Let It Snow

December 21st:

What makes a baby go up,down, and loop-de-loop? 

A stroller coaster! 

 I don't have a lot of time today. So here is a short and sweet email. Well...all of my emails are that way. First of all, I miss the snow!!! Everyone has signs that say "Let it Snow!", and it makes me really mad. It can't snow in Florida. "Let it Rain" would be more fitting. That is my little tangent for the day. 

 This week was busy! We had our mission Christmas party at the beach! I am pleased to announce my zone was the winners of the sand castle contest! 

 We were so lucky and got to go to "Night in Bethlehem", The Tampa stake puts together this huge live nativity every year. It is really popular. Everyone we meet says, " Oh I've been to the night in Bethlehem with your church."  I really wanted to go, and to make it even better we got to go with a recent convert, and can I just say that I love her to the moon and back. Taylor is awesome! All of you need to meet her. You truly meet life time friends on your mission. And to think if I never came on a mission, I wouldn't have met her or anyone else that I have built a relationship with. I am eternally grateful for my mission! 

On Wednesday we taught young womens. I love the YWs program. We talked about individual worth, I have been pondering that a lot this last week. If we all saw ourselves and others how our Father in Heaven did, the world would be a different place. It breaks my heart to see the youth think they are worthless.   I mean we are all sons and daughters of a God! What is more powerful and motivating than that? We were created to be successful! We have a savior who makes that possible, and you have a Father in Heaven who knows and loves you!  You always hear people say" I am trying to find myself", I am sorry but that is dumb. You are a child of God, that is who you are! you have to reach that potential by following Christ, It isn't about finding yourself, it is about making yourself! 

I hope you all have a splendid Christmas! Remember the Reason for the Season! 

Merry Christmas! 

1. Sometimes I think people see us, and fly away just like the birds in this picture :) It really happens. Yesterday someone saw us walking towards them, she stopped turned around and started walking in the other direction.

I have a Mormon in my cupboard?

December 14th 2015:

What do carnivores eat in space?

Meat-eors. 

All I have to say is I love Peggy so much! She got baptized right before I got here. We have a recent convert lesson with her once a week, and I look forward to it every time. She has been through a lot, she is hands down one of the sweetest 59 year old ladies I know! Anyways, I was looking at her bookshelf, and I saw a book written by Glen Beck. I asked her if she knew that he was Mormon, and she said " I have a Mormon in my cupboard?". I love her and I want to bring her home with me. 

It is hard being away from home during the Holidays, but it is also a really fun time to be a missionary! People are just so much nicer and more receptive. We went caroling this last week with some lovely ward members, Taylor and Kiana (Don't worry I whispered the songs so they couldn't hear my angelic voice). Everyone that opened the door first looked shocked, but then had the biggest smile on their face. I loved it! It was a great way to share the special Christmas spirit. 

 

This last week we met a lady named Jasmine. She has the cutest family! We met her outside her house. We said a prayer with her and got a return appointment. We went to her house for her appointment, she didn't answer. We were a little bummed, but not surprised, because it wouldn't be the first time. Sister Morgan and I decided to finish tracting her street, once we got to the end of the street we prayed to know what to do next. After we finished we looked at Jasmines house, and saw someone getting out of the car. We went back to her house, and knocked on her. She answered and of course had forgotten but still let us in. We taught her the Restoration. When Sister Morgan shared the Jospeh Smiths Vision the spirit was SO STRONG. Her eyes were locked on the picture. We talked about how baptism can give her a fresh start, and she said "I want that!" I replied " we can help you with that. The spirit was so strong in the room, I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest!!! It was a great lesson. We set a date for January 9th. We are excited to watch her make the changes she desires! 

Well I hope you all have a great week! Also, you should all watch a savior is born, and share it EVERYWHERE!  

Sister J 

Wherefore I could not be shaken.

November 30th 2015:

How much salt do crabs put on their food?

Just a pinch. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope you all had a great week! 

 We had a pretty good week! We set a date with our investigator Alain! He is the one from France, who doesn't have a religious background. We saw him pretty much ever day this week, we had to start from the very basics with him. We have really focused on prayers, and telling him to pray morning and night! It has been amazing to watch him come to know he has a Father in Heaven, and a Savior who died for him. We asked if he had been praying, and he told us that God talked back! Oh, it was music to our ears! We asked him if he would say the closing prayer, he didn't even reply he just started praying. He started out in English and finished in French, so we didn't know what he said. But thank goodness for Sister Arick and her translation skills. She told us he said; " Dear Heavenly Father, I hope you are their. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen." Isnt it amazing that God answers everyone prayers even if they are as simple and basic as that? Every time we see  him, his countenance changes. I am eternally grateful that I get to be apart of this!

 Wherefore I could not be shaken. This scripture really stood out to me. This always makes me question where is my testimony at? Am I built upon a sandy or a rocky foundation? I challenge you to ask yourself. See where you are at! Because this life is stinking hard! But, why make it even harder than it needs to be, that is the whole reason we have the Gospel Of Jesus Christ. It makes life easier! It makes life simple. Keep it simple stupid( that always goes through my head). This Gospel isn't rocket science. It is so simple a child can understand it! Everyday I see people who don't have a strong foundation, they let the winds of the world shake their faith. 

 Jacob 7:5 And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken.

1. Thanksgiving day!! 

2. Me making a pie!   

3. AHHHH!!! 

Sister J

When life throws you a lemon, make lemonade!

November 23 2015:

What kind of monkey floats? 

A hot-air baboon! 

Hello family and friends! First of all I would like to apologize for my awful grammar and punctuation. You don't really have a lot of time to make sure everything is perfect, and I clearly didn't get the good English traits from my dad. and just so you all know I know how to spell hole, I realized I used the wrong one after I had already pushed the send button. Whoops.

 

This week has been crazy and full of miracles!!! I don't really know where to begin. We have met a ton of people this week, and we have a lot of return appointments.One of them is from France and he has a really cool French accent, he doesn't really have a religious background so we are going really simple with him. The Lord is truly blessing us! I am excited for this next week. 

There have been countless times where I have been given words in the very minute I have needed them. This scripture is so true; Matthew 10:19. I have been asked some crazy questions that I have never even thought about, and before I knew it I was answering them! That has happen a couple of times, and it is crazy to watch the Lord work through me. When I first got out I was nervous, because I didn't really know anything. I knew it was true, and that was enough. The Lord qualifies who he calls. Plus, this is His work there is no way he is going to leave us alone to do His work! He has been here every step of the way. I truly have come to know who my Savior is and what he has done for me and for you! 

 

I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

PS. If you want to make a missionaries Holidays, send them a letter. 

I found a Dr. Seuss flower!!! 

Sister J 

Get out of the hole instead of making it deeper.

November 16th 2015:

What did one volcano say to the other volcano? 

I lava you! 

Awe wasn't that sweet? 

Get out of the hole instead of making it deeper. The caption of the week has been brought to you by Sister Morgan. I love this! Life is hard, but sometimes we make it a lot harder than it needs to be. We just need to stop throwing ourselves a pity party, grow up and do something about it. My brother Josh is the perfect example of getting out of the hole instead of making it deeper, so shout out to him! I love you Josh! 

What a week. This week has just flown by! Sister Morgan and I are teaching a lot of people on the streets and at doors, but no one seems to be sticking. Which kind of stinks, but I just have to remind myself that we are just in the planting part of missionary work. Nothing is going to grow if you don't plant, I tell myself that often:) 

 

We received a referral a couple weeks ago from someone we had just met on the street. They gave us their friends name and apartment number. They weren't 100% sure if it was the right number, but they said we could try. Sunday evening we went to contact them. First of all the complex is really confusing, and there are a lot of buildings. We finally found it and no one answered. We knocked the door across from it, and no one answered there either. We were getting ready to leave and someone was getting out of their car, so we decided to wait to see if it was him. To our surprise it was someone from our ward, and even more to our surprise it was her apartment that the referral supposedly lived. We told her what happen, and asked if we could share a short 15 minute message with her. She said we could, and it was very clear that she has been going through a lot and needed a message. It definitely wasn't a coincidence! It amazes me the miracles that happen everyday. Gods hand was most definitely in this. I mean what are the odds?! 

On your mission you get to see these miracles every single day. Which just reminds me time and time again, that we have a Father in Heaven that loves us so much! He knows exactly
what we need and when we need it. 

Sister J 

If you want to punch Satan in the face, open your mouth and preach :)

November 2nd 2015

Whats dead and buzzes? 

a zom-bee

 Here is a little explanation for my captions every week, a lot of the time they are from something someone said, or a random thought that comes to mind. sometimes I forget to explain them, so in the future when I  forget, just know it was probably something funny an old person said to me. :) 

 Nothing really happen this week. Poor Sister Morgan was sick, so we had to stay in for a couple of days. Not much to report. But I thought I would send a joke and some pictures. Everyone skips to that part anyways. 

Have a splendid week. 

Oh, Florida.

Sister Morgan

My chicken is shaped like Florida. :)

Halloween

Sister J

Widowville.

October 26th 2015

Why was the ice cream lonely? 

Because the Banana split. 

This last week has been crazy. There are a lot of more experienced people in my area. ;) like a lot, My ward is full of them! And I love it so much. This last week we went and helped at an event at a retirement community. You have to be over 55 to live there. You know on movies where they have bingo night? Well it is a real thing! They most definitely have bingo night! We helped out with their raffle drawing and we played cards with all of them. I learned two things that day. 1. I am allergic to cats. 2. I am awful at card games. Sister Morgan and I sat by this sweet lady named Hazel. She kept telling us she felt like she lived in Widowville. I guess she kind of did. :(

Our mission has been really making a focus on teaching simply but powerfully. We have been teaching the restoration in 4 minutes. At first I didn't really like it, I felt like a robot missionary. But let me just tell you,that spirit that is there when you teach the Restoration is so strong! One of my absolute favorite things to do is give the first vision. The spirit is incredible. We have been going into members homes and teaching the restoration, and it has been a very inspiring experience. This truly has taught me how simple this gospel really is, just like president Uchtdorf taught at general conference. 

I hope you all have a good week! 

Hazel

My future

Sister J 

Rolling with the punches.

October 19th 2015:

What kind of music do birds like?

squak and roll 

Man, when I left on my mission I thought I was done with the goodbyes. Boy was I wrong. I am now in my new area! My companion is Sister Morgan she is from Portland Oregon. She is awesome. We are serving in the St. Petersburg area. It is a great old town. Lots of nice people, and lots of not nice people. It is great. 

 I don't have to much to write about this week, I am just trying to get all settled in and adjusted to everything. If you know me, you know I do not like changes. I think the Lord is trying to teach me something with how much I am getting moved around.

​Here is a funny story for you. This is something I can see Josh doing, and I am sure he will do it after he reads this. Sister Morgan and I were taking a nice walk. Well, we really were on a hunt to find the elect. Anyways, I am always watching the ground for money, and I saw a quarter on the ground. I did what any human would do, I picked it up. unfortunately it wasn't all that easy. Somebody glued the stupid quarter to the ground!! So I just looked like an idiot trying to pick it up,don't worry it only took me a couple of seconds to realize. :)

Well folks I miss you all! I hope you all have a splendid week! 

Here is my new address: 

 5714 Calais lane 

st. petersburg FL. 33714

Let the letter writing begin!!! 

​1. Does it look like I am climbing the tree? 

Sister J

Do I look like a nun?

October 12th 2015:

what cleans the floor and then comes back to you?

A broom-erang. 

 Well folks my time in Tampa 2 has come to an end. Transfers came and I am getting the boot, once again. But, I am okay this is the Lords work and Ill work wherever I am put. That is something that I really learned this transfer, this isn't my work. These people aren’t mine. They are the Lords! I am lucky I get to even play a small roll in bringing the gospel to them.

 Sorry this week’s email is short, I don't have a lot to write about. But I will be honest with all of you. It was a pretty hard transfer, and I want all of you to know that all of the prayers have helped! God truly answers prayers. I have seen it happen multiple times on my mission. Sometimes they don't come in the way we want them to, so we don’t recognize it as our answer. God is our loving Heavenly Father, of course he is going to talk back. Just like any other dad would.

You all know the drill; ill send my new address next week!

Have a good week!

1. sorry its blurry, because of the humidity.

2. Shout out to the mom for supplying me with a new p day shirt.

3. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Sister J

Don't hide what God gave you.

October 5th 2015:

What is a pirate's favorite school activity? 

Arrrrrts and crafts. 

First of all, general conference was AMAZING!!!  I loved every minute of it. General conference on your mission is the best. 

Here is a  funny story for you. This actually happened a couple of weeks ago, I am just bad at writing weekly emails, so I am now telling you about it. Sister De Jesus and I went to the store to purchase ingredients for a rootbeer float for one of our recent converts. We walked in the soda isle, I reached up and grabbed the rootbeer. Sister De Jesus grabbed my arm and said, " Sister Judkins that is Beer!!''. I laughed pretty hard and explained to her that it wasn't. I still don't know if she believes me, But hey she had some, so I guess she did! 

Now,  wise words of sister Judkins, or on other words something I have learned from my short time on my mission. This short message is the reason for my caption of the week. When I first got here I thought you had to be this robot missionary, and you couldn't be yourself. Don't ask me why I thought that, I am still trying to figure that out. But, as the weeks have gone on, I have learned the power of a personality. Your personality is a gift from God. Why would you hide something God gave you? The more I have found that I am myself when sharing the gospel, the more genuine I sound, and the more the people can tell the power in the message I have to share. They can tell my love for this gospel ,because I am being myself! This lesson doesn't just apply to a mission. It applies to every stage of your life. school, dating, even when you are married. "Everyone else in the world is taken, so be yourself."(a quote from I don't remember where) Don't try to change to fit in with friends at school. If they aren't accepting you, because of who you are, they are NOT worth it. They are not real friends. Think of it this way, if we were all the same person life would be so boring, We would all be the exact same. That is why we have been given personalities. We all have something to offer to the table, there is a reason you are you! Remember you are all sons and daughters of God, and their is a purpose you are the way you are! Be yourself, and let it shine!! Don't forget it! 

1.Here is an awkward pic of me. Enjoy 

2. Please ignore my socks, my feet were cold during conference. Also 6 months ago I watched conference with this wonderful sister. And six months later we watched it together again! one more!! 

3. One day we decided to hand out 14 Book of Mormons.

Sister J

Missions are Miracles

Sept 28th 2015

What did the termites do when they went to a restaurant?

They asked for a table for two, then they ate it. 

Okay that one was dumb, ill try better next week. 

Missions are miracles for example, one of my favorite shirts had stains all over it. I washed it a couple of times to get the stain out, and nothing worked. So finally I said a prayer that the stains would go away the next time I washed it. God works in mysterious ways. You will all be happy to know that my shirt is as good as new! No stains. I kid you not! It truly was a miracle. 

 

God never ceases to amaze me. He truly leads you to the prepared. Sister De Jesus and I went trackting. We have made a goal to talk with everyone, there was this guy smoking in his garage, so we went up and asked if we could pray with him. He said we could, and after the prayer he told us about what he has been through. He got in a bad car accident and almost died, he had a near death experience. Let me just tell you, you know when you are talking to someone who is prepared to hear the gospel. The spirit was SO strong. The faith he has is incredible. He has been through so much. He cant change the past, but he can change the future, and the gospel is going to help him do that. I don't care what you are going through, it is nothing the gospel cant fix. It might not be able to take away your trail or your problems, but it gives you hope and an eternal perspective. If there is one thing I have learned on my mission it is that Gods hand is in everything. Just be patient, and one day you will know why things happened the way they did. Easier said than done, but that is why patience is a Christlike attribute.

 

Shout out to all my young women leaders for the letters and package you sent me! You made my week. It was so nice to hear from all of you, it made me cry! 

See-You did make me cry!

Where are my eagles at?!?

Determination!

You know you are in Florida when...

I love her.

Sister J

If you can't swim with the gator, get out of the swamp.

September 21 2015

There is no story behind the caption for this weeks email, I just liked it. :) 

What doll likes to grill meat? 

Barbie-que. 

Hi friends! I hope all is well back at home. Life in Florida is good! I wish that I could tell you everything and all of the details that happen every week, but there is just no time! Just know that a mission is the hardest thing I have ever done, but the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Saving souls is no easy job, it is hard and exhausting. But it is the most important thing I could be doing. On the hard days I want to just go home, I am constantly reminded of the important work I am doing. Everyday I am reminded that I truly do need the Saviors atonement. I fall short with everything I do, I can not do it on my own. I could not do this work if I didn't have the savior with me every step of the way! And that is how this work is possible, it's possible because I am set aside to represent Jesus Christ, and I can promise you that his hand is guiding this work!! My calling truly is great, I am representing the person who died for each and every single one of us! Woah!!! But, the thing is all the members of the church are too! We all have this calling, the only difference is I have a name tag, and you don't . I never realized the importance of the baptismal covenants, and what it truly means to stand as a witness of Christ. I now understand what it means, and my life will forever be changed. Missions change you. They change your life for the better. It shapes you how the Lord wants to shape you, instead of the world, friends, media shaping you. What is shaping you? The Lord? or the world? 

 

I see miracles each and every day. sometimes they are bigger than others, and sometimes they are small. But they are there! This church is true. And please remember that Heavenly Father has a purpose to everything, just be patient. I have to remind myself that everyday. 

1. Florida's sunsets are the best. 

2. Only on the mission is it okay to take pictures with food. 

 

I LOVE YOU ALL!!

What famous person opens there door?!

September 14th 2015:

What is Baby Beluga's favorite song?

The Whales on the bus!

 

  You are all probably wondering why I picked this caption, well let me just tell you. yes, John Cena!! Sister Olson and I decided we were going to go try again. The past few times we have gone he hasn't been home. But, we weren't giving up! It was a nice Tuesday evening, the sun was setting the weather was perfect. We climbed through the bushes to get past the big gate blocking his neighborhood. We walked up to his house, he had this old green Durango parked in front of his house ( not what you would be expecting John Cena to be driving), and the house lights were on. I told sister olson I would talk if someone answered. We rang the doorbell, and when you cant hear the doorbell ring you know that they are rich, we waited a couple of seconds, and this HUGE guy starts walking to the door. I saw his feet and looked up. Lo and behold John Cena! Tapout shirt, cauliflower ear and all! He opened the door, I was barely able to get out the words " We are missionaries and we received information you wanted to learn more about our church" You just might want to sit down for his response.... He chuckled and said " you've been misinformed." and shut the door. We both just left speechless. We both had a lot regret. Sister Olson and I both wished we had said more, but what famous person opens there door?! It wasn't a lack of faith, we just didn't think he would answer his own door!! We weren't prepared to talk to him. So unfortunately I wont be converting John Cena. I am sorry if I disappointed you all!

 

Sorry this is so short. It was just a really hectic week, and I don't have enough time to write about everything that happens. I love you all!

Sister J

 

John Cena's house

Did you know?

Sept. 7th 2015

Did you know in Brazil Dora teaches English not Spanish. I know it blew my mind too!

Why did the mastodon get sent to the principals office? 

Because he was a 'bully" mammoth!

Well folks its been a week! I hit my 6 month mark, Katrina got married, I got a new companion. It has been insane! I am still in the same area, I was told I was getting transferred. But they just added another set of missionaries, Sister Olson and I. We are opening a new area in the ward. the work has been really moving so they brought another set of missionaries to help the work. We are pretty pumped. We live with Sister Sackley who trained the both of us. We have a lot of fun, when president announced what was going on, all of us screamed, we were so excited.

This is all for now! :)

Here is my new address: 

2410 Hillary Crest St. 

apt. 205

Wesley Chappel Fl, 33544

Ps. Shout out to the new Mr and Mrs. Stringham! I wish I could have been there! I love you both! 

1. Celebrating Katrina's wedding at Red Robbin! 

2. Sister Olson

Sister J

Embrace the grind

August 31st 2015

What do frogs eat with their hamburgers? 

French "flies".

I haven't taught Sister De Jesus much English, but this last week I taught her how to say Sponge bob. unfortunately she had no idea what I was talking about. I had to go to desperate measures- draw a picture of spongebob. Thankfully she was able to figured it out from my poor attempt at drawing, Apparently in Portuguese its; Bob Sponge. I bet you didn't know that! 

I don't even know where to start with this week. We have done sooo much! We beat our record of lessons in a week! We have been teaching so much. I have been blessed with a chance to watch people change, and it is all because of The Book of Mormon! 

One of the lessons we had this week was at the recreational center, our investigator was running late, which gave us some time to explore a little bit. We just happen to find a PET CEMETERY! This would only happen in Florida, everyone has a pet! I mean everyone! It is insane, so I guess it makes sense that they would have a cemetery for all the billions and billions of pets in Florida. I found the definition of a cat lady, well in this case a cat man. There was a guy buried with all 6 of his cats! Yes, you read that right. It was quite the adventure. Oh Florida.....

Well folks I am sad to say I am getting transferred. This would be the reason for my caption of the week; Embrace the grind. Thanks you dad for giving it to me!  I would be lying if I said I wasn't slightly mad! I am not done in this area!! I am sorry to end on a sad note, but I wont lie weekly emails aren't my favorite to write! So I will send more pictures, because pictures are worth a thousand words. 

I love you all! 

Ps. If you are writing me a letter hold off, until I can  send my new address. 

1. the pet cemetery

2. We surprised a family with a delivery from the bishop storehouse. it was one of the most humbling experiences ever.

3. Nail party

4. Cat Man

I wish I was a Brazilian.

August 26th 2015:

What kind of cookies do trolls eat? 

Goat-meal raisin. 

That wasn't the best one...sorry. 

  There are a lot of Brazilian families in my ward, and they had a huge birthday party this last week. Lets just say it is a good thing that missionaries aren't aloud to dance, because I would have looked like a fool dancing next to them. Brazilians know how to shake it. I thought I was somewhat good at dancing, but then I went to the birthday party. My hopes and dreams were crushed Saturday evening. When I get home from my mission I will be moving to Brazil ASAP, so I can learn how to dance the right way. Then I will show you all up!! 

I think my emails are really starting to get repetitive with me talking about how crazy the weeks are. But, when I say it, I mean it! It was another crazy busy week this week. We met with Jarrod and he told us he is over 50% sure the book of Mormon is true. That will change real fast. He reads everything we give him, in fact he has called us for more things to read! He knows its true! We have been teaching Jarrod for about three weeks now, and he has changed. The Book of Mormon is changing him! Never underestimate the Book of Mormon. If you don't have a testimony- read it. If you feel alone- read it. If you need direction- read it. If you have questions- read it. I think you get the idea now, but I am serious. I have watched that book change lives! It can change yours!

You know on the Grinch how he just hates everyone and wants everyone to have a horrible Christmas, and then he has a heart attack because Cindy-Luho made his heart grow. Well that is what the people in Tampa Florida are doing to me! They are changing my life, missionaries aren't kidding when they talk about how you really grow to love the people. you do! No matter where you are! 

Well friends I want you all to know that I love it here. I love serving my Lord! There is a lot that I am missing at home, and a lot that I wish I could be home for. But after knowing what the gospel can do for you, and watching it really change peoples lives, there is no way I could stay home. There is no where else I would rather be ( Whenever I say that I think of the Shaniah Twain song.)! If you are debating on going or not, please take my word for it! It is the best decision you could ever make! It is so hard, I wont lie to you. Some days you just want to throw in the towel. But, then the Lord reminds you of the great work you are doing, and he reminds you of what he did for us so that we can be with our families for eternity, and that is exactly what gets me through the days I want to come home. We all have the knowledge of eternal families. Some people don't know that. I love my family so much! They mean the world to me! I cant imagine thinking that after this life I would never see them again. and that is why I am out here. 

Have a good week! 

1. my poor attempt at a scared face. 

2. My sister Training leaders 

Sister J

Families that pray together stay together!

August 17th 2015

What do you call someone who designs dog houses? 

A bark-itect. 

Haha I know what a knee slapper! 

Ola! In case you were wondering that is hello in Portuguese. I can not believe everybody is starting school this week, it blows my mind! I hope you all have a splendid time sitting in class all day. :) Been there, done that! A mission is so much better. 

 

So much has happen this last week, and I don't remember any of it! Your days and weeks just turn into a giant blob! I do remember that this last week was full of miracles though. We were able to set 4 dates IN ONE DAY!! I couldn't believe it, this doesn't happen everyday in the mission field, let alone four in one day! There are so many prepared people in this area, and I am so lucky that I have the opportunity to bring the gospel to them. I truly have an amazing calling! If you are debating on going on a mission, DO IT! It will be hard, but it is so worth it. Missions are hard, but not impossible! 

 

This last week we got a couple of our investigators to say the closing prayer! Can I just tell you an investigator praying for the first time, IS MY FAVORITE THING ON THIS EARTH! The spirit is so strong, and you can just feel Heavenly Fathers love for them. Their prayers are so sweet and sincere, and they have truly touched my life for the better. In Ramece's (one of our date sets)  prayer, he talked about how he thinks we read his mind, because whenever we teach him something, it just so happen to be exactly what he had been thinking/ wondering before we came over. The spirit is real. 

Well folks I love you all! Thank you for all the emails, letters, and prayers! They are felt, and I can feel every prayer! Good luck with school and all that fun stuff. 

Can I tell you how happy I am to have her back in my ward?!

Nothing better than a free hair cut.

Real missionary work.

My week=Dr. appointments for Sister Huber.

Sister J

I'm all prayed up.

August 10th 2015

Who in the world is all "Prayed up"?! Yes, that is an excuse we got this week. People can be a little ridiculous. This is when I like to say, excuses are like arm pits, everyone has them and they ALL STINK!

  

Before I get started: What is sweet, round, and deadly?

A tae-kwon do-nut.

  

This week was busy and crazy, just like every week in the mission field. I am almost half way through this transfer, time goes by way to fast here. There is so much that I want to do in this area. Transfers are great motivation in making every day count.

  

This last week we knocked on a guy’s door that met with missionaries and was given a book of Mormon a couple years ago. We are really excited to teach him, he has a true desire to learn more, and those are my favorite people to teach. One thing that can be kind of hard with missionary work is that a lot of the time you don’t see the fruit of your labor. You plant a lot of seeds in hopes that one day they will get in contact with missionaries again. This is a perfect example of someone planting a good seed! The missionaries that taught him a couple of years ago, will probably never find out he is taking the lessons again. They might not even know that they planted a really good seed. Sometimes I have to remind myself this! That even if they don't want to hear the gospel, or they are all prayed up, we planted a seed. And they will always remember the Mormon missionaries. The missionaries in my last area keep telling me that Sister Sutton and I planted a lot of seeds, everyone they talked to says, " Oh we talked to the two blonde missionaries and we watched "Because He Lives"." And they were able to get a couple of lessons out of them! When I heard this it made me really happy!

This last week I followed my father’s advice and thought about my testimony and how it started and how it has grown. This last week I focused on The Book of Mormon, and how I grew to know that it is true. I can't think of an exact time where I had angels come down from heaven and proclaim the truth of The Book of Mormon. As a matter of fact I don't think many of you have had that experience either. As I think back, I have always known it was true. I know it is true from the feelings that I get when I read. The B of M truly is a powerful book; it has brought me so much peace and comfort in my life. There have been plenty of times where I have read it and didn’t understand any of it, or it went in one ear and out the other. But, it is the effort. If you put that effort in, you will get something out of it. Maybe you won’t realize a difference right away, but it will come over time. You will notice the spirit more in your life. And who doesn’t want the spirit? The spirit it was carries the message into your heart, and when you read the book of Mormon the spirit comes. I know the Book of Mormon is true! I love that book so much! Sometimes I just want to stand on a bench and proclaim the love I have for the book of Mormon, but I don't so I just do it at the doorstep instead. :)

 Well friend I love you all.

Sister J