My Last Email As a Full Time Missionary

This might be the hardest weekly I've ever had to write, especially cause I wrote one last week, it's too soon. I've loved serving the Lord for this year, it's been the hardest, most amazing, life-changing, and miserable year of my life. Through all of that, I have learned and grown so much and I'm grateful for every single day that has taught me. I'm so blessed. 

I've met the most amazing people and loved every single one of them. I don't think I fully realized how much one could love until I came out on a mission. I have been able to see through God's eyes for a little bit, and it has been the best gift that anyone could ever give me. 

On that note, I'm coming home. For those who I've told already, I'm so grateful for your love and support. It has been the hardest decision because I have truly loved my mission more than I can express. 

For those struggling with mental health, I understand, but more important than that I know Jesus understands. He has never left my side, even though I sometimes can't feel Him. He has helped me so much and I'm so grateful for how close I've been able to get to my Savior and Brother. 

I just want to tell you that I know He listens to you and answers you. That's a promise from someone who has a calling to represent the Lord. 

I'm so grateful for this name tag that I get to put on every day that has His name on it. I cannot tell you what a blessing that has been even in the hardest times. 

Since this will most likely be my last email, I want to leave you all with the invitation to pray to know if God is there and if He loves you. Once you get that far, I promise you He will bless you for your efforts. 

I know that He lives, I know He loves and listens to us. I know that He is the only way we can find peace in these crazy times and in this life. Please reach out to Him, He is waiting to embrace you.

I love you all,

Sister Bailey 

Thanksgiving and Being Thankful

 Happy Thanksgiving! I know this year is a little weird and it doesn't seem like there is much to be grateful for, but I know there is still a lot that we have been blessed with. 

I know I have been blessed with a wonderful family that has been with me through thick and thin. I have wonderful companions and a beautiful area. I'm so grateful for all of yall! I encourage you all to look for the blessings in your everyday life. 

- We have Kellie on baptism date for December 1! It's so exciting that she is finally able to get baptized.

- We have been working with some new members, I don't think I've ever seen anyone so excited to learn. It's kind of intimidating. It was cool, we went over and I felt very prompted to bring her one of my preach my gospels (what we use to study) and she started crying. She said it was exactly what she needed! 

- Sister Leila Randall from home was able to stop by and have a visit! It was so good to see her! 

- We have a moment about once a week, where we lay out a blanket on the sand and stargaze! It's so peaceful and makes me realize how grateful I am for this wonderful world that we have been given. 

If you need something to be grateful for, look around for a minute. I'm sure you'll find something! I mean just look at social media being flooded with #givethanks! 

You could also just come to the south and meet wonderful hilarious old ladies who have more guts than you ever will. Or just look at the destruction that Michael left behind that has still to be cleaned up. This is the most interesting place to be, but I'm so grateful for it! And the fact that I've been able to serve a mission here with the most amazing people ever! 

I love yall!!

Sister Bailey

Mexico Beach

 I moved again... here we go to my fifth area. Bet you aren't as cool as me. I'm now in Mexico Beach and in a trio! There are three of us, which I was not looking forward to, but now I love it. Both of my companions are amazing, I am so blessed.

- I had to say goodbye to Sister Thueson, which was one of the saddest moments of my life. 

- Halloween has now passed, but not from my heart. We were actually able to hand out candy and kind of dress-up...? If being a McDonald's worker is dressing up.

- We got to volunteer at an Ironman! Watching those people run by made me tired, but honestly so inspiring. I could never do that, but I applaud anyone who can.

- I've decided I want to own a turtle, so if anyone wants to send me one...?

- Last time I was in the Panama City Zone, we went to a food drive and I loved it! I got to do it again and got some sun. Because of the food drive, we were able to meet some good people, and thus I was able to climb (literally climb, while spiders crawled) into one of these people's windows to let her back into her house. Ms. Audrey was very grateful.

- It's a small world, one of the members in one of my last areas, Moultrie has family that lives in Mexico Beach. And we are teaching them! I was so excited to find this out.

This week Temples have been on my mind, one of my companions had the opportunity to go through for the first time and it brought back a lot of feelings. I have realized, even more, the sacred power of temples. I know they are closed right now, but if you are anywhere close to one, I urge you to go on the grounds and feel the spirit there. That is something I wish I could do. I know that Temples answer so many questions and bring so much peace, and I know that as we search for answers we will find them at the Temple. I pray that y'all may be able to find and feel the comforting presence of the spirit at the Temple and are reminded of God's love for you.

I love you all so much! 

Sister Bailey