Mission Newsletter #12

Before I get started in my happy, miracle-filled week, I want to take a moment to address a hard moment for my family and I this week: our elderly dog of 16 years, Sophie, died on Christmas Day. The family discovered her after my skype call to them. We all knew her time was short and death was imminent, but we didn't expect her to die the way she did. The way she was found broke our hearts and could've been potentially avoided, but I know this happened for a reason. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin validates this by saying, "You may feel singled out when adversity enters your life. You shake your head and wonder, 'Why me?' But the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt." He then goes on to say, "Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and our compassion for others. Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others." This is a growing time for each of us. This trial will increase our understanding and compassion for others. Dad and Jeffrey: what you two did for Sophie and the family makes me think of what the handcart companies did and had to go through. As I read Mom's letter describing the experience, the scripture, 1 Peter 4:8 came to mind: "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover a multitude of sins." I know the service you two did that day is one of these acts of charity described in this verse. And to everyone else in the family:  if this burden is still weighing and you have yet to see the growth, compassion and understanding you will receive from this trial, as Wirthlin promised, turn to the one who does understand: our Savior. I promise that through Him our burdens can be made light (Matt 11: 28-30). I love you all!

Now, on to the newsletter! This week has been overall a very high week, so sorry for the personality change, but I rather get the sorrowful stuff over-with first and end on a good note. So here we go!

Wow! This week has flown by! There has been so much joy! Maybe it's from all the turkey and leftovers in the fridge, but I'd like to think otherwise. ;)

Merry Christmas!

On Christmas Eve, we got to play Santa. :) We brought Alisa the gifts that had been donated by people, who would like to stay anonymous. The kids had barely crawled in bed when we arrived, so we tried to be as quiet as possible as we dropped off the gifts. Alisa was delighted, but had no clue what was coming!

Christmas Eve after setting up at Alisa's (sorry it's dark)

The next morning was Christmas! We arrived at Alisa's at the designated time of 7 am! But, when we arrived, the kids had already started opening the gifts. She chuckled as she told us she couldn't hold them down any more. Never to fear, the Lord was looking out for us because it just happens that they didn't touch the big gifts we really wanted to see them open! When they arrived, they started opening one X-box game after another. The suspense grew. Alisa caught on as she instructed them to run and grab the box shaped like it could potentially be an X-box from under the tree. She was right! Cheers of excitement came from all the boys. They clung to it and didn't want to let go! They then went on to the next, biggest box of all. IT WAS A FLAT SCREEN TV! Everyone screamed, clapped, and jumped for joy! It was the most incredible reaction ever! Not everyone gets to witness a Christmas like this one. But this wasn't the end. As they started to settle down, but still overcome with excitement, Alisa finally grabbed her stocking. She opened up the card with $200 inside. Silence and shock showed across her face! The kids caught on and ran up to her to see what it was. Yells of "It's two Ben Franks!" echoed, along with, "Yes!" This is just what Alisa needed, money to put towards her bills. This was a huge miracle for her. It was beautiful being able to watch these miracles unwrap for this family, but for me, the biggest miracle of all, was to see their great understanding of God as the orchestrator of all these blessings, their enormous gratitude, and their understanding that after all of that, the presents mean nothing without your family. I have never heard such a grateful family in my entire life, especially with as young as they are.

After Christmas with Alisa, we were able to have breakfast at Sister Ali's and skype our families!  That was such an amazing highlight to my day and entire week! Of course, I cried when I first said hello to everyone and then again when it was time to say goodbye. Now on the mission, I have become so much more emotional when it comes to family. Don't ask me why. But seriously, every letter becomes gold and p-day is always a day to look forward to. Tip: Keep your friends close and your family closer. You'll never regret it.

The Christmas Feast

Christmas Evening finally came along and we had the opportunity to spend it at our Bishop's house! They prepared a feast for us of Turkey and Ham and then everyone else's food on one counter and my special needs food on the other. haha. I am such a freak! But I am so grateful for everyone being so sweet and good to me with my difficult diet. I know it's not the easiest to prepare a meal with all my allergies. Yet, she did amazing! (and I got to make our Christmas Salsa! They loved it and has already made it for their family parties!) Our evening ending with watching "Ephraim's Rescue," which as a really good movie, and opening up the gifts from my family!

After the Christmas Feast

Full of Christmas Feast

Can I tell you, never before have the simplest things brought me so much joy! I LOVE MY NEW PJ'S! I don't know how you knew I needed those! I've been living off of two pairs of pj's: my winter flannel set (which is often too hot) and then my muumuu. I so needed another pair! And they match and are adorable. :) Also, I have loved the earrings. Already have worn two of the pairs and am currently wearing one right now. And I have loved and appreciated everything you have all sent me! Thank you! Wish I could list it all! (This includes packages I got from everyone during Christmas time!)

My new PJ'S!

Starting Thursday, a miracle happened. Meagan and Michael's wedding was set up in 2 days! And it looked great! It was all because of the wonderful members. We couldn't have done it without them. They had a beautiful wedding with the Bishop performing the ceremony, and Sister Senior and I were bridesmaids! How fun is that?! Everything worked out great though. It was so evident how much they love each other and how much they love their son, Brody. The next day, this beautiful couple entered the waters of baptism together and left for their honeymoon today. :)

Saturday was also the day of 1. Taylor and Richard's Wedding! Congrats! and 2. Alisa, Roscoe, and Camron's baptism as well. This family is so incredible. As the two boys were baptized, it was wonderful to stand with Alisa on the other side of the font. She covered her mouth tearing up and told us that she was so proud of them. She then went last as her two watched her smiling, soaked, and shivering. The baptism ended with a musical number from Roscoe and Camron singing "I'm a Child of God." They did a beautiful job and so many people were impressed with them.

And so the week ends with a Beautiful Christmas, Wedding, and 5 Baptisms. I am so blessed to have this week and to move forward helping these Children of God to continually learn and strive so that they can make it to the Temple. That is our goal with both of these families. I know they will be able to make it there. I have seen their growth and I know their desires and I know that through God, this is very possible.

One last thing, before I go, coming up in just a day or two is the New Year!  I want to challenge all of you to try to have something you can work on this coming year. In my readings, I was reading Matt 6 right before the Lord's prayer. In verse 7 it read, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions..." I thought, it's so clear right before the Lord's prayer that we not repeat prayers, so why is this prayer repeated so often in other religions? This then challenged me to think deeper. In verse 9 it then stated, "After this manner..." This was then clear to me that the Lord was giving us steps or processes in which to use in our prayer, not to repeat it! So step 1. Do personal asking, not repetition. Then I went on to read the Lord's prayer in verse 9. "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name." 2. Praise the Father or in other words, thank Him "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." 3. Align our will with the Father's "Give us this day our daily bread." Who is the bread of life? Jesus Christ 4. Ask for us to have the spirit of Christ in our lives that day and/or help us better spiritual learn/feast on the words of Christ "And forgive us our debts," 5. Repent of any sins we need to that day "as we forgive our debtors." 6. Help us to forgive the person who may have done us wrong. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:" 7. Ask for strength to withstand temptation "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." 8. Be humble and recognize that God is all.  I encourage all of you as we start of this new year to analyze your prayers in this light. I challenge all of you to join me and choose one thing you can do to improve your prayers this year to be more like the Savior's.

I love you all and I know the church is true with all my heart and Happy New Year!
Love,
Sister Heather Salmond

The epitome of the south!

Mission Newsletter #11

Merry Christmas to Everyone!!! (And Feliz Navidad to a Special Someone. hehe.)

Christmas with the Bush Family

This week has been filled with Christmas Miracles! It's incredible watching the Lord play such an incredible role for those around us approaching this fabulous holiday!

Miracle 1: We had our Chirstmas Zone Conference this last Thursday.  Besides being able to do a fun skit as a district, our Mission President and his wife were able to speak to us. He asked us what we could give the Savior this Christmas while on our missions. He then shared with us these 5 things: 1. Our Knowledge of His Life (use that to share with others) 2. Our Testimony of Him 3. Our Gratitude to all He Gives Us 4. Our Very Best Effort 5. Our Service to our Brothers & Sisters. This devotional was a miracle to me because it was a big spiritual uplift for for the upcoming year. It helps give me specific drive and direction as I move forward in the mission.  However, I want to point out, that this is not only something missionaries can give. This is something all of you can give as well! I challenge you to think about how you can give this gift to Christ this year for Christmas. :)

Before our skit at Zone Conference

Our Skit 

Miracle 2: Alisa and her four kids are having Christmas this year! She has been stressed about what to do because she hasn't even had money to pay for her electric bill. We had the priveledge to tell her to fear not because God is watching out for her and her family because of their righteous decisions they have been making. Her miracle has been a witness to me about how much the Lord loves His children and is anxious to bless us as we turn to Him. They are yet to discover this this upcoming week, but until Christmas, Sister Senior and I can't forget it because their gifts that have been donated are taking over our room! You can't look at this and NOT know it's a miracle (and that's not even all of it.)

The toys for Alisa and her family (at least the first part)

Miracle 3: We finished up helping this morning sort food and prepare the Christmas roasts. After spending a few hours there, we had the privilege to drop it off at her house with the Kilton family. There was at least 100 meals per person. As we brought in the food, Alisa cried with amazement and joy. We told her it was from an anonymous person. You can see the gratitude she had. She will never be one who will ever become prideful. She is always so grateful and instills that in her children as well. It is truly amazing to watch and learn from her. 

Finishing up sorting food

Miracle 4: On Tuesday, Meagan and Michael informed us by text that they no longer wanted to see us. We could not "add or subtract from the bible" and we can't disregard any scripture. It was clear they had talked to an Anti. I suggested that maybe we write a letter to them, but Sister Senior didn't think it would help. She told me that she has never had an investigator who has listen to Anti come back and be baptized. 

       We went to district meeting sorrowful. We were lost and distraught at what we were to do. At district meeting we asked for advice. Elder Ojelade gave a second witness and advised us to write a letter. He testified that there is great power in letters, which I 100% agree with. We were also given some great scriptures to use- John 20:30-31 & John21:25. 

       After the meeting, we headed home with me being sick and Sister Senior being sick the day before. There, I was able to take a 45 minute nap. I woke up alert. I still didn't feel good, but couldn't stay still any longer. I had to get to work. With that, Sister Senior and I wrote the letter for Megan and Mike. We polished it until it was where we felt it should be. Leaving the apartment, we gave a sincere, heat-felt prayer to soften their hearts. Our plan: Go, Drop off the letter on the front porch, leave without disturbing them (since they didn't feel comfortable meeting with us again), and from there, leave the rest up to the Lord. However, as we pulled up to the house, Meagan stepped out and began to smoke. Fear entered since we didn't know how to approach the awkward situation at hand. We walked up, handing her the letter and apologizing for bothering her. Her body language was cold and stand-off-ish. I had felt up to this point very strongly that this wasn't the end for the two of them. God made that clear to me; yet, seeing her and knowing what Sister Senior has experienced in the past, it began to hit me that maybe this was the end. I asked to give a final hug. With emotions running high from illness, I began to cry. Instantly, when she saw my tears, her heart softened. "Don't cry. Here. Come inside. I don't want it to end like this," she said. I tried to wipe my tears as we entered the house, joining the rest of the family. 

        We sat down as she began to explain all the Anti they had received. The Spirit was able to enter as we explained the misunderstandings and taught them of the Atonement and the worth of souls. This was a miracle! The Spirit was truly in charge of this situation. By the end of the lesson, Meagan and Michael were back on for baptism and their wedding. They will be getting married this coming Friday at 5 pm by our Bishop and then baptized Saturday at 3 pm. What a miracle?! This couldn't be the end of them! I just knew it!

Miracle 5: Alisa has been hesitant to have her two oldest kids baptized because they have been recently baptized in a different church and wanted to make sure they knew the difference. This week we were able to address her concerns and ask them if they would like to be baptized along side of their mother. They both accepted. They have been wanting to get baptized as well for a while now. :) All three of them will now be baptized on Saturday at 6 pm! 

Miracle 6: WE ARE WITNESSING A WEDDING AND 5 BAPTISMS THIS COMING UP WEEKEND! But with that, we have a lot to do, since we are planning all of it. haha. 

As you can tell, this week has been full of miracles. However, before I go, I want to encourage all of you to remember the true meaning of Christmas, the Savior's birth, and to read Luke 2. I know with all my hear, that it is because of Him all these miracles are taking place. As you make Him a greater part of your life, I promise miracles will happen for you as well!

I love you all and have a Merry Christmas!

Love, 

Sister Salmond

P.S. Proof that I tried an anchovy! Not worth it

Mission Newsletter #10

So this week has been a slow one when it comes to lessons, but we have had countless service opportunities and miracles happen this week! (Including a very spiritual and uplifting session at the Temple with our mission president and his wife.)

Our dishwasher melted our black, plastic spoon in half! We smelt something burning and it led us to that!

This week, the Elders and us had the opportunity to be in a Christmas Parade! A member in our ward made our church a float and asked our Mission President for permission for us to be in it.  Ours was decorated with balloons and we had a clown. Don't know why that was the theme we had, but oh well. Hopefully people won't think Mormons just clown around. Haha. Wink. Get it?

Before the Parade

Starting the Parade!

The Elders following behind us at the Parade with our clown, Rockie

Also, later that day we had our Ward Christmas Party! The theme was Christmas Around the World. They

Trying to make the cake work better

encouraged everyone to bring different cultural and ethnic dishes they have. In preparation of this, Sister Senior and I attempted to make a Samoan dish Elder Leali'ie'e asked us to do. Yeah, it did NOT turn out right. The sugar we were suppose to brown and then cool became hard as rock! We continued to work with

It totally broke our spatula!

it until it became a super dense cake thing that tastes like dense bread with a spicy cinnamon kick, according to Sister Senior. Needless to say, we didn't end up bringing it to the party... But, we were able to go over to an Asian member in our ward's house to help her prepare Sushi. She made over 200 rolls for the party. When we arrived, it was exciting to see Alisa and her kids there hanging out and helping already! What amazing fellowshipping?! It was such a delight to see them all there without us having to initiate any of it! It brings you so much joy to see that happen as a missionary. :)

The Primary Nativity

We all arrived to the Christmas Party! It was such a success! The food was amazing and we had so many people came! A less active we invited came, along with two friends, and Lorenzo, our investigator we haven't seen in a long time due to his mother's health and recent passing, and his wife came. :) It was so great to have so many of the people we are working with come to such a fun event. The night ending with a fun program and nativity done by the Primary (which Alisa's kids were able to be part of.)

This week, I also had the opportunity to see a big miracle happen all from faith, action, and service. Over the last week or so, I have felt like Sister Senior and I need to serve more. I have expressed this to her and started praying to receive these service opportunities. On Wednesday, we were just finishing our last scheduled appointment when we got a call finding out that a less active in our ward needed our help with his Christmas service project he does each year. He buys packages and packages of food and we sort into families that need it. The goal is to give them a month worth of food! How incredible?!

All the Food we sorted

Away we went, sorting the food. There was so much! (and we only did the first half of sorting that day.) As we concluded serving, I wondered if it would maybe still be possible to get Alisa's family in this list so she could receive this miracle too. As I said a mini prayer, trying to figure out how to bring it up, the guy running everything turned to me and asked if we knew anyone who could need this service. I jumped for joy as Sister Senior and I explained Alisa's situation. A friend of his overheard and told us that she has a store house with four houses worth of furniture that she is trying to get rid of!  She was happy to give it to Alisa and her family!

At the Food Sorting Service Project with Elder Lott, Elder Wright, and Sister Senior

We drove away in shock and amazement as we had just witness only a small portion of God's love for her. Because of the choices she has made to come to church and follow God's commandments, she has been blessed enormously and she doesn't even know about the blessings that are to come. Even though she lost her job to come to church, God is taking care of her and her family. :) As of today, her house is now fully furnished except for one twin bed, just received some food and clothes, and will soon receive gifts from Santa (donated by a member), and a month worth of food. I Stand All Amazed. No song could describe this situation better.

I love the Lord and I know without a doubt that He loves us SO much. He is just waiting for us to follow Him so that he can shower us with blessings. I know that as we all follow our Savior, we will be blessed. Please read Jacob 2:18-19. It's perfect for this situation.

Know that I love you all and think of you often! Our Heavenly Father and Savior love you very much! Follow them and you'll see their hand more and more abundantly in your life. I promise.

Sincerely,

Sister Salmond

P.S. For everyone who saw the address earlier for Christmas (569 Flint Hill Trace...) Note that that is only  for Christmas. Transfers will be happening Jan 8th? I believe so if I get moved I willl not receive the letter. So if it won't make it in time, please send it to the mission home address. Thank you and I love you all!

Alabama Birmingham Mission
3100 Lorna Rd Ste 102
Birmingham, AL 35216

Mission Newsletter #9

So much happened this week so I hope I can write you about it all!  Here we go!

First of all, AWKWARD MOMENT! Yesterday we were driving from an investigator's home. As Sister Senior was setting up the GPS at the stop sign and as I was playing with the AC/Heater (as the driver), Sister Senior says to me, "Sister Salmond!" I look up and she is pointing to my window. I whip my head around. Ah! There's a man there! My face was terrified and looked slightly disgusted. As he bent down to signal to me to roll down my window, I leaned back and pushed the lock button! I rolled down the window down, but it went farther than I wanted (like 3 inches), so as he asked me for a direction, I rolled it up a little, then a little more. Oops! Too much! I closed it on him.  Rolled it back down so it was barely opened an inch. Quickly answered his question, rolled back up the window, and then turned to Sister Senior with a huge, dramatic sigh of relief. She started busting!! She told me how stupid and funny it looked to the poor guy who was trying to ask me a question and I just kept rolling up the window. Wow! I really need to gain a better trust of strangers...

Also, so this week Sister Senior and I got asked (let me correct myself, told) to sing at a funeral!!! What?!  We do NOT sing well in the Slightest!!! So we did it. As a missionary, the word "no" does not exist.  We had a duet of "I Need Thee Every Hour" and "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." However, they sounded AWFUL! So, we dragged the Elders under the bus with us. :) They only sang "God Be With You..." with us, but hey, that one was sad. We really needed the help since we were both incapable of doing parts. Overall, we survived... People tried to tell us we did well, but we all know that that is an act of courtesy, not honesty. Plus, I know the tears I saw were from the sorrow they felt for us, as they could tell we were trying so very hard, but obviously not gifted. They were sweet.

Practicing right before the funeral... at least trying. We had to capture the moment because it was funny how terrible we sounded. haha.

One last Traumatic Moment: I RAN OVER A CAT!!! I was so sad!!! It was a black cat. She looked at me scared and then dashed in front of me. I felt it under the car with the thud as I braked with all my might! No use. I hit her. I started hyperventilating and repeating over and over again, "I ran over a cat. I just ran over a cat." After a minute of shock, I began to bawl. Sister Senior tried to comfort me with little to no success. I still felt bad for that poor cat.  We pulled up to the member's home we would be eating dinner at and of course, the elders arrived at the exact same time. Elder Osiemo came up to my window to scare me, which only lead to a harder, more hysterical cry. He then realized something was wrong. I told them what had happened, while trying to calm myself down. It was not a pretty scene. I wiped my tears and marched into the home like nothing happened. (Thank goodness the members couldn't tell.) It broke my heart to have killed that cat, but the Lord forgives me. I didn't mean it. I know the cat's in a better place anyways. :'(

Quick Update: Sister Senior's health has been getting better. Not nearly as much pain. We found out results. Nothing. He said she looks normal. He doesn't see a need to do more tests or doesn't even know where he'd look. If anything changes, then she should let him know.

This week we made Baptismal Calendars for our investigators who will be getting baptized on the 28th. They are moving forward great! We should have 3 baptisms on that date as of now, and hope for 5 if Alisa's two boys who are old enough get baptized too. It's looking promising and it is so exciting seeing all of them move forward! Also, with Megan & Mike, the other two with this date, are starting to get things ready for their wedding. We are so excited for them and I can't wait to witness such a sweet and sacred thing. :)

On Friday, Sister Senior and I went on exchanges. Really she stayed home and I left. Where did I go? To Lorna, near Birmingham, but don't worry it was only in a SPANISH SPEAKING AREA!!! Yeah, no biggie. So, I smiled and nodded my head in those lessons and then bore my testimony when Sister Child told me to. I am good at the smiling part, so I am sure I looked great! Overall, though, not everyone we taught was Spanish speaking and it was a great experience for me. I love Sister Child. When she speaks, it's like you can feel the love of Lord in her. It's truly incredible. She's just so gentle and sweet, yet so happy. She has an amazing spirit.

This week, I have had a couple things I have read in my studies I would love to share with you:
       I was reading and came across Alma 17:11. It states, "And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among [replace with where   you are right now], thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls." I have never read in the scriptures a time before (or at least I never realized it) where the Lord commanded them to be good examples so they could be an instrument for the Lord. Remember, the Lord needs us to be good examples so we can represent the Lord. People watch us and it is what we do that will impress people and draw them unto us to learn of the gospel and knowledge we have. Remember that when you are interacting with people you come in contact with in the street or at the store.
        Also, we talked about Adam and Eve during correlation meeting. Often in college, I have heard people say, that they don't believe that God would give Adam and Eve conflicting commandments. "That doesn't seem right. That's not the God I know."  I have always believed God did give them conflicting commandments, but I never knew how to explain it or what to say, but how our ward mission leader put it, made it so clear. He asked, "Do we have conflicting commandments today?" Silence. "Well, I know I do." He continued, "As the provider, I have to have a job and that takes up a lot of my time, and then there's time I'm supposed to spend with my family, home-teaching, my calling, serving the poor and needy, daily prayers and scripture study, education, church and church activities, and the list goes on and on. Do we not all have conflicting commandments?  We are commanded to do so many things, but it is not humanly possible to have enough time to do them all." He explained that it's about prioritizing. This life is a test and a preparation time to meet God and prioritizing is a skill we will need in the next life when we too become Gods. It made so much sense to me when he put it that way. As I continued to think on this on my own, I became so grateful for these conflicting commandments. What if all that God asked of us WAS achievable? Would people become bored in the gospel kind of like passing a level on a video game?  I would hate to be complete, done. That would seem so empty. I am so grateful the Lord has made it impossible, so I will always have something to work and improve on. What an incredible blessing we have to continually learn and grow!

At Zone Training (too much to write I couldn't touch on it, but also great) with Sister Leifson, Sister Senior, and Sister Sheri Millard (yes, from our Glenwood ward!) 

Our apt Christmas tree and Nativity a member in our ward bought us! So sweet!

Anyways, that was my spiritual a-ha's this week. I hope you learned something new too. :)  I love the gospel and I know this church is true. I am learning so much out here in the mission. Although, I can't be there for Christmas to spend with all of you down there, know I am there in Spirit. I love you all and hope you are all having fun with the holiday (or wedding, for those who apply) hustle and bustle! Until next week, I love you!

Love,
Sister Salmond

Mission Newsletter #8

After lessons, many times Sister Senior and I smell like smoke, so when we came to the White's right after teaching; we got the spray of shame. haha.

As you all know, this last week was Thanksgiving!!! So I just want to take a moment to say thank you!

Thank you to my parents. They are absolutely amazing for all they do. They have raised me amazingly and it's because of them, I am who I am today.
Thank you to my family. I love you all. Know that.
Thank you to everyone sacrificing for me to be here on the mission, either directly or indirectly. I can't tell you how much it means to me.
Thank you to all my family and friends supporting me while I am out here. I love every one of your letters. They are better than candy!
Thank you for everyone who has been a part of my life and impacted me every step of the way.
Thank you for the humor moments that put smiles on my face.
Thank you to those at the Charleston: employees and residents. I have so many fond memories and lessons I have learned there. You have completely changed my life for the better.

       There is much more I am thankful for, but this is a good mini summary that applies to those of you who are reading this. Overall, thanksgiving was very good. We mainly spent our time with the Bush family and then visited a few other members as well. It was wonderful to have so much familiarity on the holiday. The food was very similar. The things that are different include Deep Fried Turkey! Wow! This is incredible! I don't know if I can go back to regular baked turkey again. It's makes it more moist and flavorful. And then, instead of Stuffing, they have Corn Bread "Dressing" or Stuffing, and then Sweet Potato Pie instead of Pumpkin Pie. I could try these last two, but from what I've heard from the other missionaries, stick to stuffing and pumpkin pie. haha.

Also, Zone Conference took place right before Thanksgiving. It was Spiritual and uplifting. They asked us to come with a question and they promised we would receive an answer. I took their challenge and wrote down the question. I can testify that the Lord loves us and hers our prayers. He is mindful of us and our questions and concerns and if we ask, we shall receive.

This week's HUGE miracle! Alisa surprised us and came to church! She works every Sunday and by her coming to church, she just gave up her job. She is very poor and struggles to pay her bills and support her four dear children. WOW! What incredible faith and trust she has to give up all she has for the Lord. She reminds me of the Widow's Mite. She gave only a little, but it was all she had, so it was much more in the Lord's eyes because of her sacrifice. Although we have had other families we are teaching come to church, it was her attendance that was the true miracle.

Visiting with Bro. Tubbs

As for the investigators in last week's miracles, they are still progressing incredibly. God knew they were ready to receive the Gospel. It's truly not us doing the work, God is. Megan & Mike are still set for Dec 28th for their baptism. They are planning to be wed before then and they asked Sister Senior and I to come! They will have a small ceremony and committed to obey the Law of Chastity before then. What a joyous experience! It was seriously one of the sweetest, most powerful moments I have seen on my mission thus far.

What a marvelous work that is coming forth among these children of men. I promise all of you that the church is true. God truly loves His children. He wants them to find joy and will help them along the way. Don't ever forget that.

Love,
Sister Heather Salmond

p.s. If you plan to send me any letters for the holidays, please make sure to send them to my current address. The mission office will be too crazy.Thanks! I hope to hear from all of you! :)

569 Flint Hill Trace #82
Bessemer, AL 35022

No room for Homie Gs here, just Happy Gs. :)

 

Mission Newsletter #7

So, this week has been a week of miracles, like NO JOKE!  Last week was a homesick, tough, slow, dead week, but the amazing thing about the Lord is that he never leaves you alone. He watches us everyday and loves to bless us as long as we are seeking for it. And after a week of praying for a miracle, the Lord gave us one after another. I am getting a head of myself. Let me explain below step by step. 

Monday after emailing, as a district, we had a great time bOwLiNg! Sister Senior & I totally rocked the first round! (We just won't talk about the second round...) And Grandpa Salmond, if you are reading this, I totally pointed my thumb! Overall, bowling was really fun. Was just a great time to hang out and let loose. :) It was exactly what I needed. 

Bowling with Elder Galorath and Elder Wright in the background

Tuesday we began teaching a engaged couple, Megan & Mike. Mike is the son of a recent covert in our ward. When we went to teach them, they were so curious and asked lots of questions. They were so excited about the church. They have been looking for the true church and as we shared the story of Joseph Smith, they said they felt like that was right and knew it was true. Megan thought it was incredible. As we taught of prayer and how to pray, Megan asked if she could try it out and say the prayer. There is nothing more that a missionary would want to hear! They accepted our baptismal invitation and we set a date for Dec 28th. We came back and taught Megan another time about the Plan of Salvation. This time her grandma, Mimi, sat in. Mimi always wondered about the after life since her husband has passed on. The lesson was so powerful! The spirit was amazingly strong. I was crying! She knows it is true and loves the plan; however, she is afraid to change religions. She has been Baptist her whole life. Sister Senior and I know that she will turn around. She knows it's true; it just will take a leap of faith and we'll help her get there. 

Also, that same day we found Juliet! She was a mormon.org referral we taught the Restoration to, but haven't seen since. We have been trying to get a hold of her and catch her with no luck. But here we are! We found her and she wants us to still come! :) Yay! Huge victory and miracle!

On Thursday, we had a dinner appointment set up with the Thomas's. We called to see if the elders were invited to be denied because they had already invited the Perkins family and thought it would be too many people. We were fine with it. As we arrived to the appointment, Sis. Thomas told us that her husband just texted her that they were bringing a family of four for us to teach! How exciting?! We ran back to our car and grabbed four Book of Mormons. Just a minute or two later, they arrived. Bro Thomas and Bro Perkins work together selling alarms. Bro Perkins was trying to sell an alarm to a family. The man said, "If you put as much effort into preaching of God instead of selling alarms, then you would be getting somewhere." This opened the door. Next thing they knew, Bro Perkins was sobbing bearing his testimony. Bro Thomas came and joined them and invited the family over to dinner. We began teaching them and everyone was so involved. It was incredible! The parents both committed to baptism. The family we will have to pass on soon though because they are barely out of our area. Sad, but I know the Lord provided this miracle for them because what is the odds of them running into this family the day that we were supposed to come over for dinner, when that was planned 3 weeks before. Miracle! The Lord is preparing his people! 

There are so other incredible things that have happened this week! I wish I had time to share everything! And lastly, ALL FOUR OF US MISSIONARIES ARE NOT BEING TRANSFERRED!!! WE ARE STAYING! I am so excited! Best Christmas Gift ever!!! Elder Leali'ie'e and Elder Osiemo have become brothers to me and Sis. Senior and I have so much more to do together, especially with all these people we are just starting to teach! Our work isn't done. :) 

Besides that, hope everyone is doing fantastic! I love you all! Have a great week!

-Sister Heather Salmond

p.s. This morning we went to Denmore's farm to feed the chickens and milk the cow. :) It was so fun! Check out the pics!

Our victory pail of milk!

Elders with the chickens

Feeding the chickens and ducks

Milking a cow - bucket list item!

Elder Leali'ie'e with Evie the Goat

Elder Osiemo riding the goat

Calf Emma

We are so fly and gangsta!