had joined the church and then passed away a couple years ago and she said she feels a call to come be a part of the church. We met with her on Saturday and she immediately told us that she really wants to get baptized. We set up lessons for twice a week and we are SO excited to help her! Pray for Bethany! 
• LORI: Another miracle! We got a call from some elders this week telling us that they met this inactive member and that she wanted us to go by the next day. We went and knocked on her door and she jumped up and was like "oh you're the missionaries!!!" she was so excited to see us! She's been inactive for over 10 years and is ready to come back to church so we get to meet with her once a week and help her!!!
• HIBACHI: We went to a Hibachi grill this week for a district lunch and it was so yummy and made me so happy:)

LOWLIGHTS:

• RAIN...It's now officially rainy season. It's getting dark and cold and wet😭

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT:

As I've reflected on the past 15 months, it's been amazing to recognize all the small miracles and tender mercies I've seen. It reminds me of a scripture in 1 Nephi

"But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

This work is impossible to do alone, but as I've exercised faith and relied on the Lord, He has shown me countless miracles and I've truly come to know that He is there and especially that He is in the details. I love my mission and I love the Lord! 

I hope you all have an incredible week and that you're able to recognize the tender mercies in your life! 

-Sister Stringham