"When you Learn to Love Modesto, It Loves you Right Back"

Well everybody the time has come... I am being transferred out of Modesto. There is a lot of mixed emotions happening. Saturday night when we received the news, all I did was lean back and say, "Dang it". The rest of the night was me just sobbing. As cliche as it sounds I literally cried myself to sleep. Now let me explain the subject of the email.

This past week we had to head down to Hilmar for an appointment and we didn't have enough miles on our car to get there, so we asked a member. As we were driving out of Modesto I had a huge thought train. It was on the corner of Scenic and El Vista when it hit me. Well, we all know that I survived FIVE transfer calls telling me I would continue serving in the Modesto 8th and 10th wards. As I was thinking, sitting in the passenger seat of this members car, enjoying Modesto, (instead of driving) it hit me that I really do love this place. I really have LOVED serving here, getting to know the people, the neighborhoods, and the wards that have become family. Why did I love Modesto so much? That night after we received the news I knelt to pray, as I climbed into bed this "thought" came to mind... "When you learn to love Modesto, It loves you right back." I lost it. I was so emotional I had to walk into the bathroom because I didn't want to disturb my companion. I didn't even know really how much I loved it here until I figured out I was leaving and I am very sad to go.

This past week we had a member text us and say that a girl named H.R., that we met at the ward activity. (I played a couple games of Spike Ball with her. I didn't even know that she wasn't a member!) Anyway so the text said that Holly wanted to take the discussions! We were ecstatic! We met with her on Tuesday night and she is on date for baptism on September 29th. Let me remind you that, that is also the day N.S. is on date. So when I come back on September 29th I will be able to go to both! I am so excited.

Sunday, I was a mess. Brother Anderson was conducting that day and he stood up there announcing. Then said "I have some very sad news. News that I wish I didn't have to give. Sister Hansen will be leaving us." With tears in his eyes he continues to say the nicest things about me and tells me that I have been a wonderful missionary. It was so sweet. The whole ward sighed when he announced that. I was told a number of times that I am practically a "fixture" and I have to stay. In ward council, Brother Anderson said "Who do I have to call?"

Brother Adams in 8th ward said that he was going to petition. To say I felt the love would be a major understatement.

G.heard the news for the first time in sacrament meeting and she gasped. The whole congregation heard it. I felt that I should go back and sit by her. As I grabbed my things and sat next to her, we both just sat there and cried for a while. I don't know if I stepped out of line saying this but I said "If you get baptized, I will be here." She snickered. I knew it would be hard for her to say goodbye, not only because she has told me time and time again, but because we have a strong bond. God guided our lives together, now it is time for her to fly.

I will be heading to the Clovis and Cedarwood wards and my companion will be Sister Houghton (originally a Modesto missionary). I will continue serving as a Sister Training Leader. I am excited to see what lies ahead. Every time I leave an area I say to myself,  "I will never love an area as I have loved this one", and every time I am proved wrong.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,
Sister Hansen