the GROWTH that brings JOY

I wanted to note this pattern as it's happening. Sadie's MTC experience was amazing and tiring and overwhelming and full of LONG days- but I noticed her changing even then.  After she'd been there a few weeks, she said, "Mama, this week I felt a little LESS homesick "   After Sadie arrived in Ecuador (11-13-2019) she was mentally strong and  excited for her adventures but overwhelmed. -- after about 3 weeks there, she said, "Mama, this week I wasn't even homesick." (which she followed up quickly with, it's not that I don't miss you, but I'm not distracted).  A couple weeks later she said, "Mama, this week I started having fun as a missionary- this work is FUN!"  That brought joy to my heart.  Here we are now, 4 months in, and this is what she said to me yesterday, "Mama- this week I got the slightest twinge thinking about how hard it will be to leave my mission and these people that I've grown to love."  WOW!  Isn't that progression something? And a blessing from the Lord?  I am so grateful-- I know this growth adds breadth to her wings- and depth to her faith-- (and mine, too!)