First things first- I forgot to bring my camera cord so unfortunately no one get's to see pics yet!
HOWEVER...
I am in Snoqualmie- which looks (no joke) exactly like Park City. It's insane.. they even have the "outlets" that have nearly the exact same stores. I have pics- ya'll will love it.
our area covers Snoqualmie and Fall City- Snoqualmie looks like park city... fall city looks like......
umm..... kinda like a kamas. haha but more trailer parks.
My comp is great. She is from Bountiful, She is super super chill- and really easy going. Which is great, but sometimes can get frustrating. We went to our apartment the day I got transfered and OH MY GOSH... it was a mess. it was so gross. the smell was NASTY! You would have thought we had just stepped into an elders apartment, but nope! Sisters have been living there for the past 8 months! There were bags of clothes stuffed in closets, the fridge was full of moldy food and the freezer was just the same. I opened the cupboards and found multiple boxes of random korean/asian foods. I smelled this nasty smell (on top of the underlying stench) and my nose was lead to a rotten pomegranate inside a Ritz cracker box..
...
......
....I gagged.
The apartment was so gross!!!!! haha and S.feller is so chill and easy going that she just didn't care. So last P-day I spent the whole day clearing out all the clothes that were left from other sisters, all the random junk that sisters had kept, and I tackled the kitchen-bathroom-and dining room.
it-was-gross.
after all that was done, we had - 11garbage bags full of DI stuff. 3 garbage bags full of just grocery bags left over. 5 garbage bags full of food that I had thrown out.
I was horrified. I felt like I had just been on a TV show.
Finally the apartment is clean!
after that, sister feller told me we were going to go see a boy named Austin.
Austin is 8 years old and lives a bit of a hard life, his mum is not in the picture. Dad has MS and cant' really provide. Austin has been diagnosed with autism-adhd-and bipolar. His parents aren't mormon, and the sisters met him while tracting.
So we get in the car, drive through this pretty area (that looks like park city) and we go down the canyon (which looks like Parleys) into Fall City. Parts of Fall City are nice... others, are not.
She told me to turn into this Trailer Park- we pull in to see 4 boys playing catch with a bike tire...
....2 of them had mullets.
..1 had a nascar shirt on.
I wish I were making this up, good thing I have pictures, huh?!
That is where I met Austin, Austin is a small 8 year old with a blonde mullet. He wears raggedy and holy clothes- but his smile distracts you from noticing. He is kind, loves sister missionaries, but has a hard time sitting still. We played bike tire catch for a few minutes, then decided to go over to their trailer to meet Austins dad. Their house is covered with tarps (to keep the rain out) and old car seats double as furniture. Richard, Austins dad, slowly crept out of the front door. He has MS and tends to lay in bed for days at a time. You could see the wrinkles in his face and the scars on his hands and know that he must have a story to tell. He lit up whenever we mentioned Austin- he went on to tell us about a "wrap around" program that the school would be starting Austin on- and that hopefully someone will be able to help him learn. We told Richard that we would love if he could bring Austin to church this Sunday- he agreed, yet didn't seem to promising. We then had a lesson with Austin- we taught him the importance of scripture reading and prayer. when we asked him why it was important to pray to God, he said "Cuz then you know you aint never alone" (Austin has a great accent) He is an awesome young boy, although not many in the neighborhood or at school will ever take the time to see that. He get's in trouble a lot because he gets in fights. He has a big heart, but an even bigger fence around it.
After that, we knocked on another trailer- A lady named Sharon and her husband (Rick) live there. Sharon is a recent convert, and Rick refuses to ever convert. Rick is a very nice, outgoing man who loves to have "bluegrass bbq's" in the trailer park (In which we will attend next week) soooo excited haha!
There are so many things I could tell you about everyone here- but I never have enough time!!! ahh! Here is a short rundown-
A- his name is actually a really long crazy Thai one, so we just call him "A" instead. He owns a Thai restauraunt here in town, on date to be baptized may 12, but he actually lives in Seattle- but works over here and is over here all the time, so it is currently a battle trying to figure out if he will be bpatized here or in seattle.
John- he is crazy, but super awesome. He owns a beautiful home on about 4 acres, he has two mini horses- a crazy goat- and a few dogs. John is awesome, he was so close to being baptized, but then a member told him about Garments, and it freaked him out. He has a big heart and is super sweet. He does hair and owns a few salons.
At church yesterday, I met a "brother and sister dance" they used to be the mission presidents up in Alaska- and they know the Schlechters! crazy small mormon world!
-The bishop of the ward is young, like late 30's and has been the bishop for almost 5 years. He is a BYU and a Lakers fan... sick.
Sunday morning we called Austin to remind him about church and he said (in his hick accent)
- I'm busy! I got a full Schedule
-lotsa things i gots to do. I gots to play video games and make toast for lunch.
sis feller said "austin, it's very important that you come to church to take sacrament, ya know, the bread and the water?" he said..
-just come over sister! I got bread... I got water!!!! (referring to the sacrament)
he's a hoot.
Elder Golden (of the 70) came to visit our mission, he was awesome! I learned a lot!
Sister Feller and I get along, she can be kind of awkward though, haha. She isn't too social- and will sometimes just awkwardly stand in front of people and not talk. but all in all, she's great!
She has only been in this area 1 transfer, so she doesn't really know the people that well. So we are both trying to get to know everyone.
I still feel so old knowing im turning 23 on wednesday! time has flown!
anywhos- love you all!!!
xoxoxo
Monday, May 7, 2012
Transfers!
Hello!!!
So I have been transferred..
It was SO hard to leave Federal Way- but I know the Lord knows what he's doing and has bigger and better plans for me :) I now live in snoqualmie falls! my new companion is Sister Feller- she is from Bountiful and has FLAMING red hair!!! hahaha she looks like the female version of Shaun White! She is so nice! and oh my- SO tall! she is 5'11... she actually looks a lot like how Emma looked when she was younger (curly bright red hair and fair skin with freckles) It has only been like an hour since I met her, but we get along so far! I am Senior companion- YIKES! That means I have to drive... eek!
I am excited for the change- it was SO hard to leave Federal Way.
ok- so back in Federal Way we had TWO miracles last week!!!
So michael Parrett was baptized on April 28!!! (I'll send pics next week) it was crazy though cuz he almost wasn't able to be baptized. The font had a leak in the drain and the water wouldn't stay in there! But it went SO awesome.. The Lord truly worked a miracle- he was baptized in about 2 feet of water. it took 3x but it finally happened!!! It was awesome- the power of the spirit was so strong. It was a super emotional baptism to see because I have grown to love that family so much. Seeing Michael who SWORE that he would NEVER get baptized- seeing him in the font and in white was just the most amazing thing ever.
THEN- thursday night we went over to a lady named Johnna's house. She is so cute, married to a Tongan who is an inactive member. They have 2 cute kids. anywho, she was basically BORN to be Mormon. She doesn't do anything bad except she used to drink coffee. She wouldnt' get baptized becuase she wanted to know the church more before she took that step. However- she has a testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, and The Book of Mormon..... so she is ready for baptism!!!!!! She was just hesitant... Our District Leader (Elder Riddle) was CONFIDENT that we could get Johnna baptized on Saturday- Banks and I were shocked because we had never actually been able to have a lesson with Johnna- we had just met with her several times on the doorstep. So the fact that he wanted her baptized on Saturday seemed crazy! It was Tuesday when he told us that, so we were in a time crunch! We prayed and prayed and tried to meet with her, we weren't able to meet with her until Thursday evening. so Banks and I went over there and just before we knocked on the door, Banks turned to me and said "clems, you HAVE TO be bold- let's get her baptized on Saturday" and I was like "oh crap... I hate being bold. haha" we went in there and told Johnna that she needed to follow christs example, and be baptized. We told her that it would bless her life and her families life, and that it was something she NEEDED to do. I then said "Johnna- will you get baptized on Saturday" She looked at me, with tears in her eyes, and said "YES!" Banks and I both started crying. It truly was a miracle. She was baptized 2 days later :)
man oh man, it was a GREAT way to leave Federal Way. It has been awesome- we had 4 baptisms in 3 months! woot woot!
anywho- saying goodbye to the Parrett family was really hard. They were so cute and actually bought me a black diamond ring- I will send pics next week haha but it's so beautiful! They bought it and said "you better think of us every time you put it on!" It's a cute small black and white band. It goes SO AWESOME with the one that Mum and Dad gave me for christmas!
I can't believe I turn 23 next wednesday! Holy crap I am so old! where did the time go?! I swear it was just yesterday that I was sitting in front of the TV with my top raumen in my leopard leotard up in Juneau, watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and getting beat up by the boys!
I don't know what I want for my b-day haha gift card to Deseret Books are always nice! There is an awesome book called "Jesus the christ" (I"m sure you know what that is..) but you can buy it in "scripture form" It's like written on scripture paper- it's cool!
I love you all so much! my address is still just the same- I don't know my new one that goes directly to our apartment, but it's just easier to have it all sent to the mission home.
11675 NE 20th street
Bellevue WA 98004 (I am pretty sure that is the address....haha I kinda forget it)
Love you!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo
-ames
So I have been transferred..
It was SO hard to leave Federal Way- but I know the Lord knows what he's doing and has bigger and better plans for me :) I now live in snoqualmie falls! my new companion is Sister Feller- she is from Bountiful and has FLAMING red hair!!! hahaha she looks like the female version of Shaun White! She is so nice! and oh my- SO tall! she is 5'11... she actually looks a lot like how Emma looked when she was younger (curly bright red hair and fair skin with freckles) It has only been like an hour since I met her, but we get along so far! I am Senior companion- YIKES! That means I have to drive... eek!
I am excited for the change- it was SO hard to leave Federal Way.
ok- so back in Federal Way we had TWO miracles last week!!!
So michael Parrett was baptized on April 28!!! (I'll send pics next week) it was crazy though cuz he almost wasn't able to be baptized. The font had a leak in the drain and the water wouldn't stay in there! But it went SO awesome.. The Lord truly worked a miracle- he was baptized in about 2 feet of water. it took 3x but it finally happened!!! It was awesome- the power of the spirit was so strong. It was a super emotional baptism to see because I have grown to love that family so much. Seeing Michael who SWORE that he would NEVER get baptized- seeing him in the font and in white was just the most amazing thing ever.
THEN- thursday night we went over to a lady named Johnna's house. She is so cute, married to a Tongan who is an inactive member. They have 2 cute kids. anywho, she was basically BORN to be Mormon. She doesn't do anything bad except she used to drink coffee. She wouldnt' get baptized becuase she wanted to know the church more before she took that step. However- she has a testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, and The Book of Mormon..... so she is ready for baptism!!!!!! She was just hesitant... Our District Leader (Elder Riddle) was CONFIDENT that we could get Johnna baptized on Saturday- Banks and I were shocked because we had never actually been able to have a lesson with Johnna- we had just met with her several times on the doorstep. So the fact that he wanted her baptized on Saturday seemed crazy! It was Tuesday when he told us that, so we were in a time crunch! We prayed and prayed and tried to meet with her, we weren't able to meet with her until Thursday evening. so Banks and I went over there and just before we knocked on the door, Banks turned to me and said "clems, you HAVE TO be bold- let's get her baptized on Saturday" and I was like "oh crap... I hate being bold. haha" we went in there and told Johnna that she needed to follow christs example, and be baptized. We told her that it would bless her life and her families life, and that it was something she NEEDED to do. I then said "Johnna- will you get baptized on Saturday" She looked at me, with tears in her eyes, and said "YES!" Banks and I both started crying. It truly was a miracle. She was baptized 2 days later :)
man oh man, it was a GREAT way to leave Federal Way. It has been awesome- we had 4 baptisms in 3 months! woot woot!
anywho- saying goodbye to the Parrett family was really hard. They were so cute and actually bought me a black diamond ring- I will send pics next week haha but it's so beautiful! They bought it and said "you better think of us every time you put it on!" It's a cute small black and white band. It goes SO AWESOME with the one that Mum and Dad gave me for christmas!
I can't believe I turn 23 next wednesday! Holy crap I am so old! where did the time go?! I swear it was just yesterday that I was sitting in front of the TV with my top raumen in my leopard leotard up in Juneau, watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and getting beat up by the boys!
I don't know what I want for my b-day haha gift card to Deseret Books are always nice! There is an awesome book called "Jesus the christ" (I"m sure you know what that is..) but you can buy it in "scripture form" It's like written on scripture paper- it's cool!
I love you all so much! my address is still just the same- I don't know my new one that goes directly to our apartment, but it's just easier to have it all sent to the mission home.
11675 NE 20th street
Bellevue WA 98004 (I am pretty sure that is the address....haha I kinda forget it)
Love you!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo
-ames
Sometimes I fall down hills.
Heyo!
I never know how to start these things, so here goes...
Monday- We went and sat with Tiffany (she was baptized on feb 23) while her soon to be ex-husband came and gathered all of his stuff out of their apartment. He brought 2 cops with him (he's weird) anywho- Banks and Tiff and I became friends with the cop and kept making him laugh because we were sharing stories about being missionaries back and forth. (the cop was LDS) Tiffs ex wasn't too happy that we were friends with the cop and so he decided to start saying mean things to Tiff... well that wasn't the best idea considering it was in front of our new friend, the cop.
So her ex got taken away in cuffs.... awesome.
Later that night we went and stopped by the Kenyans (I think I told you about them) ... they are 3 dudes from Kenya. They are investigating the church.. but they won't come to church, it's kinda frustrating! but they made some BOMB kenyan food!!!! It was SO good! it was like a steak and pepers and spices stuff over jasmine rice... oh my heavens.... it-was-yum.
oh and that whole day I dropped the phone like 10x Banks thinks it's funny.
Tuesday- we had zone conferrence with another zone.. and GUESS who is on a mission up here?! Isaac Greenwood!!! it was so crazy cuz I saw him and he's all "um... I think you babysat me once"....... SO awkward.
i'm old.
a kid i babysat is in my mission... hahahaha
anywho- we have a pic together, I'll send it out in a sec.
At zone conference, President Larkin was asking everyone what our favorite ways to contact someone were. Banks raised her hand and said that my favorite way was to chase them down the street.
which is true.
Everyone laughed and President made me stand up- he put his arm on my shoulder and said "that, elders and sisters, is what we should all do- If we really truly are excited about the Gospel, we should be chasing people down the street" Everyone got silent. I felt super super awkward. But President went on to say that we should be shouting to people about the gospel. The gospel is so important, and blesses so many peoples lives- why would we not want everyone to hear it?
We learned a lot at zone conference, we got lectured about how to keep our cars clean... Banks and I had to stand up and tell everyone to NOT leave their bags in their car... hahaha. so humiliating.
Later that night we went and visited the Parretts (michael is getting baptized on the 28th of this month) he is excited!
Wednesday- Banks and I met a cool samoan lady who talked to us for about 2 hours. (about the gospel of course) Then we went and visited a less active family. The moms name is Tina and the daughter is Kristine. kristine just got married to a man in the army- she was so happy and so cute! They hope to get sealed in a year. Tina is so sweet and so loving to everyone, she just has a hard time coming to church because she works long hours and the only day she has off is Sunday.
Then we went and visited Tabby (she was baptized on feb 18) we went to mainly see her brother Brandon. He has a few learning disabilities- but their family calls him "stupid and dumb" it breaks my heart- brandon isn't dumb, but he gets hurt and frustrated when his family calls him names. He is actually really smart, he just has speech impediments and has a harder time learning. I am still doing the "word a day" with him- where I will bring a word on a flash card and he will have to memorize it and the definition. he so far has learned "peculiar, abstemious, legible, proatic, and tangible".
Thursday- we fasted for Elder Baxter (he is in the 70) he was going to come to our mission, but I guess his cancer came back and so he isn't able to. so we held a mission fast from thursday at 1 to friday at 1.
Then we went and taught the Cahans foreign exchange student, Steve. He taught me chinese and said that i had great tones.. haha he said that I was born to be asian.. but that my eyes were too big. we laughed.
Friday- we went and saw Eldeen (she is a 75yr old woman in the ward) she is crazy... seriously crazy. We went over there when she was getting ready, her aid was helping her and Eldeen kept yelling at her aid. haha Eldeen is kinda mean. anywho- then Eldeen came out in her garments cuz she wanted Banks and I to see how bony she was...
..unfortunately that is an image that will never get out of my head. Where is the brain bleach when you need it?
Then we went and ate at L&L.. remember that BBQ place cory loves? ya... banks loves it to... gross.
Then for dinner, tiffany had us over for pizza and brownies- she went to a Gluten Free Place in Kent Washington- and picked up pizza and brownines! she is so sweet!
Saturday- we went to see Brandon again. he and I played basketball while he memorized the 10 commandments. He memorized all of them!!!! It's crazy- but when you get him away from his family, he is so smart!
Then we went to the Parretts.. shannon (the mom) was rolling her own cigaretts again.. she spit tobacco in my hand... hahaha yeah..
Then we went to a ward party- Ward parties are great, except as a missionary, you have to go around and say hi to everyone or else someone will get offended.
I got cake shoved in my face. it was great.
it was by a lady in the ward. haha
Later that Night, Banks and I immitated all the people we knew. She thinks its funny that I will mock people and so she makes me do it all the time.
Sunday- was wonderful- we had dinner with the Kay family, they made smoked chicken! YUM!!!! everyone should own a smoker.
So that was my week....way exciting huh? haha Banks was sick with allergies and so we didn't go out a lot.
Hopefully this week will be more exciting!
oh and I got transfers mixed up... haha so transfers are NEXT WEEK- not this week.
and I turn 23 in like 2 weeks.... eek. i'm old.
love you!!!!!
xoxoxoxo
I never know how to start these things, so here goes...
Monday- We went and sat with Tiffany (she was baptized on feb 23) while her soon to be ex-husband came and gathered all of his stuff out of their apartment. He brought 2 cops with him (he's weird) anywho- Banks and Tiff and I became friends with the cop and kept making him laugh because we were sharing stories about being missionaries back and forth. (the cop was LDS) Tiffs ex wasn't too happy that we were friends with the cop and so he decided to start saying mean things to Tiff... well that wasn't the best idea considering it was in front of our new friend, the cop.
So her ex got taken away in cuffs.... awesome.
Later that night we went and stopped by the Kenyans (I think I told you about them) ... they are 3 dudes from Kenya. They are investigating the church.. but they won't come to church, it's kinda frustrating! but they made some BOMB kenyan food!!!! It was SO good! it was like a steak and pepers and spices stuff over jasmine rice... oh my heavens.... it-was-yum.
oh and that whole day I dropped the phone like 10x Banks thinks it's funny.
Tuesday- we had zone conferrence with another zone.. and GUESS who is on a mission up here?! Isaac Greenwood!!! it was so crazy cuz I saw him and he's all "um... I think you babysat me once"....... SO awkward.
i'm old.
a kid i babysat is in my mission... hahahaha
anywho- we have a pic together, I'll send it out in a sec.
At zone conference, President Larkin was asking everyone what our favorite ways to contact someone were. Banks raised her hand and said that my favorite way was to chase them down the street.
which is true.
Everyone laughed and President made me stand up- he put his arm on my shoulder and said "that, elders and sisters, is what we should all do- If we really truly are excited about the Gospel, we should be chasing people down the street" Everyone got silent. I felt super super awkward. But President went on to say that we should be shouting to people about the gospel. The gospel is so important, and blesses so many peoples lives- why would we not want everyone to hear it?
We learned a lot at zone conference, we got lectured about how to keep our cars clean... Banks and I had to stand up and tell everyone to NOT leave their bags in their car... hahaha. so humiliating.
Later that night we went and visited the Parretts (michael is getting baptized on the 28th of this month) he is excited!
Wednesday- Banks and I met a cool samoan lady who talked to us for about 2 hours. (about the gospel of course) Then we went and visited a less active family. The moms name is Tina and the daughter is Kristine. kristine just got married to a man in the army- she was so happy and so cute! They hope to get sealed in a year. Tina is so sweet and so loving to everyone, she just has a hard time coming to church because she works long hours and the only day she has off is Sunday.
Then we went and visited Tabby (she was baptized on feb 18) we went to mainly see her brother Brandon. He has a few learning disabilities- but their family calls him "stupid and dumb" it breaks my heart- brandon isn't dumb, but he gets hurt and frustrated when his family calls him names. He is actually really smart, he just has speech impediments and has a harder time learning. I am still doing the "word a day" with him- where I will bring a word on a flash card and he will have to memorize it and the definition. he so far has learned "peculiar, abstemious, legible, proatic, and tangible".
Thursday- we fasted for Elder Baxter (he is in the 70) he was going to come to our mission, but I guess his cancer came back and so he isn't able to. so we held a mission fast from thursday at 1 to friday at 1.
Then we went and taught the Cahans foreign exchange student, Steve. He taught me chinese and said that i had great tones.. haha he said that I was born to be asian.. but that my eyes were too big. we laughed.
Friday- we went and saw Eldeen (she is a 75yr old woman in the ward) she is crazy... seriously crazy. We went over there when she was getting ready, her aid was helping her and Eldeen kept yelling at her aid. haha Eldeen is kinda mean. anywho- then Eldeen came out in her garments cuz she wanted Banks and I to see how bony she was...
..unfortunately that is an image that will never get out of my head. Where is the brain bleach when you need it?
Then we went and ate at L&L.. remember that BBQ place cory loves? ya... banks loves it to... gross.
Then for dinner, tiffany had us over for pizza and brownies- she went to a Gluten Free Place in Kent Washington- and picked up pizza and brownines! she is so sweet!
Saturday- we went to see Brandon again. he and I played basketball while he memorized the 10 commandments. He memorized all of them!!!! It's crazy- but when you get him away from his family, he is so smart!
Then we went to the Parretts.. shannon (the mom) was rolling her own cigaretts again.. she spit tobacco in my hand... hahaha yeah..
Then we went to a ward party- Ward parties are great, except as a missionary, you have to go around and say hi to everyone or else someone will get offended.
I got cake shoved in my face. it was great.
it was by a lady in the ward. haha
Later that Night, Banks and I immitated all the people we knew. She thinks its funny that I will mock people and so she makes me do it all the time.
Sunday- was wonderful- we had dinner with the Kay family, they made smoked chicken! YUM!!!! everyone should own a smoker.
So that was my week....way exciting huh? haha Banks was sick with allergies and so we didn't go out a lot.
Hopefully this week will be more exciting!
oh and I got transfers mixed up... haha so transfers are NEXT WEEK- not this week.
and I turn 23 in like 2 weeks.... eek. i'm old.
love you!!!!!
xoxoxoxo
April!
Well hello-
This week was lovely! So Michael is getting baptized on April 28. Two former elders are flying up to baptize him- it will be so neat! Watching that family grow and become closer together has been so awesome. It's amazzing to me how much the gospel can truly build a family up, and bring them closer together!
on Friday, Banks and I had a feeling to stop by this one ladies house. We met her tracting a few weeks ago, but every time we had been back to visit- she wasn't home. Finally we stopped by, she was home with her daughter (sophia 13) and her son Miguel (15mos) They are so cute! the moms name is Sophia as well. but so we taught them the restoration on the doorstep- the spirit was SO strong, and we put them on date for May 12! SO excited! truly truly a miracle.
On wednesday I went to the doc- guess who is almost all better?!?!! woot woot! I am finishing off my last antibiotic, and I should be good!! ahhhh such a relief :)
hmm what else happened...
oh! we have been teaching these guys named Fred, John, and Peter... they are from Kenya! They are super cool, but they are having a hard time commiting to church. Peter was on date for baptism, but then we learned that he is livin with his girlfriend... so either they have to get married or he has to move out! but we are going over tonight because they are making dinner for us! yum!
Do you remember Tiffany? she is that adorable lady who was baptized on Feb 23- she is going through a divorce right now.. her husband isn't very nice. anywho- we have been helping her pack cuz she is moving back to vegas. Her husband is in the military and has been overseas for the last 8mos or so. He's mean- but he is coming over today to get all of his stuff, so we are going over there to make sure she is safe.
Tiff is SO awesome- her faith is so strong, and her love for the gospel is amazing! she LOVES to serve in the church- it's amazing.
hmmm what else?
Transfers are on May 1- I have a HUGE feeling that I am getting transferred because Banks is a "trainer" and there are more English sisters coming in that transfer- So I have a feeling I will be transferred out of Federal Way! bummer- but I'll go where I'm supposed to go.
Overall- the mission (and week) was incredible. People in the ward are so nice and so giving- many of them buy us groceries, or cook meals for us that we can freeze- they buy us treats all the time! it's great... except I don't want to gain weight hahaha
anywhos
love you!!
xoxo
-ames
This week was lovely! So Michael is getting baptized on April 28. Two former elders are flying up to baptize him- it will be so neat! Watching that family grow and become closer together has been so awesome. It's amazzing to me how much the gospel can truly build a family up, and bring them closer together!
on Friday, Banks and I had a feeling to stop by this one ladies house. We met her tracting a few weeks ago, but every time we had been back to visit- she wasn't home. Finally we stopped by, she was home with her daughter (sophia 13) and her son Miguel (15mos) They are so cute! the moms name is Sophia as well. but so we taught them the restoration on the doorstep- the spirit was SO strong, and we put them on date for May 12! SO excited! truly truly a miracle.
On wednesday I went to the doc- guess who is almost all better?!?!! woot woot! I am finishing off my last antibiotic, and I should be good!! ahhhh such a relief :)
hmm what else happened...
oh! we have been teaching these guys named Fred, John, and Peter... they are from Kenya! They are super cool, but they are having a hard time commiting to church. Peter was on date for baptism, but then we learned that he is livin with his girlfriend... so either they have to get married or he has to move out! but we are going over tonight because they are making dinner for us! yum!
Do you remember Tiffany? she is that adorable lady who was baptized on Feb 23- she is going through a divorce right now.. her husband isn't very nice. anywho- we have been helping her pack cuz she is moving back to vegas. Her husband is in the military and has been overseas for the last 8mos or so. He's mean- but he is coming over today to get all of his stuff, so we are going over there to make sure she is safe.
Tiff is SO awesome- her faith is so strong, and her love for the gospel is amazing! she LOVES to serve in the church- it's amazing.
hmmm what else?
Transfers are on May 1- I have a HUGE feeling that I am getting transferred because Banks is a "trainer" and there are more English sisters coming in that transfer- So I have a feeling I will be transferred out of Federal Way! bummer- but I'll go where I'm supposed to go.
Overall- the mission (and week) was incredible. People in the ward are so nice and so giving- many of them buy us groceries, or cook meals for us that we can freeze- they buy us treats all the time! it's great... except I don't want to gain weight hahaha
anywhos
love you!!
xoxo
-ames
Ultrasound on the mish.
You betcha I got an ultrasound on my mish.
... not that kind.
haha..
So These last 8 weeks, I have been quite ill to say the least. They discovered a very large amount of bacteria in my body, and found out that my kidneys are bleeding.
so fun, right?
Turns out.. that mice poop is the cause of it..
...stop laughing.
On Tuesday, we were sitting in district meeting- and I felt this CRAZY sharp pain in my chest. I turned to banks and said "this isn't right, this doesn't feel right".. so we went into the bathroom and I started sweating and things got blurry- I laid down... ha
We called the members that we live with (cuz he's a doctor) and he said that he would be home in about an hour if we could last that long.. so in came our district leader-and zone leaders. they immediately said "let's give her a blessing" sooo cool!! After the blessing, we went back home and waited for Bro Jarstad to arrive. He came upstairs and checked my vitals.. my heart rate was super low and I had a temp of 102. He knew that it was cuz of my kidneys and that the bacteria must still be in them, and that it may have started spreading around.
So he called in a few prescriptions and gave me another blessing. That night- I slept like a baby thanks to all the modern day medicines (haha)
I woke up- went to the hosp and had blood drawn and all that. Then they gave me an IV full of some antibiotic- well that IV made me suuuuuper loopy and quite tired.
Banks and I spent the next 3 days at home- watching movies that were put out by the church (I now have the movies: Legacy, The Testaments, and all of the D&C videos memorized) nooo joke.
On friday- I went to a specialist and she did an ultrasound of my kidneys. They are inflamed and pushing on my other organs (that's why I had a pain in my chest) They are also still bleeding. She put me on ANOTHER antibiotic and said that I should start feeling better soon.
It's been like 3 days, and I am starting to improve. There is still a lot of pain- but through blessings and prayers, I have been able to bear it throughout the day.
She also said that my body has been so full of bacteria for the past 8 weeks, that it has affected my digestive system- so she feels that my case of celiacs may go away if they can kill the bacteria. but she said I have to keep being Gluten Free until that happens- dang it! haha
Then- friday night we went over to the Parrets house and we had a great lesson with them and even asked michael to commit to baptism- he wouldn't, but he said he would think about it.
Saturday- we went over there at night and the mother had "a few too many drinks" and it was a wreck. A complete wreck. it was so devestating seeing this in the family. It was heartbreaking to see the kids witness their mom like that. I started to cry and Michael asked why- I told him that I loved his family so much, and that I just wanted the best for them.. and clearly the mom didn't understand that.
Sunday- we woke up, gathered all our crazy investigators and headed to church. The parett family came, and the mother seemed fine. she apologized and said it would never happen again. Sister Lopez (1st counselor in Relief Society) made us easter baskets! so fun!!! they were full of cool games and treats. THEN we went over to the Cahans (the RS pres) and she had us over for their Easter Dinner- I have pics- she also bought us a shirt and waterbottle from BYU-I ... It hurts me to say, but I did wear the shirt. eeeeeek!!!! UofU is still the best. no worries.
THEN we went and ate another late dinner at the Flores home. it was delicious. THEN we went over to the parrett home and they surprised us with Easter Baskets PACKED full of candy! it was great!!!
we then had a lesson and I literally told Michael that it is his duty to become a worthy priesthood holder, and that is only capable through baptism. I told him that he needed to be baptized, he needed to give up his softball playing on sunday, and get baptized. It was kinda scary how blunt I was- But I love that family a lot, and so it's not rude to be bold, cuz i love them. haha
later that evening we got a text...
...michael is going to be baptized.
:)
Best. Easter. Gift. EVER.
I love you all- I appreciate all the prayers that have gone out in my behalf, I feel them- they give me the support and courage that I need every day.
love you!
-ames
... not that kind.
haha..
So These last 8 weeks, I have been quite ill to say the least. They discovered a very large amount of bacteria in my body, and found out that my kidneys are bleeding.
so fun, right?
Turns out.. that mice poop is the cause of it..
...stop laughing.
On Tuesday, we were sitting in district meeting- and I felt this CRAZY sharp pain in my chest. I turned to banks and said "this isn't right, this doesn't feel right".. so we went into the bathroom and I started sweating and things got blurry- I laid down... ha
We called the members that we live with (cuz he's a doctor) and he said that he would be home in about an hour if we could last that long.. so in came our district leader-and zone leaders. they immediately said "let's give her a blessing" sooo cool!! After the blessing, we went back home and waited for Bro Jarstad to arrive. He came upstairs and checked my vitals.. my heart rate was super low and I had a temp of 102. He knew that it was cuz of my kidneys and that the bacteria must still be in them, and that it may have started spreading around.
So he called in a few prescriptions and gave me another blessing. That night- I slept like a baby thanks to all the modern day medicines (haha)
I woke up- went to the hosp and had blood drawn and all that. Then they gave me an IV full of some antibiotic- well that IV made me suuuuuper loopy and quite tired.
Banks and I spent the next 3 days at home- watching movies that were put out by the church (I now have the movies: Legacy, The Testaments, and all of the D&C videos memorized) nooo joke.
On friday- I went to a specialist and she did an ultrasound of my kidneys. They are inflamed and pushing on my other organs (that's why I had a pain in my chest) They are also still bleeding. She put me on ANOTHER antibiotic and said that I should start feeling better soon.
It's been like 3 days, and I am starting to improve. There is still a lot of pain- but through blessings and prayers, I have been able to bear it throughout the day.
She also said that my body has been so full of bacteria for the past 8 weeks, that it has affected my digestive system- so she feels that my case of celiacs may go away if they can kill the bacteria. but she said I have to keep being Gluten Free until that happens- dang it! haha
Then- friday night we went over to the Parrets house and we had a great lesson with them and even asked michael to commit to baptism- he wouldn't, but he said he would think about it.
Saturday- we went over there at night and the mother had "a few too many drinks" and it was a wreck. A complete wreck. it was so devestating seeing this in the family. It was heartbreaking to see the kids witness their mom like that. I started to cry and Michael asked why- I told him that I loved his family so much, and that I just wanted the best for them.. and clearly the mom didn't understand that.
Sunday- we woke up, gathered all our crazy investigators and headed to church. The parett family came, and the mother seemed fine. she apologized and said it would never happen again. Sister Lopez (1st counselor in Relief Society) made us easter baskets! so fun!!! they were full of cool games and treats. THEN we went over to the Cahans (the RS pres) and she had us over for their Easter Dinner- I have pics- she also bought us a shirt and waterbottle from BYU-I ... It hurts me to say, but I did wear the shirt. eeeeeek!!!! UofU is still the best. no worries.
THEN we went and ate another late dinner at the Flores home. it was delicious. THEN we went over to the parrett home and they surprised us with Easter Baskets PACKED full of candy! it was great!!!
we then had a lesson and I literally told Michael that it is his duty to become a worthy priesthood holder, and that is only capable through baptism. I told him that he needed to be baptized, he needed to give up his softball playing on sunday, and get baptized. It was kinda scary how blunt I was- But I love that family a lot, and so it's not rude to be bold, cuz i love them. haha
later that evening we got a text...
...michael is going to be baptized.
:)
Best. Easter. Gift. EVER.
I love you all- I appreciate all the prayers that have gone out in my behalf, I feel them- they give me the support and courage that I need every day.
love you!
-ames
Pictures
The lady in the white skirt is Sister Cahan- the asian is Steve (their foreign exchange student) and the girl in the yellow shirt is Karey, Sister Cahans daughter.
The elders are Elder Welch (the short one)... I don't care for him much (i'll tell that story later) and the tall one is Elder Jensen- we went to high school and middle school together! so cool!
The lady with short hair that banks and i are holding baskets next to- is sister lopez!
The elders are Elder Welch (the short one)... I don't care for him much (i'll tell that story later) and the tall one is Elder Jensen- we went to high school and middle school together! so cool!
Kissin snails and watching Conference
Heyo!
Here is a summary of my week:
Monday- it was P-day (therfore awesomeness occured) like naps, food shopping (which sucks now cuz i have to be Gluten Free) and emailing (yahoo!)
Tuesday- I went to the doctor and found out my kidneys are still bleeding, just not as bad now (haha) the bacteria is starting to clear up. apparently whatever was in that mice poop was really strong because the hospitals strongest antibiotics are taking a long time to kill it! I was able to go to the hospital and get 2 IV's and have them try and kill it quicker. Then later that night we got a call from the spanish sisters saying that their car was towed and they needed a ride. Well we went to the tow place (in the ghetto) and the hermanas (spanish sisters) were too chicken to ask if they could not have to pay the fine- so I (using the gospel, of course) charmed my way out of the 300$ fine..... ok I may or may not have flirted a little with a 400lb bald man.
sometimes ya just have to, ok?
Wednesday- Sister Banks went to a training meeting, so I went on exchanges with a girl named Sister Morgan. she is really sweet, super quiet, but really sweet. She is from texas so she said "yall" like 2196851321 times.
Thursday- I woke up early in the morning and was COVERED in a cold sweat. it was gross, I had a temp of 103 and I started seeing spots... haha it was great. so we stayed in and watched church movies all day- then at about 6pm we decided to go downstairs to make juice- and we found a ton of MICE POOP in our cupboard! ahhhhh!!! so we then went looking around the house and found like 15 mouse traps. we decided to be big girls and set the traps ourselves and put peanut butter on them- HOLY SMOKES it is hard to set a mouse trap!!!!! my fingernails are blue because they got smashed so many times! Later that night (at like 1020) we heard a creepy noise, we went down and a mouse had been caught! I will send the video next week- it was so funny!
Firday- woke up to another dead mouse in the trap! success!!!! but SO gross. then banks had training again, so i went on exchanges up to the University of Washington (they call it Udub) it was AWESOME! it is known for "red square" which is like this red square.. obviously. but it's huge and it's where all the college kids walk on to get to their classes. so we tracted in there- it was crazy!!!!! I wasn't too useful cuz I blended in and I got asked out 5x haha The other sisters that are there are asian- and from china- so they don't blend in as well. Elder Keung (who is from New Zealand) took me under his wing and made me stay by him haha. Later, A tour group asked if they could take a picture with Elder Keung and I! it was SO funny!
Saturday- CONFERENCE!!!!!! wooohooooo!!!! It was awesome cuz we finally got to watch TV! granted it was at the stke center, in the chapel... but hey, it's still TV.
I totally left my notes at home- so I'll summarize all of conference together in this paragraph. I LOVED Uchtdorfs talk!! STOP IT!!! it was awesome! I also really enjoyed Eyrings talk (it reminded me of my friend Jenna, I bawled throughout it!) I loved the guy that talked about his grandson Paxton. I also loved Elder Hollands- ahhh ok I loved them all! I'll give more details when I have my notes on me next time!
Sunday- Conference again- I'll write notes on that next time. but after conference Banks and I decided to go see a few people, we were walking in an apartment complex- and I saw a snail! so naturally.. i picked it up- but then it was too slimey to hold, so i put it on a stick. well I was joking around with banks- and i stuck my tongue out as she was about to take a picture- well aparently my tongue is longer than i thought, cuz i LICKED it!!! ahhhhh so so so gross!
what is it with me and animals?!
anywho- as far as our investigators.... John, Lisa, Teta & D all dumped us! I was so sad. But I know that all in all, the seed was planted- and they will hopefully see the light soon!
Remember the Parrett family? the step dad (michael) isn't a member... well- we got him to go to the priesthood session- and he LOVED it!!! he is still skepticall of joining the church cuz he doesn't want to become inactive (like his wife and step kids have) so he wants to make sure he is fully committed. BUT he has to quit softball league first cuz they have games on sunday!
anywho- he is making wonderful progress, and their family still loves us.
I hope everyone else had a wonderful week!
love you all!!!
xoxoxo
-ames
Here is a summary of my week:
Monday- it was P-day (therfore awesomeness occured) like naps, food shopping (which sucks now cuz i have to be Gluten Free) and emailing (yahoo!)
Tuesday- I went to the doctor and found out my kidneys are still bleeding, just not as bad now (haha) the bacteria is starting to clear up. apparently whatever was in that mice poop was really strong because the hospitals strongest antibiotics are taking a long time to kill it! I was able to go to the hospital and get 2 IV's and have them try and kill it quicker. Then later that night we got a call from the spanish sisters saying that their car was towed and they needed a ride. Well we went to the tow place (in the ghetto) and the hermanas (spanish sisters) were too chicken to ask if they could not have to pay the fine- so I (using the gospel, of course) charmed my way out of the 300$ fine..... ok I may or may not have flirted a little with a 400lb bald man.
sometimes ya just have to, ok?
Wednesday- Sister Banks went to a training meeting, so I went on exchanges with a girl named Sister Morgan. she is really sweet, super quiet, but really sweet. She is from texas so she said "yall" like 2196851321 times.
Thursday- I woke up early in the morning and was COVERED in a cold sweat. it was gross, I had a temp of 103 and I started seeing spots... haha it was great. so we stayed in and watched church movies all day- then at about 6pm we decided to go downstairs to make juice- and we found a ton of MICE POOP in our cupboard! ahhhhh!!! so we then went looking around the house and found like 15 mouse traps. we decided to be big girls and set the traps ourselves and put peanut butter on them- HOLY SMOKES it is hard to set a mouse trap!!!!! my fingernails are blue because they got smashed so many times! Later that night (at like 1020) we heard a creepy noise, we went down and a mouse had been caught! I will send the video next week- it was so funny!
Firday- woke up to another dead mouse in the trap! success!!!! but SO gross. then banks had training again, so i went on exchanges up to the University of Washington (they call it Udub) it was AWESOME! it is known for "red square" which is like this red square.. obviously. but it's huge and it's where all the college kids walk on to get to their classes. so we tracted in there- it was crazy!!!!! I wasn't too useful cuz I blended in and I got asked out 5x haha The other sisters that are there are asian- and from china- so they don't blend in as well. Elder Keung (who is from New Zealand) took me under his wing and made me stay by him haha. Later, A tour group asked if they could take a picture with Elder Keung and I! it was SO funny!
Saturday- CONFERENCE!!!!!! wooohooooo!!!! It was awesome cuz we finally got to watch TV! granted it was at the stke center, in the chapel... but hey, it's still TV.
I totally left my notes at home- so I'll summarize all of conference together in this paragraph. I LOVED Uchtdorfs talk!! STOP IT!!! it was awesome! I also really enjoyed Eyrings talk (it reminded me of my friend Jenna, I bawled throughout it!) I loved the guy that talked about his grandson Paxton. I also loved Elder Hollands- ahhh ok I loved them all! I'll give more details when I have my notes on me next time!
Sunday- Conference again- I'll write notes on that next time. but after conference Banks and I decided to go see a few people, we were walking in an apartment complex- and I saw a snail! so naturally.. i picked it up- but then it was too slimey to hold, so i put it on a stick. well I was joking around with banks- and i stuck my tongue out as she was about to take a picture- well aparently my tongue is longer than i thought, cuz i LICKED it!!! ahhhhh so so so gross!
what is it with me and animals?!
anywho- as far as our investigators.... John, Lisa, Teta & D all dumped us! I was so sad. But I know that all in all, the seed was planted- and they will hopefully see the light soon!
Remember the Parrett family? the step dad (michael) isn't a member... well- we got him to go to the priesthood session- and he LOVED it!!! he is still skepticall of joining the church cuz he doesn't want to become inactive (like his wife and step kids have) so he wants to make sure he is fully committed. BUT he has to quit softball league first cuz they have games on sunday!
anywho- he is making wonderful progress, and their family still loves us.
I hope everyone else had a wonderful week!
love you all!!!
xoxoxo
-ames
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