Blood and bruises

I have gotten more bruises from dance than I can count. Most of the time they are on my knees from my failed attempts at dance moves. To the best of my memory though, I've only bled once. This was a couple of years ago when I was performing my first solo for competition. It was a jazz piece that was supposed to be a little like a creepy doll. Something like that. Anyway, there was this one part where I was supposed to slide on the floor into my next movement. My costume had tan tights that went to my knees, and black fishnet tights on top of that. In this slide I ended up tearing through those tights and getting a bad scrape. I didn't realize it was bleeding until I came off-stage. And though later on it hurt, I also had a strange happiness from it - it signified how dedicated I had been to that dance.

This week's highlights have to represented by pictures :) 
First off, temple trip :)

As you can probably tell by this picture, we got to the temple super early in the morning - 5am. So I was able to get this awesome shot. I love going to the temple, especially as a mission. Not only do I learn a lot and come out feeling completely uplifted, but I get to make wonderful memories with other missionaries. Plus, both the temple President and Mission President are in the session - how cool is that??






And second...

​Yeah. I had a bike crash. Not the best picture or the best result. But it's healing nicely. My self esteem is taking a little longer.

It's been an interesting week though. We've seen a lot of little miracles. One bigger miracle was a less active we've been working with for three transfers came to Bible Study, and brought her whole family with her. It was a huge step for her and now she's that much closer to coming back to church!

However, I'm a bit sad today. Once again, transfers have rolled around. I'll be staying in Texas City, and probably until the end of my mission. However, Sister McElroy is being transferred. I'll be really sad to see her go. We've become really good friends over these past 4 1/2 months.

Somehow I didn't fall

I have some very vivid memories of falling during my dance classes - usually because they were either 1) caused by a really stupid reason 2) embarrassing or 3) really painful. Actually sometimes it's two or three of those reasons, but basically, I remember quite a few of the falls I've experienced. But there are also a couple of times I can remember being shocked by the fact that I didn't fall - somehow I recovered and was able to keep myself somewhat upright. Those are almost miraculous in nature and are a huge relief. I almost never understand them, but it's just nice to know that somehow I didn't fall.

So this week has been a miraculous one in nature. Know why?

Let me introduce Meaghan and Patricia, the two newest members of the Texas City Branch. It has been a long haul with them, coupled with months of ups and downs. But at last, Saturday evening, they entered the waters of baptism and stepped through the gate onto the path that leads to eternal life. Sunday morning they received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and already they are feeling his influence in their lives. It's the coolest thing ever!

And somehow it didn't explode and dissolve into smithereens.

Basically, leading up to their baptism, it was one of the most stressful weeks ever. Don't get me wrong, there were a lot of bright moments. But there was also a lot more stress than I have experienced in a long, long time.

Let me touch on some of the bright points.

• Interviews with President Hall. It's a wonderful experience to have someone you trust, who cares a lot about you, able to give you the words of comfort and counsel that you need. Some of the things he discussed with me included the importance of daily Book of Mormon reading and prayers of gratitude.
• Sister McElroy's birthday. Technically this was last week, but last Monday Meg and Pat threw another party for her. The bright point was that we invited some less active members.. who actually came! They almost never come to anything we invite them too, so it was nice to see some progression.
• Family History hour. We get one hour each week to work on our family history. This week was incredible because I was able to find and reserve the ordinances for another three individuals in my family tree. It feels wonderful being able to take these steps to help more of Heavenly Father's children receive their ordinances for salvation.

Now I'll explain the stress. It boils down to two categories: Accident and baptism.

This week we've been trying to correct the after effects of the accident we had several weeks ago. So when we were up at interviews we had to talk to our Vehicle Coordinator. We've been approved to take the car in for repairs for a while now, but we had to help him understand that we needed our bikes fixed first, else we wouldn't have transportation for a week. The bikes are fixed now. The car goes in today.

The baptism was a stress because we weren't sure if it was going to happen. Wednesday when the baptism interviews were given, one passed and once wasn't given an answer - the individual interviewing needed to confirm his decision with the Lord. It wasn't until the next day that approval came for baptism. So we had three days to put the baptism together. We already had a program, but we had to finish all the logistics - we didn't do so hot. We ran late, Meg and Pat ran late, but somehow it didn't explode. By the grace of God it all worked out, and it was a wonderful experience.

The work moved forward. Oh, how I love it!

Turning Pointe

Mom's note: We have placed a sticker on a count-down sheet every day since Sarah left. This is how it looks now! She is almost home!



I have a love/hate relationship with television shows that are about ballet and dancers. Typically they're either a normal TV series, or they are a reality show. In most cases, there is too much drama, and not enough dancing for my taste. But in every episode, there is always some moment where the characters have a turning point - that's the only way the plot resolves. They are given information or an experience that builds and changes them, and refines their path slightly. It gives them the chance to evaluate where they are and where they want to be. 

Ok, so my blog title really came from the fact that the show Turning Pointe was on screen before General Conference on BYU-TV. M and P had it on and I caught bits and pieces. I really miss dancing.

But anyway, I loved conference this weekend - it was my metaphoric and very literal turning point. Conference is always such a wonderful opportunity to stop, evaluate, and change. I loved every talk I heard - each time it gets better and better. I particularly loved the talk about Ponderizing, Elder Cook's "ship-shape in Bristol fashion" and President Nelson's comments. I learned a lot and hope to continue reviewing and learning from the prophets and apostles.

M and P continue to progress towards their baptism. It's scheduled for this upcoming Saturday, and they are 100% on board and 99% on track - we have a few more things to teach and a baptism service to plan, but that'll be easily accomplished in the next few days :) I look forward to introducing them as the newest members of the church in my email this upcoming week.

It's been a good week overall. We were able to get our bikes appraised and begin the process of having them repaired - it will be about $100 per bike for repairs.

We also went on exchanges and I got to go to the Spanish speaking Galveston area again. I really enjoyed it - I like getting to see different parts of the mission. 

For sake of time, I'll end here this week. I'm loving the work, the people and the area. I love being part of the Lord's workforce to harvest souls before the winter comes. I'm so grateful I get the chance to be here.