Hermana Eddingt0n: WEEK 19

Hola y'all,

I'm getting transferred!!! Saturday was a little bit of a suspenseful day as we were waiting for transfer calls that night. I had hoped that I was staying, and I was kind of planning on it, but there was a little part of me that thought I might leave. We got our call from one of the APs and when he told me I was getting transferred, I kind of like yelled/gasped out of shock, unbelief, sadness, excitement... something like that. So that was slightly embarrassing. And then I was crying that night. But now, I'm really happy about it! It's just been a weird mix of emotions! I am sad about leaving Culpeper- it's like my second home :( Culpeper is the best. There are so many good people and I'm going to miss them so, so much. But at the same time, I feel really excited, and it feels right. I'm really exited to find out where I'm going. It's just so bittersweet because there are people here that I love so much and I wish I had more time with them. But I'm ready for a fresh start in another area. It's going to be great! Also, I'm done with training!

On Sunday, a much anticipated miracle came to pass! We were at church, and none of our investigators had showed up yet, despite the weekly reminder text that we had sent. I was pretty resigned to the fact that no one was coming, because that's been the pattern of almost all of the last 12 weeks. But, a little part of me had hope that maybe someone would come on my last Sunday. So almost halfway into the meeting, someone came up to us and whispered that there was someone out in the foyer looking for us. We went out to see, and Jacky and Leonardo were standing there, with the baby!!!!!! I was SO excited!!!! It was like a dream. I don't even know how to describe it, it was kind of like I was walking through the pearly gates, and there were two people that I loved, just waiting there! Haha, that sounds so dramatic but that's what it was like. I was SO happy. That was all I wanted. We have been trying to get them to come to church for so long, and they finally came. It was awesome. The last lesson we had with them before that, we had kind of been pleading with them to come to church. We had been teaching them for a while and we were afraid we would have to drop them soon if they didn't come to church. I hated the thought of doing that, because they are the cutest little family and they just have no idea how much the Gospel can bless them! I am so glad they came so they can keep being taught. I'm sad I have to leave them but hopefully I can come back when they get baptized. I know they will eventually and I can't wait!

Culpeper has been such an awesome area. I love it here. Even though we haven't really experienced the success of people coming to church and being baptized, I have learned so much, and I have grown immensely. I have been able to feel so much love for people, and see them progress and change. It's been so hard, but so so worth it. I am so grateful for the things I have learned here. I wish I had more time to talk about what I've learned, but I'm about out of time.

I am SO grateful for my family!!! I love you all so, so, so much. I miss you almost more than I can stand sometimes!! But I love my mission and I love the work that Heavenly Father is allowing me to do. It's such a gift and a blessing. The Gospel is true!!! Keep being examples to those around you! Example is so powerful. I’ve heard a quote that says, "Preach the Gospel, use words if necessary." I know that the Lord has more people prepared for you to influence. Be a shining light so that those people can find you and you can find them!

I know that the Gospel is true!! I know it. I have had too many spiritual experiences to deny it! I am so grateful for the power of The Savior's Atonement that allows me to do this work every day.

Until next week....in my new area!! :)

Hermana Eddington

In the window at the top is Sebastian, one of the cutest kids ever! Sometimes when we
leave after teaching his family, he will watch us leave and wave at us through the
window. It is SO cute. He is so funny and crazy. He's like a hispanic version of one of
the Warner boys. :)