Sister Jamie Szabo

This week has just been one of those weeks. It went by really fast but I just feel like I had no patience and that I couldn't do anything right. I've been having a hard time hating all of the rules we have to follow. Not that I want to be disobedient (or that I am) it's just hard that I can't just be these peoples friends sometimes. But, when I first got here Dad sent me a quote by Ezra Taft Benson that says, "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." I know that that's true. He's strengthening my desire and my ability to be obedient and work hard and I'm so grateful for that. I know that He's in the detail of my life.

I'm grateful that it's Thanksgiving this week though. It's a needed reminder to be grateful for everything that I have. Especially since Mom told me the importance of counting my blessings because it will help me to live in the moment more. After Mom told me that, I saw a change and I know that it's when we're counting our blessings that the Lord is able to help us move forward and become who He needs us to be.

So, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This week I'm really grateful for:

The Kempsville Ward

The McKelveys 

Bishop Udy and his family

Elder Muncy and Elder Vosika

Sister Landon

Everyone who's paying for me to be out here

my GPS

our car

Sister Six 

The Ambridges

our apartment

having my own Conference Ensign (thanks Mom!)

TIGHTS

my watches

coats

scarves

mittens!

long socks

mail

the holidays

christmas music!!

and being a missionary. even though it's hard it's teaching me lots of important things I know will help me for the rest of my life.

all those who are making sure that the missionaries are taken care of on Thanksgiving

that Thanksgiving is a none proselyting day (we don't even have to weekly plan!)

for all of you! I've realized how important family is to me.

and for the gospel. I wish that everyone could have the joy that we have because of it.

Thank you for the packages and the letters! It's funny how much you love mail as a missionary. The Lord reminds me over and over again every single day how blessed I am to have such an amazing family at home. Thank you for all that you do for me. 

I love you all! Have the best Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping! Or just save all the fun for next year when I'm home and super awkward still for all of it :)

Love, Sister Szabo

We went to Tropical Smoothie to celebrate me hitting 6 months. It kind of hit me that day that 6 months is 1/2 of a year! I've been here for so long. and I love it. I wish I could stay in Kempsville for my entire mission.