Week 47: I may not be a pearl but I was cast before swine

Morning, all!

So, this week was pretty crazy. And a little bit hard. Training a missionary is like being a mom a little bit, except my trainee is good enough that I forget she's been on a mission for literally a month. But, whatever -- here's what happened.

Monday: We found out Sister Larsen's grandfather passed away from cancer whilst we were running around the mall. That was no good. But then we went to Chick-fil-A which was VERY good. Thank the Lord for Chick-fil-A. Everyone, pray that they stay in business, because they are always so nice, their restaurant is always so clean, and they are closed upon the Holy Sabbath, so I'm pretty sure there's Chick-fil-A in heaven. Anyways, so then that night we went to see L. She has a big sore on her leg and she had us help her change the bandage. I nearly threw up and died. It was great. Sister Larsen got to talk to her family over the phone that night, and also President Innes. Keep her in your prayers!

Tuesday: We had DDM, it was pretty boss. Sister Larsen got a blessing from Elder H, Elder C's trainee. Also, do you think it's a coincidence that 3 of the 6 elders in our district have lost very close family members while on their missions? God is real. Also, we went to see Sister M and went to Golden Age with the elders. They are silly about it. I guilt tripped all of them so hardcore about going. It was probably not the greatest way to get them to go, but hey. If it works, it works. We also went to see this little girl who is an investigator,  S. She is pretty much like Gwen if Gwen was Asian and not a member of the church. So that was a party. Then we went home and made cookies, plus received a Skype call from President Innes because he was coming to our lesson with D & P on the morrow and wanted to have companionship study with us! How cool is that?

Wednesday: We went to the soup kitchen. I made the mistake of bringing my ukulele and playing it for the ladies there. They have executively decided that my kitchen days are done, and I will be singing and playing for the homeless people there from here on out. Oops. ;) Not that working in the kitchen ISN'T my favorite thing ever, but...hahahaha. I'm excited for next week! That afternoon we taught C over the phone and committed him to be baptized on January 6th! So that was number 4 person on date since I got here! We are so pumped about that. After that we drove over to the church and had a lesson with D & P & President & Sister Innes. It was the greatest lesson of all time. President Innes is a master teacher. He basically made the importance of THIS church very clear and the importance of the doctrines, the ordinances and the covenants. He took them to the baptismal font and into the chapel. We had a sacred experience there. President prayed for them in there, and the Spirit was like SO THERE. Wow, just it was the best. And then we had the most packed Book of Mormon class of all time! The Ss came, along with T and 2 friends T brought because he's the greatest, D & P, President & Sister Innes, a lady the zone leaders are reactivating, and the trusty zone leaders (who were teaching the lesson and showed up 20 minutes late, which made everyone (especially this senior companion who would probs have had to teach had they not showed up) verrrrrrry nervous). So long story short, that was a great night.

Thursday: Another great day! We went to the farm on Thursday morning with the Rs. That was good, especially for poor homesick lil Sister Larsen who just really missed her farm. She was so excited. We opened crusty old food storage with hammers, poured it into barrels, and spread it across the goat & pig pastures. The goats followed me around basically the whole time because I am a Disney princess, that's why. Also, here's the best story of the week. We're feeding the pigs and stuff, and I was watching everyone else work because they stole all the barrels from me (this is what happens when you're small and weak. People think you can't lift. And they're right. But still). So anyway, I'm just standing there. And you've gotta understand, these pigs are HUGE. Like, they easily weigh 350-400 lbs. That's almost 4 of me, got it? Like, they are massive. And little did I know that the biggest one got really jealous of my shoes or something. So I'm just standing there minding my own business, when this loud snort behind me startles me, and the next thing I know the biggest pig in that pasture is laYING DOWN ON TOP OF ME HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. So this pig just straight destroyed me. Took me OUT. Luckily it only got my legs, I was kind of worried it was gonna roll all over me. But I landed in the mud. That was probably the funniest thing ever. Never have I been so flabbergasted in all my days. The best part was that Sister Larsen was standing right there and just absolutely lost it, and then also the fact that it like, snuck up on me from behind. It was literally hilarious. SO FUNNY. Ah, I'm dying. We then did service for Sister R, and then we had a passoff lesson with T and the YSA elders. They did a great job. T cried. It was awesome.

Friday: we mostly just weekly planned, but we also had an appointment with the chiropractor, Sister Larsen's first time. It was kind of a hard day for both of us. The funeral for Sister Larsen's grandpa was that day. That night we went to see some people, but I forgot who. We also went out with Sister F finally because she's back in town! I love that lady. She is so cute. We went to see a less active named C. She is very nice and invited us back next Sunday.

Saturday: Saturday was tough for me! I felt sort of ill and spiritually off. The devil works extra hard on you when you're doing your best. I just felt like I was basically a sucky missionary. But all is well now! Anyways, we went and did some knocking, which was highly unsuccessful, and then ended up going to see S and G. S is doing MUCH better after her blessing, which means her faith ought to be strengthened. Plus she just had a baby and usually people are more spiritually open after that stuff. Like, she wants to come to church. And she told us it was all because of us - which is not true (because Spirit) but still nice. Yeah, that warmed my little heart. It was great. ALSO SIDE NOTE - Sister Larsen is one of my only companions who has seen Three Amigos. So you can guess what has been going on around here. "IT'S A SWEATER!" Ah, the joy.

Sunday: Sister Larsen had to speak in church so I got to sit up on the stand and do nothing. It was great. I got to make weird eye contact with the whole Inman ward. 10/10. D & P came and were actually excited to tell people about the baptism, which is huge. Also, we had a killer Ward Coord where Brother R made some plans to advance the work because he is the GOAT. Then we went to see J & K and they taught me more than we taught them. J told me that I need to let go of my fear of being hurt! So...there we go.

This week has taught me that my mission has changed me. I may not know what I'm doing, I may not even do missionary work very well, but I have been changed by my experiences here. I am not the same. And it is Because of Him *cue epic music from that video, everyone go watch the Because of Him video RN BECAUSE IT IS THE BEST*

Don't let the muggles get you down!

All my love,

Sister Pew

Sister Larsen at Chik-Fil-A

Omarito the cow

Chino the Praying Mantis

Sister Pew and a persimmon, she liked it

Week 46 - "Straight outta the Utah womb"

Dear everyone,

Wow, this week has proved to me more than ever that I legit have no idea what I'm doing. In a fun way, I guess. Sort of like not knowing where you are in Disneyland. It's pretty great. It was a little bit of a blur and I have kept very limited records of the whole thing because I'm apostate, but let's see what I can remember. (Side note - writing a weekly email like this is lowkey like giving myself a pop quiz. Some weeks I nail it. Some weeks I get a skraight F. It's whatever.)

Monday! Ha, what a day. I love P-day. Mainly we cleaned the house, Sister Graves packed and tried to sleep, and I made a big poster for my lil one. That night we went to the Ws for family home evening and had a little hymn singalong. We also visited with the Bs even though I was DYING OF ALLERGIES. Sister B made us some tea and gave me a warm blanket. Also, they have a cat...but it's a feral cat. It has a pelt instead of a fur coat. So, not allergic.

Since Tuesday was Sister Graves' last day here, we mainly tried to get things ready and go see some members that Sister Graves wanted to visit with. We saw Sister M. We also had a lesson with D & P, and we brought D and his mother with us. Dis just home from his mission in Brazil. So he literally just taught the whole lesson. #blessed AAAAAAAND then we got shut in at 8 because it was Halloween. So Sister Graves packed. ooooh also we decided to be our favorite super heroes for Halloween. We only trick or treated one place (Dr. B's office) because we figured we shouldn't spend too much time in our costumes because we're representatives of Jesus Christ. But we couldn't not. It was incredible. 

Wednesday was the day of transfers. We drove to Greenville and dropped Sister Graves off in her new area (hooray hoorah, she stayed in the zone so I'll see her literally all the time) and then drove the other Greenville sister and I down to transfers. In the transfer meeting were ALL SORTS of missionaries I know, including Elder W from Charleston Zone, Elder O who came out with me, Elder D in my zone, Elder D from my very first district ever, AND ELDER G THE LITTLE LIGHTWEIGHT. I was one of 3 sisters training. It was weird. I was like, the oldest missionary in the room. *Nervous laughter* Aaaaaand the meeting was long. But good! But long. My knee was bouncing by the end there, I was so ready to just go. Also, *drumroll please* SISTER LARSEN IS MY NEW COMPANION!!!! She is from a little town outside St. George called Veyo. . It's amazing. I am a big fan of her. She's pretty much pretrained so I don't have to do a whole lot. So Sister R was driving us home and we stopped for pizza #blessSisterR and then Sister Larsen and I figured out some life stuff and went to meet up with this guy we met through Mormon.org. His name is C and he is epileptic and has severe social anxiety. He needed a large print Book of Mormon so he could read it because he really liked the stuff he'd researched about the Mormon beliefs. He's been texting us ever since and wants to get baptized. Woot. Greenies produce miracles, I think. Sister Larsen is fun because she doesn't have the attitude that a lot of missionaries get after awhile if they're not careful -- the "this is really hard and the work is really slow" attitude. So because of her faith life sped up times a billion. Which is fine by me! That night we had Book of Mormon class, and I taught it and it was on the Isaiah chapters in 1st Nephi. It was hard, especially because I forgot my notes. But good thing D was there so he could basically do it for me! And D and P came. So that was awesome. ALSO, BEST THING EVER: Brother W was there for scouts and he took us outside before class started and gave me a ukulele that he bought for me. It's yellow and it has a dragon on it. Pictures will be included.

Thursday we tried to figure out Sister Larsen's area book stuff on her tablet at the church and it was being dumb. Also we ran into the elders. Not sure what they were doing there. But they were definitely not in proselyting clothes. *suspicious face* Also, while we were there I received an email that my sister in law was giving birth. So we changed and went to MMA in a state of MANY EXCITEMENTS. At MMA, Elder P taught me how to make my abs super buff. Sister Larsen bruised my arm up real good. And I took her out. So she can tell everyone that her trainer beat her up her first day. HAHAHAHAHA I'm the worst. That night we met this guy named J whose home situation is really weird. He explained it all like we knew everyone involved. Which we didn't. At all. That's a very southern thing to do, and when I was explaining that to Sister Larsen, she was like, "Oh good! Because that didn't make any sense to me. Here I am, straight outta the Utah womb" and that was really funny to me. I don't know. The word womb makes me uncomfortable. That whole rest of the day is a blur because that night I got a load of pictures of my nephew, Adrian. He was a pretty ugly little guy when he first came out, but he's become cuter as the days go on, and now he's adorable. I like him!!!! (I liked him even when he was an ugly squished little alien baby.) I am excited to hold him!!! I wore my team baby pew shirt that night. Because I wanted him to know that I'm on the team.

Friday we did weekly planning. Part way through, G's girlfriend S who is not a member and who just gave birth on Halloween texted us on G's phone and was like "y'all I do not even know what is happening help I need you" and she NEVER opens up to us, so that was huuuuuuuuge. She asked us to come over and we said we would. Brother S had planned to come out with us anyway. And, he and I planned a harmless little joke on Sister Larsen. I'm SO PROUD of myself for not busting up. And Sister Larsen was pretty normal about it and then was like "OH MY GOSH!" And it was hilarious. Sister Larsen was a great sport. And wasn't offended and also thought it was hilarious. So that's good. God bless my chill companion. And so then we went to see S and G and T. Brother S gave S a blessing because she was going through a lot of hard things on top of having a baby and having no family nearby to help. We taught G and T the Plan of Salvation and invited T to be baptized December 9th. He said he has always wanted to be baptized, but no one ever asked him! So that was exciting. We are scheduling a lesson with the YSA elders for next week.

Saturday we saw J our Messianic Jew friend. And we dropped him because he totally is not interested and mainly just wanted to talk to us about how Eve was totally seduced by Satan. *facepalm* but I was SO PROUD of Sister Larsen. Because in the midst of all his confusion, all his debates and fact spewing, Sister Larsen just bore simple, pure testimony to him. She did so great! She is teaching me every day. We also did our first door knocking and went to see G.

Yesterday was boss. D, P and T all came to church and we had our first ward correlation meeting with our actual ward mission leader Brother R. He is the best! Also, we got to have dinner with  the M family and they are so cute and also make dang good Mexican food. I don't know why I like Mexican food now but it's okay.

Life is crazy and good. I became a mom and an aunt this week!

I know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can overcome our weaknesses and thus be made clean and pure.

Love y'all!

Don't let the muggles get you down!

All my love,

Sister Pew

Dressed up on Halloween as their favorite super heroes!

Ukulele a member gave her and her team baby Pew t-shirt

no bake cookies

New companion, Sister Larsen

Week 45 - Our baptism goal this week is 8000

Hi y'all!

This has been another crazy week. I don't know if it's me or South Carolina (or both) but I feel like I say that every week.

This transfer is coming to a close and I am feeling a bajillion emotions right now. But I'm going to make you wait until later to find out why this is going to be a psycho transfer coming up.

Monday we went to Columbia to get ourselves...a new car. This is number 2 for me on my mission. Yes, it is verrrrrrrrrrry nice. It's another 2017 Malibu. It's light silvery blue. We also have beautiful rims. They are chrome. It's a beautiful vehicle. And then we went to see the Ws and talked to them about how they can share the gospel with their friends. Tonight we're going back so we can teach their neighbor! So I guess it worked. Thanks, Spirit.

Tuesday was our last DDM as a district and the elders were all salty about our rims. They're really jealous that the sister missionaries are driving "a nicer car than them" even though it is THE EXACT SAME MAKE AND MODEL just a different color with different rims. We then went to practice at Sister S's house for a special musical number with the YSA elders (one of which is Spencer from the Elder Bednar Face2Face, I think I mentioned that last time.) We were planning on singing Where Can I Turn For Peace...but then Elder T is now being transferred to be a district leader somewhere because he's awesome, so looks like I'm on my own. *insert displeased face here* Then we went to see Sister M and went to sing at a rest home. That night we saw P & D again and it was great! We put them on date for December 2nd. Y'all need to be praying for them, though. P still has a lot of questions, but she is leaning toward being joined with the saints. We just need her to gain a firmer testimony in the Book of Mormon. D's basically in the font already. But anyway, just a really good day overall.

Wednesday we went to the soup kitchen. We had a good time and were able to sing for the ladies there. (They're all Baptist  so we sang How Great Thou Art.) They enjoyed it a lot and even had us sing for their pastor! He now wants us to sing for his church. I'm thinking they should ALL just skip their church one day and come hear us sing at our church. Because their church is missing the pieces. Y'know. That night we had Book of Mormon class, which was sad because the zone leaders were on exchanges with the Greenville 2nd elders so Elder E was gone. I am a huge fan of Elder E. But the good thing was I got to meet Elder B! I have heard a lot about him from a companion I had. He was her zone leader and served in her ward with her a while back. She said he was awesome and he really was pretty sharp. He and Elder B did a great job teaching the class (even though we only had 2 attendees and they were both members).

Thursday we went over to see L in the morning to help her prepare for a doctor's appointment. We also were able to talk to our friend M, owner of the really good Mexican restaurant, on the phone for a few minutes. We invited him to church, and he said he'd try to make it. He didn't end up coming, but he was still very sweet.

Friday WAS THE MOST INSANE DAY EVER IN THE HISTORY OF MY MISSION. So we went to be interviewed by President and first Sister Graves went in there and then we went in there together and then President sent Sister Graves away. Our interview was going so well and President and I were just yukking it up ya know. But then he decided to really shake things up and went, "Well, since I've got you here I'll just save myself a phone call."

And I went. "...Okay." And my stomach dropped. Because I remembered that transfers are on Wednesday, and leadership calls are to be made in the morning on Friday.

And then President goes, "I want you to be a trainer."

Long, awkward pause.

"...Will you do that for me?"

Me: "Yes." (no hesitation. Proud of myself for that timely recovery.)

And then the rest of the conversation was basically President being like, "I don't know which of the newbies you're getting, but we have great faith and confidence in you" and stuff like that. So obviously I made Sister Graves come to the bathroom with me afterward and was like "SO I AM TRAINING AND YOU ARE LEAVING" and we had a lil cry fest in the bathroom and it was chill.

So, yeah. I'm getting a greenie on Wednesday! I am HAVING A BABY. Which is hilarious, because so is one of our investigators AND my sister-in-law. (HEY SISTER HANSEN AND SISTER GOETTSCHE YOU'RE HAVIN A GRANDBABY)

I am excited! and nervous! But mainly excited! I feel grateful that the Lord trusts me. I had a moment this week when I was praying and felt very sure that I really am doing all I can to be obedient and overcome my weaknesses. I know that this is just the Lord refining me and making me the person I need to be -- for right now as a missionary, and later as a wife and mother. I'm grateful He loves me enough to let me do hard things! And I am so excited to be around mainly really green missionaries (because half the elders are babies as well). They are just so hopeful and optimistic and on fire with the Spirit. I also feel strongly that my sister will be a very powerful missionary and will change many lives. So I'm pumped about that.

So the rest of the day was a whirlwind of emotions. Sister Graves began saying goodbye to everyone and stuff at the ward activity (trunk or treat) that night. D, P and our YSA investigator T and his less active buddy G came! It was lots of fun -- kinda hard to balance all those people who needed our attention, but the ward was very helpful for D & P and the elders did a great job with G & T. It was wonderful.

The next day we went over to G's house (who is a recent convert). She fed us lunch and we played with her kids. G is actually their grandma and she's their legal guardian and raising them. Those kids just soaked up the love we showed them. The youngest one, K, is so sweet.  Since we aren't allowed to hold him, we just play peekaboo and stuff. He came over to our side of his play pen where I was kneeling and just leaned his head against my hand and breathed in like he was sighing a little bit. I learned a lot and felt a lot in that experience. After that, the elders had a baptism! So the fun thing about this district is that it usually comprises us (sisters), the B S elders (who are the zone leaders), and two other sets of elders...who all speak Spanish. Each companionship covers half the Greenville East stake. However, we lost a Spanish elder because he went home last transfer, and there was nobody to finish training the elder that elder started training, so they combined both areas and had them covering the entire stake together. They were in a 3 pack. And they are the greatest. THEY ARE THE GREATEST. THEY ARE THE GREATEST. I don't know if I can emphasize that any more. But anyway, this particular baptism was of the Spanish variety. So the entire thing was in Spanish. Also, they asked me to play the piano for the baptism and that was an interesting experience. We sang Llamado a servir and Soy un hijo de Dios which was fun. Elder C (the awkward 3rd wheel) translated for Sister Graves and I just didn't even listen because translators are for the weak. I understood most of the entire baptism -- talks and everything. And it was awesome. I LOVED IT. The Spirit was like, a bajillion. That doesn't even make sense. I don't care that it doesn't make sense. That's how I felt. A bajillion Spirit. Yep. Also after that we went to the R home to help her paint and then went out with the Rs. We went to visit a less active named K. She has the cutest daughter. I will send a picture.

Yesterday in church they called a new ward mission leader! It's Brother R! So we finally have one! Hoorah! Also they announced over the pulpit that Sister Graves was leaving and the S family (who is the greatest) offered to have us over to their house because they were hosting a drop-in for their son who just got back from Brazil and so Sister Graves got to say goodbye to a lot of the ward before she left. That was inspired. Also the Ss (our ward elders quorum president) had us over to talk about their conversion story and feed us. Also, did we mention that we can eat with members again??? Heck yeah. We also said goodbye to J & K last night. J was sad. He filmed us singing together :)

Our subject line this week came from when we were reading from the Book of Mormon and decided to just randomly open up to a page and that was going to be exactly what we needed to hear. Sister Graves got a verse that said basically the wicked will be chastened and humbled and she was like....okay.... and mine talked about when Nephi and Lehi baptized 8000 Lamanites. So. Basically. Time to baptize 8000 people. Better get on that.

You guys. The church is true. Promise. Ask God.

Don't let the muggles get you down!

All my love,

Sister Mama Bear Pew

Sister Graves

Sister Pew's feet

Sister Pew and friend's child

Dinner with an awesome member family in their area

Week 44 - "It wasn't the worst."

Hi everyone!

Last week was a crazy week! But a good week! But a hard week! And I shall tell you all about it!

Monday! We ran out of gas on the highway, bought some Ben & Jerry's, and had dinner with the Rs. They got me barbecue chicken pizza and cheesecake, mainly because they're the best ever in the whole world. I love that family. SO cute. There will be pictures of the festivities. And then we went to see our investigators. They are progressing! Which is so great! They gave us tiny pumpkin pies and I survived their house even though they have a lot of cats that I'm super allergic to. After that we went to ward coordination at the As and they surprised me with a cake. Basically they are the cutest family ever and represent all the goals for my future because THEY ARE SO CUTE. <3

Tuesday we went to DDM and had the leftover birthday cake. The elders' ward mission leader came and talked to us and gave us some ideas for uniting members and missionaries. After that, we went to see Dr. B who is a chiropractor and a member of the ward. He specializes in upper cervical adjustments, so the top two bones of the spine. When they're out of line it can affect your brain and stuff. So he uh, like, fixed that or something. I don't really feel that much different. But I guess it is still good to do. After that, we went to the rest home by ourselves because the elders had to conduct a baptismal interview. It was less fun than it normally is because usually the elders are the comic relief. But it was still good and I'm still glad we went because those people clearly need some big help.

Wednesday we had a day of finding. Sister H, the RS president, and her daughter came out with us. It was fun! Sister H is super hilarious so it was awesome. She was great for the people we visited. We also had Book of Mormon class that night, which Sister Graves taught all by herself and it was so good! I was so proud :) And we had meant to give the zone leaders the rest of the leftover birthday cake that night but the problem is we left it in the kitchen during young mens so long story short it was all gone by the time we went to go get it for them. So that was really sad and we are now going to have to make a pumpkin pie for them because we feel bad. LOL not really, but we are going to make them pumpkin pie because they are AWESOME and they deserve it. (Another side note -- anyone know a good pumpkin pie recipe? Good being a relative term, because pumpkin pie is nasty.) Also, that day I practiced my special musical number with Sister S. It was really fun. (Sorry, no recording this time, but everyone said it was really good. I did Abide With Me. Also, Brother F's dad is dying and he asked me if I would sing it at his funeral. So, maybe I'll get it recorded some other time.)

Thursday we went and demolished Brother Ws deck. It was tons of fun! We had a blast. Brother Ws is ex-military and pretty much my favorite redneck ever. 

Birthday dress

Sweet note members left her

Cute plates they ate her birthday pizza

Mini pumpkin pie

A birthday cake a family made her for her birthday

Gnome look

After that we went to L to see K, who is the Bob Jones graduate, and help her clean up a bunch of stuff from the baby shower they just had. The problem is, they have 4 cats and I AM SO ALLERGIC TO ALL OF THEM AND I DIDN'T KNOW SO I DIDN'T TAKE ANYTHING so the rest of the day was a struggle and I suffered. That night we met a new potential investigator. Hopefully we get to see him again soon.

Friday we were just kind of all over the place. I don't really remember lots of what happened. I do remember we saw this less active who is easily the cutest human on the planet Earth. He is so adorable. Seriously. I love that guy. He's like, this big angry-looking fellow with a beard but he talks like a gentle Sasquatch. Really that's the only way I can describe his voice. And he might be Canadian? I don't remember... but he has a cute lil accent and he's just super nice. Like, so nice you're like, "Are people actually this nice?" And it never even crosses the creepy line, because he's just...the nicest person. Ever. Literally. So nice. We also tried to plan for the coming week but that went horribly because we ran out of time.

Saturday we went to a huge stake RS event called the humanitarian fair. Basically what it was was all the RS sisters in the stake came to the stake center. When we got there, there were a bunch of signup sheets for activities we could do, both at the stake center and out in the community, until 12:30. I was semi-dying because of the Thursday cat incident still, which made it really difficult when they asked us to go sing at a nursing home. But it was still fun and singing for old people is really actually becoming my passion in life because I do it ALL THE TIME. (There are like, an astonishing amount of old people in South Carolina.) Then we went home and tried to weekly plan again but again ran out of time. And then we went to a lesson. We haven't passed him off to YSA yet, but it's coming. We even warned him. Also we read the Book of Mormon with them. G has been reading. T finds it a little more difficult because the language isn't what he's used to at all. But it's still good.

Yesterday I sang in church! Again, sorry. No recording. But it was pretty good, I think. They have already asked me to do a musical number for a missionary fireside the 14th of November so I guess they all were pleased. The subject of this email was what Brother A said to me after all of everyone else told me I did good. It was just really funny. He is a funny guy.

Well, that is about it for this week. I had a couple hard days, and then I realized I was complicating everything. So don't do that and just live the dang gospel! (maybe minus the dang part because that's a lil bit irreverent...)

I love my life! I love being a missionary! I love being 20! (so far!)

Don't let the muggles get you down!

All my love,

Sister Pew

Week 43 - PSA EVERYONE GET GAS IN YOUR CARS 😁😁😁

Hello from America's favorite 20 year old. 

Right now we're sitting on the side of highway 26 waiting for a member to come get us. Our car ran out of gas. Happy birthday to me. *facepalm*

Anyway, the missionary week was good, but kinda slow. We had exchanges and that was fun. I went to Spartanburg and got pumpkin cheesecake. It was great. The STLs came to MMA with us and that was fun. I tried Mexican food that I actually liked and it was incredible - I even wrote about it in my journal and titled it "The Mexican Food Renaissance". It was from a place called Papas & Beer and the owner is named M. We met him at the international festival and he thinks we're legit angels. He's the greatest. We referred him to the Spanish elders.  Another highlight is that we taught a new investigator named T but he's totally a YSA so. Tough. We just get to give our investigators away to elders. :(

Yesterday I had a little bit of a mental breakdown because I'm officially done with being a teenager. I've been around the sun 20 whole times. What the heck. 

So to keep myself happy instead of dwelling on my imminent mortality or something dramatic like that, I've decided to make a detailed list of 20 things I'm grateful for! (It might be more than 20. Don't judge.)

1. My parents. You guys, I'm serious. If you don't know them, you are missing out. My mother is the most committed disciple of Christ I have ever met in my life. I want to be her when I grow up. And my dad is just the cutest goofiest dude ever and he has the best heart. I legit cry about how much I love them. They are the best parents.

2. My siblings. 1: Taran & Lisa (and unborn baby child), AKA Pocahontas and John Smith (you all think Taran is John Smith but you're wrong, he's totally Pocahontas). They are hilarious and the best. I love them a lot. Taran is the official winner for most emails read aloud to companions because they are all super duper entertaining. Lisa wins the award for most happiest ever because she literally is not ever sad ever. I don't even know how that happens. And they are also giving me a nephew! Hoorah! 2: Timo & Megan. They just got married in May and they are the cutest people that ever lived. Megan is so funny and I knew before I left that she would fit right into our family. I appreciate her sharing her spiritual experiences with me, especially the ones from the temple. Timo is a very thoughtful person and also freaking hilarious. He is also a good photographer and mainly is really dedicated to the gospel which is great. 3: Izak. Izak is the sweetest person. He cares a whole lot about everyone and wants to make sure they're all doing okay. He also says REALLY FUNNY THINGS and overall we just get along really well. Like, so well we'd probably be friends even if we weren't siblings. So that's really cool. Also, he is really great with little kids and tries to learn everyone's names in all his classes at school. Nobody gives him enough credit for the hard work he puts in. He is a serious winner and he can do anything he puts his mind to. 4: Micah. Micah actually writes me every week even though he is a teenager. So he is inheriting everything I own if I die on my mission. CONGRATULATIONS! But really, I appreciate Micah's desire to do the right thing. It's very mature for his age. He is doing a great job supporting things at home. Also, he's just really funny. (Are we sensing a theme here?) Also his majestic flowing mane of hair is really something to be proud of. 5: Zane. Zane is a passionate, fiery little guy (little as in he's totally taller than me and his voice has dropped like 9 octaves since I left on my mission). I am grateful that he likes to enjoy the magic of things and also that he's totally down to watch Fantastic Beasts with me 500 times when I get home. (Right?) Also, he has cute freckles And again. Super funny. But in the most random, crazy way ever. 6: Gwen. Gwen has been my sanity ever since she was born 11 years ago. Also, the reason I know how to do hair. Also, basically my inspiration in life. I have never met anyone who loves dragons as much as her. She also is very naturally giving and shares anything she can. Also, she likes to snuggle and spend time with me, which is always a plus. Also, she's...funny. Like, really funny.

3. The Gibbons family. Since the 5th grade, the Gibbons household has been my second home. Tiffany is more like a part of my soul than a best friend. She is the sweetest, most selfless, bravest girl out there. She has been with me through thick and thin. I can count on her. And her family has been so accepting and welcoming to me. They are such blessings in my life and I am so, so grateful for them.

4. The Rice family. Andrew and Abi may have been what started my friendship with the rest of the Rice family, but they have loved me more than I ever thought anyone could. They helped me through some of the toughest years. I'm sure I wouldn't be where I am without them. Also, Andrew and Abi are both doing GREAT things on their missions and I am so proud of them and so honored to be working in the vineyard alongside those two spiritual giants.

5. Garrett Broekhuijsen. Garrett is one of the kindest, most intelligent humans I've ever met. There is almost nothing he wouldn't do to help another person. The coolest thing about Garrett is he helped me see myself clearly. We're like sisters. It's the best.

6. Conner Quiring. Even when our paths go different directions, I know Conner is always there for me. He's definitely my bro. Forever. Maybe even 5ever.

7. Colin Jorgensen. He's always real with me and I love that. He also has probably changed the most out of everyone I knew in high school, in a good way. Also maybe one of the smartest people I know. And hilarious.

8. All of my seminary and institute teachers. I am mostly just super grateful for the excitement they have for the gospel and how they made me excited to be a missionary. Thank you to all you gospel teachers out there! Your enthusiasm and love for the Lord is inspirational.

9. My MTC companions, Sister Laura Janke and Sister Tiffany Cordon. They cried with me, laughed with me, and made the MTC one of the very best experiences of my life. I will be forever grateful for them. They always have a special place in my heart.

10. Sister Kaylee Elizabeth Hansen who is soon to be Kaylee Elizabeth Pratt. (Weird.) She taught me how to be a missionary! HARD! Especially because I thought I already knew how to be a missionary! She handled me so well and with lots of laughter. She is very talented (especially at ping pong) and she has such a good relationship with God. She was the hardest working missionary I ever met, and she's going to be the most beautiful bride! Payton is a lucky man :)

11. Sister Jessica Noel Goettsche. Sister Goettsche is the most loving human being you will ever meet in your whole life. Holy Hannah. She wins all the awards. Sister Goettsche taught me that with God on my side, I can change lives. She also taught me that there are more important things than numbers, that people really matter, that everyone has a purpose and that everyone deserves to be respected and loved. I came away from our companionship a much kinder, much more loving person. I can't thank her enough for all she did for me, and for all the sacrifices she makes for the Lord. Straight up she is such an amazing missionary.

12. Sister Sierra Nicole Julander. I heartily protest that I only got one transfer with this beautiful woman. I am serious you guys. I don't think I have ever laughed harder in my whole life than that one transfer. She is the most ridiculous person I know in the very best way. Never play volleyball with her. It's hopeless. I promise. She also is just very organized and for some reason she just really liked me a lot which made me feel special.

13. Sister Clara Rae Kniffen. Sister Kniffen is a special person. She has more love in her heart than most people have. She doesn't make excuses and she loves to laugh. She is stable and trustworthy and selfless and giving and I learned so, so much from our 5 weeks together.

14. Sister Damitu Wesley Haws. Sister Haws and I were like actual siblings. She taught me how to take risks, how to laugh at myself, and how to make things work for me even if everything is going wrong. Also, she supported me through some serious emotional trauma and knows me better than nearly anyone on planet earth. She is so strong and hard working and knows how to just get things done. And she also is so selfless. It doesn't matter what's going on with her personally; she puts it all on hold to help others. She is amazing.

15. Sister Kyla Rae Graves. OH MY GOSH. It's only been 3ish weeks but she is so easygoing and kind. She loves the Lord so much. She is a great support, and she makes me laugh.

16. The Blythewood ward. Even though it wasn't a long stay, it was a good stay. I love the people there.

17. The Moncks Corner ward. Those 7.5 months changed my heart and soul. Especially those sweet ward members who were endlessly willing to help and uplift us missionaries. I am so grateful for all the rides we were given, all the advice that was shared, all the knowledge imparted, and for all the love that they gave. Truly, the Moncks Corner ward is the promised land.

18. My current area. Again, it hasn't been very long, but I am captivated by this place. It is perfect for me to be here right now. I can't explain it at all. But it's true.

19. The Book of Mormon. Because of the Book of Mormon, I am learning to be more like the Savior. I'm serious, the Book of Mormon can help and uplift you if you read it looking for a bright spot of light. It has amazing power to transform your life.

20. The Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the Father who willingly gave His Son, the Son who willingly gave His life, and for the peace this gift brings to me. Because of my many imperfections, this is the best birthday present I have, and I get to use it literally every day. It is a precious precious thing. I am so, so grateful for it.

*21. ANY REALLY IMPORTANT PEOPLE I FORGOT I AM SO SORRY IF YOU AREN'T ON THIS LIST AND YOU FEEL LIKE YOU SHOULD BE. Amazing uncles and aunts and cousins and grandparents are all included in this number. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE GREATEST DON'T BE OFFENDED I LOVE YOU OKAY BYE

Everyone, I love being a missionary. It's my favorite thing.

Don't let the muggles get you down!

All my love,

*20 Year Old Sister Pew*

Oh ALLLLLLLLLSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOO

22. Any other friends who have changed my life anyone who was involved with LPHS drama and chamber choir because you're all beautiful humans who deserve to be recognized and I am sorry I don't have time in this brief email to delineate your many marvelous qualities.

Week 42 - ¡Jesús es mi luz!

Hello all! This week was crazy. Like extra a lot crazy. Oh man.

I believe I wrote about Monday last week, so we can start with Tuesday. Which was the day the mission drastically changed. Like, so much. For starters, as many of you are aware, we have become a Facebook mission. I kind of like it and kind of don't. It's nice to be able to use another tool to help with missionary work and it's really convenient for us to stay in contact with the people we know here, but I DONT NEED TO SEE THE POLITICS OR THE NEWS OR EVERYONES FREAKING WEDDING PICTURES (although all y'all do look great). I am allowed to talk to you directly if you have any missionary stuff to tell me, like if you read a cool scripture you want me to share or whatnot. So shoot me a message, share conference talks with me, and help us here in SC to turn Facebook into the flood of inspiration and positivity that it was created to be.  We were also informed that we are one of 12 missions selected to be the piloters of a new finding program. We don't know the details, but I will keep you informed on how it works as additional information becomes available. AND our area book app updated and everything is so weird. You guys, just when I thought I was getting the hang of all this organizational stuff, they throw this in here. This isn't even the first time. Remember the schedule change like a month into my mission? I swear the missionary department of the Church just hates me. (Definitely a joke. They're too nice.) That night we went to the church to set up our Facebook accounts, but we ended up running into one of the YSA elders' recent converts, so we just talked to him until like 8. (Side note - one of the YSA elders is Elder Spencer Thomas, formerly of some mission in Kenya or something, but he's been reassigned here. Remember the LDS Face2Face with Elder Bednar? Elder Thomas was one of the youth hosts for that one, along with my friend Abby. Go watch it!) Then we went out finding. It was great. We stayed out until 9pm and it was dark and sketch. Awesome.

Wednesday we actually set up our Facebook accounts and that was weird. We also went finding a lot and had Book of Mormon class. Luckily the Rs were there so we were able to actually have class. Also, we had ward coordination with Brother A and I am convinced that he is the funniest person ever. We told him about all the new stuff.

Thursday we had MMA in the morning and then we went over to see D We mainly just talked to him this time instead of arguing. We also met this cute old guy trying to find a former investigator. He was out in his wheelchair on his driveway and we stopped and had a nice chat with him about God and happiness. Hopefully we'll be getting back there soon.

Friday we went out with Sister F to a place called Strawberry Hill, which I swear is the cutest place ever in the whole world. I think I need to move there. It's basically a ginormous farm. We went to visit a shut-in member. She was sweet and a little Pentecostal which is actually probably my favorite thing. So much evangelical zeal. She recently had surgery and basically told all her doctors and nurses that the second coming is near and they need to shape up. Afterwards, though, was less fun. Since our area book app updated itself WE DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE so we had to figure that out, and then I started feeling really nauseous all of a sudden right before we had to go to a lesson with J. We nearly cancelled except then a thought popped into my head: "This is Satan. Satan doesn't want you to go teach J." So I was like, "Whatever Satan" and we went anyway. Miracles? When we got to him, all nausea disappeared. God is real, folks. And during J's lesson (at his gym) one of the students' moms came in and started talking with us...turns out she's a less active that we didn't even have on record! So definitely Satan was trying to keep us from seeing J and meeting her as well. He's the worst guy.

Saturday we were able to attend the International Festival of Spartanburg. It's where a bunch of people get together and sell foods from other countries and have booths that explain the demographics and stuff (which is totally right up my alley because I love travel and other cultures so I was dying). I had this really cool experience where I was talking to a Chinese lady about China and she just all of a sudden really searched me. Like, she looked deeply into my eyes and saw my soul. My companion was leaving, but I smiled at her, thanked her, and told her I hoped to make it to China someday. I hope that even though my time with her was very limited, she'll remember how she felt when she looked into my eyes and saw the Light of Christ and felt the Spirit of the Lord. It was special. ALSO THE FEATURED COUNTRY THIS YEAR WAS FINLAND SO SHOUTOUT TO DADDYKINS

Sunday was fast and testimony meeting, so I bore my testimony. All the lessons were on Family History and I felt pretty roasted because I have limited desire to do genealogy at this point. The teachers were basically like, "do you want to explain to your ancestors why they couldn't be baptized sooner?" And I was like, "No. I don't want to do that." So, remind me. That's like, the first thing on my list of things to do when I get home.

Well, today was also fun. We went to the zoo because it was Sister J's birthday (she is one of our STLs). We had lots of fun and went to Sticky Fingers in downtown Greenville, which is super cute and I like it a lot.

Also, speaking of birthdays. I turn twenty next P-Day, which is SO not okay. But you can't stop it. So...yeah. But anyway. For my birthday, I would like each of you to do 20 acts of service in the next week. And then tell me all about it. They don't gotta be big, and I'll do it too. But that's what you can do for me on my birthday, is serve God.

Also if you have any fun Facebook post ideas that are spiritual in nature, please let me know! 

I just absolutely love being a missionary. I have found a fullness of joy.

Never forget how loved you are.

And don't let the muggles get you down!

All my love,

Sister Pew

This actual from the week before, I forgot to post. We didn't get any photos this week so just as well. They are watching General Conference at a members' home.

Week 41 - "Bedtimes are of God."

Hi everyone!

Life just keeps getting better. I'm telling you, I love where I am. It is theeee funnest. So fun. All the fun. I was kinda worried about going to the upstate because in Greenville (which isn't far from where I am) there is a college called Bob Jones which has a very large collection of anti-Mormon material on display and Bob Jones graduates tend to really hate us. But so far everyone I've met is just the sweetest human and I love it here. Also, Sister Graves is the greatest. It was she who said the quote that is today's subject line. It was hilarious. She is just so easy to get along with and we are already the best of friends.

Last Monday we didn't do much but today we may or may not have accidentally ended up in North Carolina...awkward. But it was really fun!!! We went to a little town called Landrum. It reminded me of Cedar City. We found the absolute best antique store ever. It was so awesome.

Tuesday was awesome. We had our first DDM and I got to meet los elderes de espanol, Elders P (district leader sir), H and C. H and C are verdes. They've been out 1.25 transfers. Elder P was in Charleston at the same time as me for awhile. Anyway. It was a really good DDM and Elder P had us all bear testimony of the Book of Mormon. I freaking love that book. It is the best book. Then we went and taught this cute lady named S who was basically like, "well you never know until you try so I guess I'll just have to read the ENTIRE BOOK OF MORMON AND PRAY ABOUT IT" Well, maybe she didn't say those exact words...but almost. Then we met the elders at an old folks home and sang. I had to play the piano. I have been practicing like a madwoman. Children. Practice your piano. YOU NEVER KNOW. That night we went back to see the A family and E was barfing all over everything so we called Brother R who lives down the street and is the father of J our MMA teacher so that he could give them a blessing. Ds medication has been making her crazy lately, so she wanted one too.(Side note, Brother R totally looks like Richard from Tommy Boy.) Also, Brother R's brothers-in-law just happened to be there and that was a miracle. The blessings were both given by Brother R and it was incredible how much peace was in that home after he finished. #miracles.

Wednesday we did service at a soup kitchen. Also, the zone leaders were nice enough to bring me 2 packages! Which was awesome. And also 2 letters! Which was also awesome. And also a phone! Which was awesomest. Also, we got to learn about the temple with the youths.

Thursday we went and did service at a farm with Brother W, Sister R, and Sister R's atheist son D whom we are kind of teaching. Also, I briefly stepped in a small anthill, but I got theeeeeeeeee worst ant bite ever. Seriously it itched for dayyyyys. After service we taught D. We emphasized testifying. That works best, usually.

The next day we met this really cool guy named E who said we could totally come back and teach him. We were trying to find a less active and we knocked on the house it said he lived at and nobody answered. As we were pulling out of the driveway, a car pulled into the driveway. We immediately got out and asked him if he was our MIA less active friend and he was NOT but he was super duper nice. And get this. He saw me and pointed and the first thing that came out of his mouth was, "You look super familiar." And I was literally about to say the exact same thing. He is really cool. We like him. He thought we were Jehovah's Witnesses but was still super awesome and then when he found out we were Mormons instead he was even MORE awesome. Apparently his mother is a convert to the Church in Colombia. After that, Sister Graves and I were both feeling like death. Hers was a stomach thing and mine was a cat thing. So we just went home and weekly planned until 6 pm when Sister R and J needed us to come over and help them decorate for J's wife K's baby shower. K happens to be a Bob Jones graduate. She used to hate us, but not anymore. She still doesn't believe what we believe, but she likes us as people now, which is good. Anyways, we decorated J's gym with ninja decorations for the "baby ninja" that's due in 5 weeks. I was all the time thinking about my SOON TO BE NEPHEW HECK YEAH but it was a good time.

Saturday we went to the baby shower for a lil bit, then studied, then got to watch General Conference. WHICH WAS SO BOSS MIGHT I ADD. For the first session, we and los elderes and the zone leaders went to the church to watch it. I did squeal when the camera pointed directly in my cute daddy's face. Props to him for not forgetting any of the words <3 and also the elders were super impressed. Also, the following account is true and I did not even make it up. Before the broadcast started, the whole district asked to see pictures of Daddy so that they could find him in the crowd, and Sister Graves sees my dad for the first time and this is what she said:

"Your dad kind of looks like Batman."

I am not joking. I am not lying. That is the first thing she said about him. Which was HILARIOUS, and so I died laughing for a good ten minutes while everyone waited patiently for me to recover, and then I had to try and explain the oldest of family jokes to them, and they all thought I was crazy, but I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND HOW BEAUTIFULLY PERFECT THAT WAS. Okay, that is all. (Note from her mom: Tim has said he was Batman since Taran was 4 so 20 yrs, long story but this might help a little).

And so, we Conference'd. It was cute to watch the lil greenies trying to furiously write down every single word that proceedeth forth out of the mouth of Elder Holland. They were literally scrambling and kept being like, "he's talking too fast! I can't get it all down!" After that, I asked the aforementioned greenies to give me a blessing for my allergies (they have been killer lately). It was Elder H' first or second or something cool like that. Anyway, it was interesting -- he barely talked about allergies at all in the blessing. He mainly talked about how God loves me and is proud of me. Sometimes that's difficult to grasp. But it was sweet that Heavenly Father just wanted to tell me that. I love that guy. After first session Sister Graves and I began fasting for inspiration as to what we could do to be better missionaries and help the members to join with us as full partners in this work. We went to see G again. We were able to testify boldly to him of his divine nature and invite him to come partake of the Spirit again. I know he felt something. He didn't come to Conference like he promised, but we'll see what happens. After that, we went to Bishop's house to watch the second session and priesthood. AND HOLY COW PRIESTHOOD. It was very inspiring for me. Never in my life have I been so grateful for the precious power the priesthood is. I am so grateful for my righteous father, who has always honored his priesthood and served quietly and powerfully. I am also grateful for my righteous, priesthood-bearing brothers, who may tease and occasionally torment but who all have very good, decent hearts, and who are a constant light in my life and in the lives of my mother and sister. I also felt a considerable and exciting paradigm shift come upon me. I felt so strongly of the blessing it is to be a support in the home to a worthy, covenant-keeping priesthood holder. I felt a strong desire to uphold and inspire those priesthood elders I serve with. I felt a call to repentance for not respecting enough their sacred office and the holy work they have been called to. Men are amazing! They have a substantial work to do, and we as their complimentary counterparts are best served by lifting them up, cheering them on, and being kind, gracious, forgiving and patient with them. We have no diminished position before God because of our sacred duty to strengthen the priesthood - it is a divine assignment that I feel anxious to magnify. Think of the good we can all do if we bless and serve each other! Think of the miracles that would occur if every priesthood holder or prospective priesthood holder had someone who believed in, cared about, and prayed for him and his success! I just have lots of feelings about priesthood session, okay? It was an awesome experience for me. #ldsconf

Sunday was no less amazing. We actually had our investigator J come to the morning session. J is Jewish, so the emphasis on the Savior was like, so inspired. It's like God planned it out or something. Afterwards, we broke our fast and had lunch with J and the H family. AND THEN, we went to Bishop's house and Bishop's wife made us dinner. Conference is just so good. Later that day we were able to go and plan at Lake Bowen park and it was beautiful.

I just love the gospel and the Church so much!

To close this here email, I want to tell you a story about my mom.

The giving of scriptures to a newly baptized eight year old is a common practice in the LDS church. My family isn't the only family that does this. However, my experience with the tradition is forever ingrained into my memory. I consider it to be the most important event of my childhood.
My mother is a champion of service and love. She tried relentlessly to impress upon her children the significance of spirituality from their earliest years. We always knew the scriptures were of paramount importance to her; we always read scriptures as a family, and it was not unusual for us to stumble upon her prayerfully studying them herself as we went about our morning routine. So it was with little surprise, but admittedly a bit of excitement, that I found myself in bed, with my mother sitting at my feet, holding a pair of scriptures that said my full name, embossed in gold letters. They were beautiful. I couldn't wait to hold them.
Before handing my scriptures over, though, my mom looked me right in the eyes. She has a way of sticking it to you. She looked me in the eyes, and she said quietly, "Emily, I want you to read these every day." So impressed was I by the Spirit in all of my eight-year-old, newly confirmed glory, that I'm pretty sure I couldn't say a single word. I distinctly remember her opening the Book and pointing to a page. "It doesn't matter how much you read," she said. "You can start with a column a day. But just read them every day. Okay?" I nodded - an anticlimactic reaction to that incredible moment that, unbeknownst to me and my mother, had just marked my course for eternities.
I definitely didn't know how impactful that was at the time. But I did make a decision that day, and that decision was that I was gonna read my scriptures, dangit. I definitely haven't been perfect. I have missed a few scattered days - but those days have been remarkably few over a nearly 12-year period. That habit of scripture study, catalyzed by my mom, has been instrumental in building the framework of my testimony. Think steel beams. The scriptures are what I fall back on, what I turn to in times of trial, and how I receive personal revelation from God. That decision that I made to read my scriptures has affected my past, is affecting my present, and will affect my future and my future family. I am on a mission because I learned from the scriptures how to listen to the Spirit. I have only made it on some hard days because of the little voice that comes into my head (It usually sounds a lot like my mom): "Have you read your scriptures today?" What I am finding in the scriptures, particularly in the Book of Mormon, is the joy of discipleship and the blessings of obedience to God's laws. The most important thing, though, is the knowledge of who I am, and who God is, and how He relates to me and my life. The most important thing is the reality of Christs's Atonement and the knowledge of why He did what He did. That knowledge is changing everything about me.
So if you're a parent thinking nothing you teach your kids will ever sink in, remember my faithful mom. Over time I have come to know that, like the mothers of the stripling warriors, I have been taught by my mother that if I do not doubt, if I hold on, if I keep at it, God will deliver me. And I do not doubt my mother knows it.

I love y'all!

Don't let the muggles get you down!

All my love, Sister Pew

Look who she ran into at the library

Aprons someone made them

Lake Bowen Park

Lake Bowen Park

Landrum

Landrum

OOps