My time in Scottsdale, Arizona Mission

This past Saturday we got to go to the visitor's center for the first time and it was BEAUTIFUL! I loved it so much. Such a strong spirit. And this week my zone gets to go to the temple. I'm excited because it's the first time I'll have gone to the temple on my mission. Pretty crazy, am I right?

So update on Carmen. She has been keeping the Word of Wisdom and has committed to keeping the law of tithing. She's such a perfect less-active it's crazy. She's willing to do whatever it takes to be worthy to go to the temple. It's so great to see that change in her life.

Last night we had a mini-lesson with a part member family that we didn't know too much about. The mom is a member, and I thought that she was at least sometimes coming to church, but turns out that she hasn't been in a long time. But we talked to her about returning to the temple, and the spirit was so strong. Seriously, take the family to temple a little more often, just to at least be on the grounds! It's such a difference that can be felt.

Reading out of the Book of Mormon stories made such a huge difference in my life. I realize that I know so much about the gospel just because I read the simplified versions of the scriptures over and over and over again. Sister Holyoak never read the simplified until she got the MTC so she's been confused her whole life! Thanks for having me read those! :D

There was a dust storm this past Friday that we biked in temporarily, but no worries we're all safe and sound. The worst part was when I could feel the sand in my teeth for the next hour. It was crazy.

I'm so happy that I'm here in Scottsdale. At first it was hard because I wanted to be in Brazil, and I didn't want to bike because it was SO hot and I was always sweaty and I didn't have a senior companion. I had a lot of things to be upset about. But then I remembered President Hinckley's father and how he said to "forget yourself and go to work". Once I applied that principle in my life, everything became loads easier. I was happy, I loved the people, and I recognized the help of the Lord at every turn. I realized that the Lord called me on a mission on June 26th, but He knows when He wants and needs me in Brazil. I needed to be in both places on my mission, and have had the awesome opportunity to spend time on two different missions! Now that doesn't mean that I'm not waiting the day I go to Brazil, but I'll be sad to leave this place too. And here I've been able to have such a great relationship with President Sweeny and his wife, a relationship that I might not get to have in Brazil because I might not be in the same area as the mission home and get to stop in to get water and supplies every few days.

I love you all very much!

Love you all,

Sister Tillman