Looking good there mom and dad! We had our ward’s Halloween party on Friday. It was a Chili cook off and corn bread. Super good! We also had a good turn out of members and non-members alike. One of the non-members that we've been working with was a butterfly, but her wings didn't fit so I wore them all night. I got a lot of compliments and took a few pictures so I'll have to send them to you.
This last week sister Shutt and I went down to St. Louis for a training and leadership meeting. There were some really good messages shared. Sister Clark talked about how our mission is like a caravan and some missionaries aren't on board. I guess there is a bit of a problem with missionaries piling out (slacking off). Then President Clark spoke. He talked about the responsibilities of the trainer and the trainee and how we each have a responsibility for each others spiritual growth. Everyone was also super excited because we were able to see all our friends in the mission. I was able to see all my elders from the district, we had a good laugh. Then that night because sister Shutt had leadership training the next day, many of us stayed over in the mission home. The elders were downstairs and the sisters were upstairs on the third level, except for Sister Shutt and I who volunteered to sleep on the first floor. We were one bed short for the sisters so I volunteered to sleep on the coach. And then Sister Shutt came down and slept on the coach adjacent, sight and sound. So that was Tuesday. Wednesday was leadership training, and I wasn't invited to that, so all the greenies and newer missionaries were paired with other missionaries in the area who didn't go to the meeting. I went off with three other sisters to St. Charles in Missouri. From there we split off into companions and tried to find people. I was lucky enough to be paired up with a green greenie. She hadn't been out for a week yet and at one house had a panic attack on me. We worked through it and were fine the rest of the day. Because we went down to St. Louis and then drove the Pittsfield sisters home we went over our miles for the month. We talked to the AP's and our Zl's about it and they seemed okay with everything. But because we don't want to go way over we've been doing a lot of walking and calling people to get rides. Today's the last day of the month thank goodness, and although it's fun to walk, at times it’s more convenient to ride.
Saturday when we were out walking we were on our way to visit a less active and stopped at a garage sale. We tinkered around a bit, Sister Shutt ended up purchasing some old antique looking earrings, but the best part is we had this amazing discussion with the lady who was hosting the garage sale. She has a friend who is a member and so has a positive image of the church. We gave her a Book of Mormon and we were invited to drop by again.
Sunday was our primary program, which is probably one of my favorite Sundays of the year next to Christmas Sunday. During the last two songs one little girl decided to crescendo (yell) the last few verses. One of the songs was praise to the man which I thought was perfect. It added great emphasis of the importance of this great man and then another song which I can't remember. It was cute during the last song when she was singing; the little boy next to her had his fingers in his ears and was giving her this look like "you're crazy!"
Today because it’s Halloween the president has asked that we all be in by 7pm. Pretty much, he doesn't want us outside proselyting, which makes sense. Halloween is very different then back home. People out here love this holiday. They're houses are fully decorated, some of them kind of creepily. I don't know how many people actually go out and trick or treat. Many of the churches out here do trunk r treating at their church. I don't think it's very safe to participate in trick or treating out here, too many crazies on the street. But don't worry, we're safe and being careful.
Answers to my questions:
Yes I’m still the ping pong champ. We went to Shawnees trunk r treat party at her church yesterday and have set up another app. for tomorrow. I think it will be really great. As for Kathy, she hasn't quit smoking yet. She really wants to though. We've continue to meet with her and her grandson and his two friends. They've turned into two of our new investigators which is cool.
We've started this new thing to help us achieve our Baptismal goal for the month and that is that we will be fasting as a mission every Sunday for the rest of the year. Yesterday was our first day and I think it went really well. I know that miracles do happen when we put forth the effort. There are many people who are ready to hear the gospel, now it’s our job to find them.
Well I think that's all-until next time.
All my love,
Sister Salmon
Monday, October 31, 2011
October 24th, 2011 Letter to Dad
Sound like a fun weekend. That's sweet that Eastlake won their game against Skyline. Sounds like a pretty suspenseful game. It would have been fun to be in attendance.
This last week we had some neat experiences. We had a name that we found in the area book of an individual who previously had been meeting with the sisters. And then for some reason they stopped teaching him. Not really sure why. He's a cool guy, religious, loves the missionaries. In fact when we knocked on his house and he told us that he didn't know who was at the door, but that who ever it was was there for him. We were able to get into a good discussion with him, asking him about his religious beliefs and why he enjoyed meeting with the missionaries so much. We also asked him about is Baptismal date and why he decided not be Baptized. He explained that had been attending another church practically all his life and felt a lot of pressure from friends and family not to leave the church. When we met with him the second time he even told us not to worry about him .He said, 'you've got me. You don't need to try. I'm half Mormon and half other church. You don't need to worry about me.' He has a great desire to learn more about the scriptures and we have been invited to come back for more gospel discussions. This is the mentality out here among many of the people that we talk to. They believe that because they attend church, follow his teachings and are good Christians that everything is all good. We know that isn't the case. It’s so great that these people are so religious and are trying to follow God, now the next step is to help them understand proper authority-without offending them.
We had the opportunity to provide some service to two potential families. Jerry Bolin is an older man whom we tracked into earlier in the month. He and his wife were on their way out the door when we first met them, but we gave them a Mormon.org card with our names and phone number and asked them to call us if they needed anything or would be interested in learning more about the church. He did call us a couple weeks later, and on Friday we were able to go to his house and rake his front yard. It took longer then Sister Shutt and I expected and we filled more bags than we thought we would (19 of those tall 50lb bags) but we had a fun time doing it. And we had a very good discussion with Jerry while we worked. And he was a great host offering us food and drink. At first we said no thanks because neither of us wanted anything, but when he persisted we agreed to a can of pop. I realized then that it is just as important to be served. I think he felt kind of bad to have two women helping him, and when we said yes to his offer I could tell that he was really excited to be able to serve us.
Then on Saturday we had another opportunity to rake leaves. Shawnee is a young single mother who we've recently started teaching. I don't think she grew up going to church, but has recently become involved with some religious group close to where she lives. So religion is very new to her. She is very accepting of what we have talked about so far. And had really only had two pressing questions- Polygamy and Gay/lesbians. We discussed polygamy with her last time and she seemed okay with everything there. Gays and lesbians, we didn't have enough time to go into great detail. That's something we are planning on going over in more detail later this week when we meet with her again. But we did give her a Proclamation on the Family pamphlet and asked if she'd read it in preparing for our next discussion. She promised she would so hopefully that sets the stage for a good spiritually lead discussion. So Saturday, she wasn't feeling to well so she stayed inside with her son while sister shutt and I raked. Our Zl also came by to help us rack, which was a lot of fun and made the work go quicker. We had a humbling experience while working that day. The elders would after putting a pile of leaved into the bag use sticks to crush up the leaves. It looked really funny and we'd call over to them asking them how their efforts were going. It wasn't until we started our second bag that we realized the elders were still on their first bag. We'd picked up close to the same amount of leaves, yet we were on our second bag. We then humbly picked up some sticks and started mimicking their same actions. When they noticed this we all started laughing. I learned to valuable lessons: first listen to your leaders, they usually know what they're talking about; second, work goes a lot faster and is lot funner when everyone is working together as a team.
I've learned this week that it is so much easier to serve those whom you love- and if you don't love them, you need to find ways to love them. Someone the other day said, if you can't be with the ones you love, love the ones you're with! I've really tried to take that to heart. It was really hard at first to be here because it wasn't something I was used to. I kept thinking about home and how the church seemed to be so much stronger there. But that kind of thinking didn't get me anywhere and made the work slower. I have now adopted the idea that the church although it is struggling here can become stronger, and as a representative of Christ it is my responsibility to help strengthen the members and bring others unto Christ. As we have met and come to know the members out here I have grown to love and admire them. I love the work. I know that this church is true and that we all have a responsibility to help others come unto Christ.
I know that President Thomas Monson is a true prophet on the earth today. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I love being able to read it every morning. I wish that I could have two solid hours to do personal study. Reading the Book of Mormon each morning provides such a strength and protection. Love you all!
Love Sister Salmon
This last week we had some neat experiences. We had a name that we found in the area book of an individual who previously had been meeting with the sisters. And then for some reason they stopped teaching him. Not really sure why. He's a cool guy, religious, loves the missionaries. In fact when we knocked on his house and he told us that he didn't know who was at the door, but that who ever it was was there for him. We were able to get into a good discussion with him, asking him about his religious beliefs and why he enjoyed meeting with the missionaries so much. We also asked him about is Baptismal date and why he decided not be Baptized. He explained that had been attending another church practically all his life and felt a lot of pressure from friends and family not to leave the church. When we met with him the second time he even told us not to worry about him .He said, 'you've got me. You don't need to try. I'm half Mormon and half other church. You don't need to worry about me.' He has a great desire to learn more about the scriptures and we have been invited to come back for more gospel discussions. This is the mentality out here among many of the people that we talk to. They believe that because they attend church, follow his teachings and are good Christians that everything is all good. We know that isn't the case. It’s so great that these people are so religious and are trying to follow God, now the next step is to help them understand proper authority-without offending them.
We had the opportunity to provide some service to two potential families. Jerry Bolin is an older man whom we tracked into earlier in the month. He and his wife were on their way out the door when we first met them, but we gave them a Mormon.org card with our names and phone number and asked them to call us if they needed anything or would be interested in learning more about the church. He did call us a couple weeks later, and on Friday we were able to go to his house and rake his front yard. It took longer then Sister Shutt and I expected and we filled more bags than we thought we would (19 of those tall 50lb bags) but we had a fun time doing it. And we had a very good discussion with Jerry while we worked. And he was a great host offering us food and drink. At first we said no thanks because neither of us wanted anything, but when he persisted we agreed to a can of pop. I realized then that it is just as important to be served. I think he felt kind of bad to have two women helping him, and when we said yes to his offer I could tell that he was really excited to be able to serve us.
Then on Saturday we had another opportunity to rake leaves. Shawnee is a young single mother who we've recently started teaching. I don't think she grew up going to church, but has recently become involved with some religious group close to where she lives. So religion is very new to her. She is very accepting of what we have talked about so far. And had really only had two pressing questions- Polygamy and Gay/lesbians. We discussed polygamy with her last time and she seemed okay with everything there. Gays and lesbians, we didn't have enough time to go into great detail. That's something we are planning on going over in more detail later this week when we meet with her again. But we did give her a Proclamation on the Family pamphlet and asked if she'd read it in preparing for our next discussion. She promised she would so hopefully that sets the stage for a good spiritually lead discussion. So Saturday, she wasn't feeling to well so she stayed inside with her son while sister shutt and I raked. Our Zl also came by to help us rack, which was a lot of fun and made the work go quicker. We had a humbling experience while working that day. The elders would after putting a pile of leaved into the bag use sticks to crush up the leaves. It looked really funny and we'd call over to them asking them how their efforts were going. It wasn't until we started our second bag that we realized the elders were still on their first bag. We'd picked up close to the same amount of leaves, yet we were on our second bag. We then humbly picked up some sticks and started mimicking their same actions. When they noticed this we all started laughing. I learned to valuable lessons: first listen to your leaders, they usually know what they're talking about; second, work goes a lot faster and is lot funner when everyone is working together as a team.
I've learned this week that it is so much easier to serve those whom you love- and if you don't love them, you need to find ways to love them. Someone the other day said, if you can't be with the ones you love, love the ones you're with! I've really tried to take that to heart. It was really hard at first to be here because it wasn't something I was used to. I kept thinking about home and how the church seemed to be so much stronger there. But that kind of thinking didn't get me anywhere and made the work slower. I have now adopted the idea that the church although it is struggling here can become stronger, and as a representative of Christ it is my responsibility to help strengthen the members and bring others unto Christ. As we have met and come to know the members out here I have grown to love and admire them. I love the work. I know that this church is true and that we all have a responsibility to help others come unto Christ.
I know that President Thomas Monson is a true prophet on the earth today. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I love being able to read it every morning. I wish that I could have two solid hours to do personal study. Reading the Book of Mormon each morning provides such a strength and protection. Love you all!
Love Sister Salmon
October 24th, 2011
Oh mom I love your letters each week. I don't have camera cord yet so I'm unable to email pictures-soon though. We've been staying pretty busy. We are really trying to get to know the ward members, and I've noticed a difference in my resolve to be a better missionary because of that. Through serving and getting to know everyone, I have really started to love and admire many of the members in this ward. They each have such great testimonies and are great examples to their families and friends. Transfers were last week, but we stayed in the same spot because I'm new. Transfers are at the end of Next month, and I'm secretly crossing my fingers that we'll stay in this area for another transfer. Missionary work is so much easier when you know people.
When I got on you hadn't emailed me yet so I wrote my large letter to dad. And I don't want to rewrite it because that will take too long. We are having to go down to St. Louis tomorrow and will be there until Wednesday because of a training and leadership meeting. And because of this we are going to go over on our miles for the month. So we've been trying to have car fasts where we walk or find rides to our appointments. Yesterday was our first car fast. We were able to get a ride with Sister Mcconkie to church, but because she had ward counsel we were there a little early. That turned out to be a blessing because the choir was practicing and I was able to participate in the choir. I really do enjoy singing, it reminds me of home. More specifically it helps me feel close to you because I know how much you love music.
I don't know if mentioned but I'm currently the ping-pong champion of the district. It started a couple weeks back on a pday. Many of the missionaries had gathered at the institute building to play pool, foosball, ping pong and other things missionaries do. One of the elders wanted to play ping- pong and challenged me to a game. I told him I'm not that good, but he still wanted to play. I think it was my ego or maybe my pride that helped me win. I don't know. But when it comes to competition, I seemed to have no problem stepping up to the plate. We ended up playing like 8 more games. I won them all. The same thing happened the next week to the same elder, and then right afterward to another elder. I’m just keeping them humble. It’s been fun though.
For Halloween we're doing a Halloween ward party on Friday. chili cook off and trunk r treating, I’m really excited about that, and since Halloween is on Monday I've heard rumors that we'll have an all day p-day next week. We'll see.
Could you send me that quote about reap what you sow, sow what you.... I don't remember the rest.
Well you tons mom dear.
Sister Salmon
When I got on you hadn't emailed me yet so I wrote my large letter to dad. And I don't want to rewrite it because that will take too long. We are having to go down to St. Louis tomorrow and will be there until Wednesday because of a training and leadership meeting. And because of this we are going to go over on our miles for the month. So we've been trying to have car fasts where we walk or find rides to our appointments. Yesterday was our first car fast. We were able to get a ride with Sister Mcconkie to church, but because she had ward counsel we were there a little early. That turned out to be a blessing because the choir was practicing and I was able to participate in the choir. I really do enjoy singing, it reminds me of home. More specifically it helps me feel close to you because I know how much you love music.
I don't know if mentioned but I'm currently the ping-pong champion of the district. It started a couple weeks back on a pday. Many of the missionaries had gathered at the institute building to play pool, foosball, ping pong and other things missionaries do. One of the elders wanted to play ping- pong and challenged me to a game. I told him I'm not that good, but he still wanted to play. I think it was my ego or maybe my pride that helped me win. I don't know. But when it comes to competition, I seemed to have no problem stepping up to the plate. We ended up playing like 8 more games. I won them all. The same thing happened the next week to the same elder, and then right afterward to another elder. I’m just keeping them humble. It’s been fun though.
For Halloween we're doing a Halloween ward party on Friday. chili cook off and trunk r treating, I’m really excited about that, and since Halloween is on Monday I've heard rumors that we'll have an all day p-day next week. We'll see.
Could you send me that quote about reap what you sow, sow what you.... I don't remember the rest.
Well you tons mom dear.
Sister Salmon
October 17th, 2011
Wow Doneen Shaved her Head? That's crazy, that's very supportive of her. I don't think i could do that. And even though i wouldn't be able to see it, I'm glad you didn't shave your head. I love your long hair and it would be weird to try and imagine you with out hair. I bet it will be a shocker for Wayne when he sees her.
I'm glad things are going as good as expected with Nancy. I know that having you and Doneen there provided a great comfort for her.
Our Days are getting busier. We have started calling many of the members in the ward that we feel we don't know very well and have set up appointments to drop by and share a message with them. This helps the member in the ward know who we are on a personal bases and helps get them excited about missionary work. I know that through building this relationship between the ward members has helped us in our efforts as missionaries. They are more inclined to refer their friends to us, which is so much easier than trying to find them ourselves.
Tuesday we had a neat experience. We were following up on a referral and as we got out of the car I saw a man walking down the road on the opposite side of the street. I said a friendly hello and started a conversation. Sister Shutt and I were able to cross the street and continued down the road with him. As we walked we found out that he was a chef, on his way to work and live only a few blocks away. We smoothly transitioned into talking about what we do as missionaries and then started teaching him the first lesson. It was a great discussion and before we split we had exchanged contact information, he had a book of Mormon, and a restoration pamphlet and promised to start reading them both. He was very enthusiastic and we are really excited to hopefully meet with him sometime this week. After meeting with this man we turned back around and headed back the way we had come. We were passing through a park when sister shutt and I saw a older man sitting in a beach chair surrounded with some of his belongings. I was a little hesitant to approach. You have to be careful who you talk to. Anyways, Sister Shutt took the lead on this one. This guy’s name is Ed, he's homeless by choice, and enjoys it. We had a good conversation with him as well. Talked to him about the book of Mormon and having trust in God. He was very open to the message, and accepted a copy of the book of Mormon and a restoration pamphlet as well. We didn't think we would see him again because he has no contact information. But funny enough we were driving and saw him on his bike riding around. I think we'll see Ed again.
Well ran out of time. Love you all
Hans
I'm glad things are going as good as expected with Nancy. I know that having you and Doneen there provided a great comfort for her.
Our Days are getting busier. We have started calling many of the members in the ward that we feel we don't know very well and have set up appointments to drop by and share a message with them. This helps the member in the ward know who we are on a personal bases and helps get them excited about missionary work. I know that through building this relationship between the ward members has helped us in our efforts as missionaries. They are more inclined to refer their friends to us, which is so much easier than trying to find them ourselves.
Tuesday we had a neat experience. We were following up on a referral and as we got out of the car I saw a man walking down the road on the opposite side of the street. I said a friendly hello and started a conversation. Sister Shutt and I were able to cross the street and continued down the road with him. As we walked we found out that he was a chef, on his way to work and live only a few blocks away. We smoothly transitioned into talking about what we do as missionaries and then started teaching him the first lesson. It was a great discussion and before we split we had exchanged contact information, he had a book of Mormon, and a restoration pamphlet and promised to start reading them both. He was very enthusiastic and we are really excited to hopefully meet with him sometime this week. After meeting with this man we turned back around and headed back the way we had come. We were passing through a park when sister shutt and I saw a older man sitting in a beach chair surrounded with some of his belongings. I was a little hesitant to approach. You have to be careful who you talk to. Anyways, Sister Shutt took the lead on this one. This guy’s name is Ed, he's homeless by choice, and enjoys it. We had a good conversation with him as well. Talked to him about the book of Mormon and having trust in God. He was very open to the message, and accepted a copy of the book of Mormon and a restoration pamphlet as well. We didn't think we would see him again because he has no contact information. But funny enough we were driving and saw him on his bike riding around. I think we'll see Ed again.
Well ran out of time. Love you all
Hans
October 10th, 2011
Mom,it’s not fair for you to bring tears to my eyes. I'm so so happy about all the things that happened this last week. I wish I wish I could have been present to sing those hymns and say good bye to brother Spencer. I already miss him dearly. Between your letter, Dad's and Grandpa's the wedding went really well. To bad they couldn't have the kind of weather we're having here. Its still flip flop weather.
So fill me in a bit more with the wedding? Was it a good turn out?
Also how is Kate Lovell? Has here health improved? Is she able to go back out?
That doesn't surprise me about James. He puts up a front, but deep down he's a big softy. How are his roommates? I can't remember, are any of them returned missionaries?
This week was a little disconcerting. We would have appointments set up to teach and then they'd call the day before to cancel. It’s okay when they cancel and make a follow up appointment, but when they call and then say they're not interested, that's when it's heart breaking. They were so close to the truth. This last Monday we committed a young man to baptism, which was awesome because we didn't even plan to talk about baptism. We have been teaching him for about as long as I've been here. It’s kind of a miracle because we were to the point of either dropping him, or handing him off to our ZL's to teach. November 5th is the baptismal date. Now we just need to have him come to church. He said he'd come yesterday but was a no show. I'm not too worried about that yet.
We also did a lot of less active member visits as well as dropped by ward member’s homes that we don't know yet. We knocked on Kathy Weber's door. She’s a sweet woman. Her husband is not a member and wants nothing to do with the church. They're in there mid to upper 60's I’d say and both have the bad habit of smoking. As we visited with her she bore her testimony of the Word of Wisdom, tears came to her eyes as she spoke about her desires to quit. She has no support from her husband which will make it even more difficult to quit. We're going to start meeting with her and her grandson (whom she has been raising since he was a babe) and one of her grandson’s friends on Thursdays before mutual. Her grandson doesn't really know too much about the church. Kathy said he reads but doesn't understand it. She hopes that this will help him gain a testimony of the book the Mormon, which would be great. And it could help her gain the support she needs to stop smoking.
Just like Seattle has a starbucks on every corner, Illinois has a church on every corner. Except all the churches are all different. That seems to be the main problem we face here; everyone is a member of some church and are too set in their ways to change. They'll find out soon enough. I just hope it’s in this life.
Love you tons momma dear. Say hello to all the family.
Love Sister Salmon
So fill me in a bit more with the wedding? Was it a good turn out?
Also how is Kate Lovell? Has here health improved? Is she able to go back out?
That doesn't surprise me about James. He puts up a front, but deep down he's a big softy. How are his roommates? I can't remember, are any of them returned missionaries?
This week was a little disconcerting. We would have appointments set up to teach and then they'd call the day before to cancel. It’s okay when they cancel and make a follow up appointment, but when they call and then say they're not interested, that's when it's heart breaking. They were so close to the truth. This last Monday we committed a young man to baptism, which was awesome because we didn't even plan to talk about baptism. We have been teaching him for about as long as I've been here. It’s kind of a miracle because we were to the point of either dropping him, or handing him off to our ZL's to teach. November 5th is the baptismal date. Now we just need to have him come to church. He said he'd come yesterday but was a no show. I'm not too worried about that yet.
We also did a lot of less active member visits as well as dropped by ward member’s homes that we don't know yet. We knocked on Kathy Weber's door. She’s a sweet woman. Her husband is not a member and wants nothing to do with the church. They're in there mid to upper 60's I’d say and both have the bad habit of smoking. As we visited with her she bore her testimony of the Word of Wisdom, tears came to her eyes as she spoke about her desires to quit. She has no support from her husband which will make it even more difficult to quit. We're going to start meeting with her and her grandson (whom she has been raising since he was a babe) and one of her grandson’s friends on Thursdays before mutual. Her grandson doesn't really know too much about the church. Kathy said he reads but doesn't understand it. She hopes that this will help him gain a testimony of the book the Mormon, which would be great. And it could help her gain the support she needs to stop smoking.
Just like Seattle has a starbucks on every corner, Illinois has a church on every corner. Except all the churches are all different. That seems to be the main problem we face here; everyone is a member of some church and are too set in their ways to change. They'll find out soon enough. I just hope it’s in this life.
Love you tons momma dear. Say hello to all the family.
Love Sister Salmon
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
October 3, 2011
Wow Mom sounds like you've had a pretty busy week. Just look at all your amazing accomplishments. That's exciting for James. Sounds like he has some amazing roommates; I'm glad; roommates can make it or break it the first semester. I’m so excited for Erica and Nelson. I can't believe it’s finally time. You'll have to tell me all about it and see if you can send me a picture of her dress. Last time we talked she had designed her own. I'll want to see if it turned out.
That's sad about Tim and Kath, but at least he's able to come home. Kathryn's so strong, I don't know how she does the things she does. Way to go Kath! You take care of that little army you're building. What else is new? How long does is Nancy expected to go through her treatment?
When is James putting his paper in? Does he like Rexburg? You either love it, or you hate.
Oh and mom you'd be so proud of me. My companion has taught me how to crochet and a non-member has reminded me how to knit. On our p-days when we're not playing games and doing things with the other missionaries I've been crocheting toques. I'm only on my second, but I'm getting better and faster.
This week was so great. We had the traveling sisters come up Tuesday night before Zone conference the next day and our ZL also came and blitzed our area. We can't go on exchanges with them so instead we gave them an area to tract. Tuesday was so great. We received two new investigators and multiple lessons that were taught. Then Wednesday was our Zone Conference. That was super long but tons of fun. The talks/discussions were so great. It really helped me formulate the new plans on how I can be a better missionary. Friday we had an appointment with one of our new investigators. Shawnee is a single mom with a little five year old boy, Josh. We went over there and for first part of our visit we just talked. We wanted to get to know her and vice-versa. Then we went into the first lesson talking about the restoration and the Book of Mormon. Good thing I was paying attention because as my companion was teaching she got to the part when Joseph see's God the Father and then turned to me expecting me to tell recite what is said in Joseph Smith history verses 16,17 (?). Luckily the Lord blessed me to remember what those verses of scripture and I was able to recite it almost word for word. We have another appointment to meet with her later this week. I'm pretty excited about that.
Friday night and Saturday night after conference we went over to the Depalma's for dinner. They cooked some really good food. Anyways, Samantha they’re daughter isn't a member but we've decided that she needs the gospel in her life. She's super amazing and goes to church with her mom and the other RS activities as well. We're hoping that if we can get Samantha more involved she might get her parents who are less actives to come as well. Sister Shutt did a very good job Sunday night switching our usual dinner message into a lesson about the Book of Mormon. We both explained the importance of the book and how it blesses lives. We left her with a book and some chapters marked. Hopefully she reads them and wants to learn more.
I finally had biscuits and gravy the other day. Mamma Shep who lives in the Mahomet Ward invited all the missionaries in our district over for dinner Sunday morning for breakfast. Spencer and Caitlin were right, they're good and way easy to make as well.
I love this gospel. It is the only path to happiness. I know that this church is true. I know that when we live worthily prepare and pray for missionary experiences that they will come. We had two really neat experiences this week (along with the many other things that happened). We went to get cough medicine for sister Shutt at Walgreens and ran into a member there buying milk. We talked shortly and then received a referral. Member referrals are so great. It makes missionary work so much easier. Second experience. We were at circle K gas station buying chocolate milk and as I was purchasing our chocolate milk the cashier noticed my badge. She had customers waiting on her so we talked quickly. But I was able to give her a book of Mormon and a Mormon.org card with our names and numbers. There are people out there who are searching for truth. We just need to open our mouths and not be afraid to share our testimonies.
Until next week. I love you all. Take care.
Sister Salmon
That's sad about Tim and Kath, but at least he's able to come home. Kathryn's so strong, I don't know how she does the things she does. Way to go Kath! You take care of that little army you're building. What else is new? How long does is Nancy expected to go through her treatment?
When is James putting his paper in? Does he like Rexburg? You either love it, or you hate.
Oh and mom you'd be so proud of me. My companion has taught me how to crochet and a non-member has reminded me how to knit. On our p-days when we're not playing games and doing things with the other missionaries I've been crocheting toques. I'm only on my second, but I'm getting better and faster.
This week was so great. We had the traveling sisters come up Tuesday night before Zone conference the next day and our ZL also came and blitzed our area. We can't go on exchanges with them so instead we gave them an area to tract. Tuesday was so great. We received two new investigators and multiple lessons that were taught. Then Wednesday was our Zone Conference. That was super long but tons of fun. The talks/discussions were so great. It really helped me formulate the new plans on how I can be a better missionary. Friday we had an appointment with one of our new investigators. Shawnee is a single mom with a little five year old boy, Josh. We went over there and for first part of our visit we just talked. We wanted to get to know her and vice-versa. Then we went into the first lesson talking about the restoration and the Book of Mormon. Good thing I was paying attention because as my companion was teaching she got to the part when Joseph see's God the Father and then turned to me expecting me to tell recite what is said in Joseph Smith history verses 16,17 (?). Luckily the Lord blessed me to remember what those verses of scripture and I was able to recite it almost word for word. We have another appointment to meet with her later this week. I'm pretty excited about that.
Friday night and Saturday night after conference we went over to the Depalma's for dinner. They cooked some really good food. Anyways, Samantha they’re daughter isn't a member but we've decided that she needs the gospel in her life. She's super amazing and goes to church with her mom and the other RS activities as well. We're hoping that if we can get Samantha more involved she might get her parents who are less actives to come as well. Sister Shutt did a very good job Sunday night switching our usual dinner message into a lesson about the Book of Mormon. We both explained the importance of the book and how it blesses lives. We left her with a book and some chapters marked. Hopefully she reads them and wants to learn more.
I finally had biscuits and gravy the other day. Mamma Shep who lives in the Mahomet Ward invited all the missionaries in our district over for dinner Sunday morning for breakfast. Spencer and Caitlin were right, they're good and way easy to make as well.
I love this gospel. It is the only path to happiness. I know that this church is true. I know that when we live worthily prepare and pray for missionary experiences that they will come. We had two really neat experiences this week (along with the many other things that happened). We went to get cough medicine for sister Shutt at Walgreens and ran into a member there buying milk. We talked shortly and then received a referral. Member referrals are so great. It makes missionary work so much easier. Second experience. We were at circle K gas station buying chocolate milk and as I was purchasing our chocolate milk the cashier noticed my badge. She had customers waiting on her so we talked quickly. But I was able to give her a book of Mormon and a Mormon.org card with our names and numbers. There are people out there who are searching for truth. We just need to open our mouths and not be afraid to share our testimonies.
Until next week. I love you all. Take care.
Sister Salmon
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