Crush your comfort zone


been thinking about that lately. We may have an idea of what we want and what would be best and then God throws a curveball. But when you think about it more you realize that God is just setting you up for a home run. I was so ready to stay in Barreiro for one more transfer. So ready. I had made the apartment my own, bought my favorite food, really formed strong bonds with the members and had many ideas for the work. Then the APs called. And I am leaving. Not only that. Our area is closing. About 20 sisters are going home this transfer and only 8 will arrive, so several sister areas are closing. But it will only be for now! The other sisters will get there visas and next transfer Barreiro will have sisters again! Meanwhile, I am going to a city called Oeidas. It is on the same side of the river as Lisbon. I don't know very much about it, but I think we have a beach really close by which I am super excited about! And I will be serving with Sister Romney. The people I have talked to who know her say is really cute and really obedient. I am so excited to meet her and learn from her! I am finally done with training so now I get to learn how to be a regular missionary! I am going to miss Barreiro and the members there a lot. They will always have a special place in my heart. But God doesn't do things without purpose. I was getting comfortable in Barreiro. I knew my way around, and I knew the people. I think that is why I am leaving. There is less learning in the comfort zone than there is out. I am so grateful for a heavenly father who truly has my best interests in mind and mission president who is in tune with the spirit.

This week was just another week of missionary work! Sister Chagas packed her suitcases and prepared mentally to return home from her mission, and I eventually started packing my bags too. We are going to pass all of our people over to the elders who will be staying in Barreiro, so we spent some time letting our friends know. And we spent time with the members. We have really been searching for ways we can serve the members more and show our love for them. It was so sweet to see the fruits of our labors of love in the sadness of the members when they learned we were both leaving. Sometimes we will never know the impact we may have had in a place or person. That is the life of a missionary. But I pray that I did some good here and helped lift the burden of at least one of God's children.

I don't have much more to share this week. I will have more next week though for sure! 

I am glad to report that these days about 60% of the time I think in portuguese! I forgot a word in English today actually while doing a contact in English. To be honest I still can't remember it. But I can tell you I am not upset about it! Oh wait! Ok I just remembered it. Lol.

Remember that the Lord loves you! He will help you every step of the way, and so if it ever feels like He has left you alone, that is probably the experience you need right now to learn and grow from. I love this Gospel! It makes me so happy, and I know that it is true! I love you all! Read the scriptures, say your prayers, go to church. Be good boy and good girls. I will too. I love you all! Tchau tchau!

Sister Hardy


Paige Hardy <paige.hardy@missionary.org>
Attachments
Mon, May 6, 9:14 AM
to me

-some pretty flowers!
-I love my friends here in Barreiro! 
-our district
-eating Japanese take out! 
-The Book of Mormon is a big deal! 










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