Let it burn

"I promise I'm happy"

Mom note (again): On Thursday night, Hna Gourley was emergency transferred to Rego Park for the final week of this transfer. She loved Far Rockaway and the people she served there. I know I said this last week, but I want to grow up to be just like her. :) Love her example of faith and optimism. ♥

Hey, fam.

Interesting week. It isn't until your faith and strength is tested and the Lord is all you have that you truly realize your faith is enough, in His strength you can do all things, and He is all you need. Not gonna lie, the refiner's fire got pretty intense. I honestly did not know so much could happen in six days. I haven't had this hard of a week in a long time but I feel at peace. I know this is all part of His plan. We will see what the Lord has in store. Good thing I have the fire I have because when the refiner's fire comes, I've got my fire to match it. I know that the Lord has prepared me for these things and is ever with me in these moments.

I was reading though chapter six of PMG to get some extra strength and guidance and hope, cause I was really lacking this morning. Well, I was reading just through what is said, not the scriptures or anything, and I came to Patience.

- "Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God’s will and accept His timing. When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully. Patience is related to hope and faith--you must wait for the Lord’s promised blessings to be fulfilled."

I had to look up and say "thank you". Because I am getting it. I never thought in my life that I would say I am starting to get patience, but the Lord works wonders when we come unto Him. It is amazing. It says patience is related to hope and faith. All the lessons He has taught me on these two attributes over the last year --specifically these last few months-- have really paid off as now I stand amazed at the goodness that are His blessings. I am getting it. I know I still have a long way to go, but I cannot deny the blessings that the Lord has given me in bringing me to this point.

I feel the urgency of being optimistic. I feel the urgency of being happy and feeling joy in the future. I know how it all turns out. I don't know the means by which the end will come about, but I know what will be the end. I have faith and hope in Him and His plan. I can do all things. I can press forward and be an instrument in His hands that whatever His will might be may be done. Joy is a choice. I will choose to feel joy at this time. He is there.

Really and truly, all is well. I feel peace and comfort knowing the Lord is by my side. I have received an incredible amount of love and support and know He hasn't left me alone. Seek to find Him. Look for Him in your life. I know He is there. He's always there. I love you! Hope this is a better, more joyous week! I will be doing everything on my part to make it such. :) love you!

Muchísimo amor,
Hermana Karra Gourley

Little gems:

"You don't know how strong you are until being strong is all you have."

"I am being refined so hard!!" --Elder Asplund

Funny moments:

Elder Asplund carrying Elder Imlay down the street on our way to teach and give a blessing Sunday. #throwbacktoElderMcConkieandElderHarris

Fun times:

Sunday dinner with everyone in Rego! #williams #fourelders #foursisters #andofcourse #thefabuloussisterpetersen

Saturday knocking + a rain storm = cool lightning and nicer people #nonewgatorsthough #theyhavepitywhenyoustandintherain

...
For future reference:

My district now includes me, my companion (Sister Panoussi); Elder Asplund (district leader) and his trainee Elder Imlay; and the office elders: Elder Walker and Elder Cahan (from Patchogue)

Yes, I am in the same ward as the Beus' but no, I did not see them yesterday #rememberthatonetimeithoughtiwouldneverserveherecauseiamspanish? #thinkagain

PICTURES:
* Elder Asplund, Elder Imlay, Sister Panoussi
* Found herself sleeping on a bunkbed the night of her one-year mark - "same way I began"
* Exchanges
* Rego sister missionary tradition of buying a Lego keychain when they serve in that area. She couldn't resist the ballerina. Seems fitting.
* The "I promise I'm happy" selfie (top)

Bunkbed...just as I began one year ago