"And they lived after the manner of happiness"

It's been one of those really bitter-sweet weeks because I found out
that I am being transferred :/ If I had never come out on my mission,
I would have had no idea what I was missing out on. But now that I'm
here and I've experienced it, I would never give up this experience
for anything. I especially would never give up the friendships that I
have developed.
In 2 Nephi 5, Nephi explains that he and his people "lived after the
manner of happiness" as they worked hard and kept the commandments and
loved each other. This was despite the fact that his brothers wanted
to kill him- which is kind of a rough situation, I would say.
So my point is, despite the difficulties that I experience as a
full-time missionary, I'm living after the manner of happiness because
of the people I get to serve and love. This is the greatest work!

In other news, I'm being transferred tomorrow :( My heart is a little
broken leaving this area and leaving my companion, but I'm excited to
serve and love even more people! Also, President asked me to be a
Sister Training Leader. I think Heavenly Father knows that I don't
like exchanges, so He gave me a calling that makes me do exchanges
every week. Haha there's no such thing as getting comfortable around
here.

A few highlights of the week:
1. A man from another country stopped us in the middle of a store and
said- "They let girls do this now?! Can I take your picture?" He
didn't tell us anything else, took our picture and walked away. We're
a little nervous about where that picture is going to end up...
2. Sister Bettilyon and I met up with Donald from my first area, who I
taught and he was baptized a year ago. It was so great to catch up
with him, and I will be going to the Washington DC temple in a few
weeks with him to get his endowments out.
3. Our family ward had the primary program and I was reminded that
that is my favorite Sunday of the year. It was especially great
because a little 5 year old boy who has a crush on me was flashing
hearts at me during the entire program. Worth it.

I love you all! I love this gospel and this church and our prophets
and leaders. Knowledge is power! I have learned SO much over the last
few months and what I've realized is that we have so much knowledge
and information at our finger tips, we just need to put forth a little
effort and seek it out! Write me and tell me about your studies! I'll
do the same for you :)

Love, Sister Amber Flower Ricks