Temple grounds are lovely, no matter where you are. Sometimes that's because where there's a temple there are missionaries who are never very far. Such is the case with the Orlando Florida temple, nestled in the middle of the Florida Orlando Mission. I am blessed to now be in an area where not only do I get to see the temple often, but get to do temple service every other week. At temple service we help the grounds keeper for a few hours doing various jobs around the grounds. On Tuesday we raked and bagged leaves along the perimeter hedges. I would disappear into the bush like a fairy tale elf and stay between the hedge and the fence most of the time. It was kind of magical.
There was one point where the roll of trash bags we were using fell into someone else's yard through the gate part of the fence. Looking down, it didn't seem far; so I climbed the gate and jumped into the yard to retrieve the bags. Looking up, it seemed farther than it did before. The cement wall below the metal frame gate part of the fence was about 5 feet, and I'm about 5"3. I tried valiantly but with no avail to hoist myself up and climb out. I attracted the attention of many of my fellow missionaries, and finally Sister Parish (4"11) hopped down and helped me out. She is much more fit than I am. As I sit typing this she is playing basketball with other missionaries. Bless Sister Parish.
Unfortunately that wasn't the most exciting thing that happened during those two hours; I also earned my first wasp sting. One of the Elders was poking me with a rake through the hedge (in good humor), and when I went to grab it I felt a sharp pain in my finger. At first it felt like a needle prick. Then it felt like the needle was being driven into my skin and when I snapped my hand back I caught the glimpse of a wasp hanging off of my work glove. I resurfaced from the hedge very audibly exclaiming, "ow, ow, OW!" I got some ice and ibuprofen and all was made well. Good to know I'm not deathly allergic to stings 👍🏻
It was just a week of adventure. On Thursday we were walking from our dinner appointment to a less active members home and Sister McCullough says, "Oh Sister, I do not feel good at all, I feel like I'm going to hurl." I reassured her we were almost to our destination and we could use the bathroom there. A few minutes later she leans over and vomits in someone's yard. It was great.
(We had our less active drive us home, she felt better later in the evening, don't worry.)
We caught a break later in the week on Saturday when we were invited to a graduation party barbecue at a sweet less active Sisters home. We've been over there a lot recently because she wants to be active again, and we are happy to help. and it doesn't have anything to do with the fact that her house is a mansion in a gated area with homes of major league sports players and is absolutely breathtaking. Not one bit. The party ended up being a small get together, which we were not expecting. It was so nice of her to invite us among a few close family and friends. The member we had with us brought her kids to play with the less actives kids and it went so well. The kids and the moms were really hitting it off and chatting for a while, it gave us the chance to sit down and breathe for a second. by the pool. what.
Missions are crazy and don't make sense and day to day I'm caught in situations where I frequently ask myself, "How did I get here?" and I love it. I would say I love every minute; but there are some minutes where it gets real humid and my bike seat is exceedingly uncomfortable or something or someone falls through. I don't love those minutes, but I'm grateful for them. I'm grateful for every minute of my missionary service. I'm grateful for the sacred charge I hold to spread the gospel to all the world, and for my part of the world to be here in Windermere/Winter Garden. I encourage each of you to reflect on the tender mercies and blessings that Heavenly Father has blessed you with, and like Moroni exhorts "that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts."
Be good and watch for cyclists,
-Sister Olivia Petty🐝
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| Myself, the Lake Reams Sisters we car share with (Stubbs & Allison), and Sister McCullough after temple service (note bandaged wasp sting and not so swollen hand) 4.18.17 |
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| Dinner with the Holley's 4.19.17 |
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| Relaxing poolside 4.22.17 |
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