Joy

August 24, 2015

Dear Family,

My heart ached as I was told of the passing of Grandma Joy on Tuesday. Sister Christiansen was so kind to drop off some flowers while I was on exchanges... What an amazing person Grandma Joy was. I know her kindness and love for others because I see it manifested in her children. Dad, you have always been such a spiritually strong and kind person, and I know that it is because of the parents you had. I know that she is in a happy place, where her memories are there, and her family is as well. Please send my love to the rest of the family! Some of my favorite memories of grandma are getting ice cream for breakfast, singing/dancing for her in her backyard, and snuggling up with bunches of blankets that she got for us. Her hugs always made me feel so loved. She, always made me feel so loved.

This week went very well for us. I am still trying to figure out the Braddock Heights/Frederick area as best I can! The areas are so big here, but it makes it fun :) This ward is really awesome and the members here are so great.

Some people live farther up in the boonies than others and so I laugh at the amount of times we get lost trying to find a house because the GPS just says, "turn off the road." Hahaha. I've noticed that people out there really enjoy their space, but I don't blame them :) After going down a lot of dirt roads, we generally find them! Haha.

I got to go on exchanges with Sister Rogers in Mount Airy on Tuesday! Talk about the boonies! Hahah. It was so fun and she taught me a lot. She is such a good missionary.

Friday we had the opportunity to go to the Orioles game for Mormon Night! The Franco's took us. They are so funny and awesome. They joined the church a little after they were married and are from New Jersey. It was so funny seeing all the missionaries in one section of the stadium. It reminded me of when Mom and Dad used to take us to all of those Angels games. I loved those things. Saturday we were able meet with our investigators and finish the restoration. The dad committed to baptism! It was so cool when we finished reciting the first vision... he said, "it's a miracle, it's just a miracle." He said yes to baptism!

I really cannot imagine not going on a mission. This is has been one of the most amazing things I have ever had the opportunity to do. I'm not going to say it is perfect, because it is not. Missions are hard things! And when I first came out it was hard for me. I felt confused, homesick, and didn't really know my purpose. But Heavenly Father has made me realize so many things about being out. I never knew I could love strangers, and feel so loved in members homes that I don't even know. The spirit is so real. This really isn't my work, it is the Lord's. And when I put aside my own fears, frustrations, and worries that is when I truly feel God's love. It's not about me, but it is about the people. We all are going through our own struggles and burdens, but the Lord knows us all. One of the most important things we can learn in this life is to let the Lord IN. Sometimes our pride doesn't let us, and we fear or worry. But I know those fears and worries go away if we just let Him IN. I love the Lord and this Gospel. Have a great week:)

Send the family all of my love. Love you forever.

<3 Sister Stolworthy