Captain's Log: Stardate-- 2017.Feb.20
Yohoo! Family!
How ya'll doin'? This week has been full of firsts and definitely changed my life... I forgot my journal, so this captain's log is not going to be a fleshed out as the others, so bear with me, s'il vous plait!
Last Monday we went to visit our bishop's glass factory. He's a glass blower by trade! I bought a few things and will be sending them home when I can. Reminded me a lot of the glass blowing place in Lincoln city :) Early in the week, I had my very first encounter with anti. Anti is a term we use when we come up against someone very opposed to us Latter-Day Saints. They preach Anti-Mormonism. It was really scary. The man was actually very nice, and we could tell he was concerned for us and our salvation, but he did NOT like the Church. Not one bit. He told us exactly what he thinks about our religion and he really offended me in regards to the prophet Joseph Smith. Sister Stettler and I could feel that the Spirit had left us immediately, and we both needed to get out of that situation. It was spiritually unsafe for us. You could tell this man had done his research on our beliefs and practices. Anyway, we spoke with him for about ten minutes. This really shook me up. Not my faith, not really. But I did come away feeling like I needed to take a spiritual shower. Like I needed to watch General Conference or something. I felt yucky, like the Adversary used me for mud-ball target practice. He threw a lot at us, and he wasn't done. Even though we are blessed with protection as missionaries, Satan has a way of still getting to you. Like a dart in the back. Sister Stettler and I continued to do the Lord's work, but we felt... off. Like when you get an immunization at the doctor's, you're still sort of susceptible to the virus, and we were a bit weak. Truth be told, I was very weak, and I needed a righteous protein shake of scripture and prayer! Sister Stettler actually found a talk given last General Conference by Elder Ballard. It's titles "To Whom Shall We Go," and the scriptures in it rock! This totally buoyed me spirits up and I feel much, much better now!
👌😋
Sister Stettler's birthday was yesterday (She's now 20 years of age) and we celebrated it with the Gregory's. They are new members of the Church, and they are like home. They are pretty country (I love that about them!) and they give my my weekly dose of belly-bustin' giggles and guffaws! We're actually teaching their daughter, Sabrina, and we just set a baptismal date for March!! I love her and her family so much! One of the greatest temptations here in my area, is that there are so many cute babies, and as missionaries we are not allowed to hold babies or children (legal reasons). Sabrina's baby is the most adorable ever! (Besides Scarlett and Andrew, of course). Sabrina is so sweet, she lets us coo over her baby while she holds him😙😁😁 We ate cake and ice cream and dinner at the Gregory's, and Sister Stettler opened her gifts there. I love the gift the Gregory's got us- necklaces! They are super pretty:)
I just realized y'all might not know too much about West Virginia. Well, I'll start with the basics. The water here? Undrinkable. So every week we add to our supple of bottled water and jugs if clean water for our food storage. We only use the tap water for washing dishes and bathing. There's also a lot of poverty here. Seems like most people do not know how to take care of what they have. We know the message we have to share with the world improves the quality of life, and helps everyone :)
Drugs. Yes, it's true. West Virginia has a lot of drugs. There are at least half a dozen drug houses in each town, and in most trailer parks and neighborhoods. WV has the highest drug related death rate in the country. Oh joy. We have to be very careful, especially a Sister missionaries. Don't worry, Mom, I care both packet knives and my pepper spray with me at all times. Most everyone warns of certain areas, and they are surprised we do what we do even knowing the risk. Prayer is our sure protection. Everyone has a dog here. I've only met one family who does not own a dog. Poor elders, they get sicced a lot by unfriendly people. I swear, it's like the dogs know we bring messages of Jesus Christ and of salvation-- and they, the dogs, do not like us. Not even the cute ones!
Buckhannon reminds me of the outskirts of Turner. There are some very pretty drives here, too. The weather pattern is identical to Oregon's. Instead of wait five minutes, just wait a day. We had snow on Tuesday. Then 70 degree weather the next day. Rain. Spring. Overcast and chilly, and in the 20's. Balmy the next day. Mind you, I've only been here a week and a half, and I've experienced all four seasons! Oh, by the way, I highly recommend everyone read 1 Peter 2:9
I love the ward here--most everyone is willing to come out with us and teach lessons and go tracting. The youth here are great, and I just love everyone! We had a valentine's dinner Saturday night, and some investigators came! Man, I just the Buckhannon ward! Later today we are going with Hannah, a senior in high school, to go hiking (Eastern silver Falls, here I come). Before hiking will stop by Walmart for groceries and the like, and then go to The Daily Grind, a local coffee shop with killer hot chocolate :)
I miss every one back home in Oregon and all my friends at BYU-Idaho. My testimony grows every day. I love y'all! I will see you again,
https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif
West Virginia
West Virginia
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Week 3/4 SHE MADE IT TO WVA!
AHOY FROM BUCKHANNON, WEST VIRGINIA!
Day 16, the 2nd
Preparation day at the MTC!! We went to the temple, and I received so much revelation. I fasted on that day, asking Heavenly Father for certain blessings, and He answered me in the temple! I now know I am in need of patience. Our Father knows our hearts so well, and He is just waiting to give us what we need, if only we ask😁
Day 17, the 3rd
Regular classes were cancelled because we outgoing missionaries had infield orientation. It began around 8 am, and ended around 5 pm. Don't worry, they feed us in there somewhere, ;P
Day 18, the 4th
Went on "splits" with Sister Powers, another sister in my district. Splits is when missionaries are assigned to exchange and spend time with other missionaries in their district. It was a cool experience, to see how another sister goes about her day and how she plans and the like. That day we packed and did laundry, getting ready to leave for our mission.
Day 19, the 5th
Had the coolest dream ever! Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, the Jolly Roger, and I were in the Star Trek universe! It totally made sense in my dream, and it was super awesome! Mmmh. I must be mission pop culture. Since it was fast Sunday, we had a missionary conference for the entire MTC. It was incredibly inspiring and so helpful! The main subjects were charity, and true Christ-like conversion, in which we dedicate not only our lives, but our purpose to the Lord🤗 I want to tell y'all something. Every Sunday, we go walk around the Provo temple with our district, and sing hymns. After we sang some hymns, but before we departed for home, our branch president told us to go find a quiet spot to read or pray. I sat quietly, enjoying the cold, crisp, and holy atmosphere. While appreciating God's beautiful season of winter, I saw a young couple. The woman, in her early twenties, had long, auburn hair and bright, happy eyes. She wore a lovely blouse and skirt that complimented each other perfectly. She skipped as she walked beside her lover, a spring in her step. She smiled as if the world offered her all of the joys life could give. She held the hand of a man, also in his early twenties. He had dark, thick hair and was dressed to impress many a young lady. But he did not have a spring in his step. He did not stand tall. He was bound to the confines of an automatic wheel chair. He slouched a little to the side, and his arms seemed awkward as his hands clasped those of the perfectly healthy woman beside him. The two lovers giggled as they went about the temple. They smiled and talked happily to one another. They even shared a tender kiss that would have melted even Ebenezer Scrooge’s hard heart. This was true and everlasting love I was witnessing! This was a love that knew no boundaries, but was expressed wholeheartedly and with fervor. Indeed, the man was crippled, but did that taint the happiness of the couple? I say unto you, nay! It was the sweetest scene I have ever beheld. When sealed together in the house of the Lord, even the holy temple, marriages last for eternity, beyond this life and into the next. Families are forever, as our Father intended for them to be. I am truly privileged to have witnessed the everlasting love of that sweet couple. What a blessing.
We watched our weekly Sabbath film, and so Sister Rodabough and I saw Meet the Mormons 2, which features an Italian woman and her quest to feed the hungry, a horseman and his training and trusting of equine, and *my favorite* bless4!!! bless4 is an entertainment group who is also a family, and guess where they are? IN JAPAN!! They sponsor themselves because they have such high moral standards and all the other record companies wanted them to dress immodestly and adult-ify their lyric content, but the four Japanese siblings have kept their music and art clean! I wish I could listen to them, I really miss Japanese music. And French music. And Broadway..... BUT I AM AWESOME SERVING A MISSION! Look them up, it's bless4.
Day 20, the 6th
It was raining outside, and I felt that it was Utah's fair thee well for me. I loved the MTC, but was ready to serve my people in West Virginia. My, how I love the rain.
Day 21, the 7th
Up at 3 am, all packed and ready. At the airport by 5 am, on the plane to Atlanta, Georgia by 8 am. I purchased a calling card and called my family from the airport (as missionaries, we can only contact our family by telephone or skype twice a year, but when we travel from the MTC to our missions, we are allowed to call for about an hour :) ) I talked to my mama, and then later to my da. I had mom wake my little sister, Lizzy, up from sleeping, and told her how much I loved her😘 I also got to talk to Jake for a minute. I love my family!! So the flight to Atlanta was long, and there were a lot of passengers. The plane had two isles and three rows of seats, a total of 8 across. There were tv screens build into the back of each chair. As missionaries we are not to watch films, unless they are directly related to missionary work. Not even Disney😢 It was a loooong flight without Disney.... But there was a patron a few seats in front of me and to the right, and he was watching Doctor Strange. I guess it wasn't so bad of a flight after all😏 The layover in Atlanta, Georgia was long, our flight was delayed for more than five hours. Yup. Needless to say, I am grateful for Oriental food and coffee shops! We made to Charleston around nine, and me the mission president and his wife. Instead of interviews, we got dinner and then went straight to bed😴
Day 22, the 8th
Orientation Day! I had a fever in the night, and on and off all that day. I didn't get enough sleep to battle whatever I had, but I took short naps in the car here and there. Lots of mission training that day, wow! Around noon we visited the state capital and there's a museum underneath! It felt like a Disney Land exhibit! There were animatronics and motion censored audio. There were forests, blacksmiths, mines, railroads, and towns! AWESOMNESS!!! We went to a local burger place, called Dairy Winkle, and President Salisbury looooooooooves Dairy Winkle. There was a local baptism that night that the president took us to. I slept through most of it because my fever was highest then. I also had the chills🤒 When the baptism was over, we went outside and you'll never guess what happened! IT WAS RAINING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My favorite weather! It felt really great on my face! It wasn't raining super hard, but all the other non-Oregonians thought it was pouring buckets☔ Heavenly Father knew the rain would comfort me and I knew He was watching out for me :)
Day 23, the 9th
I was still sick that day, but no fever, thank goodness! Transfer day! We got to find out who our trainers would be, and where we would go! I got assigned to Buckhannon, WV, which is up north. Sister Stettler is my new companion and my first trainer! She's so sweet and very kind, but she also got me going going going right off the bat! I've learned to much from her. Our apartment is small and modest, a little run down, but it's home :). It had snowed in the middle of the night, and got progressively more snowy as we traveled further up north. In just one day, Buckhannon got four to five inches of snow! And just a few days before that it was in the 60*s! Today, it is now in the high 60*s, low 70*s. Bipolar, right? Oh, and y'all know that super sketchy back road from Salem to Independence? Well, EVERY ROAD HERE IS JUST LIKE THAT, BUT EVEN SKETCHIER! The more wind-y and dangerous routes are called hollows, but are pronounced "hallars." And yes indeed, I am picking up a twang. It's hard not to!
Day 24, the 10th
Planned for three hours (weekly planning, every detail!) We tried to get appointments with our investigators, but they weren't home. All four of 'em. *fists on hips, tapping toe, scowling* But it worked out-- we went tracting (knocking on doors in neighborhoods) and ran into the coolest woman EVER! She must have been in her sixties, and had the coolest house (her husband is an artist). She's Catholic and we spent about an hour just talking with her. She gave us a mini tour of her *drop dead gorgeous* home and we talked about faith and the Lord's tender mercies. We left her with our card and number, and she said we are welcome anytime, and to expect a call from her soon. She also referred us to her friend who has a shop out by where we live :) #LedByTheLord! I met some member families and recent converts to the church. These people are most excellent!👌
Day 25, the 11th
Worked out! Taught a lesson on the Book of Mormon to a less active member, and we truly believe the Lord has been preparing her to come back to church. A member took us out to lunch to a Mexican restaurant (yuuuuummmmmyyyyyyy!) We did a lot of contacting and tracting, but it was hard for our investigators to meet with us. We met our neighbors while they were rocking on their porch. A mother and daughter, both elderly and retired. They rock! They are Baptist, and have such faith in our Savior, and we instantly became friends. They said to come over anytime and would like to play their piano for them (Sister Stettler is quite musical, whereas I.... am not). Man, I love community grandmothers!
Day 26, the 12th
CHURCH!!! I met the bishop of our ward and quite a few ward members. They are so loyal and faithful in their duties as member missionaries and aid in our work of finding and teaching others. I love 'em!!!
Day 27, the 13th
PREPARATION DAY!!!! Thank goodness, it could not have come soon enough! Today, we cleaned our apartment, washed our car (Whom I named Bucky!). Right now we're at the library emailing y'all on the public computers. After this, we'll go shop for food and a few items I need to pick up, and then I will proceed with the ceremonial induction into Buckhannon by purchasing a frozen hot chocolate and eating a traditional West Virginian pepperoni roll!
I love y'all, and thank you for enduring my super lengthy emails, I'll shorten them up I promise! TTFN, ta ta for now!
Sister Mary Sierra Peacock
West Virginia Charleston Mission
"Rise in Might" and "Fight the Good Fight"
Day 16, the 2nd
Preparation day at the MTC!! We went to the temple, and I received so much revelation. I fasted on that day, asking Heavenly Father for certain blessings, and He answered me in the temple! I now know I am in need of patience. Our Father knows our hearts so well, and He is just waiting to give us what we need, if only we ask😁
Day 17, the 3rd
Regular classes were cancelled because we outgoing missionaries had infield orientation. It began around 8 am, and ended around 5 pm. Don't worry, they feed us in there somewhere, ;P
Day 18, the 4th
Went on "splits" with Sister Powers, another sister in my district. Splits is when missionaries are assigned to exchange and spend time with other missionaries in their district. It was a cool experience, to see how another sister goes about her day and how she plans and the like. That day we packed and did laundry, getting ready to leave for our mission.
Day 19, the 5th
Had the coolest dream ever! Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, the Jolly Roger, and I were in the Star Trek universe! It totally made sense in my dream, and it was super awesome! Mmmh. I must be mission pop culture. Since it was fast Sunday, we had a missionary conference for the entire MTC. It was incredibly inspiring and so helpful! The main subjects were charity, and true Christ-like conversion, in which we dedicate not only our lives, but our purpose to the Lord🤗 I want to tell y'all something. Every Sunday, we go walk around the Provo temple with our district, and sing hymns. After we sang some hymns, but before we departed for home, our branch president told us to go find a quiet spot to read or pray. I sat quietly, enjoying the cold, crisp, and holy atmosphere. While appreciating God's beautiful season of winter, I saw a young couple. The woman, in her early twenties, had long, auburn hair and bright, happy eyes. She wore a lovely blouse and skirt that complimented each other perfectly. She skipped as she walked beside her lover, a spring in her step. She smiled as if the world offered her all of the joys life could give. She held the hand of a man, also in his early twenties. He had dark, thick hair and was dressed to impress many a young lady. But he did not have a spring in his step. He did not stand tall. He was bound to the confines of an automatic wheel chair. He slouched a little to the side, and his arms seemed awkward as his hands clasped those of the perfectly healthy woman beside him. The two lovers giggled as they went about the temple. They smiled and talked happily to one another. They even shared a tender kiss that would have melted even Ebenezer Scrooge’s hard heart. This was true and everlasting love I was witnessing! This was a love that knew no boundaries, but was expressed wholeheartedly and with fervor. Indeed, the man was crippled, but did that taint the happiness of the couple? I say unto you, nay! It was the sweetest scene I have ever beheld. When sealed together in the house of the Lord, even the holy temple, marriages last for eternity, beyond this life and into the next. Families are forever, as our Father intended for them to be. I am truly privileged to have witnessed the everlasting love of that sweet couple. What a blessing.
We watched our weekly Sabbath film, and so Sister Rodabough and I saw Meet the Mormons 2, which features an Italian woman and her quest to feed the hungry, a horseman and his training and trusting of equine, and *my favorite* bless4!!! bless4 is an entertainment group who is also a family, and guess where they are? IN JAPAN!! They sponsor themselves because they have such high moral standards and all the other record companies wanted them to dress immodestly and adult-ify their lyric content, but the four Japanese siblings have kept their music and art clean! I wish I could listen to them, I really miss Japanese music. And French music. And Broadway..... BUT I AM AWESOME SERVING A MISSION! Look them up, it's bless4.
Day 20, the 6th
It was raining outside, and I felt that it was Utah's fair thee well for me. I loved the MTC, but was ready to serve my people in West Virginia. My, how I love the rain.
Day 21, the 7th
Up at 3 am, all packed and ready. At the airport by 5 am, on the plane to Atlanta, Georgia by 8 am. I purchased a calling card and called my family from the airport (as missionaries, we can only contact our family by telephone or skype twice a year, but when we travel from the MTC to our missions, we are allowed to call for about an hour :) ) I talked to my mama, and then later to my da. I had mom wake my little sister, Lizzy, up from sleeping, and told her how much I loved her😘 I also got to talk to Jake for a minute. I love my family!! So the flight to Atlanta was long, and there were a lot of passengers. The plane had two isles and three rows of seats, a total of 8 across. There were tv screens build into the back of each chair. As missionaries we are not to watch films, unless they are directly related to missionary work. Not even Disney😢 It was a loooong flight without Disney.... But there was a patron a few seats in front of me and to the right, and he was watching Doctor Strange. I guess it wasn't so bad of a flight after all😏 The layover in Atlanta, Georgia was long, our flight was delayed for more than five hours. Yup. Needless to say, I am grateful for Oriental food and coffee shops! We made to Charleston around nine, and me the mission president and his wife. Instead of interviews, we got dinner and then went straight to bed😴
Day 22, the 8th
Orientation Day! I had a fever in the night, and on and off all that day. I didn't get enough sleep to battle whatever I had, but I took short naps in the car here and there. Lots of mission training that day, wow! Around noon we visited the state capital and there's a museum underneath! It felt like a Disney Land exhibit! There were animatronics and motion censored audio. There were forests, blacksmiths, mines, railroads, and towns! AWESOMNESS!!! We went to a local burger place, called Dairy Winkle, and President Salisbury looooooooooves Dairy Winkle. There was a local baptism that night that the president took us to. I slept through most of it because my fever was highest then. I also had the chills🤒 When the baptism was over, we went outside and you'll never guess what happened! IT WAS RAINING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My favorite weather! It felt really great on my face! It wasn't raining super hard, but all the other non-Oregonians thought it was pouring buckets☔ Heavenly Father knew the rain would comfort me and I knew He was watching out for me :)
Day 23, the 9th
I was still sick that day, but no fever, thank goodness! Transfer day! We got to find out who our trainers would be, and where we would go! I got assigned to Buckhannon, WV, which is up north. Sister Stettler is my new companion and my first trainer! She's so sweet and very kind, but she also got me going going going right off the bat! I've learned to much from her. Our apartment is small and modest, a little run down, but it's home :). It had snowed in the middle of the night, and got progressively more snowy as we traveled further up north. In just one day, Buckhannon got four to five inches of snow! And just a few days before that it was in the 60*s! Today, it is now in the high 60*s, low 70*s. Bipolar, right? Oh, and y'all know that super sketchy back road from Salem to Independence? Well, EVERY ROAD HERE IS JUST LIKE THAT, BUT EVEN SKETCHIER! The more wind-y and dangerous routes are called hollows, but are pronounced "hallars." And yes indeed, I am picking up a twang. It's hard not to!
Day 24, the 10th
Planned for three hours (weekly planning, every detail!) We tried to get appointments with our investigators, but they weren't home. All four of 'em. *fists on hips, tapping toe, scowling* But it worked out-- we went tracting (knocking on doors in neighborhoods) and ran into the coolest woman EVER! She must have been in her sixties, and had the coolest house (her husband is an artist). She's Catholic and we spent about an hour just talking with her. She gave us a mini tour of her *drop dead gorgeous* home and we talked about faith and the Lord's tender mercies. We left her with our card and number, and she said we are welcome anytime, and to expect a call from her soon. She also referred us to her friend who has a shop out by where we live :) #LedByTheLord! I met some member families and recent converts to the church. These people are most excellent!👌
Day 25, the 11th
Worked out! Taught a lesson on the Book of Mormon to a less active member, and we truly believe the Lord has been preparing her to come back to church. A member took us out to lunch to a Mexican restaurant (yuuuuummmmmyyyyyyy!) We did a lot of contacting and tracting, but it was hard for our investigators to meet with us. We met our neighbors while they were rocking on their porch. A mother and daughter, both elderly and retired. They rock! They are Baptist, and have such faith in our Savior, and we instantly became friends. They said to come over anytime and would like to play their piano for them (Sister Stettler is quite musical, whereas I.... am not). Man, I love community grandmothers!
Day 26, the 12th
CHURCH!!! I met the bishop of our ward and quite a few ward members. They are so loyal and faithful in their duties as member missionaries and aid in our work of finding and teaching others. I love 'em!!!
Day 27, the 13th
PREPARATION DAY!!!! Thank goodness, it could not have come soon enough! Today, we cleaned our apartment, washed our car (Whom I named Bucky!). Right now we're at the library emailing y'all on the public computers. After this, we'll go shop for food and a few items I need to pick up, and then I will proceed with the ceremonial induction into Buckhannon by purchasing a frozen hot chocolate and eating a traditional West Virginian pepperoni roll!
I love y'all, and thank you for enduring my super lengthy emails, I'll shorten them up I promise! TTFN, ta ta for now!
Sister Mary Sierra Peacock
West Virginia Charleston Mission
"Rise in Might" and "Fight the Good Fight"
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Week 2
AHOY!!!! This week has been amazing, and I've grown so much! Ready for my story? Alright, here goes...
The 26th
Preparation day!! Yippy! I emailed y'all, did laundry, and went to the Provo Temple to do an endowment session. I love the Provo Temple, it's gorgeous inside, and I love endowment sessions!
The 27th
I got a shot at the medical clinic, taught our investigator P about when Christ came to the Americas and taught the Nephites (3 Nephi chapter 11, my new favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon) and the Spirit was so strong! P committed to reading the Book of Mormon and praying about it!!!!!!
The 28th
Last day with P( 😖) but I wrote her a letter with my testimony of the truth of this restored gospel, and gave it to her (almost cried, I love her so much!!). I felt prompted to ask P what we could pray for in her life and she told us we could pray about her husband, whe=o is having some health issues. I really love P, and I never knew I could truly learn to love someone in no time at all. :)
The 29th
CHURCH IS MOST AWESOME! Sacrament meeting is so great, and so was relief society!!
Wrote letters and mailed them, nap, walk around temple and sang songs in the *melting* snow. Choir (Where can I turn for peace) and devotional!
The 30th
Did some laundry and picked up a few things at the MTC store, got a new investigator (we'll call her K[all of the spirituality!!!!!]). Mom mailed me a letter she wrote in French! Made my day! All the accented letters were replaced by question marks, but I could still figure it out🤓. Thank you, mom, for taking the time and energy to do that for me. It's one of the sweetest things I can imagine! I love French!! Played volleyball with the elders in my district for our exercise time. I've begun reading 'Our Heritage', which is about the early church. I love discovering the trials and miracles the early Saints experienced😊 I feel such a connection to those who had the courage to be persecuted and they give me such strength!!
The 31st
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!! I LOVE MY BIG BROTHER! We did service in the morning (beware the bathrooms!), and for study time, Sister Rodabough and I watched some church videos to prep for our lessons. Here are some I highly recommend;
'Reach out with love', 'Strive', 'This life', 'Come unto Christ', 'Origin'. These can be found on the Gospel Library App, and I love them! Choir and devotional! Devotional was about how we missionaries got our calls, and that God has a plan for us in our missions. We go to the mission that God needs us to go to. We are paired with companions we need to be with, and we serve people God has prepared for us. There is no doubt--I need to go to West Virginia. It may not be Canada, or Ireland, or New Zealand, or Sweden. But it's where I need to be. I may not speak French or Norwegian, but I will speak the truth and speak God's word, and that's all I need. I am enough😆
The 1st of February
Our district hosted the incoming missionaries, so in the morning we had an orientation. I brought in three new Sisters, and guess who I "bumped" into? (okay, okay, I ran down four flights of stairs and screamed, which scared this elderly man, and practically jumped on......) EMMALEE THOMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, Em, I love your haircut! We hugged for so long, and I just about cried😂😘
So, we Sisters like to sing in the shower, and yesterday was Disney Day in the shower! I'm happy to report that I still know all the words to every Tangled song!! Hehe🎼🎶🚿
Today, preparation day, I will be taking a nap, or two or three, planning the Relief Society lesson Sister Rodabough and I will be teaching this Sunday, and going to the Temple!!! I've really enjoyed my classes here, and I've come to realize that Heavenly Father is right there in the classroom with us. He is helping me learn. He is on my side. My mom is my cheerleader, but my Father in Heaven is my coach. Daddy, you're the over-enthusiastic fan with the foam finger and the blow horn!📣🎉 Well, I miss y'all, but I'm doing the Lord's work. I will see y'all again! Love beyond my own,
The 26th
Preparation day!! Yippy! I emailed y'all, did laundry, and went to the Provo Temple to do an endowment session. I love the Provo Temple, it's gorgeous inside, and I love endowment sessions!
The 27th
I got a shot at the medical clinic, taught our investigator P about when Christ came to the Americas and taught the Nephites (3 Nephi chapter 11, my new favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon) and the Spirit was so strong! P committed to reading the Book of Mormon and praying about it!!!!!!
The 28th
Last day with P( 😖) but I wrote her a letter with my testimony of the truth of this restored gospel, and gave it to her (almost cried, I love her so much!!). I felt prompted to ask P what we could pray for in her life and she told us we could pray about her husband, whe=o is having some health issues. I really love P, and I never knew I could truly learn to love someone in no time at all. :)
The 29th
CHURCH IS MOST AWESOME! Sacrament meeting is so great, and so was relief society!!
Wrote letters and mailed them, nap, walk around temple and sang songs in the *melting* snow. Choir (Where can I turn for peace) and devotional!
The 30th
Did some laundry and picked up a few things at the MTC store, got a new investigator (we'll call her K[all of the spirituality!!!!!]). Mom mailed me a letter she wrote in French! Made my day! All the accented letters were replaced by question marks, but I could still figure it out🤓. Thank you, mom, for taking the time and energy to do that for me. It's one of the sweetest things I can imagine! I love French!! Played volleyball with the elders in my district for our exercise time. I've begun reading 'Our Heritage', which is about the early church. I love discovering the trials and miracles the early Saints experienced😊 I feel such a connection to those who had the courage to be persecuted and they give me such strength!!
The 31st
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!! I LOVE MY BIG BROTHER! We did service in the morning (beware the bathrooms!), and for study time, Sister Rodabough and I watched some church videos to prep for our lessons. Here are some I highly recommend;
'Reach out with love', 'Strive', 'This life', 'Come unto Christ', 'Origin'. These can be found on the Gospel Library App, and I love them! Choir and devotional! Devotional was about how we missionaries got our calls, and that God has a plan for us in our missions. We go to the mission that God needs us to go to. We are paired with companions we need to be with, and we serve people God has prepared for us. There is no doubt--I need to go to West Virginia. It may not be Canada, or Ireland, or New Zealand, or Sweden. But it's where I need to be. I may not speak French or Norwegian, but I will speak the truth and speak God's word, and that's all I need. I am enough😆
The 1st of February
Our district hosted the incoming missionaries, so in the morning we had an orientation. I brought in three new Sisters, and guess who I "bumped" into? (okay, okay, I ran down four flights of stairs and screamed, which scared this elderly man, and practically jumped on......) EMMALEE THOMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, Em, I love your haircut! We hugged for so long, and I just about cried😂😘
So, we Sisters like to sing in the shower, and yesterday was Disney Day in the shower! I'm happy to report that I still know all the words to every Tangled song!! Hehe🎼🎶🚿
Today, preparation day, I will be taking a nap, or two or three, planning the Relief Society lesson Sister Rodabough and I will be teaching this Sunday, and going to the Temple!!! I've really enjoyed my classes here, and I've come to realize that Heavenly Father is right there in the classroom with us. He is helping me learn. He is on my side. My mom is my cheerleader, but my Father in Heaven is my coach. Daddy, you're the over-enthusiastic fan with the foam finger and the blow horn!📣🎉 Well, I miss y'all, but I'm doing the Lord's work. I will see y'all again! Love beyond my own,
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