Third Times A Charm

Sister Richardson's Super Split Seconds

Transfers were on Friday, and I'm going for round 3 here in Huntley Meadows! Unfortunately, the party trio was split up, which was so sad, but I'm grateful to be with Sister VanDyke for another 6 weeks! The area is definitely starting to feel small, but I'm grateful for the chance that I have to be here!

Time has become a literal warp. I don't know how it's September, but I also feel like it should be March of 2026. I don't know if that makes sense, but that's how I'm feeling.

A literal snake slithered into our apartment. Absolute mayhem broke out. Sister VanDyke killed it, I disposed of it, and all three of us nearly vomited. I pride myself on being able to handle most things, but snakes are where I draw the line. My mental sanity about evaporated. Turns out, our dungeon of an apartment could, in fact, get worse. All things considered though, we are safe and we have a roof over our heads, so I can't complain! Thanks for indulging my rant, and yes, I know I'm being a high-maintenance brat. I'll work on it.

Patience is something I've really been trying to develop these past few months. Patience with myself, others, and the work. It's hard because the fruit from our labors as missionaries doesn't come to pass quickly or on our timetable, so having the patience to trust God and His plans has been something I've really been trying to do. Yesterday, I finally felt like I saw a little glimmer of hope when a man in our ward bore his testimony and revealed how our efforts were an answer to his desperate prayers. We didn't do anything big, but showing up and trying our best proved to be enough. I'm grateful for a God who sees our efforts and multiplies them for good. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "Often the answer to our prayers doesn't come while we are on our knees, but while we are on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us." I love this quote because it perfectly sums up the fact that the Lord loves to answer our prayers when He sees effort on our part. He doesn't ask us to do anything huge; He just asks us to try. This knowledge has helped me tremendously as I've worked to navigate the complex dynamics of people and the mission. We don't have a whole lot going for us right now, but we are trying, and I know that's enough for God. Just as He's helped me, I know God can help you navigate whatever life throws at you as you do your best to follow His will.

Here's to hoping you have a snake-free week! Give your best effort in whatever you've committed to do and be proud of yourself for trying. God's proud of you, and so am I!

Sending extra big hugs this week!

xoxo,
Sister Richardson

*Recent converts made it to the temple and loved it. This pic literally made me cry.

*Sweet young women in our ward made us gift baskets, which also made me tear up. (I'm turning into a crier—lol, I just can't help but get overwhelmed with gratitude and love.)





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