Mission Newsletter #43

Well, this week, there was an amazing "Mascarade" sale at the hospital that went towards some cause. Everything was five dollars!!! Ok. We went there just to contact, but being the girl I am, I didn't leave empty handed... Oops. But hey! I have to show you what I got! There were some really fun funky pants that are uber comfortable that I couldn't resist! When Sister Woodard saw them, she wanted a pair too! So we now have our matching companion item! Yay!

This week, we had Family Home Evening in Lynn and Joe's home. We brought a super cute, young couple from our ward, Emma and Danny Perkins. They recently moved from Utah and both served their mission in Italy. They did the FHE with all the grandkids to kind of show what a typical night would look like. Emma did a cute little story about repentance and had them put together a puzzle that had the steps of repentance on it. Danny then did the activity called "Nickel, Nickel, who has the Nickel?" In this game, he put his hands flat, palms facing in with the nickel inside. Everyone had to put their hands the same way with a little hole at the top. He went around the whole circle and dropped the nickel in one person's hands. The guesser then had to figure out who had it. The kids went crazy and wanted to play it over and over again. The parents were laughing and Lynn and Joe were having a great time as all 4 generations got involved! We ended the night with dessert. Lynn and Joe loved it! You could tell it meant a lot to them to be able to have such a good time with the whole family. We will be helping them plan a month worth of lessons and activities! Lynn texted us after and said "Thank you ladies for a wonderful evening!!! I enjoyed it more than words can say. :)" That is very unusual for her. That night really strengthened my testimony of FHE. I have grown up with it and kind of took it for granted. It was great to see something so simple mean the world to this family. That is what all this is about. The gospel is here to bless families and help them grow in love and strength in Christ. Lynn and Joe will not be getting baptized this coming week like we had originally planned, but they will soon. :) The most important thing is that they feel ready. They take it seriously, which a huge blessing cuz once they join, they will be a strong force for good! They will be a big contribution to this ward! It is so evident. I love them so much! (Probably will get you pics of it next week...)

Besides that, we are still teaching Amber. Things are going well there. :) She probably won't get baptized as soon as she had hoped cuz Sister Woodard and I want to make sure she realizes the lifestyle changes she will be making and be solid in making them. It'll be a bigger change than we think she realizes right now. But that is the great thing about the gospel! We love all and invite all to come into His fold, but yet, God has order. He is never changing. So, it is required of all of us to find our faith in Him and align ourselves with His will in order to be baptized and be called "His people." God loves us all and wants us all to come back, but He does have a plan. Our job, as missionaries, is to help people discover this plan and the many joys that come along with that. Key word: "Joys." That is what this work is, a Joy! We have a privilege to bring joy into people's lives and in return, feel that joy ourselves! What a blessing! I love serving a mission and the joy you feel as you serve the Lord.

I love you all so much! I pray for you and think of you oft! Write me! ;)

Love,

Sister Salmond             

Mission Newsletter #42

Ok. Look at this HUGE spider outside of our church building!!! It's the biggest I have EVER SEEN! Of course I discovered it. Seems like it's just my luck. But look at the comparison to the rocks! And next to Becky's thumb (it's the size of the smooshed abdomen) Gross!!! I can't do spiders! I just Can't!

Ok. I just LOVE conference! I was so lucky to start my mission with Conference at the MTC 1 Year Ago. YES! It's been a Year! Crazy. To be honest, I don't know how to feel about it, so don't ask. I just don't think about it. However, I do love celebrations, sooo... I couldn't help but do something special. :) I made me an Everything-Free Chocolate Cake and celebrated like any one year old child would! I got down and dirty! I couldn't help it! A girl's got to do, what a girls got to do. *shrug* (But don't worry, I paid for it later with a whopping stomach ache! I don't think I'm used to eating that much cake/chocolate anymore. haha. Next time I better "take it easy!" -Nacho. It was all well-worth it though.)

Conference Weekend brought more than just my one year mark, but many miracles too. :)

Lynn & Joe went to Conference. Joe LOVED hearing the prophet speak and said that the spirit is so much stronger hearing it from them (aka prophets and apostles.) It is so true! Lynn went with a specific question/concern in mind (don't know what it was), but by the third session, it was answered! I love putting the Lord and His love to us specifically to the test, and seeing Him always pull through! It's incredible! The two are still pulling strong and doing great things! We are going to do a sample FHE with their family this coming week cuz Lynn wants us to help her prepare for a month's worth of FHE. (She's so organized and a huge planner!) We are so excited to help her do that! This family is incredible and driving into the gospel. I have been so blessed to work with them!   

    

Also, last Sunday, we met a girl named Amber. We set up an appt to see her that coming Tuesday night. When we got there, it couldn't have been better timing. She had just gotten in a fight with her boyfriend. We were there to comfort her and give her comfort through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We went and saw her just a few days later and we taught her the Restoration. We were on an exchange and Sister Wittwer asked, "if you could hear God tell you anything right now, what would it be?" She said, "Come Home." The spirit was strong throughout the whole lesson. She knows it is true and wanted to come to all the Conference Sessions if she could. We only were able to find her a ride to the Sunday ones since she lives so far out, but she loved both of them. She went with the question, "Is there hope for me?" It was answered when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang, "Softly and Tenderly." She buried her face in her hands and balled as they repeated "Come Home." She now has a baptismal date set for October 25th! We will do everything in our power to help teach her and to give her that new start and life we can find in Christ. :)

Lastly, Conference was another testimony builder for me. I went to Conference with 3 questions to bring to the Lord and He answered all 5! Yes, 5! There were a few other things I didn't think about going into Conference and He gave me answers to the concerns and questions I went with and He also took care of the ones I didn't really think of. THAT is how much He loves us. He will take care of our basic needs and then some. He loves to bless us and give us more and more. How lucky are we to have a Heavenly Father who loves us SOOO Much! I am so grateful that He took the time to think of me specifically and answered all my concerns and more. This is the God we know and love. I promise that if you bring all your questions and concerns to the Lord, He will answer them and give you even more than you had hoped for. He loves you. :)  Isn't that incredible?! I love it! Don't you feel like a spoiled little princess? (Or if you are a boy, a spoiled Prince.) Allow God to show His love to you and spoil you a little bit. All you have to do is go to Him. :)

I love this gospel! We are so lucky! And I love being a missionary! I wish it'd never end!

I love you all!!!

Sister Salmond

Mission Newsletter #41

There was a can of oysters in our apt that Sister Crandall's mom sent in a fun Alaskan package. She left them behind though, and let's be honest, we all know why. haha. Sister Woodard got them out and thought we should try them just for the heck of it! We opened it. Yep, it stunk!! Didn't look very pleasant either... Sister Woodard backed out. Being the little Dare Devil I am, I couldn't not try it, so I did. Uh! Not Worth It! Pretty gross and overly fishy to be honest! But hey, now I can say I've tried canned oysters! And I can promise you this, it will the last time too!

So, my toilet started making angry noises one morning. At first, it seemed like all the Randalls (nasty bugs we keep finding and killing) I flushed down the toilet were joining together to come get revenge on me! It was like Godzilla was about to emerge or something! Like Hercules, I decided to slay this beast! I got down and dirty (ok, let's be honest, it wasn't that bad) and fixed the darn thing! Yep! I fixed the toilet! Thank you Dad for always being a handyman and allowing/making me learn from you! It comes in handy!

Besides toilet slaying, Mission life has been good! Nothing too exciting this week. We dropped a few people, talked to many, many people, and taught lessons. The usual. :) We are still teaching Lynn and Joe and things are going REALLY well there. They are still progressing to baptism and Lynn is so excited for General Conference that she wants to watch every session and not just at home, but at the church! So awesome! Joe will be attending lots of them too, but will probably have to go home after one session cuz of his hip problems, which is totally understandable. Joe is such a rock in the family and it is evident that his testimony keeps growing. He found a diagram on the role of fathers on facebook the other day that works hand in hand with the gospel. He was really excited to find it and show it to us. They have bought their own manuals online and are so zealous in their learning. It has been such a blessing to teach them and let's be honest, just know them! I love that family sooooo much! When we have dinner at that house, they have the whole big family come. It is warm, fun, full of love and I feel right at home! I hope my family can be as close and have as much love as that home does! I wish I never have to leave!

Recently, our President pointed something out to us in Preach My Gospel on page 146, that I wanted to share with y'all. It's the way we can measure our success as a missionary: "The ultimate measure of success is not in achieving goals alone but in the service you render and the progress of others." So, Ultimate Success = Achieving goals + Service + Progress. That is so true! This life is all about serving others, our personal progression and the progression of others around us (the children we raise, our spouses, people we meet/interact with etc.), and achieving that ultimate goal of the Celestial Kingdom. :) As we all strive to do these things throughout our life, we will be successful in returning to our Heavenly Father's presence to live with Him again. I so look forward to that! And we all should look forward to that as we strive and thrive each day.

I love you all and keep y'all in my prayers. Remember, life is a Roller Coaster. Learn to enjoy the ride. :) Have a fantastic week!

Muwah!

Love,

Sister Salmond

Mission Newsletter #40

Life is so good in Russellville! Like really. My new companion is Sister Woodard! She's been out two transfers so far and let's just say, we are working HARD! Maybe too much. haha, We're exhausted and she's not quite used to my "full speed ahead!"ness. She is being so positive about it though! That's the crazy thing about missionary work: the harder you work, the more you love it! She's opening up quick and loving it! She said this is more what she expected a mission to be like, (so that was good to hear.) So here we are, in the middle of the South, working our tails off and having a grand ole time doing it! Love Missionary Work!

Saying goodbye! Elder Gale and Sister Senior going home! Crazy!

My most recent goal is to start picking up the word, "fixin." I think I have the "y'all" down quite nicely. It's easy and flows right off my tongue without even thinking about it. However, not the same with "fixin." (For those who don't know, the South says "fixin to" rather than "about to.") I personally think "fixin" is absolutely adorable! So hope y'all can start noticing me slowly, but surely turn into a Sweet, Southern Bell. :) That's the goal!

On Saturday, the State Fair was in town! Sister Woodard and I went and talked to 40 different people and asked them if they'd be interested in us sharing a message later with them and their family or if they knew anyone who would. Not everyone accepted, naturally, but we worked really hard trying to find those who may be interested. We'll see what miracles will come from those we visited with! (Also, for everyone's info, the beautiful woman with a snake body doesn't exist! Don't do it! It will indeed burst your bubble! Just thought you should know.)

Also, we are still working with Joe and Lynn! I don't if I told y'all last time, but we are now also teaching Coy, Lynn's dad. Things are going so well! We had dinner with their whole family this last week: parents, kids, and grandkids! So Fun! There was about 20 or so of us! I felt right at home! That is what family is all about. Enjoying one another's company and having that love in the home. It was seriously so fun and great to spend the evening with them! I am starting to get so attached to this family. They have great desires to do good and really think. They ask really deep questions and it is such a pleasure to teach them and watch it click! They are so funny and cute seeing their excitement

Deep fried Apples with Cinnamon on Top 

"That's what I call Nutrition!" -Bill Cosby

of the gospel. The fullness we have in this church really is an incredible thing and a huge blessing! It's easy to overlook sometimes when we are used to having it. I am so grateful I was raised with this knowledge and now have the privilege to pass it on to others. Life couldn't be better as a missionary!
Heard from Alisa from Bessemer this last week! Things are going so well for her. I love her family and her so much! I am so glad I was able to come out and build love and friendships like this!
Lastly, this week on Sunday was the primary program. I love that time of year so much. The kids are so cute, sweet, and so HONEST! haha. They say the Darnedest Things! And I love watching them. I can't wait to have kids of my own and be able to watch them up there. It'll be pretty cute AND funny, I'm sure. :) Something to look forward to in my next life, after the mission. But until then, I will do all I can to learn from them and become like them. They earnestly want to learn and know and feel loved. This is a few of the many reasons why I think Christ told us to "become as little children." (Matthew 18:3-4)

I love you all! It has been a blessing to be here in Russellville and I love my new companion, Sister Woodard. She and I will see great things happen together! I just know it!
Love you all!
Sister Salmond

Mission Newsletter #39

Reunited with Sister Senior FINALLY at the Zone Conference! She is such a babe!

We washed Bebe so Nancy wouldn't have to do it. 

Things are still going so well in Russellville! Lynn is still taking the lessons and this week Lynn and her husband Joe came with two of their grandkids to church! They even got there before we did! So exciting! When I went up to them Lynn said, "There's my girl!" She is so sweet. I am seriously falling in love with this family and feeling myself getting attached. Joe also got really involved in church and participated several times! He loves it and is really getting it. They are a great couple and fit right in. We are so blessed to be teaching them!

Good ole South :) Love seeing religion everywhere expressed in everyone's own way!

Visiting Della

Funny Story! So, we met a lady at Walmart, Melissa, and we asked her if she knew anyone who could use a visit, service, or message of Christ. She referred us to an older lady in a rehab facility. To be completely honest, I didn't think the lady in rehab would go anywhere. Older people here can be really stuck in their ways and in their beliefs. However, I knew she would be a key into getting into Melissa's home. So, we called the elderly lady, Della, to report to Melissa we had seen her. Della told us to come on over. When we arrived, her son and his wife was there with her. Sister Crandall and I tagged teamed it. She visited with Della as I spoke with the Maxwell and Marilyn. They are Holiness, which is different than Della (she's Apostolic.) I talked to them about their beliefs and ours and how we believe in a modern day prophet. We had a good conversation and set up an appointment to see them the next day to teach them more. As Sister Crandall and I left, she asked me if I heard why she was in the rehab. "She broke her hip?" That's all I had heard... "But do you know how?" I didn't. She then went on to tell me that Della was in church and was "caught up in the Holy Ghost." It had flown her across the room where she hit her head on a pew and then broke her hip, but "by the grace of God" she lived. She didn't even have a

headache! Wow! What an aggressive Holy Ghost?! It made me chuckle. I am so grateful that we understand the true nature of God: submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love and long-suffering. He is not a God of shows, ruckus, and chaos. He loves us and we can feel it though that peace, burning in our bosom, and the still small voice.

Rockin with Elvis! (a statue in the middle of our area)

Since then, we have gone back and started teaching Marilyn and Maxwell. They are open to what we have taught thus far and have committed to start reading the Book of Mormon. We really prepped them for Anti cuz they will probably get it since they go to a Holiness church, but we pray that they can stay strong and receive the blessings of this gospel.

Lastly, we had an amazing opportunity to have a Zone Conference with Elder Zwick from the Seventy. We found out that we'll be receiving iPads in January. Pretty cool! Also, there is a new movie coming out, which I am sure y'all already know about called "Meet the Mormons." We'll have

Miami Ice! They have things named after celebrities too! haha

an opportunity to see it in October when it comes out and it'll open many doors to the work, I am sure! He talked to us a lot about the growth in technology and how it can help impact the missionary work for good. One thing he said that really impacted me is that "there'll be a big miracle here in this mission coming soon and it's up to your personal wisdom, dedication, and virtue to help it come forth." Wow! I hope I can see this miracle unfold while I am still on my mission. If not, I at least want to be able to know that I did everything I could to help that miracle unfold. I am thrilled to have these wonderful tools soon to help the Lord's work move forth. I strive to be a missionary and daughter God is proud of and knows He can use for good. I love this gospel and I am so grateful to be part of this work here in Alabama. Good things are soon to come. Now is the time we prepare for the coming of our Lord! The time is at hand!

Saying goodbye to the Foursome here in Russellville! Sister Crandall is being transferred and Elder Gale is going home to Nevada!! Crazy! His mission is over! He is a great missionary. No joke. His testimony is so strong and he has had an amazing conversion. I look up to him a lot. Have a great time with Your Fam Elder Gale!!!

I love y'all so much and hope y'all have another grand week! Remember, we have great tools in our hands to move forward the work. Don't be afraid to share it with uplifting messages on facebook or with friends. Our opportunities are limitless!

Love y'all!
Sister Salmond

Mission Newsletter #38

Saying goodbye to the district

Ok. So last week was a little jumbled since it was labor day. We had to use a member's computers and didn't have much time on them, so sorry to all of those I couldn't respond to, and sorry if things were a little jumbled in the letter. I don't really even remember what I said. Just know I love you all and hopefully today will be better. :)

Before...

So this week my companion GOT HER WISDOM TEETH OUT!!! Crazy, right?! Now, most of y'all are probably thinking, wasn't she supposed to get those out before the mission? You are right. We are. However, her were too far up the dentist told her they couldn't get them out yet. Then, within the last few weeks, they have really been hurting her cuz they began to push on her crown. Ouch! So, we had to talk to our nurse and go to the dentist several times, which led to this surgery on Wednesday. Y'all can be rest assured I videoed her. :) Did I risk our lives, filming with one hand and driving with the other? Nah. We were in good hand(s)?

After: nasty, bloody gauze! But look how positive my comp is and only a few hours after it all. What a champ!

So, this week, she's been living off soft foods, like shakes, pudding, mashed potatoes, etc. We've been indoors a lot, but not too bad cuz of our amazing ward! We have been able to do splits once a day. I went out and she stayed at a member's home for a few hours. Saturday, she tried to get out at a ward yard sale, but after the two hours, she was taken home with a member and I went out again. She just wasn't feeling good. But Sunday, was her first day going out for the majority of the day! Even though we have been indoors a lot, the Lord was watching over us and blessing us. We were able to see some FROZEN! (with permission/ strict instructions from our Zone Leaders, which was amazing!) miracles from our hard work! We were able to hit or surpass the majority of our goals! It really could not have gone any better. :)

Smoothies and watermelon!

Another frozen treat...

Full of food from the members for my
wisdom-toothless comp :)

One of the miracles I got to witness was Saturday! The week before last, a member’s (who just moved in the ward) daughter, Lynn, who is not a member, came to church! Her mom asked us to teach her, which we are all for! Since then however, she's been telling us she was busy and did not come to church last week, which was a disappointment. Saturday, on the split, I decided we'd just surprise her and show up. It was perfect. Seriously!

We got there and Lynn was home along with her husband. Her mom had told her some things about the Plan of Salvation that were deeper concepts. She was confused and didn't necessarily agree. Together, a member, Sister Todd, and I, taught her the Plan of Salvation, slowly, but a little more in depth because of the information she was previously given. The questions were clarified and they felt so much better about everything. The spirit was there and it closed with enthusiasm in what they had learned. :) Sister Todd was perfect in the lesson and talked to them a little bit afterwards about sewing and food storage, which is some of their interests. Yesterday, Lynn came to church again! (Her husband couldn't this week, but hopes to next.) She asked questions during church and you can tell she is really soaking it all in. It's really cute too cuz she's jumping ahead a little bit and wanting to know the "rules" (or commandments) we have so she can start following them. There is amazing potential of growth for her and her family. It'll be exciting to see where she takes us!

Eh-Ehm! I'd prefer QueenSalmon(d). Thank you very much :)

Contacting at the yard sale!

Lastly, I want to share a scripture I just loved in my studies this week: Jacob 7:25, "Wherefore, the people of Nephi did fortify against them with their arms, and with all their might, trusting in the God and rock of their salvation; wherefore, they became as yet, conquerors of their enemies." Booyah! Slap down! Satan and his army have NO Power to overthrow us, if we fortify ourselves in God. All of y'all who are striving to do righteously are Conquerors! You have come so far already and have conquered so much. Who says you can't conquer even more? When times get hard, remember, YOU ARE A CONQUEROR! And put your Trust in God and you will once again be a Conqueror of your enemies.

I love you all, like always, and am praying for you! Have a fantastic week and don't forget to tell me all about it! :) I love hearing from y'all. Trust in God!

Lots of Love,
Sister Salmond

P.S. I wanted cheese SOOOO bad. Like I miss me a good grilled cheese! So, I bought Soy Cheese. Can I just say, EW! My comp smelled it and thought it was gross (she got out of trying it cuz she can't eat anything.) I had the elders try it and they totally agreed with me. It's just gross. Personally, I'd rather have no cheese. Saying officially goodbye to my cheesy life! :'(

Mission Newsletter #37

I made Etouffe for dinner! :)

We have been seeing the Lord really place people in our paths. Miracles are popping up left and right! It's been incredible seeing some of our work paying off. :) I would like to just share a couple of those experiences we've had this week with you.

Last Sunday was stake conference. It was incredible! The spirit was so strong and spoke to so many people! In one of the talks given, it spoke about how we can never guess who will be the ones to accept the gospel. (Which is so true cuz that was the case with Walter.) It echoed in me, "It's not who it may always seem." (Secretly, that totally makes me think of Swan Princess."It's not what it seems!" Anyways, back on topic.) This thought was planted in my mind as we went out doing the work this week.

A restaurant we have to try!

On Thursday, when we were at Walmart store contacting, I saw a thin, older man, with a Harley Davidson bandanna on. Instantly, that thought came to my head, "It's not who it may always seem!" I turned down the medicine isle. He turned to me and asked if I could read the back of a package for him. He had left his glasses. I did. I started talking to him and come to find out he has been feeling like he needs to get back into church. He hasn't been for quite some time and he feels like the Lord is sending him signs that he needs to get back. He also pointed out that we were another sign. I witnessed to him that it was no coincidence we were put in his path that day and that God wanted us to meet. I continued and asked if we could come share a message with him. I agreed. He was so thrilled and told his elderly mother around the corner, introducing her to us as the sweet ladies who will be coming to speak to them about Christ! It was really cool to see his thrill and enthusiasm about our visit. I know he is a chosen spirit and someone the Lord has prepared and put in our path!

Helping a member to do some canning this week, for our service. 

On Friday, we were out on a Team Up with sweet Sis. Adams. We went to go see a less active with her that we haven't seen in a while. As we got outside of the car to go up to the house, I noticed her neighbors kitty corner to us where gardening. I had the impression to go speak to them and offer to help, however, Sis. Crandall and Sis. Adams were already at the doorstep and knocking. I made a promise to the Lord that if He would keep them outside until we were done that I would go speak to them. Thank goodness the Lord heard my prayer because the Less Active talked to us for only a few minutes since it wasn't a good time for her then. We got off the porch and I marched straight over to the couple gardening. We asked if we could help them and started talking to them. While speaking with her, the wife told us that her mom passed away a little while back. While Sis. Adams testified of forever families I pulled out my scriptures and shared a verse with her. After sharing the verse, Melanie told us that she told her husband that if we walked over there and shared a scripture with them, it was a sign. The Lord had a hand in it all. He truly leads and guides us to do what He needs us, His servants to do. Wow, I am so grateful to be one of His many missionaries on earth that He can use to bless His children.

I hope I can always be a missionary and stand for Truth and Righteous. I love being a witness of God and want to always strive to be that way. I love you all and am grateful for y'alls' support and influence in my life. You too can be an instrument in His hands. The Sons of Mosiah were a great example of missionary work and it was simply done by their examples (Alma 17:11). Be an example of the believers and the Lord will use you for good!

I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week!

Lots of Love,

Sister Salmond