1 year
TRANSFER NEWS LOADING 

CHAPTER 51: FOREST HEIGHTS- DOWNTOWN EDMONTON 

WEATHER: so apparently it hasn't rained this much in Edmonton in over 20 years but we are still in sweaters over here and lots and lots of rain Summer will come one day...

WARNING: Its been a second so ill give you an update about the last couple of weeks... but it might be a bit long so if yall make it all the way through Im impressed! 

TRANSFERS: 
We recieved transfer news last week and I found out I was coming back to the city!!! Im not longer banished  I loved FSJ but im so excited to be back! Im currently serving in downtown Edmonton so its pretty sketch but I love it! Im in a trio with Sister Latu and Sister Wolcott. Sister Wolcott is brand new so im tranning again! (Dont ask how many kids ive had because I lost count) Our mission has 25 more sisters than elders so most of our Sister companionships are trios. Im so hyped to be back!!! 

CITY LIFE: 
Wow I have nothing but good things to say. The city is a blessed area. Most of the friends we are teaching are from africa. (Actually all of our friends we are teaching are from africa ) Its fun! They make us good food so thats a win! We are currently double covering a ward with some elders and we cover the married student ward here as well. This week was hectic. We've been running everywhere! This area is so busy! My one companion that knows the area isnt allowed to drive so im currently driving and lets just say city driving is not my thing  its been a struggle. 

TEMPLE: 
We got to go to the temple with Jack (RC) this week when we came down for transfers. It was his first time going through and he loved it. He talked about how the temple workers were the most genuine people that hes ever met. He told us he wants to be "the desk guy" someday. He said he would send us a picture one day when he becomes the desk guy and we told him he couldn't take pictures in the temple and than he said not to worry he would just have someone else take it haha.  He thought it was extremely weird that angle moroni had feet  but umm ya great temple trip love that man. 

GOODBYES: (some miracles from FSJ) 

SEDIU MALIK 
We met Sediu by texted some inactive member dots. He invited us over and asked us if God loved him and if he was still a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints even though he hasnt been to church for a bit. We encouraged him that he was. We've been visiting him weekly for a couple weeks now and this last Sunday was Sedius first time at church in over 3 years. It was so amazing seeing him walk through the doors. He said he felt like he was home again. 

WESLEY 
Weve been fellowshipping wesley for a while now and hes made great progress since ive been in FSJ. Hes started a program that hes tried to start in the past but has lasted less than a week every time. Wesley this time is about a month into his program and loves it. At church last Sunday he asked me if I would be back to watch him get baptized! He told me he promises he will get there one day! 

QUOTES OF THE WEEK: 
George- (on date friend... teaching the big four) "you don't know where shes been... (points right at me) she could have a STD"
Appocco and Raphel- (family we are teaching about the gospel of Jesus Christ) "you've dont all these steps. (points right at me) so why dont you just kill yourself and go to heaven. Heaven is a way better place than here. You should be praying to die." 

HIGHLIGHTS 
♡ Played dress up at Barbara's house
♡ Wesley bought us necklaces
♡ Got Taco Bell and Chick-Fil-A (road trips call for lots of eatting out  
♡ Tried Cricked Creek donuts 
♡ Got to go to Heal and blaze pizza (road trips call for lots of eatting out)
♡ Caylos gave us gifts and got their PR (crazy miracle)
♡ Ate balut  #firemomentonmission
♡ Fell down the stairs of my house (didnt fall all winter but now that its June I fell ) 
♡ Emergency spoke in my new ward on Sunday 
♡ Had 8 meetings in the span of 3 days 

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT:
Tomorrow hits my year mark on my mission and i wanted to share with you the 3 greatest lessons ive learned on my mission so far: 
1. Everyone is a child of god
Ive had the opportunity to meet people i would have never gone out of my way to meet. Interact and get to know people who are completely different than me. The most amazing thing ive learned is the ability to see everyone as a divine child of god. To see everyone as my brother and sister. Its not easy but ive been able to feel the love my savior has for people. 
2. Know what you believe and believe what you know
Ive come to learn how important it is to not only believe the things of the church but to know why i believe those things as well. Ive come to know the doctirne of our church on a whole new level and that more than many other things has grown my testimony in ways i never thought possible. Its amazing that God has given us prophets, scriptures, prayer, church, etc to grow our faith and deepen our discipleship! 
3. Serving others is the cure for all things
The missions taught me that when i look outside myself to serve other people my probelms dont dissapear but they seem less big than they were before. Service has cured every single hardship ive had on my mission. Looking outward has fixed every problem. Its not only a cure for probelms that arise on the mission but for problems just in life as well! 

People tell you the mission flies by and i didnt believe them but time truly did fly. This last year has been the hardest year of my life yet one of the most amazing years of my life as well. The mission has helped me realize the divine potential every single person has and the reality that each and every one of us is a child of God. Ive learned to love those that I find it difficult to love and to see them as a brother and sister of my own. Ive learned that Jesus Christ can change lives when we let him. His grace is Sufficent for all things. He covers us fully. His atonement is for everyone and it leaves no scars. Ive come to know my savior in such a personal and sacred way. I know that because he broke the bands of sin and death i can break those bands as well through him. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Im so grateful for two books and two witnessess that have helped me come to know my savior and heavenly father better. Ive read and studied and have come to a sure witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church on this earth today and that Jesus Christ leads it! Im so excited for these next 6 months and wouldnt change my mission for the world! 

Sorry for the long email! I love and miss you all! Reach out! 
 Sis. Monson