"Patronus Memory"



WHAT A WEEK.

There were many tears from everyone this week for both bad and good reasons, but I tell you what boy have all the YPMs bonded this week. Elder DeWitt hurt his knee and had to be choreographed out of everything, and since we already had to choreograph Sister Wadsworth out of our outdoor shows because of her illnesses, it's been incredibly difficult because we feel that we are missing two members of our family. We are so grateful they are at least still here with us and we are praying for their strength. It hurts us deeply to watch them sitting out of things, and because people have had to be pulled from other casts to cover for them, everyone's hearts are heavy, although we are proud of everyone for rising up and doing what needs to be done to help out our elder and sister in need.


Weather was absolutely crazy this week. Sunset was cancelled once because of a crazy rainstorm and tornado warning (which gave the sisters an opportunity to sing for and pray with some people and ourselves to give us strength and comfort as we waited out the storm--myself included as you all know i am terrified of storms). then on wednesday at british pageant there was a crazy thunderstorm that delayed the start of the show and as i fought my fear, the YPMs all began to sing funny songs together and I felt on top of the world. everyone always looks out for me and treats me so well. after singing with each other and for some of the family cast, we got permission to sing for some audience members who had sought shelter under a large tent near the stage. As we sang, it began to POUR rain, and it was actually incredibly thrilling being there singing and laughing away my fear as the thunder struck loudly and the rain got all of us absolutely soaking wet. as we sang more spiritual songs i personally testified that the lord will protect us and that together as saints we are stronger than anyone can imagine. look how far the gospel has come! we will always have each other and we will always have god, so why should we fear? as i sang through the storm with these people who have become family to me, i now treasure this memory as one of the happiest moments of my life (one of the sisters said this can be my patronus memory like in harry potter hahaha)


this week i have been reminded that the lord knows me and is aware of my concerns. there have been multiple instances this week that have pinpointed my exact challenges and have inspired me how i can press on with faith.


my afternoon cast came up with an idea of how we can help every single stage/tech ypm to feel valued. this week we are going to have everyone write something about every stage and tech ypm that says what they contribute to the group and why we need them here. i hope it can help everyone to know how much we love them and miss them when they aren't with us for whatever reason.


singing "called to serve" at the end of british pageant is the absolute most amazing thing ever. who would have guessed that when i grew up in primary singing songs about serving a mission that i would get to do this on mine???


i also met a couple this week with whom i shared how much i've grown here and that i hope i will never forget the experiences that I've had. i am afraid to go back to a life in which i won't be so close to the spirit at all times and i am afraid to live without these people that I've come to love so much. Among other things, this really resonated with me: The man told me that if I


1. pray always

2. keep the commandments

3. serve others


I will never be deceived. so as i take what i've learned here and apply it to my life and strive to make choices that will lead me to the future that I desire, i know that if i keep these three things in mind i can never go wrong. it reminds me of something that one of our music directors, sister hatch always says. if you learn a gospel principle and then live it, it will always equate to joy. if it doesn't, then you need to keep working at it.


the martyrdom scene in the promise has been especially powerful lately as i've come to understand more about joseph smith, the saints, and what they experienced here.

wow i wrote a lot today but i love you all and am grateful for your support.

-Sister Greenwood

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