The One with the Temple Tour

Week 20 (Jan 3rd-9th)


On Saturday I saw my mission temple for the first time, and it was glorious. The temple tour with Lillian was a smashing success! I can't describe the elation I felt as I walked the grounds with her and witnessed the Spirit touch her heart.
The only setback was that it was very cold (yes, it does get cold in Florida apparently) and it was blustery with a horrid wind chill. Even though this meant it wasn't as pleasant or lengthy of a trip as we originally hoped, this didn't stop us from having a spiritual experience.

The very best part was a powerful moment when Lillian approached the front doors of the temple, the ones without a door knob, and placed her hand on the door and just stood there for a moment to take it all in. There were tears in each of our eyes, it was so beautiful. I will treasure that moment for a very long time. I am so honored Heavenly Father allowed me to be a part of it. Lillian has agreed to be baptized in February 😊

The rest of the week was fairly eventful as well, as Sister Carter and I hit the pavement and got to work. We've been focusing on expanding our teaching pool, so we're tapping into every resource we've got. I'm very, very excited about this cute older couple named Joyce & Jim, that Sister Phelps and I actually found tracting shortly after the hurricane. Due to scheduling conflicts they had fallen through the cracks. We were lucky enough to catch them at home and have a lovely visit with them the other night. They are so golden! They've even invited us over for dinner soon! I felt really good about them from the moment I met them, so I'm very excited to see where this goes.

Chloe's baptism date is unfortunately up in the air at the moment; but the good news is that it doesn't mean that it won't happen, she will still be baptized, it's just a matter of when. Scheduling is a pain. If she isn't baptized by the end of this week she will be by next week for sure.

Even though I'm having wonderful experiences sharing the gospel and growing my testimony doesn't mean I've been immune to the adversaries grasp. On Thursday night due to several unfortunate circumstances, I had a panic attack. I am fine and feeling much better now, but at the time I felt as though Satan was telling me that I wasn't good or strong enough to be on my mission, and that I was not a good missionary. This experience grew my testimony that the opposite is true; I am supposed to be here now doing the Lord's work, and Satan knows that. I feel a miracle is about to come forth that he was trying to prevent, and so now my resolve to endure has been strengthened. The Spirit along with my caring companion, Sister Carter, and a good nights rest helped me feel all better.

I know that this is truly the work of God, and that He watches over me and each one of His missionaries as we go about doing good and serving others, teaching them about the good news that Christ's church has been restored. I rejoice in this knowledge and the opportunity I have to share it daily! I invite you to be valiant in your testimony of Jesus, and in His gospel, and to use His Atonement to grow closer to Him and to our Father in Heaven. I can promise you that as you prayerfully do so you will have His blessings poured abundantly upon you and your countenance will brighten.


Keep on keeping on,

-Sister Olivia Petty🌬

Sister Carter, Lillian and I in front of the Orlando Florida Temple 1.7.17

Sister Carter & Sister Petty 1.7.17

Sister Carter and I at the Black Rock restaurant for lunch before the tour. We got to cook our own steaks right in front of us, it was insane. 1.7.17