My Zone Loves Sports - And Messing Around

Letter From Ashley Sept 21 2015

Hey you guys!  How has your week been?  Mines been pretty great!  Here are some things I did:

Experience #1

We went over to Sister M's again this week.  We were there to talk to her about temples.  She says that there are a few things that she is going to need help with or going to need to do before she can go through the temple.  We decided to sing "I like to see the temple" with her and her son and it was beautiful.  He is three years old and loves to sing right along with us.  Then it was hard to grab his attention again after that, so we started to sing, "A child's prayer."  But things happen sometimes that detract from the spirit.  All of the sudden, her son started choking on the carrots he was eating.  She was frantically trying to help him and make him cough it up while we just looked at each other like, "Do we keep singing or....?"  He finally stopped choking just as we finished singing.  Then, he decided it was appropriate to throw up all over himself and the carpet.  We told her we would help her clean up while she went to clean him up.  She was really embarrassed, but we told her it was fine and just got back to the lesson.  It was an interesting start for sure, but the lesson itself was actually really great!  We had her think back to when she went to the temple for baptisms for the dead.  We asked her what she remembered and what she felt.  The spirit was so strong as she was telling us of her experience.  We showed her the "blessings of the temple" video and promised her that she could feel those same feelings in greater abundance if she will do the things necessary to get her temple recommend and receive her endowment.  She seemed pretty happy by the end of it.  :)

Experience #2

We finally got to go to J and E's house this week.  They are recent converts that sisters before Sister L found.  They have been crazy busy lately and we haven't had an opportunity to go see them because of their schedules.  But we finally got to go this week.  We decided to go on the one day we were on bikes.  So we pulled up and put our bikes in the driveway.  But just as we did so, their dad was pulling out and asked if we could move them.  We told him we could and put them down on the front curb.  We went in and started teaching them the new member lesson about keeping the ten commandments and keeping the Sabbath day holy.  As we were about 3/4 into the lesson, Sister L leans to me and says, "We forgot to chain up the bikes."  I told her we would wrap it up soon and that everything would be fine.  It was an amazing lesson and the girls shared their testimonies on the importance of going to church and the blessings it can bring to our lives.  We wrapped up the lesson and walked outside.  Sister L looked out the front door and said, "The Bikes Are Gone!"  My eyes got really wide and I said, "You've got to be kidding me."  We walked outside and it seems as though that is all that I could say.  Frustrated, we looked at the girls and said, "Well, I guess we are walking home.  We will see you girls later."  They looked really sad and disappointed.  We started walking home and dialed the phone to our vehicle/bikes coordinator.  We talked to him about what happened and he gave us instruction to call the police and file a report.  Just as I hung up the phone, Sister L looked at me and said, "Wait!  Maybe it's in the garage!"  I looked at her like, "Yeah right!"  But we did turn back just to make sure.  When we got back to their house, we saw the girls on their front porch.  We asked what they were doing.  They replied, "We were plotting how to confront the people that stole your bikes.  But we have to be careful.  Because they might have a gun."  We told them to check the garage and see if their father put them in there.  They ran inside to check and they came running out screaming and opening the garage door saying, "It's here!  It's here!"  No joke when I say that was one of the scariest moments of my mission thus far!

Experience #3

One day this week, we had to bike all day long.  So we spent 45 minutes biking to this appointment.  We get there and pulled up into her driveway.  She swung open the door holding this ginormous bag of popcorn.  She said, "Come in girls."  We walked in and did How to Begin Teaching and said an opening prayer.  We taught a very spirit-filled restoration lesson and you could tell she was feeling the spirit.  But unfortunately, she said, "Baptist isn’t for me" at the end of the lesson.  Unfortunate, yes.  But I just wanted to share it because she was eating this huge bag of popcorn the whole time and chomping her jaw.  It was so hard to focus, but I thought it was really funny  :)

Experience #4

We went to this returning member's house this week named Sister H.  She is the one that basically wants us to teach her "how to be a Mormon."  So we decided it would be best to start with the missionary discussions.  She has a very inquisitive mind and has lots of questions.  So what should have been a half an hour lesson took about an hour and a half.  There are some things that she isn't used to and has her mind set on certain things, so we have our work cut out for us.  It was funny too, because she said on Sunday that one of her (incidental) main purposes in life right now are to "confuse the missionaries" and to learn "how to be a Mormon.  I compare it to a kid with a candy jar.  She is just learning so much that she really doesn't remember from the first time she took the discussions.  In order to help her learn better, we offered to come over a different time in the week to watch the Joseph Smith movie with her that goes into greater detail.  It was so inspiring as we watched the movie, because her eyes were filled with wonder and amazement as she was watching this movie.  She had her eyes glued to the screen.  So many questions came from it and we spent almost two hours over there between dinner, the movie, and a Q&A.  It was super fun though.  I feel so blessed that we have the opportunity to help this amazing woman learn about the gospel.

Experience #5

So we are teaching a referral from the elders.  Her name is J and she is the daughter of two of their recent converts.  She didn't want the elders to teach her and she really wasn't open to baptism before now.  But as we went to teach her for the first time this week, she was really interested and involved in the lesson.  And what was really sweet was that when we told her that her father will be receiving the priesthood that Jesus Christ restored through Joseph Smith, and that he would have the power to baptize her, she got really excited and said, "Wait.  Daddy can baptize me?"  We nodded and she got the biggest smile on her face that I had ever seen.  She asked if she had to be baptized that day, and obviously we said no.  But she did say that she wanted to be baptized.  We are so excited and we know that through fervent prayer and working with her constantly, we will be able to bring this amazing family together through the ordinances and covenants that they are making.  And hopefully, they will be able to make it to the temple together next year to be sealed for time and all eternity.  Speaking of which...

Experience #6

Sister L and I showed up for Gospel Principles this week and it ended up that we had to teach the lesson again because they have not yet called a gospel principles teacher.  The lesson was on "The Family Can Be Eternal".  It was such a neat experience for me to be able to bear my testimony and to teach for a solid hour about one of the things of the gospel, if not the most important thing, that means the most to me.  It was so sweet to feel of those feelings and love for my family and reminding myself of the truth that our families can all be together forever. It was just really special and I wanted to share it with you.

I am doing okay.  I think I was headed quickly toward a sinus infection.  But through prayer and a blessing today from the elders, I should be on the way to speedy recovery.  So I will be doing better.  And I was able to work off the nerves from almost getting hit by a car on the way to the church today.  So I'm doing better.  :)  Sister L is doing well.  Struggling a little with adjusting to missionary life and the habits.  But hey, that’s normal.   We got three new missionaries in our district because Elder H, Sister C, and Elder G left.  So now we have Sister O (who I came out with), Elder S (who I served with in Danville), and Elder J (new missionary).  We got two Elder Jackson's this transfer.  One is from Payson and one is from Idaho.  So we figure that the one from Payson is who's mom you met.  But they are about to change this coming Sunday because they are changing the stake boundaries.  So I will keep you updated if any of the changes affect me or my district.

I am having a wonderful time.  My district is fun, but they are very competitive.  So playing sports is fun.  But I am trying to get them working together on missionary work.  It is a process.  I can't believe the time has flown by this fast.  Next Thursday is my one-year mark.  I can't believe that!  I am just going to work, work, work until the very end.  There is too much work to be done to worry about anything else.

The Ward is going through a lot with boundary changes and everything.  But slowly, we are getting there.  I don't know how open they are with it.  But we can definitely talk to the bishop and the ward mission leader as soon as we can.  Just waiting for the right moment.  Because then we can have the most success with it.  But we can start bringing it up with members while we are at dinners and appointments and things.  :)  Thank you so much for all the advice and family history tools that you sent me.  It will really help.  I am going to go over and study the document and read what it says in Preach My Gospel.  Then we can see what would be most effective with the people in this area.  I love it!  I am so excited!  Thank you!

For P-Day,  we came up to get a blessing from the elders and also played some basketball and chair soccer.  It's super fun!

Thanks for the family pictures!  I love seeing how everyone is doing.

I would love some candy!  Obviously!  ;)  But I love getting anything from y'all.  So just surprise me.  :)

I haven’ t received an email from Em yet.  But I would love to.  I have not received one from Beth either.  I did from Caitlyn.

I would love snacks from China.  I would also love some more Toms.  They would just need to be one or two sizes bigger than last time because those ones could barely fit on my foot.  But I do love toms.  I just don't need any out here in the field because I can't really wear them without destroying them.  But I would love whatever he brings back.  It can just wait for me at home.  Is that okay?

It's okay that there isn't much to write about.  I just hope you and Gma and Gpa Irwin didn't get pneumonia.  Are you all doing well?  I hope so.  Even though I have been sick, I haven't really been staying in.  It drives me nuts.  But I have been taking the occasional nap if I am too run down.  Don't worry.  Tell me how the FHC and the Temple are going.  Still enjoying them?

Well... I think that may be all for this week.  I love you guys to the moon and back, to the sun and back, to North Carolina and back, to the moon and back, to Alaska and back, and to the eternities and back!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Ash :)

It Rains Sometimes in North Carolina !!

On Monday, September 14, 2015 2:20 PM, Ashley Irwin <ashley.irwin@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Hey everybody.  My week has been pretty good.  We finished up Sister L's training, got a little sick again, and had tons of fun.  Here are some of the things that happened.

Experience #1

We got the chance to go to Lazy 5 ranch again this week.  Well, again for me.  For some, like Sister L, it was the first time.  But for me, it's my third.  So there isn't much to say.  Same animals, still fun, still smelly, still full of animal slobber.  But it was really fun to be back with some of the missionaries that I have served with before and some that I have never served with before.  We are still as goofy and fun-loving as ever.  After all, there isn't much else you can be to keep the mission interesting and full of laughter.  ;)  

Experience #2

We were able to go see Sister M again this week.  We brought our notes from the mission home fireside to talk to her about them because she was unable to come in person.  It was so good.  I am realizing that even the littlest things we don't normally associate with talents or gifts are.  For instance, Heavenly Father has given me the ability to take notes really quickly.  And it isn't just for personal gain.  Now, because I have them, my family (both present and future), will be able to learn and gain knowledge from them.  And I can share them with members and investigators here.  It's amazing.  Anyway, she was able to learn so much about what was discussed at the fireside.  (I hope you guys enjoyed the notes as well).  And she was able to share with us some really fun facts about her family.  She is a direct descendant of Hyrum Smith.  So she has held in her hands some of the journals and diagrams that the prophet Joseph Smith himself wrote.  So she was interested a lot in the part about the priesthood and Joseph Smith.  It was so interesting to hear her testimony about it.  She said that, that was the moment that she really knew that everything she had ever learned from her parents and from church was true.  When she held in her hands some of the most important things and pieces of information that she had ever seen.  She is such an amazing woman that deserves so much more than she is going through right now.  But that is part of the reason we are here.  To uplift her and share of the spirit that we bring with us.  :)

Experience #3

So there is a sister in the ward who is just returning to activity after about 9 years.  She basically just decided to come one day and she mentioned in a relief society lesson last week that all she really wants is to "learn how to be a Mormon."  She has been a member for quite a few years now, but she said that she joined just to "have a church."  She never really came to the understanding of the teachings.  So she took us out to dinner this week and we basically had a Q&A session.  If you really want to know how much gospel knowledge you have, have someone who wants to know a lot give you a bunch of questions.  It was some of the most simple questions I have ever heard, yet I actually didn't know how to explain some of them.  It was kind of refreshing.  This far out, there are not many things that make me stumble, but it is the moments that do, that keep me the most humble.  For those curious as to what some of the questions were, one of them was, "What is the Pearl of Great Price and what is its purpose?"  Simple... right?  Well you try answering it in a simple way.  I had to actually turn to the introduction of the Pearl of Great Price and read it with her.  Thank goodness Heavenly Father has given us the tools to be able to answer questions like that.  But this woman is an absolute sweetheart and just wants to learn so much.  She asked what, in my opinion, would be the best thing for her to do to learn all that she wanted to.  I simply responded, "Take the missionary lessons again.  They will teach you everything you will ever need to know."  She giggled and said, "Well, maybe not everything.  I have a lot of questions.  But at least it is a start."  So we are going to go over this week and start the lessons all over again.  We are really excited.

Experience #4

So... I told you about the member who just randomly got married, right?  So we called her one night this week and asked if we could come over.  She said if we could make it quick, we were more than welcome to because she was going to go to bed after that.  So we drove down there and talked to her for a few minutes.  But since Elder B was the one that told us that she got married, we had to wait until she said something about it.  So we asked some digging questions when we first got over there because she kept saying that she was really tired and that she had just had a really busy week.  And it was unbelievable.  It took us about five minutes to get her to finally tell us that she got married.  So we acted as surprised as we could muster and she just got the biggest smile on her face that I had ever seen.  It was adorable.  She said that it wasn't planned.  He just called her one day and said his work was transferring to him to Charlotte and that he wanted to see her.  Then a couple of days later, he called her and said that he was there and wanted to meet up.  She was like, "Are you serious?"  He said yes and about three days later, they were married.  She said that he is "all in" for joining the church as well.  She said she brought up the fact that it is pretty much unlike any church that he had ever been to, but he said that as long as she was there it would be worth it and that he was ready to be baptized.  She was like, "Whoa!  Slow down hot rod!  How about you try attending church first before you say that?"  So we have yet to meet him and have him go to church so we can start teaching him the discussions and see where his interest level is really at.  Because obviously we want them to be happy together and have the ability to someday be married in the temple, but we also want him to join the church for him.  He needs to gain a testimony.  So wish us luck on that whole situation.  ;)

Experience #5

We had a really great District Meeting this week about the parable of the sower.  Elder C is really passionate about the parable and he gave a 45 minute interactive training on the things that we deem necessary for an investigator's conversion, and what really matters.  A lot of it was the same, but there were some significant differences.  For instance, yes.  It is important to read the Book of Mormon with them, but he took it one step further.  He broadened our thought process.  Something that most of us have run into down here is, there are quite a few people that don't even know how to read.  We need to get down to the nitty gritty before we can leave a solid invitation to do something.  He mentioned that a lot of us have probably fallen into the trap of something like this:

Missionaries:  Will you read this passage of scripture for us?

Investigator:  No thank you.  I don't read well.  You can read it.

Missionaries: No problem. (We read the passage).

(At the end of the lesson):

Missionaries: In order to know that what we have discussed today is truth, will you read the Book of Mormon on your own time?

Investigator:  Yes I will.

WELL HOW IN THE WORLD ARE THEY GOING TO READ IT ON THEIR OWN TIME IF THEY CAN'T READ IN THE FIRST PLACE?  

It was a really good training.  Then I had one of the possibly worst role plays of my mission thusfar.  But hey, at least it was just for practice, right?  Luckily Heavenly Father gives us better inspiration as to what to say when we are actually talking to people.  But we are trying to implement more of the Bible in our teaching and I have come to realize that I don't actually know the Bible that well and I need to do better.  It is a lot harder to pull specific passages from the Bible than I thought it was going to be.  So I am working on it.  But that is something that I hope to continue even after my mission.

Then we went out to a District lunch afterwards.  Elder C, Elder H, and Elder H were going on and on about the fun adventures they have in uptown Charlotte.  And by fun, I mean that they have had multiple run-ins with some very interesting and intimidating people that have just gotten out of jail, do drugs, drunks, etc.  Elder C is VERY animated in his story telling.  I don't think I have laughed so hard my entire mission.  I could barely breathe.  I just love every district I am in.  :)

Experience #6

So... this week a lot of time was spent in bed again because we got sick.  Again.  A different type of sick though.  This time is was a cold so bad that I could barely breathe.  But anyway, I was kind of sick of being sick and I said a prayer asking that the spirit will lead us to someone to go teach.  There is a potential investigator about 4 miles from us, and I really felt like we needed to go see him.  Which was kind of odd, considering neither of us has ever met him because they were on exchange when the other sisters met him and I wasn't here yet.  Also, he has NEVER been home whenever we come by.  So we were a little hesitant.  But I figured, if it was a prompting, and I ignored it because of probability, I would constantly be living with the "what if."  So we went.  And guess what?  He wasn't home.  Figures... right?  Wrong.  As we were walking back to the car, his neighbor across the street was just pulling in and she got out of her car to check her mail.  So I stopped her and asked if she knew him and she said that she didn't know him, but she did know that he drove a grey car.  So whenever the car was home, he was probably home.  We thanked her for the information and kept talking to her for a minute.  Sister L complimented her on her necklace.  I then said, "Yeah.  We are missionaries, so we really like knowing where we could possibly go shopping for cute things after our missions."  Bingo.  Conversation started.  She asked us what church we were from and we told her the name and what our purpose was as missionaries, and if we could come back and see her.  She says that she is really busy, but if we can catch her, she would love to have us back.  So we got her contact information and we have been trying tirelessly to contact her.  So pray that we will be able to super soon.  However, I know that because we were open to and willing to listen to the spirit, he lead us to her.  Whether it is her time right now to hear of the restored gospel or not, it is so fulfilling to know that Heavenly Father trusts us with inspiration to move the work forward.  We just all need to strive to live worthy of it.  :)

Experience #6

We had two lessons last night that we decided to implement Sister Alexander's challenge to include singing in our teaching.  We did so at a dinner appointment with a member.  We sung "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" to the tune of "Come Thou Fount."  It sounded so good.  The mom's eyes lit up and she said that she loved it!  It brought the spirit in so quickly.  Which was great because their daughters are just full of energy and it is hard for them to pay attention.  The second one was the one that stuck out to me the most, though.  We were teaching a member who is preparing to go to the temple.  We showed a video about the temple and started to bear our testimonies about the temple and what it has done for our lives.  All of the sudden, I had a little voice come to my head that said, "Sing I Love to See the Temple."  I didn't hear it once, but three times.  So I just pulled it up on my iPad and Sister L picked up on it and we sang it so powerfully.   So of course the spirit was so strong that I started to cry.  The member just said, "Wow."  That's all she could say.  After we wrapped up the lesson and got in the car, Sister L actually stopped me and said we should say a "thank you" prayer to Heavenly Father.  I kind of laughed because I was the one that showed her that.  That is a practice that I have gotten into when amazing things like that happen.  So I have definitely come to gain a testimony of how powerful music and song really can be in our teaching.  :)

I am doing quite well.  As mentioned slightly, earlier, I got a little sick this week.  But past that, I am doing well.  Just enjoying working as hard as I possibly can because I came to the realization this week that I have 6 1/2 months left to work my heart out.

But anyway, I'm sorry to hear about the guy on the cruise that gave his silly cough to everyone. That is no fun!  What was he thinking.  That is really annoying.  Mine is just a sore throat that won't seem to go away.  It goes away during the day, but nighttime and morning time is just ridiculous!  And it has started cooling off of the last two days.  So that helps nothing.  But it is kind of nice because it isn't so blasted hot anymore!  SO WAYYYYY NIIIICCCCEEE!!!

I am so glad to hear that you had a blast on the cruise!  Did you do anything in Seattle?  That's somewhere we haven't been before.  When I told Sister L what you said about people in Alaska being in a hurry, she just laughed and nodded.  It's pretty true.  Except that Sister L was born in South Carolina and she is always in a hurry and can't be late for anything or it bothers her.  ;)  But I agree, it is important to stop and smell the roses once in a while.  Especially because it is something that you don't get the chance to do every single day.  :)

The picture of grandpa Irwin made me laugh so hard.  I just hysterically died and then said, "I think he looks a little cold."

I sincerely hope that you didn't hold your breath through that super long tunnel.  That's a long time to hold your breath.  Do you have pictures of the cabins.  I am glad that the grandparents made it out for a majority of the cruise.  That's the important part.  I am sure that grandpa Deinstadt really enjoyed the fish.  As soon as I saw it, I immediately thought he would.  I would have reached out to grab some.  ;)

The food sounded amazing!  Did you turn into food photographers?  I definitely would have.  Immortalized the food!  ;)  I could use some good cheesecake!  That sounds so good.

The train looked fun too!  So did the whales!  I guess I'll have to go back to Alaska with you sometime to say that I've been!  :)

Thank you for telling me about the regional conference!

I really liked what he said about Sister Missionaries especially!

It is really hard to join the church.  I hear it all the time from Sister L.  It is a really hard task to give up everything that you are used to and start some brand new things that you have never done.  I would really like your insights for family history and other things.  Don't worry about being slow.  Just whenever you get around to it.

Yes, our numbers have been lagging a little both this week and last.  But we are not discouraged.  We know that there are at least two, maybe three people that we could help to the waters of baptism in this next transfer!  And it is hard, but your right.  Chin up and keep moving forward!  As long as we are working as hard as we can, I'm not worried.

And yes, I love Sister Alexander.  She is the greatest.

Did you mean can dad bring back treats from China for me?  Because I would love some considering I am STAYING IN MOUNTAIN ISLAND FOR ANOTHER FIVE WEEKS!  It is not a six week transfer, it is five.  A shorter transfer because of holidays, but I would love some treats from China if that is what you meant!

And thank you so much for getting me a sweatshirt from Alaska!  I am looking forward to seeing it!

The mission is going really well.  I am determined to keep working as hard as I can.  Even though I am going to start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I am not packing my bags until my job here is done!  Sister L is done with training and ready to work!  We have our differences, but there are not many.  And that is truly a blessing.

For P-Day today we are having a district activity.  We are playing sports.  Even though I stink at almost all of them.  I need a sports night with you when I get home to refresh me on all game rules.  I forgotten a lot.  It's sad.  Haha

But I think that is all for now.  If you could answer the question in bold, and let me know if you are sending me a package full of China things, that would be great so I could look for it.  I haven't gotten the post cards yet, but keeping an eye out for them.  You did send them, right?Love you to Alaska and back!  :D  Times the size of a whale and the length of a train!

Ash :)

Yes I Am Still On My Mission - NO NO ONE IS GETTING MARRIED !!  

But The Zone Meeting Was About The Importance Of Marrying The Teachings of the Bible and the Book of Mormon

Ashley's Letter Sept 7, 2015

I thought the Zone Leaders Did an Outstanding Job !!!!

So... This week has been interesting.  We didn't get to teach many people this week because we kept getting sick.  Note for the future: Some of the restaurants around here actually make me sick.  This is pretty hard to do because I know I don’t get sick much because of restaurants.  Sister L’s doing well.   Poor girl.  I told her this is probably her own personal "hell week", just like I had around her time of training if I remember correctly.  But we are working through it and everything will be just great!  I am doing a little better.  Besides getting a mild case of food poisoning and heat stroke this week, I'm doing dandy.  ;)  But Sister Alexander is the best.  She is more of the "mission mom" type.  We saw her at a fireside on Sunday and she asked how I was doing, if I needed anything, etc.  I told her I was doing better and that I was just fine.  She is so sweet.  She does it out of genuine care and love, and I adore that.  But, anyway... Here are some highlights of my week.  :)

Experience #1

We went to go see a member called Sister M this week to see how she is doing.  She is doing a little bit better with positive thinking and such, but that isn't so much what made this an experience.  It's good, don't get me wrong, but the thing that stuck out to me was the message that we felt inspired to share with her this week.  We read in Moroni 10:1-20 with her, and discussed spiritual gifts.  We had an amazing discussion with her about what gifts Heavenly Father had given her or gifts that she could develop according to her will as well as His.  She said that this is something that she had honestly never thought about before.  It was really nice to see the light of our message shine through her eyes when she understood what we were saying.  We talked about gifts such as kindness, love, charity, cleanliness, singing, drawing, etc.  but there are hundreds if not thousands more that we never even touched on.  I am learning so much myself from what we are inspired to teach others.  And I am glad I am learning something.  Because Heavenly Father must want me to learn something about Spiritual Gifts/Talents because we had this lesson on Tuesday, I think, then on Sunday we showed up to no gospel principles teacher.  This meant that it went straight to us or the elders, but neither were informed that the teacher wouldn't be there.  So we volunteered to take the lesson, we opened up the book to none other than the lesson on Talents.  So I am doing a little more study and prayer about both of those things, to try to find out what it is that He would have me know or learn about them.  And maybe he is just hinting that I need to use mine more.  I guess we'll find out, won't we?  ;)

Experience #2

We got the privilege to go out to lunch with E again this week.  It was so great.  The food was amazing and delicious as ever, but the thing that really struck my heart this week was his honest and sincere testimony about the Atonement when we asked about it.  We simply brought the topic up and he just took it and rolled with it.  He bore his testimony about how mistake we make in this life are quickly forgiven and forgotten by the Lord if we will truly and honestly seek repentance and forgiveness.  He then tied the Atonement into missionary work.  He mentioned that the Atonement doesn't always apply to what we do wrong, which I knew, but he brought to my understanding something that I had never before realized.  He brought up the fact that the Atonement really goes along with Heavenly Father's individual plan for each and every one of us.  I thought that to be interesting.  Especially in my case.  Knowing that I came home from my mission was kind of a set back all of last summer.  But you know what?  Now I have come to realize that it was something necessary for me to be able to learn from that experience, grow from it, and become better in order to understand what people are going through and help them in any way I can.  And, in a way, I have the Atonement to thank for that.  Heavenly Father has turned my set back into a blessing.  He has blessed me with the ability to truly empathize with people on something that most people don't, and may never understand.  I find that to be humbling and honorable.  I am so thankful that Heavenly Father has that much trust in me.  He truly does give us our trials to make us better and to help us know what we need to do as a result of them.  Which brings me back to a conversation I had with the Alexander's on the way to Mountain Island.  Yes, I got the privilege of being in a car alone with the mission president and his wife.  That is something not every missionary can say.  But they were talking to me about anything and everything and this actually came up.  And we all concluded that some things happen that we don't, and possibly won't understand until our next lives.  However, the things that are brought to our understanding, we can use now to bless the lives of others and really see where they are coming from through the true and full love of Christ that he lets us have for these people, should we choose to use it right.  I am so thankful for the understanding that I have gained.  :)

Experience #3

This week we got the privilege to go and eat with the elder's recent converts and their daughter, J.  When we showed up, we offered help with dinner and she said it was almost done, and that we could just go visit with her daughter.  So we were talking to her about her parents baptism and how she felt about it.  She is 10 years old and the elders have previously had no success in trying to meet with her.  She said she was happier because her parents seemed happier.  We asked her if she would want that happiness for herself and she asked how she could get that.  So we explained that missionaries would come by and talk to her about everything the elders talked to her parents about, and all of the sudden, she said, "Can you two come and teach me?  I don't want the elders."  We were kind of taken back.  We asked why and she replied, "Because your girls and I'm a girl.  You would just understand better."  So we said that we would talk to the elders about it and see what we could do.  I think originally, the elders were kind of hurt, but they realized that if it will bring J into the waters of baptism, it would be better for their family overall.  Because then they can get sealed in the temple, hopefully.  :)  So we are now teaching the new member lessons and the lessons to J.  So wish us luck on that.  It is just going to be hard now because we have to find a third female to go with us every time because the mom is going to school and work, so she won't be home a lot of the time.  But we know that Heavenly Father will help us because we can see and feel of his love for them.  :)  It's amazing.

Experience #4

We had zone meeting this week.  It was so much fun.  Apart from us showing up super early because we allowed too much extra time.  But whatever.  We walked in and I stopped dead in my tracks.  I looked around and saw white streamers, and isle, flower bouquets, a sign in book, lights, etc.  I was like... ummmm... what?  Then the zone leaders came over and said, "Please, please, sign in."  So we did, and I gave Elder P the strangest look that I am hoping conveyed something like, "What in the world are you doing?"  He just laughed and they wouldn't say a thing about it.  There were even little plastic rings on everybody's chairs.  When we got into zone meeting, we had some wonderful trainings on charity and service.  Then it was the zone leaders' turn to train.  I was excited and nervous at the same time.  Elder P got up and said, "Welcome everyone, to the wedding of our dear friends Bibi (Bible) and Moe (Book of Mormon)."  You see, there is a HUGE push for working with the Bible and the Book of Mormon in our teaching.  We have kind of gotten into a trend where we are afraid of using the Bible because we know that the people that are in our mission are very experienced when it comes to the Bible, so we have just kind of veered away from it.  But they put on this whole wedding display with a cake and everything to signify us "tying the two of them together for time and all eternity."  It was hilarious!  I seriously LOVE when zone leaders make the zone meetings fun!  :)  It was one to remember for sure!  And again, I took lots of notes that I will be sure to share with all of you when I return home.  :D

Experience #5

We went to go paint a member's porch yesterday.  She is 84 years old.  She picked a seafoam green color and had us paint the entire porch.  Unfortunately, this resulted in me getting heat stroke because I was careless and didn't have any water the entire day, then she gave me a soda for lunch and had us eat practically the entire pizza while we were sitting there.  She wouldn't let us keep working until all but two pieces were gone.  But before you ask, yes.  I was wearing a hat.  But it was tons of fun.  I may have gotten paint on my shirt and my pants, but I am hoping it washes out.  If not, oh well.  That's what service clothes are for.  But we were just glad that we could implement one of the things we learned at zone meeting.  They are doing a HUGE push for service all of the sudden.  Like, they want us to do somewhere between 1-4 hours of service in ONE DAY!  And that is wonderful in my eyes because that is something that I have pushed for my entire mission.  However, I don't know how that is going to work with the key indicators and standards of excellence.  We are going to try to balance it out though.  So wish us luck and if you have any suggestions, let us know.  One quote I loved regarding service at zone meeting was, "Elders and Sisters.  We were 'Called to Serve', not 'Called to Preach'.  We need to be doing both." -Elder Cravey  I agree completely, but still know that we need to be teaching people and helping them come to the waters of baptism at all opportunities.  So I am praying that Heavenly Father will help us find a balance.

Experience #6

In preparation for the Mission Home Fireside this week, we were thinking of people we wanted to invite from the ward as well as investigators who would benefit from the message.  We had about 22 people lined up to come.  (Which is A LOT for the Mission Home Firesides).  But a lot of them said that they didn't want to, they couldn't, or they cancelled last minute.  We were kind of bummed.  Then all of the sudden, we get a call from the Assistants to the President.  Elder B, (one of my past zone leaders who also served in Mountain Island), was on the phone.  He said, "Good evening, sisters.  How are you doing?"  We said that we were well and that we were just thinking of some people that we could invite to the fireside the next night.  He gave us some ideas, then all of the sudden said, "Hey, have you heard from Sister P lately?"  (His recent convert).  We told him no because she has kind of been avoiding us.  He said that they had gone over there earlier in the day because they are teaching her daughter, B.  He mentioned that we could invite her to the fireside.  We told him we had tried already, but she said that she had some "previous engagements."  He started laughing really hard.  We asked him why, and he said, "Well yeah she has some 'previous engagements.'  She got married today."  We were like... WHAT!?  As far as we knew, she wasn't even dating anyone.  We were so shocked.  And I thought it was so out of the blue and hilarious, that I just had to include it so that you can know of just some of the randomness that I go through on a weekly basis.

Experience #7

We got to go to the mission home fireside on Sunday night.  It was a BEAUTIFUL message about baptism given by President Alexander.  It was also good to see friends like Sister V, Sister B, Sister Z, Elder H, Elder H, Elder C, etc.  But I'll attach some of those pictures.  But I realized that I never include the notes for things like this, so here are the notes for the fireside.  Enjoy!  

Mission Home Fireside - President Alexander:
"The longer I'm here, the more I love the missionaries and the people of North Carolina."  -Sister Alexander
"What is it that makes missionaries earn money, sacrifice, leave everything to do this? - Because of the wonderful feeling we get in our hearts by going to the temple, reading the Book of Mormon, and
partaking of the sacrament." -Sister Alexander

"I am grateful for the priesthood that [President Alexander] holds."  -Sister Alexander

President Alexander:  What should I speak on?  I never fully felt that I should speak about
a certain subject.  Sometimes we can speak to large congregations and we may be speaking for one person.  So it may just be for you, whoever you are.  And the rest of you can listen.  As Sister Alexander spoke of her ancestors, I thought of my own.  They gave up their families, they gave up their homes, and everything to
join the Church.  It is a very, very important decision to investigate the church.  If we remember Jesus' life, and when he came to his cousin John, he said, "Will you baptize me?"
John said, "Look, you should baptize me."  He knew Jesus was the Son of God.
Jesus had to fulfill all righteousness.  He said, "I Will be the example."
Why is baptism so important?
Those of you who have been baptized: your baptism is just as important today as it was the day you were baptized.  Our baptism is for a remission of sins.  It allows us to be forgiven of our sins.
Things we know about baptism:
1. It is an Ordinance

What does that mean? 

It is a requirement.  For what?  Salvation and Exaltation.  An ordinance is a physical act.  It is something that we cannot do by ourselves.  It has to be done under priesthood authority.
How do we know that is true?
Look at the life of Jesus.  He taught us the pattern, he went to someone with authority, humbled himself, and went into the water.  The first ordinances of the gospel are baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus by night?
He may have been embarrassed.  He said, "What must I do to inherit the kingdom of heaven?"
"Unless a man be born of water, and of the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
Did Christ teach us the pattern for baptism?
Yes.  He went to John where there was a lot of water.  He needed to be fully immersed.

2. Priesthood  Matthew 28:18-20
What was the last thing that Jesus said to his apostles?  (A man in the congregation said "Amen."
He told his disciples to go forth to all nations and teach the gospel.  That is what missionaries do.  It is a commandment Jesus gave.  3 Nephi:19-21
In the Eastern Hemisphere, he told them to preach the gospel.  In the Western Hemisphere, he gave them the authority to baptize.  "Baptism is important enough to change our lives."
"You can't hold the keys to baptize unless you have been baptized."
-Brother Husky

"It was important enough for someone with no sin, to be baptized, to set that example." -Sister Leach

There is nothing that we can ever say to him that means "You don't understand."  He understands everything.
As Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon, what was the message he was getting?
He needed to be baptized.  He recognized the beauty of the Book of Mormon and the beauty therein,
and he was learning.

His wife was a scribe, part of the time.  Once, he stopped her and said, "You know Emma, I didn't know there was a wall around Jerusalem."  Then he continued...  When Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery prayed about baptism, John appeared to them to confer the priesthood of Aaron to them in order to baptize one another.

Why is that important?
I testify that John the Baptist returned.  I testify that he restored the priesthood.  Then Peter, James, and John restored the higher, Melchizedek Priesthood.  Which the prophets and apostles held.  If you can find out that the Book of Mormon is true, you will find out that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that what he taught was true, and that he was called of God.

3. Symbol   Romans 6:3
What are we learning about the symbolism of baptism?
It symbolizes when we are alive, dead and buried, and resurrection.  It also symbolizes Christ's life, his death, and his resurrection.  It is our witness to ourselves, and to others, that we are willing to take upon us Christ's name.

4. Covenant
It is a promise.
It is a contract.
It is two-way.  Between ourselves and God.
What do we promise?  That we will take upon us Christ's name, always remember him, keep his commandments, bear one another's burdens, mourn with those that mourn, comfort those that stand in need of comfort, take upon us His work!  He promises us that His spirit will always be with us, everlasting
life in the kingdom of heaven, remission of sins. 

Why is that important?  So the Holy Ghost can more fully impact our lives.  "No unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of God." -Elder Ales

If we will have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, he will change us.  As we are baptized and receive the gift of the whole ghost and endure to the end, every day trying, we will say that it is through him that we will be saved.  3 Nephi 30:1-2

I think that is about all I have for you guys this week.  I am having so much fun here and I am excited to see what this next transfer brings.  I get transfer calls on Saturday, so I will let you all know what happens with that.  I might stay in Mountain Island, I might not.  President has alluded to both.  So we shall see.  But on Monday I will be sure to keep you all informed.  I hope you are all doing well with school, work, friends, church, sports, etc.  But update me!  How are things?

I love you all soooooooooo much!  I will talk to you guys on Monday.  I love you to the pearly gates of the celestial kingdom and back!

Ash :)

Letter from Aug 31, 2015

LOOKING FOR NEW INVESTIGATORS IS HARD !!!

I BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE !!

Hey you guys!  So this week has been kind of crazy!  We pretty much had to start all over.  There hasn't been super great progress here.  There has been progress, don't get me wrong.  And there is tons of untapped potential here, we just need to find it.  But there were some great bright spots here.  Here are some of them (but they are going to be out of order):

Experience #1

We went to see an investigator named K this week and when they answered the door, we found out she was not home because she was taking her kids to dentist appointments.  Her grandmother was there though.  So we decided to teach her while we were there.  We sat down, said a prayer, and shared some of the "how to begin teaching" principles with her.  We kind of summarized the first points of the Restoration.  We felt prompted to focus more on the apostasy with her so that we could possibly send missionaries up to her in Ohio.  We basically taught to the point that she actually understood the points we were discussing, but she was kind of uncomfortable with the idea of a regular man (a prophet) seeing God face to face.  Sister Leach and I had the exact same idea to look up Exodus 33:11 and explain the story of Moses to her.  She was kind of unhappy with that because that just confused her more than necessary.  So we stopped, explained that we aren't here to degrade any other religions or theories, and that we just want to invite people to come to know the truths that we have come to know over the course of our lives or our conversion.  That changed her whole outlook.  She still wasn't very interested in hearing more of the message, but she did respectfully decline.  It was just interesting to me to see her outlook change almost instantly when we simply said our purpose.  Truly every aspect of this work is inspirational and full of the spirit.

Experience #2

There is a member of the ward from Indonesia who feeds us once to twice a week at the Asian restaurant that he works at.  His name is E.  This week, we went to eat with him on his day off so that we could talk to him about the Gospel.  He only gets to come for the first hour of church.  And even then, he can't stay for the whole hour because of work.  But this week we talked to him about testimonies and families.  He is going through a hard time with his family and we were there to offer strength and comfort.  He is amazing.  It's ridiculously hard to understand him sometimes because he still has his accent.  But even with that, his testimony is so strong and he can communicate with us quite well.  The remarkable thing is that no matter what, we can catch at least the underlying point of what he is trying to say, I believe, because of the spirit.  It's like our own version of the gift of tongues in our little English-speaking mission.

Experience #3

This week, we were also able to teach a Facebook lesson to a less-active woman in the ward who is going through a REALLY tough time.  We shared, "Moments That Matter Most," with her and she said that it inspired her to think more positively and to spend more time with her son.  It was really amazing because I have taught a good amount of Facebook lessons on my mission, but this one in particular, I actually felt the spirit between my companion and I and I knew that the woman that we were teaching could feel the spirit too.  It actually brought to my remembrance the talk that Elder Bednar gave about technology in our day and how to use it most efficiently.  It is amazing how inspired it was to give missionaries iPads on their missions.  We can actually feel the spirit and growth of those we are teaching.  It is remarkable.  She thanked us for the message and the blessing it brought to her life on that day.

Experience #4

We went to go see these former investigators named D and L this week.  They were very interested in hearing more.  They had read the entire Restoration pamphlet and had questions and wanted to learn more about that.  So we cleared up any questions that they had or false things they had heard from neighbors and friends.  Some of them including... Wait for it... "Magic Underwear."  I couldn't believe it.  It was almost as bad as some people at the beginning of my mission asking where my horns and tail were.  I thought these things were made up.  But no.  They are still a thing.  They did mention that they were happy in their church and they weren't sure where their investigation was going to go.  But they do want to hear more.  So hopefully we will be able to share a powerful Plan of Salvation lesson with very powerful commitments.  We are pretty sure that L is "hook, line, and sinker" as Sister Leach says.  But D will probably take some more convincing.  So maybe y'all could pray that both of them will have the desire to explore the church for themselves and receive a witness that it is true.

Experience #5

There was a baptism for the Elder's investigators on Saturday.  We told them that we would show up about an hour or two early to help them set up for the baptism.  And GOOD THING WE DID!!!  We called them about an hour and a half before because the font was not clean and it was not being filled up because they weren't there.  So VERY QUICKLY, we had to clean up what we could of the font and start filling it.  Luckily the water was warm enough and we didn't really have to mess with the water heater.  We had to clean the glass, fill the font, and make sure the drain stayed shut the whole time.  And we were in proselyting clothing because we didn't plan on doing that.  So we took our shoes off and made sure that everything stayed clean because our shoes were super dirty.  The worst/funniest part, (because all I could do to avoid kicking him was laugh), is that one of the Elders came in and said, "Sisters, I just wanted to let you know that you don't really look like a representative of Christ without your shoes on."  And he was being dead serious.  I was so mad.  No "thank you for filling the font so we don't look bad, sisters."  But whatever.  We told the ward mission leader about it and he said, "What authority does he have to do that?  You're missionaries, and he's a missionary.  But it's okay.  Because basically, if you say anything mean about anyone down in the south, all you have to say is, 'bless their heart' and it's justified."  I laughed so hard.  But whatever.  Now I look back and just laugh.  Because I was trained to fill them that way.  So I'm sticking to it. ;)

Experience #6

Last night, we were invited to the Bishop's house for dinner.  No big deal... Right?  But they also invited 4 other families over for a HUGE dinner.  Which also meant a HUGE dinner message.  So we socialized, ate, and had fun, then we shared a message about missionary work.  We sang "I hope they call me on a mission" with everybody, read a cute little story for the kids, then shared our testimonies about missionary work for the adults.  So I guess now is the perfect time to do so.  Soooo.....

I would like to bear my testimony today about missionary work.  First of all, I know that we are all God's children.  Therefore, it is our responsibility to share the knowledge that we have with all those that we come in contact with.  As we do so, the Holy Ghost will assist us in helping others know of the truth that we are saying and sharing.  As they come to know it is true, they will want to change and become better for the benefit of themselves and their families.  I know that their families will benefit and become great assets to the church in these last days.  Because this is the work of the last days and we need to include God in all that we do in order to come out victorious.

It's a very condensed version due to lack of time, but still a testimony.  So I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

It was a great dinner though.  Wonderful food, and wonderful company.  A lady in the ward and her husband recently got back from London and she is really into the culture, the people, and the area as well.  So you can bet we talked about that for a good amount of time. ;)

Glad to hear that everything went well with Bethany moving out and such.  I do remember how crazy it is, but I am glad that she is enjoying so much of it.  That will definitely make the transition easier for her.  Tell her that she need not worry about her classes.  She is brilliant and she will do just fine.  She will get those last minute things that she needs, then she will be all set.  And the Rock Pass will bring her tons of fun!

It stinks that you no longer have a driver.  That has to make things a little busy... To say the least.  ;)  But still glad that y'all are enjoying everything that you are doing.

It's so crazy to me that Allyson and Bethany are in college... Wow.  But thank you for the updates for everyone.  It is so nice to hear that everyone is doing so well.

Training is going really well.  In reality, my trainee doesn't even need training.  She is a convert, yes.  But she takes the lead in most lessons and sometimes I even find myself interrupting, just so I can have a chance to speak.  She is great.  She is where I was when I was at her point.  Kind of done with 12-week and wants to just be a "full missionary."  But she is doing good.  There has been a little "elder vs. sister" drama, but that's okay.  Yes, she has realized that I am crazy.  Like I said, we are basically starting from scratch, but it will be okay.  Lots of potential.  We aren't super upscale, but it is more upscale than my last few areas.  I am doing okay.  A lot better than last week.  But this is the most drama that I have had to deal with on my mission.  So I am trying to kill that off.  But soon.  We are trying to get the ward into genealogy.  But it will be a work in progress.  There is an investigator who likes family history, but doesn't want to hear about the church.  So we are hoping that it will be our foot in the door.

I have to go for right now so we can have some more fun as missionaries.

Love you to the sun, then to the moon, then back.  Because that is farther.  Love you tons!

Ash :)