November 14, 2011

This week has gone by super fast. We're trying to build our teaching pool so we're outside a lot knocking doors. It’s hard because you never know who or what is behind the door, but every door is a learning experience. And the thankfully the weather has turned too cold thank goodness. There was one day last week when we were outside all most all day and I had to rotate my hand warmer from one mitten to the next. However we met some really great people that day and two people actually invited us in. I think it was mostly because they took pity on us and wanted us to warm up a bit, but we had good gospel discussions at both places. The one is actually good friends with the bishop in the other ward so he had some knowledge about what we believe in. He actually had a copy of the book of Mormon and said that he has read from its pages. We talked more about the book of Mormon and then he brought up that the main thing he loves about our church is eternal families. We left him a Plan of Salvation pamphlet and have plans to follow up some time this next week. Hopefully it goes well.

Thursday we had our President interviews so after our district meeting our district made lunch together. We have an elder from El Salvador so he made us legit tacos. They were so good! Anyway, President was a little behind on the interviews so we ended up staying there all day. While President was interviewing each of us, first as a companionship then as individuals, sister clark and the assistants to the president were teaching us about dignity, accountability, and correction.

It’s so sad when you see someone trying so hard to do what’s right and then something horrible happens to them. Ed has a lot of things that he's trying to figure out and work out, but it seems that Satan is trying so hard to prevent him from cleaning up his life. We got a call from Ed Tuesday telling us he'd been hit by a truck on the way to an AA meeting on his bike. He's ok but when that really shook him up and prevented us from seeing him until Saturday. We taught him about faith, repentance and started talking to him about baptism and invited to be baptized but decided to hold back before extending a date. There are still some things that he's having a hard time grasping. But he's making good progress. And exciting news, he came to church again this Sunday! So that was awesome. Probably wasn't the best Sunday to have an investigator there because we were talking about temples. Half way through the first talk he leans over and asks me what the endowment room was… But he seemed to enjoy it.

For Thanksgiving we're eating at a member’s home. Sister Dunn is a widower and I'm not sure how much of her family is coming to visit. But she such a sweet lady and makes the best food. I offered to help and hopefully she lets us come over and cook. Then for Christmas we haven't thought that far ahead. Transfers are on Dec 1st so we don't know where we'll be. I know that the mission is planning on doing a mission Christmas party so that will be awesome, really excited about that. Oh and Sister shutt and I have decided that we want to have bikes. We know its bad timing but we feel that there's no time like present. We had a friend look on craig's list and found two bikes. We went and saw one the other day and will go and see the other one later this afternoon. We're really excited.

Funny things that happened this last week:
K well this happened last week but I thought it was too funny I had to put this in too. I talk in my sleep, and I guess one night sister shutt my companion woke up to me praying in my sleep. Which according to her really confused her because she thought that she'd fallen asleep during morning comp. prayer. But it was like 4am in the morning.

I think it was Wednesday morning we received a phone call at 12:00am from a private caller and (I'm alseep for all this and have no recollection. This is according to my companion) sister shutt say's something to me about it. I mumbled something back that she can't remember and then proceeded to teach her a lesson in my sleep. I was the missionary and was talking to her like she was the investigator. I was saying things like we are your investigators. We want to know how to best help you....something like that. I guess I went on for a while and then ended with a commitment. I'm even a missionary in my sleep. Then this morning I was having a dream that I was taking a sit-ups test and I think mom was there to because I needed someone there to count for me. Anyway I woke myself up doing sit-ups. Man I'm teaching and working out in my sleep, that's pretty cool!

love you all
Sister Salmon

November 7, 2011

Grandpa mentioned the guy in testimony meeting and about his touching testimony. He also mentioned that he bore his testimony and that it was his usual unorthodox testimony. He also said that i should ask you about it. So what did he end up saying?

That's funny about James. Ya it gets cold up there and the fact that there is already snow in the ground probably isn't a good sign. We thankfully have had a really good fall season. It hasn't been too cold lately, no snow yet; Although it’s overcast today and has been sprinkling off and on.

We had a real cool week, starting off with preparation day. We did our shopping early and fast so that we could get to the church building. We played soccer and volleyball for a good three or four hours. Elder Nelson (really good) taught me the fundamentals on how to jump serve so that was pretty sweet. Then that night because our president didn't want us out and about we and two other companionship's (elders) went to the institute building. We origanlly planned to watch the Joseph Smith movie, but ended up playing ping pong, writing letters and talking. It was a really fun night. The elders are so funny as well as great examples. I was over at the piano playing Christmas songs, and elder merkley came over and he ended up giving me a piano lesson. It’s funny, he's not the greatest at reading, we're both at the same level as far as reading notes but he's kind of a composer. So if he hears something he can usually figure it out. And then he'll also goof around on the piano playing and it always sounds amazing. Anyways, he tried to teach me how to count notes. Kind of helped. But I still need practice at it. Then later that night we were talking about dreams that we had and Elder Merkley told us a dream he had the other night. There were three elders and then I was there. We were doing exchanges in a hotel. (Ya that could never happen) We were practicing our door approaches and it was my turn to go. I knock and this big black lady answers the door. And I say "Hi, we locked our keys in the car, our piano is still inside, would you be interested in learning more about our church?" Supposedly I thought this was a great door approach. Haven't tried it yet. Don't know if it would go over too well.

Wednesday sister shutt and I attended a Pentecostal church bible study. Way cool! We have a former investigator who attends and he invited us. Very very different from anything I have ever experienced. Everyone had a title that they went by, evangelist so and so, deacon, elder... We started off with a prayer/sermon from the youth pastor. I lost count of how many times he used amen in a sentence. It was a filler word. And then his son who is 5 started rocking out on the drums. Ya I think we'll go back. They were all very friendly and it was a great discussion. They talked about modesty. I know all about that. We had lessons on modesty all the time in YW.

Thursday we blitzed our area. So the Elders in our zone came and helped us tracked our area. It was an awesome day, minus the weather. I think that Satan was trying to deter us because it rained most of the time. I don't even remember when I lost feeling in my toes. But the work but most go on. Sister Shutt and I are doing much better on our door approaches. In fact maybe a little too good. Saturday night after dinner we went out tracting because we hadn't reached our goal for street lessons. The first door we knocked on we feel easily into a conversation and then sister shutt asked the man if he believed in God. He kind of looked at us and asked us why we were interrogating him? Took us a both a second to respond to that, but then we explained that we didn't mean to offend him, but that we are both so passionate about the gospel and want everyone to feel the happiness and joy that comes when they follow god.

Sunday we finally had one of our investigators come to church. Ed our homeless guy, who we found out isn't really homeless. He has a family out in North Carolina but can't leave champaign until he cleans up a few things here. He actually called Sunday morning trying to cancel, but I was able to call him back and reassure him that coming to church would be the best thing he could do for himself. He has a lot of baggage that he is carrying around on his shoulders and I know that it’s only through our Savior Jesus Christ that he can relieve that weight. After the block I talked with Bro. Lee our fellowshipper about how Ed enjoyed Priesthood, he seemed to enjoy it and actually participated. Which is awesome. The only incident we had with Ed was that we lost him after Sacrament. We couldn't find him for five minutes, turned out he was outside having a smoke. Haven't talked to him about the word of wisdom yet. That's this weeks lesson. And also on Sunday sister Shutt and I had the privilege to attend High Priest meeting. They invited us and our ward mission leader to come and speak, our bishop is hoping that that would help get the members in the ward more excited about missionary work.

Send me pictures of baby boy Burton and family.

Hans

November 7, 2011

Dear Family,
Grandpa mentioned the guy in testimony meeting and about his touching testimony. He also mentioned that he bore his testimony and that it was his usual unorthodox testimony. He also said that I should ask you about it. So what did he end up saying?

That's funny about James. Yes it gets cold up there and the fact that there is already snow in the ground probably isn't a good sign. We thankfully have had a really good fall season. It hasn't been too cold lately, no snow yet, although it’s overcast today and has been sprinkling off and on.

The mission home is three stories, so the elders stayed in basement and I slept on the ground level. As for the panic attack, I was really confused why she was stressed out and was a little amazed that she wouldn't try. But then again maybe we weren't supposed to knock on that door- I don't know, I didn't feel anything. I tried to understand her feelings. We decided to drive back and contact people in an area she was more familiar with and she was fine the rest of the day.

We had a real cool week, starting off with preparation day. We did our shopping early and fast so that we could get to the church building. We played soccer and volleyball for a good three or four hour. Elder Nelson (really good) taught me the fundamentals on how to jump serve so that was pretty sweet. Then that night because our president didn't want us out and about we and two other companionship's (elders) went to the institute building. We originally had planned to watch the Joseph Smith movie, but ended up playing ping pong, writing letters and talking. It was a really fun night. The elders are funny as well as great examples. I was over at the piano playing Christmas songs and Elder Merkley came over and gave me a piano lesson. It’s funny, he's not the greatest at reading notes, we're both at the same level as far as reading notes but he's kind of a composer. So if he hears something he can usually figure it out. And then he'll also goof around on the piano playing and it always sounds amazing. Anyways, he tried to teach me how to count notes. Kind of helped. But I still need practice at it. Then later that night we were talking about dreams that we had and Elder Merkley told us a dream he had the other night. There were three elders and then I was there. We were doing exchanges in a hotel. (Ya that could never happen) We were practicing our door approaches and it was my turn to go. I knock and this big black lady answers the door. And I say "Hi, we locked our keys in the car, our piano is still inside, would you be interested in learning more about our church?" Supposedly I thought this was a great door approach. (Haven't tried it yet). Don't know if it would go over too well.

Wednesday Sister Shutt and I attended a Pentecostal church bible study. Way cool! We have a former investigator who attends and he invited us. Very very different from anything I have ever experienced. Everyone had a title that they went by, evangelist so and so, deacon, elder... We started off with a prayer/sermon from the youth pastor. I lost count of how many times he used amen in a sentence. It was a filler word. And then his son who is 5 started rocking out on the drums. Ya I think we'll go back. They were all very friendly and it was a great discussion. They talked about modesty. I know all about that. We had lessons on modesty all the time in YW.

Thursday we blitzed our area. So the Elders in our zone came and helped us tract our area. It was an awesome day, minus the weather. I think that Satan was trying to deter us because it rained most of the time. I don't even remember when I lost feeling in my toes. But the work but most go on. Sister Shutt and I are doing much better on our door approaches, in fact maybe a little too good. Saturday night after dinner we went out tracting because we hadn't reached our goal for street lessons. The first door we knocked on we feel easily into a conversation and then Sister Shutt asked the man if he believed in God. He kind of looked at us and asked us why we were interrogating him? Took us a both a second to respond to that, but then we explained that we didn't mean to offend him, but that we are both so passionate about the gospel and want everyone to feel the happiness and joy that comes when they follow God.

Sunday we finally had one of our investigators come to church. Ed our homeless guy, who we found out isn't really homeless. He has a family out in North Carolina but can't leave Champaign until he cleans up a few things here. He actually called Sunday morning trying to cancel, but I was able to call him back and reassure him that coming to church would be the best thing he could do for himself. He has a lot of baggage that he is carrying around on his shoulders and I know that it’s only through our Savior Jesus Christ that he can relieve that weight. After the block I talked with Bro. Lee our fellowshiper about how Ed enjoyed Priesthood, he seemed to enjoy it and actually participated. Which is awesome. The only incident we had with Ed was that we lost him after Sacrament. We couldn't find him for five minutes, turned out he was outside having a smoke. We haven't talked to him about the word of wisdom yet. That's this week’s lesson. And also on Sunday Sister Shutt and I had the privilege to attend High Priest group meeting. They invited us and our WML to come and speak, our bishop is hoping that that would help get the members in the ward more excited about missionary work.
Love Hans

October 31,2011 Halloween Email

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sept 26 2011 addendum

Also could you email me both grandparents home address and a copy of everyone birth day as well? Thanks.
I just looked up and read your profile on mormon.org. Sounds good. Where's dad's?

Also I wanted to share, last weekend it was really funny sister shutt and I were tracting in a park and there was a baby squirrel walking across the path. It started walking towards us and I told her to see how close it would get to her. It walked up to her shoe and then before either of us knew it startled climbing up her leg. This freaked us both out and she started yelling and shaking her leg to try and get it off. It wouldn't let go. After my initial shock of the situation I started laughing so hard. She looked like a crazy women. It made me think if grandpa's funny song about the Mississippi squirrel. Any way, fun times.