180 Degree Twist

Sister Eccles and I! What a great driving instructor 

Aloha family a me friends!

I looked out the window (of an airplane) and what did I see?...

People. Bare trees. People. Giant apartment buildings. People. Hundreds of cars. People. Houses on house on house. People. The huge buildings in Manhattan. 

And what do I hear?

No more white noise of tree frogs and crickets but the buzz of the city, sirens, Mister Softee and cars. 

Bye bye Bermuda!

Airplane shot of the big city 

View from our apartment 

Well. Doesn't look like we are in Bermuda anymore! Felt like a little island girl going into the big city for the first time (again)! But being back in New York is like riding a bike again for the first time in ages. At first it feels odd and strange and you may wobble a little bit...but you keep moving forward and slowly but surely it becomes second nature. And just fyi I am not quite at that second nature state again haha it has been weird seeing SO many people and missionaries again like in person but I did have similar feelings as Alma explains when in Alma 17:2

"Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God".

Despite all the changes that are happening as I returned back to New York which was polar opposite from what I was used to, something that remains constant within it all is Christ. His love never changes. His arms of mercy are always extended towards us. He gives us the option to find peace and happiness as we exercise our agency and choose to follow Him. 

The song of our risen Savior’s redeeming love celebrates the harmony of covenants (that connect us to God and to each other) and the Atonement of Jesus Christ (that helps us put off the natural man and woman and yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit). Together, our covenants and our Savior’s Atonement enable and ennoble. Together, they help us hold on and let go. Together, they sweeten, preserve, sanctify, redeem. (Elder Gong, April 2018) 

Easter Sunday picture with this cute family we are teaching

Our covenants coupled with the Savior's redeeming sacrifice, allows us to have access to the greatest and most perfect power. Because of Him, I know I can be forgiven for all of my mistakes. I know that guilt and sorrow and can be replaced by hope and courage. I know that the Savior's healing power is as immediate as we allow it. He looks beyond our flaws and imperfections and sees the child of God and potential that we have to become. And becase of Him, I know that there is so much work in New Rochelle  and so so many miracles to find and make because this truely is His work! I can not wait! 

Accurate picture of me and driving 

Randoms:

1) Sister Pennock and I tried to fly our kite last week. Tore it a bit. Didnt quite get it all the way up. But hopefully she did this past Good Friday in BDA.  

2) In Bermuda we always ate dinner at 8pm. Here we always eat dinner at 5pm. My body is not yet acclimated just yet haha. Also went to Target and was blown away at the cheap prices and how big the store was. 

3) We have double everything here! Two phones, two cars, two bathrroms, and two bedrooms. But only one gym in our apartment complex (which is still a huge blessing)! 

4) The work in this area is just booming. We have 8 people on baptismal date for the next two months! Surely that and all our exchanges will keep us on our toes for the time being! 

5) Had the Lynbrook STLs come on exchanges with us in our area and it was so fun! I was companions with both of their trainners and it is cool to see how each of them are sorta like their trainners. Also went to leadership meeting this past week and got some really good insights on using our time wisely. Also able to 'float' around to all the different Zones and see how their leadership does things. It was a really cool experience to see how they are doing it all. 

6) Never thought I was actually tan(ish)...until I came here and thats all people would tell me

7) Have accidentally...said Good morning/good afternoon/good evening/good day and got some really weird looks from people haha. Just a habit already!

8) And if any of you are wondering. Yes I have been driving here in New York. I started on my second day back. Went on the I95 last night. Have to think twice about which side of the road to drive on. But have not caused any damage to us or others haha. And NY drivers are pretty much as bold as their personalities...not to mention all the people that just randomly decide to jay walk in the middle of the road. aiyah

9) Also my new companion is Sister Eccles! She is a Spanish Sister. We came out together, but she was originally in the NYNY South, and she is from Riverton, Utah. She is a great driving instructor haha

Me ke aloha,

Sister Ellis

Believe, Love, Do