I have fought a good fight....

Well folks!.. This is a bit of an awkward time for me. I never thought Id get to this point on my mission. I have a lot of bittersweet feelings as I think about what is to come this upcoming week. I don't think its truly hit, because there is still plenty of time before I finish this sacred errand to witness miracles. But I have a lot of mixed emotions, that really only returned missionaries may understand how it feels. I remember seeing Dave get off the plane from his mission and observing him, how he seemed a little different. He seemed quieter and maybe shocked to realize where he was and what was really happening. Now I understand why he acted that way.

 

 Something President Ashton said near the beginning of my mission that it should be our goal, that we allow our missions to go through us, instead of us going through our missions. That has always stuck with me, because that is something I desired. I truly desired my mission to go through me and help me be who the Lord wanted me to be instead of just going through the motions and not allowing the Lord to purify my heart. I can humbly say, that my mission has gone through me. I was thinking of Ammon this morning and how after he and the sons of Mosiah brought thousands of souls unto repentance, he was filled with joy and happiness, so much that he fell to the earth. But I read a verse that hits close to home that I want to share. 

Alma 26:12 "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land [of Texas] for which we will praise his name forever."

 This has been the Lords work. Its been amazing to witness miracles in His behalf just by following the promptings of the spirit. This has been the time where I have been tried and tested, broken and mended and shaped into a true disciple of Christ. I love our Savior and our Father in Heaven. I've come to know how much they love us individually. Those times that I have felt it the most has been in the temple, seeing his beloved sons and daughters enter the waters of baptism, and feeling his love for them. Experiencing the feelings of sorrow and grief for those that don't accept the gospel, or fall away when I can see their potential and the Love Father has for them. Feelings that love helps me want to do better, and to do the things that are pleasing to the Lord. 

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that He lives. I know without a doubt that Joseph Smith, saw God and Jesus Christ in the grove of trees and was called to bring back the Saviors gospel. I know that because of the spirit that has bore witness to me, that it is true, but also because what it has done for me in my life personally. "By their fruits, ye shall know them" I know the fruit of the Book of Mormon is sweet. It has brought me closer to my Savior and a fuller understanding of His plan for me. That book is the most correct book on the earth. I wish I wouldn't have taken it for granted most of my life. I know that the Atonement is REAL. I've witnessed that personally. The Atonement transforms us. It helps our weaknesses turn  into our strengths. I love all of you and thank you for your love, support and prayers for me and those I've worked with on this journey. 

God Bless Texas! 

Till we meet again ;)

With love, 

Sister Pace 

5 Truths I've Learned the Past Year and a Half...

1. That God Lives.

  The past 18 months, as I have been called and set apart as a representative of Jesus Christ, I have been able to come to know my Savior and my Father even more. I've witnessed too many miracles to deny that they live, and that this is the gospel that Christ established while He was on the earth.

2. I know who I am.

 I know that I, Sister Pace, am a daughter of the most high God. I know that I have been refined, and shaped into what Heavenly Father wants me to be over the past 18 months. I've had my weaknesses stamped on my forehead all throughout my mission and it's been enough for me to learn how to rely on the Grace of God to bring those weaknesses into strengths. I look forward to continue to build upon the person I have become as I go throughout my life.

3. I know that I am nothing without Charity.

  I have learned what real Charity is. It is the pure love of Christ. I have loved every single individual that I have come in contact with in the Texas Houston South Mission. Without that love, I could not have found their needs and concerns to help them build their faith in Jesus Christ. I needed to learn to let go of my own wants, desires, hobbies, which has allowed me to gain true love and charity for these people and see how the gospel can bless their lives. I learned how to keep my "eye single to the glory of God.'' He loves all of His children, and if we see them with the potential that He sees them, then they will change, and they will have their hearts softened.

4. We can be agents who act.

  The best way we can grow is by being agents and act, instead of being acted upon. We will always be in circumstances that we may not like, but God has given us the wonderful gift of agency and help from the Savior to act and make the best of our circumstances. With our agency, we can find the most success in all we do. We can truly find joy in the journey! 

5. Everything is bigger in Texas!

  I've really grown to love this place. The people here are truly amazing! The things I've recognized most is that these people's hearts are sure big in Texas. Even though there is a lot of diverse religions, there is a lot of wonderful Christian people. They'll always lend a hand to help someone, not afraid to pray in their front yard, and you can get them talkin' for hours! I've been truly blessed to be sent to the best mission in the world...TEXAS HOUSTON SOUTH MISSION! God bless Texas!

Merry Christmas Everyone and Happy New Year!!

Sister Pace

Christmas in Texas!!---Day spent in Galveston enjoying the nice 70 degree weather

I "mustache" you a question---- Would you like a book of mormon??

We got to ride the ferry across the bay! 

I'M IN LOVE!!! I'm the happiest Auntie on the planet!!

I am just so-so happy and grateful for the exciting news!  I'm finally an "Aunt" and I've been waiting a long time for this!!  Little Jaxon is adorable.  He just wins my heart!  So glad to have a new addition in the family.  As much as I wish I was there to hold little Jaxon, I am so grateful to be here on a mission.  I love the experiences I'm  having.  (The good and hard times).  But sooner than later I'll be there to hold him in my arms, which is really bittersweet right now. 

I love my Little Jaxon!

Texas thunderstorms come so fast.  One second its nice and dry, the next minute it's a down pour of rain.  We have gotten caught in it a few times, but its fine--we just go out with a smile!  This week we have had the opportunity to be involved with a lot of service--especially a lot of yard work!  I was fortunate enough to bring back my lawn mowing skills from high school days and mowed 2 different yards.  I loved it!!!! And the mosquitoes did too.  Fresh sweaty blood to suck! BLEH!   One day, we went with a sister in our ward to takes care of the Victoria Gardens.  It is an educational garden place that is so-so beautiful.  Not long after we showed up in the gardens a storm rolled in and we were surrounded by lightening and thunder.  It was quite exciting.  We took shelter in a tin shed and couldn't really get to the car for about an hour.  It was so loud we couldn't hear each other because the rain was hitting the shed so hard.  So we decided to play "Book of Mormon" charades.  hahahaha   It was great!  Sister Fisi'inaua and I jumped up to act stuff out and finally Sister Davis joined in.  This sweet little 60 year old woman was havin a ball with us.  It was a pretty entertaining experience.  (Great FHE idea)!! 

Out in the Gardens is a gigantic Birdhouse!  It is beautiful here. 

  The 4th of July was great!  We went to the church in the morning because they were having a bike parade for the primary children.  You better believe we took our bikes and decorated them and joined the fun.

Happy 4th of July!

     Overall it's been a good week and a great transfer.  I love this area--"Victoria" and my companion is awesome!  I really enjoy serving with Sister  Fisi'inaua.    Saturday was a baptism at our church.  Some of the elders have been working with a sweet older Hispanic gentleman.  He was so happy and excited.   Oh man this baptism was Great!    One I'll never forget!    We have a lot of great investigators we are working with.  They seem super solid as well.  We're learning a lot and just trying to assist the Lord in His work here in Victoria.  

BAY CITY ZONE!  BEST ZONE EVER!!!

                              

We spotted King Benjamin!

King Benjamin???

We went on a short road trip to Brazos State Park!  This is where all the alligators live.  Is was so-so fun!  We saw tons of alligators, turtles and frogs.  It totally beat the alligator hunts we have had around Sienna.  We literally saw over 20 alligators.  I have a lot of pictures to show and tell.  But my favorite was an alligator,  we named "King Benjamin" because he was one big guy--HUGE!  Totally made the trip worth it.

Alligator Hunters!

Transfers have come and gone and I am now serving in Victoria, Texas which is 2 hours away from the mission office.  It's the country out in "Never-Never-land". My  new companion is Sister Fisi'inaua which I am really excited to serve with.  We served in the same ward in my first area in Clear Lake.  So we have bonded just great!!  I'm really excited to be here because there is a lot of potential.  Our area is massive though!  It is really spread out and would probably take an hour to get from one side to another.  The ward has about 600 members but only 250 are active.  So there is a lot of work to do here.  We were blessed to have a baptism last Saturday, Zach. He's a nine year old boy that comes from a great family!! So we are now starting from ground zero with investigators.  Which is great, we are ready to work!

My companion Sister Fisi'naua
My new address:  2107 N. Ben Jordan #1610
Victoria, TX  77901
I'd love to hear from you!

We both are just starting fresh and have a great desire to work hard to build up this area.  My faith is growing so much especially after a miracle that we had yesterday.  We made a goal to find at least 2 investigators.  We've be talking to everyone and asking for referrals, going and meeting the members.  I've been thinking a lot on how finding at least 2 new investigators is a commandment from God, because it came from our leaders, which was inspired from God.  So because it came from God I knew He was going to provide a way for us  to accomplish it. Sunday came and we hadn't found anyone yet, but I just knew the Lord would provide.  The day was going by and it was getting pretty late. We hadn't had any luck, which could be pretty discouraging but I just felt like I knew Heavenly Father would provide someone if we have faith and do all that we can.  So we were in a complex after trying a less active family--with no luck. We OYM'ed a kid--no luck, then we see some people who had just moved in that we went to talk to and they said that they would let us come in and teach them! It turned out that this family had visited the Mormon church 10 years ago and had the missionaries over a lot and fed them and everything. Heavenly Father not only provided us 2 investigators, but 5 new ones--a family! It reminded me of when Christ fed the 5,000 and his disciples gave him everything they had to feed the people; 2 fishes and 5 loaves.  Christ not only blessed them with sufficient food with what they needed, but he blessed them with food left over. Because we worked hard to just get 2 new investigators--Heavenly Father  provided a family of 5. Everyday I love my mission more and more and the experiences I am having. My faith and love for the gospel  has grown in ways that I couldn't have grown anywhere else. I look forward to really making this last half of my mission count.

Happy Father's Day--Daddy!
I want you to close your eyes and open your arms and just imagine me giving you a big hug and kiss on the cheek!  I really am grateful for the way you raised me and the example that you have set.  Your obedience to the gospel and principals really have made an impact on me.  I now recognize the importance of doing all the little things that you always tried to implement:  family home evening, family prayer, family scripture study and so forth.  As I look at so many different families I see the impact those little things can have.  Dad I want you to know how much I love this gospel.  I say it all the time in my letters how much I love this experience because I can't explain nearly enough my feelings.  The experiences I'm having and lessons I'm learning will stick with me forever and I'm truly grateful for that.  If anyone is getting converted from this experience it's me.   I know it is only through Jesus Christ that we can find peace and happiness and that we can return to live with Heavenly Father and  together as families .   I know that Christ lives and will come again.  Until that day and forward, I'm going to do everything that I can to serve Him.  I love you dad and am grateful to be your daughter.  

 

Mother's Day is a Special Day!

One of the best gifts a mother could ask for is to be able to see and talk to all of her children on Mother's Day.  Today we were able to gather all of our children in New Harmony (Allie and James Skyped in) to Skype with Sister Megan Pace in Houston, Texas!

It was so good to see her beautiful smile, and hear how she is learning and growing as she is meeting new people and sharing the gospel in Texas.  One of the most special moments we were able to capture on video as we asked her what her favorite part of her mission has been so far...she shares her testimony of being a missionary and how her personal relationship with the Savior has grown.  You can hear what she shared here: Sister Pace's Testimony

Howdy from Texas!

The Church is True in Houston!

What a great few months!  It has been full of teaching, service projects, baptisms, changes and adapting to a new area.  Heavenly Father is really sending us prepared individuals.  I'm noticing it isn't necessarily anything we are saying or doing in specific ways, but realizing we are just His instruments and trying our best to open our mouths to everyone.  It's amazing to be a part of the Lord's work.  As long as we really do our best, the miracles do not cease. I love the experiences I am having on my mission.  I wouldn't trade this time for anything else.  It is evident that the Lord is preparing us for His return by hastening His work and I'm so happy I am part of His Army of Missionaries.

 "Sister Conference"

Sister Thompson and Sister Hawkes, it was good to see my first Companions again.

Right- Sister Harris my MTC Companion

Our trip to Sister's Conference to hear Sister Sheri Dew!

January 25th was an amazing day with Kevin and Chanselle's baptism.  They were so happy and it was such a special day.  The ward gave great support as well and I know they will really flourish in the gospel.  In a year they get to be sealed in the temple too!  What a memorable weekend.

My dear friend Chenselle after her baptism.   

 Well isn't this just a fun time of year.  The month of LOVE!  I have been studying about Charity  which has helped me gain a greater desire to talk to everyone and share my testimony of the gospel with them.








A big thanks for all the letters, packages and wonderful surprises.
  It made my whole week!

  For Valentines Day, Sister Cotton and I  had a lot of fun sneaking around and giving heart Attacks to some of our less actives who need more love in their lives.

Rhea's Baptism!  It was such an awesome baptism!  She was so excited and ready for it.  The best part was her family was there to support her.  The spirit was so strong and they really enjoyed it as well.  Sister Cotton and I had the opportunity to speak at the services and I felt it an honor to be a part of it. 

Our sweet miracle "Rhea"!

After serving in the Clearlake Area for 7 months, I received my first transfer to the Sienna Plantation area with Sister Newman.  This area is  so--so beautiful.  It starts in Missouri City, Sienna Plantation (where i live), Houston, Sugar Land, Fresno, Arcola, etc.  Big area with lots of work to do! I love my companion already.  She is amazing! She is from South Jordan, but went to Dixie State last year too.  Small world!  I felt like I knew everyone at Dixie, but guess not.  We hit if off sooo well.  I've been very blessed to have such awesome companions.

My lovely new companion Sister Newman!

Celebrating Sister Newman's 9 month mark with Sonic Wednesday!

Sister Newman and I are  trying to read the Book of Mormon together this transfer.  We are trying to mark anything that has to do with faith.  I love doing this!  It's going to be a challenge, but I am  already learning so much from it and my testimony of the Book of Mormon continues to grow more and more.

I love ya'll and hope you have a great week! 

Merry Christmas from Sister Pace

  This Christmas season has been so great! I feel like I have really been able to feel the Christmas spirit so strong. I know it is because I haven't been as distracted by the commercial part of Christmas, and I've  been able to really focus more on Christ this Christmas and give back to him by giving of  my time and service.

 We have been taken care of so well by this ward! My love for this ward grows more and more. There are so many wonderful people here. We have been involved with the ward Choir which has been so fun! We went to a Christmas sing along at a members home and sang Christmas carols with the choir. That was probably my favorite Christmas activity so far! That is a fun tradition I would love to carry on. There are so many homes that are decorated from the grass to the roof and everything in between. I tell ya, everything is bigger in Texas! 

I just want you all to know how happy I am here on my mission! I have been growing more and more to love this place and what I am doing here! My love for the people has grown, the missionaries I serve with are so amazing! We have so much fun together and they have such great testimonies.  Also, my love for President and Sister Ashton have grown. They are soo amazing as well!  I definitely consider them as second parents. Sister Christopherson  (one of my companions) got to go spend a few days in their home with their family to see what a gospel oriented family life is like. That doesn't happen very often. So I was able to see them a few times this  past week. I have so much love and respect for them. Sister Ashton is a huge role model in my life. 

Most of all, my love for our Savior Jesus Christ has grown. I have loved studying his life and ministry these past few weeks in the New Testament. I love how the world is so happy during the Christmas season because they remember Christ so much more. Just think of what it is going to be like when he reigns again on the earth! Its going to be amazing! 

 I love you all and hope you have a great Christmas season! I challenge each of you to find one way you can go out of your way to serve someone everyday until Christmas. I promise you will be able to feel the Christmas season even more this year!