It's Scorchin' out here!

First off... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I called one of the Assistants this morning for something and the first thing he says to me is "IT'S STORCHIN' OUT HERE!" hahahahah. True story! There is a heat advisory in affect from yesterday to Thursday... the car is reading 105* and that does not include the humidity factor. So... it's really hot here. And unfortunately because of it, no one is outside to talk to us! Everyone is out of town or working in AC buildings or... I don't know. However, we met the coolest 13 year old boys last week! Not exactly what you were expecting, eh?

So, these boys are awesome. Last Sunday (week and a day ago) we met this 17 year old boy on the street. He was working on his truck so we taught a lesson and he said we could come back. Sweet. Went back last Thursday and found these two other boys in his house, and they stayed. They didn't just stay, one said to the other, "Go grab our bibles!" and so they did. Then, one of them offered the opening prayer and in that sad prayer he said, "please bless that my mom will go to church with me". So... they're awesome. We have permission to teach them and everything. Have a love for Christ and think we're all just the coolest things ever. We're missionaries... of course we are! We then ran into them at Wal-Mart and continued to build a relationship. We'll see them again on Thursday. Woot!

Before this excessive heat came into play we were out tracting on foot and went into the local Casey's (gas station) for some water. One of the women that work there came up to us and starting talking to us like we were long lost friends. Apparently Sister Browning and her companion back then worked with this family a while back and they just love the missionaries. We're not sure how receptive the husband is after meeting with them the other day, but needless to say, the Lord is blessing us despite the heat.

Today we are going into Independence with a member, her non-member daughter-in-law and her two girls, and then will meet her non-member husband and non-member son for a late lunch. So, we're giving up a little of P-day, but look at this awesome family we get to go spend time with and fellowship! They are just so nice and caring, too. it's pretty cool. This member is a convert as is her daughter. Her daughter is on a mission in Santiago Chili right now. They are just so cool!! I really like this family... we're going to be friends forever.

I apologize for not writing more last week, too. I planned my time poorly and then got kicked off. Didn't expect that! I don't really remember much of what I was going to write... haha. A couple weeks ago I talked about the mosquitoes on steroids. I found out from a member that I had a couple dozen chigger bites on me... ICK. I invested in Chiggerex and it's the best thing ever! I took a picture of my legs when they were looking like a buffet table. haha. Life of a missionary... seriously. I do remember saying something about passion. So, I'll expound on that. (illegal segway?)

The word "passion" came from Christian scholars. It means "suffer". It must be pure and willing. However, when we are passionate about something is generally relates to being on a path. "Path-" is a suffix meaning "suffering from". Think of doctors called pathologists and what they study. Also, think of the word "sacrifice". "Sacra" means "sacred" in latin, and "fice" means "perform". Passion is a sacred suffering. And suffering is life defining; a very sacred event. If we are willing to suffer a little for a cause, we become a victor. When we know what we are willing to pay a price for, we find our mission in life. I guess what I took from all of this was this: be willing to suffer for what you love. No matter who or what you love, think if you are passionate about it. Blessings come to us that are passionate about righteous things. Christ suffered an incomprehensible amount. Who are we to say we don't need to suffer a little to understand?

I also had many, many prayers answered this week. I was thinking about expectations. Is it good to have expectations? yes. Expectations are spiritually, or divinely, driven. Do not have restrictions on yourself. You will fall but we just get right back up. The Atonement is a gift to every one of us. It is up to us to accept it. Chelsie wrote me and said this and I just LOVE it. She taught me this: You were placed in this life because you're the only one strong enough to live it. She's so profound... I'm glad to call her my friend.

Sister Hawkes wrote me.... I'm so blissful right now. She's having amazing wonderful spiritual experiences in the MTC right now and will go into the field on Wednesday. She's going to be doing wonderful, wonderful things.

Okay, and one funny thought before I close this. Every Friday is district meeting, right? Well, Sister Larson had this idea to buy bandanas, water guns, and aviator glasses and bombard the Elders after the meeting. We took pictures in preparation. However, the spirit restrained us. So... we're going to do it next Monday as a part of our Zone P-day instead. August 4th is transfers again! Already! Where is my mission going?!?! Regardless... I'm sending pictures of our epic war pictures. You can grow and still be a kid at heart on a mission... ;)

Thank you everyone for your updates and support through letters, prayers, and deeds. I'm so grateful to each and every one of you and I can feel you right here with me! Like I've said before, I have the biggest, and BEST, family supporting me and my own family back home. Thank you from the depths of my heart.

I know this gospel is true. As I read through the Book of Mormon and see how God has affected the lives of those people through His son, Jesus Christ, and the miracles and growth in them, I can't help but have that desire grow deep within me. I think of Mosiah 28:3 often. There is so much to do and so many people who need to know about this! This isn't just another church or another religion. This is God reaching out to us and inviting us to find everlasting happiness. Who could deny such a blessing? I know the work I am doing is real. The Lord walks beside us everyday and we are growing. Prayer is real. Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. He's there just to listen if we need someone to, and he's here, waiting, to bless us. I exhort you to turn to the Lord. Ask the missionaries what they have to share, and ask God yourself if it's true. You will receive an answer. I know this to be true. And I share this with you in the holy and sacred name of our Lord, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

Love,
Sister Moore
http://mormon.org

Hot tamales!!!‏

It's hot out in the Midwest! But, it was a good week. We have found lots of new people and the Lord is blessing us with people to share a message with and with the unity of having the members work with us in teaching. It's actually pretty amazing.

Tonight I get to go back to the VC!!!! We have an investigator who wants to learn more about the history of the church and the restoration, so we're going to go back the new Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration movie. We might even get a chance to go through the new God's Plan for His Family... it's all about eternal marriage.

And I just found out we don't have time to type this email... a few thoughts then. 

Our Ward Mission Leader read to us out of the book Aspire by Kevin Hall about the work "passion". You hear the word passion a lot, how people are passionate. And I don't have my notes in front of me but I do know that passion means in latin, "suffer". Food for thought. When one is passionate about something, they are willing to suffer. Think to yourselves... how does that relate to Jesus Christ?

Well bummer. I will write more next week to make up for lost time. I know that the church is true. I know that Heavenly Father lives and hears each and every one of our prayers. I know Christ lives. He loves us. He is passionate for us...

Always,
Sister Moore

July 11

Well. This has been a crazy busy week, I'll tell you what. I have a lot I want to write home and share. We'll see how much I type out.

First of all, this church is true. This is the only true and living church as it is guided and lead by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know this because I've lived it.

 

Last week was a lot of fun. We had some up days and some down days. I prayed a lot to my Father in Heaven. We had Zone Conference last Friday and that was an amazing experience. I had been looking for answers to prayers for a while. My zone is the Warrensburg Zone, and Warrensburg went to combine with the Independence Zone out in Independence. I got to see a lot of the sisters and a few of the senior couples that I served with in the VC. That was a huge tender mercy!  I didn't hardly sleep the night before because I was so excited!! I had received a call from the Sister Leaders a couple nights before and got some updates on my recent converts and parts of the Independence 2nd ward. That was amazing! One RC has an unsupportive husband which is heartbreaking. She can't even make it to church. I know I am so grateful for my own family and their support in letting me live my faith. Thank you...

 

Because we have our new mission president and his wife in now, we had interviews with them during zone conference. Sister Keyes is so cute! She keeps saying how she has no idea what's doing but keeps on working. It's amazing, and she does a wonderful, wonderful job. She asked all about my family so I shared a ton about my family and the Claridges. Plus, I bragged about how awesome my home ward is and my support group out in Rexburg. I have the biggest family ever, ha! President Keyes used to be a 70. He served as a 70 for 6.5 years, was released for a week, and then called to the Missouri Independence Mission as a mission president. He served here 40 years ago, too. They shared stories of their lives and how they had an opportunity to eat dinner with President Monson. They shared how they could all go sit down and they would bring the meal. However, onesome has recognized President Monson and started chatting with him. Instead of responding, "Oh thank you, it was great to see you" and contonue eating, President Monson would get up, have a real conversation with them, wish them well, and then sit down. That happened again and again. President Keyes shared with us how he didn't think President Monson ever even got to eat! What a man. What an example. President Keyes is bringing some new expectations, if you will, to the mission. Only 3 things. they were 1. Christ centered. We are to serve for Christ. 2. Love your companion. and 3. Go to work. What more do we need? It's sad to see the Van Komen's gone but the Keyes' have some incredible ideas in store to continue to have the work progress!

 

The Assistants to the President always give a training. One gave a heartfelt testimony and training about going to work. There was an elder in the mission that was going home. He was at the mission home the night before he flew out and he turned to the AP and said, "I'm miserable. I'm not going to spend the last few hours of my mission here". So they hijacked the mission van, trailer full of luggage still attached, and when tracting for the final few hours. The AP shared another experience like that with a different Elder going home just last transfer. As he took the missionaries to the airport, he embraced one Elder that he really loved and that Elder whispered something in his ear because turning around, not to be seen for a time. He said, "Finish strong". What better advice could one give. The second AP talked about tender mercies. In 1 Ne 1:20, Ether 6:12, and 1 Ne 8:8, it all mentions the words "tender mercies" of the Lord. However, they also describe something else. What exactly is a tender mercy? Is it different than a blessing? This is my interpretation of the scriptures. Take it for what it's worth. In 1 Ne 1:20, Nephi tells how his father, Lehi, has his life in danger. Then testifies of the tender mercies of the Lord. In Ether, the people had been in these boats at sea for who knows how many days. They they reached land they exclaimed joy for the tender mercies of the Lord. In 1 Ne 8, it tells that they traveled in darkness before they received a tender mercy. See the pattern? We need to learn from and watch for patterns. The Lord gives us tender mercies when times are rough. To me, a tender mercy is something given to us from Heavenly Father telling us that he is very aware of our situation and that we are not forgotten. That, is a tender mercy of itself. Our Father in Heaven is very aware of us. Always.

 

Anyway, the zone conference was amazing. President Keyes and I bonded over small town living. They are from Uintah, UT, about... 2,000 people? And I am of course from our beloved Scappoose. He thought that was neat. Sweet. :)

 

The heat is getting ridiculous. The other day, it was 103* with 100% humidity. We had planned to go tracting, but we decided we wanted to live. Because of that, we did end up visiting a less-active family. They are just so great! We walked into their mansion and they made us feel so much as home. She had just made homemade apple pie. Good timing? I think so! He had baptized her when they were young adults, about 18-21, and got married 3-4 years after. That's a really sweet story. :)

 

Before it got 103*, (it was more like 95*) we were tracting the other day, walking up this street in Oak Grove. Sister Tafradzhieva really likes cats. This huge cat runs out of a bush about 100 feet ahead of us and she exclaims, "Fat cat!! Follow the fat cat!!" in her awesome Bulgarian accent. We did, and found a new investigator out of it! Miracles! Random, but miracles!

 

So... I need to somehow hear from Sister Hawkes! She's in the MTC now, right? Mom, can you forward this email to her? I don't have her mission email though... I could guess. She should be in the field around the 27th of this month... then we'll be really close and she can experience this crazy heat and humidity with me! Awesome! I'm so proud of her.... I could write novels on how great Sister Hawkes is.

 

I was looking back through my journals the other day. It's getting full... however, there are so many wonderful hidden treasures in there from speakers out at BYU-Idaho (BTW, when I was still at the VC a bus tour from BYU-Idaho came through and I knew one of the girls from over a year ago. We had taken a class on Pakistan together! How cool, eh?) and I realized I need to go back and study those notes. I'm making my way through the Book of Mormon very nicely. I've never read it all the way through, cover to cover (the true comes out...).

 

Ok, so the mosquitos out here in Missouri are on steroids or something. I have 19 bites on my calves and feet, and they are BIG. I have not experienced chiggars yet (knock on wood), but if anyone ever comes and visits, beware. They are worse than the northwest, if you can believe it. As I write this I keep bending over to itch my feet... haha. Life of a missionary!

We give church tours out here. I have never heard of them before my mission, but this is a way to introduce investigators to the church for those that may be uneasy about going to church with hundreds of people. We also give them to members for practice and to help build their own testimonies. We gave our ward mission leader and his family a tour and they acted as investigators. The boy went by the name "Yuki"... haha. At the end, we were supposed to go to the font and talk about baptism, etc. Well, all these workers came in (the Odessa building is being extended) and we couldn't get to the font. Our WML is hiliarous and amazing... he starts talking to the workers and asked them point blakn and boldly that they need to be baptized. Oh man, it was powerful! Turns out a couple of them are not members so we gave them a couple Book of Mormons and we should see them again. I just love the WML and his family. They have gone through a lot and his conversation story is amazing. He was born into the church.

And! My 3 year anniversary of my baptism is on Thursday, 14 July. My confirmation date is on next Wednesday, 20 July. I'm going to party! or work. What better way to celebrate as a missionary? If you want to help me out, send awesome journals. I need them. :)

I've typed a lot. Must be making up for lost words from last week. Did I talk this much before my mission? I can't remember! ha! I know this church is true. I know that the organization, order, and priesthood restored through the prophet Joseph Smith is real, powerful, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know he leads this church through a living prophet: Thomas S. Monson. I know the power of the Book of Mormon and I know that it is true. The lives of these prophets and people of old teach us so much about the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness. I know God lives and that He is my loving Heavenly Father. I know I am a daughter of God and that through His son, Jesus Christ, we can return to live with Him again. Just as the Apostle Joseph B. Wirthlin taught, "Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won't, as he sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming". With Christ, we can do anything. We have so much in store for us... what are we waiting for? Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

Always,
Sister Moore

5th of July

HI!

I don't really have a weekly email this week. I don't have a ton of time. Well, okay I'll write a quick one.

We have had a CRAZY week. A lot of heartbreak this past week and testing of faith. We had this family taking the lessons and really enjoying them. We invited them on a church tour and things were going really well. When we were at the baptismal font, the spirit changed quickly as the head of the household made a comment that really threw us for a loop. He had been asking us questions about things he read when he googled Mormonism. Red flag right there... we're afraid he read some anti material and now won't even give this gospel a shot. Won't open the Book of Mormon, won't come to a church service... and what's even more heartbreaking was that his grandkids wanted to come to church. There's a sister visiting this ward this week that served here when she was on her mission. She had asked me what my favorite part of the mission is. The cliche and honest answer is seeing people change by studying the gospel. Awesome. She also asked what my least favorite part of the mission is. I responded, "seeing people progress and then seeing them not accept the gospel". There is absolutely nothing more heartbreaking. However, we have another investigator, part of a part-member family, who is just on fire. On Sunday he came and for the first time, he CHOSE to stay for all 3 hours. He's never done that before. He comes up to me to tell me what he read in the Book of Mormon. He made a comment that during all of the testimonies, he was really moved. He said he finally felt the spirit. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) So, in one week (more like a couple days now that I think about it...), I experienced the best and hardest part of being a missionary.

On July 1st, there was a birthday celebration for a young man who passed away a year ago. His family has gone through a lot, and yet are still one of the strongest, happiness, most hopeful families I have met. They put out this birthday idea through facebook and text, and had a huge turnout. For those of you that have seen Tangled, there are floating lanterns. We lit and set off floating lanterns. They are big! As soon as it turned dark, we had to leave... haha, but as we were driving away, we saw dozens and dozens of floating lanterns going up into the night sky with people scattered throughout the park singing "Happy Birthday". What's even more touching was that this young man that passed away, his brother and his wife were pregnant due the 6th. The baby was born on July 1st, healthy and happy. They named him after the decreased brother. I never had a chance to meet this young man, but he and his family had changed my view on life. Heavenly Father's plan is perfect. We know exactly where our loved ones go after they leave this earth. They are still here with us. They are cheering us on. They support us in our righteous doings. I know where my grandfather and cousin are. I know where my classmate is. I know where my friends are.

For the 4th, we had a BBQ at the home of a part-member family. We chatted with that visiting sister missionary and her friends and met several amazing people. No matter where we go, their are amazing individuals that you knew before here. The fact that these people look familiar testifies of that to me.

I'm sorry I don't have more to share. I didn't write yesterday because all the public libraries were closed on the 4th. Because today is still a proselyting day I don't have time to write my little heart out, haha. :) Please know that I love each and every one of you. I know that you love me and I am so grateful for that. I need it. I pray for you every night and I know you are right along with me in this work. 

Never forget who you are. Never forget you are a child of God.

1 John 4:19

Love Always,
Sister Moore

Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

Transfer #3‏

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Can you believe I've been out this long?!?! I'm in my 3rd transfer! I only gerIt is true... I have been transferred out of the VC and P-days are back to Mondays, for the next 6 weeks anyway. I am full pros! The Lord has called me to serve in the Odessa ward. Odessa is about 30 minutes east of Independence. This area covers 14 small towns.

it is about 40 miles north to south and 25 miles west to east. We only get 850 miles per month. We do a lot of member work. Crazy story to transfers, though.

So, we all receive transfer calls on Tuesday night before transfers on Thursday. Tuesday morning, President individually calls all of the new missionaries who will be training or have leadership callings to give them the heads up. When he does that, he will usually tell where the other companion is going and whatnot. One sister, Sister Crapo, was called and told she will be opening up a new area (there were Elders there before) and her companion was told that she's staying and will be serving with Sister Stoker. My companion was Sister Stoker... and we tried to figure out if I was going anywhere else or not. None of the other sisters heard anything so I was blind. It's rare to double transfer out so I thought I was going to be staying another transfer in Independence 2nd ward. Tuesday night, transfer calls come. They go down the list... Independence 1st... 2nd... 3rd... etc. When they got to Independence 2nd, they announced two other sisters to be serving there. My name had disappeared. Sister Stoker and I were shocked because it took us by surprise! At the very end of the transfer call I was told I was going to Odessa with Sister Larson... alright! Awesome! This is the same Sister Larson that was in the MTC with me. A couple of newbies in Odessa, awesome. The next morning at the transfer bus, I was waiting for my ride and found the Assistants. They surprised me by telling me this: "Congrats, you're training!" .....What?! After some investigation, I found out that there is a Bulgarian sister that has been trying to get to the states for her mission for 3 months with no prevail. Finally she was able to make it and the President didn't know until Wednesday. So, I have been transferred to Odessa and am serving with Sister Larson, and the two of us are training Sister Tafradzhieva. Try saying that 3 times fast! Pronounced "Ta-fra-gee-eh-va". You roll the "r". Sister T is a convert to the church of about 4 years. She has one of the strongest testimonies I have heard, especially coming out of Europe. And she learned English before her mission! ... from MTV. Ha! It's different being in a trio, but a lot of fun. Communication is different as there are 3 heads and not just two. We are careful to make sure everyone gets a chance to speak and testify. Sister Larson is a rockstar, too. I'm very excited for this transfer.

A little about the ward... this ward is unreal. The bishop is really young and has 9 kids with one on the way. Everyone in the ward reachs out and extends a warm welcome and they are just FIRED UP about missionary work! I felt like I was in a dream after meeting so many of the members! We meet with the ward mission leader twice a week (who has the strongest testimony and enthusiasm of this work I have ever seen... it's actually kind of scary) and the ward missionaries actually show up to meetings! We never have a bunch of time to tract because we get so many referrals from the members. It seems like everyone and their dog is related to someone in the ward. It seems that there are maybe 5 different families in the ward because they are all related and extended family. Plus, to top it all off, I'M OUT IN THE COUNTRY!!! Odessa and the surrpunding towns remind me a lot of Oregon, just without the evergreen trees and mountains. There's a ton of farmland. Just last night we had dinner with a member that lived out in the boonies, kinda like I do at home. Gravel road and everything. I felt like I was back on Dixie Mountain believe it or not. We were driving down a long country road and I was just ecstatic about it. Hay bales... cows... horses... home. In Independence I was with just a few roads in the middle of town. The work is great, my companions are rockstars, the members have already allowed us into their homes and hearts, and I am so ready to progress in the work.

We taught an amazing lesson last Saturday. There are a pair of grandparents who has a wayward daughter, and in turn are raising 4 of their grandkids. The sisters before me here just tracted into them one day and have had so much progression with these people. For the lesson I was about to be apart of, we had planned the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We ended up taking about Faith, Baptism, Word of Wisdom, Priesthood, Temples, and bits of Repentance. Random, I know. These people are sincere with heartfelt, solid questions. They know this gospel is true. Testimonies were born and I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. They are hesitant to come to church and to pray because they feel like they may be "betraying", for lack of a better word, what they were taught their whole lives, which is completel legitimate. That's one reason how we know. They did finally accept a church tour next weekend. We are very excited to see them build that relationship with Christ to be even stronger.

Another girl here is investigating the church because her boyfriend was LDS. He passed away a year ago on July 1 and his family has basically been her best friends ever since. She has a young daughter and lives by herself but she has a heart of gold. Her boyfriend's funeral was at the church building, her first and only time, and because of that is hesitant to come to church due to past emotions. We are working with her. What's great is that Sister Larson has been here since the beginning and is already in a lot of their hearts. She has this incredible ability to care and sense the needs in people. I'm learning a lot from her. And slowly doing my part to build relationship with all of these people.

I could go on and on about the people I've met here. They just seem unreal. I feel like I'm in a dream.

I'm glad both Dad and Will received the Father's Day cards! Due to my lack of preparation I didn't send them out in time to make them there for Sunday (I don't think anyway) but I'm tickled to hear they made it. I hope Father's Day was fantastic! I don't even remember what I did for Father's Day... everything runs together unless I write it down.

So, a couple weeks ago Gretel and Sarah show up at the VC and surprised me. Last Wednesday, Kandice (my very first roommate ever at BYU-I) showed up out of nowhere and surprised me!! I haven't seen her in over 2 years!! Tender mercies...

I'd like to share a few things from my studies. I don't have my journal with me but I do remember Sister Tafradzhieva sharing a scripture that really meant a lot to her and it really brought back to me the importance of what I'm doing out here. John 15:16 starts out saying "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you". When I first received the revelation to pursue a mission, it took me by surprise as I hadn't been praying or asking if I should go on a mission. I wanted to get married in the temple! Still do! But at that moment, with two dear friends there with me, I felt the most overwhelmingly strong power flood over me. It was something I could not deny. It was then solidified by the hymn ending the meeting, Called to Serve. A lot of times, we go throughout our day just like a ball rolling without anything acting against it. I want to say Newton's 1st law... but it's been a while since I've been in school. Unless something comes in to interrupt that, nothing will change. Heavenly Father had chosen me to be here in Missouri. The experiences I am having testify to me of how real it is that the Lord knows me perfectly. I needed this. I'm so happy I followed the spirit and was pushed by such good friends to make sure I am here where I need to be. It goes along with "Many are chosen, but few are called". I want to make sure I am always worthy to be an intrument in the Lord's hands to bring about his work here on earth. Members of God's family have not yet been given an opportunity to hear the good news of the gospel. They have not yet heard "...in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Things are great. P-days are on Monday now and now that I'm out full-pros P-days aren't as crazy. It's kinda funny. I have a list if missionaries to write now. I miss my VC SISTERS AND SENIOR COUPLES.

Cool little revelation I received... "Life outside yourself in love". Chew on it. ;)

I hope and pray that all of my loved ones at home are well and continuing to find strength in the Savior. I pray for you all every night and I know without a doubt my friends and family are well. They must me... I heard nothing but good news from everyone! :)

Love Always,

Sister Moore

Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

Running out of time!

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I'm running low on time today. It is one of the Zone Leaders' birthdays and we are going out to lunch as a zone. Party!

Things have been well. This is my last P-day of my 2nd transfer. I have passed off my lessons and can soon drive! Woo! Transfers will be Thursday, the 23rd. My P-day MIGHT change, so to friends and family that email please be aware. I'll show up in your inbox eventually.

 

Lots have happened... but due to time I will say this one thing. At the All-Mission Conference with Elder Nelson he shared how there was a mission president that didn't allow his missionaries to ask members for referrals, and was still out baptizing 3 other missions conbined. Remember that story? Sister Stoker and I thought we'd try that. We've been spending more time getting to know the members and doing lots of service. In return, we are getting comments like "There is this guy at work that I want you to go see" or "If I invite my neighbor over for lunch, can you come?" THe most recent was we got a voicemail on our phone last night. The man that left this message has told us of these two people who are less fortunate in temporal things right now and have been given a place to stay by this man and his wife. Well, the message on the phone said that these people "would like to be taught the lessons". Members are the best and VITAL to missionary work. I am a product of fellowship and look where I am now?

 

Also, a young couple came into the VC the other day. The guy just returned from a mission from Pocatello Idaho and was baptized 3 years ago. The girl was just baptized last December and both will be going to BYU-Idaho in the fall. Anyway, we made friends. I was just floored at their commitment to live the gospel and the changes in their lives. He was extremely antied before the Elders invited him to pray. That's all it took. She was dating a less active boy but would go to church with his parents. She was baptized only a month later.

 

Miracles happen every day. I am a witness to this.

 

I love you all. I apologize for the short message. Next time you hear from you I'll let you know if and where I was transferred. I love Independence 2nd ward. Good people.

 

Love,

Sister Moore

 

 

By small and simple things....‏6/2/11

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That seems to be the theme of my last week. Alma 37:6-7.

 

Last P-day was crazy! I wrote to you about the tornados, and luckily no more of those this past week. But usually P-day lasts until 6 pm. Last week, we started at 4pm and went non-stop until 9. The Lord humbled me that day. Since we had cut into P-day early we were going to take the last 2 hours of the day and finish up P-day. That didn't happen. We found a former on the street, found a couple new investigators, taught three or four lessons (I forget), and even contacted some referrals. It was crazy. But it feels good. Staying busy helps me feel accomplished and that I am spending my time wisely out here. Things sure have been changing for the better. Too bad my brain has been fired and I can't remember anything.

 

I don't know what to write about here anymore. I received Kyle's graduation announcement. I was showing him off to the sisters at the VC and for some reason it came out "wedding announcement" a couple times. Kyle... I'm sorry for false advertising. Whitney wrote me back and told me she went through the temple. Amazing. Everyone at home is going through the temple and I love it! Actually, there are a lot of young men out here selling pest control, security, etc as a summer job. They come to the VC when they have time. A bunch of guys came in the other night and one had served in the Oklahoma Tulsa mission. He said they had maybe 10 sisters in the mission. That is crazy to me. We have 41 now and next transfer there will be 44. We have interviews with the Mission President tomorrow which I'm looking forward to. This will be my first and last interview with President Van Komen, not counting the one when I came into the mission home.

 

Today is my 3 month mark. It's hard to believe I've been out here for 3 months. So much has happened at home from what I hear. So much has happened here!

 Please forgive me but I really am at a loss for what to send home. I am doing really well at my 60 day BoM challenge. I'm in Mosiah now. I was reading in Mosiah 2 and found a couple awesome verses about the importance of a prophet. Mosiah 2:9 "...you should hearken unto me, and open your eyes that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view". Then, King Benjamin continues in verse 15, "...I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day". We are all preparing for the second coming of the Messiah. We need not to procrastinate the day of our repentance. We have a prophet to help and guide us in these latter days.

 

The VC is being updated. "God's Plan for His Family" is being remodeled and a new presentation is taking place there. The little girl that is in the original one is now grown and getting married. Same family, same spirit. Also, the history tour downstairs is getting a new fence and floor. And these things are taking place at the same time... in a couple weeks... for a couple weeks. We have bus tours coming in and with two of our largest presentations down, we're going to have to get creative. Speaking of bus tours, I got to experience my first couple this week. We had 94 seminary graduates from central Utah come up, and then 200 youth from Fort Collins, Colorado come in. It's a blast. I think I like the bus tours more than the regular walk ins! And I'm out of time, but remind me to tell you about a story the VC director's wife wrote about them. I'm mentioned and she's sending it to Salt Lake.

 

I love you all. There are a few of you that I haven't heard from in a while. I pray that you are well.

Until next time.

 

Love,

S. Moore

 

Shall we not go on in so great a cause?