My Tilly is dented!

 Hi mom! 

I'm still sane and yes I do bake a lot still. 

Do you ever relax into a new routine and then look back and think, hmmm. That's strange. I didn't realize how weird that was until just now. That's kinda what Covid and being a missionary in quarantine has been like for me. It just became normal and I've grown accustomed to it now, so sometimes when someone mentions my odd situation, I actually get a little startled and think, "Huh. You're actually so right." 

I'm sorry for not sending an update email last week. Time got away from me. Someday I'll have good time management. That day is not today. But honestly, I had a boring week anyway....

Honestly this week was as well, but we made the best of it. We went back to the Asian market for more goods to make yummy Korean food! I'm excited! Plus, their seafood was wicked cheap so I'm having fish tacos this week! 

Okay okay so let's get real. (You know you're a missionary when the Safety Zone song goes through your head. Blegh.) 

I had a lil experience I felt like sharing because your testimony can only grow as far as you spread it, ya know? 

So a few days ago, I was feeling very low. I got caught up in my thoughts and allowed my doubts to cloud judgement. Honestly and truly, I took small problems or mistakes and altered them to be massive problems and complete failures. I felt I even deserved to be chastised from the Lord, or at least punished in some way. I was sorrowful, and guilty. I began to pray in my heart. Sincere and honest, apologizing and pleading. And I began to write in my journal my thoughts and feelings. As I was finishing the page, I signed my name, "Love, Sister Morrison," and I thought to myself, "Am I even worthy of the title anymore?" Immediately, a swift and powerful feeling entered my heart. I AM worthy. I'm SO loved. Instead of rebuking, the Lord softly and gently reminded me of my worth. I was perplexed but grateful. Tears began to roll out of my eyes. I thought I deserved harshness or anger, I felt ashamed, and yet the Lord chose to instead remind me of His infinite love for me. I can hardly type this without feeling gratitude and my eyes filling with more tears. That day He first choose to love me. Then He reminded me of Jesus Christ and his infinite atoning power, and how through it we can receive forgiveness and become better and more pure. He reminded me that it's okay. That I will mess up, but the best part of messing up is that I can be lifted back up again. That I can become stronger and better. That is a miracle my friends. One that happens all the time! 

Our God is good. He is loving. He is merciful. You just have to trust in that. And if you don't, trust in me. 

Éther 6:12 

《Et ils abordèrent sur le rivage de la terre promise. Et lorsqu’ils eurent mis pied sur les rivages de la terre promise, ils se prosternèrent sur la surface du pays, et s’humilièrent devant le Seigneur, et versèrent des larmes de joie devant le Seigneur à cause de l’immensité de ses tendres miséricordes envers eux》

Have an amazing week all you amazing sons and daughters of the Almighty. 

Câlins et bisous, Sœur Morrison 

Onward and Upward 

Que Dieu vous bénisse 

I feel like I'm eating lip gloss

 Hey friends! I definitely didn't send my email last week. Again. Whoopsie. 

It's the end of the transfer so you know what that means..........

I'm..........

Staying in Hampstead with Sister Im!!! Unfortunately, Sister Swann is leaving us and I'm super bummed. She's been one of my favorite companions, and we get along really well. I love her but I'm happy she gets to go to a new area! Any kind of change is so nice during quarantine. 

Buuuuttttt I just bought a bamboo steamer so this transfer is gonna be amazing! We have some big plans for our diet these next 6 weeks. 

So, we finally got to do some service. I've been dying for it AND to top it all off, Heavenly Father made sure that it rained the entire time we were outside! We got to go huck some corn for the food bank. A sweet old farmer grows a square purely for the Maryland Food Bank and then volunteers go through and pick it all! It was so much fun! One of the counselors in the mission presidency helped set everything up so he was out there with us! The Spanish Elders that serve in our ward got to come as well so it was a missionary party! Our area is not conducive to much service opportunities, and the last time the Elders tried to take pictures of headstones for family history, they got the cops called on them. Soooo our options are very slim, but all is well! We are still having tons of fun! Then we also got to go harvest potatoes for a mourning and that was amazing. We even got to keep some and I sure do love my potatoes so I was a very happy missionary. 

So, with Sister Swann leaving we finally were able to make it out to the "best frozen custard" place in town. Don't you love how there are little ice cream/frozen custard places sprinkled all over the country and every town claim to have the best one? They're all amazing and unique and this one was adorable. I apologize for my squinty face. I was temporarily blinded by the sunshine. 

So yeah. Our week was very interesting. I have been thinking a lot recently about the importance of a testimony. It's the kind of fuel that doesn't fade. It's motivation when we feel sad, stress, anger, confusion, or fear. Our testimony is the strands of hope that hold everything in place. I highly encourage everyone to do all they can to continue to build their testimonies by prayer, scriptures, and daily studies. When I go a day without reading my scriptures, I feel awful. Honestly. I am totally off, I don't feel uplifted or happy. I can have a good day but there's always the feeling that I messed up somewhere. That's because I didn't start my day with the Lord. I'm 100% serious when I say it makes me smile more. It brightens my soul! We all need more light in our life, so just let your testimony grow to be that light. 

I love you all so very much and I hope you all know how much I appreciate you! 

Alma 12:15

《15 Mais cela ne peut être : nous devons nous lever et nous tenir devant lui dans sa gloire, et dans son pouvoir, et dans sa puissance, sa majesté et sa domination, et reconnaître, à notre honte éternelle, que tous ses jugements sont justes, qu’il est juste dans toutes ses œuvres et qu’il est miséricordieux envers les enfants des hommes, et qu’il a tout pouvoir de sauver tout homme qui croit en son nom et produit du fruit digne du repentir.》

Câlins et bisous, Sœur Morrison 

Onward and Upward 

Que Dieu vous bénisse 

Pics:

Our corn pickin'

The Cow

 goodbyes

                             

My brother was mad because I took his 'shrooms

 HEY I HAD A REALLY GOOD WEEK!

So, first of all, I had in-person interviews with my mission President and they were absolutely wonderful! He's just such a kind and loving man. His vulnerability makes him endearing, his honesty makes him trustworthy, and I think he's just adorable. We had a nice long chat because the first interview we had was very rushed. (I may or may not have been a smidge late and therefore missed the call hehehe.) We both were listening to the Spirit and let the Lord speak through us, both in asking questions and our responses, and we ended up answering each other's prayers. It always such a beautiful moment when you realize you've been a tool of the Lord's, and made even better when you see that joy reciprocated on the face of the person you're talking to. Boy oh boy do I just adore this gospel! The interview was hefty. It was supposed to be 10 minutes, but we sat there for a solid half an hour. President Nye and I feed off of each other's energies. He kept asking questions and I'd answer and then he'd have a story to share, and then I had a comment.....you get the picture. It was clear that we were both there for similar reasons and trying our best to fulfill the Lord's expectations of us. My interview turned into more of a council. I always appreciate that because often people in a position of power talk down to you instead of with you. President Nye is very aware of that, and is so so humble to the fact that he's new and learning too! I really do love him. 

ALSO IT'S BEEN RAINING AND THUNDERING AND LIGHTNINING AND I'M SO EXCITED! If any of you are not aware, I absolutely adore rain!! It's been a beautiful past couple of days and we got more to come! How wild is this? 

Also, we have a mouse in our kitchen. We were in the middle of a lesson and out of the corner of my eye I see something moving. At first, I thought our sink had leaked or something but when I turned to look, suddenly I realized that actually no, it was a grown mouse. A queen's mouse I believe it's called. With a very long tail and fluffy little ears. Disgusting. No offense. But it scampered away and only invaded the one room that makes me happiest. Our poor kitchen. Oh well. We have a little friend now. We're still coming up with a name, so if you got a good one, send it my way. 

Speaking of sending, if you've sent me a letter and I haven't replied yet, it's because I am out of stamps again. Sorry! 

Anyway, life is grand. Somehow this transfer has blown right by. On Saturday we find out if we're staying or leaving. I kinda hope I stay. But both of my companions have been here for a little while. Sister Im has been in this ward for 4½ months, Sister Swann is at 3 months, so I guess we'll see what it all brings! It's been a wild transfer that's for sure, but I've loved it all. I can't believe that August is already gone! Now school is starting and Halloween is just around the corner (can't wait!!) Baking season is almost upon us people! Yaaayyyyy!

A lil spiritual thought for you all before I skedaddle. I love in Matthew 9:2 when Jesus Christ asks the man with palsy to "be of good cheer," because he hasn't been healed of his palsy yet! The problem he came to the Lord with is still not fixed. He very easily could have been a little upset, maybe frustrated that the Lord isn't healing him of the one thing he asked for that has been ruining his life for so many years. Frankly, I think we all have our own "palsy" or physical restrictions that we bring to the Lord and ask him to heal. We know that the Lord has power to heal us. Even the power to heal us instantaneously. Yet the Lord has forgiven him of his sins, and that was enough for him to "be of good cheer." Our physical circumstances may not be what we want or desire, but we have access to the most divine spiritual gift, the Atonement of Jesus Christ! You can "be of good cheer" when you utilize this gift, no matter your physical restrictions. Peace is not having everything in your life running as smooth as possible while you take a bubble bath, (although that would be nice.) Peace is knowing that the place that you stand on is firm in Jesus Christ, our Rock and our Redeemer. Peace is knowing that even though the storm rages on, you have something to strengthen you through it. And of course, the man was healed of his palsy. The Lord doesn't ignore our pleas. He loves us and wants the best for us. But he expects trust and faith in him and his power. He will always take care of us. He does not want us to fail, that's not his plan. But the next time you think to complain about quarantine or how hard it is to endure whatever mortal, physical, temporary trial you have to go through, remember that the greatest gift of all others is the Atonement. It has been given freely, bought with the most precious life this world has ever seen, and given to you to use at any moment. I would rather be stuck inside alone for the rest of my life than never have the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Mosiah 3:7 

《Et voici, il souffrira les tentations, et la souffrance du corps, la faim, la soif et la fatigue, plus encore que l’homme ne peut en souffrir sans en mourir ; car voici, du sang lui sort de chaque pore, si grande sera son angoisse pour la méchanceté et les abominations de son peuple.》

Câlins et bisous, Sœur Morrison 

Onward and Upward 

Que Dieu vous bénisse 

Pics: interviews with President Nye! 

That's my dyslexia coming out in sticker form

 Welcome one and all to Sister Morrison's latest weekly email. 

The miracle is that some of you still read these things. I think me and one of my companions have figured that I've been out for something like 60 something weeks now. That's a lot of emails. And most of it is just fluff. I'm actually not quite sure what I even talk about in my weekly emails. Sometimes I feel like I can't type fast enough because I have so much to say and other times, I do run on sentences like this one to take up space. Honestly, I always have run on sentences. I don't know how to English anymore. Sometimes we'll be praying or talking to someone and I have to do it in English and my brain can only come up with the French words for it. I spent a solid 5 minutes trying to remember the word for Atonement the other day. It was annoying but also kinda cool! Who knew I could kinda learn another language. Woohoo! 

This past week was fun. We went to the Bishop's house for sacrament meeting this time and let the Elders go to the ward instead. We have to share a car with them, so it can get pretty awkward when there's something we both have to get to. Unfortunately, we can't ride together, and we can't get rides from members yet. So, we have been going to Church because the Elders can give themselves the sacrament and all that jazz. The Bishop and his wife are very very nice people. They are originally from Portland, so we got to talk about how much we missed it and how beautiful it is over there. This part of Maryland is also very beautiful too, so the ride out to their house was magnificent! Lots of cornfields and horses! Really nice! And they have this tiny little dog that got super excited when we came in and was so soft and loveable. He jumped right up on my lap and snuggled in. So precious. 

Miracles this week! Tatiana, our new one texted us this week asking how she could go about getting baptized. It was certainly exciting for me! I love it! Even though she's not fully there yet, in terms of knowing what baptism is and means and why it can't just be any ole Church. But we tried hard in our most recent lesson to help her out. We dropped off a Book of Mormon so she's on her way. She's got that eagerness and desire that we love to see! Pray for her this week! 

Alma 31:5

《Et maintenant, comme la prédication de la parole avait une grande tendance à amener le peuple à faire ce qui était juste — oui, elle avait eu un effet plus puissant sur l’esprit du peuple que l’épée ou quoi que ce fût d’autre qui lui fût arrivé — Alma pensa qu’il était opportun d’essayer la vertu de la parole de Dieu.》

Câlins et bisous, Sœur Morrison 

Onward and Upward 

Que Dieu vous bénisse 

Sorry we're really bad at taking pictures so please feel free to not look at them. Also, my hair is a mess

Oh, also I made chicken meatballs that were really good. 

I'm gonna kill you Ethan. You just sneezed blood on me

 Bonjour mes amis! 

Another week come and gone. I can't believe that August is already half over!! Crazy how times fly, ya know? 

Speaking of time, he and I aren't on speaking terms so if you see him send a dirty look. He's being rude. 

Anywho. This week was actually kind of fun. First of all, we went on a hike today which was absolutely wild. Pics to show at the end of this. Turns out my entire district (who are not all featured) are a bunch of nerdy guys. They were playing video game soundtracks and talking about different games and levels. They could actually recognize what game and level and every event in the game based on one music track. They talked about Minecraft and Assassin's Creed (apparently, it's a joke??) and a few others but I have nothing to say or add soooooo.....oops. we had fun and that's all that mattered! Plus, I got to see and talk to other people! 

And speaking of, we actually got to go to Zone Conference in person! We wore masks for four hours, but we survived! I was with 25 other missionaries and it was so wild. Only one other set was from my actual Zone. But it was nice to see some familiar faces. I saw a couple of Elders I had served with and they were just the same as always. And there were two Sisters I knew and that was awesome! It was awkward to "catch up" because we had to stay 6 feet apart when talking or being with one another. Interesting for sure! But we talked about patience, love, and enthusiasm which is always great. My Mission President is on a kick right now. He loves hope and enthusiasm! He's a positive and upbeat person by nature and so he loves to be with people and float around talking to everyone. He's taller than I thought he would be. He's been my Mission President since May 1st and I'm just now seeing him for the first time. Crazy crazy times! 

Side note: I've made 4 loaves of banana bread this week. Needless to say, it's been a good week. Grandma Letha's recipe continues to make "the best banana bread I've ever had." And I've got a order for two more loaves. If you haven't had it, well I guess you'll have to get the recipe or something. It's literally the perfect banana bread. 

You know, this week I just can't stop thinking about how perfect God is. I mean we were created by Him and we try to be more like Him, but He is perfect. More than perfect, He's also powerful. And incredibly, He is also completely loving and forgiving. We were able to do a Live for our area's Facebook page, and we talked about life before earth and life on earth. And you know what? If Heavenly Father has taken the time, energy, talent, skill, attention to details, care, and effort into not just creating us, but also a plan for us and helping us stick to that plan, there must be something pretty dang special about us. I have yet to figure it out because we are literally nothing without Him. But just remember, God is the most Supreme Being. And of all His creations, using all His power, He decided to create you. And if that doesn't help you love yourself, I don't know what will. You are amazing people. Never forget you are worthy of pure love. 

2 Néphi 2:14

《Et maintenant, mes fils, je vous dis ces choses pour votre profit et votre instruction ; car il y a un Dieu, et il a tout créé, aussi bien les cieux que la terre, et tout ce qui s’y trouve, tant les choses qui se meuvent que les choses qui sont mue.》

Câlins et bisous, Sœur Morrison

Onward and Upward 

Que Dieu vous bénisse 

Pics: Behold the Choate Mine Trail hike 

Obviously I should be the center of everyone's attention

 Hellloooo friends and family! 

Might I say how blessed we are. I mean truthfully, I don't know how much more blessed anyone can get. We have this beautiful earth with its variety and life, we have the sky in all its glory and fluffy clouds, we even have people that are all completely unique and special. And we are grateful for the diversity of existence. 

This week was fantastic and interesting. I was invited to give the talk yesterday. As per the usual, someone had stepped down, and us missionaries talk about the gospel day in and day out, so it truly only makes sense to have us as backup. I'm never opposed to it.......until it's my turn to talk. Then, I'm ready to run for the exits. BUT I survived long enough for my studies and notes and the Spirit to take me away and deliver a respectable talk in front of all 24 people. 

I was given the talk, "The Finest Homes" by Elder Clayton of the Seventy. I had fun studying this because it actually pertains to us as missionaries! The whole talk was about how we can make our homes like the temple. Special places where we can let the Spirit reside are important refuges from the storm. So how do we make our homes like the temple? 

#1 Increase the quality of individuals living within the home. The purpose of our lives are to become more like Jesus Christ. As each person takes that journey, the overall quality of the household will inevitably increase. 

#2 Read the word of God every day. Whether it's the scriptures, or talks from our modern day apostles and prophets, it's extremely important that we take time to listen to Heavenly Father regularly. Someone once referred to the scriptures as the "pre-recorded" voice of God. Hence why we should read if we want an answer from Him. 

#3 We should model our homes after the temple, which is the house of God. If we are doing that then our speech, actions, thoughts, and interactions with one another will begin to be more sincere and full of love. The Spirit of the Lord will reside in our homes and help each of us be better at the first two points as well! 

#4 The "finest homes" are places of refuge from the storms of life. A place where we feel uplifted, encouraged, safe, and happy. No matter what happens, the home is one place you should always be able to rely on for strength and support. If you can't make your whole home feel like a refuge, pick a spot! 

The home is an incredibly important place, especially now. There should not be contention, anger, worry, or stress induced. Instead, we should find love and understanding as we express ourselves and learn to rely on Heavenly Father. 

Mosiah 2:22 

《Et voici, tout ce qu’il exige de vous, c’est que vous gardiez ses commandements ; et il vous a promis que si vous gardiez ses commandements, vous prospéreriez dans le pays ; et il ne varie jamais de ce qu’il a dit ; c’est pourquoi, si vous gardez ses commandements, il vous bénit et vous fait prospérer.》

Câlins et bisous, Sœur Morrison 

Onward and Upward!

Que Dieu vous bénisse 

Mon adresse:

200 Caraway Rd Apt 2B 

Reisterstown, MD 21136 

I just swallowed a chunk of lemonade

HEY GUYS! This week has been absolutely wild. 

Let's begin with transfers. 

The Assistants came to pick us up in the van and they were over an hour late getting there. Then Sister Whitcomb and I had to say a real sad goodbye. I'm gonna miss her so much. She really became a soul sister to me, and we already have a billion and a half plans for our post-mission reunions. And our other roommates, but especially Hermana Trapp because we know each other super well now and we came out to the mission at the same time. Anywho it was sad and there are some pictures at the bottom to make you sad too. 

Additionally, transfers actually took place in the evening. "But Sister Morrison," you might ask, "isn't that prime time for missionaries to be finding God's elect?" Indeed, you may be right. I don't plan these things. We got a huge influx of new missionaries, so us oldies got pushed back to the evening. We loaded the van sometime around 7:30 pm and took off to go drop something off to another area and finally, we started off in the direction of my new home. A few hours in the van swapping crazy mission stories, laughing about the good ole times, and teasing each other later we arrived. It was actually the very same building that I arrived at when I met my trainer, Sister Morin (who also just finished her mission and is home now.) So that was a little trip down memory lane. It was past 9 pm when we arrived, so we scrambled to find my stuff and get in the car. I was pretty much beat. After we got home, I unpacked a few dresses that would wrinkle if I left them in there overnight, grabbed my jammies, and hit the hay. Unfortunately, my hay wasn't hay at all, it was an air mattress that I was graciously loaned because they don't have a bed for me right now. It's one of those big fat ones, so I don't even touch the floor! 

Needless to say, that was the strangest transfer to date. Grand adventures in the life of a quarantined missionary. 

And of course, I can't forget to update you on my companions. <-- Yes, there's multiple. I'm in my first trio!! Honestly, it's super nice! Their names are Sister Swann and Sister Im. They actually arrived here together the same time that Sister Whitcomb, my last companion, did! It's been really good! We went to an Asian market for groceries, (one is Japanese, and the other is Korean,) and we got some pretty interesting food! I'm always up to try new things. Also, don't eat butter honey chips. Pretty nasty. Also, apparently beans do go in dessert. (Just red beans so far.) 

So yeaaahhhhhhhh. Life is good! Apparently on Wednesday President Nye is going to have a meeting with us to discuss how we get to move into "Phase 1" of quarantine. Woohoo! Progress is being made people! Prayers are being answered! 

"...the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7). Obviously, this scripture is talking about not judging others, but I also wanted to relate it to how the Lord views our efforts. Oftentimes, the things we do or say go unnoticed. Hardly a day passes without someone in my life makes a sacrifice for me or my family. I don't always know or give gratitude. I think we as humans expect acknowledgment if we are trying. And it's hard to have the motivation to continue when no one is seeing you. But the Lord looketh upon the heart. He sees your desires even when you don't think you're trying hard enough. When we don't meet our own expectations, it can be so hard to feel that we are enough. 

But if your desire to improve and come closer to Jesus Christ is there, I promise that Heavenly Father is so proud of your efforts! He sees your heart and innermost thoughts and feelings. (That's a good thing.) 

Anyway, you are enough. That's what I'm trying to get at. 

Jacob 3:1

《Mais voici, moi, Jacob, je voudrais vous parler, à vous qui avez le cœur pur. Regardez vers Dieu avec fermeté d’esprit et priez-le avec une foi extrême, et il vous consolera dans vos afflictions, et il plaidera votre cause et fera descendre la justice sur ceux qui cherchent votre destruction.》 

Câlins et bisous, Sœur Morrison 

Onward and Upward 

Que Dieu vous bénisse 

Mon adresse:

200 Caraway Rd. #2B

Reisterstown, MD 21136