Hermana Dimond Takes Florida: "Success starts wth YOU and ends with 2 S's"

If that is not the grossest email heading you have heard I don’t know what is. Sister Staffieri and I were a little bored one day driving in the car and definitely coming up with life mottos. LOL, This is the just one. It’s the little things as a missionary. The little things. Hahaha!

WELL MERRY CHRISTMAS YOU JOLLY OL FOOLS!

I cannot really believe that Christmas is only 6 days away! I still cannot decide if I need my snowy white Christmas or my hot and humid one? I love them both. But I sure miss you all. It has just began to start feeling like the Christmas season here, so luckily I am literally in the best ward that straight up treats Sister Staffieri and I like family. Not even kidding, this entire week people have been bringing us the sweetest gifts and just including us in their family traditions and it has just been such a memorable holiday season. They have all literally been freaking out as well about us getting transferred. Sadly, last night was the transfer call and Sister Staffieri, my homie, is leaving me for Hollywood Hills, but I am so happy to be able to stay here in Boynton Beach for my last transfer. These people are seriously like my family here and I couldn't be more grateful. Hate to say it but they have already planned Sister Staffieri and I's vacation back here. It will sure be weird to be here without her but I am excited for her, and excited for my new companion Sister Napier to come in. Should be fun. I don't know much about her at all but I do know that we are going TO GO HARD this last transfer of mine. PEDAL TO THE MEDAL FOLKS

This week was great. Nothing too crazy happened but a short recap:

-We decided to get festive and made gingerbread houses together as a zone. It looks like Willy Wonkas’ factory threw up on it but its the thought that counts.

-I really expanded my horizons and continued on my journey of trying new food. This week’s delicacy: soft shelled turtle made by the one and only Deitra. Literally do not even know how they caught it or if it was safe but hey ya know, it’s all about the adventure. That was Sunday and I am still living so all is well. Then last night this recent convert Carmen who is literally just the most on fire convert ever, found out my love for sea food and good grief, she straight up made us a 5 course meal. I am not even joking. All home made and it was just the most extravagant meal appointment that I have ever been apart of. Lol. S he had us close our eyes each dish that was brought out. Hahaha! Oh my word she kills me. She made us fresh lobster that her husband caught on their boat (which he already told me he is taking me diving and fishing when I come back (Mario her husband is not a member), we had mussels, shrimp, octopus, steak, etc. Literally it was out of control. She told me she is going to do my last meal in the mission. Stay tuned folks. Stay tuned. I think I have eaten the best in this area and in my mission than in my entire life combined. (I think I have decided to just bump college and join the food network and fulfill my dreams of being a food taster). And this is what I get for serving in the most diverse mission in the world. Bless up!

-We went caroling with some ward members to visit recent converts, less actives, and some of our investigators and it was just the funnest thing. Everyone was so in to it and the spirit that was brought was so powerful. Music is just such a tender mercy. Although my voice alone could just shatter a window, the people just couldn't stop smiling. We got to actually get into a less active woman who we have been trying to talk to for so long. It was a little miracle. This ward is so incredible to help in any way that they can. They are straight up my family. I am so grateful to be able to have them as I am away from my family. They have treated me like a queen. I do not deserve it.

-It was wonderful to actually see a fruit come forth from that giant nativity that our stake put on. This week we went to try and visit one of the referrals’ from it and we ended up being led right into Beth Aho's home. Her friend is a member and so she came with her friend and now is so interested in learning more about the church (granted she is waiting until 2018 for the time change of the service to be 1:00. yes mom you would get along well with this one:) but she is wonderful. Truly was another example to me of simple member missionary work. I know that the little things that we do matter to others and that we never know who will be touched, whether they are members or not. I have just learned to follow the Spirit in all things.

A quick quote I wanted to end with. "It is not an easy thing to be shown ones weaknesses and succumb to despair. Some attempt to hide, ignore, or compensate for their shortcomings because of pain and embarrassment. But the Lord told Moroni recognizing and acknowledging a weakness is a necessary part of overcoming it." Let us all remember Christ more this Christmas season and what he makes possible for us. That we are allowed to see our weaknesses, and know that through him they may be made strengths. That because of Him, we will one day be able to fulfill the commandment to "be therefore perfect.” I know I am so for from perfection and am made aware of it each and everyday, but I am so grateful for Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for this season. I hope you all have such a happy holiday gathered together as family and friends. I will be thinking about you all day! Thanks for making me feel so special and loved even on this side of the country. You’re all the best!

XOXXO

Hermana Dimond

The cute ward caroling :)

With Deitra and her kids <3

The good old turtle that I ate! Yum!

Our ward Christmas Devotional and party. And then they found out transfers were happening so everyone wanted a photo shoot.

My favorite child ever, Carter Jensen. Remind me to tell you the story of him. So we are getting married. lol. He's 8. This pic will be the first one in our wedding vid :)