May 21, 2012

We have a new roof? That's cool that dad's workers came and did it. Did we get a discount? Did you tell them you had a daughter on a mission and son who's preparing? Its a good conversation starter. Try it sometime. So how are the newlyweds? I don't have Claire's address so i can't write her, and she hasn't written me for a while. You need to get on her case for me. :) This last week was transfers. I went and picked up my new companions sister Randall on Wednesday. She's from Orem, Utah. We get along very well so I'm happy about that. After transfers Amber Larsen (who drove us) took us out to lunch down on historic main street and we had toasted ravioli. It was really good. It’s a St. Louis special. The lord has blessed us so much this week. We've received so many referrals. Things are going so well with the people we’re teaching. The Lord is truly blessing us. Saturday was our mission bike day. We rode our bikes all over. It was so hot, but i loved it. Riding bikes opens new opportunities to meet and talk with people. And in preparation for Saturday we rode our bikes all day Friday as well. I had a blast. I felt a little bad for Sister Randall, but she seemed to enjoy it as well. We are in the process of finding her a more permanent bike so we can bike more. The bike she used was our landlord's and doesn't have gears. Saturday we had lunch at Christina's house (most progressing investigator). I felt bad when she first offered to feed us because she is on food stamps, but she insisted. We had an amazing time at her house. I’ve never seen her that happy. The Spirit is working with her and we're not the only ones to notice it. There are members in the ward that have mentioned a change in her countenance as well. She came to church on Sunday and surprised me when she told me that she was fasting. Her testimony has grown so much, and i feel so privileged to be a part of it. i love you all, i know that this church is true. I know that when we are obedient we do receive blessings, but its when we are exactly obedient that we experience miracles! sister salmon

May 14, 2012

Sister Larson and her husband are an awesome couple. Sister Larson is 25, turning 26 this june. So ya she's pretty young. She helps us out a lot with team ups, and she's our go to person when we don't have meals. She made me promise to call her and come over for dinners when we don't have a meal. I felt weird doing that at first but then she shared a personal story about why she insists on having us over. I told you most of what is going on. There isn’t anything new to tell. We did exchanges this last week in Warrenton. They were cut short though because i had to be at the new trainers meeting Friday morning. Transfers are this week on Wednesday. There is one sister coming in this next transfer and i have been called to train the new sister. I am really nervous, excited and a little overwhelmed by the calling. We have a lot of appointments this week already set up so she's kind of being thrown into mission life. Hope she enjoys the ride. There is new protocol when it comes to training. The trainer stays with the trainee for two transfers, so by the time i finish training i'll have been in St. Charles for 6 months. I'm actually excited to stay here because we just picked up another less active family and they are awesome! I can't wait to start teaching them. Love you momma! sister salmon

May 7, 2012

I'm glad you received my letter okay. I have another one coming for mother’s day with some more pictures so you can update my blog and get a sneak peak. I haven't changed much; at least i don't think so. You'll have to let me know. This last week was amazing.... Mostly the weekend was amazing,. We were super busy with appointments. Meeting with LA families that we haven't been able to get in contact with, meeting with Christina and also having fun finding (aka tracting. But i don't like the word tracting so i use finding. Its more positive). We found some catholic nuns. That was a first. We also found a couple potentials that I'm eager to visit this week. Sunday was the highlight of the week for me. Alyssa (member, coming back to church) and Kenny (husband, NM) blessed they're baby on Sunday. Alyssa's grandfather did the blessing and pronounced a beautiful blessing. Later Alyssa went up and bore her testimony. That was the best thing i have ever experienced. Never mind everything else that happens on a mission, that moment and all the other moments like it make a mission worth it. The Gates Family also attended church on Sunday. They're a family we've only started working with in the last week. They're all members except William who's 7 and the father. I have yet to meet the dad, he's pretty good at dodging us. But sister Gates told us to call her because she wants us to come over this week so maybe this will lead to opportunities to meet and talk with him. love you and see you in a week. sister salmon

Monday April 23 2012

Hey mom It was a pretty emotional week for me as well. Monday/Tuesday was sister’s conference and we had an opportunity to attend a session in the St. Louis Temple Tuesday morning. It was so beautiful. It was a great time to reflect on my life and the many blessings my Heavenly Father has given me and my family. It was also great to be in the temple the same day James and Claire received their endowments. It was such a special time for me and although I wasn't their physically, the Lord blessed me to feel close to my family throughout this week. I look forward to the pictures of this week! That's exciting about Emily. I hope her and baby Easton are doing well. I'm looking forward to pictures from them as well. This week has been one of the busiest on my mission. But it has also been filled with many miracles and blessings. I had exchanges right after sister’s conference. We spent the rest of Tuesday and Wednesday in Dardenne creek helping out the sisters there. And then Wednesday night we drove down to Crystal city and spent Wednesday night, Thursday day and Friday day in their area. We made it back to our area Friday night and tried to get caught. I was so happy to be back home. This has been a real blessing for me and my companion to travel around and learn from the other sisters. It has really deepened my desire to find and to teach. Something that I have recently become more aware of is how much I love testifying. I love declaring what I know to be true. And whether or not the person accepts what is being taught, I feel like I have done my best to represent my Savior. This morning I had a unique opportunity to share my testimony of modern day revelation and of the prophet Joseph Smith with our land lord Edie. She had just come back from exercising and I was just finishing up. She's not a member but they have housed Mormon missionaries for many years. She's not interested so she say's, but one day she will be. You can't befriend members of the church before sooner or later joining them. On Saturday we had a really great lesson with Christina about the blessings that come through obedience. The spirit was so strong and towards the end of the lesson we invited her to fast with us on Sunday. We had talked about fasting the previous week and re -explained why we fast. She did! After church we were talking about her experience with fasting. She mentioned that Sunday had been one of her best days at church. Little Joe, her son behaved better during sacrament meeting and then he stayed the entire time in nursery. It was amazing! Love sister salmon

April 16th, 2012

Mom hasn't written me yet, and you were the first email i read this morning from any family. That's so exciting for James. I can't believe it, after tomorrow all of us will be endowed. What a blessing that is. All nine of us have made it to the temple. What an amazing blessing this is for our family.
Actually the weather has been kind of crummy these last couple of days. Well I've been enjoying it but other people just don't appreciate the rain like i do. Last night sister northcutt and i came in a little early. We were out doing stop bys when the weather started getting really fierce. I guess there were some tornado warnings. I was a little worried we might not make it home. I was driving and there were times where i really could only see maybe 20ft in front of me. I finally told my companion to just look for a member close by so we could wait it out. But she took forever just getting the ward list out of the binder that by that point i had made it to the free way and felt more confident about getting home and told her top forget it. I only hydroplaned once. :) We got home safely, which was great because it gave me some time to get caught up in my scripture reading. I made a goal to finish the book of Mormon by today, I'm in Moroni 7. I wanted to read the book of Mormon like a book, cover to cover. I haven’t really done that in a while. This will be my second time finishing it, and the quickest I've ever finished it. I think it’s a little under a month. I figured out that i had to read about 25 pages a day. Every free moment i had i was reading my book of Mormon. And i have found such joy in reading from it, and learning from the lives that have been recorded.

Tomorrow in the celestial room make sure to give an extra hug and kiss to James and Claire for me. And tell them how much i love them. These last couple of days have been pretty emotional ones, and i know that that will continue into this next week. But i also know that God has a purpose for all of us, that there is a time and a season for everyone. I know that I was called to serve a mission for a reason. And i knew that these things that are happening in our family were definite possibilities. And i accepted that when i accepted my call. I know with out a doubt that Jesus Christ is the son of God, that he loves me and is ever aware of me. I know this because of the blessings (and the trials that then turn into blessings) that he gives me. I love being a part of this work, and i know that I have an eternity to make plans and memories with my family. I have a family here on earth. They are so good to me. I want to share my life with them through all eternity. Families can be together forever. Through Heavenly father's plan. I know this to be true. I love you dad. Thank you for being my dad.

sister salmon

April 9, 2012

Hey mother dear
How was Utah and picking up Claire and James?
This week was so great. My birthday came and went, which was so weird. Celebrating a birthday on a mission is the oddest thing. Instead of thinking about yourself, you're more focused on those around you and their needs. I had a really neat experience on my birthday to help out the other sister companionship in our district. They've been struggling with unification and the senior companion has been struggling with health problems. It felt so great to be able to talk with each of them individually and give them the support and encouragement they needed. THANK YOU to everyone for your birthday cards packages etc. I loved them all!! They were what helped me remember that it was my birthday.
This last week we had transfers and Sister Northcutt and I get to learn and grow from each other for another six weeks. I was also called to be the exchange sister again, this time for the Missouri sisters-which I am so excited about. I have four other sister companionships that I am over and have the privilege to go on exchanges with. This next transfer is going to fly by so fast because for the next four weeks we are going to be in and out of our area.
We've started the stop smoking program with one of our investigators. I am worried about her. She's living in a home full of smokers and is having a hard time resisting the craving. She's been taught all the lessons, and her main fellowshipper has been out of town the last week and won't be back until May. We're in the process of helping her meet more members but I’m worried that she's losing momentum. We can't really set a baptismal date because... well it’s a huge mess. She's not living the law of chastity and doesn't want to marry him, but can't move out because she has nowhere to go. Super crazy!
Also this week, I guess also last Saturday. I got tired of running at the track by where we live so I suggested that she ride my bike and I’d run beside her. We'll run down town to the park that runs next to the Missouri river and then run back. I'm a little worried to go anywhere else with her just because she's not that confident on the bike. The first day she was so worried about crashing my bike that she kept psyching herself out and crashing. LOl. I had to muffle my laughs when this happened.
love you all.
sister salmon

April 2, 2012

That's so scary about Tabor. Is he doing better now? What ever happened? This last Thursday Sister Northcutt and I and the other sisters in our district went to temple. Actually it was a really crazy day. Sister Pederson who serves in Dardenne creek couldn't find her recommend so we had to go and meet with president prior to the session. I guess he had a meeting that day for the new trainers so when we arrived he told us to go have lunch and he'd be back. So we called up Sister Clark and had a great time with her. We have a sister’s conference coming up this month and I told Sister Clark if she needed help preparing meals that I'd be more than happy to volunteer. So we talked about that. We finally met up with President Clark and were able to be on our way. The session was a small one. I always feel bad because as missionaries we are told not to participate in the actual services. So they had to bring some more people in to help out.
General conference was amazing! I loved all the messages that were shared. I'm excited to receive next month’s issue so I can read and study them in greater depth. We watched both Saturday sessions at the church, there were other members from our district there so we all stayed around and had lunch together as we waited for the second session to start. Sunday Sister Northcutt and I watched both sessions at a members home. We had two of our investigators attend the morning session. Christina seemed to really enjoy it. I'm excited to talk to them more about it on Tuesday when we have our lesson with them.
Saturday night we had dinner at a PM/LA home. Sister Northcutt and I were waiting for them in the dining room as they were putting the last final touches on dinner, when Sister Northcutt let out a small cry. Under the lip of a nearby table was a hornet. It was just chilling there. We didn't want to disrupt dinner in any way so it wasn't until after dinner that we told them. John Silvies (nonmemer) quickly assessed the situation, killed the hornet and then came out with some herbal remedies. His remedy of choice was to get a piece of grass, wet it and place some tobacco in it. Then he had my companion place her finger into the tobacco and hold it there all during dessert. Poor Sister Northcutt. But it makes for a funny story.
Sister salmon

Monday March 26, 2012

Hey mother, father and honored guests,

This week was so amazing! On Tuesday we had a lesson with Jennifer, we held it outside in her backyard because it was so beautiful outside. We talked about the importance of the Book of Mormon and shared some scriptures about its purpose and importance. She seemed to really enjoy that and gave a great closing prayer. I love hearing the prayers of my investigators. At first they may not want to pray, and are really hesitant. For many, praying with us is their first time giving a vocal prayer. They sometimes stop and start over multiple times before closing, but that's ok. The best is when you mention that its time to go and they ask to say the prayer.

This last Wednesday and Thursday I was privileged to attend Leadership training in Chesterfield, MO. The spirit in these meetings is always so strong and I am so grateful when I am able to attend. Each day there were two break-out sessions in which we discussed and role played ways in which we can improve and become more effective spirit led missionaries. One of the teachings that stood out to me that I wish to share was given during the first day of leadership. Elder Stewart gave it and it kind of reminded of Elder Oaks talk Good, Better, Best. He shared how its important to be busy as a missionary; to schedule our time so that we have something to do every hour of the day. But that we need to analyze how we are using our time. Are we just filling our days to be busy? When we don't have appointments are we using it as effectively as we could? This led me to reevaluate my time spent each day. It has helped me set some new goals which I hope will help sister Northcutt and I use our time to the BEST of our abilities.

All the sisters that came in for leadership training spent the night at the sister missionaries home in Frontenac, really fun! That morning I had planned on going running with Sister Crandall and Sister Lowe. I had brought all my running gear this time and was super excited to have someone to run with.....problem was my shoes where lost in the transition from the car that I traveled up in and the sisters car. :( Thankfully I was able to borrow sister Shutts shoes for my run. It wasn't until the last five minutes that I started to lose feeling in my toes. I wear a size 9 and she wears a size 7. One thing that I have learned while on my mission is that if it's important to me (and its good and wholesome) then it is important to my Father in Heaven.

Thursday night our ward held a R.S birthday celebration in which two LA members who we've only recently started working with attended. The ward was really receptive to them and they told us they had a really good time. That's always a concern as a missionary. As members we are sometimes too shy, too...something, whatever it is prevents us from introducing ourselves to visitors and LA members.

Then yesterday we made breakfast over at Christina and Jennifer's house and almost made it in time for the opening song. :) Thankfully we were able to get a hold of a member and she was able to save us a seat in the middle. And they stayed for all three hours! I love it!

Sister salmon

March 19, 2012

Dear Family,
Gas prices out here are about 3.70 +/- .5. it’s getting up there. Thank goodness I don't have to pay for gas. The weather here has been extremely different than usual. We've been having some thunder and lightning storms in the afternoons but in the morning its hot and really humid. It’s usually up in the 70's, 80's. I feel like I’m back in Hawaii it’s so hot and humid. Even in the morning at 6:45am it’s hot.
Last week was such an amazing week. We started it out with Zone pday. We went to Wapelhorse Park and where we split into two groups. One group went and played rugby while the rest went and played sand volleyball. And I think we all got a little sun on our faces after the activity was over.
Tuesdays we've started meeting with a less active lady by the name of Sandra Baines. Recently we've been talking about the temple and she has expressed the desire to sealed to her husband, and to have the temple work completed for one of her children that has passed away. She's the sweetest lady you'll ever meet; I always enjoy my time with her. We also had a lesson with Christina on Tuesday that kind of turned into a double lesson. Christina's boyfriend’s sister Jennifer sat in our lesson and we were able to talk with her and teach her the first lesson. She was very quiet and reserved and would really only participate if directly asked a question. We invited her to take the lessons with us and she accepted! We stopped by their place two other times this week, once on Wednesday with sister Shutt (we had exchanges Wednesday/Thursday) and again on Saturday. After our lesson on Wednesday we left her with a couple fear not scriptures and when we stopped by again on Saturday she said that she had read them all and really enjoyed them.. Leading up to our visit I had been reading a talk which quoted 1 Cor 10:13 and after I read it I felt prompted to share it with her and Christina. After sharing the scripture with her she said that was exactly what she needed to hear. I am always humbled when this type of situation occurs as I teach. The Lord knew that Jennifer needed to hear that scripture. This solidifies my testimony that the Lord knows all his children individually and that he loves all of his children and does want us each to be happy.
Wednesday sister Shutt (my trainer) and I had an opportunity to go on exchanges while our compies served together. During our exchanges we went down to Frontier Park to do some park contacting it was amazing! We made it a goal to talk to everyone we passed. I know that the Lord blessed us during that experience. We were able to find a new investigator and set up a time with them to meet and start teaching.
Thursday I went on exchanges with sister Crandall. We went back to their area Wednesday night and worked in their area. Sister Crandall is a fireball, she has no fear when it comes to talking to random strangers and I love her enthusiasm for the work. We had a great time tracting and found them a new contact as well.
Sunday was amazing! Both Jennifer and Christina came to the first two hours of church. Christina left ten minutes in and finished out the remainder of sacrament meeting in the mothers room. Jennifer really enjoyed both sacrament meeting and gospel doctrine. We invited her back this next week and she said she'd love too.
Little by little we're making progress. Sister Northcutt and I are really trying to be as exactly obedient as we can be and I know that the Lord has been blessing us each day because of our desires to follow him..
The reason why I’m so late in writing this week is because this morning a member in the ward said she'd take us to the St. Louis zoo....which was amazing! it’s perfect weather out there and the animals were all out and about, and we all had an opportunity to ride the carousel. It has been a great morning.
My thought comes from Alma 32 concerning faith like a seed. I think we all know and understand this analogy, but as I was studying it this last week I was thinking how when we nurture our seed that we need to make sure that we are giving it the proper nourishment that it needs. We need to make sure we don't over water it... So when we study we need to be specific, and study those things that will help us strengthen our testimonies. Reading your scriptures every day, saying your prayers, going to church is all great but sometimes we reach a spiritual plateau and doing those things doesn't really cut it. It’s like exercising. After a while we get comfortable with what we are doing and once we get to that point we need to increase our reps/sets/speed etc. When we are specific in our study/prayers we receive that specific strength.
I love you all!
sister salmon