Natalie's Mission Blog: Week #56

February 18, 2013

Hi family and friends!

Can you believe it??!! I'm in the double-digits!!!! So crazy! I can't believe my mission has gone by this fast... It feels like I just began my mission yesterday!!

It's been SO good to be back on Temple Square again... I feel like a normal missionary!! :) I have an AWESOME companion, Sister Marand from France (Soeur Marand... you pronounce it "Ma-hun." with kind of a guttural sound. Way too hard to explain, ha). We've never really been able to get to know each other here on T2, but she's awesome! I love her so much, and she has taught me a lot in these past few days. She's in her last transfer, and this transfer is only 5 weeks long because of the MTC needing to crank out new missionaries. So yes, it's official. I'm coming home on June 12th! At first I was upset about it and considered extending, but I know there's a reason. Even if that reason is that I'll be able to see Mom's last Upstage show! :) I can help you out a lot with that Mom. I'll need things to do when I get home, that's for sure!

Well, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I now only have 4 short months left on my mission. 4!!! When on earth did this happen??!! Including this transfer, I only have 3 left. Sooo, so scary!! But anyway... I've been soooo insanely busy since I've been back here on Temple Square... I literally haven't stopped moving, ha!! But its awesome! I've absolutely love it. I missed T2 SOOO much in that way. I love having something to do all the time. I feel like in my outbound mission I had WAY too much time where we didn't have things to do. Needless to say, T2 is definitely my home and I'm SO glad to be back!! :) I'll miss my outbound zone a lot, but its nice to only have one companion who's very obedient and hard working. It definitely helps the work move forward. :)

Well even though I haven't had time to do much missionary work, Sis Marand and I have been able to see SO many miracles. It's incredible how much the Lord blesses us when we do what's right and we're obedient. I was given the assignment of Zone Leader (I have absolutely NO idea what I'm doing) which has proven to definitely be difficult... we don't have much time to teach or anything because we're constantly doing things for the zone, but we've seen incredible miracles this week already!! The Lord is being good to us. I love these sisters in my zone SO much already! We've had some difficulties with a companionship in our zone (and its only day 5...), but I know that Heavenly Father will give us the revelation that we need to have in order to get through it and to help the companionship out. Mom, you were definitely inspired with what you said about marrying someone that is hard working and self-motivated. It feels SO good to be with someone that wants to work hard!!! It gets me even more motivated just thinking about it. I think this will help me a lot!! And Dad, you were inspired about mentioning the "subtle hint" story... I'll try my best to avoid that, ha! :)

Well fam, I know this letter is short, but I love you all SO very much. I love this Gospel more than anything in the world, and I feel SO privileged and honored to be serving the Lord and bringing our Heavenly Father's children back to Him. I know this Church is real, it's true, and it is completely and totally inspired of God. One of my investigators before I left outbound will be getting baptized this weekend. :) (one that Sis Nakaima and I took on a tour. Soo fun to see these blessings!!) I told her to send me pictures... so hopefully she does so soon! (Speaking of pictures, I forgot my cord... again... ha-ha! I don't know whats wrong with me lately!!) I sent you a couple though which should help. Please pray for me to have the strength and energy I need this transfer to help my zone and Sis Marand's and my investigators. I love you so much and miss you all!! Have a great week!!

Love always,

Sister Natalie Savage

Natalie with her Southern California Sister missionaries