Hi, Pittsburgh

Hola, 

ni hao,

hello from the state of Pennsylvania. 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

I'm out here visiting my beautiful bestie, Joy Purnell (who was my roommate Freshman year), for her birthday and her mission farewell talk. On Saturday we rode the incline (picture a very slow, very cute, uphill train with one boxcar) to get an incredible view of the city, ate at Primanti Brothers (they put the whole meal - meat, fries, and cole slaw - on the sandwich), and walked around the city for a bit. It's a very unique city because it's very old (and old fashioned) and has lots and lots of bridges.  The city with the most bridges in the world, actually. BUT IT'S BEAUTIFUL. SO that's been cool! Then Joy gave a very beautiful and inspired talk today. It was cool because here in Pittsburgh, since there aren't very many missionaries from the wards, they encourage traditional farewells where the parents speak as well. So we got to hear from Joy AND her parents, YAY. It was a "Power Hour" of Sacrament Meeting if you ask me. The spirit was very sweet and strong, and I felt the truth in their words and their testimonies. 

Joy & her sister Holly also sang a song called "In Christ Alone." 

The lyrics rang truth to me, and the spirit brought me to tears.

Here are the beautiful, beautiful lyrics:

In Christ alone, my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My comforter, my all-in-all

Here in the love of Christ I stand

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand​

It's been a really amazing Sunday. I know that Jesus Christ is our Brother and Friend. HE LOVES US. HE WANTS THE BEST FOR US. What a blessing it is that we a have a chance to feel the joy that comes from the gospel. Real, obtainable, eternal joy.  And that's really, really cool.

Love, Bekah Ellen Boyd