The other day we came across this mural that spoke to my heart. We've been in Abilene, Texas for 11 months. When we first got here everything was new, somewhat challenging, and we weren't sure how we would be able to get used to mission life. Life had planted us in different, unfamiliar soil. 

So how does someone plant themselves in a new place and bloom with grace?

Grace comes from our Savior, Jesus Christ. Grace is a gift He can bestow. It is His grace that helps us bloom in soil we find unfamiliar, in neighborhoods and wards where all the faces are strangers, in activities we are unused to or have never done before. 

We have spent a lot of time on our knees seeking His grace on our mission. Over and over we are blessed with the Savior's guiding hand or courage when we are unsure. Often times those blessings come after the struggle, after the studying and seeking, even after some failures. Eventually His grace comes as long as we try to keep moving. We have bloomed the best we could.

Sister Sierakowski, the wife of our branch presidency counselor, taught us about "mindfulness" with the missionaries. She gave us each a raisin to experience mindfulness with. We had to feel it, smell it, listen to any sounds it made, look at it closely and eventually eat it and savor every sensation of its flavor. We loved how she said that putting ourselves in a condition of total mindfulness before we read our scriptures would greatly enhance our studies. 

Easter Brunch after branch meetings. We had enchiladas, nachos, and good desserts.

Institute Easter Treats: One young man was totally thrilled when he first saw them and exclaimed as he took a picture with his phone, "Wow, I've never seen something like that. Those are so neat!" His gratitude earned him major points with Sister Brown that night. 

This couple is in our adult religion class that we've become good friends with. They love thrift stores and yard sales. She came to class the other night with these sparkly cowboy boots she bought on "a great deal!" at a thrift store. They both have wonderful stories to tell. Her husband joined the church later in his life. He worked stage crew for many performing groups throughout his life and wore his hair to his waist in beautiful natural blond ringlets. They are so much fun to have in our class.

This is a picture of  the "Foundations of the Restoration" class with our "regular adults". We've had amazing discussions with these "seekers of truth." Three of them joined the church later in life, one of them only a year ago. They truly feed our souls.