the Spirit of the Lord has called [her] another way

Dear Family and Friends,

This week consisted of goodbyes to Galveston and hello to the new area! 

Alma 22:4

4 And [Hermana Callister] said unto the king: Behold, the Spirit of the Lord has called [Hermana Ries] another way; [she] has gone to the land of [Sugar Land], to teach the people of [Houston 4].

I love it here. Seriously. My companion is Hermana Gonzalez (she is amazing!) and we are opening this area to sisters! They have had just Elders in this ward for awhile. So they are pretty excited to get some Hermanas.

As I said, I had some goodbyes this week:

​The Idiaquez. I love them. 

​Hermana Orellana. One of my favorite Guatemalans in the whole world! 

Hermana C. (we are so weird) One of my best friends on this planet. 

Saying goodbye wasn't sad though. One of the best (and hard) things about the mission is that the work we do is eternal. What we teach people matters now and it will matter forever. And the people I have grown to love, will always have an important part in my life. One of the jokes I frequently make with the people I teach is that I plan on them being my "neighbors" in the Celestial Kingdom. 

This earthly life is so short and so important. But I know that if we are centered on serving our Heavenly Father, that He will make things okay. 

I felt so peaceful about the change because I knew the Lord would put me where I needed to be and where I would grow. It's hard. It's not like the other places I have served and it is a brand new area so it is starting from zero. But Heavenly Father helps us everyday. 

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I know Heavenly Father's plan is perfect! I know He and His son love us. 

-Hermana Ries