Sister Gray's Mission: Chigger Nation

Hello my cute friends and family!

I owe y'all a huge apology! Last week My email was having some technical difficulties that prevented me from receiving any emails or sending any out. So I am very sorry that I was not able to talk to any of you. Trust me, it was not fun! I love hearing from y'all! I like hearing what is going on in the normal world (minus the drama, sad stories, and unnecessary news headlines because I don't need that in my life lol). I truly appreciate everything you do.

It's a little daunting writing an email for the past two weeks. I don't really know where to start but I guess I will just hit my favorite points! Our weeks are passing by so fast! We had so many different service opportunities this week! We cleared off 3 different porches, stripped and painted a deck, fixed a sprinkler system (true testimony on how Heavenly Father guides your hands. I have not a clue about sprinklers. But God does;)), and cleaned out another hoarders house.

Over all it was a productive week! We also had zone conference last week. Man, was it good! President and Sister Whitney are totally trunky (missionary term for ready to get on the plane and come home) they don't even try to hide it anymore. But, its really nice because a lot of us missionaries are trunky at some point during the week. So being able to openly talk about it with President helps.

We helped a less active clear out her yard. Something about Texas... CHIGGERS. if Satan had another name it would be Lord of the chiggers. There is nothing worse than a chigger bite. They are like giant mosquito bites that stay for several months. There is nothing you can do to ease the itch. They are little pesters I tell ya. So yep, basically I am dealing with 10-15 Chigger bites on my legs for the next 4+ months. Gotta love Texas and it's critters. It truly is chigger nation:)

This week has been filled with more meetings, planning sessions, and multiple miracles. We have also strangely been around lots of animals this week. Decatur is like a giant farm. Emphasis on giant haha. This week we have really been praying individually and as a companionship for missionary work in Decatur. This is a very interesting area because tracting is the least effective finding source. The houses here sometimes spread 2 miles in between. With a 1/2 Mile driveway from the road. Yes, we can go tracting. But, we only knock a few houses due to the amount of walking that needs to occur. So, as we try to figure out a solution to our dilemma, we decided to dedicate our fast on Sunday for a miracle. A finding miracle.

We woke up Sunday morning and did our regular activities. Went to meetings, called all of the less actives, texted everyone. We walked into sacrament meeting to find TWO walk in investigators. Other wise known as quails. Tony lives next to the church and is new to town. He is originally from Lebanon. We had so many people at church that me and Sister K split up in sacrament to cover more ground. I sat with Tony and asked him what compelled him to come to our church. He simply responded "Jesus Christ, He is on your sign!". I laughed and agreed. It was so much fun to teach him and let him know what we believe. He agreed with everything. He is coming to a party with us on Wednesday for the fourth. The ward is throwing a firework show and dinner and we are excited to go.

Something I have learned this week... do everything you can to support the missionaries. This isn't easy. This is hard. But, it's worth it. Member missionary work is essential. Always invited the missionaries over, invite them to bring their investigators, be warm and welcoming to the investigators. It is so hard to get people to come the church when the ward will not support you. I promise every single one of you that if you go and read your patriarchal blessing you will notice it will say something about member missionary work. Maybe not flat out, but it will mention it. THIS IS THE LORDS MOST IMPORTANT WORK. We CAN NOT do it without the members help.

I am so grateful for each of you and the bright testimonies you have. Have a fantastic fourth and be safe with all of the fire. Texans and fire don't mix well but what could go wrong?:)

Love y'all.
Sister Gray

Post zone conf.
Me petting a baby cow
This is how members take us places... welcome to Texas
My current zone, and my first zone:')
The drive ways
Meet the ninja turtles, yes, she has all four of them.