Week 7: Doc, Doc, Shoe

 Hey, y’all!

Here’s me pointing at a map and having no clue what serving in Columbia means!

I’m writing this from the bustling city of Columbia, Tennessee. It’s about an hour south of Nashville, and I still can’t really believe that I’m here! Air travel really is a miracle that I can’t quite wrap my head around. But here I am, for at least two transfers! Columbia is the hometown of James K. Polk AND a location for the “Hannah Montana” movie, so it’s really cemented itself as a national treasure.

I do own a pair of Timberlands, which sort of makes up for my lack of Docs, according to Hermana Petersen, because they’re cousins.

So, was anyone going to tell me that all the sister missionaries wear Docs now? I guess it’s the hottest new trend, because all of the hermanas I live with (Yay everyone I serve with is serving a Spanish-speaking mission!) own at least one pair, and when I showed up, they were not prepared for my lack thereof.

Hermana Petersen is a strong woman. Do not mess with her.

My companion and trainer is named Hermana Petersen, and she’s *amazing*. She’s from Washington, and she has seven siblings, so we’re balancing out the stereotypes of members here. She does everything so well and with so much heart, and I feel so loved and watched over by her, which I’m sure my mom will be very grateful for as she’s reading this.

Speaking of gratitude! The prophet’s message on Friday was amazing! I’ve watched it a few times, and I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t make me tear up for 100% of those instances. President Nelson’s kindness, intelligence, and empathy have given the encouragement that I and countless others have needed.

There are horses next to the church??? Super fun to meet them.

Honesty hour: Missions are hard. I feel kind of embarrassed stating this as if it’s a surprise, but this week has really been me digesting that fact. I’ve always understood that it’s challenging, but it is a whole different kind of difficult that I’ve never had to face before. I’ve been thinking about that verse in Malachi 3 that’s in Handel’s “Messiah”:

2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire …
3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

I haven’t even done it a full week yet, but what I have found myself met with the refiner’s fire already. It can definitely be intense, and sometimes it leaves me feeling weaker before I become stronger, but I can’t wait to see the gold and silver that come from it.

Tennessee sunsets are already the best thing ever!

So much love to all of you reading this, wherever you may be, and whatever fire is refining you. I hope that you’ll all stay safe and well this Thanksgiving, and shoot me an email if you get the chance! I’d love to hear what’s happening in your lovely lives.

— Thankful for you,

Hermana Newton