T E X A S: I want to be a Texan forever!

Compas

Can I just start off by saying, being a missionary is the best blessing my Heavenly Father could ever give to me! He loves each one of us so much, and as I go out everyday, I see the evidence of that even more. I had the sweetest experience as we were driving to Lubbock this weekend. It was pouring rain, I was stressed because we were running late for Sister Wilkins' doctor appointment in Lubbock, and the music that was playing was just a little too anxiety-enhancing, for lack of a better word. I asked Sister Carter to change it, and a soft arrangement of Called to serve came up. The rain stopped, and the sun popped out of the clouds just in time to light up the darkened, wet ground. The windmills of the Texas Panhandle were flying, and I could see my badge in the corner of my eye. My heart just filled with joy as I looked at the beautiful place I have been blessed to serve in, and the wonderful calling I have to teach this glorious gospel. My loving heavenly Father knew just the right thing to do and the right time to do it to calm me down and help me feel His love. It was so simple, but so sweet. Every day is filled with little moments like those that help remind me that He knows me, He knows my name, and He loves me. And I know He feels the same about all of you!

In addition to that, this week was FULL of happy moments! I got to go to Borger this week on exchanges! The area is a lot different now, but I was able to visit with Crystal, a member that I worked a ton with in Borger. I was so happy to see her and her daughter, Mariah. They are doing alright, but I know that day, the Lord was able to use me as a tool in answering a small part of their prayers. I love them both so much! It was just such a blessing to be back in a place that I love sooo much!

Side note about Borger...we were on bikes and on the drive over there, my bike pedal fell off. So I rode around all day with only one pedal. I have no idea how I made that happen, but it worked! Thank goodness!

Another side note before I get back to the miracles: we helped a member out in one of our outlying towns this week, and her boss treated us to a REAL Texas steakhouse for lunch....can I just say WOW. I want to be a Texan forever. I want to live in a tiny town, eat steak and cobbler, and drive in a truck everyday for the rest of my life!

But back to the goodness. So we had our ward trunk or treat this week and the BIGGEST miracle happened. I was smiling ear to ear. I couldn't believe what happened! So, there is a lady named Olivia that we do service for every week at her work. We have been wanting to teach her, but the opportune moment just hadn't come up yet! So God just handed it to us! We were in the kitchen, judging the chili, because that was our job. And out of nowhere, Olivia walked into the church! She was all casual to see us, as if she knew that we would be there (we didn't even invite her). We were so pumped that she was there! but to add to it, our investigator Tricia then walked in to welcome her. TRICIA INVITED OLIVIA!!! They used to go to church together, and are super good friends. WHAT? We were so excited. Olivia met basically everyone in the ward and had such a good time. She even told everyone she would come to church. It was such a miracle of service, and we were so happy! She ended up not coming to church, which we were sad about...BUT she met with us last night and it was amazing. We taught her about the restoration of the church and she loved it! She was so excited to read the Book of Mormon, and she explained how she felt an excited feeling, pulling her in to learn more. I have never met someone like her and I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to teach her! We gave her a tour of the church after, and it was truly perfect! I wish I could go into all the details about that experience, because I was amazed the whole time. Such a blessing, and I am so excited for her!

Friday and Saturday we were gone all day. Friday we had Sister Wilkins MRI in Lubbock...pray for her to be healthy! It went well and we'll see the results sometime this week. That night, we went to an MLC at the mission home. WOW. It was about 20 missionaries, President and Sister Heap, and Elder and Sister Foster (who came for the mission tour). Simply put, that was amazing. And the next day the mission tour was just wonderful! I learned so much about grace. I think that has been kinda my theme lately. But it was amazing to be reminded by a general authority and my mission president that I don't have to be perfect, I just have to keep trying to be a little better everyday. My favorite part of the entire weekend was that he truly came to say that we are doing well, we can do better, but God loves us individually, and He's happy for the work we've done so far. Now it's just time to step it up, because we're ready! And I am pumped about it! It was fun to be in Lubbock and see so many missionaries that I love! I even got to visit with Sister Perez, and that was so happy! Man, it just never stops. This gospel is amazing!

Halloween was great! It was a chill night, but we had a good time painting pictures...and each others faces. Man, it is a wonderful life as a missionary!

I love you all! Have a great week!

Hermana Peck