An Alabama Adventure... as a messenger of Christ: Week 45

Ok so we're in a biking area.. BTW. Yeah. Right at the beginning of summer. Did I tell you about how I put on my mission papers that I'm extremely sensitive to the sun, and don't deal well in heat? Yeah DON'T DO THAT. They think it's funny.

I'm joking.. but for real I panicked a little when I found out where I was going. BUT It's going to force me into shape, which I'm pretty stoked about. I've forgotten what it was like to be dry by now, so trying to talk to people while covered in sweat doesn't really faze me.

Ok let me tell you a little bit about this situation. Tuscaloosa is known for being the tornado valley of Alabama. (Look up the 2011 Tuscaloosa tornado on youtude... unless you're my mom or dad, then probably don't). Ever since the Red Bay experience, every time we have a tornado warning I

start packing my things immediately, and don't unpack for* DAYS.* I'm serious.

There's a reason my family calls me McGruff!!!

So the first day here, we were on foot headed to an appointment close to campus when a crazy downpour hit. We were *soaked through* by the time we got to Dunkin' Donuts for the apt, and stayed that way through the lesson, and dinner with the Sally's (branch President and wife) after. Seriously left puddles everywhere we sat. So ridiculous haha.

Oh and the white mist in the air?? That's just the humidity. It's literally so thick it's visible. My camera lens fogs up the second I take it out. Our first day on bikes I got FRIED of course.

Going to need more Aloe Vera!!!

I can't tell you how much I love Tuscaloosa, and the YSA! I feel extremely blessed to be serving in this area. The first day we were able to have a great lesson with a girl named Elizabeth, who I really connected with. She has a lot of the same beliefs I did before I understood the Gospel.

North Port District - Tuscaloosa

Yesterday one of our investigators came to church for the first time in his life! His name is Wong, from Beijing. Growing up, he was taught that "religion wasn't necessary." And that he only needed to believe in and rely on himself. He was introduced to Christianity by him roommate, who is a less active member of our church. When missionaries went to contact this less active member, they met Wong. He asked them to teach him to pray, because he had a test coming up that he was nervous about. A few days later, the missionaries received a text from Wong that read. "The test work. Thank you, Wong. New Christian." We've begun teaching him about who God is, and why Jesus Christ is so important to us. We taught him the Plan of Salvation, and he's attended church! Church was a bit much for him, but we told him not to worry about understanding everything there right now. Just to feel the spirit, and ask as many questions as he needs to. It has been such a cool experience to teach someone who has never known Heavenly Father. Wong's desire to learn and the pure comprehension with no bias (as he's hearing these things for the first time in his life) is.. incredible. Such a sweet experience.

There are a number of other people and lessons we've taught that have been just as sweet. I feel like a real missionary here. Like the reasons I came and the things I have to offer will be used here.

I LOVE working with Sister Begay. She is an absolute answer to prayers.

Conner is the coolest guy I've ever met! - Doctor Who?!

Ok.. There's no way you can get the full effect of this guy without meeting
him, But Conner is the coolest guy I've ever met. I've never met anyone
with a character life his! Haha.. I've never watched Doctor Who, but I'd
imagine Conner is a bit like Doctor Who. Extremely smart and logical. He's
got an old soul, and can usually be found with a bow tie on and a
hook-ended umbrella in hand. He's only 23, and about to start his PhD.

*He was also just baptized a couple weeks go!It's been really fun to be on campus so much. We meet there for lessons a lot, and play sports out on the quad every Friday night with YSA's and investigators. It's a really cool way to meet people!

My favorite part so far... We contact at the farmer's market every Saturday morning 💚💙💛 Oh it's just so dreamy. I've MISSED FEELING LIKE A HUMAN. This is a little bit more of what I expected the South to be like. Southern folk fishin' down on the River Walk.. tug boats pushing up the Black Warrior River..

"Luckiest girl in the history of girls..." Cute lover's lock down on the
river walk.. fitting really. My thoughts exactly. For now... my heart's
locked on that beautiful Alabama.