Queen Creek Mission

For the first time in a year I left the Bella Vista Zone to do missionary work.

It was weird.

I am a Bella Vista missionary. Sometimes I feel like I was actually called to the Queen Creek Spanish speaking mission because this week I hit 1 YEAR IN THE ZONE AND WARD! Some members are starting to joke that I'm never going to leave. The sad thing is that it could be a very real possibility.

I had this epiphany that the other week at zone conference I was the oldest sister missionary there. Like they had all come out after me. I don't know when this happened and I don't really know how I feel about it all but it definitely threw me for a loop. Also the fact I have three zone conferences left boggles my mind. Where has the time gone??

But I have decided to ignore those facts, work as hard as if I was fresh out of the MTC and give everyday my all. We were able to go out to dinner this past week with two missionaries I admired a lot. They left a huge impact on this mission and on me. They taught me how to be diligent and focused, how to just go for it and fear no man. They changed my mission. Listening to them talk about their missions - what they regretted and loved - really touched me. They left us with one huge piece of advice - "Give everyone 100%". They said they regretted those times they hadn't. I know I have always regretted not doing my best, leaving an appointment having taught a lesson and not a person, or just going through the motions. Luckily I still have time left to change that. It is hard and I will probably fail miserably sometimes but these are my brothers and sisters and they deserve to know where they came from and who exactly loves them. I am their chance to hear that.

That was a random tangent I didn't mean to go on.....

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK!

1. MALIA
She is a recent convert in our YSA who is awesome! She spoke at the new member fireside yesterday and killed it! her testimony and conversion story are insane and she is so funny! she gave all her missionaries a shoutout and it really touched me. one of my favorite parts of this work is the relationships we get to build with people.

2. LIBERTY
So that is actually the name of the cutest little blond girl ever. I saw her in church at the YSA the other day and actually chased her down the hall to talk to her. I booked it and then awkwardly waited for her and she is GOLDEN! I talked to her really briefly and asked her how she liked church and she loved it!!! she said she was coming back next week to learn more. I was like "lol funny story I kind of do that full time" and she was like "awesome! I want to learn all I can!!" I cried - once she walked away of course - IT HAS BEEN SO HARD TO FIND IN THE YSA. I think my split was concerned for my mental health.

3. CARMEN
still awesome. still amazing. love her. so excited for her baptism THIS FRIDAY! (also getting baptized is Lorena and Marisol!)

4. EXCHANGES
I got to go up to the northest part of the mission for exchanges this week with Sister Fuimaono. It was so different up there! We had a good time and went to this place that was straight Spanish. I felt like I was in Mexico. It was awesome. We also had dinner but they were like amazing and super light and I just left so refreshed? that in and of itself was a miracle. 


I don't really remember what else happened this week. The days, the weeks and months are flying! I love this work and I love the chance to share the gospel with everyone. It is a gospel of joy and peace in the middle of the chaos of the world. I know I have found the greatest peace and joy of my life as I have dedicated these past 13 months to it.

I love you all!!!

To the Moon and Back!

Hermana Showalter

(or as Elder Lund our vehicle coordinator calls me... "Speedy"....we will see how long these driving privileges last. currently I'm tied with one of the APs for most tiwi violations lol)