It's really weird having transfers during Thanksgiving week. Thanksgiving will be our p-day (although not really because it is going to be such a busy day!) and so we just have two hours today to write emails and to pack if we are getting transferred. But it's also Sister Debenham's birthday so we went out to lunch to celebrate and that went over into our p-day time, so I now have 45 minutes until an appointment and I only had 15 minutes to pack. Oh boy.
Well there you go. I blew the surprise. I'm getting transferred. We got the call late Sunday night. I won't find out until tomorrow where I am going but I'm sure that I will love it. Sister Carter before she left yesterday (yes, I did cry) found out where I was going and said that I will really enjoy my new area and that it is "the best in the mission". Whatever that means. What constitutes the best in the mission? One way or another, I'm excited. Yet sad. I have very mixed feelings about the whole thing. Overall though, I'm just grateful for the change. Especially after this past week, I really needed change of some kind, and I would have to say that transferring areas would have to count, haha. But I am really sad to be leaving Chardon, especially right before the holidays. It'll be weird, starting new, but I am changing and so it's good to bring the new Sister Maughan to a new area. It's hard to say good bye to people though. It breaks my heart to see my investigators, less actives, and members cry when I tell them I am leaving. Not everyone does that, but just the people that I have really really gotten close to. It's sad... but now I really feel like a missionary. someone just passing through...
Looking back though, I am really grateful to have served in Chardon. I learned so much. I haven't had any baptisms (although we did set a date with our 10 year old investigator Liam this week! He was so excited he didn't even let me finish asking him before he screamed yes!) but that's okay. That's not what it is all about. As I have been sick this transfer, I got a blessing from a member in the branch that talked about the impact I would have on the less actives in this area. It may not be the glamorous or apparent aspect of missionary work, but it is just as crucial. I look back and see the people and families that have returned to activity, the families that are now reading the scriptures and praying together, the family who is coming back to church and are preparing themselves to be sealed in the temple next year, the woman who told me in a heartfelt letter about how I have changed her life...it makes me so happy. I know it really wasn't me, but I am so glad that I got to serve here in Chardon and let the Lord use me to touch these lives. This work is awesome :)
Look at me, all reminscent already and I still have 21 hours left in this area haha. Love you all so much! Have a FABULOUS Thanksgiving, be safe, eat lots of pie and know that I am thankful for all of you!!
Love love love,
Sister Maughan
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