September 22, 2014

Hey Ya'll,

 

Another great week in Scotchtown! Every morning we send out a "Daily Scripture" to a group of investigators and less active members. We got a call this week from Tony and he said, "Yo! That was the best daily scriptcha eva!!" I can't remember what verse we sent, but he said, "It said to depart from evil, so I just decided, I'm gonna do it! So I cut mah hair off, put it in a bag, and burned it!!!" So Tony's beautiful dread locks are gone! And he still hasn't come to church, but he'll get there :) We offered to help him clean his house this week because his girlfriend (who he lives with) has to drive him everywhere, and she won't take him to church until it gets done. Man, it was NASTY. Stinky clothes, garbage, cat poop... the works. (ps, the cat's names are 2 pac and fluffy;) We worked up a sweat, that's for sure, but it looks 10x better now! And we got to get to know his girlfriend's daughter Symone. She is the cutest! She's 15 and really wants to join the church. It's weird, My hair smelled bad, my back kind of hurt, and on the outside, I was just nasty. But on the inside... I was so happy. Like, not the normal "things are going my way" kind of happy. But real, lasting, warm happiness. It's hard to describe. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. Missionary work is so fun!

 

I'm still loving the trio. These sistas are super amazing. One of our investigators, Russel, was having a difficult time understanding the great apostasy. He really likes bluegrass music, so Sister Anderson played the mandolin, and we made up a song about it for him. He loved it!

 

This week we also had Sisters Meeting, which was amazing! It was so fun to see all the sisters in the mission and learn about how we can be better missionaries! I went to a training on faith, and I learned something really cool. They had us all go home and pull out our patriarchal blessings, and make a list of "I am" statements. (For example, if the blessing says, "You are a peacemaker," you write "I am a peacemaker" on a notecard. Or if it says, "I bless you that you be obedient," you write "I am obedient.") Every morning, you read at least one "I Am" statement out loud, and then you DO something to make it a truth. This transfers the information from one hemisphere of your brain to another, and it's a truth. We are all amazing children of God with endless potential, but why don't we live up to it? I think it's often because we lack the confidence that we can really do it. But we can! "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." Check out this video!  https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-01-001-your-potential-your-privileges?lang=eng  So that's my spiritual thought :)

 

Also, this week we did service for a LA member, Sister Sandy who has a bunch of cats and a hairless dog named A.B. Her mom was there babysitting the dog while we were painting. She came inside and said in a baby voice, "You had so much joy, didn't you my widdle puppy wuppy baby!" Well, apparently they refer to the dog going to the bathroom as "Having joy." While Sister Sandy was at work, her mom would call her to tell her every time AB "had joy." Sick! Every day I spend in Scotchtown, my love for house pets decreases.

 

September 15, 2014 Scotchtown!

Hey ya'll!

 

I'm feeling so blessed to be serving in a trio in Scotchtown! Do you remember me talking about Sister Anderson from the MTC? The super funny one who plays the mandolin? She's my companion! She is just the greatest. She's from Salem, UT, she's in a bluegrass band, and she is a super great missionary! My other companion's name is Sister Ence, and she is about the sweetest person in the world. She's from Fruit Heights, and she went to BYU Idaho. LOVE THEM!

 

Okay, where do I even begin?? You guys, this area is NUTS. I feel like I got transferred to a different country. We're out in the sticks, and the people here are just the best. I've been called a "Momen," a "Boman," and a "Norman" this week. "Use-ta-could" is a frequent phrase, as well as, "Ya'll be blessed nah!" It takes an hour to drive across our area, and our church building is completely surrounded by cornfields. In Sunday school, our teacher was asked to define the word "circumstance," so he wrote on the board, "WHAT YOU IN."

 

My first experience here was a lesson with a guy named Tony. I was like, "Is this guy for real?" I've never met anyone so enthusiastic about the gospel (Or really about anything in general!) He's this huge black guy with crazy dread locks that stick up all over. He's so cool! He's trying to quit smoking, and is really turning his life around. (In his words) "Man, I'm chill nah. All cause I been readin de Momen Book." We asked what his goals were and he said, "For real? My life dream is to have a log cabin out in the woods, and be married to a Mormon chick. The pitt bulls can come, maybe even a poodle, that's fine. But we all goin a live with the kids, and they be so nice. When they break the glass, they just say 'Daddy we broke it!' and I'll sweep it up, just like 'dat's fine. Go n play nah!'" Not even joking. This guy is pure gold.

 

Other funny things about Scotchtown:

On Thursdays, we do service at a thrift store called "Class and Trash."

I held a baby hedge hog!

Someone proudly told me this week, "I've only pulled a gun on someone twice!"

Our ward mission leader, Brother Mills.

 

Oh man, this guy. How does one describe Brother Mills?? He is the most energetic 79 year old farmer I have ever met! He just loves people and LOVES to share the gospel. He goes through the phone book just to find people for us to teach! The only problem is, everything he does cracks me up. Just like everyone in Scotchtown, he's kinda crazy. My companions and I just can't ever seem to keep it together with all the funny stuff that goes on!

 

Right now, go on youtube and watch "Ain't nobody got time for that." And you will get a glimpse of Scotchtown. It's impossible to describe over email!  It's so fun, but at the same time really humbling. We don't realize how good we have it. At least, I never did at home. Mom and Dad, I just want you to know how grateful I am that you two raised me in the Church. Thank you for teaching me about my Savior. Also, thank you for all the sacrifices you've made so our family wouldn't have to go without. I don't know how or why Heavenly Father has been so good to us, but I'm so grateful that he has. I'm grateful for the love in our home, and I'm grateful to be out here serving. It's hard work, but I am loving every minute of it.

 

It is breathtaking here. I will try to send pictures home next week. I love you so very much. I think of you and pray for you every day. I wish I could write about all the spiritual experiences and good times, but like always, there's just not time. I'll tell you someday though :) I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I love Him. This life is all about love.

 

Love you!

September 8, 2014 Bittersweet

Hello Family,

Carolyn was baptized on Saturday! :) Oh, it was such a special experience. She was so sweet and happy. There were tons of missionaries there! I got to see my bestie, Sister Armstrong! :) It was a big, happy reunion for all of us, and I will always remember it. I think that might be what heaven is like.

So, this week we also got transfer calls... and I'm leaving Midlothian. I thought I would be super sad about leaving, but honestly, my heart is just full. I have met some of the most incredible people here, and I feel so grateful to my Heavenly Father that I've been here as long as I have. These have been 6 amazing months! It's been tough saying goodbye to everyone, especially the ward, but I know I'm going where I'm supposed to be. It's a bit nerve-racking not knowing where I will go or who my companion will be, but I'm just trying not to think about it and trust :) 

The week before general conference, we are having a mission-wide Book of Mormon read-athon! I'm so excited! We'll be spending all day (except during appointments) reading the Book of Mormon, and we're going to finish it in a week! That should be way cool. 

I sure love you guys. And I know Heavenly Father loves you. :) That love is steady. It's the one constant thing in this world that never changes.

Love you!

September 2, 2014

"Ya'll be blessed now!"
Is one of my favorite phrases Virginians say! :) I love this stinkin place!

Had some sweet experiences this week! We had dinner with the cute Knight family on Monday. We asked them to pray for a specific miracle to happen after we left. We didn't know what it was, but we went out and worked our booties off. Not much really happened. They were kind of disappointed when we called back to report. They said, "Oh, we prayed that someone would offer you a glass of water and that you'd be able to go inside and teach them. " Well that didn't happen. We were super bummed, but we thought, "Oh well. Must just not be God's will I guess."

The next morning we had an appointment with Carolyn, but when we showed up, she wasn't home. We thought, "That's weird," and then we decided to knock on a door down her street. A lady named Elizabeth answered the door. She was really cool, but not very interested. She started to close the door, but then stopped and said, "Do you want to come in for some water?" We did, and she started asking us questions. We were able to teach her about the restoration, and she agreed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon! Heavenly Father answered their prayers!

We went over to Carolyn's after, and you'll never believe where she was. Our last lesson was on repentance, and she expressed concern about some hand towels she stole from a hotel years ago. This time, she told us that she had gone to the post office, and mailed back the hand towels with a note saying she was sorry and a return address! Haha! Isn't that cute? I love that lady! I'm so excited for her baptism on Saturday!!

Did I tell you guys about Brad? I can't remember. Well, I don't even have time to!! Suffice it to say, Brad is a "closet Mormon." He reads the Book of Mormon, and he has a testimony that it is true! Missionaries have visited him many times, but he just doesn't want to make any commitments because he's worried about what his family will think. We went and taught him this week with Sister McGill, and it was just amazing. The spirit was so strong! He wants to be baptized!! I will try to tell you more about him next week. Please please keep him in your prayers.

We also started teaching this super funny old couple, Art and Dolores. Holy tamoley I love those humans! Art is this super sarcastic, grizzly old fellow with just a glimmer in his eyes. Dolores is just the sweetest. Art has investigated before, and I think He believes it's all true. He just has some struggles that have been holding him back. His wife was very religious already, and was pretty comfortable where she was at. 15 years ago, their son, Erin, completely lost his faith. She prayed for him every single day. About a month ago, Erin bumped into some Elders. They started teaching him, and Erin started to have faith again. He told Dolores, "Mom, it's the only thing that makes sense to me." Well, she is thrilled because her prayers were answered, and now she wants to read the Book of Mormon and learn more! Please keep them in your prayers as well :) We're teaching them tonight, and they're having us over for dinner! 

Heavenly Father is hastening his work! I have so much more to say, but no time to say it, as usual :) Just keep it real. I sure love you guys. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your letters and emails and prayers. They help much, much more than you know. You're the best family in the world. I hope you have a fantastic week :)

I'm going to the zoo today! We skipped p-day yesterday, so it's today. Hopefully I don't boil ;) Love ya'll!

August 25, 2014

Family!

I'm emailing so late because I got to spend the day in Richmond! A member drove us all over. We got to see St. John's church, where Patrick Henry gave his famous "give me liberty, or give me death" speech. We also went to Hollywood Cemetery, Cary Town, Monument Avenue, and the Holocaust Museum. It was all super cool. Except the museum. It was all really well put together, but it basically just made me sick to my stomach.

Anyway! This week was nutso. 

 

Cool story - About a month ago, some members had their neighbor, Nadia, and her mom and 2 kids over for dinner with us. We just shared a little message at the end and then asked if they had any questions for us. The grandma asked about the origins of the church and the Book of Mormon, and we were able to teach the restoration. Nadia didn't really hear it because she was chasing her kids around. The spirit was super strong, but they went out of town, and nothing ever came of it after that (or so we thought.)   A few days ago we got a call from a member in Lawrenceville. He had met Nadia at the airport. Apparently, their flight had been delayed, and they were stuck in Philadelphia for about 6 hours. I guess they were just having a friendly conversation about families when he mentioned that 2 of his kids were serving missions. She said, "I think I met some missionaries not too long ago at my neighbors' house. Are they the kind that wear the black nametags?" This got them started on a great gospel discussion that lasted for several hours. He said that when he told her about eternal families, she said she felt that God had allowed their flight to be delayed because she was supposed to meet him.  She went home and told her husband all about the experience, who then told the Bemis's (their neighbors.) Isn't that amazing? Heavenly Father's timing is just so perfect! Nadia's family has company this week, but after they leave, they are going to take the lessons with the Bemis's! You just never know when the little ways you reach out to someone will make a big difference. Please keep Nadia and her husband in your prayers. They are such good, sweet people, and I love them already!

One of the reasons missions are great is that sometimes we get visited by general authorities! Elder Anderson of the 70 came to our mission conference this last week, and it was such a spiritual experience! I learned sooo much. He also gave a special fireside just for investigators and recent converts. That was really cool. It was humbling to see so many people from totally different walks of life, all a little out of their comfort zone, taking the step of faith to come closer to the Savior. As Elder Anderson testified by the spirit, there was an overwhelming feeling of love. Mary Jo came with us, and she also pointed out that feeling. I just know the gospel is true. And love is what it's all about.

I had a pretty awful experience last night. Sister George and I tracted into this lady... and gosh. I don't even know how to describe it. I've been anti-ed and I've had door slams, but I've never had someone just verbally attack us like that. I didn't even know what to do. I just stood there and cried. When the conversation finally ended, it felt like all the light had gone out of me. I was shaking when I got back in the car.

I started to drive back to the apartment, but then I thought, "No. That is exactly what Satan would want." It sounds weird, but I just felt like if I let that experience ruin my night, I would be giving up. We prayed and decided to go to one more house. The people weren't interested, but it taught me a lesson. There is plenty of darkness in this world, but we can choose to see the light. And there is so so much light!! There are way more good, kind people in Virginia than not. There is a lot of bad stuff that happens in the world, but there are also a lot of beautiful sunsets, sweet songs, and cute babies. 

There were a lot of highs and a lot of lows this week. There's no way I could try to jam it all in an email, so I'll just finish with this. Prayer is real. I know Heavenly Father listens. I know He loves us. I know He cares and is eager to help us. I know that submitting to His will is hard sometimes. But it's completely worth it. I love the Book of Mormon. I know it is the word of God. I know the gospel has been restored to the earth in it's fullness. And I know that Christ lives.

I love you humans!

August 18, 2014

Hiya Hoomins!

Wow. I don't even know what to say! Sounds like so much is happening at home! HAYLIE IS HAVING ANOTHER BABY?! How stinking cool! :) I'm glad mom's birthday was such a success. I love the pictures of all my siblings and cousins looking like supermodels too :) And Sawyer! And Brooks's new guitar!

My heart is super full :) My sweet friend Carolyn is getting baptized on September 6. I'm so excited for her!  She's come to be such a big part of my life, and it just makes me so happy to see how much she has changed. She's amazing! Her husband doesn't want to be baptized, but he came with her to church yesterday, and it was awesome! Sister Armstrong, and 3 other sisters that taught her are coming back for the baptism, so it's going to be a big reunion. So happy! :) It's her 69th birthday this week, so we are going to bake her a cake and take her to lunch. :)

 

We did a lot of tracting this week, which wasn't very fruitful, but whateves. :) It's been really pretty outside. We got to see Sister Carboni last night, which was a huge blessing. She's a very special lady. She's still got a testimony in there, and I feel the spirit every time we talk to her. We made this cool Missionary Advent Calendar for the ward members, which I'm super stoked about!! For the whole month of September, we've provided ways the members can share the gospel in their daily lives. They're pretty pumped on it! Midlothian's the best. 

This week we took a laurel out with us who is thinking about serving a mission. It was so funny. Not one person we tried to see was home! I had a feeling we should take her to see Ante, a girl we met tracting. We got there, and she and her friend were super duper high. We kind of tried to teach them for a minute, but the spirit wasn't there so we were like, "um.. peace out!" Then, we took her to contact a referral. When we knocked on his door, he wasn't wearing anything but a towel, and he just stood there and stared at us.... hahah it was the most awkward day ever. Hopefully that girl still wants to serve a mission!

There is a missionary song called "The Hardest thing I've Ever Loved to Do." It's the cheesiest. ;) But I think that phrase pretty much sums up a mission. It is so hard. But in a million ways, it is worth it. 

You are the best family ever. I love you!! :)