Mission Newsletter #29

Saw some old guys who retired and travel all over. The gold things on the shirts say all the places they've been! I so want to do that when I retire!

Sorry everyone for the late newsletter. We are having storms here in the South if you haven't heard. The Tornadoes yesterday hit both of my companion's and my old areas. Sister Butterfield's area, Tupalo, is pretty damaged. It was a miracle because our President was down there for the day for interviews so were able to be there with the missionaries. Crazy thing is that the tornado formed right above the stake center where our President and the missionaries were staying; however, the Lord protected them and the storm went north. None of the missionaries were hurt or touched. Everyone in Bessemer were ok too as far as I know. It only touched a little bit there. As of today, more are on the way. We should be safe since it'll be hitting more of the west side, but will be taking precautions since we are more central. We'll be spending the day (and potentially the night) at the church. We'll be crammed in the baptismal font if it gets bad enough, so I guess we might get some good bonding time. ;) I'll keep you more updated this week.

This week something way funny happened! We were at district meeting and our District Leader, Elder Walker, was trying to do an object lesson. He had "break time" and brought everyone cupcakes. Everyone's cupcakes were tampered with in one way or another (thank goodness I'm allergic. haha.) Sister Butterfield's was way spicy! Sister Lewis asked, "What did you use to make it spicy? Cayenne Pepper?" He replied, "No, [some kind of brand I don't remember] hot sauce." Sister Lewis immediately turned to Sister Butterfield, "Oh my goodness! Are you allergic to that hot sauce?" while giving a wink. Suddenly, the table turned on the elders' clever prank... Sister Butterfield jumps in "Yeah!" "You're face is going red! You should go to the bathroom!"

Sister Butterfield ran to the bathroom. I ran after her as a companion's duty. "Checking on us," Sister Lewis and Sister Deodini followed. Sister Lewis, the director of this master prank, told us to start making vomiting noises. Sister Butterfield was hesitant to do it, so I jumped in, learning how to make pro vomit noises from my good ole uncle Val from an early age. I did a few cough and vomit noises and flushed the toilet at appropriate timing to make it as realistic as possible. When Lewis and Deodini went out, Elder Walker was right outside the door and heard it all. "Is she going to be ok?" he asked, looking concerned. They said they didn't know and needed to call the mission nurse, joining us once again inside the bathroom. We waited a little bit and as we went out to break the news of this genius prank. However, we found all the elders kneeling in prayer for Sister Butterfield. That was so sweet, but oh my goodness! I felt so mean for doing that. It probably really scared them. We broke the news. They were a little bugged, since it scared them bad, but they took it well. We have such good elders in our district. They are just too sweet. I am so grateful for them and their concern for us. Also, to be in such a position to think of turning to our Father in Heaven for support and help. Love them.

The Whole Zone at the activity

Just yesterday, before the tornadoes, we were able to go to Gadsden for a Zone activity. All of us played soccer in the mud and then tried to catch launched water balloons. It was so much fun! For us though, the party was cut short due to the tornado and we had to rush home to our quarters. But here a picture of the big, fun group after the activity!

 

Elder McGee bbq-ing

The remainder of the missionaries who made it in the balloon toss

Balloon Toss

Our group in the scavenger hunt (Me, Sister Butterfield, Justin (green t-shirt), Winford, and Sister Giddens)

Sister Butterfield and I at the activity!

Also, this week we had a branch BBQ with a scripture scavenger hunt! It was such a success. Justin was able to come and I really think he is starting to fit in and make some friends within the branch. He was getting so involved, helping set up, clean up and putting together the clues. I love it when the people I am teaching start making connections. Gives me the security to know that if I left, they would have no problem thriving in the ward/branch without me.

Lastly, we've also been able to see a few miracles this week. The first was when we visited a lady we met at the hospital named Nancy. She's a nurse there and is a friend of Quincy, who also works there. She ended up talking to us and asking a lot of questions about what we believe. We went over the Restoration, the Book of Mormon, and the Plan of Salvation all in one sitting! (very briefly of course) She had so many questions. I love it when people are active and genuinely seeking. We left her with both pamphlets and the book so she could do her own research. We'll see where it goes, but I know that what we shared is true and I hope she goes to the Lord and asks herself like we suggested. I know she'll find it's true too, but we'll see what happens...

Our one YW surprised us and made us dinner! How sweet!

The second was Sunday night. We met a second time with Kayla, a girl who picked us up while we were walking down the street on a hot day. We only gave her the Book of Mormon last time and this Sunday, we taught the Restoration. She studies with many religions, so we wanted to make it clear, we are not just a religion to study with, but the true church back on the earth. We really emphasized the importance of the priesthood and it coming back in these modern days. She cried once or twice throughout the lesson. Sister Butterfield pointed out that she was already receiving her answer from God that this is true. We told her to pray to know for a surety of its truthfulness. Kayla is an amazing girl. She has gone through cancer already once, and may be looking at another round. (We'll find out soon.) But I know this gospel will bless her life and make her trials be born more easily. I love her so much already. I am so grateful for God and providing us with these miracles this week.

Before I go, in my studies, I found a verse that made me stop and think for a minute. It was in 3 Nephi 1:30. It says, "And thus were the Lamanites afflicted also, and began to decrease as to their faith and righteousness, because of the wickedness of the rising generation." Wow. Think of the influence of this rising generation. They were wicked and therefore affected the faith of those before them. This is so true today. The world's rising generation is increasingly wicked and it's therefore effecting the older generations to feel the same way, like for example, living together before marriage. Before, this never would've been accepted and is now a way of life. The rising generation's influence is detrimental! However, think about the rising generation within the church. Even lowering the mission age alone, has caused more senior couples to go out and serve missions! There is so much influence the younger people can have. To the youth: If you think you don't make that big of a difference, I tell you to think again. You do. You matter. And your influence? Essential. Never forget that. Stand for the right and be a positive influence on others. You have the capability to make others feel inspired by you and therefore want to improve themselves. This can become a chain effect. You'll never know all the good you could do by just living right and not being afraid to share it. So, if you are ever debating if you should share or stand up for your beliefs, do it! You'll never feel regret in God's eyes for doing so, but you may if you choose not to. I love you all and don't forget the power and influence you have on this earth. You were saved for this time.

I love you all so much! I can't wait to hear from you more next week!

Lots of Love,

Sister Salmond