Sister Thomas Signing Out

We got transfer calls this week. I am being transferred... to a land of never ending pdays, and SNOW! Not quite sure how I feel about that whole thing but there are so many wonderful things ahead of me. I don't even know where to start. I feel like this is the part where I pour out my soul and say all these really profound things that inspire and uplift and let everybody know what a remarkable testimony I have. ....................  Yeah................ I am drawing a blank.............. 

This last week has been so amazing. I've seen miracle after miracle and have had a down pouring of blessings. I have so many thoughts running through my head that I want to share with everyone but every time I try to express my thoughts of my mission, I feel like my words are a pathetic attempt to explain the gratitude in my heart. I hope that you have been able to get a small glimpse of some of the things that I've been able to experience the last 18 months as you read my blog, viewed my pictures, or felt my prayers. I hope that you have been able to see my love for my mission and my Savior through my words and actions. 

I spent some more time in Valrico with the "quadpod" and they continue to be a blessing to me. I have spent the last few days in the mission home with President and Sister Summerhays. Sometimes I found myself walking around the house looking for my companion and then realizing, my mission is almost over. That was about the time I'd start to freak out and then kneel in prayer and express gratitude to my Father in Heaven for this opportunity. I have so His love so abundantly lately.

I got the privilege to attend the Carrollwood ward one last time. I love the people here SO much and as I entered the doors of the chapel, i was filled with so much love. I got to say my final goodbyes and just enjoy some of the fruits of my labors. Since it was testimony meeting, I got up to bear my testimony. I will admit, I was a little crushed because I looked everywhere for the James family (Kelli and Aaron) and I didn't see them. About half way through my testimony I see Kelli peak her head in the chapel door and give me the biggest smile. I actually got so excited I smiled and waved at her from the pulpit. Later as I was talking to Aaron he was telling me about how he had just given another one of his brothers a Book of Mormon. Aw, it seriously makes me so happy!!! 

I will spend the next day helping the incoming sisters and packing my things. I have a lot of stuff..... just saying.... I told myself I wasn't going to be one of those high maintenance sisters who had really heavy luggage. Well I failed at that one :) 

In closing I thought I would share some of the life lessons I learned from my mission

• Trust the Lord
• Good things come to those who persist in doing good
• Wickedness never was and never will be happiness
• True joy comes from serving others
• I am weak person but upon relying on the Lord, I am capable of doing anything
• The importance of an eternal family and raising your children in the gospel
• I LOVE the temple
• When in a street fight in downtown Tampa, watch out for the little kids on bikes, they'll punch you when you least expect it :)
• If you keep the commandments you will prosper in the land
• The value and need of personal prayer
• I have learned who I am, what I want, and what is expected of me

Well this is now that part where I say goodbye and leave you with a little song


"I'll be home for Christmas
You can count of that
Please have snow
but you can forget the mistletoe..." 


I love you and I'll see you Wednesday (unless you're not at the airport, then I won't see you but you get what I mean) 

Also, Mom can you bring my coat? I am pretty sure I am going to freeze to death :) and maybe snow pants and boots! Kidding about the boots but not the coat! 

Welp.... that's all folks

Sister Thomas, signing out! 

Over and out! 

Bye

LOVE YA!!! 

Your eternal sister

Sister Grace Anne Thomas