First and Last Member Meal

November 23, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving!! Thanksgiving, p day and our only member meal of the mission all in 1 day, sorry if I don't respond.

There's nothing Utahns dislike more than California. Everyday this week I've had someone go on a rant about how much they don't like CA. I might start telling people I'm from AZ or something just to avoid the shade being thrown. Jk I'll always claim Orange County. They all make a point to say how much they like Disney and Newport though.

The Christmas lights turn on tomorrow! I think we are more excited about that than we are actual Christmas. This also means that our schedule changes from 6:30-10:30 to 7:30-11:30. But church and relief society still start at 7:45 on Sundays and Wednesdays so pray for us and our lack of sleep.

I'm gonna be honest Thanksgiving is probably my least favorite holiday. I don't eat a ton of food, I'm not a fan of pie, stuffing or yams but I love the attitude of being grateful. Gratitude is the first attribute to obtain and the rest will come easier. I'm nowhere near perfect at this but something I've focused on since being back in Salt Lake is not taking anything for granted. Being here is such a privledge and I'm so grateful for my opportunity to serve. Sometimes it is hard being a Temple Square missionary, it's hard to sit behind a computer screen for hours, not have people to talk to when square is slow and feel trapped inside our less than square mile. But as we were at M. Russell Ballard's funeral this week I thought about how special it is that we get to be here for all of these events. Yes it's still hard when there's nobody on square but missions are hard, they were never meant to be easy. So be grateful today and everyday for the big and the small.

Counting your blessings is always better than recounting your problems. Enjoy your holiday and eat an extra slice of pie for me ;)

<3 Sister Jones

Alma 26:37:

Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.