Phoenix Bird is Flying Home

Hey y'all!

I'm on my way H O M E! 18 months ago y'all I had not the slightest clue what journey I was about to embark on. During my time out, I have learned quite a lot. Every moment in the field & every person I met was my opportunity to exercise faith in God. I had no idea what they needed to hear or how I could help, but I assure you He knows every single one of us by name. He called me to serve, He inspired righteous men to know where I was to serve, and He inspires President Grayson who prayerfully considers each missionary & where to place them. 

I felt most humbled as I bounced back and forth from the energy of a new missionary and one who was soon returning. I felt as though I was going home and coming out 4 times! I believe God's hand is in all lives, but I am certain his hand has been active in mine. 

There were many times during my journey I felt peace and joy because I knew my Savior was walking right beside me! And what I have learned through personal experience, I hope to always remember. God is eternal & so are we. He never leaves us alone & He does not want to. When I felt most confused and frustrated, it was then when I looked up toward our Father in Heaven that brought me closer to Him. Through His love & guidance, I have come to love & understand Jesus Christ a little more each day. 

I am grateful for example, which helps me understand.

I am grateful for many people, who taught me how to turn to God.

I am grateful for opposition, which leads me to my Savior.

But above all, I am grateful for Jesus Christ who came to the earth to experience all we would and more. Though Christ was sinless, He understands the struggles our mistakes and the mistakes of others cause us to feel. 

He is our mediator, and I testify that He is mighty to save.

I love y'all, I appreciate the support & responses you have given me throughout my mission. I look forward to seeing y'all soon!

Love, Sister Morrill

Brace YoursELVES, 7 More Days!

Hey y'all!

The time is come! As of Friday I have served for 18 months!

This week Gabriel came to church, this is 3 weeks in a row! Its crazy we met him in the Walmart parking lot hahaha. He is awesome though and has such incredible questions! We also met a woman who practices the Muslim faith and has a desire to read the Book of Mormon!

On Saturday, we had a lesson with Gabriel over Facebook and it was so wonderful! Y'all technology is such a blessing. During our lesson, Sister Whitworth asked him if he has ever gotten up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom in the dark. He said yes and then smacked his hand against his head to demonstrate his experience haha. What a perfect example of how it feels to fall into an apostasy! He is reading the Book of Mormon every day and praying about baptism on the 5th of January! We also found out from our Ward Council he went out with the YSA twice this week! The ward has seriously embraced him and we are so grateful. We are having dinner at the Bishop's home with Gabriel and the YSA on Saturday :)

Last Monday our Bishop called me and invited me to speak on Sunday. He said he wanted me to speak in regards of the First Presidency's Christmas devotional. Specifically how I gave my life as a gift to the Savior- because that is what he feels I have done. I thought about how my life could even be considered a "gift" to a divine being. But I felt the Spirit and I definitely sustain him so I happily agreed! I tried to prepare all week, but Sunday morning I recieved a clear impression about what I spoke about. When I decided to become a covenant KEEPER. I later learned the Stake President and the wife of a member of the 70 attended. It was pretty cool :) the Stake President shared a scripture that came to mind while listening. Omni 1:26 :) 

And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.

I have a 3 hour layover next Monday, so I think I'd like to write y'all my final testimony then!

Have a wonderful week!

Sister Morrill