Homecoming Talk

One of the most important things I learned about in my mission was the significance of the doctrine of Christ. Our purpose as missionaries was the doctrine of Christ. Our purpose was to “invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.” My love for those principles and ordinances has greatly increased because of my mission. I will start off by talking about faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ is such a vital principle. Faith is a principle of action. If you have faith in Jesus Christ you trust in Him. You do what He has asked of you. You will learn more about Him and His teachings. You will strive to be more like Him and strive to keep all of His commandments. In the Book of Mormon, in Ether 12:4 Ether says, “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.” And then Moroni continues in verse 8 saying, “But because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which they have not seen.” And then in verse 12, “For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.” One of my investigators, she was a 19 year old girl. Before she met with us, she had read the entire Book of Mormon and knew it was true. As she met with us, her faith kept increasing. She just knew the gospel was true. She knew that this truly was God’s church. She already had a strong faith in Christ, but the teachings of this church, of the Book of Mormon, and of God’s gospel increased her faith in Christ even further. But as time went on, the trials came on. Family had always been so important to her. But her entire family was against her joining the church. They even threatened to disown her. Yet, she preserved and relied on the atonement of Christ. He was her anchor. She knew that He could strengthen her to endure. She didn’t know what would happen to her, but she trusted in God. As time passed, her family’s hearts started to soften bit by bit. When she was baptized into God’s church, they were okay with it, although they still didn’t support her. Even though her baptism was a happy day, it was a hard day with no family there to support. But she definitely saw how her faith in God blessed her in the end. So after faith, you are led to the step of repentance. If you truly love Christ, if you truly are His follower, you will repent and line yourselves and your hearts to His will. In the Bible dictionary it says, “Without this there can be no progress in the things of the soul’s salvation, for all accountable persons are stained by sin, and must be cleansed in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Repentance is not optional for salvation; it is a commandment of God.” I know this is this so true! As President David O. McKay said, “The purpose of the gospel is… to make bad men good and good men better.” And the only way you can do that is by repenting! But in order to really repent, you must go through the process of repentance. And I like to call this the ABC’s of repentance. First, you must Admit your problem and recognize that it was wrong. Second, you must Be sorry for doing it. You must have sincere and true sorrow. Third, you must Confess your sin to the Lord. Ask Him and those you sinned against for forgiveness. And you must do it sincerely or it will not count. The Lord knows your heart. He knows whether or not you are intent in your repentance or not. And so if you are doing it sincerely, you will do all you can to correct and fix the problems you may have caused. And the fourth step is Don’t do it again! You will recommit yourself to living God’s commandments. You will recommit yourself to never fall into the same temptation. You will do all you can do to follow God. And you will continually acknowledge that He is your Lord and your Savior. One of my more recent investigators experienced a lot of the repentance process. When we taught her the word of wisdom, which is a health code God has given us, she had to go through the repentance process. When she realized that tobacco was bad, she admitted her problem right there and then. She recognized that according to what we had taught her that tobacco “was not for the body”. She then was sorry for her habit and confessed it to us and to God. She prayed for his help to quit. Then she never picked up a cigarette again. She quit cold turkey. My companion and I were very impressed by her strong dedication to God. For every commandment we taught her, she committed to live it right away. She was always repentant, ready to follow God, to give up everything she had in order to be right with him. After having faith in Christ and repenting, the next step is Baptism! Some people ask, why must we be baptized? Well, one of the answers is because it is a commandment of God. In 2 Nephi 31:13 Nephi says, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism.” And then in verse 20 Heavenly Father states that if you do all of this, “Ye shall have eternal life.” Not only does baptism affect your eternal salvation, but also the now. As you are baptized into God’s church with the correct priesthood authority, you are also making a covenant with God. As I quoted before, you are promising God that you are willing to take upon the name of Christ. You also promise to always remember Him and to keep His commandments. In return God promises to forgive your sins, that you will be reborn in the waters of baptism, and that you will have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. What beautiful promises He has given to us who accept His will! What beauty! One man that I know who has seriously taken His baptismal covenant, even before he was baptized he was always eagerly helping out the elders quorum, volunteering for different projects and the such. From the first day we met him, he had such a glow about him. We could tell he had pure desires to know God and to come closer to Him. He was always looking for ways to serve others and to come closer to God. 6 months after his baptism, he was called to be the elder’s quorum president. He truly was keeping his baptismal commitment. After being baptized by water comes the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which is conferred upon you by the priesthood. Here you are promised to the right to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost always! What a sacred, special blessing God has promised. The Holy Ghost has many roles which can include: cleansing you, testifying of truth, comforting you, giving you added strength, guides you to do right, helps you feels God’s love, gives you feelings of peace, and much more. In 2 Nephi 32:5 it says, “For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.” The Holy Ghost is really there to help you through all things. He is our constant companionship, our constant guide – if we ask, he will help us with anything and everything. In 2 Nephi 32:9 it says, “But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.” I love this scripture because really, if we pray to have the spirit to be with us in our activities, he will help us through. I know this for a fact! The first investigator I ever had, he told us of an experience he had. He was asking his wife about the law of tithing. She was trying to explain to him why we do it, but it came to a point that she was frustrated in trying to explain it to him. So she told him she was just going to go to bed. But he really wanted to trust in God’s law of tithing. So he prayed and opened up the scriptures. He turned to Genesis 28 and it happened to be the very last verse that he read (verse 22) where his namesake, Jacob stated to God, “of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” Right then and there my investigator knew that if his namesake paid tithing so could he. And that was that. He knew that the Spirit of God definitely lead him to that scripture so he could believe and accept God’s law of tithing. After having faith, repenting of all your sins, being baptized into God’s church, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, all that is left is enduring to the end. Which sometimes can be the hardest part, but also the most rewarding. In 2 Nephi 31:20 Nephi says, “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” So really all we have to do is continue keeping the commandments, keep our baptismal covenants, and one day enter into the temple so we can continue to progress. One of my investigators just recently went through the temple with his wife. That day was a happy day for them. They had been waiting to be able to be sealed together forever for over a year – ever since he first believed in that principle of the gospel. And overall, he is doing really well. He still going to church. He’s still reading his scriptures every day. He’s still praying. He’s still nourshing his testimony every day. He’s still going to the temple often. He’s just loving being a member of God’s church. He always knew it had to be out there, but he didn’t know it until he met his wife. He definitely has committed himself to endure to the end. I know this church is true. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint has the fullness of God’s gospel. I know without a doubt that God exists. That He loves each and every one of us fully! I know that our purpose here on earth is to learn to become more Christ-like. I know that we can become better, overcome our natural weaknesses. I know that serving a mission was the right thing for me. I know that because of it my testimony has grown, I have grown. I know these things are true, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Last letter from the mission field!

Dear family, This week was a good week. We picked up a new investigator! She is the sister of the actress. She's 14. They have a great family. We pretty much met with the whole family...less active mom, 2 daughters, and the non-member husband sat behind us in the background, but he could hear everything if he wanted to. Only the 7 year old boy decided not to come down. It was a good lesson. One of our investigators kind of dropped us/we're dropping him. We've been trying to get him focused on the Book of Mormon, but he's not really interested in that and has refocused himself to studying the Bible. Silly man. But we are definitely focusing our efforts on his 13 year old step-son who is very interested and wants to be baptized. And also on the less active mom/wife. So yep. We've also done a lot of caroling/singing to people this last week. That was a lot of fun. We even went tracting and asked if people would let us sing to them. A lot of people were willing to let us sing to them, but after that...most weren't interested in talking to us, but they were nice in general and appreciated our caroling. Friday I went to the temple. Ten elders, the mission president, and me. That was really weird. People kept asking me if I was waiting for my companion, and then I'd tell them, I didn't have one at the moment! That was weird. But it was really nice being at the temple. It was very good for me. Very enlightening. :D We had our Christmas party on Friday night. It was really nice. Santa came! And we had really good tri-tip. We had other good lessons with some of our less actives and recent converts as well. They are all really good people. I love them all. There were some teary eyes on Sunday. :) And yesterday my bishop told me he would love to hear my testimony...so I was the first to get up from the congregation...wanted to get it over with easily...yet I did start crying as I was up there, I seem to do that every time I do that in sacrament meeting. Anyways. It was a good week. A good transfer. A good 18 months plus some. Since there are no sisters coming in, Sister Slaugh has been placed in a trio with the Rocklin sisters. They will be covering 2 wards for the next 6 weeks. The Thomsons (the people we live with) were really sad! They love having the sisters live with them! But such is life. The only thing constant is change. Embrace it. Love it! Be positive! Trust in the Lord! And all things will work together for your good! I love my mission life. I love missionary work. My testimony of it has blossomed! My testimony of the gospel has increased amazingly! And I feel that I have become better. I am so grateful for this time and how it's helped me to be who I am today. :) Love you all! See you soon! (oddly enough...it still hasn't registered though...) Love always, Sister Walston

How are all of you doing? Sounds like you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving! We had a real good one. We had a p-day. So in the morning we had a brunch with our zone. We had pancakes, fruit, potatoes, and juice. We played some basketball - yeah I did! Played hard against another sister. It was fun. We had a good time...and boy am I out of shape for basketball. But it was fun. Trevor taught me well. :) And then at 2 we went over to a family's house for dinner! They were running late, but we ate o'deurs...I really don't know how to spell that word...appetizer...hopefully you get what I'm meaning... It was a good dinner. It was the mother, her 4 children (ages 4-14), grandmother, and great-grandmother, and us. It was really nice. And then after that we went to our bishops house and played games with his youngest 3 daughters (ages 7, 14, 16). We played a zapping game...I didn't like it. If you didn't press a button at the right time, or before anyone else, you'd get zapped. The only reason I got zapped was because the 7 year old -tisk tisk - made me press the button before we had too. Haha, yep. They are a fun family. Full of girls. 4 girls to be exact. No boys. And then after that we got together again with our zone. A couple of us just passed a volleyball around - fun style. It was a nice good Thanksgiving Day. It was good. So this last week we found out that our investigator is unable to get baptized this weekend. Due to some personal matters - our mission president is on the help though. It's kind of funny, last night we were telling our district leader about it and he felt really bad for us. But I don't feel bad. First, I'm not surprised by this hold back. Second, it's all for the better. Third, she's so good and still learning that I'm not worried about her. She'll be fine to hold off her baptism for a time. Timing sometime is everything. When she gets baptized, it'll be the perfect timing. That's her story. Oh! Something really cool! We got 9 referrals from 1 member on Saturday! Way cool! And you know what!?! ...We all have someone we can work with and share the gospel with. Yesterday in our small ward council meeting, our ward mission leader was talking about some ideas he had. We all have someone out there that we can invite to a ward party, we all have someone we can have a small, simple gospel conversation with. We all have someone we can invite to hear us speak in sacrament meeting. To the friend being invited, it is a privilege. I love missionary work. Really, it is a lot more simple than people make it out to be. I love it. It is so worth it. Oh, and can I say again how much I love my ward again!? They are so good. Yesterday in our meeting, bishop asked how much longer I had. He asked if he could call the mission president and ask to extend my time, if it couldn't be 2 years. And then he offered to give me a calling in the ward. Jokingly of course, but also in seriousness, I could feel the love. I love this ward. They are so amazingly great. Let's see...oh! Last week - from zone conference, President Weston asked us each to read the Book of Mormon in 85 days. That's how long it took Joseph Smith to translate! So we are reading it in 85 days (about 6 pages a day). When he extended that commitment I was almost finished with the Book of Mormon, so for the last week or so I have been reading in 2 different spots in the Book of Mormon - it's been lovely. I just love the Book of Mormon so much! It is such a powerful book! It surely has been written for our day! I love it! It is true! It has been written by prophets of God! And as we are reading it in our 85 days, we are marking (we're using a free copy) every time it mentions Christ, his words, his attributes, and gospel doctrines and principles. I am loving it being able to do it this way...although my own personal Book of Mormon is marked really similarly. I love it. Oh! And Mom asked about my actress 17 year old investigator, well, we weren't able to meet with her this last week, but we stopped by yesterday and set up an appointment for Tuesday. She, and her 14 year old sister, and her less active mother have agreed to be part of the lessons! This will be so exciting! And one of the elders texted us today and said one of their investigators is moving into our boundaries! So we'll hopefully pick up 2 new investigators this week! Exciting! Yes. I love missionary work. It is the work of the Lord. Yesterday people kept mentioning our motto: Redeem the dead, Perfect the Saints, & Missionary Work. We should be focused on all 3. That is plain truth. That is our purpose for being here. That is our purpose as God's children who have the truth. That will be my life motto of work. Love you all! Have a lovely day and week! :D Love much! Sister Kristi Walston

November 19, 2012 Dear Family, How are all of you doing? Are ready for this lovely holiday called Thanksgiving? This week has been pretty fine. Thursday we had zone conference - with our mission president, assistants, and many other missionaries (3 different zones). It was really good. They showed a clip about the atonement. It was very powerful. The Savior went through so much for us. I don't think I can relate what I learned from the clip. But He's experienced it all. HE understands our pain, our sins, our sadness’s, our struggles, our inexperience, our confusion, our suffering, our feelings of grief, worry, anything and everything. HE understands it ALL. He is there for us. The Atonement covers everything! As long as we are repentant and humble and willing to place our life in His, He will succor us. He will help us. He will relieve us. I think that's something that overall I have learned a lot about on my mission. The Atonement is a wonderful thing. We also met with our investigator, whose baptism date is on December 1, 3 times this week. She had a smoking problem, but when we taught her the word of wisdom, right there and then she resolved to quit. She's so dedicated to the Lord. She understands His mercy and understands the necessity to follow His will. She is so good. Whatever commandment we teach her, she accepts right away. She is so good. We also picked up a new investigator! She's about 17 years old and is an actress. She is so sweet. Her mother is a less active member. But they have such a good family. Our new investigator is so willing and eager to learn. Overall, our other investigators are doing about the same. We are working, working hard, and learning a lot. Still. Both of us. Oh! I wanted to share a story from last week that I believe I forgot to tell you all! So we were walking down the street, we had tried visiting a potential investigator, but no luck. As we were walking we saw a group of people outside one house, with a little moveable campfire. Sister Slaugh, good as she is, walked up to them and said hi and asked if any of them were interested in hearing a message. One of them said, Yes. This special lady recently has decided that she needs to get close to God again. And she had been praying all week to make a decision on a job. She is so good. So ready to hear the message. Unfortunately she was visiting a friend and didn't live in the area. But we gave her a Book of Mormon and sent her to mormon.org. From Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon I was in Loomis on exchanges. It was finery. Oh, last Sunday was also our primary program. I love the children. They are so sweet, so cute, and just adorable! There are so many children here that I just love. We got a new ward mission leader yesterday. He is so cool, so on the ball. And young. (Our last one was ancient...and his health was not that good.) Our new ward mission leader has a great vision, to involve the youth; they are the heart of the church. He knows what his purpose is. He's knows what's going on. He is motivated. And he's the type of person that will get things done. (He was just the young men's president and loved it - so good at it.) So yeah, we are so excited for this new change here. Well, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! This Thanksgiving I will be spending it with some of our families. We've had 2 offers to feed us food. So we'll probably go and do that. I love you all bunches and bunches! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of thanks! I am thankful for all of you! I am thankful to my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ! And I am thankful for our loving Heavenly Father! Love you all! Until next time! Sister Walston

Dear Family, How are all of you doing? I am doing just fine right now. So this week - what have we been up to? Well, let's see. The new member lessons have been started with our most recent convert. She has such great home teachers. Our ward mission leader was released from his calling and put into the Sunday school presidency. Now we are ward mission leader-less. Hopefully they will call one real soon. We had a really good week full of lessons -a total of 22! We took with us an 18 year old girl, who is thinking to go on a mission, with us a couple of times now. She is so good. She is prepared to serve. And we just love her and her family. They are so good. Her older brother, who is 21, is serving a mission here with us in the California Roseville Mission. He has something...like cerebral palsy...I don't even know if I spelt that right. His body doesn't quite work right, but he is so smart and funny - his brain is all there. He uses a walker to get around. Each day of his mission, he spends with a different set of elders that use a car. He is such a great asset to our mission. One of the elders said about him, "There is no reason, no excuse we can make for not going on a mission. If Elder Barney can do it, anybody can." He is such a good little example. We had a few lessons with some of our investigators. It was a couple of our elders birthdays this last week. We made them cake and cards to celebrate. We had a zone meeting. It was really good. We talked about how the Doctrine of Christ is our foundation, that is what our faith and testimony are built upon; and through that our gospel knowledge increases, we have a good work ethic, we are obedient, and we have a good attitude. There was a little drawing that went with it...but can't really draw that on this email. One day. But we talked about how we need to consistently work on those 4 things. They help build and upkeep our testimony and faith in Christ. All of it is essential. Something else I thought and pondered and heard about this week was due to the new age limit of sister missionaries. We are in the last days. We need to prepare and be strong in the face of adversity. The Lord has lowered the age of sister missionaries to build and prepare mothers for these last days. Missions will help train mothers for the last days. The mothers of this time need to be strong in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are facing hard times in these days. The world around us is falling into Satan's traps. He is pulling down the values and morals of society. He is pulling down the goodness, taking away the peace. But we can maintain all of that ourselves if we build upon the foundation - the doctrine of Christ. We can have peace. We can have happiness. But we need to be strong. Prepared. Missions help strengthen testimonies. Missions help build the soul of the missionary. I have learned so much from my mission. Missions are a blessing; a key to strengthening the character, the testimony of a soul. The worth of souls is great in the sight of God. I know that my mission has been a blessing to me, is still a blessing to me, and will continue to be a blessing to me. It has not only affected my life, but my current family's lives and I know it will continue to affect my future family's life. Missions are a blessing. They build are character and help us prepare for the future days of this life - the latter days - the last days. I am so grateful for this opportunity. So grateful. Thank you for all your help and support in letting me coming out here. This life is the time to prepare ourselves to become better and to meet God. A mission has helped me with that. Well, thank you again. I love you all so much! You are all wonderful. Wonderful, inspiring, and lovely people. Thank you for being part of my life. Love you tons and bunches! Your sister missionary, Sister Walston

It's crazy how time flies by. Can't believe it's November now! Crazy! That means Trevor boy will almost be 19! Crazy! But exciting! How's everyone been? Sounds good from the sounds of it. We had a baptism this weekend! That was exciting. I was thinking about it and all we did to help her reach that point was turn on the water for the font (which luckily was the perfect temperature - right before the program started it felt kind of cool, so we turned off the cold water and kept on the hot water for the next 15 mintues...thank goodness when she got in there it was perfect she said - whooo, what a relief since I told her it would be perfect temperture - the Lord truly does keep the promises of his servants). Haha, when we taught her the lessons she pretty much knew it all already. She's a really sweet lady. Her husband is really sweet too, not a member, though. I think because of his wife's example that there is hope of him joining one day soon. She grew up in Pennsylvannia! 2 of our investigators, step-father and step-son, came to the baptism. That was good. I think it helped...a bit. We talked with them quite a bit after the service...like an hour. The son, he's so funny. Before we left, he knelt before Christ's picture and prayed and then as we were leaving he told me, "Don't forget to pray to my brother Jesus." Good kid. Last Tuesday we had our ward trunk-or-treat party. It was good. We got to taste test the soups. That was an experience and I was grateful none of them were very spicy. For Halloween night we ate dinner with the members that we live with. And then we cleaned and organized our lives. Our members gave out big candies to the trick-or-treaters - they go all out! We got a lot of referrals this week. That was pretty exciting. And 3 from one member! I love missionary-minded people. It is so important to share the gospel with others. So many people are decived by Satan. So many have a majority of the truth, but are missing keys pieces to God's gospel. Last night I was reading Mormon 8, and oh boy, how the last full page of that chapter totally describes the world how it is today. The world thinkcing it is okay to do this or that and God will not care. Oh how wrong they are, oh how decieved they are by Satan. I had an experience yesterday that made me realize how suttle Satan is in bringing us down. It all starts with a thought. Satan doesn't want us to be happy. He wants us to be miserable like himself. One thought of doubt - of others or yourself - that is Satan. One thought of negativity - of others or yourself - that is Satan. He works hard to help you feel jusitified in your emotions and in your actions. And eventually because of him we can lose the Spirit of God. Our constant, righteous companion, the Holy Ghost. God will be on our side, we (I) just need to learn to cast out those doubts, those negative thoughts, those fears. They pull us down into captivity and in that captivity there is no happiness. Happiness is only founded on obedience to God's commandments. God has commanded us to become as a child. Humble, submissive, loving, gentle, understanding, meek, and ect. If we love others. If we have positive thoughts. God will be there. The Spirit will be there. I know it. I love it. And I will strive to live it. I love you all so much! I hope you all have a wonderful week and day! Remember, remember the Lord. Remember to be happy, to be positive, to love others. I know that much good will come of it. Love always and forever, Sister Kristi Walston

Hello dear family and all. How are all of you doing this fine day? Well, this week the question of the moment... Oh! So you want to hear the exciting part first?! Well, we were able to teach our newer investigator (the one that we thought disappeared, but came back) - we taught her 2 this week. And! We set a baptism date with her for December 1! That was exciting. Yes, indeed. And! This weekend we are having a baptism! The investigator who had been exploring the church for the last 2 years and has been consistently coming to church since January and already has a calling in the primary and she had been out of town in the month of September and is back and was interviewed and passed and is getting baptized this weekend. Pretty exciting, yes indeed. So that's the real exciting news. Otherwise, we are still trying to teach and help increase people's faith in Jesus Christ. One of our investigators, well, he's got his walls up and is being stubborn and a little argumentative, but then wants to know and learn... The 13 year old son, well he is doing just great. He is so funny though. So, funny. Just got to be there to know it. Otherwise, we haven't been able to meet with any of our other investigators. Due to being busy, doctor appointments, or being doubtful. Yep. Oh, one of our investigators...whom we haven't been able to meet with for a whole transfer and a week...well, she had her birthday on Dad's birthday! So this past Saturday, we made her a card and left it with her grandmother to give to her. So yep... really that's our investigators in a nutshell. Oh...and the person we were hoping to pick up last week...he canceled :( Life of a missionary. Period. But we did miraculously have 4 member present lessons with investigators. We strive hard to do that and for the last while we were struggling to get any, but we finally did! Yea! We've also been meeting some possibly potential investigators...and trying to get back in contact with them... One step at a time... We've been visiting some of our less actives and trying to uplift and help them increase their testimonies. Talking about testimonies, I'd like to share mine. I know that God loves me. I know that He loves all of His children. I am so grateful for the scriptures. The testimonies we have about God, His love, and about Jesus Christ, who is our Savior and Redeemer. I am grateful for Jesus Christ and the atoning sacrifice He paid for us. He truly does know what each of us goes through. He understands our feelings, our weaknesses, our concerns, our pains, our confusion, He understands it All. Yes, sometimes we go through hard things. But we do not go through it alone. He is there to uplift us. He is there to carry us through. But we must reach out to Him. I am so grateful for the scriptures. I love reading through them. Learning about the experiences the prophets went through. I am so grateful for the history, the prophecies, and the testimonies that are contained in them. I am so grateful for God's plan for us. It truly does help us to become better - improvement is good. Necessary to help us become a God-loving people. I know this is God's true church. I know it with all the fiber of my being. And I am grateful for my mission. And for all of the support you all lend me. Thank you! Love always, Sister Walston

October 22, 2012

So what's up there? Well...what's up here? Well...let's see. Craziness happened at church. When your bishop randomly decides to have testimony meeting at the end of ward council...you start wondering...when you go out to the chapel in preparation for sacrament meeting...you start really wondering...needless to say. Our bishop got released yesterday after being bishop for 7 years. It was a tender experience. He really loved being it, but was very loving to our next bishop - his use-to-be counselor. Anyway...it was a really great experience. One of our investigators was there! The one who we thought moved with her family elsewhere, but she came back because it didn't work out. The less active she lives with now again came as well, since it was her birthday and she'd been talking about coming back since her husband passed away. Um...what else. We had some good lessons last week with our 3some part member family. We started teaching the son and father separately. The dad got a priesthood blessing, in which he felt the spirit strongly. It was an amazing experience. Oh how I love the power of the priesthood. It is so powerful, so right. It is God who truly ordains His chosen people to use it. The son is very willing and very open and very desirous to be baptized. The dad...well, he's starting to make some progress. Saturday we did a lot of service...moving help - new members in our ward. And we helped cook and set up for a Halloween event that one of our struggling members was doing. It was so good to help. On Thursday we did exchanges, I was with Sister Montgomery in Roseville. That was good. Nice. This week should be really good. We have lots of lessons set up and we have members coming to them. And yes...goodness is happening... Um...yes... And we should be able to pick up a new investigator tomorrow! Great potential! His dad is a member in the Folsom ward (that I served in last year). He's realized how much the church has helped and blessed his dad's life, so he's willing to learn. The first time we met him we were tracting and he didn't really want to talk to us. He was like, Oh you... Haha...but after that meeting with us he called his dad and told him how he regretted rejecting us. So we went back and finally after months have been able to set up an appointment. Yay! So yep. That's exciting. Transfers have come again. No change. Get to continue training my trainee. Haha, I love my members here. Yesterday, the high priests leader asked when transfers were, I said, "Tonight we get the call." He got really sad looking and then as we were walking out the door he said, putting his hand up to his forehead, "How far away is that plane?" Haha..."What plane?" I asked. It was funny. But really, I do love the members here. I can see their love for us and I feel connected, like they are here for us whenever we need them. They are so willing and helpful. Well, in a nutshell, I think that's all that happened this week. Love you all bunches and bunches! Have a lovely week filled with the Spirit of God! Sister Walston

October 9 & 15, 2012

October 9, 2012 How are all of you? Well, life here has been peachy. We were able to teach more of our investigators and with members present! That was exciting. Our investigators though have difficult concerns though that we are trying to work through...sometimes as the missionary, for me it's hard to see what the major problem is though...but we are working through it all...and trying to help them to are best ability. Sister Slaugh is good though. She really is perceptive of people. Anyway...that's the life with our investigators generally. We did pick up a new investigator! She's pretty awesome. She's been staying and helping a less active lady out with the sick husband who just died. But other than that she's homeless...so...yep. But life is good anyway. It's always a beautiful chance to share one's testimony with others. Last Thursday was Sister Slaugh's birthday. And I also got my new glasses that day. They're good. I like them. Wasn't General conference amazing! I just love our inspired leaders! They are so awesome! And I was really excited to hear the age changes for missionary work! I know it is inspired of God. And that it's the right thing to do. I am so excited to see the changes it will make in the number of missionaries. Especially sisters! It will be awesome! So I really liked all the talks, a lot. My favorites that I can think of right off the top of my head are: Elder Nelson's - "Ask the missionaries" talk. That was pretty cool and legit. One good talk for people who are not members of the church. And Elder Holland's talk about Peter and serving others, loving and serving the Lord's sheep. So good! Yes. They were all pretty amazing. And yesterday was Columbus Day; hence writing today for the library was closed yesterday. This morning we had interviews with President Weston. It was good to see him. Yep. We've been really working with our ward lately to get referrals. So far, no luck with them. But we have hope. We do still have a baptismal date for November 3. So that will be good. And yeah...yeah. Anyway, love you all so much. Love you all bunches and bunches! Have a wonderful faith-filled day! Sister Walston October 15, 2012 How are all of you? Well, this week... let's see. We met with our doubtful investigator...we brought a member that is scientific, more logical minded (our investigator wanted that). He was told that the gospel is an emotional process and cannot be proven logically. Our investigator definitely felt the spirit...he was shaking and struggling against his emotions afterwards...it was intense. He's not sure what to think...because he wants to prove it logically. But miraculously he came to church on Sunday! And I think he enjoyed it. So that was good. Our other investigators...let's see...the one who is getting baptized in November...her knee started acting up so she was unable to come to church Sunday, but she is eagerly putting together her baptismal program. She is wonderful! Sometimes it doesn't seem like she's an investigator, but a member...who just hasn't gotten wet yet. Hah...but yeah...She's doing beautifully. Hmm...one of our part member families were going to come to church yesterday...but didn't. But we're teaching the son tonight and the dad and less active mother tomorrow. Our other part member family...we had a lesson on having faith in Jesus Christ. One of their non-member friends stopped by joined in our discussion. I really liked their friend. He was a good guy. I just had a thought...I need to learn to be bolder. Sometimes I think I get nervous or scared what they might respond, but I am a servant of the Lord. I should not be fearful. And just ask. I'm mean, I'm not that scary looking, am I? Anyways, there's always room for improvement. Let's see...oh the new investigator we picked up last week...well...she went back down to her hometown...where her family resides...so...hopefully we can get her information and send the missionaries down her way. She is so good and ready to receive the gospel. One of our single men investigators came to the adult singles dinner on Monday night for FHE. He enjoyed it. He was actually the 3rd youngest there. The other 2 young ones was my companion and myself. Ha...we have a lot of older people in our ward. But I love them all so much. They are so dear. Yesterday we had a BOM awesome day. We went tracting to these 2 courts I've been dying to tract. And! We gave away 5 Book of Mormons! 5! It was beautiful! We were able to testify of their truthfulness! And the people agreed to have us come back...but I guess there's room for our improvement...we didn't exactly set return appointments...next time I guess. One step at a time. Baby steps for improvement. That's what I say! Otherwise one gets overwhelmed. Oh! We had sister's training this last Friday. It was good. The Weston's talked about looking at God's hand in your life. And about making our prayers meaningful. They are so sweet that family. I am grateful for them and their wonderful words. Often I forget to look at the good things in life. But boy when you do there are so many things God has blessed us with! So many things! I am so grateful to Him and for the things He has given me in this life to help me though. He truly is a God of miracles. A God of faith. A loving, merciful God. I am so grateful for Him. Also, Saturday we did exchanges. I served here in Lincoln with Sister Hurtado. She came out into the field with me. :) It was good to serve with her for a day. It was my first with her and my last...she goes home at the end of this transfer. Back to Peru. It was fun serving with her. She's funny. I feel like the way we talk to one another is almost like talking to one of my brothers. :) Haha, I love people who make me feel comfortable like that. Love you all so so much! Have a lovely wonderful day!!! Remember to smile! Remember to trust in the Lord! Remember, remember who you are! (I like the word remember. Just saying.) Love you all!!!! Sister Walston

October 1, 2012

Dear family, How are all of you? So...this week........we picked up a new investigator!!! And had 2 member present lessons! Problem though with our new investigator....he's very doubtful...very doubtful of feelings (which includes how the spirit talks to us...) so we'll see how it goes. Even though we picked him up last week, this week’s lesson will be a make or break. We've done a lot of tracting. We handed a couple of Book of Mormons out to people who originally weren't interested, but we'll go back and see. One man is a retired Christian minister. Before that he wasn't religious at all - a punk he said. And his wife was Jewish. But they made changes in their lives. He wasn't really interested, but he liked us and our countenances he said. So, he gave us a little pamphlet of his beliefs and his wife gave us a book! Her memoir! About how they changed their lives! I'm excited to one day read that when I'm no longer a missionary. And then we gave him a plan of salvation pamphlet and a Book of Mormon. He kind of had an experience like Alma the younger...so we left him that chapter to read. They were such a nice couple! I want to bring them the happiness of the gospel. Let's see what else...We've been singing people songs. That's kind of fun. We had trainer/trainee meeting. That was good very good. It reminded me that we are to teach searchers of truth. I feel like some of our investigators aren't really searching. Just willing to listen and to give their insight about life...not really willing to commit themselves to learn and to grow. :( Went to the relief society broadcast that was really good. We have been asking for referrals. Been planning how to work better together to make synergy...been trying to help uplift people. Teach them the gospel... anyway, I feel like this suddenly got boring...sorry. Some moments...yep. Let's see what's exciting. We are starting to teach a few more people. Less actives in the ward that is. Our investigators...well, we have appointments set up with most of them this week... one of our part member families will be out of town. One we are going to see if he is really committed to learning. Another we will finally be teaching after months of not teaching. Another is not currently living in the area (temporarily). And one has already taken all the lessons and is back in town and is excited for her baptism in November. So, not really much change in the consistency of our investigators. What we really need is some more searchers of truth. They are the ones that get baptized. The ones that stay committed for life. Anyway---I know this church is true. I love the gospel. I am super excited for general conference and the chance to hear the words of our inspired leaders. Anyway---that's the words of Sister Walston for this week. Love you all bunches and bunches. Sister Walston

September letters

September 3, 2012 Dear Family, How are all of you doing this fine day? So yesterday was labor day and the library was closed...hence why I am writing a day late. So how was everyone's labor day weekend? Good I hope? Well, my week was interesting. Tuesday we went on exchanges. I went to Loomis and was with Sister Fonua who is from Austrailia. That was really fun. She's a good sister to work with. And we really worked in unity. We had 2 lessons with their investigators. One was a part member family. That was one good lesson. I really enjoyed working with her and being in Loomis. It's a beautiful place. Even though I live in Loomis, I still miss seeing a lot of the beautiful sights there. So exchanges were fun. Wednesday we had district meeting. And yep. I still play the piano there. I think it's helping out my piano skills. Which is good. And I have a district leader that either lets me pick the song, or he tells me in advance so I can practice the song. Which is very helpful, that way I can I always be practicing and learning songs from the hymn book. President came and interviewed some of us afterwards. It was good to see him and Sister Weston again. They are good people that really care about their missionaries. I realized that day how much they really are our mission parents, our mom and dad on the mission. We picked up a new investigator latter that day. Another part member family. The wife left the church right after high school. There are some things she doesn't agree with...it's probably just because she doesn't understand. We also had a lesson with our 18 year investigator (the bishop's neighbor). I don't think he's really interested. He was nice and told us that if would be interested in learning more if his brother were there with him. It will be difficult to set up since we've tried contacting his brother and his brother has never responded to us. And their schedules are a little different. Thursday. Well, let's just say I love the Brockbanks, (the one that just got baptized and her husband.) They fed us lunch. And before we left, Brother Brockbank gave me a packet of Oreos. Just so you know, they are his absolute favorite. But he knows I like cookies to and is willing to share. One day he said he might adopt me because of our love for cookies. :) I love the members of my ward. I can really see how they care and love me. I appreciate them a lot. Anyway. So we also met with a less active family. The husband mentioned that his wife never says "I love you." I think it embarrassed the wife. But they don't have any plans to go to the temple soon. The husband wants to (he's a recent convert, a little over a year). But he doesn't want to go without his wife and she won't say "I love you." Haha, it was kind of funny, but not really. So we committed them to start praying together each day; to start reading their scriptures each day together; to continue to come to church together each week. It was a good lesson. Then that night we had a lesson with our 14 year old investigator. We taught the plan of salvation. Set a baptismal date for September 22. Which will be exciting, but we have to figure out some issues...but it'll be good. But you know what else is exciting about setting up that day with her? Well, earlier in the month I prayed and fasted that we would set a date with someone by the end of the month. August 30, we set up the date with our 14 year old investigator. Cool, huh? I truly know that the Lords does answer our humble petitions. I know there is a great power to prayer and fasting. I have seen it over and over again in my mission. All of my prayerful fasts have been answered. Or will be answered. I love having faith in the Lord. Miracles truly do happen because of it. We just have to put in our effort in behind it. Put in our action, our willingness. Friday we did some service here in Loomis with the other sisters and zone leaders. We took Sister Simons to the doctor. She has a bunion which has been causing her some pain. We did our weekly planning. Saturday we did more service, helping people move and such. We tried visiting some people. Sunday was church, which was much appreciated and needed. We had a lesson with a less active...well excommunicated member and his parents. Yep... Yesterday was a good p-day. At zone activity I spent a majority of it writing letters and talking to Sister Barfuss. This is her last week. Crazy! And I played a little volleyball too. Yep. That was my week. Um...spiritual thoughts of the day...I've been reading some conference talks from last (2011) April again. I read one today called "Waiting Upon the Lord." Sometimes life may be hard. It may be challenging. But in the end we come out better stronger people, if we keep up the faith and endure patiently. Continue to be like the little engine that could. Keep your chin up. Love the Lord. And strive to love those around you. Welps. That's my thought for the day. I love you all tons and tons. Have a good wonderful week. Love always, Sister Kristi Walston September 10, 2012 Dearest Family, How are all of you? I'm doing just dandy finery. So...you might have noticed the subject title of this email....well, another transfer has past and another one is about to begin. We found last night that Sister Simons is being transferred to Rocklin. (We were together only for 1 transfer. And I've only been here for 2 with 3 companions already...) and we found out that I'm going to be training! CRAZY!!!! Never done that before! I hope I will be a good trainer. I am kind of nervous a bit much. That probably means she will be my last companion; that this is my last area. Cause training takes 2 transfers. Anyway. Crazy stuff in the mission field. I won't know who she is until Wednesday. That's when I pick her up and all that jazz. So yeppers. That's what's happening to me. Crazy, huh? So we'll see how that goes. So updates on the week.............hmm.....what happened.....so our 14 year old investigator had some family problems that we almost got in the middle of...but that's done with. Otherwise, she's just soaking everything in! Our part member family that we are working with...well, the wife has some deep concerns, but with time, prayer, and her husband learning and understanding for himself, I think miracles will happen in that family. Otherwise...we've struggled meeting with our other investigators. But! We have some awesome potentials! One of them I tracted into a while back. He wasn't very excited to see us at the door and told us he wasn't interested. Then...a day or two later we got a phone call from the sisters in Folsom (my old stomping grounds). The man's dad is a member in the Folsom ward. The sisters said that the dad told them that his son had called us and told his dad that he regretted not talking to us. Ever since then we have been trying to get a hold of him. And finally last week we did! So, he said that he and his wife would be willing to listen to us and to stop by on Wednesday. So I'm excited for Wednesday. It'll be a real good day. Yeppers. Otherwise...what else have we done? We did yard work on Friday and Saturday morning. That was fun. I actually like yard work...it's nice to have a change once in a whiles. I love my ward members. They are just wonderful. Always there, willing to help. Just have to remember ways to love, lift, and inspire them to become better member missionaries. Otherwise, that's my life... just chugging along. You know. Oh! Guess what! We just had members move into our ward from Mustang, OK. And they are real good friends with the Rassmussen's. Tawni's parents. Cool, huh? Their names are the Hawley's. What else is exciting..........I guess that's it. So....happy days to you all! Especially Happy Day to Milon! I can't believe he's 4! So old and so cute! I love you all bunches and bunches! Remember, there's power to prayer and fasting! I just had a really cool experience with it...maybe one day I'll share it, but for now, know that I strongly believe in the power of fasting and praying - especially when your faith is strong! Miracles and blessings can come of faith, prayer, and fasting. Anyway. Love you tons and bunches! Have a wonderful week of September! Love always and forever, Sister Walston September 17, 2012 Dear Family So this week...I love my new companion. Sister Slaugh from Colorado Springs. She's a great on fire greenie, trying to do everything right and learn everything at once, which causes her to stress, but we talk it out and it works out. It's great. I feel like we are able to communicate very well. Which is a blessing. She is a blessing. Anyways. Wednesday we were in a meeting all day learning how to train and how to be trained. I was able to spend the night before and day with dear Sister Garfield. I love being with her. She is always happy in whatever she does. What else is exciting... we struggled meeting with most of our investigators. Sister Slaugh has been here since Wednesday evening and has only meet one of our investigators...sad day...but we have appointments set up for this week, so it will be a good week. Indeed. What else... I love the ward and so does Sister Slaugh. I'm so happy to be with them still. One in particular, our young high priest group leader, told me he was glad to still see me. He thought I was going to get booted. Thanks goodness for no. I'm still cotinuing learning how to be a better missionary. I think I have my ups and downs of good times...and not so good times. Good times are a head. That is for sure. Well, what else is exciting... We were tracting last night and were able to tell an old man that Jesus Christ's orginal church exists on the earth agagain today... he just had a stroke recently, so his speech wasn't well, but he said, "I feel strongly..." so precious. He felt strong about what we said, it touched him and he was crying. he wouldn't let us set a return appointment, but we gave him the gospel of Jesus Christ pamphlet and said we'd stop by again. Good things happen in missionary work. I love it. Life is good. Wells, I love you all bunches and bunches. Remember the Lord loves you. And to be your best self. Tell Cara I am happy for her!!! :-D Love you all!!! Sister Walston September 24, 2012 Dear family, How are all of you? This last week...we've been struggling to meet with our investigators...sillies. Either they've been sick or had other excuses. But there is always hope. So, yes. Sister Slaugh is still amazing. Doing well. She's a good little greenie. We've had good lessons with less actives. We sang for one of our less actives the other day. That was really fun. Sister Slaugh has a good voice. And she tells me that I have a good voice. So I guess together we do well. I like singing. It was fun. So....last week...actually 2 weeks ago my glasses fell apart. Well, one of the legs fell off. Crazy! So I've super glued it, but I have an eye glasses appointment tomorrow. I am going to get new frames...I want some and it'll be cheaper getting it here because people are nice to missionaries...ha, so if sometime soon I have money missing that's why...I'll pay for them since I want them...if I have the money....hopefully...but the nurse lady said that this one particular eye doctor never charges the missionaries - that he asked to see missionaries so he could help them out...so we'll see what the price is. Um...yesterday was a really good day! We had our church meetings. We went tracting. Meet a lady. She told us she wasn't interested at all. But then we offered her a Book of Mormon and she took it quickly. We committed her to read from it and asked if we could come back. She said that was fine. Hope! Right there. And then we had members left and right volunteering to commit themselves to do certain things for us. Loved it! And we were able to set up a lesson with a potential investigator at a member’s home. And we got a referral tracting. And we were able to talk and sing to a less active member whose husband just passed away. And we were able to get a right number for another potential. And we were able to talk to another less active member - a starting relationship of friendship, which might be how she softens. It was a good day yesterday. I also went to a meeting the other day - for zone leaders, district leaders, exchange sisters, and trainers. It was interesting. Good. Yep. Well, that's all I can think for now... well one more random fact. Sister Slaugh and I like to speak in English accents. It's quite fun. I love my ward. I love the gospel. I am grateful for my knowledge. And I love you all bunches and bunches! Yep. That's life. Have a wonderful day, week, weekend, until next time. Talk to you all later! Lots of love, Sister Walston

August 20th & 27th letters

August 20, 2012 How are all of you? Doing well, doing well here. I hope everyone had a lovely happy weekend of celebrations: birthday, anniversaries, and the all. Well, our investigators: One of them came to stake conference yesterday! (My 2nd stake conference this year.) She enjoyed it. But informed me it wasn't her first to attend! She's practically already a member, just not baptized yet. She also told me how she has all of her baptismal program figured out. She just now needs to figure out refreshments and table cloth and the such. She is amazing! Another of our investigators we re-taught the restoration, emphasizing the apostasy and the priesthood. We told him to pray about our church being the only church with God's priesthood authority - being truly God's church. He is still very open and willing to learn. He was out of town again this weekend, so he couldn't come to church :(... Our lesson with the part member family was well...the dad can be frustrating. He believes what he believes and doesn't really want to believe anything else because he doesn't want to change...it seems. But he's fine with meeting with us...We committed his less active wife to come to church yesterday, but they didn't come. Sad. We just need to get them to come to church. The wife did do the reading assignments. She read some of it to her husband, but when he recognized it, he didn't want to finish any of it. I hope we can help him! I hope he will be more willing to let us help him! We picked up 2 new investigators last night. Father and son. Last time we talked to the dad we committed him to read from the Book of Mormon. He actually read the first 11 chapters. We were actually kind of surprised. Our lessons basically consisted of inviting the son to allow us to to teach him, which he accepted! At first he seemed kind of hesitant, but then accepted us coming over and teaching him. He seems to almost be soul-searching, but hasn't done much of it because he doesn't like being stressed out about things. We are excited to start teaching him and his dad! And hopefully next time the oldest son/brother will be there and we can teach him too! We are still working with our less actives, an excommunicated member, and with our recent convert! We are also trying to find more investigators through tracting and members. So...thought for the day. Today I was reading Alma 37 and there was a phrase I really liked. It said, "look and live". Then I researched other scriptures that talked about that. The overall idea I found is that if we Look towards the Savior, we will find our lives - we will have eternal life - and eternal life of happiness. I love that. I know it is true. We look towards the Savior, he can help heal our wounded souls. More peace and happiness comes from living his gospel, from following His example. Today we were watching a clip about the Powers of Heaven. When we are more Christ-like, we have more love, more meekness, more peace, and more unity between others. When we break the powers of heaven, we follow the spirit of the adversary, we loose all of that. Instead we have unhappiness, guilt, angry feelings, remorse, etc. All the negative feelings we can feel in life. Lately, I've noticed that when I get frustrated with my companion, the spirit leaves me and I cannot function as a missionary. The spirit is essential to this work. And so, when I feel the spirit leave me, I pray that I can overcome whatever annoyance I felt and I apologize to my companion. Like yesterday, we got frustrated at each other. I prayed in my heart, and I kept hearing in my mind that I must say that I was sorry. "I'm Sorry" might be the hardest two words to say, but once they are said the spirit returns and happiness ensues sadness. So really "I'm sorry" are the 2 happiest words to say. I love the spirit. And want it in my life daily. It makes such an impact on me. I just have to continually learn to rely on its constant guidance. For I know the spirit will always direct me to do good, for it has always done that. Well, I love you all bunches and bunches! Remember to be happy and to listen to the still small voice of the Holy Ghost! August 27. 2012 How are all of you doing? How's life in the other world? Well, this week, this week... We picked up a new investigator! A 14 year old girl who's had a tough life. But she wants hope, she wants a better life. Her grandmother is the only member of the church and she's kind of living with her right now too...part time that is. We taught her the restoration yesterday. And she said she believes it all! So cool! So awesome! And she goes to mutual almost every week. She's become friends with one of the girls in our ward. But she didn't want to come to church anymore, but she likes us and feels like she connects with us...so she's changed her mind and said that if she isn't with her dad on the weekends, she'll come. Yea! The part member family we are teaching. Well, the less active wife and the 13 year old son came to sacrament yesterday! Yea! It was the first time that the wife had been to church in about 13ish years! And she said she enjoyed it. That was exciting. The husband is still being a bum. He sits in the lessons and listens. I think his hold up is he's afraid of not keeping commitments. He knows himself and knows that he's weak and that he usually breaks promises/commitments...and would also break a covenant. Hm...I hope we can help him. Those were actually the only investigators we were actually able to meet with this week, sadly. But we have a busy week ahead of us. We meet more of our less actives this last week. We are teaching our recent convert the new member lessons. I love her and her husband. They are so sweet. Almost like grandparents to me. They feed us lunch when we go over there. And Brother Brockbank loves his Oreos, but he is kind and shares his cookies with us. :) Anyways, what else... Oh! We had Elder Cardon from the 70 come speak to us at half mission conference. I got to see lots of old dear faces there as well. But it was good. They talked a lot about recognizing the Holy Ghost and relying on the spirit. Two things that I wrote down and liked: "Our challenges are here to bless our lives. Hold on to God and He will strengthen you through them." It was good. Really good. And then all the missionaries that are departing the next 2 transfers gave their departing testimonies. It was actually really really weird. Since I knew most of them a majority of my mission... One of them, Sister Hurtado, she came out into the field with me. She gave hers too since she has been out longer than me, cause of the MTC (she had to learn English), so she goes home a transfer before me. So weird. Anyway. That's life. It keeps moving on whether we're ready or not. So scout motto: Be prepared. Anyways, it was a good conference. And then that night we attended a baptism in Sister Simons old ward. Oh, so funny story, well not really, but so there's a less active lady we started teaching...teaching's not the right word though. She asks questions, but isn't really looking for an answer...because she already has her view point. But she doesn't want us to give up on her. She said that one day her brick wall may fall. Haha, so it will be interesting working with her. Yep. I guess that's pretty much the excitement here. I love you all bunches and bunches and bunches and bunches. Be happy. And if you're not, remember that I love you and then you can be happy, right? :) Well, have a wonderful week. Love you all bunches.

This weekend was great! Betty was baptized and recieved the gift of the Holy Ghost! It was such a wonderful, spiritual experience for her. She could definitley feel the spirit, especially when she received the Holy Ghost. She was crying and later mentioned how it was a very emotional, touching event. She is doing great. It was wonderful. I spoke about baptism at the baptism service. And Sister Bowers and Sister Crossley came down from Gridley - Sister Bowers gave the talk about the Holy Ghost. It was a great turn out. There were a lot of people there - a lot of missionaries too. So some of the missionaries were standing in the back. It was a great turn out. Love it! We had a lesson with our part member family, where we taught them the gospel of Jesus Christ. The husband....he believes that when he was born out of the womb- that was his baptism. He doesn't believe it is necessary to be baptized "again". We shared a lot of different scriptures about baptism and left him with more to read. Hopefully he'll read them & his last reading assignment. He has a tendancy to take a month until he accomplishes assignments. We taught another of our investigators the gospel of Jesus Christ. He believes everything, expect for the fact about priesthood authority. He believes that other churchs have it as well. And he's already been baptized. So...we're going to be talking about the priesthood and the apostacy this week. Other than that he likes everything he's been learning. And we need to get him to come out to church. We picked up a new investigator last night. It's a part member family. The wife is less active. The husband is Catholic. We discussed how the Book of Mormon and the gospel blesses families lives. Sister Simons told him how she use to be Catholic and how it always seemed to be missing things - like being with your family forever. But it seems that Ed's family has adopted different beliefs then the Catholic's because he said they believe in that too. It was very interesting. But he was willing to set up a return appointment with us. And said he would try to give the Book of Mormon a chance again and that he would pray about it. We taught a lot of other lessons this week. It really helps having a convert companion. Through her conversion story we are able to share about other principles of the gospel. It's a great way to get people interested. We did service for some less actives of ours. His son just died. So we helped by cutting up fruit for the funeral. He came to church on Sunday. I love seeing how much he sees that he needs the church in his life. The gopsel truly does change and affect lives. I love it so much! It's such a wonderful gift we have. It brings so much peace and happiness into our lives! That's why I love sharing it with others. It's sad when people reject it, but everyone has their own agency. Well, I love you all bunches and bunches!!!!!!! Have a wonderful week!!!! :D Love, Sister Kristi Walston

August 6, 2012

How are all of you doing? I'm fine....expect for this weekend I did have a head cold or something...maybe a little fever....stuffy nose...but I feel much better today. Much better. So guess what?!? We have a baptism this weekend!!! Yea!!! We're excited. She is ready. Anyone want to come? Just kidding. Anyways, she's ready. Ready as ready. So one of these days I'll send you pictures. What else....? Oh, you might want to know about my new companion eh? Sister Simons is from Lexington, Kentucky. She has been a member of the church for 3 years. She's been out since April/May. So yep. That's Sister Simons. Our other investigator who's getting baptized in November - we taught her all of the commandments this week. And it was our last lesson with her until right before her baptism. Sad. But she and her husband are going to France for about 3 weeks in September and she has to get ready for that. And she also has doctor appointments to take care of. But I'm not worried about her. She is practically a member, she's just missing the covenant of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. We did some service this week. Singing to old people with our district. And helping out some members with a yard sale. It was good. Good to do service. Yesterday evening was awesome. We didn't know what to do our last 30 minutes - so we went tracting and we were able to teach 2 others with knocking on 2 doors. We were able to testify to them how the gospel of Jesus Christ can help our lives. I love the Gospel! It is such a blessing to our lives. Such a blessing. So much peace and comfort come from it - which comes from living the gospel - living God's commandments - making it part of who we are. Love it. Someone the other day told us they were impressed how we actually live what we believe. It is so important to live what we believe. Otherwise, all is for naught. If we live it, we are truly "taking upon ourselves Christ's name." If we are children of Christ, heirs of His kingdom, we will live what we believe - we will do it. Well, I love you all bunches and bunches! You are all the bestest! Love, Sister Kristi Walston

July 30, 2012

Hello, hello! How art all of you doing? I'm doing just fine. So this last week. Our 2 progressing investigators with baptismal dates are doing just wonderfully. Getting ready for their baptisms - on August 11 and well...the October one got push back to November 3...but I'm not worried about her because she practially has planned her whole baptismal service. Now, that is golden. They are both so wonderful. Just great ladies. The one who's getting baptized in November...she's from Pennsylvannia! One of our investigators dropped us. She was the one that was concerned about the plan of salvation...she said she feels more comfortable in the new church she has been going to :( I invited her to try out our church at least once...she rejected it. Sad! But the seed has been planted. One of our guy investigators, we taught him the plan of salvation and he believed it! Yea! And we were able to easily set up a return appointment, which is kind of unusal. But that was cool. But he won't come to church yet...sad. Our other investigator/part member family we are working with...well, the husband has lots of concerns and is sometimes difficult. But the wife will soon be getting Sundays off and will be able to come to church which is way good. Then hopefully all 3 of them will be able to come to church. We tracted into a really awesome potential! A 15 year old girl, who's mom is letting her explore religion and make her own choice. Awesome! We were able to have a real sit down lesson with her last week because she came down with the flu, but she did her assignment and read the restoration pamphlet. I'm excited for her! And this week we'll start teaching another teenage girl. Her grandmother is in our ward and really thinks sister missionaries will be good for her. Plus, the granddaughter has been coming to our ward and really likes the youth there. So that will be awesome! I love this ward. They are great. Been getting to know some more of the younger families which is real good. Yesterday we went out tracting and didn't look to see if any one of our ward lived on that court. I looked at the house and laughed to myself, thinking it would be funny if they were members...well they were, but we got to know them better and they fed us brownies! Actually our dinner yesterday, we had chocolate chip cookies for dessert. They were so good! We don't get chocolate chip cookies very often...or cookies in general (sad), but these were really good ones! And the husband made them himself! So yesterday when we were tracting a man asked if he could pray for us. He prayed that we would find the truth before we took our last breath of life. He believes in the trinity and thinks we are terribly wrong. So it's real transfers again! Crazy. I thought this last one really went by super quick. So...Sister Bowers, my companion of almost 2 weeks...well, that was it. She's leaving. Going up to Gridley. They have a need for spanish speakers up there and so they need her! It'll be good for her. We didn't think it'd really happen. I'm getting Sister Simons. I think I've seen her once...maybe...she's only been out 2 transfers...this will be her 3. So yep. That's all I know about her. But it'll be good. The ward will think the mission is crazy though. They just keep switching the sisters on them. At least I'm still here. So...lets see, I think about 2 weeks ago I got a crazy annoucement in the mail. Okay it wasn't really crazy...but just wait and you might understand why I said crazy. I got Taylor Larsen's wedding annoucement! They look really cute together! I'm happy for him...them... But that's not the crazy part. They got married in sacramento! That's cool! I remember Mom saying Katie's from Roseville. But that's still not the crazy part. Their reception...well, it was just on the otherside of my ward/stake boundaries. I could have gone to it! It was so close! I mean just barely, probably not even a mile away! Anyways...that was the crazy part. I couldn't believe their reception was so close...just a town away, on the way to my church building. (We attend a church building in Rocklin - which was the town the reception was in). Anyway, that was funny. But he's/they are married now! Crazy times! But awesome. It was nice of them to send me an invitation. I'll probably send them a congratulations card of some form.

July 23, 2012

Dearest family, So this last week I did get a new companion. So Wednesday morning...way to bright and early...actually it was still dark...I got up about 3:20, took a shower and drove Sister Spencer-Kealamakia to the Weston's home. There the Weston's took us and their twin daughters (16), and daughter’s friend to the airport. President and Sister Weston and I dropped off the twins, friend, and Sister Kealamakia. We came back home...I was Sister Weston's companion for a few hours. When we came home President told us we could take a nap...and we did...or I tried...I think I fell asleep for a few... and then we had cereal for breakfast (my favorite...they like it too!;) and then we went to the airport. Their youngest daughter Lizzie (10) came with us. Lizzie is so cute. Full of energy. At 9:30 we picked up my new companion, Sister Bowers. She's great. She's from New Jersey. She was born in Texas and has lived in NJ since she was 12. She's been out a year. And she's more quiet and reserved like me. So it's different when meeting people and teaching. (All of my past companions have been really really really talkative...minus my trainer). But when Sister Bowers' get's talking, she can talk. Yep. So that's about my new companion and early morning. So about the investigators. They are doing pretty well...well the progressing ones that is. The ones with baptismal dates, both them have pretty good testimonies and understanding of the gospel. Our other investigators...well, we're struggling to meet with some of them, but that's part of mission life sometime. Our investigator who was under house arrest? Well...our member who lived on his street knocked on our investigator's neighbor's door (who's a cop). He said that our investigator got book...the cops found something and pulled him in...:( Sad...but at least we planted a seed with him. I know that one day he'll have a chance to find the truth. He has so much potential. I know he'll be given the chance again. I am glad I had the chance to meet him. Oh, and his house is about to be sold soon. So yeah...we are probably not going to see him again. But I hope and pray for him. Some of our less actives are doing great though. One - last week we had a lesson about how to recognize the spirit. That was such a good lesson. She really enjoyed it and learned a lot from it. Since then she's really been in good spirits. Another of our less actives...we went over and apologized for being late. She said, "I about gave up on you." (we were only 15 minutes late.) We were talking and asked if she wanted to watch the restoration movie like we had planned. She told us, "No, we will have to keep this to 30 minutes." Oh....so I was scrambling in my mind what to do...so I asked her about her scripture reading and all that and then all of a sudden. "This is awkward. Do you just want to come back another time?" Haha...it wasn't that bad...I felt it a little bit awkward because I was trying to think what to do in place of the movie... and we found out that she thought the lesson started at 2...not 2:30 like we thought...old ladies....no offense to anyone! She's in her high 80's! I think... She's kind of odd...in her own special kind of way... Anyway, that was kind of funny. Funny stuff happened this week...that was the only one I could think of top of my head. Sister Bowers is great. She loves to laugh...so we keep laughing about the funny things that have happened...or have been said...it is great. Um...I love you all bunches and bunches!!! Don't let your pants fall off! Haha...sorry that's from another less active/recent convert...at church on Sunday we heard him talking about how his pants were sliding down falling off...haha...the first time I met him at his house he had put his newspaper in his pants pocket and he was carrying 2 jugs of milk and all of a sudden his pants started falling off! Poor guy. But he has a good sense of humor about it all. He's great. Anyway, I do love you all! Be happy! Remember who you are! A child of God! Remember that I love you! Be safe! Until next time! Love, Sister Walston

July 16, 2012

How are all of you doing this fine day?! I'm doing just fine. ...So...I spoke yesterday in sacrament meeting. I spoke about the "Past way of facing the future" by Elder Perry and about missionary experiences. It weird being a missionary and giving talks. You can't prepare the normal way. I wrote down lots of stuff to say, but I just kind of followed it like it was a list of bullet points and just spoke...not very typically of me. But I think I did alright. So the investigator on house arrest...he kind of disappeared this week. We went by for our lesson he wasn't there. We've been calling him every day and it has gone straight to voice mail. On Sunday our member tried calling him and to pick him up, but he was nowhere to be found. We're afraid he might have made it back to jail. So...we'll see if we ever see him again. I hope we do. He has a lot of potential. We were able to pick up 2 new investigators! One is the 13 year old step-son of one of our investigators and son of a less active lady. He is willing to be baptized. His less active mother says she'll support him. I just hope we can get her coming. The second new investigator is a lady that has been investigating our church on her own for the last 2 years. She saw BYU TV and has been coming to church since the beginning of the year. And she has a calling as a substitute primary teacher. She's awesome! She's from Pennsylvania! And she has committed to be baptized October 20. Yea! We taught one of our other investigators the Plan of Salvation. She wasn’t really sure about it... some of it was really new to her. But we told her to pray and she would receive an answer. We've started teaching quite a few less actives. One is an excommunicated member. I love being able to help all of them. The excommunicated member, he has such a desire to be rebaptized. He has such a desire to have the Holy Ghost as his constant companion. He dearly misses that. And looking at him, I feel as though I can sense the change of his excommunication. I can see the loss of it. It is so sad when the Holy Ghost withdraws, but our actions truly do make a difference. It is so important to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. He will always lead us to do good. And like Ryan told me in an email today, we will have a light shine through us. It will radiate the peace of the Holy Ghost that shines within us that comes from the Savior. I am so grateful for the gospel. I am so grateful for the Savior. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful for the chance I have to share the joy, peace, and comfort it gives to me. It's such a happy occasion. Well, I love you all so much!!!! Have an awesome wonderful day!

July 9, 2012 Dearest family, How are all of you doing? I'm doing just fine. So update on my investigators: Our one investigator is still planning on getting baptized on August 11! That is good. This week we taught her about the priesthood. I think her husband starting going a bit over her head with information. But I told her 4 main points that essentially described the priesthood and she said that part made a lot more sense. She was able to attend a convert baptism this weekend! Seeing it help calmed her nerves a tad. The investigator we picked up when we got here...I'm not sure what to think about him...I think he might have problems due to drugs...smoking...something of the sort...oh wells...such is life now a days sadly. Our investigator who is under house arrest, he is doing great! I'm excited for him. But he might not be able to be baptized for a long time...he's on parole...for like 4 years... but I'm so excited to be able to help him find hope and joy. We met with him twice as well. He said he had done a little reading, but it was hard with not having the right perscription for his glasses, but he's getting his new ones this Saturday. He committed to be baptized again if he found out if the church was true. We talked about how we feel the Holy Ghost. And we also taught the plan of salvation. He agreed to come to church on Sunday! And our member, who is his neighbor, is going to pick him up. We were unable to meet with 3 of our investigators...yeah...I actually not really surprised. Oh wells, once again that's part of missionary life. But hopefully this week will pick up 2 new amazing people! One I might have mentioned before. She's been going to church a long time now and she has a calling - primary substitute. We have a lesson schedule with her for this week. She is so sweet. I'm excited to start teaching her! The other hopefully new, amazing person is a 16, almost 17 year old girl. For the last year and a half her family has been in Germany. She was dating a member - a boy from Boise, ID. Because of him, she started going to seminary...and maybe church...I don't really remember that part. But she's been going to seminary for the last year and a half and she wants to continue going. She really likes the values of the church, but she saw a lot of members judging each other harshly, parents being super strict with their children, and has heard a lot of random things. She really just wants to know the plain truth. We weren't able to set a time to come back - they have a foreign exchange student from Denmark living with them for the next month - and the program she is with has something going on almost every day. But she said she would call and let us know when she was available. I'm excited for her too! She is very open and honest with us. Besides that, life is just keep going on. I am still trying to get to know the ward members. They are all very wonderful still...but there's so many of them...but they are all so wonderful and nice. My companion has a week and a couple days left here, so I don't know what will happen next week. Temple squares transfers are different than ours...so we'll see if I'll get another one next week or not. Well, love you all bunches and bunches and bunches! Sister Kristi Walston

Three letters in one post! Note new address

June 4, 2012 Hi!!! How is everyone doing? So...this last week we only met with one of our investigators. It was a really good lesson! We had committed her to read from the Book of Mormon everyday She said she had read for a week or so, but then stopped. But she said that as she read she felt something. We told her that was the Spirit! She was amazed that she was able to feel it! So great! We also promised the time before that we would sing her favorite song for her, "Be Still My Soul." So we did and I played the piano at the same time. She said that was the most amazing thing missionaries had ever done for her and it will go down in history! (Side note: Her favorite missionary she always likes to mention was Elder Mack Holyoak from our home stake...funny...I don't think he ever served in this ward, but one of the other Paradise wards.) Anyways, we taught her the word of wisdom. This time it clicked for her! She never knew that it was a revelation from God. She just thought that it was a man-made law. She now understood it better and said she was willing to live it! She said it wouldn't be too hard. I'm so excited to see how it went. We also left her a commitment to read Moroni 6. We invited her to church, but she didn't come. We just need to get her to start coming to church! The rest of our investigators canceled on us. Not sure what to do with some of them...oh wells. One of them, we stopped by his and his girlfriend and not-yet-mother-in-laws home to tell his girlfriend Happy Birthday! We had cake with them. It was good to see them again. And then they were all in my dreams...it's funny being a missionary and dreaming of the people you see and love and care and worry about. Anyways. Oh, our other investigator broke his ankle... he fell over. That's all we've heard so far, but they were still doing testing on him. Otherwise we have been doing service - mowing lawns at which I somehow gauged my finger and didn't notice it was bleeding until later, but it was small and it is fine and healing. And we've been doing lots of tracting. Meeting interesting, and uninterested people. Yep. Oh and this last week we went to the eye doctor. One of them mentioned that I could have a sinus problem and that's why my eyes hurt...because it does sometimes affect my head...and sometimes my nose feels like it's getting stuffy but it's not, but I never related those things together. So I'm going to try to go to the doctor's this week...have too anyway...my left pointer toe looks like it's inffected...red, blistery, and warm...and it hurts to walk. So yeah. That's my life. But life is good. I love the gospel! It is so amazing. I know that this is truly God's church. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that He is our Savior. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that God's church was truly restored to Joseph Smith who was called as a prophet and that we have a prophet on the earth again today. I know that Thomas S. Monson has been called as God's living prophet today. I love the knowledge I have. And I love you all SO much!!!! Have a wonderful week!!! June 18, 2012 Hello hello dear family!!! How are all of you doing? I'm am fine. So the exciting news!!!! We were able to set a baptismal date this week with our 9 year old investigator!!!!! He is going to get baptized on July 20 with his 8 year old brother. Yea for baptism!!! That was exciting to be able to set that date. It was a much better lesson. It was fun. We taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. We blind folded one of brothers and had the other be the "Holy Ghost" who helped him find a random object in the room. They loved that activity. While the one was following his "Holy Ghost" Sister Garfield distracted the blindfolded one and told him to come towards her voice - she was acting like Satan! Don't follow him! Don't follow your Holy Ghost! He will lead you to truth and happiness!!! It was a fun lesson overall. We were able to meet with our investigator who lives with his girlfriend and daughter. It had been 6 weeks since we last met! We talked about the 10 commandments and him praying about them. He thinks they are pretty archaic. And looking at society today and how they act, no wonder it seems archaic! People have just forgotten God and his commandments! It's so sad. That's why there is so much distress and hardship in the world today. But we told him to continue to pray about them. We also talked about commitment. He said he likes meeting with us, but not sure how important it is to meet with us because things can come up and family is always first. He also knows he wants to be baptized, but it probably won't happen for a long time since his less active girlfriend won't marry him and he doesn't want to separate his daughter from her parents. So he's in a pickle. We suggested that we could also start meeting with his girlfriend. But it would have to be separate lessons for each of them. So hopefully we can see how that will work and if it will help them at all. So the investigator we taught the word of wisdom to last week? Well, she did not keep her commitment of living the word of wisdom. She went out with a bunch of friends and it was easy for her to fall into peer-temptation. She felt really guilty about it. But didn't want to feel guilty. And she still doesn't see why the word of wisdom is bad. We commited her to try the word of wisdom again and to look at the spiritual blessings that come from it. She felt bad about the whole thing. She was crying as we were with her. We left her with a prayer and have plans to come back on Saturday. One of our investigators texted us and told us that she did not want to meet with us and to stop coming to her house. That was sad to receive that message. The investigator we picked up last week...his lesson was kind of frustrating. He had asked us to tell him about the temple, so we had planned to intertwine that with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We were able to discuss a little bit of faith and repentance before he went off on a long tangent on Adam being baptized. He pretty much repeated a lot of what he said, going in circles, not allowing much response from us or our member. Not sure how open he is to learning, but more to discussing. We had some potential investigators tell us that they aren't interested :(... Oh well. But yep. Also, other news... So...we got transfers calls last night. I'm getting transferred. CRAZY! I'm going to Lincoln, shotgunning the area with the temple square sister who only has 4 weeks left here! And then back to temple square for her. Crazy! She's the sister that I might have told you about a couple weeks ago. I did exchanges with her. She's from New Zealand/Hawaii. Anyway, that will be one new adventure for me. It'll be good. I'll miss Sister Garfield. But it'll be good. It's about time that I have a change sadly. I love it up here in Paradise. But it is time. Anyway. Yeppers. That's the newest news about me. Oh by the way, I went to the foot doctor and it did look like I had foot fungus. He gave me some stuff and it is healing up. My eyes, hopefully I can make it to the doctors tomorrow to see about the x-ray. Umm... oh here's my new address. I'll be living where Sister Garfield use to live. The Thomson's don't live in my new ward, but a neighboring ward in the stake. They took the sister's out of their ward and I don't think they have missionaries in their ward, but it's kind of being covered by the sister in the other Loomis ward. So I'll be living in Loomis, but I'm in the Lincoln 2nd ward. It'll be fun stuff. A new adventure for sure. So here's the new address: 5953 Mareta Ln. Loomis, CA 95650 June 24, 2012 How are you all doing? I'm doing just fine. I love it here already in Lincoln. This area has so much booming potential. The elders had been covering 2 wards and so we took their favorite ward and now they just have 1 to worry about. Ha, lucky us. Anyway. Here's the excitment of our investigators: They had 3, we now have 4. One just fasted and prayed for a baptismal date. When we met her, she had decided August 18. So, we have a baptism on Mom and Dad's anniversary!!! It'll be a great date. Another of the investigators, one the elders just barely picked up. We taught her the restoration. It was a great lesson. And she is willing to get baptized if she finds out it is true. She also believes that it's possible God would call a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true. She is going to read and pray about those things! :) Their male investigator, they said he was kind of flaky, but we stopped by yesterday (his phone number didn't work) and set up an appointment for this week. It will be good. We picked up an investigator on saturday. He is a former investigator, his wife is less active. We first set an appointment to met his wife and to get to know them better and it turned out that after that we starting teaching and testifying to him, he mentioned how he had the missionaries over before to teach him...but yeah, then he went into saying how he's worth nothing. He's very hard on himself, depressed. And it doesn't help that he's currently out of work. He's an electrician. But we shared with him Mosiah 3:19 and talked how through Christ we can overcome our natural man and become better. The other day I read President Eyring talk, "Mountains to Climb." After his mother died of having 10 years of cancer, President Kimball said that Heavenly Father gave the cancer just to "polish her a little bit more." I really like that. Our trials are just to polish us a little more. To refine us and make us better. It is so true. I love that thought. Talking about trials. Elder Menacho, my district leader (who I knew in Citrus Heights) is making me speak at district meeting this week. I really don't like speaking in front of large groups, but I know that it will be good for me. Just like playing the piano in district meeting has been good for me. I almost like doing that, yet I'm still nervous in groups that I haven't played for before. But I just LOVE playing the piano. Love it! So yeah. We have 4 awesome investigators! And next week we are going to pick up another investigator who is going to get baptized probably in October. She's been attending chruch for a long time! And the elders had no luck teaching her, but I think now she is comfortable and ready. It's perfect. This ward really just needed sisters. The ward council is amazing! Never have I seen a ward that takes action. And just Does their work. This ward is an action ward. Not just a bunch of talkers and don't do anything, but they work! Sunday they visit people like crazy, so the rest of the week they do their usual. And they have given us so many names of less actives to visit! This is an old area. We have sun city in our area which is a retirment community. Our ward is pretty evened though. Which is a relief. I actually have a normal aged ward. (The last 2 have been old!) Anyway, life is great here in Lincoln. Sister Spencer-Kealamakia is good. She's a talker. But she's good. Life is good. I'm enjoying it here. What else... I feel like I'm suppose to tell you something else, but I don't know what. But this area is going to be great. Love it! And love you all bunches and bunches. I hope you are all safe and well and happy. Have a wonderful happy day!

Hello Hello! How are you all doing? Sounds like you are all keeping busy busy. So this last week... all of our investigators canceled on us. Kind of lame. But...yeah. Such is life. And then none of them showed up at church. But Denise (who was suppose to get baptized this coming weekend but is not) came to Sunday School. That was kind of a nice surprise... But yeah, she still is not going to convert, yet. But besides that. We have been doing lots of tracting. We have a new tracting approach. We are to invitethe family to say a prayer with us; to give them extra strength and support. But we haven't had much success with that yet. But such are the people of Paradise in our area. Anyway. We also went on exchanges this last week. I was with a sister from Temple square who is from New Zealand. That was kind of fun/funny since you (Mom, Dad, and Trevor) just came from there. Anyways. We had zone conference this last week!!! It was amazing!!! Lots of good things learned there. My favorite part what I learned was how, if we are to truly follow the example of Jesus Christ, we'll keep going even when we are exhausted; will put others in front of ourselves (Matthew 14); we'll pray and bless others as he did (hence the new tracting approach). I loved that! I really love being here on my mission. I feel as though I am learning more of what it means to be Christ-like and to follow His example. If we are truly converted to the gospel, we'll try to follow in His footsteps: We'll be even more loving as we put others in front of ourselves. And as we do that we will bless the lives of others and even our own - for we will be building ourselves. Making ourselves stronger and better. For the purpose of life is to make bad men good and good men better, to change the human nature and to become saints through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Anyways. It was all really good stuff. Love it! Have a wonderful week!!!

May 21, 2012

How are all of you doing? So on Thursday we got our cd's "stolen". :( the next day the elder's texted us and told us that we had good taste in music. I always lock the car. The one time I forgot to relock (I had originally locked it, but Sister Garfield needed to get something out again) the Elder's were nosey and took some of our stuff to "teach us a lesson." Boys. Ridunkulous. Oh well. Such is life. We got them back eventually. So we picked up 2 new investigators! We had been doing service for them - yard sale help and other stuff and then they met with us. Their beliefs are practically the same as ours. Hopefully, we can help them come to have their own testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our other investigators, well some of them are taking baby steps... and others we are working on meeting with them every week. And we dropped the Bahi investigator. He was just meeting with us because he was curious in what we believed, but none of his beliefs were changing. He was really set in his beliefs. We did a lot more service this last week. Mowing lawns with a push mower! That was crazy! I realized it has been like 8 years since I've done that! Washed a couple of cars. Did lots of tracting this week. Like usual. Yep. So great story. We have a less active man we are teaching. He is wheel chair bound. And we are teaching him the lessons. His caretaker, who is Catholic, also sits in during the lessons. He said the other day he is learning more about what we believe and that it is very helpful. And another caretaker he has is another less active of the church. And she is having questions answered and learning things she didn't realize before. It's great missionary work going on in that home. I just love it! I realized the other day how much more I understand the gospel now. Before I knew it was true, but I didn't understand anything to its full capacity. I am so grateful for my mission. So grateful. With it, I understand the gospel. I understand our purpose of life. I understand the basics of the gospel ever so more right now. I love it. I am so grateful. I have been able to gain so much knowledge from being here on my mission. Spiritual knowledge of how to be more Christ-like. Informational knowledge of the gospel. I love it. I would recommend going on a mission to everyone. I feel so much more equipped so much more knowledgeable than before. I love my mission and what it is teaching me. It's great. Lately I've been reading from the Conference Ensign. I just love the talks! They are so great! So missionary minded and testimony central. I love the gospel. I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and what they have done for us. I am so grateful that Jesus Christ reorganized His church on the earth again and that I am a member of His church. I am so grateful for prophets, apostles, inspired leaders of God. I am so grateful for the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. I am so grateful for conferences that we are able to hear from our inspired leaders - leaders chosen of God. I am grateful for the Savior's example and what I am able to learn from Him. For in following His example is true happiness found. I just love it. Well, I just love all of you too! You are all wonderful, great supporters! Remember the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the way to true happiness!!!