The eight days I had with Sister Whitmarsh and Sister Moala was a straight PARTY. Like it was so fun!!! I think it was really what I needed because I had been so stressed and worried for so long that it was nice to have two companions that didn't have a lot to worry about. Plus, it was nice for a change to have some people worry about me. I think lately it has been very "what can I do for Sister Johnson and how can I love her more and what could I do to serve her" and then it was "how is Sister Harris feeling and has she had enough sleep, when is the next appt., does she need a break, how is her mental state, President needs an update, etc." which is totally fine. And, as you could read in my last email it was something that I needed and it taught me how to actually love and put someone above myself. But, I didn't realize how tired I was of worrying and taking care of things by myself until I had two companions that I got along with super easily and could just work with and have fun with. Not that I didn't have fun with Sister Harris... hopefully that makes sense.
Also, just a side note, with Sister Whitmarsh and Moala, they took me to all of the cool places to eat out because I had been so food deprived with my no food companion. The first two times we went out random members paid for us! Sometimes it is easy to forget that I am serving in Utah. Temple Square just kind of seems like it is its own little universe and the gates are the edges of it. If members come to the Square, I typically avoid them at all costs because I want to talk to the tourists. And there are way more nonmembers than there are members that come to the Square. But, when we venture outside our 35-acre bubble, I start to realize that I am in the land of the church and people love to pay for missionaries here. Kind of nice, I won't lie to you.
Okay so now I'll tell you a little bit about my new companion. Her name is Sister Brinkmeier and she is from Louisiana! We have been out the same amount of time...almost nine months. The first memory I have of her is actually kind of funny. It was the fourth week in the MTC, so Visitor's Center training and I just remember looking at her and being super scared. So, I decided to sit with her at lunch and get to know her so that way I wouldn't be so scared. She loves to talk, especially about herself so I feel like I basically learned everything about her. But did the fear disappear? No, not even a little bit. I was still terrified. Good times. Good news, once we got to the field I got less scared of her and we would chat and were lowkey friends so when I saw that we were together I honestly was mostly excited. The only thing that scared me is that she is a very my way or the highway kind of person and has a strong personality. I was a little concerned that she would overpower me with teaching and tours and talking to people and things. And honestly, she does sometimes but it is way more balanced than I anticipated! Also, I am her third German speaking companion....in a row. It is honestly kind of hilarious. She told God that if she got another German speaker that she would take it as a sign that she needed to learn German. So now she is learning German.
Anyways, we are district leaders together! Honestly, I never wanted to be a leader. Especially now that I am a leader, I just want to be normal even more. There are just lots of extra things that we have to do and plan and everything and it is a hassle. But oh well I will survive. It helps that with the mission being so low on people right now, our district is crazy small. It makes our job a little bit easier. Sister Brinkmeier has never been a district leader either so we are both in this boat together and it is nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of. The only thing is, she has been the companion of the district leader before and so she feels like she knows what she is doing and I don't. Any advice on how to handle that? And just pride in general? Get a load of this parents, I am a prideful person. I accept that and I am working on it and I feel like I have gotten a little bit better (not in a prideful way but in like a legit way if that makes sense) but this woman is PRIDEFUL. There is nothing that she is not "really good" at. Like, I will say "patience is something that I really want to work on this transfer and strive to develop" and she goes "oh yeah you should really do that. My mission has taught me how to be patient, so I have that one down" Like what?? I'm shooketh.
Anyways, I love her a lot. We get along, but we are just very different people. Even just the way we were raised. She is very boujee (that just means fancy) and just very southern. Very different people. But I am excited to learn from her because she is an awesome missionary and I know God wants me with her for a reason!
These past three weeks I have just kind of felt like I am in a funk. Just kind of slower than I usually am, not as motivated, quicker to get distracted, etc. and it has made me feel really bad! I mean I only have 18 months and I don't want to waste a single second! And don't get me wrong, I was still being obedient and staying busy and working hard, I just didn't feel as motivated to do so. Weird, right? I think that part of it was having a sick companion where we couldn't do as much, that I just slowed down and got used to it. Well, I was talking to Sister Whitmarsh and Sister Moala about it (#trioLIFE) and they told me that it was normal. They have both been out for about 14 months and they said that they felt the same way when they were almost halfway, that they were just tired. But, they promised me that it would get better and that it happens to everyone. Rather than just let myself get over it though, I decided to take it to the Lord and I fasted and prayed that He would help me be more motivated and have more energy and greater success. I promised Him that I would push harder if he would help me have the energy to do so. And guess what, HE DID!!!!! Sister Brinkmeier and I have been two very busy bees. Yesterday we literally had back to back assignments, not a single gap until our last hour on the Square, and even then we had set up a lesson! I'm grateful that Heavenly Father is just helping me get my fire back and get back into the work.
Love you both and I hope that you have the most amazing week ever!!!!!!
Love,
Em
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