Week 74 "The Savior Understands"

Lausanne Switzerland on an exchange today

Soeur Abby Jones and Soeur Wilson on exchange with Soeur Myer and Soeur Ogunleye in Lausanne Switzerland. See abbyinlyon.blogspot.com for video

I feel like my mission will never end. It feels so weird. 
 But then again I know it will end one day. Ahhhhh I don’t know!!  I’m just trying to be present and soak up every day these last few weeks!!

Sadly, we were not able to see "L" and "C" this week. There were miscommunications with the location to meet and sigh... it’s okay. But just pray for him and his family. It is a little complicated right now with his family situation. But I believe that with time,... there is room for healing in the family. 

This week we went on a lot of exchanges and we have two more in Lausanne. I went with Soeur Juarez and Soeur Ehlert. They are both bleues in their first transfers. Something I have realized from going on exchanges with sœurs is that every sister struggles. I love being
able to go on exchanges with sisters because it helps me have so much more compassion for them and help encourage them when they are going through hard times.

This week was a little bit hard. I don’t even know why. I just have such a mix of emotions. Trying to enjoy my mission and trying to give my very best. It is really easy for me to look back and say, well.. maybe I haven’t done my very best. Maybe I could have done better. But I know those thoughts come from Satan. I have never realized how real Satan’s influence is until coming on my mission. I have never been
able to better discern what comes from Satan and what comes from God as I have now. I woke up one morning and decided just to let Christ help me. I made my prayers more sincere. I tried to be more focused and guided by the spirt during my studies. I felt the Holy Ghost bring peace to my heart. I felt better. I felt happier. It was a big reminder for me of how important it is to do the daily things:  Sincere
prayer, repentance and pondering what message the scriptures teach us and trying to follow the spirit. I truly need these things every day. When I don’t have them... I feel the difference.

The Muellers who know my Grandparents. They have really taken care of the missonaries:)

I was reminded this week that the Savior knows how I feel. He knows my worries, my doubts, my weaknesses and my mistakes. He also knows my pains-emotionally
and physically. I am so grateful for the Savior who stands my by side to comfort me. He doesn't just rush though hard moments, but he really sits by my side, and cries with me. A mission has felt quite lonely at times. But there is one person who has never left my side and that is my Savior and best friend and most loyal companion, Jesus Christ.

I am grateful for hard moments because it fills me with more
compassion for others who are also struggling. We were in a lesson with a member today (21 year old girl). She said, “Can I ask you something?” And I said "Sure." She looked me in the eyes and said, “Are you happy?” I thought for a moment and replied... “Yes.” And then she looked and me still and asked again, “Really, are you happy?” I didn’t answer for a second and I thought about what a challenge this week has been. I wanted to answer "No." But I told her "Yes, Yes I am happy."

The Elders "Made us dinner" since we were on exchange all day and didn't have time to make food. They live in the same building.

But... you know... I wouldn’t say every moment of my life is happy. I’m not always “happy.” But I told her that is apart of life. I have hard moments and the gospel of Jesus Christ allows gives me hope and I allows me to push forward with faith. I am happy because I have Christ as my center. I am happy because I know certain trails are temporary.
I am happy because I know hard moments make me grow and help me become more like Christ. So yes. Despite my challenges, my fears, and my imperfections... Abby Jones is happy. I am happy to have the gospel in my life. I am happy to have a father in heaven who listens when I feel like giving up. I am happy to have a savior that is full of forgiveness and mercy and love.

Love Soeur Jones

Photos from the Holidays:

I got the prize so I'm the queen for "galette de roi"

Elder Blackham (from my High School)was the King. 


Christmas



A funny gift my family sent (look closely at "little Debbie") 


Christmas PJ's and fun gifts


Soeur Morabito fixing my scarf since I was impulsive and cut off the pom poms