Amish Country

Sister Richardson's Super Split Seconds


Another week in the books! Time is flying and crawling at the same time, mission time is so weird! Even so, I wouldn't trade this experience for the world!


I had the chance to go back to Vint Hill on Friday for an exchange and let's just say my cup was filled! Reconnecting with old friends and seeing the little streets and neighborhoods that molded me into a better human nearly brought me to tears! I am eternally grateful to God for all of the wonderful people He's placed along my journey as a missionary because THEY are truly what make every hard day worth it! Virginia will truly always have a piece of my heart because of these sweet people!


We were out and about and we knocked on this family's door. Their six-year-old son answered the door and just blankly stared at us while he waited for his parents to make it to the door. His mom came downstairs and chatted with us for a second. As we were getting ready to leave, she was like, "Oh, sorry I never apologized for my son!" We were like, "Uhhhhhhhhh whatttttt??" and she was like, "He didn't say anything when he opened the door because he thought you two were a part of the Amish community we visited a few weeks back in Pennsylvania and he was really confused how you found our house!" I quite literally laughed out loud. Consider me humbled. I guess my sense of fashion is more outdated than I thought.


My phone started to highlight photos from last year, and because of that, I've been thinking a lot about the girl I was just a year ago. She was cool, but wow am I so proud of the girl writing to you today. The past 13 months have refined me in ways I never imagined I could, or would, be refined. The confidence I have in myself now comes from understanding the confidence God has in me. My understanding of the healing and enabling power of the Atonement is built upon real experiences of using the Savior's power. My surety of the Living Christ is real and because of it, I have become new.


I don't say all of this to brag or to toot my own horn. I tell you these things to prove to you that change is possible. Whatever you're hoping to overcome, fix, or change, you can achieve it. All you need to do is allow space for the Savior to work in your heart. I can't promise you that changing will be quick or easy, but I can promise you that a better future is available to you because of Jesus Christ!


Sister Richardson











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