Oh, the places you'll RUN

-
There was a big ship in town this past week. Made me think I was in some kind of colonial era

Aloha e 'ohana a me ko'u hoaaloha!

Saturday morning as we went out at 6:30am to go for a jog and watched the sunrise paint the sky with shades of orange, pink, and blue, I had some thoughts come to me (as they usually do when I run :). 

Oh, the places you'll go. Oh, the places you'll run. 
Oh, the places you've been. Oh, the places you'll go. 

I've had the opportunity to run in several areas and courses around the world. Each place is different and unique. Whether that may be the altitude (from sea level to Utah level), the weather conditions (sun blazing to snow falling), the terrain (hill mounds to flat grounds), the amount of people alongside of me (thousands to none). 

Likewise, that's how the mission is. We have different areas, with vary circumstances and challenges. Different countries. Different weather conditions. Different sizes of shoes to fill in various callings and capacities. Different sizes people. 

But does the contrast differences take away from the effort put forth on the course? No. In fact it just aids in highlighting the consistent factors. Step after step. Day by day. Anticipating the uphills, enjoying the downhills. No regrets, no excuses, no exceptions. 

There was a big ship in town this past week.
Made me think I was in some kind of colonial era
Living on Bermuda where we constantly see the same people all the time and where everyone knows the missionaries, the need to be "on my best behavior" (hahahaha) has increased. At the hospital we were talking to one of our Taxi driver friends, a lady came up and was like "oh my gosh are you the Sisters on Facebook that I've been talking to" :'). AND then proceeding to visit her sick aunt who used to meet with missionaries and her daughter comes in who apparently toured temple square. Or tourists on the busses and streets stopping us and asking questions. Or sitting down on a bus and a very less active member reaching out. Or members and people constantly telling us they see us around. 

We put forth our best efforts on a daily consistent basis. And our best efforts are simple: Representing Christ and becoming as He is. People recognize us instantly as disciples of Christ. They watch our words, actions, and mannerisms. 

"Our choices and decisions be made carefully, consistent with the goals and objectives by which we profess to live...We need to rise above rationalizations and distractions. It is especially important to make choices consistent with our covenants to serve Jesus Christ in righteousness."  -Quentin L. Cook 

Consistent competence equals excellence. May we all strive to be a consistent active disciple of Christ and rather than just a complacent passive disciple.

And I guess one thing that hasn't changed in all my areas is the question I got asked yesterday on the bus: "Where are you from? China?". 

Haha. Oh, the place's you'll run. :) 

Randoms:
1) Walking to district council. Passing the home of someone we are teaching. She calls us up "I just saw you walk past my house. I have Bermuda bananas for you!". Happy day. Exactly 6 bananas. One for each member of our district. Tender mercies.
2) Wednesday night we got a text from someone I met back in December and been thinking about lately. She wanted to meet up and is literally so golden. Patience and prayer works miracles. 
3) FINALLY got in contact with a recent convert who hasnt been to church or responding to sisters since September. So so happy!
4) Had a baby blessing at church for a less active member. The church was SOO packed with people. Her dad (non member) bore his testimony and it was the sweetest thing he said: "I am proud of you....only you can bring people like this together". :') 
5) We had a family history training...back in NYC....videocalling didnt work so well (again haha). But got to talk to Sister Lowe and my day was made haha
6) One of the people we are teaching gave birth to a little bitty 4 lbs baby girl this past week! We saw the little baby before she was even a day old! How precious.
7) Also happy girls day! 
Preaching to every creature. Ft. my companion 

Beautiful colors....but not too fond of the creature.

Me ke aloha,
Sister Ellis
Believe, Love, Do