Forwarding the Love of Christ

Mom, You are incredible! What a well-planned and inspired training you are preparing. I wish I could be there. It's motivating me over a computer screen to be a better reflector or forwarder of Christ's light. I guess that's what a missionary is at the root of it. Forwarding the love of Christ to others when they are ready and needing to feel it, whenever and wherever that might be - in whatever personal way they will receive it. That's probably the most important part. Going about doing good doesn't do much good for anyone unless it's purposefully for the one. It's neat to think about all the good that will be done at this youth conference from these kids being inspired to do some small things that will bless others. That makes me smile. You're good.

And it's weird to think about all the growth and progress that has been seen in just a short year. I never would have guessed. Congrats to Camilla, that's huge! and Tommy. And Abbey. And Danny and Jack. THEY'RE huge. in a good way. Haydn's having a baby!! Can you believe that?! And Logan's engaged?! what?! I know it's silly, but I feel like I've taken the slow track haha. It's weird to think that I'm 23 because I feel like I'm at the same level of accomplishment as I was at 20. And after seeing what has happened in this last year, I feel like I should have done more in those three years haha. I keep telling myself that it'll be ok, and I can figure it out when I get home. But I honestly dont know what to do. And I feel like I should if I would fit into this incredible family of ours. I hope you all take a step back and look at how blessed and motivated and hard working you are. It is so fun to hear about and think about. So thank you.

Change is weird. And scary.  And sometimes unwanted. Sometimes fun, sometimes sad.  But what a neat thing to know that we are expected to change. and that there will always be something more we can do or become or experience. It's exhausting, but hopeful. Someone asked me what I thought the greatest blessing gospel knowledge gave me in my life. I didn't have much time to answer, but that was what I decided for me  - that the greatest way gospel knowledge influenced my thoughts and decisions was the knowledge we have about eternal progression and growth. Infinite things are fun to think about, aren't they?

But, I am not yet prepared for change at the time being. Because I get to stay in Sham Shui Po for yet another transfer! Which I wont complain about. The area itself is kind of boring, but the people here unlike anywhere else. There's the entire spectrum. So this will be 8 months in Sham Shui Po. And Sister Kartchner is my new companion! She came in with me, actually. Same mtc group. President Hawks was finally able to put all the Sister Training Leaders together in the same companionships this transfer, so it's fun and weird to be with a missionary with the same type of language skills and experience as you do. Not that it's much better from anyone else haha, but it's fun to serve with someone you got to know so well in the MTC! We're super excited. It's going to be a good transfer.

And I dont mean to annoy you too much, but I let myself think about after mission plans on pdays. I have a 3.33 gpa. I know, not great.  I need to take the GRE when I get home. I'm thinking about computer science grad school, which means I would have to take prep classes until August and then start. Or I could look into financial engineerinig. Or other engineering? Technology? My grades aren't great...and my english score will be so bad on that gre test haha. not that my chinese is good in any way, but my ability to think has definitely declined. You dont need to research, but if you and dad have any thoughts of possible paths, I would love to hear your perspectives.

I need to go. I'll call Monday at 10am! Sunday night your time. Love you!

Hannah