tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91568301076972748502024-03-05T10:58:18.336-08:00My time in Raleigh18 months in Raleigh North Carolina
Serving, loving and teaching Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-8745022654711492952016-03-07T10:30:00.133-08:002022-02-10T12:40:51.501-08:00The End: A week of "lasts"<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This last week was a good one! </span> Full of all my 'lasts' and trying to
make the most of it. The departing missionaries were able to take a trip
to the temple on Friday and that was a blast. It was good to see all
my old friends again who I came out with and to go one last time to the
Raleigh temple that has become so near and dear to my heart. </p><p>I am really going to miss the south. Where it is okay to pray in a
parking lot, talk about Christ in the grocery store, where people open
doors for you, give you water after you knock on their door, and say
cute friendly phrases. I know that all I learned here will affect me
and the rest of my life. I am so grateful that I chose and was able to
come on a mission.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_8lFGc4mk7wYV38Q64fIFq6i1NzOBq78VfWwnXl2dI_GUtNI1hfeXqKU5KXN6F13TP3evqqV6ustXrMDq9gmkI94qlUOVnXu_9tNGS5seFfMyziXk44dc-dMgxli9OII9qpzzGhBKGA/s4896/Sis+Houseman+-Pinehurst.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_8lFGc4mk7wYV38Q64fIFq6i1NzOBq78VfWwnXl2dI_GUtNI1hfeXqKU5KXN6F13TP3evqqV6ustXrMDq9gmkI94qlUOVnXu_9tNGS5seFfMyziXk44dc-dMgxli9OII9qpzzGhBKGA/s320/Sis+Houseman+-Pinehurst.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Houseman from Pinehurst</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj7Iz6XXy2nU8wYIsZS2yLxnUSLoJ14DgQhG8e4FwjEA6ax0ErL471L2HYtn5qcDcxX24dK1zVHtHhZdNaiw6Kkv4n4mZiDPNvUeJLRf1EA2UcLsk7OzulhKS63VD3CaF8vcBASkYm-g/s4896/departing+miss+temple+trip+%252B+companions.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj7Iz6XXy2nU8wYIsZS2yLxnUSLoJ14DgQhG8e4FwjEA6ax0ErL471L2HYtn5qcDcxX24dK1zVHtHhZdNaiw6Kkv4n4mZiDPNvUeJLRf1EA2UcLsk7OzulhKS63VD3CaF8vcBASkYm-g/w400-h300/departing+miss+temple+trip+%252B+companions.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luncheon after our temple excursion</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iyjMCi8MTE07xX1M59_V-eFHacUjhy_JC5rDvsIzDRbY6wmFXGyugpr8EJUiR_9wekh-n41HVhfZu720R2kfbu4GGN7rzINkrgEMM-0uTgYNjtRjedJbn9HScig798TCZ5Xf3cjpos8/s4896/my+sistas.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iyjMCi8MTE07xX1M59_V-eFHacUjhy_JC5rDvsIzDRbY6wmFXGyugpr8EJUiR_9wekh-n41HVhfZu720R2kfbu4GGN7rzINkrgEMM-0uTgYNjtRjedJbn9HScig798TCZ5Xf3cjpos8/w640-h480/my+sistas.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing Sisters and our companions<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmmLH7IXg9AMwhU2enbZgb2w7juemVqaI-53fV9J_MnGZDvS2CQJfoORh02MyVfy09HuzhQYCk-zmHR80rdsMudezijEOcrG1O4xTRzYlgGpWuKUVyATnC8RhfXFUh6qneYSzyMrm6As/s4896/DSC02436%255B1%255D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmmLH7IXg9AMwhU2enbZgb2w7juemVqaI-53fV9J_MnGZDvS2CQJfoORh02MyVfy09HuzhQYCk-zmHR80rdsMudezijEOcrG1O4xTRzYlgGpWuKUVyATnC8RhfXFUh6qneYSzyMrm6As/w300-h400/DSC02436%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-l5fr8jtYRbLYoVzmvchV0_6dKbkfiVRlT96GFig7Zs-o1p6tWXDGvT1A0DRThxHYkpMxnlPxErQlB_hXYK51PmwXggi5V6e3Jy2MwnsRZEfsUl1DPkYaDqqVPV4opUz4SvH9_N90PA/s4896/NC+Temple.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-l5fr8jtYRbLYoVzmvchV0_6dKbkfiVRlT96GFig7Zs-o1p6tWXDGvT1A0DRThxHYkpMxnlPxErQlB_hXYK51PmwXggi5V6e3Jy2MwnsRZEfsUl1DPkYaDqqVPV4opUz4SvH9_N90PA/w640-h480/NC+Temple.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group of departing missionaries with President and Sister James<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVqj4ztxbCmpNvR-Og1RM0IPpUED78CQR6Bb4zdiqrwXOrYkp0m346T00Lr3WIaDq6VAUumoz-qt_N65_HefvR-84gabASQ0P2tYxuo5Scp7i00bDYlFo9q-aHyDy4Cch_g8o-x73Neg/s4896/departing+missionaries.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVqj4ztxbCmpNvR-Og1RM0IPpUED78CQR6Bb4zdiqrwXOrYkp0m346T00Lr3WIaDq6VAUumoz-qt_N65_HefvR-84gabASQ0P2tYxuo5Scp7i00bDYlFo9q-aHyDy4Cch_g8o-x73Neg/w640-h480/departing+missionaries.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raleigh NC Temple<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFsBtq9lCvi-4lt8FAAeFTgvr5cS-H4r9FP7UrgJIJ8gn9NfNC_y24DMLR4FWdSbaeQcUgl4gfbzR2G4nQ75M3dunN3uoFjtFhbrdF86sJZ4lPCFTSN_gFD5Ex2GRF9D8l4T8MCS25AQ/s4896/Bro+Farmer.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFsBtq9lCvi-4lt8FAAeFTgvr5cS-H4r9FP7UrgJIJ8gn9NfNC_y24DMLR4FWdSbaeQcUgl4gfbzR2G4nQ75M3dunN3uoFjtFhbrdF86sJZ4lPCFTSN_gFD5Ex2GRF9D8l4T8MCS25AQ/w400-h300/Bro+Farmer.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbert Beasley and Brother Farmer<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;">This Saturday our investigator Herb was baptized and he said it was the
best choice he has ever made. He loves this gospel as do I- and I have
loved being able to see it improve his life.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBI7qpJQs1GBY2BYn5XsrbsbP50oX3B6tUvop4O0RB_1jvfwH5Qmzx9sDMrHrQ9EH8bj43rW5Lm8NG3Iyz4MyatvKIjVJiv8CnVPxtDriZaoJIniVQwq9iIYzqnvYCLrfgHnP69woe5M/s4896/Herbert+Beasley.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBI7qpJQs1GBY2BYn5XsrbsbP50oX3B6tUvop4O0RB_1jvfwH5Qmzx9sDMrHrQ9EH8bj43rW5Lm8NG3Iyz4MyatvKIjVJiv8CnVPxtDriZaoJIniVQwq9iIYzqnvYCLrfgHnP69woe5M/w640-h480/Herbert+Beasley.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday was a day full of goodbyes. We went to see a part member family
who recently lost an adult son. They were out 'oyster diggin'
earlier and had come back to put them over the fire and eat them! They
invited us to stay and said we needed to try our first oyster and clam
bake here in the South. They were...good? They weren't bad haha. I just
had to muscle them down. The cornbread is fried with pig skin to make it more salty.</span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQudvcA9wRBN_2kIAXnK6NZWMMxsMgU1U9lwc7Evg00NL4G2FSqJw2fhzqEngCStKShpgxQUWLv7adJwHA3XlBV37z7XZw7miAuCNPhBRcF09PJ167Y8N2_1VgIn_QS3QtBuN1KSnXPck/s4896/fried+corn+bread.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQudvcA9wRBN_2kIAXnK6NZWMMxsMgU1U9lwc7Evg00NL4G2FSqJw2fhzqEngCStKShpgxQUWLv7adJwHA3XlBV37z7XZw7miAuCNPhBRcF09PJ167Y8N2_1VgIn_QS3QtBuN1KSnXPck/s320/fried+corn+bread.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA32JYutdMgDhUNQgcD-Dy6lS3fOYvb3HUbY7evdkaFmPH45JOoItjTpbnu58g5KsjExnS6JTcb6eEHHjcjgCzepnBrA4gdWnTswXTG6xlVfU-blLO4PumZDouBoIIuazugipjeW21jM/s4896/DSC02474%255B1%255D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA32JYutdMgDhUNQgcD-Dy6lS3fOYvb3HUbY7evdkaFmPH45JOoItjTpbnu58g5KsjExnS6JTcb6eEHHjcjgCzepnBrA4gdWnTswXTG6xlVfU-blLO4PumZDouBoIIuazugipjeW21jM/w400-h300/DSC02474%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i1cDxLzoF2dYP46mV8b_1FRkaCQkXqSHArdspjd3TPli9lpidW_WDvomjZm0NwO4bGAOwet3uoX4duZJVUiwPEg8lpH80bndGbuZqOSUNtmYHNdfHUveyfpRtZOxUKHohwpUpmSWsnQ/s4896/DSC02474%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3nEP0uHjV_GxTr3kLPt7DpZk7uyC_EBIRq8tDZoXfejLCfuQhzo_KLqfXwtmI5m6W2oJiufNsjM6e70vp2WMUQJgNcjLrn3ptnat-7ZXnbIS3M6Xk23Tl3XChnOgQn2ILWYNS2-gAHQ/s4896/DSC02469%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3nEP0uHjV_GxTr3kLPt7DpZk7uyC_EBIRq8tDZoXfejLCfuQhzo_KLqfXwtmI5m6W2oJiufNsjM6e70vp2WMUQJgNcjLrn3ptnat-7ZXnbIS3M6Xk23Tl3XChnOgQn2ILWYNS2-gAHQ/w400-h300/DSC02469%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifphcR3D-0zUTzCsV1F4t8ju3zfob7ccaKuiM7frW0UsZQwVdfGihn4ns7UWLy-OQ3AHBLQCjhxKMR9w6h6ocB5atkwlwrnf7cozB_NJXoEXZXjhdhN8u5XwFJU4oiR17_DJ7EqMH5OJ8/s4896/clam%2526oyster+bake.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifphcR3D-0zUTzCsV1F4t8ju3zfob7ccaKuiM7frW0UsZQwVdfGihn4ns7UWLy-OQ3AHBLQCjhxKMR9w6h6ocB5atkwlwrnf7cozB_NJXoEXZXjhdhN8u5XwFJU4oiR17_DJ7EqMH5OJ8/w400-h300/clam%2526oyster+bake.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrmCDr0PQQIrdhRrRRy7x9kRlrDZag9GfEQdRLhmeh0jrTYEiEty5WMgmaMjELVhlpCgL97kxGcpkOVsojrsZsgalJOMJtKUXc4vZzqbPWviG3gwMFFt9cK2ET5RDFEf9YlVTlLeTpB8/s4896/DSC02465%255B1%255D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrmCDr0PQQIrdhRrRRy7x9kRlrDZag9GfEQdRLhmeh0jrTYEiEty5WMgmaMjELVhlpCgL97kxGcpkOVsojrsZsgalJOMJtKUXc4vZzqbPWviG3gwMFFt9cK2ET5RDFEf9YlVTlLeTpB8/w640-h480/DSC02465%255B1%255D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcx5cy7LvERPNLN-IOSPwaeRRBKB2koebxB3qLkaNHdtcdWy-KLHLPOLTqAlYuv2iNTQqq_1-g8xPhD0Bjz40e3Kqj1Xw1V6ESVtNLjkJeN3iBO4X-WQ4s5E6g5rj7ZIxeL_2DuK8QUg/s4896/The+Rochelle%2527s.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcx5cy7LvERPNLN-IOSPwaeRRBKB2koebxB3qLkaNHdtcdWy-KLHLPOLTqAlYuv2iNTQqq_1-g8xPhD0Bjz40e3Kqj1Xw1V6ESVtNLjkJeN3iBO4X-WQ4s5E6g5rj7ZIxeL_2DuK8QUg/w640-h480/The+Rochelle%2527s.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rochelle's<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A family that has taken our hearts in invited us over for dinner and we
grilled out. They aren't members but they appreciate what we do and
love the standards we have. They gave me some going away presents and
said they were better people after meeting us. It was so sweet. I will
miss the Bullards! </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNT8pMsNOTlNwxNWM1pJrHjlhkcRS_qbwQyDRDlwr5vu-vLR7C4Pr0nJncwn0Ln6zlQT6m_EQ1iNxHuCQD1iqOBUW_7xnjAwwYjPlY5z5ZIEHS5z41ORw56VeXwZdoupxmrEfNDVxcTo/s4896/David+his+wife+and+Kamryn.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNT8pMsNOTlNwxNWM1pJrHjlhkcRS_qbwQyDRDlwr5vu-vLR7C4Pr0nJncwn0Ln6zlQT6m_EQ1iNxHuCQD1iqOBUW_7xnjAwwYjPlY5z5ZIEHS5z41ORw56VeXwZdoupxmrEfNDVxcTo/w640-h480/David+his+wife+and+Kamryn.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bullard's: David, his wife and their little girl Kamryn<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLr192wnLgKsORgoMPu7vKKkNLYkkduXFdazLDEjQwaULPCK4fGSa2i9XO9UYVhsX_At9AZX2F2IZ7evGZAEuP2j6fT288JHSVErCpEyGh2_bUeUn6KnG1veXWQb1kG44_TnAsxwXHko/s4896/DSC02485%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLr192wnLgKsORgoMPu7vKKkNLYkkduXFdazLDEjQwaULPCK4fGSa2i9XO9UYVhsX_At9AZX2F2IZ7evGZAEuP2j6fT288JHSVErCpEyGh2_bUeUn6KnG1veXWQb1kG44_TnAsxwXHko/w400-h300/DSC02485%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtALiytHMPXQkyRfhrAc-rDPA1KEyG2ObViLhbf6kXreWFEDn17T6vNtRAZMrmmohh11e5MBjJQ4sltKJCMGKjkQRTVbQcMiwN7_kcLmSKMMwna8MjB8mFC880VJB9qtUAtTdJa2D-Y0/s4896/DSC02479%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtALiytHMPXQkyRfhrAc-rDPA1KEyG2ObViLhbf6kXreWFEDn17T6vNtRAZMrmmohh11e5MBjJQ4sltKJCMGKjkQRTVbQcMiwN7_kcLmSKMMwna8MjB8mFC880VJB9qtUAtTdJa2D-Y0/w400-h300/DSC02479%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N0QIo0P6NQemtzq3mrZr7QvvQNa2Q5SQkwNcM45tgbcHS-EdsfiT0g80fn38nowU8gsANyB8pUU6x36wYys4tUzII2cHejxyJuC201w6YwtmmpJptmWQxjmQJNxwxaw7k1y8UpLj9jM/s4896/The+Bullard%2527s.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N0QIo0P6NQemtzq3mrZr7QvvQNa2Q5SQkwNcM45tgbcHS-EdsfiT0g80fn38nowU8gsANyB8pUU6x36wYys4tUzII2cHejxyJuC201w6YwtmmpJptmWQxjmQJNxwxaw7k1y8UpLj9jM/w400-h300/The+Bullard%2527s.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6vjtEOcD9PAwEF27LALo8F-iagkEdOEeuN43CpV74niGGtqU0rsMmLGLOvtGYv56FqaMqWu8Vvd7b9XHEF59pP67DmnTZNlgTH-M78sa6hhZ_Hqoh-u3wxJNx0JNXOU16rps5HvDohw/s4896/DSC02484%255B1%255D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6vjtEOcD9PAwEF27LALo8F-iagkEdOEeuN43CpV74niGGtqU0rsMmLGLOvtGYv56FqaMqWu8Vvd7b9XHEF59pP67DmnTZNlgTH-M78sa6hhZ_Hqoh-u3wxJNx0JNXOU16rps5HvDohw/w640-h480/DSC02484%255B1%255D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQVg0ZsmEgFaGvS-yhdg4De1P_-ht_MCap-Vz3JDf4zhun2vot1bIwF5cnHzh7_O9ZmX_jTRyKHYLZu0GC4rBhyphenhyphenqmy6miweG-EgMa5xtKPulh1sS3BWSvg5Ib9O4AgDD7Aq4rStFyd6k/s4896/Bullard.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQVg0ZsmEgFaGvS-yhdg4De1P_-ht_MCap-Vz3JDf4zhun2vot1bIwF5cnHzh7_O9ZmX_jTRyKHYLZu0GC4rBhyphenhyphenqmy6miweG-EgMa5xtKPulh1sS3BWSvg5Ib9O4AgDD7Aq4rStFyd6k/w400-h300/Bullard.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkXRXUUd9z9OzKkV7PrSOjmSWgZKizmR4M-yaSit9a8ity47md6tqp_DfRJV2W_hiI8bykIeWDEgRHWqP3zO0ijvAcYX_0UNbeVzU9ohE0kLpqbEyjY1DrEFF2LVWqGbaYjkg26W_UFc/s4896/Tarheel.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkXRXUUd9z9OzKkV7PrSOjmSWgZKizmR4M-yaSit9a8ity47md6tqp_DfRJV2W_hiI8bykIeWDEgRHWqP3zO0ijvAcYX_0UNbeVzU9ohE0kLpqbEyjY1DrEFF2LVWqGbaYjkg26W_UFc/w400-h300/Tarheel.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David is a Tarheel fan!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Bishop Smith offered to give me a blessing as I depart my mission and he
said some pretty profound things in it. It was great! I have thoroughly
enjoyed my time here in Hampstead!</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXb9gYyPvyiwV6bZcMutjgkCLdbAbU-MBjH31rwWfsmmCEo-U1dA-CePnegzAW3Tb-bKjptcV_kkjBkbnovB2-jxgTqJF7YR-CVrDgzFcWb2F-e3UXtfDpoPvbzW-EA3nd3D5EChWKdx4/s4896/The+Smith%2527s.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXb9gYyPvyiwV6bZcMutjgkCLdbAbU-MBjH31rwWfsmmCEo-U1dA-CePnegzAW3Tb-bKjptcV_kkjBkbnovB2-jxgTqJF7YR-CVrDgzFcWb2F-e3UXtfDpoPvbzW-EA3nd3D5EChWKdx4/w640-h480/The+Smith%2527s.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Smith Family<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I
have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I
have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them,
and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep
my commandments. And now, because thou hast done this with such
unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee
mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all
things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not
ask that which is contrary to my will." This scripture is from the
Book of Mormon, and in place of Nephi's name I place my own name. As
can you. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the Bible, located in 2nd Timothy chapter 4,
verse 7 it reads, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith." That is how I feel about my mission. I
know that I fought hard and did the work I was sent here to do. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Enduring
to the end implies “patient continuance in well doing” (Rom. 2:7) It
requires sacrifice and hard work. We cannot expect to learn endurance
in our later years if we have developed the habit of quitting when
things get difficult now. Elder Robert D. Hales said, "When we serve as
missionaries and the focus is off ourselves and on doing the Lord’s work
and helping others, an opportunity for great growth and maturity
occurs. When a young elder leaves the comfort of family and friends and
masters the skills of functioning in the real world, he becomes a man
and develops more faith in the Lord to guide him. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A missionary
faces many challenges that he has not dealt with previously. Giving the
best he knows when he arrives will not fulfill the calling. Enduring
requires doing better than your best of today by developing additional
gifts as granted from the Lord. It takes faith to listen to the Lord and
to mission leaders and learn how to accomplish whatever missionaries
are called to do. Of course, it is difficult. That’s what makes it such a
gift and why it has such great rewards. We must recognize who we are
and achieve our ultimate purpose. We must then resolve to overcome all
obstacles with great determination to endure to the end." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Love, Sister Mallory Golden</span></p><p><i>A few other photos of meetings and families we visited.</i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yxVfGiW2HZtsQqv78easpUMPL3trGjetrbd9dOaSlS5O96du759bW0n3WZdEM6RfRbJE1i4w7QKcv8hsBgjugRcUov-ZbbSrcV2HQOv8YwkNguhIP_3HQ4PAnAo98duigGQ4uvPK6ro/s4896/stk+conf.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yxVfGiW2HZtsQqv78easpUMPL3trGjetrbd9dOaSlS5O96du759bW0n3WZdEM6RfRbJE1i4w7QKcv8hsBgjugRcUov-ZbbSrcV2HQOv8YwkNguhIP_3HQ4PAnAo98duigGQ4uvPK6ro/w400-h300/stk+conf.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stake Conference<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWyTmeDveRvKbL_lUCyJcij0_B9UpiBxWYpxTHvTYmnXhgEDAn9zZw1QyEoWqrW9xQGoCQBDRi7vakfsyHUevRJo-xIKuTnQsoBz9_XZwBIOHfni1BF1dcM0WQ9q3TXe3_f5KlIiWipM/s4896/The+Shingletons.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWyTmeDveRvKbL_lUCyJcij0_B9UpiBxWYpxTHvTYmnXhgEDAn9zZw1QyEoWqrW9xQGoCQBDRi7vakfsyHUevRJo-xIKuTnQsoBz9_XZwBIOHfni1BF1dcM0WQ9q3TXe3_f5KlIiWipM/w640-h480/The+Shingletons.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shingleton's<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcTw_0-i893XDWpg2ktZLAI9wrzio_epL4KQHF-qqlLrG1w3eQnET1GnLn6DOdn-C1e9FUOIVM-eyNz53fuMt2PH3hdH5CRGLEfW5SuL4oJzFraRlFaY90Xwnqx0voM1uHASJwRM0JVA/s4896/Tina+%2526+Carson.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcTw_0-i893XDWpg2ktZLAI9wrzio_epL4KQHF-qqlLrG1w3eQnET1GnLn6DOdn-C1e9FUOIVM-eyNz53fuMt2PH3hdH5CRGLEfW5SuL4oJzFraRlFaY90Xwnqx0voM1uHASJwRM0JVA/w400-h300/Tina+%2526+Carson.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tina and Carson<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcK8mrJVyRoyd8pZCy4sDWv0qzNjn8y4oEYgAT6sQXsRUSMB17HdJunuLsKVpDK6b05eUYtsZPGwQ6JKV5k7hIbKy4a1RJVfFySc1n2ZsqyzGpmmYVLi-RXryTdvvni2ob4Tz-aq-zUs/s4896/DSC02459%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcK8mrJVyRoyd8pZCy4sDWv0qzNjn8y4oEYgAT6sQXsRUSMB17HdJunuLsKVpDK6b05eUYtsZPGwQ6JKV5k7hIbKy4a1RJVfFySc1n2ZsqyzGpmmYVLi-RXryTdvvni2ob4Tz-aq-zUs/w400-h300/DSC02459%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p><br /> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75ilj2qoZEg-QXH2VuQI5kmLWGPXZKlKzVq1teLgVK4M4mr8_pzyWHZoF5WwStSOXvMPtR-Ob21e0KtQit6IVaH7VzdpyFxVF2KvENeK_1_W842PITErghPLOBhBX3aGyqzSVXj-UaTE/s4896/Gloria+and+Scott.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75ilj2qoZEg-QXH2VuQI5kmLWGPXZKlKzVq1teLgVK4M4mr8_pzyWHZoF5WwStSOXvMPtR-Ob21e0KtQit6IVaH7VzdpyFxVF2KvENeK_1_W842PITErghPLOBhBX3aGyqzSVXj-UaTE/w640-h480/Gloria+and+Scott.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gloria (our investigator) and Scott</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvbbxPZ4lGByOboCVXbrArj9h88WN-JioMJSvY0_AqtYrpRd8xsn0zjUNm1YpSVytv_r-xO2-KkImHuEzayBiMUZVvJIPZe9SBfPUYhMQWBOuIIGUteUbSxnCcygdD_ucTtVP7O2oWmI/s4896/last+weekly+planning.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvbbxPZ4lGByOboCVXbrArj9h88WN-JioMJSvY0_AqtYrpRd8xsn0zjUNm1YpSVytv_r-xO2-KkImHuEzayBiMUZVvJIPZe9SBfPUYhMQWBOuIIGUteUbSxnCcygdD_ucTtVP7O2oWmI/s320/last+weekly+planning.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last weekly planning meeting<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3p86xCmAJWYg9jhyphenhypheneCbbMPpwsza6vsy47dZ95q4TyO4YZ_bLUQUtQr-bRuFaGhijpIV7SC5TG2crK8CwKrYIBAcY_o76zTLtf9qErNOG9slHbCVmOLIf7j4gA5ZRWq2Zm1ozw2r4kuE/s4896/DSC02425%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3p86xCmAJWYg9jhyphenhypheneCbbMPpwsza6vsy47dZ95q4TyO4YZ_bLUQUtQr-bRuFaGhijpIV7SC5TG2crK8CwKrYIBAcY_o76zTLtf9qErNOG9slHbCVmOLIf7j4gA5ZRWq2Zm1ozw2r4kuE/w300-h400/DSC02425%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsm22FblgkeqwCHjtZVHszDHc8paTJZCiSX6S6m5hc39oPcAn9Ch65K07ALAH5U9p-ECUDWfhQeQ2TlP3W4_Hhanw0gnX732FPV8LzMdDlaMJ6Xsr1j2VCVvNSAe3_b2ziRhXQdW4znE/s4896/After+planning.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsm22FblgkeqwCHjtZVHszDHc8paTJZCiSX6S6m5hc39oPcAn9Ch65K07ALAH5U9p-ECUDWfhQeQ2TlP3W4_Hhanw0gnX732FPV8LzMdDlaMJ6Xsr1j2VCVvNSAe3_b2ziRhXQdW4znE/w640-h480/After+planning.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After planning it gets FUN!!!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pZb9JZwRh0OeQoxga4EMTxIMPR3uRSI-ImRXpL1xW5szX58ALS_Wp2bk-J58jZlZxkBSdvJEdAxciB8ay9JHpbKXnJ090y3xXfKg9GUkylHTaqr7CVLjAWE_UDQ3143xViliG-j9JKY/s4896/tall+hair.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pZb9JZwRh0OeQoxga4EMTxIMPR3uRSI-ImRXpL1xW5szX58ALS_Wp2bk-J58jZlZxkBSdvJEdAxciB8ay9JHpbKXnJ090y3xXfKg9GUkylHTaqr7CVLjAWE_UDQ3143xViliG-j9JKY/w400-h300/tall+hair.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tall hair!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWl45sa9eHxnHYSVwBMIHDF6mHJDZox0xRIoZw2rsLKuaVFokafm9zwaPZ8SV9I1JQmqnkG46IZJbx53CgDJcYrzliZc8rBfcs-ke_acyK5HaMY2yx1GrWM4p4QcA0moUweMjS_DmW8hs/s4896/last+meeting.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWl45sa9eHxnHYSVwBMIHDF6mHJDZox0xRIoZw2rsLKuaVFokafm9zwaPZ8SV9I1JQmqnkG46IZJbx53CgDJcYrzliZc8rBfcs-ke_acyK5HaMY2yx1GrWM4p4QcA0moUweMjS_DmW8hs/w640-h480/last+meeting.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last District Meeting<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9DaPlsaDCct1wYM33vOWAu6Q_LvIIAosxNEiyJEzDUtKmbdZDtyHCaGMJFpZvA-L-GwG8JYDWPOzPQbZC4E5kGx8USfBVmIvsrfy7r__cEXIakEUGdKv3J1DGomvb_bJDnnKdqOwP50/s4896/district+.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9DaPlsaDCct1wYM33vOWAu6Q_LvIIAosxNEiyJEzDUtKmbdZDtyHCaGMJFpZvA-L-GwG8JYDWPOzPQbZC4E5kGx8USfBVmIvsrfy7r__cEXIakEUGdKv3J1DGomvb_bJDnnKdqOwP50/w640-h480/district+.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-77540347466534646632016-02-29T14:24:00.232-08:002021-11-11T23:53:29.530-08:00Photo Journal of my week!<p><span style="font-size: large;">We were invited to the Crain's house for dinner with Herb. They have a house on the water in Surf City.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUufjcpeyU3a_wQ_1n_LgrCUdOsBDM-E7O1G-68uWz65MvyK2vr_Kmy2EwklEEQm4xthlRoZqQ-fFNJ0zzC6XpuRoJcokrrAU2qRzTX-jCf2I7a4paq-qIJERP6CXMb4tV8KUU_NejkY/s4896/dinner+at+the+Crain%2527s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUufjcpeyU3a_wQ_1n_LgrCUdOsBDM-E7O1G-68uWz65MvyK2vr_Kmy2EwklEEQm4xthlRoZqQ-fFNJ0zzC6XpuRoJcokrrAU2qRzTX-jCf2I7a4paq-qIJERP6CXMb4tV8KUU_NejkY/w640-h480/dinner+at+the+Crain%2527s.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUKTIn8wQTKuXWXxbILLrynXrPwkvo8IXI5C0W-D4Ds60OMep6DEYpjk7yo3difZtzQ231HYQL3GHRw4kV6i-xlclWlzYdXtC2y8B3CfsogJ-WDIoi8Ti72fpe9G2J3BS1oluvXtBeDA/s4896/Bro+Crain+and+Herb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUKTIn8wQTKuXWXxbILLrynXrPwkvo8IXI5C0W-D4Ds60OMep6DEYpjk7yo3difZtzQ231HYQL3GHRw4kV6i-xlclWlzYdXtC2y8B3CfsogJ-WDIoi8Ti72fpe9G2J3BS1oluvXtBeDA/w400-h300/Bro+Crain+and+Herb.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99_ZptQE2koBOgEIUWf-7RSZswa5HC4Fif7QMbFwFjs6OJGPiJuczNI8H-1THWTNwh6hKYdlRZ9n2dDlJ6lECP0d9tDA9iwVIQCdFODGyPz6sP5QSRkt06c74ey4B8EcfBd55rZn8fm0/s4896/DSC02374%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99_ZptQE2koBOgEIUWf-7RSZswa5HC4Fif7QMbFwFjs6OJGPiJuczNI8H-1THWTNwh6hKYdlRZ9n2dDlJ6lECP0d9tDA9iwVIQCdFODGyPz6sP5QSRkt06c74ey4B8EcfBd55rZn8fm0/w400-h300/DSC02374%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eu8_bp4ORQ1F6fuYc_7ZSBrrX6-ZmG-lpo0fvQJBWesmFF1J0VBFP6snWEaTGuZR3dELuAXH4oMsLn-GTwfHYF_dcQoHMryv0wBmotF2a7xjyuVOF1244YXD6-_WsXMHp4e8ULr6bX0/s4896/Surf+City.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eu8_bp4ORQ1F6fuYc_7ZSBrrX6-ZmG-lpo0fvQJBWesmFF1J0VBFP6snWEaTGuZR3dELuAXH4oMsLn-GTwfHYF_dcQoHMryv0wBmotF2a7xjyuVOF1244YXD6-_WsXMHp4e8ULr6bX0/w400-h300/Surf+City.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We drove to Raleigh with the Zone leaders for a Missionary Leadership Training Conference (MLC). Sister Muder and I are the Sister Training Leaders (STL's for the Wilmington Zone). </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfQFt9mFvwx5GxGfGn3Gm82kxnbDaE34vpuP2HZe8qmfalSw3VCl8LV-IKupl_F-a4ctx8Uow24b1mShDV_oz57czJgNHrv_KnA7HXD_hGdQR88osFrhdvH7eMJ62ZO37zylq56Fo6Zs/s4896/Zone+leaders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfQFt9mFvwx5GxGfGn3Gm82kxnbDaE34vpuP2HZe8qmfalSw3VCl8LV-IKupl_F-a4ctx8Uow24b1mShDV_oz57czJgNHrv_KnA7HXD_hGdQR88osFrhdvH7eMJ62ZO37zylq56Fo6Zs/w400-h300/Zone+leaders.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1ku-73X7Fdv0fXNcGJnZ5A5oN8MkLzAmvMzEUP3vdF-05FunlkR8_cHV6-rz3uHP-lZftDoKdpRFfzmRNVCn49js9kyfcv-NPkSY1y1f0zXMW7YZpLZbuSUw0HDLfrkqO0_CKAB85nU/s4896/Sis+Muder+STL%2527s+Wilmington+Zone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1ku-73X7Fdv0fXNcGJnZ5A5oN8MkLzAmvMzEUP3vdF-05FunlkR8_cHV6-rz3uHP-lZftDoKdpRFfzmRNVCn49js9kyfcv-NPkSY1y1f0zXMW7YZpLZbuSUw0HDLfrkqO0_CKAB85nU/s320/Sis+Muder+STL%2527s+Wilmington+Zone.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Muder<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRyctls2Bugwyz67FOysT1LGQ39ctSbTV9y-fEzdn-EO4xgpcyUyBzJ2sAga2JD9lYPpe5Cgqt3UlnW-1-D0P0-wmOytk_BFaGQ90FPXkbgzeUXJSCVxNLSD794Kivs4ixQ5OtYZSQiE/s4896/Raleigh+MLC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRyctls2Bugwyz67FOysT1LGQ39ctSbTV9y-fEzdn-EO4xgpcyUyBzJ2sAga2JD9lYPpe5Cgqt3UlnW-1-D0P0-wmOytk_BFaGQ90FPXkbgzeUXJSCVxNLSD794Kivs4ixQ5OtYZSQiE/w400-h300/Raleigh+MLC.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MLC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKR2wtBUTh11GPvOXNJo-iRna6vwZsyr4STipwFm1AIIuoATGNSC-GpcE2i0DrwiGc3X3CLZvIiBFk3BP7Q7q3ZoyrihFR1i3-d6Oc4P8G8UsAkW2UknMGB_-4JJD0Aq8MMVLGhO_wXo/s4896/March+transfer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKR2wtBUTh11GPvOXNJo-iRna6vwZsyr4STipwFm1AIIuoATGNSC-GpcE2i0DrwiGc3X3CLZvIiBFk3BP7Q7q3ZoyrihFR1i3-d6Oc4P8G8UsAkW2UknMGB_-4JJD0Aq8MMVLGhO_wXo/w640-h480/March+transfer.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing Elders and Sisters from the March transfer<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMQLvLSZhl70VjZSPwSgQPM-dGQr_yRD7EFiyQIGoV02nsV-KrZtaIuMJAUOzgWwBVeZk-yFFs0qHcujiw1KV_SVwUvt8f3r6ZF7XSoRpKc-rYUhl_YH5GYuFwQMpcMTeGNZlQErmsUw/s4896/Elders+and+Sisters+Home-bound.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMQLvLSZhl70VjZSPwSgQPM-dGQr_yRD7EFiyQIGoV02nsV-KrZtaIuMJAUOzgWwBVeZk-yFFs0qHcujiw1KV_SVwUvt8f3r6ZF7XSoRpKc-rYUhl_YH5GYuFwQMpcMTeGNZlQErmsUw/w640-h480/Elders+and+Sisters+Home-bound.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home-Bound!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Haircuts, lessons, meetings and FUN! </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFE_d_v_bc-cxtpUNXrpFpUN3UaQGnZBL4hELCI23HqEByntYdOrb3DMeAt3UP-b9AeBNpJ0hErmuh060rkLST5RzCwctjmi2eSJkihc4c0CebTwzTu-4UkTtNZD2K2zM912elbEKdTng/s4896/Hair+cuts.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFE_d_v_bc-cxtpUNXrpFpUN3UaQGnZBL4hELCI23HqEByntYdOrb3DMeAt3UP-b9AeBNpJ0hErmuh060rkLST5RzCwctjmi2eSJkihc4c0CebTwzTu-4UkTtNZD2K2zM912elbEKdTng/w400-h300/Hair+cuts.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly cut...aren't we cute?!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> 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class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt0tBBriAow3mcCdC1v_ekhyphenhyphen51yG6BdZTvLprfkvgm51gZlPzVevIN0wnvkRiabEgzWadyMlbFZEB5fw0R-XWNYbZdYoIVP5fv96CyLtjlEmn0nSkOHptTkg4zMxi2NErIH4dJWnDQl8/s4896/library.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt0tBBriAow3mcCdC1v_ekhyphenhyphen51yG6BdZTvLprfkvgm51gZlPzVevIN0wnvkRiabEgzWadyMlbFZEB5fw0R-XWNYbZdYoIVP5fv96CyLtjlEmn0nSkOHptTkg4zMxi2NErIH4dJWnDQl8/w640-h480/library.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Library</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4prVY3j63eppyiLpG7cl6mtqFD-W3ZVD3oWeHH3aOpPBT6iyASaC6QDesaS3s2VWC0dVHtomsOxwNdj3wsOnF1RLQimW6yV7rbfsIk2dYm4Q8DaUqGF80lVMojSsCd66BU9X_zbMU5w/s4896/DSC00096.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4prVY3j63eppyiLpG7cl6mtqFD-W3ZVD3oWeHH3aOpPBT6iyASaC6QDesaS3s2VWC0dVHtomsOxwNdj3wsOnF1RLQimW6yV7rbfsIk2dYm4Q8DaUqGF80lVMojSsCd66BU9X_zbMU5w/w400-h300/DSC00096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZMhcMnuwltMY3QcaKVez-nDubSlHcAsuxOAPM4O0pYQpQ9WZFXz5hngtJIcTpINkMftKfaaNLaCXvkX1qUkFZNPwIjjNF34Ll0WAfRTRC9ix93W4tR0ZiMvu0mUJbRm8vTPDoFOZKLU/s4896/District+meeting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZMhcMnuwltMY3QcaKVez-nDubSlHcAsuxOAPM4O0pYQpQ9WZFXz5hngtJIcTpINkMftKfaaNLaCXvkX1qUkFZNPwIjjNF34Ll0WAfRTRC9ix93W4tR0ZiMvu0mUJbRm8vTPDoFOZKLU/w400-h300/District+meeting.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting District Meeting<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsnLRDtZo6WytBgUfll4l8BXj-cycEF5yhgHuMBEUTQvjZOImq13-0RQvAOCInCQhydS97HUzPexH_qR6ioWNZRdjB4sBVAcfje0Ti1HAXaQSiF-qFyfejUnTRPokxASf31wY1tJ9bRc/s4896/interesting+district+meeting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsnLRDtZo6WytBgUfll4l8BXj-cycEF5yhgHuMBEUTQvjZOImq13-0RQvAOCInCQhydS97HUzPexH_qR6ioWNZRdjB4sBVAcfje0Ti1HAXaQSiF-qFyfejUnTRPokxASf31wY1tJ9bRc/w300-h400/interesting+district+meeting.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC7gEmwcQ8B1C0gOqQZRPu-xQ4cO3opVNARDZzzFbtVCZ9hDSNQKc65saAR01PK_YqJMeQx46uyPp0KwcEdYHK6tqprpAtsjRWjApDXcCKICz-4Y2iEvgP-OsEM3rHifYuzySM6qVp_s/s4896/obstacle+course.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC7gEmwcQ8B1C0gOqQZRPu-xQ4cO3opVNARDZzzFbtVCZ9hDSNQKc65saAR01PK_YqJMeQx46uyPp0KwcEdYHK6tqprpAtsjRWjApDXcCKICz-4Y2iEvgP-OsEM3rHifYuzySM6qVp_s/w400-h300/obstacle+course.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_VcXqEfxopcWmt_ivMB-y9LD5JcN_dicDrbyA1wHb3y5oxg_osXpJ_lM7JM_VUxndqWEbFWCciXKJPyIXCEXxxBx9Hib7Nx3ngoT2b2Lctza7eLm6YKKyRzUgwe11h51Lb2YihYdYz0/s4896/Lesson+with+Herb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_VcXqEfxopcWmt_ivMB-y9LD5JcN_dicDrbyA1wHb3y5oxg_osXpJ_lM7JM_VUxndqWEbFWCciXKJPyIXCEXxxBx9Hib7Nx3ngoT2b2Lctza7eLm6YKKyRzUgwe11h51Lb2YihYdYz0/w640-h480/Lesson+with+Herb.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesson with Herb! Love that guy; he is so ready for baptism</td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0Fo3_Jdq3TfhNlx89nfZ6R7lTskoCNMbJK9znTe0Ob1zQTWUgoTHi2znazh5txN2Hn9jFawdXiGSeUEtNpizn6-aC2Bnx4TtJ_Pp7m49ipIPzfsf4IQMIRrTHf7WURvPfdZWPE5R1FY/s4896/scaring+Sis+Macrum.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0Fo3_Jdq3TfhNlx89nfZ6R7lTskoCNMbJK9znTe0Ob1zQTWUgoTHi2znazh5txN2Hn9jFawdXiGSeUEtNpizn6-aC2Bnx4TtJ_Pp7m49ipIPzfsf4IQMIRrTHf7WURvPfdZWPE5R1FY/w400-h300/scaring+Sis+Macrum.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pranking Sister Macrum with a blanket</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuSxKi45LRbD0ZbgZb5PU7Gycf_bvi-o_ZD5QMOZR1xUgzxp3vQfLLP3dCFiE63ViyLuaI8fkH0qZukNXn8xqAErSxth9gNykGSmCGi3kiexWYe_bd66OccXUmPCZGx3E3Z3rOAFQsI4/s4896/Fort.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuSxKi45LRbD0ZbgZb5PU7Gycf_bvi-o_ZD5QMOZR1xUgzxp3vQfLLP3dCFiE63ViyLuaI8fkH0qZukNXn8xqAErSxth9gNykGSmCGi3kiexWYe_bd66OccXUmPCZGx3E3Z3rOAFQsI4/s320/Fort.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Macrum made a fort... don't ask why!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">We went to the Smith's house and made goodies (PB power bites) for a baptism on Wednesday. Sister Macrum had an investigator in Jacksonville who was getting baptized and we got to attend. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_8P1A87d_IAwmjICJTkYg-NNjHl8wGd9YPfzG4k-_QMoQM45sJnGyHQ8wPK5-epTNthkk2eYgAaGuAt5XN00cPyiRsxpolEWDS8mbGPNK8fF8TCecnIGTdG6HefY_q8XTHWlHFQSUIo/s4896/Smith+girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_8P1A87d_IAwmjICJTkYg-NNjHl8wGd9YPfzG4k-_QMoQM45sJnGyHQ8wPK5-epTNthkk2eYgAaGuAt5XN00cPyiRsxpolEWDS8mbGPNK8fF8TCecnIGTdG6HefY_q8XTHWlHFQSUIo/w400-h300/Smith+girls.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_WFiB__Zko7LmmRQe7BfG3ee1thQKeAQuNB_noUUxTcc7UJORNsox5DTdvFNU7KL2aG1riGVmGtpsdowlhP3xWR61t9eG_qmr77pAixd94uL_rOUZYdjTJCBnYytMDmQU6Qxlc1P3mY/s4896/PB+bites.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_WFiB__Zko7LmmRQe7BfG3ee1thQKeAQuNB_noUUxTcc7UJORNsox5DTdvFNU7KL2aG1riGVmGtpsdowlhP3xWR61t9eG_qmr77pAixd94uL_rOUZYdjTJCBnYytMDmQU6Qxlc1P3mY/s320/PB+bites.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TA6w7exW4CCDFekreGAD6DFSuqqp5yYnUFAbt8whD7mbpSv7rlhoNP0uyTsoPI6lAWkDgbvIrM0p0zw_y1Qxbc9U7LilLoMUhbzvtUgVmuvuH8v7dob1TTU-TKaYwfHNrRRFf8IoyyY/s4896/goodies+for+baptism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TA6w7exW4CCDFekreGAD6DFSuqqp5yYnUFAbt8whD7mbpSv7rlhoNP0uyTsoPI6lAWkDgbvIrM0p0zw_y1Qxbc9U7LilLoMUhbzvtUgVmuvuH8v7dob1TTU-TKaYwfHNrRRFf8IoyyY/w400-h300/goodies+for+baptism.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx-iUcc3JY6rHhUFEsHvXoLhuTgIeUd1CVYcpUvKUqQqtv2mreBE063iGNv88zcisskhBM-oRcldnMVbEIjXeLFdTyqeT4CHWVlFSyZ8MAHNg6N0GnUcq1OeUoxWQkQ3NrWUln-ehei0/s4896/DSC02343%255B1%255D%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx-iUcc3JY6rHhUFEsHvXoLhuTgIeUd1CVYcpUvKUqQqtv2mreBE063iGNv88zcisskhBM-oRcldnMVbEIjXeLFdTyqeT4CHWVlFSyZ8MAHNg6N0GnUcq1OeUoxWQkQ3NrWUln-ehei0/s320/DSC02343%255B1%255D%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5oOhl2nol6CMRouiVhsD6U4WCtA6CSgWazIZfyjg5c-sDQNyDAr-yFrQv_zmlO0JV27WGfpgmxXg6fTAhJ8dgVe577c6MfZcz5qESDK46lZq3sAux0oHjFS5r9KFz4OQIxSdjq0kaoQ/s4896/DSC02348%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5oOhl2nol6CMRouiVhsD6U4WCtA6CSgWazIZfyjg5c-sDQNyDAr-yFrQv_zmlO0JV27WGfpgmxXg6fTAhJ8dgVe577c6MfZcz5qESDK46lZq3sAux0oHjFS5r9KFz4OQIxSdjq0kaoQ/w400-h300/DSC02348%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Baptism in Jacksonville with the Jacksonville missionaries.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDnSxAR-r7nJvPAWLp3R3JNur2BUW_9AURao4XY_mBDHlU6Op7hMZzjHGGxqiyQQYPmjJWY9WR_u88SMh4mb6KFF6kfGC-nt-VFxer6a64S_rlb3Boi_iXwaNhGdl6FtkwbGFf8Mceq8/s4896/Jacksonville+missionaries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDnSxAR-r7nJvPAWLp3R3JNur2BUW_9AURao4XY_mBDHlU6Op7hMZzjHGGxqiyQQYPmjJWY9WR_u88SMh4mb6KFF6kfGC-nt-VFxer6a64S_rlb3Boi_iXwaNhGdl6FtkwbGFf8Mceq8/w640-h480/Jacksonville+missionaries.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xdmAG9stM9Nixa9Dc8H1ecPUGaqUy3345DjtR0gJMZ99UectH_h4Mr9Z-_kQuwRCmLQkUSZT4TqAEmWA7xcJtPAOlD4Y0PZmOueOhrSmJy_wUD0NA_04itepLAv0zB9i4r02aoOOawU/s4896/eyes+closed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xdmAG9stM9Nixa9Dc8H1ecPUGaqUy3345DjtR0gJMZ99UectH_h4Mr9Z-_kQuwRCmLQkUSZT4TqAEmWA7xcJtPAOlD4Y0PZmOueOhrSmJy_wUD0NA_04itepLAv0zB9i4r02aoOOawU/w640-h480/eyes+closed.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making fun of Sister Macrum because she can never keep her eyes open in a picture!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKviQ-d5pO6SCHXetjbPgvBD_lKwmmukerq6fbYnBNbq2agexRsaGrzk-SMjBqQx1ATrG8shjqLuDSBukRszkV0kEbxHDZPrlyPcEqfqb7EyTLqlBS91jKtc-5rdZjZuxZvYXj-mk-iE/s4896/Sister+Alldredge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKviQ-d5pO6SCHXetjbPgvBD_lKwmmukerq6fbYnBNbq2agexRsaGrzk-SMjBqQx1ATrG8shjqLuDSBukRszkV0kEbxHDZPrlyPcEqfqb7EyTLqlBS91jKtc-5rdZjZuxZvYXj-mk-iE/w300-h400/Sister+Alldredge.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last time seeing Sister Alldredge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWYpoY0a1MCBsFjkDxWuAt-n4VCZw5c8N3NsbjzX0cImDiIYWKjsdn78BFUCQUV-3D60e1yB_Uvwf8BsoRmJxiJ4zZw94LxS4u1jJZf4gMdrhzw0tylY-_IzLFSf61Xm5hyewyG9Nmhc/s4896/DSC00107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWYpoY0a1MCBsFjkDxWuAt-n4VCZw5c8N3NsbjzX0cImDiIYWKjsdn78BFUCQUV-3D60e1yB_Uvwf8BsoRmJxiJ4zZw94LxS4u1jJZf4gMdrhzw0tylY-_IzLFSf61Xm5hyewyG9Nmhc/w400-h300/DSC00107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-84350658321506359982016-02-22T13:30:00.001-08:002021-11-09T21:35:49.067-08:00My Last Two Weeks!So I only have some time for a few highlights from this last week!<br /><br />HERB is amazing. We have been teaching him for almost 7 or 8 weeks now, and have grown to really love that man! Each time we teach him something new he accepts it readily, studies, prays and comes back telling us he knows it is true. He is so excited for his upcoming baptism. He came to a fireside the missionaries put on last night and said it was very enlightening and wished he had found the church earlier. He always had religion, but when he started learning about the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he said he felt at home. I loved that. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Herb is in the middle of us!</b></span></td></tr>
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This week we also had interviews with President James and his sweet wife. It is weird to think that it was my last one as a full time missionary. But the culmination of what I have learned on my mission is something I won't ever be able to forget, nor would I want to. It has shaped me and created a canvas on which I can continue to work on for the rest of my life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ward Missionaries</b></span></td></tr>
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As we come across people each day with such different beliefs and such different opinions, I find myself grateful for my testimony and knowledge. I love everyone we meet (yes, even the challenging individuals) and try my best to share with them what I know will make them happy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The McEwen's </b></span></td></tr>
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I am thankful for these past 17.8 months I have had to learn, grow, and serve. The people you work with and associate with out in the world will be drawn to you because of your desire to be like the Savior. Let your love for Him shine from your eyes. Let there be no doubt that He is who you follow. You have an understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ that the world needs to see and feel. The Book of Mormon is what teaches and clarifies the Atonement in a way that changes our hearts so that we can be born again. Let us do our best to let other people see our truth and light. As missionaries we have the capacity to bless many people here in North Carolina with our talents and abilities that are magnified in the Lord. Go forward to teach and testify.<br />“Our talent is God’s gift to us. How we use that talent is our gift to him. My sincere hope and prayer is that God finds my gift back to him a worthy one. May God bless you, keep you and continue the good fight of faith.” –Emmitt Thomas<br /><br />Love, Sister GoldenGoldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-88857244608786515642016-02-16T12:30:00.001-08:002021-11-12T09:43:52.290-08:00Happy Valentines!Hello My sweet family!<br />This last week was a HARD week. Sometimes we get into a really good flow and when a hard day comes it takes your breath away. Well Sister Macrum and I experienced a hard WEEK! But we overcame it and did a huge high five and dance when Monday (our preparation day) came.<br />
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Last Monday we drove down to Wrightsville beach to have an activity with our Zone. Let me tell you- the next day we were SO sore. We played soccer and football and tag and other games. It was a blast. The beach was chilly- but we warmed up quick with all of our running around haha.<br />
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<br />That night as well as Thursday we had a lesson with Herb in two different couples homes. It is amazing when a person from church is willing to let you teach in their home! The spirit is strong, the friendship is made, and they help bear testimony. We love Herb; he is just so prepared. He loves each lesson we have and says we have a 'way with our words.' He told us he feels something special when we teach and that we just aren't the run of the mill girls that this day and age produces. Isn't that sweet? Whenever we ask him if he has questions he says, "Why would I have any questions? This stuff just makes sense!" He reads in the scriptures, prays and loves the people in the local congregation. He is 'Golden' ;) haha<br />
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After Monday is when things started getting tough. Members who were going to drive us to a certain place cancelled. People coming with us for lessons fell through. Investigators called and said they were busy. I was reminded that life isn't always easy. And when we are thrown into a rough situation, we CHOOSE how to react. Our ability to look at things in a positive light will drastically change our attitude and ultimately the outcome. I got to practice this a lot this week.<br /><br />On Wednesday we had ZONE TRAINING! My last one on the mission. I got to bear my testimony of what I learned and knew to be true- which I was grateful for. After this training all the missionaries were treated to lunch- the senior missionary couples bought 8 Costco pizzas and brought them back to the church for us to eat. There wasn't a slice left :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Departing missionaries from my zone!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>We started together at the MTC</b></span></td></tr>
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I went to Richlands, in Jacksonville, with Sister Paynter on an exchange and had a good time. We had two lessons lined up and got to teach together. She is in her first 3 months still and is progressing each time I am with her. I can't believe that I was once where she is at. I see a lot of growth in myself- but it has come after a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and obedience.<br />
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Friday we got a storm warning saying there was going to be ice and heavy rain with freezing temperatures. So a lot of people cancelled on us and we had to go find stuff to do! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hanging out at the Bishop's house after the storm warning!</b></span></td></tr>
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We did end up doing a lot of tracting this week (knocking on doors) and talking to people! But that helps us to get out and working, and meeting new people. Plus it pulls us out of our comfort zone :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This sweet dog followed us all day!</b></span></td></tr>
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So Sunday was obviously Valentine's Day right? Well naturally as missionaries we basically forget all holiday's except for Christmas and Mothers Day because we get to Skype our families on those days. So Sunday afternoon, and then after dinner we go out knocking on doors...I was SO EMBARRESSED! Around 6:30 we knocked on someone's door and they opened and what do we see? Rose petals covering the table, candles lit, steak on the stove....you get the picture. We immediately said, "WE ARE SO SORRY! Close the door...just close the door...we forgot it was Valentines day!" Oh it was awful...hahaha!<br />
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The next day, yesterday (Monday) we drove to Jacksonville to throw a surprise birthday party for Sister Alldredge with our district and their district. We had goodies, played sports, and had a super fun time. She was so happy! All in all it was a week to remember.<br />
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<br />I hope you are doing well! I will hear from you soon :)<br />Sister Golden<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-36598535098006003632016-02-08T10:07:00.000-08:002021-11-11T23:55:30.467-08:00To Be Consecrated!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Gig Harbor Stake sent me a poster and picture of themselves:) </b></span></td></tr>
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Okay, so last night we stopped by a families home who we have slowly built up trust with. The mom and dad are inactive members and their 15 yr old son isn't. They harbor some negative feelings, but we haven't let that deter us from loving them! And we really do haha :) But we stopped by SUNDAY night...and they invited us upstairs where the rest of the family was. BAD IDEA! They had the Super Bowl playing and Sister Macrum's team is the Broncos! They were giving us a hard time about mission rules and what not...but we withstood and didn't watch it and left shortly after. But it was hard!<br />
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<br />Earlier we went to a Stake Youth Fireside with our Recent convert Ezzie and her sister Monica who is our new investigator. 3 girls had recently returned from their missions and shared stories and insights from their 18 months of service. It was neat to see their take on a mission and think about how I want to reflect on my mission experience. <br />
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Something I was reading these last few days really hit me about what a mission is...and how I wanted to live my mission. Serving is more than just going out because we have a sense of duty or obligation. Serving a mission is about consecrating ourselves and laying everything on the altar of sacrifice. When Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile he collapsed at the finish line into the hands of his well-wishers. A journalist sensing all that was involved in that historic moment wrote, "The runner, open mouthed, thin legged, knowing only pace and goal, spending his strength so that the finish at one mile, there was nothing more." For a consecrated missionary there is nothing more to give at the end of the day. we have put it all on the altar of sacrifice. Consecrated missionaries are missionaries who would finish the marathon. They are missionaries who would go the full fifteen rounds. They are missionaries who carry no white flags. <br /><br />Us missionaries came out here to change the world, to change lives, but there is a cost. It costs everything that we have- we place it on the altar of sacrifice. Our fears, our pride, our laziness, our disobedience, our weaknesses; we cannot hold anything back. When we came into the mission field we burned the bridges behind us, I burned my ships in the harbor. There is no retreat to my former life. I cannot have one foot at home and one foot in the mission field. The Lord demands our whole soul on the sacrificial altar. That is the price we must pay, and when we do, we then become instruments in the hands of God. <br /><br />What is the driving motivational force for a consecrated missionary? It is the Savior and his atonement. If we fail to be obedient, if we fail to be humble , if we fail to be fearless, perhaps we intellectually understand the atonement, but somehow we fail to grasp the underlying love of His sacrifice. Once we feel that, as well as understand it, we will give our all. We will realize that our all is a small repayment for His all.<br /><br />Whatever the weakness may be that holds us back from becoming this consecrated person, missionary, individual....the Lord has promised that if we have faith in him, and humble ourselves before him, that he will make weak things become strong unto us. (Ether 12:26-27) I believe that. I do not believe there is one missionary/person's weaknesses that are greater than the potential strengths within him. WHY? Because each of us is a son and daughter of God, with his divine nature and divine potential woven into the very fabric of our souls. <br /><br />May we not be content with being GOOD, even GREAT. When we have the capacity to be CONSECRATED. Mormon declared with boldness: "Behold I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people that they might have ever lasting life." (2 Nephi 5:13)<br /><br />Love you,<br />Sister Golden<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Exchanges</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Boiled Peanuts ~ the Southerners love these!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Super Salty!!</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-10320235897361301982016-02-01T14:30:00.000-08:002016-02-02T17:44:29.220-08:00Getting Hit With the Flu!The snow storm that hit this side of the states actually missed Hampstead luckily. It was more of the Raleigh area that got blasted and DC of course. But it was freezing and we got a snow flurry for a minute or two! <br />This last week was an interesting one. First off I got the flu and was down for the count on Saturday after 4 days of getting worse. It was NOT fun let me tell you. But I have a fabulous companion and the ward members were good to me:) I got doctored up, given a blessing and now we are out on the streets teaching like crazy! (PS- today was 70 degrees and sunny! So nice.)<br /><br />Last Monday we got a call from a member in the ward who said she had a friend who was ready to hear more about the gospel. While this sweet older sister had been gone on her mission in Utah for a year, an older gentleman named HERB (CUTEST name ever) watched her cat. Slowly over the months he read in the Book of Mormon, some of the church magazines (the Ensign) and looked around on lds.org! This sister got back from her mission the same time Sister Macrum and I got to Hampstead and has been talking to Herb about the gospel slowly through the weeks. We all had dinner together in her home and then we taught him what we call the First Discussion, or the Message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we explained authority and the need for a Prophet etc. Herb announces, "Well YES! That just makes sense!" The rest of our lesson went this way with Herb asking questions here and there and saying that it all clicked and he couldn't understand why everyone wasn't a part of the church. It was cute :) We both felt the spirit very strongly prompting us to invite him to be baptized. Many may say, 'WHAT? Invite him to make a life long commitment the FIRST time you meet him, let alone the first lesson he has ever heard about your church??' Precisely! So I say, "Herb, when you come to know that this is the true church, and Christ's church here on the earth, will you be baptized by someone holding the proper priesthood author...." *Herb interjects* "YES. I will!" Hahaha we didn't even finish inviting him to be baptized but he knew he was hearing the truth and couldn't be more excited to join himself with it. In preparation for yesterday (Sunday and his first time coming to a Mormon church) he went out and got a hair cut, bought a new sport jacket and laid everything out at the ready. Everyone at church loved him and wanted him to come to their home for another lesson. I love that this ward (congregation) reaches out to any new face they see walk through the doors. <br /><br />Tuesday we had some minor details to take care of...such as getting a state inspection done on the car, calling the Sisters in Jacksonville and seeing how they were doing (Tues. is my accounting day with them) and setting up a few appointments. That night I started NOT feeling good at all and didn't have an appetite for dinner...despite the cockroaches and little termites that were dropping into the crock-pot from the ceiling. Hehe...oh the South. We then went out and visited a less active lady with two older ladies who remind me of Lucy and Ethel...we were all roaring in the car and I was wheezing because I was so congested. <br /><br />Wednesday we had district meeting way out in a little place called Mt. Zion. To give you a better idea- we have no service for the last 20 minutes of our drive there. We have a lot of new faces in the district! 3 new elders. It will be good. That day we also went on exchanges with the Jacksonville 2nd sisters- Sister Alldredge (who I actually roomed with in the MTC: Missionary Training Center) came to Hampstead and Sister Macrum went to J2 where she actually started her mission. So weird, huh? We had a fun day and saw an investigator, a part member family, and two less active families. The older couple we went to go see will be turning 90 something come MAY and they are the most precious things on this earth! Brother Bryant gave me some wise advice that I wrote in my Planner, that said, "If you can't control something, let it go! Otherwise...it will kill yeh!" Hah.<br /><br />Thursday we went out to lunch with our investigator named Alecia and her cutie little girl named Caidyn. We ate at HWY 55 (I couldn't taste anything and was not feeling good this day either.) But we love Alecia. She told us that she wants to be sealed in the Temple and go on a couples mission one day with Mike who is a member. We love them! <br />
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We did our weekly planning the rest of the day (which I used to hate but now I love) and had dinner at a Mexican restaurant. (I just asked for it to be put in a To-Go box because I was feeling so gross. I had to keep blowing my runny and congested nose too which was embarrassing! That night the Sister Missionaries who are serving in Wilmington came to spend the night at our apartment because Sister Muder and I had a leadership training the next day in Raleigh. We had to be there at 8:30 and it was a 2 and a half hour drive. We were going to meet the Spanish elders at their apartment in Wallace which was a 40 minute drive and carpool with them. So that meant we had to be out of our apartment at 5:45. So NATURALLY we had a Sleep over! It was so fun! Sister Macrum and I got really excited and made beds for them with some sleeping mats provided by the Bishops family. We put little chocolates on their pillows, placed a Doterra diffuser on the bedside table that we threw a sheet over and a lamp under to make it glow, turned on some classical music, put some slippers and lotion at the end of their bed and waited for them to arrive. We put little note cards saying "Hotel Hampstead" by the desk and couldn't help but giggle and get a little slap happy! They died when they got to our apartment; it was fun :)<br />
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The Next morning (Friday) I was dog tired. I hadn't been sleeping very well due to my illness and was lacking sufficient rest! Sister Muder and I got ready and met the elders in Wallace and drove the 2+ hours with them to Raleigh. I had to keep blowing my nose... -_- <br />At the Leadership training meeting we had instructions given to us by different missionaries, by President and Sister James, and then lunch. After lunch the Sister Training leaders and Zone leaders met in a room to council over new rules, changes and more for the mission with President James. It is always interesting because everyone wants to share their opinions and sometimes it goes on for way too long. But it is needed nonetheless. It was a long day. We didn't get back to Hampstead until around 6:20 in the evening and met back up with the sisters who had been doing work in the area all day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sister Muder</b></span></td></tr>
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Saturday is the Day we had to stay home! I was the worst this day and stayed in bed. MY body needed it though! Sister Macrum was really sweet and found stuff to do all day. That night we had dinner with the Porters and they had our new convert Ezzy over as well and after dinner we watched the Restoration Movie! The good one that is an hour long. I love it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ezzy</b></span></td></tr>
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There is a scripture I read this morning that was in Alma 58:10-12 and something stuck out to me. I like how in verse 11 it says "We should hope for deliverance IN him." Deliverance doesn't come by diligence and self propelling ourselves through a problem we face. Deliverance in him suggests that He goes with us through the darkness and guides us by the hand until we see the light again. Deliverance in him means we seek him out first above all else. Deliverance comes after ample time is served, lessons are learned and our vision is lifted. This is the grace of Christ, given as we hope for deliverance in him. <br /><br />I love my mission because I love my Savior. How does He strengthen you?<br />Love Sister Golden :)Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-24827321975686844442016-01-25T13:00:00.000-08:002016-02-01T09:33:55.875-08:00My Birthday Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello to all! I had a great week here in Hampstead this last week:) It was one that kept us busy and working, cold and hungry, but GOOD nonetheless.<br />
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First off, our investigator Ezzy got BAPTIZED! We held the service on a youth activity night so that all the kids in the ward that were her age could come. It was a really big turn out which was nice to see. It really meant a lot to her family. Sister Macrum and I got her a
picture of the Raleigh temple and had everyone who attended sign the
back. We want her next goal to be going to the temple to do baptisms
there. And guess what? She got her temple recommend on Sunday after her
confirmation:) (When she received the Holy Ghost.) She was elated and
couldn't stop beaming. I think the highlight was when our Mission
President showed up with his wife and daughter (who was here visiting)
to see the baptism. We were nervous, excited and more nervous and
excited! It isn't everyday that your Mission President comes to your
investigator's baptism! He was thrilled and excited to be there. He
told our Bishop, "I knew that Sister Golden's name was good for
something! These two sisters are the best around!" It was cute.<br />
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Later on we went over to teach her what we call the 'new member lessons' or the lessons all over again just so she doesn't forget. So we taught her #1 which is The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I Love teaching! I have found that I thrive off of helping others to learn and gain a better understanding. So as we were teaching, Ezzy's older sister walked in the door from work, she sat down and joined in on our lesson which actually turned into all of us teaching Ezzy's sister Monica. After the lesson we asked Monica if we could continue to teach her about the church and allow her to learn just what her sister was learning and had learned. SHE AGREED! We don't teach just to baptize, in fact I look way beyond that benchmark. We teach so that people can come unto Christ, take steps towards Him which includes baptism, so they can reach the goal of going to the temple to be sealed as a family forever. The temple is different than the local church meetinghouse- it is the house of the Lord. A place where we make sacred covenants, and receive eternal blessings. And when families go there they can be bound together not only here on earth, but forever...we are bound eternally. (See Matthew18:18)<br />
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We had another great teaching opportunity with a young man named Charles. He hasn't grown up in any one church and has a basic understanding of the Bible. But he is so great. We tracted into him (meaning we were knocking on doors and ran across him at home) and have had two really solid lessons with him since. The one we had this week was the Plan of Salvation- which is God's plan for us to live happily and return to live with Him again; all based upon how we use and exercise our free will or agency. He loved this lesson and what made it more great was the fact that we had it in his buddy's home who is a member of the church. They have grown up together and have that bond. So when Jake, his friend, shared his testimony it meant so much more to Charles because they have that connection of friendship already. It was great. Something that really stood out to him was the aspect that because of the Priesthood (or power and authority to act in God's name) we can be sealed to our families forever. He recognized the difference between self proclaimed religious figures, and being called and ordained to do so by God. <br />
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Something I have come to notice is that God sends us to places NOT by accident. Why do I say that? Well when I started my mission in Jacksonville I thought I would never return to that place. But little did I know that by being there it would actually affect my mission almost 13 months down the road. When I was in Jacksonville as a Sister Training leader I had to go on exchanges with the Sisters in Hampstead for a period of 24 hours. This is to ensure that the sisters are doing okay, that the work is moving forward, to be an example, and to encourage them. So almost over a year ago I was in Hampstead a few times going around meeting the members, teaching investigators and knocking on doors. There are two experiences from this week that I want to share- that proved to me that the beginning of my mission was meant to help me at the end of my mission. <br />
1. We went tracting this weekend around 11am and it was COLD. Like under freezing temperatures with 20 mph winds. We were tough and layered up and it wasn't too, too bad. <br />
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As we were knocking on the different trailers (I love trailer parks!) we weren't making much headway at first. The people were enjoying their Saturday morning and didn't want the cold air to enter into the trailer (reasonable right?). We kept going and got to the end of one row and found a lady WAITING for us behind her glass door. She opened it and asked if we wanted to come in. (Of course we didn't decline!) As we walked in I had a strange feeling, sort of like De-ja-vu but I didn't know why. We started talking to this sweet mom named Caroline who opened up to us about her past life and how HARD and challenging it was...and it WAS. When she started talking about her husband and family my mind took a flashback to a year ago when I was in Jacksonville but had to come to Hampstead on exchanges. Sister Alldrege and I had come to THIS very trailer, knocked on HER door, and talked with her husband who was holding the kids that were now sitting before me. Coincidence? I think not. When we finished teaching her some of the first few points of the Restoration I told her that I had been here before...and asked her if this lesson was familiar. She looked straight into my eyes and said, "Yes, and I remember you. My husband told me about you last time you came." I could feel the spirit enter the room and I testified that God wanted her to know something. And that something, was what we taught people for 18 months of our lives. It was a sweet encounter. We can't wait to go back next weekend to see how things turn out.<br />
2. In Jacksonville I remembered going around looking for less-active members that we weren't sure still actually lived at the address that was listed. One man we went to go find had the last name of Moneymaker. That isn't too common. When we knocked on his door he opened and told us he was who we were looking for, but he didn't want us to come back by again. He was done with the church. We respected his decision, took the note, and went on our way. 13 months later, as I am serving in Hampstead the name Moneymaker comes up again and I thought to myself, there is NO way there are two of those guys with the exact same first and last names! We waited for church to start and I was keeping my eyes peeled for this, 'Moneymaker'. I saw him- walking in with a white shirt on, sleeves rolled up to show his tattoos, gauges in both ears and a black vest on. I marched straight over to him and said, "Are you ___ Moneymaker?" He replied that he was...a little taken aback. I continued, "Did you used to live in Jacksonville?" Then he says, "Yes, and I remember you. I told you to go away and not come back." Then he smiled sheepishly-this big burly man- and says, "Well, I'm sorry. But I'm back." I patted him on his large marine-like deltoid and said, "The Lord wants you back and so do we." And we went away and sat down again. I love that we are placed in each others paths for a reason. It may be just for that time, or it is because it will affect our life somewhere down the way, far into the future. <br />
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Oh yeah and I almost forgot. This week was also my Birthday! A few members caught wind of it and we had some invites for lunch and dinner. Well, at lunch it was a big feast- Cafe Rio style. Then lemon cake. Then we moved on to the dinner appointment. Pork Pasole with tortillas and chocolate mint cake! Then lastly we go to the Bullard's house (a family we are teaching) and they made us dinner and cake! 3 layer cake! Oh my gosh it was so sweet of them and they went out of their way to surprise me, so I couldn't decline. Let me just tell you- I have never felt so fat nor full.... Woes of a mission I guess ;)<br />
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But the best part wasn't that. It was teaching Mr. Bullard about the Plan of Salvation. When we told him about the afterlife and the Kingdoms of Glory (see 1Cor. 15:39-41) he says, "Wow. I like this. I love learning!" He said he would come to church and listen to the next lesson we have next Sunday. To say the least, it was a pretty great week. <br />
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I love teaching, I love learning, I don't like the cold too much, but that is fine! I hope you are enjoying where you are at and love the life you are leading :)<br />
<3 Sister Golden<br />
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<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-73261533098777764312016-01-18T14:00:00.000-08:002016-02-11T21:09:21.609-08:00Setting Goals Leads to Success!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week was FABULOUS! Sister Macrum and I were able to see such success as we went out tracting and found new people to teach. How did this happen you might say? Well, we covenanted with the Lord. We set apart specific times to go knock on doors, and told the Lord our goals of what we wanted to accomplish. And let me tell you, God is good. We were able to find such solid investigators. I feel so blessed. One of the young men had a broken foot, a cast on it, and crutches, but still came out on the porch to sit and talk with us because we couldn't come inside. He told us about all the plans he had recently made but fell through and then said he was turning 25 on the 24th of January and still felt directionless. 1. We have the same birthday so obviously we were meant to meet. 2. It is crazy how our lives happen and allow us to be in a certain place at a certain time. We taught him about the Restoration of the gospel and gave him a Book of Mormon after teaching him about it. He was genuinely excited! Which made us excited! He told us to come back the following week. And that we will do!<br />
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Then we had an amazing lesson with this family of three. David, his wife JJ and his daughter Kameryn are so, so sweet. Our night had completely fallen through...like crashed and burned. But we persevered and didn't stop working. Because of that we were able to share the message of the Restoration with this family, and David and JJ told us that they were willing to do anything to be better parents for their daughter. They warmed up to us right away and actually invited us to stay for dinner! Which was a blessing because we didn't eat anything all night!<br />
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We had to get 3 new tires on our car this week. Just time for it I guess. That took FOREVER. So we made a bracket for our zone and assigned people to certain houses at Hogwarts...and this was at McDonalds. Ha:)<br />
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We had Zone training on Wednesday and I learned so much. A photographer for the church also came and was capturing the action!<br />
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I got to go to Jacksonville again on exchanges and see more of the people I love. I am grateful for the second chance I was given to go there. Otherwise I would have gone home with a bad taste in my mouth from my first experience there. The Lord knows what we need and when :) <br />
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We went out to get Sushi with an investigator named Alecia and before we left her boyfriend had to show us his latest catches. He had gotten 2 coons while out 'coon-hunting' and 2 beavers. He was in the process of skinning them and had hung the 2 raccoons for us to see. It was...lovely...haha! I laugh and the 'country-ness' of the folks down here.<br />
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Sunday we all went to Wilmington and watched a broadcast from a few General Authorities that was specifically for the South Eastern side of the country. Our investigator Ezzy came and enjoyed it. We were able to travel with the Bishop's family and had a lesson in his home after that, which was really special. She is so excited to be baptized on Wednesday- it will be the activity for the youth that night.<br />
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I hope you have a great week! Love<br />
Sister Golden :)Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-44476881166078879542016-01-11T10:07:00.000-08:002016-01-11T10:07:26.622-08:00My last Zone Conference!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sharing our testimonies!</b></span></td></tr>
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Well this week was a whirlwind of emotion that is for sure! I had to give my departing testimony at Zone Conference we had on Friday- and truly I never expected that day to come. But it has! I will share with you some of what I said:<br />1. My mission has helped me to develop Charity...and I have defined charity as a never ending search for someone else's happiness. So therefore my mission for me has been a never ending search for someone else's happiness. And because of my Savior, I am able to feel a greater understanding for everyone I meet.<br />2. My reasons for coming on a mission have slowly changed over the course of these last 17 months. I feel a sincere desire to help- lift- and support. That has come through hours, tears, and sacrifice while on my mission. As I have developed better study skills and tried to overcome some of my inadequacies I have felt Christ qualify me for the work I am doing.<br />3. I love my mission BECAUSE I love the Lord.<br />4. I didn't want to change on my mission. Change scared me! And little did I know that the only consistent thing on a mission IS change. HA. But I realize that it is more refining than it is change. I am still the same old me, but better and more in-tune. I have seen in myself the spark of a new person and I would never give that up.<br />5. Life is hard. But Christ makes it possible...and it is oh so worth it. <br />6. "This isn't the best 18 months OF my life...but the best 18 months FOR my life."<br /><br />So after that shocking experience and for the FIRST time realizing that my time here is running out....we had lunch. Okay! Moving on!<br /><br />Sister James gave an instruction on 'healthy eating' and proceeded to make a healthy green smoothie in front of us all and gave us each a sample. Then she brought in Kale chips she made and had everyone try them. AND THEN she handed out a yellow piece of paper that said SISTER GOLDEN on it and there were several 'healthy recipes' I have compiled while on my mission. She had heard from a few of my companions, and other missionary friends that I am a health fanatic and she asked me for these recipes. Well, now everyone in the North Carolina Raleigh Mission has a copy of my recipes. HA.<br />
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<br />This week we had a lesson with a part member family in which the Bishop accompanied us to. We taught the restoration to the dad who is working towards being baptized and it went so smoothly. The Bishop added great insight and was so spiritually in-tune. I was glad he took the time out of his schedule and came to this lesson with us. I am so grateful that we have leaders in the church who have authority and the priesthood to act in God's name. These leaders truly make a difference in my life and I know that because we have the gospel here on the earth, we are blessed with revelation and insight from them.<br /><br />I had to go on 4 exchanges this last week! It was crazy. I went to Jacksonville and got to see a few of the members I grew to love! Oh it was so FUN! I was sad to hear that people have moved, become less active, or don't talk with the missionaries. But so is life. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Jacksonville 3rd Ward</b></span></td></tr>
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I was able to have a lesson with my convert Mellisa and talk to her about getting ready to go to the temple and get her patriarchal blessing. I feel so privileged to be an instrument in God's hands...because Mellisa's life is SO different than what it was just a year ago. She is still going, still loving the members of the church, and is involved. It made me SO happy.<br /><br />Last night we were able to watch the Young adult broadcast given by Elder Nelson at BYU Hawaii with our investigator Ezzy. It was a great broadcast and something that Elder Nelson said stuck with me, he said, "Listen with the intent to obey." Do we listen to God- the prophet- our leaders- with the intention to apply and obey the counsel they give right away? Or do we take it as a nice little devotional, and get pumped up, but then go about our day. I challenge you to heed promptly to the counsel we receive from the Lord and our Prophet. Don't listen just to listen, but listen with the intent to obey.<br /><br />"I hope this new year to come you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes you are trying something new, learning, pushing yourself, changing the world. You are doing things you have never done before and more importantly doing something. Dare to make mistakes. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough or it isn't perfect. Whatever it is you're scared of doing, DO IT. Make your mistakes this new year and forever." (A quote by Pres. James adapted and abridged from Neil Gaiman.)<br />Love, Sister GoldenGoldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-40378095509486860862016-01-04T15:00:00.000-08:002016-01-07T22:56:51.849-08:00Happy New Year!HELLO from Hampstead. This week was a busy one- but a good one nonetheless. <br />
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Last Monday we went to Wilmington to play some sports together with some missionary friends. It was a well needed outlet! We played soccer...but it was a small field and everyone was like, "Don't break Sister Golden again!" I was sore the next day, but a good sore.<br />
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Then I was able to go on exchanges down to Jacksonville and the highlight of it was seeing my sweet convert Mellisa who was baptized just over a year ago! I know that eternal relationships are built on missions! In heaven it will be just one big party with everyone who loves each other :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Jacksonville Gang!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Mellisa</b></span></td></tr>
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In between our appointments and meetings and other missionary duties we were able to find 5 new investigators and talk baptism with some of them. In our area book we have records of people who used to take the missionary discussions but for some reason discontinued them. We decided to try and go contact them since it has almost been a year or more for some of them. There was a neat experience I will share. We tried to contact this woman who had been interested in learning more about the gospel- and when we knocked on the door a middle aged man stepped outside, gave us a huge smile and said,"HELLO!" He was quite enthusiastic. Ha. We told him we were looking for this woman..who turned out to be his mother, but she was in a care home now. We continued talking with him about family, and other things he cared about. We then transitioned into the gospel and our purpose as missionaries. NOW, I have NEVER had this response from anyone on my mission, but he said, " I would invite you in...but I have family in town." *I was used to that and almost expecting it* Then he goes, "Is there a time you can come back and teach me about what you believe? I really want to learn more!" *SHOCK!* Sister Macrum did a double take and I had to keep my voice even to show him that I wasn't extra-excited! So we are planning on going back and teaching him this upcoming weekend! SO that was great!<br />
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Tuesday night we drove in our jammies to Wilmington to spend the night with the Sisters there.<br />
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The next day, Wednesday, Sister Muder and I had to wake up at 5am, get ready, pack up, and get a ride with the elders to Raleigh at 6am. We had to drive 2.5 hours to get there...I slept in the back and the poor elders had to stay alert the whole time. The meeting was a Missionary leadership meeting and I had to give a thought, then we talked a lot about upcoming changes. Such as not having transfer meetings anymore, and peoples departure dates getting pushed back by a week because the MTC time is going to be restored from 2 to 3 weeks now. So yeah. That was interesting. We went out to dinner afterwards and took a long car ride home. We saw a few fireworks that way for New years;) <br />
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This week we had a really good lesson with our investigator Ezzy in a member's home. She is so excited to be baptized she has a count down going. When she said the closing prayer she prayed to God and said, "Thank you so much for sending these wonderful ladies to me. I love them for teaching me more about you and making me feel like I belong." It was so touching! It makes me sad to think that there are some people who live without the gospel. It brings so much joy and satisfaction.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Cookout with the local Baptists!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Billy making fried cornbread!</b></span></td></tr>
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I am grateful for this time I have to forget myself for 18 months and serve other people. I have been changed for the better and I want to continue blessing others as an instrument for the Lord. <br />
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Love,<br />
Sister GoldenGoldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-50447945859493191082015-12-28T15:00:00.000-08:002016-01-04T22:39:23.404-08:00Merry Christmas!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It feels like I have been in Hampstead for MONTHS! Rather than just over a week and a half. But things are BOOMING! It is so amazing to me to see how the Lord works in our behalf. <br /><br />We have been going down the ward roster trying to meet new people, contact referrals we have received, and tract to find new investigators that way as well. Sister Macrum and I have a great teaching mechanism and we know when to pick up, stop, and come in. It is fabulous. <br />
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I want to tell you about three people we came across this week, and how the Lord was in the details. First, Danny. We were actually referred by the Elders to go see his wife. So we park in the driveway, and bow our heads to say a prayer like we usually do. When I open my eyes I see a BIG man looming outside my window and I jump- do a little girly, 'ah!' and he jumps and does a big manly, "AH!" I get out of the car and say, 'You SCARED me!' and he laughs back and says that I scared him. To give you a better idea of the scenario, he is about 300 pounds, 6 feet 2 inches, has a prosthetic leg with tattoos on his arms and hands. We get to talking about Christmas and what he and his wife had done. He told us he was preparing a sermon for church the next day because they had asked him to speak. Both Sister Macrum and I said we were ALSO asked to speak to our congregation the next day! (Of which I had forgotten up to that point and was so kindly reminded.) HA! He said that he had always been a church goer and felt blessed this season especially because he had been searching for a job and was just hired. We praised him and I felt prompted to share Ether 12:27 with him about being humbled and then being strengthened in the Lord. And although the scripture doesn't really talk about enduring to the end...or holding to the iron rod, the phrase, "We need to hold fast!" came out of my mouth. I was like..."What?" In my head...<br />The conversation continued and we found out that the woman we were originally looking for was his wife. And she had just gotten knee surgery and was asleep inside. But I definitely felt that it was HIM we needed to talk to. As our chat came to a close we got his information, set a day to come back, and he says, "You girls be safe out there. Don't forget"... *holds up his fists and tattooed across his fingers it says, "HOLD FAST". Oh my gosh....I was prompted to say that because it had significance to him. It was amazing. I am excited to see where this goes with them.<br />
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<br />Second, Tim. We were looking for his wife and as we walked up to the garage he was tinkering around in he told us that she had left. But not just left, ... she 'LEFT....left'. Took their daughter and walked out. My heart swells and hurts for him. (That is what I love about the spirit and being a missionary. You actually feel how the Savior would feel if he were talking to these people.) Tim starts to cry and leans against the truck. I didn't really know how to respond to a grown man crying to us- strangers. So automatically I turn to the scriptures. I flip open immediately to Mosiah 24:13 and 14. He is listening intently and tells us that he is just hurting and what is worse, is that it was Christmas. He asked us to pray to the Big Man upstairs because he couldn't for himself. He hadn't been there for God, so why would God be there for him NOW? He also relayed how he felt about his communication with God...that is wasn't the best and he didn't know how it could get better. I LOVED this because this is EXACTLY what we address as missionaries. We both testified of God's love for him, and that no matter what was going on, Christ was listening to him and could feel his pain. We told him we would come back and address this more with him. There are so many people out there who are hurting and don't know how to find God.<br /><br />Third, Stephanie. A middle aged widow who is actually BAPTIST. But the nicest one you'll ever meet! She let us in her home and was telling us about her constant search for God and the things she has studied and read to build her relationship with him. She had several versions of the Bible, and said she had actually read about Mormons and knew a few. She had no hard feelings and said she would be up for reading the Book of Mormon and seeing how she felt. IT was great to feel so successful.<br />
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<br />Then we were able to meet a part member family and start teaching a 14 year old girl named Ezzy. She has come to church twice and ASKED if she could be baptized. (Jaw dropped open on that one!) We extended a baptismal date and she accepted. So hopefully all will go well and we will have a baptism this January :)<br /><br />Not so FUNNY things of the week. <br />- Our apartment has a flea problem and I currently have 18 bites on my feet and shins. <br />- We were driving in the pouring rain, got stuck in the mud, had to get pulled out, and felt SO dumb. I don't have great luck with cars these days...<br />
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<br />Great Service opportunity!<br />We went out shopping, put together stockings for three needy kids in the ward and dropped them off on Christmas eve. The Family we were eating dinner with drove us and their kids did the 'ding-dong-ditching'. It was so fun and fulfilling. The family who did it with us thanked us for letting their kids be a part of that neat experience on Christmas Eve :)<br /><br />Then on Christmas Day we went to the Bishop's house and opened gifts, ate food, went to the BEACH because it was 77 degrees outside, and sunny! Skyping the fam was definitely the highlight.<br />I am so thankful for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It allows me to repent, be with my family forever, and never question or doubt my relationship or personal revelation from God.<br />
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<br />For New Years I am setting a few goals for myself: spiritual, and physical. What are your resolutions to come closer to your Savior?<br /><br />Lots of LOVE!<br />Sister GoldenGoldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-35230023166974072602015-12-21T15:30:00.000-08:002016-01-03T11:43:00.412-08:00A New Area And A New Companion!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My new companion Sister Macrum!</b></span></td></tr>
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OKAY! So I haven't even been in my new area for a week but it feels like it has been months! I feel like I have known my companion before; she and I get along SO well. She is such a blessing and I am so grateful we are here together. <br />Last Tuesday at transfer meeting I had a feeling the WHOLE time that I would be going south..to Hampstead. When President asked me to stand and announced that I would be transferring to Hampstead to be a Sister Training Leader I just stood there...and said, "I knew it." And sat down. Everyone giggled because my reaction wasn't even one of surprise. They announced my companion a little later and said we would be opening the area together. Later on our almost 3 hour drive down to Hampstead she told me she had a feeling she would be companions with me and that she would be going to Hampstead as well. Sounds like we were both pretty prepared!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hampstead is on the coast</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />We had been told by our housing specialist that we actually DIDN"T even have an apartment yet- but could move in on Thursday. As the assistants were shoving all of our belongings into our little fusion car, Sister Scott the housing missionary says, "So I got you some sleeping bags so you can sleep warm on the beach!" She had forgotten how much I stress myself out so after saying that, I BURST into tears! I knew she couldn't have been serious, but I was SO nervous to go open an area. No apartment. No one to teach. No companion who knew the area..etc. I was frightened. She took us inside and tried to calm me down and told me that we were set to sleep at the Bishop's house for the next few nights and that they would help us move in on Thursday. I said okay and tried to pull myself together. The next few hours down to Hampstead were a blur. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Smith Girls</b></span></td></tr>
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We arrived at 7:30 at the Bishops house and we all piled into the car to go have dinner with the Brown's (another family in the ward). It was great- but I was exhausted and had a headache. We got home and the Elders came over and gave us the area book and started going over everyone in it. I felt even more overwhelmed. Then the Bishops wife starts talking about all the people we can go see, and I am just like, OH MAN. Can I do this?<br />
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<br />We went upstairs to the guest bedroom and got ready for bed. I was spent physically, emotionally, spiritually and all other “ally's”.....ha! As I said my prayer that night I asked heavenly father why I had been sent here. I felt so inadequate and so not up to the task that was being required. I felt like I was underwater and couldn't re-surface. As I was praying a thought came into my head. It was "Why would I send you here if you couldn't do it?" Then I remember what President James told us as he sent us off, "I stared at the wall for HOURS. And chose who would go where on inspiration." That WALL he referred to is a map of the mission with every single missionaries picture on it, so he knows where we all are and where he is sending us. That comforted me a little bit. <br /><br />The next two days we spent with the Smith girls...going over the ward roster, going shopping, seeing the area etc. On Thursday the assistants came to help us move in along with Elder & Sister Scott, the housing missionaries. We were also helped by the Smith girls who helped us do all the knitty gritty stuff like hang clothes, clean and make beds. We went out to dinner afterwards and got some last minute things for the apartment that we needed....oh, like a SHOWER ROD. That was important. It was like deja vu because all the things that were in my apartment in Morrisville came with me to my new apartment in Hampstead. WEIRD. <br />
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<br />The following days were so strange...we just went around, aimlessly meeting people the Bishop had filled us in on. A lot of part member families live in this area and less actives as well. BUT I LOVE THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE MISSION. Everyone here is SO much more accepting and kind. The ward is amazing. They are pretty old- but totally country. Accents, good cookin' and all else that goes with it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Putting addresses into the GPS</b></span></td></tr>
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I hope to fulfill all that the Lord needs me to do here. I don't want to miss anyone or anything he needs me to touch, help or change. Including myself. Remember, "Good timber doesn't grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees." Although times may be hard, I know that the challenges make us stronger and more deeply 'rooted in the gospel soil'. <br /><br />Lots of Love and have a Merry Christmas!<br />Sister GoldenGoldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-42379751189469869622015-12-14T14:30:00.000-08:002016-01-03T09:55:50.654-08:00Transfers!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OKAY. So the Big news of the week- both my trainee and I are getting transferred! So we are <br />
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leaving Morrisville and they are closing down the area for sisters for a while. I don't know how long; but that was definitely not expected. We got the call Saturday night around 9:30. I had been on edge all day with the phone on vibrate and at my waist wherever we went to make sure I wouldn't miss a <br />
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call from someone telling me that I was being transferred. So you can picture me, back at the apartment that night, totally deflated because I had been expecting to leave. I was mentally preparing for another transfer here when *ring-ring-ring* the phone goes off! Our District Leader Elder Hardy goes, "sisters, drum roll please..." <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Elder Hardy</b></span></td></tr>
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Then says, "you are BOTH leaving...pack your bags!" We were SHOCKED and spent the rest of the night trying to wrap our minds around it. The next day at church was super dramatic and emotional when they called us sisters up and Elder Hardy as well to give our departing testimonies. It has been quite humorous to have both Sister Petersen and I pack and not run into each other, do laundry and clean! Talk about mission memories! We had to give over our area book to the elders and update them on the things we have been doing. I am confident that they will do a good job and the Lord will direct them. What is meant to happen will happen- I am sure. <br />
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The week prior was also very eventful! We had Zone Training on Wednesday with the missionaries in our stake boundaries, and then Christmas Zone Conference the very next day with half of our mission. For Zone Training the other District leaders, the Zone leaders and I decided on what we were going to do. It was a little different than the average instructions, but we had a self reflection based training. We broke into two groups and one group sat out by the temple, and the second group went to the RS room inside the stake center. <br />
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We were given a piece of paper for each category of 'pre-mission, from the MTC till now, and from now until the end of your mission'. There were questions for each section that were meant to make the missionaries reflect and ask themselves whether or not they were where they wanted to be. It was GREAT and I think it served its purpose. The next day for Conference President James and his wife, and one of his counselors addressed us as well as a boy named Michael who had Cerebral Palsy, and a lady from the area who all spoke on life's challenges and overcoming them. It was amazing and the spirit was very strong. Then President James opened up the rest of the meeting for testimonies. It was a powerful way to end. After lunch we had the Music portion of the meeting! We were told we could perform, so up to the conference Sister Petersen and I practiced a song we wanted to sing. We sang “We Seek After These Things” and it was good- the other performances were great as well! That was a good day.<br />
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Then the day before all of THAT (Tuesday) was Deep clean day, for our apartments, and 2nd Transfer call-in for the New missionaries. So Sister P. and I were a part of that. We got on a conference call and President assigned each of us to talk about something from the 12 week training program. Whoa it was a busy week. On top of all of that we were able to find 2 new investigators and go on another exchange with the Asian sisters. I went with Sister Richardson to her Mandarin class and left with my head hurting! That is a hard language! Dang!<br />
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"A testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by the power of the Holy Ghost. Continuing conversion is constant devotion to the revealed truth we have received- with a heart that is willing and for righteous reasons. Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion. We should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel."<br />
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I am grateful for the conversion I have experienced. What are you willing to do to become more converted to your Savior?<br />
Love,<br />
SISTER Mallory GoldenGoldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-49942471313751880762015-12-07T15:00:00.000-08:002015-12-17T00:30:31.508-08:00Follow up with my Doctor!HELLO! This week was a cold one for sure. But today was nice and our zone got together to play some sports. But they chose ultimate Frisbee and volleyball so that they wouldn't break me again they said, ha!<br />
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So on Tuesday a member and I drove to Duke for my follow up appointment, and Sister Petersen stayed in Morrisville with a girl who is getting ready to go on her mission. At the orthopedic center Dr. Moorman told me that I was healing well and I didn't need my sling any longer, and I could resume normal activity and that I could move on with my life! <br />
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Of course I still have some restrictions, but I have run a few times and it feels SO good...so sore. My PT guy, Jared, also told me I can start adding in resistance bands to my exercises and doesn't need to see me for 2 weeks because I am progressing fast enough. I told him I could potentially be transferred the 15th and he said I would be just fine. That was good news! To think they told me I would need surgery...<br />Afterwards we had some left over time and Sister Youd who was with me took me on a little tour of Duke. She snuck us into the gym where the basketball team was playing, we saw Duke Chapel, some dorms, statues, and walked the campus. It was NEAT! Definitely different than BYU-I.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Duke's Chapel</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Basketball Practice</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dorms</b></span></td></tr>
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A tender mercy of the week was being able to see 3, part member, families. The ladies are all members and we go visit them regularly. It has taken months, but we have been able to build up a relationship with them and they actually took initiative and invited us back over; we were so excited. It caused me to ponder over why there is such a great emphasis placed on COMING to CHURCH.<br /><br />"How does the church accomplish the Lord's purposes? It is important to recognize that God's ultimate purpose is our progress. His desire is that we continue from grace to grace until we receive a fullness of all He can give. That requires more that simply being nice or feeling spiritual...on cannot fully achieve this in isolation, so a major reason the Lord has a church is to create a community of saints that will sustain one another in the strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life."<br />(1 Cor. 12:22)<br />"We do not strive for conversion to the church but to Christ and his gospel, a conversion that is facilitated by the church. The Book of Mormon expresses it best when it says the people "were converted unto the Lord and were united unto the church of Christ." That is why I came out and stayed on my mission. I wasn't converted to my mission, but to HIS gospel which fully involved service, and sacrifice for the well being of others. <br /><br />On top of training Sister Petersen, I have been able to go on exchanges- but double time since I have to go with each member of the companionship. I have a Zone Phone call each Friday, a meeting with the Zone Council the first Tuesday of the month, a mission wide leadership meeting every Friday following a transfer, I get to help plan the Zone Trainings we have once a month on Wednesdays, and then this Thursday we also have our Christmas Conference with President and his wife. OF which I will be singing in! YAY:) But to say we are busy is an understatement! I would rather that than not though. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Exchanges with Sister Huang from Taiwan</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Asian Snacks!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My District</b></span></td></tr>
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I have found it a unique challenge to try and feel the spirit influence my life as we have been more busy. It has showed me HOW important my personal studies are and my prayers each and every day- that is my life line with my heavenly father. And when I don't put as much effort into it...I really feel the distance. It is interesting. But I like being able to make a goal for myself and try to improve rather than being a stagnant missionary. <br /><br />A lot of people have been asking me about going home...it's like when you hit 12 weeks people get a vibe and start asking you non-stop, "Now, when do you go home?" It hasn't been getting on my nerves, but I don't like it being brought up so often either. I don't fear coming home, yet I don't have a desire to serve longer than my 18 month call. I don't consider going back to Seattle 'going home.' When I die, and meet my maker I will be home. Going to Washington will be my next step in this life; a chance for me to apply all that I have learned and sacrificed for while on my mission in North Carolina. So, when I return to Washington, I will still be a missionary, I will still love everyone and I will still prioritize my relationship with my Father and Savior. <br /><br />I hope that you all are embracing the Season! Enjoy your blessings and go bless others!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>People love decorating with laser lights!</b></span></td></tr>
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Love, Sister Golden.<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-29424647638832350952015-11-30T15:30:00.000-08:002015-12-16T23:35:00.084-08:00Post Thanksgiving!HELLO! This week was CRAZY. Just with everything going on :) But it was good. <br />
First of all, our thanksgiving was great! We went to the Rivers house and helped them cook some stuff. I made a southern favorite called Banana Pudding. Although after making it and knowing what all was inside, I wasn't too inclined on eating any of it, ha!<br />
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After cooking we watched the Testaments with them and headed off to our next appointment with the Milot's for the grand dinner. And oh my it was grand. So much food! I was so full! I didn't want to think about eating ever again! But we had a really fun time and got a bunch of left-overs. We were told by our Zone leaders that President wanted us out and about (although not knocking on doors) so we went to Wal-Mart and Target to talk with and contact people. Now let me tell you, that was my first experience with any kind of 'Black friday shopping' and I did NOT enjoy it at all! It was so packed and crazy and I had to do all I could not to get ran over! People had maps printed out and teams that were splitting up to go get things...I was in awe. SO that night ended in quite a lively way haha. <br />
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Now, rewind. We were able to go on exchanges with the Sisters in Cary on Wednesday after we had Zone Training.<br />
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I went to their area with Sister Buhler and got to meet and teach all of their cute investigators and some less actives. Going to another area is always fun because I learn and pick up on what other missionaries are doing to help them be successful. We had a really good time. I felt so good that the next morning I did some abdominal work and squats (by permission of my Physical Therapist) and was SO sore the next day. I forget that I haven't exercised in about 5 weeks now. I am a bum.<br />
While on exchanges we taught a girl named Lindsey who was actually living in Wilmington when I was there a year ago. My follow up trainer Sister Jones had actually started teaching her, but Lindsey wasn't ready and was mean and stopped meeting with them. Lindsey brought this up during our lesson and I told her I knew Sister Jones! Lindsey said to not ever feel like I don't do anything in missionary work. Sis. Jones probably felt like she didn't get anywhere with Lindsey. But because they took the time to teach her, she always remembered the Sisters and found them when she moved to Cary. NOW she is getting baptized. The work we do is never worth nothing. It is always worth something. That was a neat tender mercy of the Lord.<br />
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Earlier that day some crazy lady asked us for money, we ran into some not so safe individuals in a rough part of town, spent an hour talking to a woman who had a memory problem, and had dinner. So it was a great exchange :) I love being a sister training leader so I can meet all these sweet Sisters in my area and learn from them. <br />
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Earlier in the week we had a lesson with one of our investigators, and I ended up leaving very frustrated because it didn't go well. She was just confused and we were confused and we just didn't know what she expected. I was feeling really down because many of our investigators don't have desires to progress. They just meet with us and get the 'feel-goods'. But I want to fulfill my purpose and do my duty here as a missionary. So when I had a meeting with the leaders in the mission and the theme was 'Covenanting' my interest was peaked. President talked about how when we covenant with the Lord, set goals, achieve them, and repent daily we will be blessed with more people to teach than we can imagine. He gave examples such as covenanting to teach 3 lessons per day and give out two books of Mormon. Or tract the whole three hours from 6-9 and do so many things. So I brought this back to my area and Sister Petersen and I were able to make some of our own covenants. Guess what. We found 7 new investigators this week. We set a goal to find a family of 4 on Saturday, and the very last house we knocked on was a family of four who let us in. The next night, Sunday, we tracted all the way up until the last possible minute, and what happened? A family of 4 was behind the door and accepted us in. I can tell you that covenanting works. When we put our shoes to the pavement, diligently seek out the Lord's will, and work like there is no tomorrow, He WILL bless us. This is a pattern I will follow for the rest of my life. In school, in Marriage, in family, and all else. I want the Lord to fill the cracks in my life that I cannot. <br />
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Friday night we had dinner with our Indian friend named Rina. It was some yummy native food that she cooked for us and we were surprised when she had a friend she has known since college stop by to join us. He was Buddhist and was very intrigued about our missions and what we believe as a religion in general. It is interesting who the Lord placed in our path so that we could reach our goal that day. We talked a lot with Joey about our faith and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a great night that turned from just a dinner appointment to a specific place for us and this man to meet so we could discuss our doctrine.<br />
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Then we decided to drive by our investigator’s house who told us she wasn't available to meet until January 7th and we found her at home getting ready to leave! We had a short lesson with her, a prayer, and said goodbye. We heard her saying, "Such sweet girls, bless you. " As we walked away. Just another moment to see God's hand in my life this week. <br />
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Here are some quotes that touched me this week!<br />
"Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and when acted upon are confirmed."<br />
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"When He answers YES it is to give us confidence. When He answers NO it is to prevent error. When He withholds an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in him, obedience to his commandments and a willingness to act on truth."<br />
-Richard G. Scott.<br />
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Love, Sister Golden<br />
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<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-90992496175629059402015-11-23T13:30:00.000-08:002015-11-28T13:05:05.528-08:00Thanksgiving Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello my family! Thanksgiving is upon us..again! Are you going to do anything fun? I hope so:) We will be going to help the Rivers family cook that afternoon, then go to another family's house to eat din din and then another family hopefully for a party. It was really cold today too- I hope it fades.<br />
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This week we were able to enjoy an Indian Feast prior to thanksgiving at a ladies house named Hitha. She and her family are good friends with some members in our ward and invited a few people over for dinner. THERE was so much food. But it was so neat. The few neighbors she invited were really interested in talking to Sister Petersen and I. I am thinking to myself all the while, "If this happened because we knocked on your door, you would have told us to go away!" Ha. But these families asked all about missionary work, our church, and were very impressed with what we were here in NC doing. One man and his family told us that we should stop by their house the next time we were in the area and chat with them. YES! That is exactly what we were hoping would happen!<br />
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Sunday we had an Early thanksgiving dinner with the Strange family who is in the Morrisville ward. It was a great time and it gave me a chance to reflect on what I am truly grateful for before we even sit down on the 26th and go around saying what we are thankful for. I love my family, country, education, my Savior, the gospel, the sun and so many more things. Ha.<br />
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Another highlight was when we went grocery shopping with Cathy who isn't a member but has taken somewhat of a maternal role over us and wants to make sure we are okay:) We tracted into her and she has been someone we visit every so often. But she was SO kind and bought all of our groceries for us. IT was such a tender mercy! I just love the hospitality here.<br />
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<br />Here are a few thoughts that I have had this week and wanted to share!<br />Belief and faith require our personal faith and action. We are all trying to run to the end of our missions, to sprint to the tape, and complete these years with honor. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain." (1 Cor. 9:24) The decision to believe is the most important choice we ever make. It shapes all our other decisions. Belief and testimony and faith are not passive principles, they are things we actively choose to believe. On our journey as full time missionaries we are constantly working, or running, to receive the blessings, rewards and benefits that lie ahead of us. Just because our peers and the elders and sisters around us are moving on in a forward direction doesn't mean we can sit back and expect the current to catch us and bring us along as well. We need to make the choice to believe, act, and run so that we may receive our prize at the end of our lives; the prize of eternal life. The finish tape isn't at the end of our missions, this is only the practice. The finish is when we meet our maker. I love the gospel and my Savior, and I know that through Him we will find strength to run. <br /><br />Sorry it was rather short. But I am looking forward to the up and coming week! <br />Lots of Love,<br />Sister Golden :)<br />
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<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-84916067583611724902015-11-16T02:30:00.000-08:002015-12-16T23:29:44.179-08:00The Sacrifices of Missionary Work!Well hello my family! I hope that this week was a good one for you all! It has been cold, rainy, dark, then sunny here in little Morrisville. I hope the warmth stays as long as it can...I really dislike the cold. Ha!<br />
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So yesterday we were able to go and teach our former investigator about the Restoration of the gospel. I had tracted into her in August but we hadn't been able to get up with her until last week and set a return appointment. She is a woman of strong faith and attends a non-denominational church and believes there isn't one true church here on the earth. As we were teaching I only used Bible verses to reference to the prophets, the apostasy, Christ's ministry, the restoration, and so on. This is the book that the Southerners are accustomed to, and know well. Our mission President has challenged us to become more familiar with the Bible as we teach so that our investigators can understand and draw similarities more easily between us. That is what I did! You could tell that she was intrigued and very much aware of what we were saying. She asked a few questions here and there and towards the end of the lesson she asked a question that stumped me. She said, "So what you're saying is that the Church of Latter Day Saints is the only right church- and everyone else is wrong?" I wasn't stumped because I didn't have an answer, but I was afraid to A. Make her mad, B. Offend her C. Make her think negatively of us. I answered her and said that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's church restored to the earth again. That didn't appease her...so I said "So yes, this church has the fullness of the gospel in it..." She wasn't mad but she did sit back in her chair and say,"That is what I thought you meant." As we continued speaking she let us know that she didn't agree- but she was cordial about it which I appreciated. Our lesson ended REALLY well and she accepted our challenge to read 3 Nephi 27 before our next visit and said she would study some more. <br />
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After we left I was really annoyed with myself. WHY was I scared to profess my knowledge that: YES this is the TRUE church and she NEEDED to experience the happiness it brought because it would change her life?! We are told over and over again to be bold as missionaries. To not fear man. To bear our heartfelt testimony. I felt as though I had failed and didn't chalk up to my potential as a missionary in that lesson. There was more I could have said, done, and shared. The sweet member who came with us, who is new to the gospel as well asked me, "Do you feel like you shared all that you believed?" I said I did, but should have done better. She responded with, "Then you did all you were to do." I am grateful to know that we have tomorrows, second chances, opportunities to try again. Because without Christ's grace, the sacrifice he made, I would be in DEEP trouble. I learned that as a missionary we still have fears and doubts and concerns. But do we focus on that? Or let the Atonement push us through and bring us to the next step of illumination. Line upon line. Precept upon precept. <br />
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Something neat that Sister Petersen and I were able to participate in this week was Young Women in Excellence. The girls 12-18 in our ward had an evening to talk about their accomplishments and showcase things that they had done or were a part of for school, YW's, or other activities. The head of the Young women's program asked us to come speak for a few minutes on "Light and being your own sunshine" amidst today's ever changing world. We were HAPPY to do it and it made me reminisce my naive days as a young teen in Young Women's:) HA! But it was so fun. Three of the girls spoke from each class, then us Sister Missionaries, then the Bishop. Seeing the strong youth being raised to stand up for what they believe in really humbles me and wants to make me be a better example. I hope that when I have kids I can implement all the amazing things I have learned from church leaders, as I parent and raise them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>YW's President ~ Sister Bennett</b></span></td></tr>
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Door contacting this week was very special! We ran into a lot of interesting individuals who are STILL children of God and I am practicing my patience with ;) Sometimes I wonder how I would react to two adorable girls with skirts on, who are smiling, friendly, complimented me, and had a unique name printed on a badge that they wore. Unfortunately all people see is our Book of Mormon, and imagine horns, crazy beliefs and the last thing they notice is my smile and undeniably cute, frizzy, curly hair that blows in the wind on their doorstep. HA. I can only imagine. There was a lady who had just gotten eye-lid surgery because her eyes were too baggy to open them, and was chatting with us enthusiastically. We ran into a Pastor of another Non-denominational church and he gave us his card, we talked with a father who was fixated on a grasshopper on his door and said he didn't want it jumping inside so he had to go. Another lady said she was very committed to and had a good relationship with her....CHURCH. I was like, uh, shouldn't you have said you have a very committed good relationship with your SAVIOR? All well. Then everyone else was Indian and said they were Hindu. BUT I know that we are here for a reason and we just need to be the instrument and the Lord will lead us to the right people. I know that missionary work contains so much more depth and breadth than just tracting. And we have been able to work with our new and less active members, strengthen our own testimonies and conversion and implement more with our members. <br />
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I do wish though that more people actually understood what a 'Mormon mission' entailed. Some will say, "Now you have a relaxing weekend!" or "Go on home and enjoy yourself." Or "Go see this movie, show, play etc." Or they say they have a friend who went to ____ said place...and loved the mission they served. If more people understood the sacrifice and the lengths of work we go to just to help other people gain happiness we may be received more readily. But...Christ's ministry wasn't easy. He faced hardships. He endured denial. He went through tragedy. So can I. This is the Lord's work, and it will go forward no matter what. <br />
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I know that this is the Lord's church on the earth today. If we truly seek out, really wanting to know if there is truth to be had in today's world, we will find it. And it will be in HIS church. <br />
Love ya!<br />
Sister GoldenGoldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-18795914337537476622015-11-09T14:00:00.000-08:002015-12-12T20:22:03.490-08:00I'm on the Mend!First off, I am doing much better this week! I am sleeping better and can basically do everything on my own. I washed my hair last night and just used my right arm if I needed to raise an arm over my head. Yay me!! Some members laugh at me because I am more bulk with my new and improved (pillow included) sling. I call it my bionic arm, or transformer, ha! When I do things it takes me 2 times as long and I look funny.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sister Youd my surrogate mother</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>A great place for stashing things!</b></span></td></tr>
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So my District was going to get together to play sand volleyball, of which I was so excited about, and was quickly shot down by my companion saying I couldn't play...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My companion Sister Petersen</b></span></td></tr>
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anyway, we woke up to rain, and now 5 hours later it is still raining. So our District leader cancelled it, ha...kind of funny! So it will be put off till next Monday. Maybe after a few PT appointments I can play?!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My friends from the MTC</b></span></td></tr>
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This week we finally went out and did some work. Our numbers have been awful the last few weeks. We found a new investigator who is Chinese and her name is Min Ming. She is interested in religion as a whole and accepted a BOM. We will see if it goes anywhere. After almost a month of not meeting we finally saw the Ramos kids. I really hope one of them chooses to be baptized. While out tracting this week we had an Indian man (who has been here for 18 years and is very westernized) ask me if I was brain washed. He told us we are two young, unlearned girls wasting our time. And he belittled us. Oh my, was my blood boiling! But what I realized was the name badge on my chest carries Christ's name and prevents me from doing anything I may have done if it were just me. Who I represent (the Lord, the Church, my family) makes it so that I am 100% more aware of my actions and reactions. It made me think!<br />
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On my mission I am acutely more aware of bearing Christ's name and leaving a positive impression of the church. Why did it take me serving a mission, wearing my Savior's name to act in a way that wouldn't disappoint or hurt the Lord and His Church? The covenant I made at baptism had already placed Christ's name upon me, now it's just more tangible being on a black piece of plastic. Going on a mission helped me to realize that I am always on the Lord's errand, and I am always representing the Savior and His gospel. I am grateful to be able to practice more fully my ability to reign in my human characteristics and exude Godly qualities. I want to carry this for the rest of my life. As we go about our daily lives, there are many people who watch us. I want to make sure that all I do is of "good report and praiseworthy." So, there is your spiritual tid-bit, or inside my head for the week.<br />
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We have been working with a lady who is a returning member in the ward. She was baptized at 21, fell away and found the church last April...40 years of inactivity. This last week she went to the temple for the first time and did baptisms for the dead with the youth. She was SO happy! Her joy was so full that I couldn't help but feel the same way. It helped remind me that this is why I am here, to help people make covenants, and enter the temple. Although this has been a challenging area, I know that the Lord looks out for His children and wants us to progress. God's whole purpose, His work and his glory is to enable each of us to enjoy all His blessings. I am so blessed to have you all for a family. Being sealed in the temple is that much more precious to me.<br />
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I love you all,<br />
Love Mallory (Sister Golden)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>A Sugar Glider from Australia</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-24553702141005381142015-11-02T13:55:00.000-08:002015-12-12T18:41:44.630-08:00To Be Humbled!So this week was UNIQUE! And by unique I mean different than anything else I have ever done. Ha! I have almost mastered living with one arm- I can do so much with only one hand! The one thing I still can't do is my hair...so it is going to be frizzy and unruly for the next few weeks. My companion is great and has really been looking out for me. The Lord knows who to place in our lives at certain times!<br />
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I am no longer the designated driver and that is so weird for me! I haven't been the passenger in a while and I saw everything in a new perspective..I call it the seat of shame. HA!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My new job...backing the car out!</b></span></td></tr>
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So the day after I broke my clavicle it was deep clean day in our apartments. I was a big contributor..NOT. But I did try to do what I could..and no I didn't over-do it so don't worry :) That night at our dinner appointment we got to carve pumpkins with the Rivers. It was fun. I was still exhausted after the last few days events so it was a good outlet. I carved with one hand! Go me.<br />
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Wednesday I was really tired, sore, and probably hurt a little bit more than I previously had. The Sisters we share the car with were SO sweet and Christ-like...they gave us the car until we get cleared to walk again- so probably after my surgery. That night was the Trunk-or-Treat for our ward and it was so cute! There was chili and costumes, and many friends. Only a handful of people asked about the sling that I was wearing...the rest of the ward saw me with it on Sunday and said, "Oh I thought it was a part of your costume!" Haha. Nope. Hermoine Granger didn't wear a sling that I ever remember. (PS that's who I was. And I rocked the hair as well.) WE gave out candy bags that had pass-along cards in them to the friends (of our members) who attended this event. IT was a good time- although cut short by the rain.<br />
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The rest of the days we were able to see a few of our less actives, investigators and members. But we didn't go full throttle because I want to be careful and let myself heal. It is hard to reign in the 'missionary' within me! That was a challenge and I had a constant battle with myself. But I was wise, and CTR..chose the right. <br />
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Halloween was fun. We did our normal missionary stuff during the day and then when the trick-or-treating started we went to a members house and mingled there. They threw a party and had some non-member friends there. It was great. <br />
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Not being able to do much on my own has helped to increase my humility. I know that the Savior suffered all, and I can turn to him. Learning how to rely on others has been difficult, but if I can't let those who I am serving help me, how could I ever let the Lord help me? I am doing well and will keep you updated on the coming week! <br />
<3 Sister Golden<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My Ice Machine!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I use it while I sleep!</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-11651145094717271222015-10-27T10:37:00.000-07:002015-10-29T10:39:46.747-07:00Serious Mishap!So I accidentally hit a curb and busted our car tire last weekend..I broke my collar bone playing soccer at our Zone Activity, I can't do ANYTHING on my own, and then the mission president asks me "well did anyone at least get a good video of it?!" when he heard about my fall. It was funny. I got a blessing and some drugs afterwards and will be in a sling for 4 weeks. Surgery is not an immediate need and we will go to Raleigh on Monday to see a Dr. to make sure I will heal correctly. For a girl who has never even dented a car, never fractured a bone...this was a rough week! hah. So please excuse any errors or sloppy sentences- I am now typing with 1 hand. Not so Golden...bahaha.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Changing the flat tire</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Getting our tire fixed at Mr Tire</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Urgent Care</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Broken clavicle with bone fragment</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The elders brought me some cookies!</b></span></td></tr>
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This week was different (besides the obvious reasons.) But I was able to see the Lord's hand very prevelantly in my life as a missionary this week. We went to go see a less active sister even though it wasn't planned and we brought some cake we were given. She let us in and immediately ate the whole thing. She started crying and said she needed our visit because this week was really hard for her since her husband has passed away. I was glad we listened to the prompting to go and see her.<br /><br /><br />
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Tuesday of lasdt week we had our first transfer training meeting with {President and his wifwe plus<br />
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the assistants. It was so great! We are becoming such good missionaries because of what Presidebnt is emphasizing and focusing on. I love it!<br />
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So North Carolina has a motto. 'Esse quam videri' in latin. It means to Be rather than to seem. I love that. We should always strive to be our best selves- not something fake, or what we think others want us to be. We should focus our efforts on pleasing Christ who will help us become so much more than what we could ever make of ourselves. <br /><br />I love this quote I came across in my studies as well. "The Lord instructs his servants to be humble because the process of being made whole spiritually begins with a broken heart. Think of all thgood that comes from broken things. Soil is broken to make wheat. Wheat is broken to make bread. Bread is broken to become the emblems of the sacrament. When one who is repentant partakes of the sacrament with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, he or she becomes whole."<br /><br />Apply that today!<br /><3 Sister GoldenGoldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-48454340389229427542015-10-19T15:30:00.000-07:002015-12-12T18:31:37.987-08:00Jason...our car tracker!We got a Tiwi put on our car. Tracks the speed, brake pressure and driving skills of the missionary. It will be interesting! We have a card to log in and out each day we drive. And it talks to us if we go too fast or don't have a seat belt on...it's name is Jason.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheL1UWZvsXs-oDlqJzg8hwwrBRNkL68HaWcCeb_MXRLtCC1K2Ca2M9ATVNUVs24A2U5yDS5d205tQTqRnCGxkwtYnks6S8CCfmGxqxY-pQtdrBWV7gKh9xhZoH11GlfaFWx8M2j7mpn3k/s1600/DSC01618%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheL1UWZvsXs-oDlqJzg8hwwrBRNkL68HaWcCeb_MXRLtCC1K2Ca2M9ATVNUVs24A2U5yDS5d205tQTqRnCGxkwtYnks6S8CCfmGxqxY-pQtdrBWV7gKh9xhZoH11GlfaFWx8M2j7mpn3k/s400/DSC01618%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a> We had Zone Conference this week and Pres. James and the assistants and a car rep for the church came from Utah. It was a great time- Sister Petersen and I were asked to give a role play in front of all the missionaries because I guess one of my answers was something the instructor was looking for. I had to invite an unwilling investigator to pray for the first time out loud after a lesson. Upon them saying no I needed to ask again and get on my knees and wait for them to respond. It was great! President James came down from off the stand to join me and be my companion for the role play. I leaned over to tease him (it's my personality) and said "You know President, it's kinda hard to kneel in a skirt over and over again..." He then said, very loudly, "I know! I don't know why ANY one would choose to be a girl!" The whole chapel erupted into laughter! It was so funny. Then he got a little sheepish and said some things after that...I pretended to be offended. I think he gets my humor ;) But it was great!<br /><br />That night we had some really good homemade Indian food for dinner with a family from the ward. Brother S is actually Indian and a convert to the church. The only one in Morrisville. He is great- we liked that dinner because we asked him a ton of questions for the area.<br />
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After that is was kind of humorous because we went to go see an investigator who is a kind Indian woman (christian) and she had Indian snacks and tea for us to try. WE were FULL!<br /><br />Friday we were able to see two sisters who are living together and in their 70's. One is a member and one is not. After listening to some of the conversation I felt as though the one sister was struggling with something but hadn't opened up. The spirit prompted me to share Mosiah 24:13-14; I was hesitant at first. But after reading it and sharing a brief testimony this lady told me that her daughters anniversary of her passing away was the next week and she felt really sad and burdened down. She said she appreciated the scripture more than I knew. I am grateful to be a missionary and to help people receive the revelation they need.<br />
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The next night we were tracting around and I recognized a house of someone I had talked to before. We knocked on the door and expected no answer. A couple lived there and invited us in. They were Catholic and had a ton of questions about the church and what missions are like. They were intrigued that we would leave family and home for 18 months to do this. The wife was so cute and turned into a mama bear and offered us dinners, and rides, and said to CALL her if we ever needed anything. And then she gave us her number and drove us home. Although we cannot commit everyone to be baptized, or even take a Book of Mormon, we can instill friendship and love into the hearts of the people we meet.<br />
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<br />Love, Mallory<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I love my care package!!</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-41140151194860641552015-10-12T16:59:00.000-07:002015-10-22T17:30:07.076-07:00Power Statements Work!Hard Work Pays off! This week we went out contacting (tracting) a lot. We had been studying ways to approach people in conversation on their door steps with something we call a 'power statement.' Just a regular "HI we are missionaries from the church of..." won't get you very far. So we came up with a 'theme' you could say for that day's contacts. This last week was the Atonement, and this week is about eternal families. We are using short concise spirit filled statements that will hopefully catch peoples attention.<br />
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I can say that IT WORKED. We found 4 new investigators this week! Actually the Lord led us to them. I love the quote, "Don't ask the Lord to guide your steps unless you are willing to move your feet." So true! This can be applied for all facets of life though. I am glad to be learning it now when I can make it into a habit!<br /><br />Last week was filled with so many great things! First we had Zone Training. Where all of us missionaries in the Stake get together to be instructed by the different leaders. Our Zone's motto is Earn your Wings. (A scripture from Isaiah) We are working hard to find new people to teach and lifting the respective areas in which we serve to their highest potential.<br />
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The next night Sister Toner took us out for Indian food at a place called Betel. And it was FABULOUS! I can say for sure now that I like Indian food...at least what I got. Ha.<br /><br />The NEXT day, we got to go to the Temple and do a session as a Zone. This is the first time I have ever gone to the temple with the Elders, and it was a great bonding experience. I love the spirit that’s felt at the temple. It is a place for us to reflect on how we can improve, and go out to make the world a better place. After the session we had lunch together (Costco Pizza) and then had a small devotional with the Temple President. He gave a great talk about the symbols and meaning behind the temple. I want to study more and read more about the temple when I get home. The Temple literally means the house of the Lord; what a privilege it is that we can visit and be so close to Him.<br />
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We went out tracting later that day and had some success. We ran into a man who was part of the Jehovah's Witness church and I took TOTAL advantage and asked him every question I ever had about that religion. It was a good conversation and after politely declining his offer of giving me their Bible and trying to convert us we left. The next place we went to was a grouchy, old gentlemen who opened and closed the door in one swift movement, no pause in between. He saw us and said, "NOPE!" Haha. I laughed. When we knocked on the next door this little old lady hooked up to an oxygen machine answers the door and goes, "Oh my gosh! Ohhh myyy goshhh? It's YOU! I just talked to you! You're here!" I was very confused...Maybe she saw us in a dream and we were an answer to prayer? Nah. That was wishful thinking. Ha! She thought I was her daughter and my companion her granddaughter. She didn't hesitate to tell us that she was VERY disappointed we weren't them. I felt so bad! They said they didn't need anything and we could leave. So we did. Ha.<br /><br />Another funny thing this week...we were fed pizza 4 times. I am very tired of pizza. Sister Petersen said that she was craving it and all of a sudden that week BOOM. The Lord provides. So many carbs...<br /><br />Sunday we were able to teach that family of 4 again at a members home. We have gotten through the first 3 lessons, and are now teaching the commandments. I had been praying to find a really good video or mormon message that would go along with our lesson about Church attendance, Prayer, and reading our scriptures. I couldn't think of one before hand so we just went ahead to the lesson and I trusted that the spirit would take the reins. About 3/4 of the way through the lesson our member Brother M. made a comment and *WHAM* all of a sudden the phrase, "Daily Bread" came to my mind out of NO WHERE! I had been praying for this and the answer came. Daily Bread is a 3 part video given by Elder Christofferson about the need for physical sustenance as WELL as spiritual sustenance. It was the perfect video for our lesson and the spirit that filled the room was so strong. I know that the Lord provides, but not until we go forth in faith and start the work on our own. <br /><br />“I think it’s not by chance God has created us in a way that we have to have daily physical sustenance. The children of Israel, coming out of Egypt, lived for 40 years, approximately, on something called manna. They couldn’t have lived from hunting, and their lifestyle was such that they couldn’t be planting. So they really didn’t have an alternative. God was, in essence, providing their daily sustenance. And I think at least one of His purposes was to teach them to remember Him, to think of Him, to look to Him, to have faith in Him, that He was the source of their life. He did it in the way of making it a daily thing. They couldn’t gather up manna and store it. It would only be good for one day. They couldn’t forget who was the source of their blessings. There’s a spiritual parallel in our day. We all recognize the need for physical sustenance. Hunger and thirst remind us very strongly if we forget. But the spiritual need for sustenance is equally strong. It comes not in drinking water and eating food, but in our constant, daily efforts of communion with God. We ought not to think that we can go weeks and months without spiritual sustenance and not suffer and not have a deadening influence in our spiritual life. Acknowledging the reality of our need for a daily spiritual administration, or manna, helps us increase in our courage to do the right thing and to serve others more than we would have if we ignored God. People sometimes think, “well, those are such small things. Prayer, immersing ourselves in the scriptures, pondering, meditating--how can that really produce a significant difference in a person’s life?” But it does. As small as those things seem to be-- as daily, routine, sometimes, they may seem to be--these are the kinds of things that, day by day, transform us.”<br /><br />Love y’all!<br />Sister Golden:)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I love this family!</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-57575058883939697092015-10-05T14:00:00.000-07:002015-10-16T23:03:09.120-07:00Hurricane Warnings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many of you may have heard that a little storm blew through the Eastern States. We had some crazy rain and wind for almost two weeks straight. What made it more interesting though was the fact that we bike and walk every other week. It was a fun experience to say the least. My companion got new shoes the week prior and got so many blisters! I felt so bad. <br /><br />The week itself was good. We were able to befriend a few less active ladies who feel lonely, and LOVED that we stopped by. One of them said, "Now you know you MUST call me if you EVER need a ride anywhere!" It was so precious. People need to feel like they have a place; like they have something to contribute. That is when they will open up and the spirit will be able to touch their hearts. Sister Petersen and I aren't here to condemn, guilt trip or set unreasonable expectations. We are here to love, serve and invite people to come closer to Christ. When paired with promptings and inspiration, there will always be feelings of love there.<br /><br />Tuesday was a fabulously busy day. Those days are always my favorite. I feel more successful. We had lunch with a less active lady, went and saw a part member family who made us some yummy pumpkin oat cookies (yes they were good), and later that evening saw a sweet woman who is returning to church. We had gotten caught in the rain that evening and luckily our dinner appointment drove us to our next lesson. We have been teaching a woman who is Indian descent but Christian. She is always excited when we come over and said she would have an 'Indian treat' for us that she cooks. Unfortunately when we arrived she was leaving and said she had to cancel and had texted us earlier about it. We didn't get it and had to leave- but that happens in missionary life. Sadly quite often, but I have gotten good at having back ups at the ready! It just stinks when A...B...C...and D all fall through also. And then it starts raining. HA! IT all builds character ;) At least I will have dates planned back at school and always have a back up...JUST KIDDING. I make myself laugh.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Waiting for the dreaded flu shot!</b></span></td></tr>
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We also got a hurricane warning this week. Our Zone Leaders called and told everyone to: 1. Fill up our Car 2. Charge our phone 3. Get 30$ in cash 4. Have our emergency buckets ready to go.<br />Problem...we don't have the car, I have no monies, and my hurricane bucket was left in a previous area. So Sister Petersen and I start racing around the kitchen throwing together ramen, almonds, tuna, soup, granola bars, oats, hygiene things, clothes, etc. We were a whirlwind of commotion. We were then told to get flashlights, water, and extra food. Our dinner appointment had just cancelled on us and we were going to get a ride to the store with them. So we reached out to a member we are really close to (she and I are like kindred spirits) and she took us to WalMart to get some stuff. Emergency Essentials! She also fed us dinner afterwards, drove us home in the rain, and came to a lesson with one of our investigators. She is SO great. I love her. <br /><br />We got some texts from a sweet couple who has adopted us as their grandchildren making sure we had all the necessities. They ended up bringing us over some banana bread and soda to make us feel better. Sometimes I want to cry because
members just care SO much about us. I feel so indebted to them at
times. But they are trying to serve just as I am. We are all on the
Lord's errand.<br /><br />We had a really great lesson with our family of 4 we have been teaching. They have gotten through the first 3 lessons and said they want to work towards being baptized. I want them to progress so badly. I feel a yearning for them to experience what I have felt because of the gospel- and what I have seen my family become because of the blessings received. We love them and are so grateful that we are trusted enough by the Lord to teach His precious children. <br /><br />Conference this weekend was AMAZING! I can't even place if I had a favorite talk or not. But I can say that all 10 questions I brought to conference were answered Specifically and Directly. I was so humbled by the fact that the Lord cared enough to answer me through his Servants. I loved being able to see 3 new apostles called and sustained and I loved being able to feel the spirit as each of them spoke. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Watching conference with the Spagnolo Family!</b></span></td></tr>
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Saturday night we contacted a man who was a Baptist Deacon and had no qualms in telling us we had better be careful what we are preaching - because if we didn't we knew where we were going. I was able to use several Bible verses and have a lively conversation with him in which neither one of us swayed. Poor little Sister Petersen had no idea what to do. But it is scary when someone bashes on the things you love and cherish. I was so high on Conference that I laughed a few times when he denounced our principles and Book of Mormon verses. We left and I was confident and happy to be a member of this church.<br /><br />It is true. This is real.<br />I love you all!<br />Love Sister Golden:)<br />
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<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-79151496331008964542015-09-28T14:00:00.000-07:002015-10-16T22:08:54.269-07:00New Companion!So this week was a blur! On Monday we said most of our goodbyes, stayed up packing Sister Atkinson's things, and went to bed.<br />Tuesday was an early start because I had to be at the church to go through some training at 8:15. We met our new missionaries/new companions, and then had lunch, went to the transfer meeting and saw all the departing missionaries who were going home. It was sad, but you knew that they were returning with honor. The older I get in the mission, the more people I know, and then the more I know, the more I have to say goodbye to!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bye bye Sister Atkinson</b></span></td></tr>
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That night we jumped right into missionary life. We went and visited one of our investigators and taught her about the Book of Mormon. We brought her a Hindi Book of Mormon because that is her native language, and she was SO excited. She said she would start reading right away. <br />
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After the lesson Sister Petersen goes, "Whoa. I really don't know what the heck I am doing here. I feel like I don't know anything. You were so good in there. I can't do that!" That made me think back to when I was a new missionary last September as well. I had forgotten how scary, humbling and eye opening it all was. But I encouraged her, and on we went. We did some contacting and I told her to just say, "Hi How are you doing today?" As soon as the person opened the door. Door contacting is so scary at first and I want her to be confident. NOT nervous. WE had dinner with our Relief Society President, had a mini meeting then grabbed some quick groceries to hold my new missionary over till Monday and headed home. We learned how to plan, then crashed. She was exhausted! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Our new children! Me with Sister Petersen</b></span></td></tr>
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The next morning the alarm clock doesn't go off, but my body wakes me up at 6:50. I'm like, "SHOOT. I am starting Day 1 already as an AWFUL trainer." I wake her up and we exercise in our living room. I have to remind myself to do everything a little bit slower and explain what we are doing because Sister Petersen isn't used to the daily grind yet. But I have enjoyed really thinking and focusing on what we do. It helps me understand our purpose on a little deeper of a level.<br />After studies we go to District Meeting, then to lunch with the Green Level Sisters. It was nice because we were all able to give Sister P advice and sympathize with her about how she was feeling! Oh man, I remember being in my first week on the mission. She is a champ.<br />
<br />We then went to an apartment complex to contact some former investigators that we found in our area book. Some of them had moved, some didn't answer, and some said they weren't interested. It was good practice though just knocking on doors. Although we didn't get a whole ton of answers, we were able to meet a nice man whose name is actually GUY. He was impressed with what we are doing and asked us to come back the next week after we shared a scripture with him. <br /><br />Thursday we commenced in our first ever Weekly Planning Session together. It took a while, but that's okay. That night we were fed dinner twice, haha. Chili with the Erickson's and Mexican chili with the Ortiz's. Man, was I full! It was pouring that night as well- luckily we had the car!<br /><br />Friday we sang the song Come Follow Me at a baptism for the Elders. Everyone said that it was great and brought a special spirit to the room. I love that music and hymns can do that :)<br /><br />Saturday we were able to contact one of our potential investigators! That sweet woman Karin who liked my prayer. When we walked in she immediately said, "Honey! Give me your number I want to be able to contact you! I am so gald you came back. Every time you are here there is just such a wonderful warm presence. IT's like you carry something with you. I just love that. Could you come over for dinner one night? I want to get to know you girls better." After some more conversation she gave us homemade applesauce, jelly, and brownies that she had canned, or froze. She is SO Sweet. People are so kind when you just LOVE them for who they are. She wants to keep in touch after my mission as well. What a nicey lady. <br />
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<br />Then on Sunday after dinner we went contacting, found 2 new investigators, and one lady was so excited that we had an extar Book of Mormon for her, that she went to her pantry and gave us her homemade canned Dill Pickles, Sweet pickles, and peppery pickles. Haha so nice. Southern Hospitality is a real thing. I think we need that in the West Coast. That night the family we ate with made HUGE steaks, baked potatoes, and peas for dinner because they knew we had been fasting all day. Food is 2x better on Fast Sunday :) Haha.<br /><br />That night we had a really great lesson with a family we have seen about 3 times now. The three children are really like sponges, and as we teach they ask us questions. They have also been reading in the Book of Mormon and want to watch Conference next weekend. <br /><br />I know that this is the Lord's work. Remember, if this wasn't the Lord's work, the adversary wouldn't pay any attention to us.<br />I love it, I live it I need it.<br /><3 Sister GoldenGoldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156830107697274850.post-46486090041762061812015-09-21T14:30:00.000-07:002015-09-28T22:31:37.121-07:00Asked to Train Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Alright, so I am going to share a bit of news first before going on to the rest of my letter. On Friday we got a phone call from President and was sort of freaking out. We had just gotten back from our work out and I was all sweaty and short winded. We answer and he asks to speak with me...he doesn't say anything for what feels like a minute. I start to panic in my head and worry if it is bad news. But then he goes on to say, "Will you train for us?" Blunt and to the point. I say, "yes, President I will." And he goes, "I'm sorry." I don't know how to respond and consider saying, "Thank you?" and "Why?" HA! He continues, "I am sorry that I only have a few people I entrust with the sacred calling of being a trainer. And know that I can trust you completely to do this job. But I know you will be great." I was glad to know that the Lord trusts me, and so does President James, but I was still nervous! I feel like I don't know the area, BUT... I also know that the Lord compensates for what we cannot do, and we are endowed with power when we need it most. So I am trying to just pray a lot and put my faith and trust in the Lord.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>We love biking!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Someone gave me a basket:)</b></span></td></tr>
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Anyways. This week was a good one for teaching. We started teaching three siblings, whose mother actually has been taking the discussions on and off since 2009. We had one lesson with the kids last week and all of them plus their mom came to church yesterday. That night we had another lesson with them and the SPIRIT was so STRONG! They were all sincerely interested and asked to continue the lessons. They said they would all study and seriously pray about baptism. The mom said, "You know, now I can finally accept the Joseph Smith story. I understand that these things can happen and that God speaks to people differently due to time period, personal reasons and what we need." So I know that the Lord has plans for his children. We needed to teach them at THIS time, because the children are old enough to understand, and that is helping their mom learn as well. So neat :)<br /><br />Another lesson we had this week was with a single mom and her three girls. She has also been seeing the missionaries for years. We had a heart to heart lesson and she opened up to us about her struggles as a single mom and we were able to share a scripture of comfort from both the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon. She really appreciated that and said that it let her know that God will always talk to his people and never leave them abandoned. This was a great leap because her religion doesn't really even read the Bible. <br /><br />Another lesson...with another single mother (I am beginning to see a pattern) was about the Strippling Warriors. She said that she hated being a single mom and felt that she wasn't doing her kids any good by raising them alone. I felt prompted to turn to Alma 56 and when we got to the part where the boys said, "for our mothers knew it..." she teared up and said "I needed to hear that." The scriptures continue to amaze me. No matter what our life struggle may be, we can find hope, comfort, and solace when we open and read them. Even if we don't get an answer in word form, the spirit that comes with reading can be an answer in and of itself. I have found that to be true many times for me as well. If it isn't a habit for you already, I would encourage you to try and read from the scriptures daily. You will find more spiritual comfort as you do so. <br /><br />This week we had Zone training so we all got together at the Stake Center. That is always a treat because we learn a lot...and we get to see the temple of course!<br />At the training we got a bunch of new information! News that we can NOW do things with Elders! Such as have a District or Zone Activity, and with permission drive to meetings together, and possibly being able to eat together after meetings. It will be SUCH a weird change, but I believe that it will increase the unity of our mission and allow us to practice obedience on a higher level. Just gotta' stay consecrated! Ha. Today we had our first Zone Activity and played football, kick-ball, and zombie ball. That last one was interesting. Haha. We got a big zone picture which I will hopefully receive next week. But it was great being able to mingle and create a better relationship rather than shaking hands and going in the opposite direction.<br />
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Tuesday was our Deep Clean day last week. And we went to TOWN! We cleaned out our apartment SO good. I felt very accomplished and actually miss being able to clean and organize. Weird, I know. But it is like a stress reliever for me! I just turned the music on and we went straight for 4 hours!<br />
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So because of conference coming up we have been informing our investigators and less actives about the Sat. and Sun. sessions, as well as the Relief Society Broadcast. We seem to be getting good feed back about people wanting to watch and attend. I know how powerful conference can be; and for someone who is investigating or trying to return to church, this can be a crucial moment! I love going into conference with specific questions I want answered. 1. It always works. 2. I feel more close to my heavenly father. I want you to do the same! :)<br /><br />So this cute little 80 year old man had been meeting with us on his door step for about two weeks. He is the one who always calls us pet names, haha. The last time we saw him he called us, "Sweet darling baby girls". When we brought a couple with us to a lesson The Old Man said that he wasn't interested in learning anything further. But we were SO charming and didn't know how such nice girls like us were in the world. 1. It made me feel good that we put a positive note on the 'Mormons' and 2. I now can say that an 80 year old man had a crush on me. Ha! Too bad he broke up with us before it went any further. <br /><br />I am truly grateful for the gospel in my life. There are many struggles that our investigators face- and others who refuse to listen to the message we have to share miss out on blessings that could help them through. I want to quote a talk I was reading by President Monson.<br /><br />"When the pathway of life takes a cruel turn, there is the temptation to think or speak the phrase, “Why me?” Self-incrimination is a common practice, even when we may have had no control over our difficulty. Socrates is quoted as saying: “If we were all to bring our misfortunes into a common store, so that each person should receive an equal share in the distribution, the majority would be glad to take up their own and depart.”<br />However, at times there appears to be no light at the tunnel’s end—no dawn to break the night’s darkness. We feel surrounded by the pain of broken hearts, the disappointment of shattered dreams, and the despair of vanished hopes. We join in uttering the biblical plea, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone.<br />To all who so despair, may I offer the assurance of the Psalmist’s words: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”<br />Whenever we are inclined to feel burdened down with the blows of life’s fight, let us remember that others have passed the same way, have endured, and then have overcome.<br />Job was a perfect and an upright man who “feared God, and eschewed evil.” Pious in his conduct, prosperous in his fortune, Job was to face a test which would tempt any man. Shorn of his possessions, scorned by his friends, afflicted by his suffering, even tempted by his wife, Job was to declare from the depths of his noble soul, “Behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high. I know that my redeemer liveth.” <br />As we each face different hurtles in life, let us see them as humbling blocks, not stumbling blocks. I know that the Savior is in the details. Although our mortal mind cannot comprehend the end of our challenge, our spirit knows that this life is just a place to learn and be tested.<br />"Yes, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is our Exemplar and our strength. He is the light that shineth in darkness. He is the Good Shepherd. Though engaged in His majestic ministry, He embraced the opportunity to lift burdens, provide hope, mend bodies, and restore life."<br />I leave that testimony with mine as well.<br />
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Have such a good week :)<br /><3 Sister Golden<br />Goldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331791831869079703noreply@blogger.com0