Where Can I Turn For Peace?

Where do I even begin? Well, since I'm home, I went to the Puyallup Fair last P-day, which was great, and odd! I wasn't able to go to the Fair last year, because I was away at school in Hawaii. But this year, I went, but couldn't go on the rides.... Lame! So, instead, I did the games. And guess what! I actually won! I played hat game where you throw the ring onto the bottle, and I made it! I leaned over to my mom and said, "Does anyone actually win this?" and then I threw it, and made it on! I won a MASSIVE panda bear. Stoked! I also won a little panda twice (and traded up for a medium) at another game where you launch the rubber frog into the basket. That was pretty cool as well. I have never won at games before!

(Panda won from Ring Toss)

(Baby Panda won from Frog Launch)

(Too much fun with Malik and the hamster...
Man, he loves that thing!)

I've been planning on going out with the sister missionaries that are in a different Ward in my Stake, but it's never worked out. Mainly because I haven't been feeling too up for it. I think I've decided though to serve in the temple, maybe a couple days a week, when I don't go to the doctor. I'll be answering phones, or recording ordinances, which is a nice place to be. So, I'm looking forward to that. And I think I'll also work in the Mission Office. Maybe once a week, if I can get that all figured out. It's just too hard to sit for so long. So rather, I've been chilling at home with my mama while she babysits a little 2-year-old boy named Malik. I've been having fun playing with him. He's such a cutie. I love kids. That's one thing that gets me through the boring, long days at home.

(He loves smiling for the camera.
And boy, he sure did love that massive panda)

Last Wednesday, we had the elders from our Ward over for dinner. For the thought, we watched a Mormon Message called "The Hope of God's Light" which I actually watched a couple days prior. I LOVE it. It's all about how even though we may be feeling like we are surrounded by darkness, we need to remember that God CAN and WILL illuminate the way for us as we turn to Him. It's a powerful message.

I had the WONDERFUL opportunity to attend the Deaf Branch in Shoreline with my mama on Sunday. My goodness. I love those people in that Branch. I always feel so uplifted when I attend there. And it was great because I didn't feel like people were judging or staring like I did last week in my home ward. Rather, they welcomed me back with open arms. I love the chance I have to attend the Branch and to be an ASL missionary, even for a short little while.

I've also been seeing my chiropractor here. I had an MRI as well. Luckily, my back isn't injured too seriously. But, he did see a little bulge because my tailbone was impacted and compacted so it caused a small bulge in my disk. Or something like that. I don't know all the fancy doctoral words. But, the good news is that I DON'T need surgery and I should be back in Arkansas by October 21st, if all goes well! (:

It's still been incredibly odd being home, and still being a missionary. My mom has been my companion and it's weird never being alone, or being able to run out to the store real quick. I still feel lost and not sure where I fit. But I know, without a doubt, that the Lord truly can comfort me in this time of suffering, confusion, and sense of nowhere. I know that He has a plan for me. I know that I can turn to Him and truly feel the effects of the Atonement in my life. I know that I can be comforted, feel peace, and feel purpose in my life right now.

I'm learning to accept this challenge I have and to truly submit to the Lord's will. I know that as I do that, all things will work out. (: