Gratitude Journal

 Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well!

This week was honestly really rough. Probably one of the hardest weeks I've had in a while. But I guess it was about time. Missions can't always just be water fights and mangos ;)

I heard this quote from another Sister that I absolutely LOVE. I'm not sure who said it haha, but here it is:
"What a privilege to be tired from the work you once begged God for. What a privilege to feel overwhelmed by the growth you used to dream about. What a privilege to be challenged by a life you created on purpose. What a privilege to outgrow things you used to settle for." 

How true! The life I am living right now is hard. But it is exactly what my past self, my future self, and even my present self would want. I have learned that one way we can be confident we are feeling the Spirit is through contentment. As I have woken up and poured my soul out to God, asking Him to just help me get through the day, I have felt Him carry me through every single minute. He has continuously blessed me with His Spirit, who helps me to feel contentment in every situation.

One thing that has really helped me through times like this is keeping a gratitude journal. This is something that has really made a difference in my ability to look at life with an eternal perspective. I encourage you all to find a way to give thanks to the Lord daily.

Here are some things that I have been feeling really grateful for recently...
- My companion. She is an amazing example to me of diligence, obedience, and joy. 
- The members. Talking to them just fills me with pure joy. They are adorable, haha.
- The friends we are teaching, and their example to me of constant faith.
- The other missionaries in my area. They are nothing but patient with me, and always looking for any way they can help us.
- The beautiful nature of Thailand, and the way that it reminds me of God's love every day. 
- All of the opportunities God has given me to sing and play the piano. It brings me a type of comfort that not much else can. 
- My mission leaders and the way that they lead our mission to feel like one big family! Due to the nature of our mission, I can confidently say that I personally know almost every single missionary in this mission. It is amazing how we all live so far away from each other, but my friendships with every missionary I've served with just keeps growing! 

I love each and every one of you so so much! Keep going!
- Sister South


























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