Exciting Week With a New Sister!

Monday the Goins took us for lunch at one of my favorite places, Red Robin. It was hard leaving Wellington. I love the people there so much! But now after six months they are free of one Burden. -haha

Transfer day Tuesday was fun...

We were told to be there at 9am, well the sisters I was to be with for the night wouldn't even be there till 4pm....so Sister Jenson and Sister Malekamu stayed with me, took me to lunch at Costco! -yum! It was pretty fun. And I got to see my grand daughter...sister Wesley! She's pretty fun- from what I know. I've never got to serve around her. This was only my second time meeting her.

Tuesday night I stayed in Wellington and attended the Relief Society activity, it was nice because the sister being swept in to our area got to met a lot of the sisters in the ward.

Wednesday -get your trainee day!

So we had to met the Assistants at 8, so we had time to take a picture of our one night long trio then we had to be at the meeting at 9, and watch the broadcast at 10. So needless to say it was a crazy morning....we didn't even get them till about 12:30ish...to be honest it's a blur now. We then had to go to the mission office, and wait for them to give us our phone, seeing as how they didn't want to send us without one! After we had to go to the mission home then go get lunch (3:30ish) thanks for the subway gift card! It helped! We then had to stop in Cheyenne to get bedding and some food to eat, then back on the road....we got into Alliance at 8pm, on our good drive up we finally were able to get a hold of the ward clerk whose wife is the relief society president, (the Bairs) they told us to come have dinner and they would help us carry our stuff to the apartment -the elders trashed! (If only I had taken photos. ) needless to say our first night was rough.

Thursday - on the go!!!

We had to end studies abrupt and go to district meeting, the meeting we had just planned for the day fell through and I felt a sense of despair I could only hope with how the day started out that it would get better. But with everything we planned only 2 things went according to plans. We met our ward mission leader, and had dinner again at the Bairs, they are so sweet, and they are good about not feeding me dairy because their son can't have dairy. -how nice!

We got lost, and it was a rough day but I figured with more sleep awaiting us the next day would be better...

Friday- Lets do this day!

Our branch President told us we needed to clean our house before we did anything else...ugh! So we started to clean a little at lunch, we had spent our lunch hour the day before but our apartment needed some major tlc. So we did just what we were asked we spent some time getting settled in. We weekly planned.

The Smith family took us for lunch (Mexican food) -so good! It was nice to get some names of people to go and see! Brother Smith is the High Priest Group Leader. We were trying to visit those in branch council...we didn't get to many but we got a good start.

Saturday - Work, Work, Work

We tried to visit as many people as we could. And success came of that!

We found a new investigator! Her name is Riley, shes 15. We will see whats to come with this. Riley's grandma is a member. Not sure why the Elders dropped her (their area book isn't up to date) but hopefully we can help her find what shes looking for.

We had dinner with our Branch President and his wife (left kids at home) and took us to the Mexican Restaurant-haha.

We met with some less actives and that was so good!

The Dillards are a less active family, the husband wants to come back, but the wife isn't ready. They are such a sweet family! It was nice to be able to share with them the Restoration... it seems that's all we've taught- for the most part this week!

Sunday- should be refreshing.....

Sunday started out good, we went to branch council...and our high council man is from my home stake. (forgot name) That was really cool!

I heard a quote yesterday that brought me lots of relief

"It's not okay because it's not the end, It will be okay in the end."

We got home from church, and Sister Henrie had a melt down, its been rough- My trainer put up with so many melt downs from me....sometimes I wonder how she ever could have loved me! I was a mess, and all I want is to help her and I feel everything I try is failing or we get somewhere and she slips back into despair. Yesterday, she just wanted to call home, and I wanted so bad to tell her to just do it...we instead tried calling Sister Brown, she didn't answer...so I sent a text...sent my trainee to take a nap, and prayed so hard that Sister Brown would call us back and give some Motherly advice....I finally stopped praying and began to read in the scriptures soon enough I looked up, and the phone lite up...It was Sister Brown was calling!!!! I can't express how happy I was in this moment. But even her motherly words didn't seem to help.

Yesterday we had a lesson with Sister Lewis a less active...she has so many health problems, and shes so young. She has 3 kids. During our visit she talked about how she just wanted to feel beautiful in her body, and of how she when she had her walker she was embarrassed to go in public, all I could think of was the Mormon message "My new life." So I asked if she had ever heard of this ladies story, she told me no...I asked if we could watch a video and talk about it after, she agreed...we watched the video after we talked about the atonement and how we can find peace and happiness because of our Savior. Tears were in her eyes and the spirit was so strong.

I can not even express t you how happy I am to be here in Alliance. I'm grateful for my trainee Sister Henrie and for her pushing through this first week. She is who I need at this time to be my companion. I may not know whats to come but I know Heavenly Father has put us both here for a reason. I know our Father in Heaven is aware of us and loves us. I couldn't be more grateful for the members here and for their love.

Monday- Pday

Sister Bair and her 3 little boys came today and helped us wipe down walls and clean....totaled all together we have put in about 5-6 hours...in cleaning, its making progress but little by little.

Transferred and Training!

So sorry this is short . . . .

But transfer news . . .

I'm going to Alliance, Nebraska.

It's new in the mission, just added three weeks ago, and I'm excited. I will also be training a new missionary! My "dying" wish is coming true . . . well, not the Nebraska part but I will miss the mountains. But The Lord knows I'm needed there.

Wellington has been amazing! I'm grateful for those I've come close to, and the experiences I've had here. I know I was here for many different reasons. The people here are amazing!

"What do you think I should do?" . . . Pray

Week 6 (This Week)

We met with Rosemary which was a good visit...I tried to invite her to baptism, she didn't say yes but that's still because she wants John the Baptist to do it. (oh boy!)

Ate at Big City Burrito -it was good!

We met with a less active family, there daughter is taking the lessons...the mom is now giving up coffee and if she has some she owes her daughter 50$...her daughter is giving up candy and if she gives in she has to do whatever chores her mom wants her to do for a week. We are praying the mom wins!

We painted at the Daknis's home, so fun! That's my favorite service project. I love painting!

Dale a less active took us to HuHot! It's pretty good!

We had dinner with the Jacksons which was good. They a really funny especially with the Sharps there. Although dinner went over I know Heavenly Father hand was involved in that. On the way home from leaving there house we saw a car with its hazards on...we drove around to the car window and asked if they were okay and if we could help...she asked if we could help get her 15 yr old daughter back into the car....so we pulled over and when getting out of the car the snow on the side of the road went up to my knees...I also wasn't wearing boots...I had flats on-bad idea! We walked with her trying to talk with her but she wasn't budging...(her mom was slowing lighting the way in her truck behind us) my companion finally was said she was going to go talk to the mom....while she left I continued to walk with Lily...I was freezing but all I could think was how can I help her? I starting with asking simple questions like colors, what her family was like etc, if she had a boyfriend, and so forth. Right after my comp left (she rode in the truck) lily opened up so much! She didn't ever tell me why she was walking...after a bit I finally asked if she wanted to ask me any questions....she asked what my family was like growing up, if my hometown was modest, about running from problems, some beliefs in the church and finally she asked how I was able to forgive those who had hurt me, Earlier she had said she didn't believe in God but I had briefly bore testimony of the Savior while walking... At this point I was praying my words would be guided, I talked of how through Christ that's they only way I've been able to and of how it was a process. After 30 plus minutes of walking in snow on the side of the road Lily started slowing her pace and finally asked "What do you think I should do?" I told her it didn't matter what I thought...I told her she should pray about it, and that with whatever her choice was she needed to do it for her, she stopped walking and stated crying, we hugged and she told me she wanted to go back....so we walked back to the truck, and got in. I'm so grateful for this experience. Know we are praying we can met Lily again...we have her last name and the town she lives it...now to find her. My feet were so cold and very red and wet when we got in last night...but I wouldn't take it back for anything.

I'm grateful for the Atonement. I know our Savior knows each of us and loves us. He knows what it's like to argue with our family and to want to run away from our problems...because he knows everything we will ever feel in this life. I know this is true.

Today we went to the temple which was really nice! We went to Ben &Susan Harrison's wedding! It was so good! I love them so much! Before Jenny and us stopped by Krispy Creme. So good! Red light was on!

Visiting Cheyenne

Week 5 (last week)

We got permission and went to the Cheyenne sisters zone meeting that was fun. It was nice to be able to see almost all of our sisters...especially since we were seeing the Laramie sisters this same week.

While on exchanges I was with Sister Conger, here in Wellington...she's from Indiana And she knows Kristine Hain! How crazy! While driving we made the connection which was mind blowing!

While on exchanges we visited a less active and some others but while visiting this less active family -we got shown to the door, it was crazy seeing someone reject Gods love and even that there is a God. I know that we were there for a reason.

The next day I was on exchanges with Sister Ligon, here in Wellington, we got back in our area in the afternoon which was fine but our dinner was the only appointment that worked out. There is still so much that we are able to learn by the spirit when we truly seek to have his presence with us always.

We also stopped by Little America...we were going to get some ice cream...well not me I was going to get something else but the ice cream maker was being cleaned...so I got something else. It was fun trying to figure out where the ice cream was...but in the process we found "Nephi"

While tracting we found a lady named Rosemary -she's our new investigator, he's 60^ yrs old and from Pittsburgh. She's very funny! We shared the video of "A Savior Is Born" and she told us we could come back...when we came back she told us she wanted to be baptized by John the Baptist. Sadly though she's being serious. So we will see how this goes.

Sunday Jenny Daknis gave a great farewell talk about priorities and improving. It was really nice.

In relief society we were studying in the President Hunter booklet and I really loved the quote "Some glorious day all your worries will be turned to joys."

Happy New Year in Wyoming and Nebraska!

So Monday we had dinner with a family who thinks sisters are really "girly" so needless to say when they told us they hit a deer, and were skinning it, etc . . . I had a crazy thought go through my head. when they told us it was hanging down stairs (as you can see from the picture), my thought was "lets ask to take a picture with it..." the things I do to help people believe I'm not girly . . . p.s. I did hold the deer head.

Tuesday, I went up to Sidney, Nebraska to Kimball and it was fun . . . very flat. But I got to be with Sister Helsing, my old companion. I love this sister with all my heart and I learned so much being with her! She has a light that radiates within her. I wish the whole world knew how amazing she truly is. Her testimony of Christ amazes me. We had some good experiences on this exchange, like meeting Jennifer. Or the active lady we met at the end of the day. I know that lesson was inspired. It wasn't planned very well but I know the spirit guided it. And I'm grateful for that, oh so much!

The next day I was with Sister Jenks, this sister is so great! I got sick when I was with her...just a bad migraine, I felt so bad but she was just so kind to me. I am grateful for her love and support. I'm so grateful for this sister and her great example to me of Christ like love. She is amazing!

Both of these sisters are amazing!

New Years was amazing! We went to the Daknis's and were able to share a message with 3 non members. It was really cool. I was grateful they had us in their home.

Friday we had Missionary Leadership Council aka MLC's it was really good. It was also my 15th month mark! I was able to get permission to attend the temple January 15th for my first sealing ever! Ben and Susan from Greeley are getting married! Now I just have to find a ride...to Denver. I'm excited to be able to attend. Which also means if I get a ride then I won't email next Monday. I will be emailing on Friday. Saturday was my best day this week, we did a lot of finding and although we didn't find anyone interested that's okay. Things have been really good.

I've been thinking a lot about my testimony in Christ. I want each of you to know I know he loves us, knows us perfectly and is always there for us. This gospel is a gospel of peace and happiness and I know that living the gospel brings just that to us. I'm grateful I'm not a lone in this life. That's so comforting to me. We are never a lone.

Christmas

This week Sister Malekamu and I decided to eat lunch at Foco Cafe....it was so good! I had such an enjoyable time..a man there was playing the bag pipes. And they have healthy food! If anyone ever wants a healthy, good, cheap place to eat..Go here!

Sister Malekamu and I try to make funny faces to help cheer up our sisters this is one of our funny ones.

We decided also "On Wednesday's we wear pink!"

On Christmas Eve, we found out Sister Malekamu might not be getting her package till after Christmas,mission office never got a package for her..but it turned out after much prayer and even having a ward member get her some gifts secretly on my part. We came home Christmas eve night and there was a package from her family on the table. Christmas Eve we rode in a limo with the Stevens and looked at the lights in Foco. They are good company! I love them. And they got me a stuffed elephant. (:

Christmas was so very nice, not because of the gifts I got. But because all day, all we did was work. It was really sweet to see how members and others tried to make it special for us.

She loved the cow calendar from Chick-Fil-A. It was such an amazing day...I couldn't say if I had a favorite gift, I was grateful for each of them. This Christmas was special. Although I don't really like Christmas out of all the holidays, this one was different and I think a lot of it was that because we didn't watch movies or do any of those "worldly" things I was able to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and share my gifts with others..I shared my treats from home with others..that was nice. Especially since I need to eat healthy.

This morning I was reading in one of the books I was gifted "Its better to look up" I read the story "act well thy part" and I feel it describes my Christmas this year. Wearing the name of Christ on my chest and invited others to come unto him was a tender blessing if I must say so myself. Christmas this year, I learned its all about my attitude. We spent Christmas day visiting people and helping their faith grow. I loved how the focus wasn't on ourselves. Skyping to loved ones was a treat..last time doing it as a missionary...weird huh? (January 1st we hit our 15 month mark)

My heart is full of love for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father. I love this gospel and the true joy it brings. I appreciate and love each of you. Thank you each for all your continued love and support. Church has started to become more of a spiritual relief. I'm grateful to have spent this bit of time focusing on what I'm grateful for. I love this gospel, I know without a doubt it is true. I feel blessed to be apart of this work. So many exciting things are happening. I love being here, and being with some many amazing people I can't believe its already week 4 of this transfer!

some miracles from this last week..

1.) Ben & Susan -from my last area got their clearance to get sealed in the temple!

2.) We taught 25 lessons -the week of Christmas!

3.) I Got to ride in a limo for the first time ever!

4.) Brandts and Allreds have had their babies in the last week!

5.) We were lead to those who were in need of service. (wrapping gifts like a boss, cleaned some of a house before a member moved)

6.) We didn't get in any car crashes...4 wheel drive! yah!

7.) I'm a missionary! I made it this long...never would have thought that last year!

8.) Sister Malekamu is amazing, and I am learning so much from her.

9.) I am learning every day that I need to escape my comfort zone so I can keep improving!

10.) In the process of helping others...my heart is continuing to be softened.

What E're Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part

Continued Blessings and Progress

This week I went with Sister Malekamu to Fatshack it was fun. Monday we found these cute pillows at Wal-Mart. "Be happy and Love "yourself" The photo says that see it?

Tuesday I got to see Sister Waters and Sister Jenson at Zone Conference. It was our Christmas zone conference and it snowed so much that day, what should have been a 22 minute drive to that building took an hour. But everyone got there safely and it was so nice. I always love being able to see so many others. We had an open mic testimony meeting at the end, I loved hearing others and opportunity to bear my own testimony. Especially that of prayer and how missions bless our families so much!

Jenny Daknis got her mission call to Taiwan!! She leaves January 27th! Super exciting!

We did exchanges with one of our five sets of sisters and I was with Sister Maxwell. I love this sister so much and even though it was last minute planned I know Heavenly Father was able to lead and guide us in this exchange. We went to Chic-Fil-A where I got my companion her Christmas gift, shh! Don't tell. It's wrapped hiding under my bed!

I am sick, but my fever has went down. We will see if it keep going down...currently it's a roller coaster....ill feel good then I crash. This morning was rough. That's for sure! Yesterday I made it through church but that was rough. Sister Thompson, an amazing lady whom I love, felt bad that I was sick and brought soup to our house for me. It was very tender. I love her!

News from Wellington

-we are moving Brooke's baptism.

-Dale wants to take us to lunch in January when he finishes the lessons

-Amy and Mike (investigators) want us to come over Christmas Eve - told us to come hungry!

-Donna has opened up about more of her concerns.

-we got stood up by the same person twice in one week.

-stake Christmas Devo was fun, next time we will not sit in the back....

This week has been good despite the low moments. Things are going good. I love Wellington and this time I have to serve the Lord. Sometimes it hard being away when my thoughts take me everywhere but focused on where I am. But I know this is the happiest I've been. Ever. I wouldn't take it back for anything. I love being a missionary. I love the Lord, and I'm coming to find who he needs me to be. And I'm grateful for that. Life is good. I know this gospel does bring true happiness. And I know as we focus on our Savior we can find true and ever lasting happiness.