Whitewashing Winter Garden has been an immensely satisfying task. At the beginning of my mission, the concept of whitewashing an area (where both of the missionaries are new to the area) was terrifying to me. I imagined feeling totally and completely lost without knowing anyone or anything. Now, I am absolutely giddy. Being a seasoned enough missionary, I know how to go about doing the work of the Lord without needing to be given instruction. And because I am somewhat of a control freak, being able to start anew and do whatever I want with the area, without a companion leading out a specific way, is exhilarating. It feels like I've gone from driving in a 25mph zone to 80. Or for other car driving missionaries who will understand, like driving without a tiwi.
I have hit the ground running ever since I got here, and honestly I'm just pumped because I can speak English. I treasure the time I spent in Spanish work, and it was such a tender mercy that Heavenly Father blessed me with the opportunity to be apart of it for just a minute, let alone half a transfer. I still pray in Spanish everyday. I'm still reading El Libro de Mormon just in case the Lord ever needs me in Spanish work otra vez. A donde me mandes iré, Señor.
Because we are taking over an Elders area, we are also taking over an Elders apartment, which means we spent the sum total of about 6-8 hours deep cleaning it. The poor Elders said they totally scrubbed and cleaned the apartment hardcore for us before they left. I definitely believe them, I really don't want to know what this place was like before they cleaned it up. It is now quite a pleasant little flat. We do have to use air freshener fairly often, as our neighbors do not follow the word of wisdom and it is apparent by the fragrance that fills our apartment in the late afternoon. If you know what I mean. We also have a cockroach problem, but we are working on it. Prayers.
The Ward has been amazing! They are stoked to have sisters again, it's been a few years, and they missed us dearly. They've loved the Elders, but sometimes a Sisters touch is needed. One thing this ward is totally on the ball with is signing up to feed us dinner (Most of the wards I've served in have been, but nothing like this since Belleview). We get fed 6/7 nights a week. And usually that's because of a last minute cancellation, so every night of the week is spoken for.
A super cool thing is that the member who approached Sister McCullough & I and bought us food a few months ago (back in The One with Ice Cream) is in this ward and they had us over for dinner and we totally recognized and remembered each other! Members are great.
I have felt strongly this week more than any other week of my mission the miracles that the Lord provides for His servants. After much prayer and fasting on behalf of my family this week, my testimony is stronger than ever that Heavenly Father is watching over and protecting my family always, especially in my absence. I found peace and strength when it was desperately needed in Mosiah 24:13-14:
"13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. "
He hears our prayers. He loves us so much and because of that love, He sent His perfect Son. Testifying of Our Savior and His grace & mercy to those who need it in their lives as much as I do mine is the single most powerful yet humbling experience that I have in my life. I am honored to be an instrument in the Lords hands. We are His children, and He loves us. Pray to feel that love when you are weak, He will answer.
Be strong,
-Sister Olivia Petty 🙏🏻
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| Sister Hill, myself and Sister Knox at a member dinner 7.6.17 |
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| A tree bearing a fruit of which I am unfamiliar 7.8.17 |
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| An action shot of missionary planning in the digital age courtesy of Sister Knox 7.12.17 |
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| Big leaves or little Sister Petty? 7.16.17 |
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