Sister Sydney Hanks’ Mission Log : December 30th 2019

Greetings world!

Still a little blown away that were about to go into a new year. Next week marks a year since I recieved that wonderful blessing that sent me on this incredible journey. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be here. I am so grateful everyday that I was brave enough to heed heavenly fathers call.

The rest of Christmas day was seriously amazing. Of course I missed my family a bit but being able to video call them every week helps so much. It also helps that the people here help make this place feel like home. We went to glenda's for dinner which was amazing. Ham dinner. So freaking good. We then played games at the martindale's. I love them. They had a D&D clue! AH! Loved it so much. A great Christmas overall. Crazy to think I'll be home next year.

I love how I started my entry on Thursday. I wish I had better things to report. I had some stomach bug or issues going on. No fun. So was down most that day. Lot of sleeping. Got a call from our zone leaders and they let us know we were switching cars.

Friday was good. the elders came and switched cars with us. We now have a truck! It barely fits in our garage. Haha! walked the marina. Had breakfast for lunch. Went out and did some tracting. Checked in on the sisters since they hadn't been feeling good either. Went to dinner at sister rangels and had a random mix of foods. It was really good. Tried to get the bike rack off the stupid new truck so that was fun. Good day.

Saturday was an adventure. We've been patently waiting and we finally made it to the island on the marina. Pictures 1 and 2 are from that adventure. Picture 2 is one of my favorites of sister galvez and I. Oh! We also got our stupid bike rack off. Picture 3 is of our victory. After we went out to the north area and did some tracting. Not too much luck but some really awesome people. Great dinner with the Cummins. Came home and had a great companion study. Was really good.

Yay for sundays! We went out and walked around the marina. Came back and got a ride to church. Church was so good! I've officially decided Elder Uchtidorf is my favorite apostle. During our second hour meeting we read a talk by him titled Of Regrets and Resolutions from October 2012 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/of-regrets-and-resolutions I attached the link because it's one if my favorites and is perfect for the new year. This was one of my many favorite markings from it. "Let us resolve to follow the Savior and work with diligence to become the person we were designed to become. Let us listen to and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we do so, Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves. He will illuminate the path ahead and open our eyes to see our unknown and perhaps unimagined talents." Being a missionary I really had to think what kind of resolutions do I want for this year? This quote is my resolution for the next year. I'm excited for it since most the year I'll be in my mission. So excited. After church we had lunch and visited some awesome non members. We then had dinner with the church's. Such a fun family. Came home and listened to some talks. Really amazing Sunday.

Here we are another p day. It's still crazy to think I've almost been out for 6 months. 1/3 of my mission over. I swear I blinked and it passed. So crazy. I've loved it so much. I can't wait for another year of this great work.

I hope you all have an amazing week. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love,

Sister Sydney Hanks