1 week down in Pooler! I am so very happy to be here, honestly. Sister R is diligent and very energetic. Which I love. I'm back to running every morning which always helps me have better days. The Pooler area is really just a conglomeration of small towns or parts of other towns. We designate a day to work in one of said towns and try to see everyone we can in that area. The ward here is great. In every interaction I have with members they are so eager to tell us about the ways in which they are sharing the gospel with their friends. We're only 20 minutes from the beach, though I'll never see that beach as a missionary haha. And we live really close to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport so we hear planes all day long. 

This week I'm really not sure I could tell you what happened. I'm just trying to learn the area and who the people are. And it was just a blur of trying to have all the up-to-date information haha. But it was fun! We had an awesome lesson with a lady who is very well acquainted with the Bible. As we were teaching her, and seeking always to teach to an investigator's needs and understanding, a plethora of stories and verses from the Bible just came one after another that I was able to share with her and use to help her understand what we were teaching. It was such a simple experience with the Spirit for which I am so thankful.

On Thursdays' we have Book of Mormon class which is obviously the highlight of the week and then the ward plays soccer for an hour! How awesome is that? It's really been a great way to invite less-active members and non-members to come see the church building and meet members who can be their friends.

Everything is good. 

This week I came across the following words of Thomas S Monson : To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside of ourselves. 

I have found this to be so very true throughout the course of my mission. Sometimes it is tempting to be discouraged or disheartened or to feel unhappy. Missionary work is challenging in so many ways. Sometimes it seems that no matter how hard we work, nothing seems to come from it. Trials will come to each of us. Sadness is part of mortality. However, the cure for these feelings is not to turn inward and evaluate and try to fix ourselves. Rather, it is most often to turn out from ourselves and to focus on others. Such was the pattern of Jesus Christ's life. Even in His darkest hour, He was concerned about His apostles and His family. Never did He think of himself or put His needs or desires above the needs of others or the will of His Father in Heaven. 

I have such a testimony of service. In reaching out to those in need and lifting their burdens we somehow find healing and rest to our own souls. This is how God created us. His intention was that we learn from Him to be mindful of others and ever-giving of ourselves. Sweet joy and peace belongs to those who lose themselves in the pursuit of caring for another. 

-Sister Gore