The 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!

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. 
 
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.

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.

YW's President ~ Sister Bennett

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.

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.

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.
Love ya!
Sister Golden

I'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.

Sister Youd my surrogate mother

A great place for stashing things!

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...

My companion Sister Petersen

 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?!

My friends from the MTC

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!

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.

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.

I love you all,
Love Mallory (Sister Golden)

A Sugar Glider from Australia

To 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!

 
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!

My new job...backing the car out!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!
<3 Sister Golden

My Ice Machine!

I use it while I sleep!

Serious 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.

Changing the flat tire

Getting our tire fixed at Mr Tire

Urgent Care

Broken clavicle with bone fragment

The elders brought me some cookies!

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.






Tuesday of lasdt week we had our first transfer training meeting with {President and his wifwe plus

the assistants.  It was so great! We are becoming such good missionaries because of what Presidebnt is emphasizing and focusing on.  I love it!

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.

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."

Apply that today!
<3 Sister Golden

Jason...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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Love, Mallory

I love my care package!!

Power 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.

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!

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

“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.”

Love y’all!
Sister Golden:)

I love this family!

Hurricane Warnings!

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. 

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.

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.

Waiting for the dreaded flu shot!

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.
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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

Watching conference with the Spagnolo Family!

 

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.

It is true.  This is real.
I love you all!
Love Sister Golden:)