Monday, March 31, 2014

Mission Newsletter #25




The Sisters. haha.
AHHHHHHH! We are both being transferred!!! How crazy?! So much to do and so little time! There have been a few tender mercies that the Lord has given me as a farewell gift.  

1. For over three transfers, I have been working to track down a woman named Julie. Let me tell you,
Time with Julie ;)
this has been no easy task. However, we finally caught her and taught her the Restoration on her front porch! With that, the door opened and we were able to teach her once again, the Plan of Salvation. This second encounter, it was evident she was excited to see us. She cleaned up the house, dressed up, and offered us drinks. So sweet! We have made another follow up appointment with her; however, with both of us leaving, the Spanish sisters will continue to teach her. I am so grateful the Lord was able to let us get in her door our last week here! I know that was no mistake.
2. In addition, we were able to catch Mimi! She was the grandmother of Meagan and Michael, who we haven't seen in a long time. It was so good to hear from her. Also, it was wonderful to know Meagan still cared about me. I was afraid she didn't care about us anymore, but Mimi told me that Meagan still talks about me. She said for some reason she always felt a strong connection to me. That was such a tender mercy cuz I always felt that way too. It was such a miracle to be able to leave the area, knowing that she still cares for me. I love her so much.

More Rain!
       3. Thursday night was the Relief Society activity. It was an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party!
There, I was able to witness the biggest miracle of all. At one table sat Arcola, Alisa, and Meca: an active member, my recent convert, and current investigator. All of them were sitting together, enjoying one another's company as family. They each came to the church for various reasons and by various ways, but through the church, they have kindled those relationships. Oh, the joy I had just watching them come together. My love for these women is so great! Watching them, I felt as though I got a small glimpse into the joy of the Celestial Kingdom. If I could have that joy now, I can't even imagine the greater joy we will have in that Kingdom. This was the greatest gift God could give me leaving this area. I know they are all in good hands and will take care of each other.

Well, here comes a new area with new adventures! Don't know where I'm getting sent next, but I know the Lord has a plan. Wish me luck! Love you all!

Love,
Sister Salmond

Monday, March 24, 2014

Mission Newsletter #24




There have been so many things that have happened this week that has brought a smile to my face. I hope they bring a smile to you too. :)

Elder G got his tooth pulled and couldn't smile good with his chunky cheeks. hehe. ;)
1. This week, Sis. Conant and I were driving home at the end of the day from the appt. Suddenly an
Cutest Spice Rack ever!
owl swooped down and brushed along the top of our front window. He tried to grab us and eat us! I know I am small and sweet, but come on! That's just going a little too far! This experience has made me grateful for the protection we get as missionaries. If it wasn't for that car, I would've been a goner for sure! haha. ;)

2. This week 3 BUGS have made their way into our apartment! A Spider! A Cockroach! And a Rolly-Polly Cockroach Mix! (weirdest bug of all time) But guess what? Every time, they were attracted to me. Some girls have the privilege of attracting men, however, God has blessed me with the ability to attract bugs. Yuck!  I saw the spider at my desk while starting personal study, woke up to the roach on the wall at the head of my bed, and discovered the "other" bug chillin in the kitchen! My goodness! Needless to say, we are getting sprayed today by my request. haha. It's going to be a rough summer.

Sister Smith's Birthday Party! Ninja sisters Unite!
3. Saturday was Sister Smith's birthday (the other set of sisters we live with.) We gave her a little birthday bash at the end of the night before we retired to bed. They didn't have party hats like I wanted, but they had teenage ninja turtles instead. Works! Here we are doing some sweet mission ninja moves. Watch out Alabama! Here we come!

4. Yesterday, I had the privilege to give a talk in my ward. It was all cuz I went up and bore my testimony last fast Sunday and I got snagged right after sacrament meeting. That's what I get for doing my personal progress over again. I had to do it to complete one of my faith requirements. But hey, went pretty well. I spoke as Ammon did with the power of the Spirit. So much so I caused a deep sleep to come upon the people in the congregation. Impressive! Not everyone can do that! ...Ok, JK -  I did not put everyone to sleep, because of spirit or boredom. Would've been funny though!  It turned out good though. I was nervous, but apparently people liked it enough to ask for a copy, which made me feel better about it. Let me tell ya, it's hard to write a talk with mission time restraints. But I am so glad I had the opportunity, especially if I get transferred in a week.

5. Got to go to the Temple! What can I say more? Just having the opportunity to go is such a privilege and blessing that I can't help be smile. :)
My district at the Temple
Sis. Conant, Me, Sis. Leahman, & Sis. Smith 

Elder Osiemo with all the Ladies!
Well, those were the fun moments of the week. Besides that, Meca & Michael, are still progressing and working towards baptism on April 5th. Also, Logan, the 8 year old we've been teaching, decided to move up his baptismal date to April 6th! That was all his choice! If everything continues how it is, we are looking forward to such a spiritual week during Conference!

St. Patrick's Day Tradition! Didn't get to make it on that day, but had to make it this week at least!
I really love teaching Logan though. I get to use my creative juices. We taught him the Word of Wisdom this week. We taught him what it was and then turned to the scriptures to read the promises, but we had to read it from a pirate's point of view. Therefore, we all had to put on an eye patch (which I made from black construction paper) as we read it. What do pirates like? Treasures! With the Word of Wisdom we'll again treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures! Arg! So I made a treasure map, which I tore into several pieces. Each piece was something we had taught him up to this point, and then the last piece with the red "x" was the word of Wisdom. Why does it help us see and find the treasure? Because it allows the Holy Ghost to dwell in a Holy Temple and he can help us gain knowledge of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matt 6:21) We want to live with them one day in the Celestial Kingdom. It is so important that we do keep our bodies clean, so we can be more prone to have the Spirit in our lives. President George Albert Smith said, "each of us is entitled to the inspiration of the Lord in proportion to the manner in which we live a godly life." I know this is true.

I love you all and hope you have a week full of smiles like I did. Love you!
-Sister Salmond