Columbus , IN

FAMILY AND FRIENDS. 

This week was honestly crazy hahaha. 

I feel like my "fake it till you make it" mentality has been taken to a whole other level. 

Columbus is a fun lil town that is super beautiful ! We share a car with the elders here, so we have been on foot or biking most  days. Its been fun ahha! 

My companion's name is Sister Oliver!! She is from California and was baptized about 15 months ago. She is hilarious!! I have already learned so much from her. She has such a special spirit and I feel very lucky to get to serve by her side!

Unfortunately the previous missionaries didn't leave us quite literally anything hahaha, BUT that's okay!! We have had a good time laughing our way through this week. 

The Lord is so aware of these people. Columbus is going to be POPPIN', just give us some time. 

Probably the most tender of this week was getting to know the members. They have been SO kind to us. And their excitement for sister's has been even more helpful haha.

In a meeting we had after church yesterday, our ward mission leader tearfully told us of how distinct his impression was to get sister's here immediately. He said, "and if that meant going to the extreme, I would." In fact our Bishop called the Mission President and asked himself for sister's. At transfers my Mission President made it clear to me that he doesn't know why or what, but that there is something important for me to do in Columbus. 

Our ward mission leader said to us, "Now I don't know why exactly you're here. But I know that there are people only you can teach, members only you can bring back, and the ward only you can strengthen and get fired up." I couldn't help but tear up as he was sharing these words, because it confirmed to me that Sister Oliver and I are right where we need to be. And no, this week has not been easy in any way. And no, it's not going to get easy! But good things never come easy right? 

My email was flooded with messages from my sweet Fort Wayne friends this week. I still miss them everyday. But I know that there is a work for me here, and I am happy to be here. 

Send your prayers for the two sister's walkin down the streets of Columbus just trying to find those we can lift and love. 

This week I was reminded of the power of prayer. Quite literally I have had no idea what to do or how I'm supposed to carry this big load, so you could say I've been on my knees a LOT this week. 

I trust that He hears me, and I know He cares. All that He's told me to do is to keep moving forward. And I can do that! 

I'll end with one of my favorite quotes from C.S. Lewis on prayer.....

"I pray because I cant help myself. I pray because I am helpless. It doesn't change God. It's changes me."

Amen. 

It's changing me. 

Let it change you. 

ALL MY LOVE, 

ox sister rich