Richardson, Olivia PT

Sister Richardson's Super Split Seconds As of Friday, I've been a missionary for 7 months! Time flies when you're being molded into a better human. So, it turns out people weren't lying to me when they told me the wet cold literally bites your bones. This AZ girl is soft. Thankfully, a sweet member bought us hand and toe warmers. The older I get, the more I realize how unfair and tough life is. Life truly is a refining process, and sometimes the refiner's fire feels extra fiery. With that in mind, let's just say the furnace has been at maximum heat the past few days. Last week was the one-year anniversary of one of my friends passing away. Reliving the hell of last year has been, quite frankly, horrific. But because God is good, He gave me a chance to find purpose in the depths of my grief, anger, and sadness. On Tuesday, I had the chance to talk with Andres, Jackie's nephew. In the last 5 years, he's lost his dad, brother, and most recently, his wife. H...

Sister Richardson's Super Split Seconds We had dinner with an ex-CIA contractor and holy cow, my mind was blown. Quite literally one of the coolest conversations I've ever had with someone. I'd tell you all about it, but then I'd have to kill you. All things considered, life is good out here in Gainesville! The people here have my heart forever. They have the biggest hearts and they keep it real, which is always refreshing. Christ is often referred to as the "Prince of Peace." I've heard that reference probably a million times, but never once considered what that actually means for us until this week when we went to share a Christmas message with a family. From the moment we walked in, we could tell the wife was stressed. Her precious little girls were running around the house. They were doing what kids do best and getting into everything, all while the mom was trying to make dinner. As we sat down to talk, I asked her how she was doing, to which she respo...

Sister Richardson's Super Split Second I don't have a ton of time, so here's a singular split second. Over the past 6 months, I've probably read "Mountains to Climb" by Henry B. Eyring at least a dozen times. It's simply beautiful. It's always been my favorite talk, but its message has taken on a whole new meaning for me out here. There's a specific line that always sticks out to me, and it reads, "If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing." I can't read those words without tearing up. Before I left on my mission, I told myself I just needed to survive until Thanksgiving, and if I could do that, I could hack it for a whole 18 months. As my first mental milestone has been approaching, I've been reflecting on the spiritual fuel I've consumed to complete the first leg of my climb, and to keep it simple, faith has been my most consistent reservoir of strength. On days wher...

Sister Richardson's Super Split Seconds Disclaimer: Your girl is exhausted. This is going to be short and sweet because Sis Richie needs a nap. This was my last week with Sister Haynes. Don't worry though, we made sure to make it a party and a half! Everyone deserves a Sister Haynes in their life! She truly devotes herself to serving others, and it's inspiring! My new companion’s name is Sister Crockett! She's a gem, and I'm excited to party with her! I hit 6 months as a missionary! Man, what a ride it's been. Every day is a battle. Missions are unique because they literally exasperate every weakness, insecurity, and pet peeve you have every single day. They break you down and build you back into a much better human. So while there are moments where I want to scream, cry, and maybe even drop a curse word or two, I wouldn't change my mission for the world. My mission has changed my heart forever, taught me invaluable lessons, and helped me come to know my Sav...