Transferring to my Last Area

HELLO EVERYONE

How’s it going???

Yup I am getting transferred! I am going to the Palm Desert Zone to be in the Shadow Hills Ward with Sister Losee. This will be my last area in the mission!

Fun facts about the Shadow Hills ward:

- wealthiest area in the mission

- it was also Sister Peterson’s last area! (Shoutout to you sista p)

- President dixon told me the work is goin* really well there right now

- that’s all I know

I am sad to leave Sister McNary though! We have had soooo much fun together and have worked really well together in this area. I know she will take care of Onaga Trail, she is an amazing missionary. I also loooove this area, there are so many great members here that I have gotten so close to! I am for sure coming to visit after my mission. There will be lots of tearful goodbyes in the next couple days!

On Thursday we went to the TEMPLE! It was soooo refreshing, I love the temple so much. I have really come to appreciate the temple on my mission. Plus the Dixons surprised us by greeting us in the Celestial Room, so that was amazing. After the temple we had our Christmas zone conference, which was so spiritually uplifting. I was once again reminded of how much I love being a missionary. Also, Sister Vest and I did a musical number and sang “O Holy Night” a capella! And it actually wasn’t too bad! That was just overall a great day.

Something that has been on my mind lately is just being natural in being like the Savior. We have been focusing on that a lot in our mission, because sometimes as missionaries we get robotic and impersonal. Sister Dixon always says, “if it’s not personal, what is it?” Jesus Christ was always personal and worked individually with each person, one by one. There are no coincidences, so each person god places in our path is for a reason, and god has entrusted us to love them and help them in the best way we can. I invite you all to be aware of the people around you this week, as you’re doing Christmas shopping and standing in line, at the gas station, or around family and friends, etc, be aware that you are around everyone you are around for a reason. Take the time to notice people and look them in the eyes and SMILE. Ask God for the courage and ability to recognize the people around you and see them as He sees them. I know you will see miracles this Christmas as you turn OUTWARD and remember the Savior. And I KNOW He lives!

Today a member (Sister Truncale, bishops wife, she is so cool) took us to the mall, and tonight we are going caroling with a big group of members! It’s going to be soooo fun. My last shebang in the Onaga Trail Ward.

I hope you all have an amazing Christmas! I cannot wait to skype my family next week! I love you ALL! Have a WONDERFUL week!

Sister Carina Brown

California Redlands Mission

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