"Oh What Do You Do During Quarantine Time?"

My my, so much has happened since I last emailed... And yet nothing has happened at all... I really don't like being stuck inside. 

First of all, I want to thank you for all the emails I've received from all of you, if I don't respond I'm sorry! But know that I appreciated all of them, it has helped knowing I have so many people who love me supporting and praying for me and all other missionaries!

- So if you don't know, I have been placed in isolation along with all other missionaries in the world. We've been in our house for a whole week now and I might scream. Not a lot of work can happen. It's frustrating. I really miss it.

- We get a few hours of outside time and I rejoice every time! I love the outdoors so much more now!

- A companion definitely changes the dynamic of how you want to spend your self isolation time.

- Before we got isolated, it was Sister Clark's birthday, so we went to the beach, some members took us out to dinner, and we went bowling. That was fun.

- Since being quarantined we have gone back to the beach three times before it closed down. Sister Clark became a lobster and I didn't get red at all! I consider that a major blessing.

- I've started reading the Book of Mormon in French, I'm actually picking up a few of the words. With all this time on my hands, I figured "why not?"

- I'm borrowing a member's guitar and have been playing a lot. Soon enough I'll be professional, depending on how long we're in isolation.

- We got to go to a members house for sacrament and we were stoked! Interaction with someone other than your companion is always blessing!

- The members here are absolutely amazing, they have been dropping off food and dinners. We will not go hungry! Look out for the missionaries near you, I know they will appreciate it!

- Don't worry, I haven't changed too much. I still think I could be a hermit, just wish I could get back to doing missionary work!

My friends, there is something amazing about this virus that I have only begun to realize.
It's the magic of Christmas without it being Christmas. Can you feel it?
We are all looking out for each other and praying like no other season. There is a reason this is happening, I encourage you all to go find out what it is!

If you need something to read, Alma 7 is a wonderful chapter.
Look for hope and it shall be found in Christ. 

I love you all!! Stay healthy!

Okee Fonokee Swamp

Heyo Folks,

Some pretty neat things have happened since I last wrote.

- Dorothy is now on baptism date for March 28! She's a self referral, she wanted to read the Book of Mormon to come closer to Jesus for herself and her family. She has a hard time coming to church because she works, so all your prayers are needed!

- We asked Joan if she wanted to be baptized and she's praying for an answer. Her one hold up is coffee. But she loves coming to church and exploring the gospel library app.

- We went to Okee Fonokee swamp as a district and after picking up a ton of pine cones for service we were able to go on a boat ride through the swamp. I got to hold a baby gator, she was 3 years old and super squirmy. Then we got to pet and feed a bear oreos. He was like an old puppy, super cute and totally not threatening at all. He actually licked some hands.

- A young man named Javan Claridge is headed to Roseville CA on his mission. So look out for him. He's from the ward I'm currently serving in.

- Last night I was able to pick up a members guitar, it was a good moment.

- We now not only have a favorite restaurant, we have a favorite dessert place. It's called Pam Pam's and she makes homemade cupcakes and loves missionaries. Our whole district (basically a lot of missionaries) was here in Brunswick so we took them there and she got so excited.

- We do a lot of service and I have to say it's my favorite part of the mission.

- Sister Clark and I have recently started doing puzzles at night. It's a good way to de-stress.

- We have Zone Pday today; basically a whole lot more missionaries are coming to Brunswick to hang out. So that limits my email time. Just know I'll get back to you even if it's not this week. I love you all!!

To be completely candid, there were a lot of hard things this week. It's just easier to write the good things.
I've been keeping a tender mercies journal that I write in every night to help me see the Lord's hand in my day. It's been super helpful and I would encourage all of you to do the same if you're feeling down or anxious. I promise you the Lord has not left you. Even in those moments when it's dark and scary and you feel completely alone. You are never alone.

I love you all!

Just keep swimming!!

Sister Bailey