May 21, 2012

Hello Everyone!    I honestly cannot believe that I am writing what you are about to read. My fingers are moving and the words are coming on the screen, but I am still in denial. Ok, here it goes, I am happy to report that I will once again be serving in the Largo Spanish Branch in St. Petersburg, Florida! That's right, I'm going back for my last six weeks! This means that I will spend a total of 13 out of 16 months in that blessed place. Unfortunately, since I left there have been a number of problems and illnesses with missionaries in that area. President Summerhays and the Lord have decided to call me back there so that I can train three missionaries on the area, all of whom will be serving there for the first time, and all of whom are sister missionaries! I will be serving in a traditional two-person companionship with Hermana Beck (I love her just for her awesome name!) and will be serving and working very closely with another companionship of sisters Hermana Guerra (a native who I LOVE) and Hermana Franc. Hermanas Beck and Franc both came out recently, only three transfers each. Hermana Guerra came out with me, but didn't go to the MTC so she finishes her mission in September. I am soooo excited to work with these wonderful sisters for the last six weeks of my mission, what an honor.    I am a little sad to be leaving Naples, I will admit. I was asked to bear my testimony yesterday and it was sad to look out on those beautiful faces and know that we have so much love for each other after such a short time. I was truly humbled and honored in my service here and know that the area and I are both better for the experiences I have had here. We have worked so hard to help this ward recover, and I truly believe they are moving in the right direction now. The Lord has determined that an extra boost of the priesthood will be exactly what they need, so they will now have four Elders working here. I am very happy for them. I begged the ward members to work with the Elders and discover the true love and joy that is in this great work, I know they will all see many miracles in the weeks and months to come. This picture is of the Relief Society in Naples:

   Right now I am a little scatter-brained trying to coordinate the work here in Naples, pack, ship my bike home, and re-start the work in the two Largo areas without actually being there or having those cell phones! The joys of being a missionary! I can certainly say without reservation that I will not be bored in my last six weeks! I fully intend to come home on my feet, but barely. There may or may not be a stretcher involved somewhere along the way! I look forward to recounting all of my wonderful experiences and miracles with all of you each week. I love this work so much, it is the greatest joy of my life. I love being a missionary with my whole heart and soul.    I love you all!        Hermana Levanger