Think of my call to Nauvoo. Thing of my history of ironic mission call(s). Now guess where I'm going...

You may be thinking West Virginia. You'd be wrong. Because you forgot the place that one ups West Virginia in irony. And that place is Little Rock, Arkansas. 

I am not joking. My new mission call is to Little Rock, Arkansas. LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS. Emphasis on the Arkansas.  It may take you a few hours to wrap your mind around, but don't worry, slowly you will grow in excitement for the mission adventure that you are about to experience. . .I mean, that I will experience. 

To be honest, I am very excited. If Heavenly Father put me in, say, New York City, Washington DC, London (I had a fantasy), the West, that would make sense, that would be something that would (in theory) just naturally fit. So I feel honored and impressed with my future self that the place I'm supposed to be is Arkansas. Really, it opens up a whole new dimension of self. Also, something that I consoled myself with, before I got the call, is that some of the most upstanding and qualified (and attractive. . .not that I care. . . wait, yes I do) missionaries get sent to such seemingly random places. I know, Holly, that you are well aware of this. So that's the theory, anyway, that I will stick with until proven wrong. 

The first things that I think of/images that come to mind when I think of Arkansas (that I didn't realize were what was in my mind):

• a bunch of gravel. Just, the whole place filled with grey gravel. (I have been informed that this is not what Arkansas looks like.)
• Ruby Bridges, desegregation (when I thought of this, I became excited on account of the black people, and the civil rights movement)
• And, I was reminded: Home of Walmart. I have mixed feelings about this, of course. But at least I will always have a Walmart nearby.  

I am very excited, and soon, you will be too, family. I know Holly and Colin are already excited. Daddy, you are laughing. Mom, you might need some time.

One a separate note. There's this big lawyer, reenactment thing that goes on in Illinois sometimes where they reenact old trials in modern days. Well this year it's Joseph Smith's extradition trials. It's a big deal, I guess. And they had this whole thing go on in Nauvoo yesterday, so Elder Oaks gave a speech thing and there were all these lawyers and fancy people, and we got to attend. I shook Elder Oaks hand again. It felt like it did the last time. 

A man also introduced himself, saying, "Hi, I'm Gary Herbert," like I'm supposed to know him in some way.  Well, I was racking my brain, thinking of all the political posters I saw in Provo, wondering if he ran for anything. I said, "Nice to meet you," with probably a look of confusion and suspicion. It was a terrible first impression for, who turned out to be, the governor of Utah. Oh well. I can't win the hearts of all the important people. 

Also, we got to run around bringing out trays of food, and it was ridiculous, and so fun. Who would have thought I would have used my tiny catering skills on my mission? 

Ok, I love you! Also please tell me the climate of Arkansas (Dad). 

Love, Rachel

Every week can't be thrilling, I guess.

Hello Family,

I can't even lie, I don't know what to say about this week. Elder Robert Gaye of the Seventy came and gave us a fireside on Sunday, a training on Tuesday morning with all the seniors, and then a special training with just the young sisters. He's a good story teller. I thought about that as I contemplated my own aspirations for the General Relief Society presidency. I'm not a big story teller. Not a fan of repeating myself, as it makes me feel disingenuous. But some people can do it, and indeed, need to do it. So I had to rethink whether I really want to be the General Relief Society president. 

Yes, I am now fessing up my most embarrassing ambition (and yes, I know it's a calling--all the more ridiculous) because there is nothing else to say. I think when I get to a place where there isn't much to do--and I'm doing all I can but it still doesn't seem like much--I start to get ridiculous and semi-unhealthy goals. So of course, I picked to want to attain the position of the most visible, spiritual female leader that I know of, so that I can set the bar at a level that has no limits except my unrelenting imagination of what I suppose the expectations to be--in which case, the bar is set to level perfection. Not that I'm a "perfectionist" (usually). I'm smarter than being like that. ha ha 

Anyways. We get our outbound calls this Sunday and then maybe I'll be more excited. I've been rocked into the Nauvoo cacoon (some have referred to it as the Garden of Eden.  . .) and accept non-progression now (although, just kidding. See: above). What's so great about real-life situations anyway, eh? 

No, but for real, I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation. 

This about sums up everything:  

2 Nephi 2

22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.

 23 And they would have had no ^achildren; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no ^bjoy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no ^csin.

 24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who ^aknoweth all things.

 25 ^aAdam ^bfell that men might be; and men ^care, that they might have ^djoy.

The Book of Mormon makes so much sense, I can hardly bare it. That is, bare people not understanding concepts of justice and mercy, agency, happiness, faith, etc. that are explained within its pages. Really. It hurts me for people to not know.

Also, here's a great Mormon message about the Book of Mormon: http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=1256696369001 or this link http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages#a-book-of-mormon-story

Do I like this just because I'm a missionary? I don't think so . . . right?

Ok, wish me luck on my second call. I love you! 

Love, Rachel

Not being stuck in the Doldrums

Hi Family, 

I don't have much time this week on account of I got a lot of emails from people who aren't family for the first time and it was great. I'm basking in the love. It's a feeling akin to being in the temple. (First time realization of that). Also, not much has happened so this will be a quickie. 

I think we all--the Nauvoo Sisters--have had a little more struggle with focus, as the work has gone down and our mission inside a mission (oh my gosh, I would have a meta mission) is coming soon. I've been praying for focus and increased desire, and Heavenly Father does answer prayers, even when I forget I've given them (because I can't focus. . . ha). I've had an increased realization and internalization of just how important it is that all of us sisters are here together, live together, and have this unique time to be together. I have felt that every sister here needs this time with such great friends for a reason, and I'm trying to utilize that time.  

We have started teaching the Seniors in role play at night. They are very sweet. I imagine that real teaching situations will be quite different. The seniors just don't quite have that sense of urgency or need that I think others will have in knowing and trying to understand the Gospel. But we get to feel the Spirit all the time, and that's quite nice. Now to carry that feeling on into the life after mission. . . er, I mean, I never think about that time. . .

Ok, I love you!

Love, 

Sister Rachel

Some Pictures

Sister Newell, Sister Ross, Sister Streeter

Sister Ross and Sister Newell together in front of the Nauvoo temple

Rachel and Sister Newell

Basement Club 2.0

Family!

My last transfer in Nauvoo for the summer. Sister Kim is my new companion!! Wooooo! Just a reminder: She is from South Korea. She went to BYU for accounting and is almost finished. She learned English at BYU and largely on her mission. She is precious. 

Our schedules have now changed. This week we have a lot of call center time scheduled--read four straight hours. But that should change pretty soon since, with so many of us having so much call time, there aren't too many cards left to call on. It really is a good experience though. I LOVE Sister Kim. LOVE HER. You should hear/see her calling people. Unbearably adorable, and fairly heartbreaking. She just oozes sweetness with every ounce of her being (not taking for granted that she does have a personality, and opinions)--how could you not say yes to anything she would say to you on the phone?? Unfortunately, a lot of people don't understand her or get confused. So she just keeps calling like a machine, and trying, even though almost every call you hear her struggling (well, the other person struggling)--"Your friend wanted you to have free gift of CD. . .It's a bad connection. I will call back." SHE HAS SO MUCH FAITH!! And you know that the pure in heart will receive her.  I mean, she goes through phone call after phone call of people not understanding, hanging up or being rude, and she is calling for them. Because she loves them as a child of God. There is literally no benefit to her in any sort of tangible, worldly way. 

Oh yeah, and the basement club is back. It's me, Sister Kim, Sister Newell and Sister Searle all down there again. I think there are great, somewhat less obvious benefits to have four people in a teeny tiny room with bunk beds. It's a great area for bonding. And the closet space is adequate, so no complaints. 

Also, this article in the Ensign impacted me greatly. http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/09/my-prayers-of-gratitude?lang=eng I'm not one to be condescended upon, which unfortunately means that I reject a lot of well-meaning, but highly condescending advice which would undoubtedly be for my greater good but is delivered in such a way that my pride and theoretical intelligence refuse to accept it. (Such is the problem with well-intentioned but too-smart-for-their-own-good, self-appointed religion doubters; atheists, as they sometimes identify themselves. I always try to convey to them: I am you! except I know God is real and this is His church!) This is why I often miss the boat on the concept of gratitude. It is usually suggested after one pours their heart out about one's miseries and feels very vulnerable. Don't tell me to be grateful--I want real advice/sympathy, lady! (I'm not referring specifically to you Mom, by the way, so don't worry. You are very good at not being like that.) Well, this article hit me in a different way because it was quite real seeming. So I'm trying anew on the gratitude thing. Not that I ever stopped being grateful, per se. My efforts are simply renewed.

Ok, I love you all! And important: my new preparation day is on Tuesday. Holly plan your email accordingly. Which also means I probably won't be sending letters this week because they won't even get to you by Tuesday. We'll see what happens. 

Love, Rachel