August 31, 2015 in Pampa, Texas

Goodbyes in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Hello family from good ol' Pampa, TX! I love being back in Texas so much. It just has a different feel:) So this week has been crazy between transfers and learning the new area, but I have loved it. 

Monday was full of packing and goodbyes. It is so sad to leave, but once all the goodbyes have been said, and you're officially assigned to a new area, there's complete closure and you can head out off to your new adventure. Tuesday was pretty sad though. Sister Perez and I drove to Hobbs together where a member came to pick me up. I was so sad to leave her! I remember when Sister Slade left me after my first transfer in the mission to get a new trainer and I was TERRIFIED. I felt so bad doing that to Sister Perez. But luckily, that sister is so much more amazing than I was and she will do so well back in Carlsbad! So after I was picked up by a member in Hobbs, we drove to Lamesa, then another member took me to Lubbock, another member took me to Amarillo, where I FINALLY met my new companion:) Then, it was even more driving (while also getting lost in Amarillo) to Pampa! After about 9 hours of transfers, I made it from the south half of the mission, way back up to the North. And I love it here! The panhandle is seriously one of my favorite places! The hills, the wind, the people, the sky, it is all so amazing!

So, when President Heap called me to tell me I was transferring to Pampa, the only thing he told me about why I was being called there was that they needed Spanish. And boy was he right! Seriously, the first night, we taught a Spanish lesson, and I have been speaking Spanish every day since! It's kinda hard, because Sister Wilkins can't speak Spanish, so I feel like I am taking over the lesson, but we are working on it! She can now pray and say the first vision in Spanish:) Plus, she prays for me and helps me with what to say when I get stuck. She is so patient with me and I love her for that! But seriously, I love that I am speaking Spanish again. And the ward is so excited about it too. They all greeted me as Hermana instead of sister and were telling us about all these people we need to start visiting. I feel so blessed to have been able to learn Spanish and now use this skill to help other people! It is so much fun.

Also, I got to go to Borger on Thursday! I was so happy to be there:) I felt like I was home! I didn't get to go visit anyone, because we were there for a District conference with President and Sister Heap and the APs. That was an amazing conference. We talked all about the Fall and the Atonement. It opened my eyes so much to the importance of the work we are doing out here. It made me realize how there really isn't much difference between me and all the people I teach. No unclean thing can be with God, no matter what. We are all in desperate need of Christ and His Atoning sacrifice. I learned to show my weaknesses to the people that I teach, not just my strengths, just as Christ did when He came to visit the people in the Americas. He showed His willingness to help. I am out here working to help others be able to return to live with their Father in Heaven and their family for eternity, but at the same time, that's what I want too. We truly are here to help each other get there, because we all need the help so badly! And it's our job as members of Christ's church to make sure that everyone know how they can make it back. This gospel is true, it is Christ's teaching, and it is the only way to true happiness!

As for the new calling as an STL, I haven't noticed much difference yet. I still just do the work! I just have a few extra sisters to learn from and love lots:) Tomorrow I get to go on exchanges to Borger, TX! I am so PUMPED! And this Friday will be Missionary Leadership Council in Lubbock. My favorite part about this calling is that I have a baggilion more opportunities to learn from other people! I am loving this work, my companion, my area, and my calling. It truly is amazing!

Love you all and have a great week!

Hermana Peck

Goodbyes with Hermana Perez 

Hellos with Sister Wilkins!