tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56328789339967275372024-02-07T04:06:27.996-07:00Seattle is the Luckiest...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-57266585239358703522013-05-01T18:13:00.004-06:002013-05-01T18:13:33.812-06:00I don't know a lot, but what I do know is...Missions don't end when the nametag comes off. <br /><br />It has been a rough morning for me. It's been hard to focus and I can't think straight. I just knelt down and asked God to help me focus this last week. I felt prompted to write my testimony of the purpose of this work and to help me refocus.<br /><br />This is what I came up with: Love. <br /><br />I could have told everyone before my mission that i knew the church was true, but i couldn't explain why. I could have said that I knew our Heavenly Father loved us, but I didn't fully understand what that meant. I'm not implying that I even fully understand it now or that I ever will while in the mortal existence- but I do understand it just a little bit more. <br /><br />I have felt the love our Heavenly Father has for the people we have talked with and listened to. I have felt the spirit guide me to someone who God loves and have watched them either reject or accept God's outstretched hand. I know that sometimes we mess up and it brings sorry or unhappiness and God will never stop forgiving us- and neither should we. <br /><br />There is no room for chaos or contention among the members of the church. In a society where we are conditioned to focus inward, we must take every opportunity to focus outward; to find those who need to feel God's love for them.<br /><br />Our Heavenly Father loved us so much that he sent His son, He called a prophet in these last days, and restored the Church to the earth. We invite people to repent and be baptized by someone who holds the RESTORED priesthood authority so that they can feel their Heavenly Father's love and return to a loving Heavenly Father. All that's going to matter in the end is love. I love you all. Go help someone to feel the love that their Heavenly Father has for them.<br /><br />Love, Sister MahaffeyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-27906567276800259572013-05-01T18:12:00.001-06:002013-05-01T18:12:33.396-06:00BAPTISM! (April 22)I wish I could come up with really cool email subjects like Elder Mahaffey does. Something like Mayong Butang... but I can't. All i got to say is BAPTISM! CHEEEEHOOOO!<br /><br />Oh goodness. The lord provides. no doubt. All the glory goes to God. This couple is amazing. I will just show you pictures when I get home, but truly they are amazing. They are young 22 and 24. they have two little kids. The husband was able to quit chewing. It was so cute to watch them watch each other on both sides of the font. Their family came and we gave them a church tour afterwards. They said that they just felt comfortable being there and everything made sense. The ward was really supportive and great! My heart. God is good. <br /><br />The missionary department called again and they want to follow me and Sister Nicholes around for a day. Awesome! These experiences are so good. WE have been so busy lately which is such a blessing. We are finding new investigators almost everyday and the ward is really excited about missionary work. Every one is racking their brains thinking about how they can share this message. The fire is spreading! So excited.<br /><br />We took our recent convert to a relief society function earlier this week and someone came in and told us to follow them. She took us out to the parking lot and there was this girl on a motorcycle just sitting there waiting. She said that she felt prompted to stop by because she used to go to this church when she was REALLY young but never got baptized! we gave her a book of mormon and got her number. MIracles.<br /><br />Then we were getting out of our car another time and hadn't even had time to open our mouths and this guy shouts, " what your mormon and you're not going to say anything to me?" haha. People know and people are watching. Always open your mouth!<br /><br />Sum, I'm so happy you are in the city! You will LOVE IT! i'm sure of it. <br /><br />I love this gospel, so much. I love your testimonies. I love the atonement and our savior's sacrifice. This is all true. The End.<br /><br />Love, Sister MahaffeyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-135130553528928752013-05-01T18:11:00.000-06:002013-05-01T18:11:12.988-06:00Emotions (April 15)Oh HELLO!<br /><br />Haha, Sister Mara here. I am on an emotional rollercoaster. Fo' rills. Poor, poor sister nicholes lol. She is so cute though. I love her to death and she is growing so so much! I'm so proud of her! She put two people on date this week while tracting. I was so proud!! <br /><br />Our progressing investigators are awesome.They got interviewed on Saturday night for their baptism this week. We went over thursday and the husband had cut back from a whole can of chew a day to one dip. We told him he needed to be clean for at least 24 hours before the interview. I asked him to give me his cans of chew so it wouldn't be a temptation. and he did! He had such bad headaches and looked pale. I have never prayed and fasted so hard for someone in my life. He got a blessing and is doing better. His wife is so cute and such a good support. Our ward mission leader has been keeping him busy. honestly, they are a gift from God. I feel so humbled to be able to teach them. I can't wait to be able to tell you all about them face to face. There is so much to tell. I just thank God every day for being able to be apart of their conversion.<br /><br />We had a sister's-only meeting this week. It's crazy all the changes that are taking place. They had to call 3 sister trainers a while back (like sister AP's) and I am one of them. It's so fun to be able to work with the sisters and try to help them in their areas and companionship. I love it, truly. I love all these sisters! <br /><br />Thank you for your emails! Sum! Keep it up over there :) those filipinos will come around! haha. I love you all so much!<br /><br />Love, Sister MahaffeyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-35696547613297127942013-05-01T18:08:00.001-06:002013-05-01T18:08:12.249-06:00Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words To Each Other (April 8)Oh my lands. This week... i don't even know what adjective to use. haha. We saw so so many miracles. I loved conference. Learned a lot about not gossiping. <br /><br />Our progressing investigators who are getting baptized on the 20th are doing amazing. Living all the commandments. They weren't sure about a living prophet or Joseph smith- they watched the restoration and came to conference at a members home and said they felt the spirit. They are doing so good! I love them so much. <br /><br />We had a meeting this week with all the new missionaries- SO MANY SISTERS. Oh my goodness. There was a lot of gossip and drama going on in that short time and I felt the spirit leave immediately. I hated it. There was a spirit of contention. I don't ever want to speak negatively of others or TO OTHERS. It'd probably be good not to even think negatively of others either. President Larkin called us to repentace and said "If you don't love each other, find a way" I felt so much love and respect for that man as soon as he said that. I always say it, but Charity is the answer. Beg for it. Plead for it. 2 nephi 26:32- it is a commandment to NOT have envy or malice or contention. I love that our family doesn't talk bad about one another and that we are so open with each other! I love it!! Let us all support and love each other forever.<br /><br />Conference was AmaZING. I wish i could talk about everything i liked... <br /><br />I had a couple of break downs this week. It just keeps hitting me that this time is SO short. Oh, my heart is hurting. I was crying during conference and just praying that God would lead us to someone who needed our help that day. ON our way home from conference on saturday we saw a guy holding an advertising sign. The thought occurred to me that we need to talk to him. SO i told sister nicholes to write it down and we would go see him another time. We were almost home and the spirit constrained me to speak with him NOW. So I proceeded to have an argument in my brain about whether it was me or the spirit thinking this haha. WE turned around and pulled up. Even still i was thinking, we are going to freak this guy out maybe we should come back later. But I was moved to speak to him. Sister Nicholes, thought I was insane. Rightly so. aha. SO get out and ask him how he is and if he goes to a church. He said he was trying to get his life back in order because he just got out of jail yesterday and needs to change his life. OH MY GOODNESS. We testified of the truth of our message and how it would bless him. He gave us his address and we went back that night. He is preparing or baptism on may 4th. Best part is.... he came to conference the next morning with fellowship. MIRACLE. Things have been happening like that ALL week. I can't share all the stories, but just know I love this work. I love it. Entirely. Do good and be good. Talk with everyone. Mom wrote me last week and says that she prays to be led to people who need help each day. I challenge you each to do that, and god will open up the possibilities for you to be someone's saving grace that day. <br /><br />Love you! Have a great week :)<br /><br />Love, me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-73579929174793158392013-05-01T12:05:00.002-06:002013-05-01T12:05:51.029-06:00EASTER (April 1, 2013)happy easter everyone! isn't life so good? We taught the primary yesterday about easter. So funny. i completely lost my voice this week so i was like whispering/yelling at the kids to listen to me and they thought it was funny. NOT. Haha, i got a virus that like half the people in FW have and there isn't a remedy for it. All the members have been taking such amazing care of me and giving me all sorts of medicines. I don't even know what I'm taking. It's amazing the strength the lord is giving me to be able to work hard during the day still and muster some kind of noise so I can talk to people. lol.<br /> <br />Oh goodness. I love easter season. I love how it focuses everyone's attention back on the Savior. It hit me really hard this week that we celebrate Easter because he IS risen. That is present tense. While sometimes others may focus on his death and sacrifice, we can focus on a living savior and allow him to be alive in us. We can feel him and his presence everyday by living by the spirit. It's beautiful. I was feeling bad because I always thank Heavenly Father in my prayers and I wanted to thank Jesus Christ too ( in know it sounds juvenile lol) but then it hit me that they are ONE! haha, I preach it all the time, but it finally clicked in my lil head. Oh, i love the simplicity of this gospel. I Love our HEavenly Father and Jesus Christ so so much. Words can't do it justice, but I will try my best to live in harmony with my feelings for as long as i live.<br /> <br />Sister Nicholes is my new companion. One of the younger sisters. She is from Cedar Hills, Utah! She had a REALLY hard time this week. I know that this mission will be amazing for her. She had a really hard time talking with people and sharing the gospel. We did A LOT of roll playing. I could see her hitting a mental block- our minds are so powerful. She just got so frustrated and I wanted to take it from her. The atonement is real, we can give it to our Savior and continue on. Happiness is a choice. This week was just such a testimony builder of the power of CHOICE. we get to choose to control circumstances and be happy or let them control us. I love it. She will do great things! I'm proud of how she has grown already!<br /> <br />K, well CHOOSE to be happy and make good choices this week! I love you all!!!<br /> <br />Love, ME.<div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-7474006008800220812013-03-29T09:23:00.002-06:002013-03-29T09:23:46.472-06:00TRANSFERSDun Dun Dun<br /><br />I will be finishing in FEDERAL WAY BABY! haha. But i ain't trunky. Sis. Dobbins got transferred and is training as well. We go pick up our greenies today at 2pm! Exciting. I feel like this transfer is going to be so good! I just feel happy and excited!!!<br /><br />We met with a family that we have been teaching for about a month now. We met them tracting and they came to church, met with the bishop, saw a baptism, etc, etc. The works :) As we were teaching the plan of salvation we asked the mom what she felt her purpose is and she said "I just want to be a good mom and raise my boys" lol. nice answer! After church she bought slacks for her husband . We went over a couple days later and asked them to be baptized and she said "I'm ready, I'm ready right now" but her husband has been chewing since he was 6 years old!! gosh. We taught him the word of wisdom and before we could ask him to quit chewing, he said he needs to do it and he will quit next week! he is doing great and they are committed to baptism! I love this family! <br /><br />The missionary department experience was great! I learned so much. I felt so privileged that we were picked because we learned so so much! The guy was so chill and so down to earth, he just interviewed us and helped us with investigators. It was very low key. I loved it. and he took us out to lunch. and I love food. he told us a lot about whats going on in the world of missionaries, mtc, and so on. Crazy stuff in the works!<br /><br />It was kind of a slower week because we both got the flu and were down for the count but we bounced back pretty quick. it's all good.<br /><br />oh! I saw michael ruesser in seattle while i was on exchanges!!! cray cray stuff. I saw him running across the street and before i could stop myself i yelled at him and ran away from my companions over to him and gave him the BIGGEST handshake :) (obedient)<br /><br />We went out to eat for Dobbins' bday yesterday. Seriously so many Polynesian members there, i felt like we were celebrities. everyone wants to talk to the missionaries. If i didn't have an identity crisis before, i sure have one now. i love my polys!<br /><br />Great things are happening! I love being a missionary! I love our family and i love that we all email each other every week. Stay strong. communicate. love one another! love you!!<br /><br />~ Sister Mi'afe<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-31392223563893803252013-03-21T08:54:00.001-06:002013-03-21T09:09:34.026-06:00TO ZIONHey family! This week was an exciting week. first, we got a brand new car! A white, subaru, legacy. So far it hasn't rolled down our driveway into a creek (sara) so it's all good. haha. I love it! Imma be a racecar driver when I grow up.<br /><br />Then, we got a call from the missionary department in salt lake city and they want to come and follow me and Sister Dobbins around for a day this week. OKAaY. I'm nervous! haha, but it will be fine because we are obedient and we have the spirit and that is all that matters!<br /><br />I have so many funny stories from this week. I will share it with you when i get home. haha. #lazy. Just know that the Lord is protecting us. <br /><br />Our investigator found out that she can be baptized on the 30th. HURRAH HURRAH FOR ISRAEL. TO ZION TO ZION. this is the lords work and all that matters in loving unconditionally. true true. OUr savior taught us to love by example. There is power in the scriptures and with that power we can feel his love and love others in return. I have learned that it doesn't matter what we say to people haha. if they feel our love and read and pray everyday, they will change. That is a promise!<br /><br />I love this work so much! It is in the Lord's hands and he is at the forefront of it. We met a man that some other sisters are teaching. He is from iraq and has been waiting to come to the USA for four years. He came here three weeks ago, met missionaries and is ondate for april 13th. He is so excited to be baptized!! <br /><br />Keep spreading the word and loving everyone! love you!!<br /><br />Love, Sister MahaffeyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-27324181453390955012013-03-21T08:52:00.000-06:002013-03-21T09:10:14.057-06:00Love you ALL!This was another great week full of learning, growing and teaching! I had promised that I would glory in tribulation from here on out and God put us to the test haha. We got a voice mail from President on Friday this week saying that he had received inspiration that each companionship would find someone that day who could be baptized before the end of march. AS soon as you try to do something good, the adversary will go against you! haha. NO one answered their door until about 4pm. We just pulled over and prayed and asked God to lead us where we needed to be. Nothing came to us except a calm and peaceful assurance. We kept working with a happy and hopeful attitude. At 6:30 after getting kicked out of a complex and not teaching anyone, a man answered the door. He had taken the discussions with his mom a while back. She got baptized and then died 3 years ago. He wants to be baptized still, is living the commandments and still reads his BOM. He is on date for march 23rd. Glory in tribulations and continue diligently with hope.<br /><br />Sister Dobbins is amazing! We had to split up this week because we had too many appointments one night. She took our investigator family to a baptism with Bishop and his wife, and then had a church tour with them after the baptism and invited them to be baptized. This sister is teaching me so much! She has some amazing talents and gifts. I took our chinese investigator to a different baptism with another member... not such a good experience. lol. the girl getting baptized was screaming as she was going into the water hahaha! Then our investigator didn't want to get baptized... iz all good.<br /><br />I love you all. I'm so happy! I love our family and this gospel and this work. Have we not reason to rejoice?! Love you!<br /><br />Love, Sister MaraUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-90448389383768591342013-03-08T07:31:00.000-07:002013-03-08T07:31:12.169-07:00Romans 5:3-5Glory in Tribulation! Haha seriously. This week taught me so much. We had a good week and taught a lot of lessons, but I felt so sad that we didn't have any REALLY progressing investigators. It just made my heart sad. I have never prayed for someone else before like i did this week. I'm not tryna be on a high horse or anything, but I feel something changing. I know that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love each and every one of us. My prayers changed this week. Instead of praying for someone to be baptized or to be led to someone who was ready to change their life, I just prayed that we would be able to be an answer to someone's prayer. I have been humbled, gained hope and faith, and have begged for charity everyday. My heart hurts when people don't accept the gospel (except for when krusty ole ladies are rude to us), but that's ok. God know's what he is doing and all he wants from us is to be obedient and diligent. <br /><br />I'm so stoked about Aubs being home! I'm not surprised about the change in her. i felt it in her letters. She is such a good example to me! Her spirit is so strong. I know she is going to be quite the leader and be so successful in whatever she does. I can't wait to see her and go on splits with the missionaries when i get back! Oh speaking of splits. My first roommate at BYUI just got back from her mission and lives here! Haha! we are going to do splits this week. Crazy eh?<br /><br />Sister Dobbins is doing great! I'm so proud of her. She is so obedient and has huge potential. I do love her and I hope that she recognizes how much potential she has. I'm sure that's what our Heavenly Father wants from each of us, to recognize our potential and live up to it.<br /><br />The ward got split?!? that's cray cray! As long as Aubs and Sara are still in the ward then everything will be ok. haha, just kidding. But seriously. That's soooo cool. I can't believe Ankara got misionaries! That blows my mind. Goodness. Everything is changing, how exciting. I didn't know sum's mission got split! <br /><br />Gosh, I love this work! I hope to be as good a missionary as Aubrey :) I have come to realize again and again that charity is all that matters in the end.Go find someone that needs to feel God's love this week and be an answer to their prayers. <br /><br />I love you!!!<br /><br />Love, Sister MaraUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-52287030838049014832013-02-26T09:34:00.000-07:002013-02-26T09:34:14.586-07:00WASHINGTON FEDERAL WAY MISSION!!!This week was FULL of miracles! Seriously! It was so busy, fun, exhausting, etc. I loved it! But by looking at me, you wouldn't know it. haha. I'm so unemotional because I want to conserve every ounce of energy that I have! <br /><br />People were just popping out of the woodwork this week. The spirit was so strong and our faith has increased so much. The Lord really does provide if we trust in Him, have faith, and work on. Sister Dobbins second day in the field, we met a young family. We asked the wife how having a new born helped her to understand her purpose in life. She said that she just wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and raise her kids. OKAY, mormon. They have been looking for a church, so we took them on a church tour a couple days later and there was this huge ward party going on. Despite the noise and chaos, they said that it felt warm and like home. Sister Dobbins put em on date for march 23rd! Das ma gurl!<br /><br />The next day our plans and back up plans fell through and then this potential's name popped into my head so we ran over there and she was home for the FIRST TIME EVER. we taught her a lesson and set up a return appt. As we were driving away we saw a former investigato standing at the bus stop on a busy road. So we parked the car and ran and talked with him, we talked about church and said a prayer. He came to church for the first time this week!!! Then we went by after church and he is now preparing for baptism. his brother and sister-in-law are less actives. (samoans, yea buddy :) I love being a part of this work!!!<br /><br />Our investigator that went MIA is baaackkk! She came to church! She was just going through a really rough time, but she got a priesthood blessing this week and she can be baptized whenever! She is just nervous/unsure. Pray that the spirit works on her and that she will feel peace! PLEASE.<br /><br />Oh my goodness! while we were tracting, we came around the corner to tract another building of the complex and there were 4 cop cars and two policemen standing outside behind bushes with their guns loaded and aimed! hahah! So we turned around and left. Oh man, I LOVE FEDERAL WAY. I love it so much! <br /><br />It's so crazy to be a part of the work at this time in life. The Lord truly is hastening the work and the church is changing right before our eyes! There is an added measure of excitement for the work these days. It's awesome.<br /><br />oh. and a HUGE samoan woman kissed me on the cheek this week. i love her! <br /><br />haha, sorry this is so scattered. carry on, work on :) have faith! love you all!<br /><br />Love, Sister Mara<div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-11383672864604901482013-02-26T09:27:00.002-07:002013-02-26T09:27:50.726-07:00"Why you no like my food?!"Haha! What's good erybody?! Oh my goodness, i had a new baby girl! haha. I just got her yesterday! I'm training again! only two sisters came this transfer but i have to have her ready to train the 20 sisters that are coming next transfer. I'm so incredibly tired but we have already seen miracles together and she invited a family of 3 to be baptized last night!<br /><br /> It was so sad to leave sister fedorovych though. We stayed up laughing for a long time before transfer morning. Man i will miss her. We were doing language study and she asked me how to ask if someone didn't like my food. I was like " why you no like my food?" dead serious. I thought that was correct and then i caught myself. My english is shot. <br /><br />Sister Dobbins is my new companion. She's american but might as well be from a different country. She is from montana and there are 167 people in her town. the nearest town is 30 miles away and she had 6 students in her graduating class.... yup yup . I love it. She is so enthusiastic about the work and she is so much more prepared than I was haha. oh man. She is a drama and theater person and has an amazing voice! I feel like i'm living in a broadway musical everyday. Life is good.<br /><br />SO last week was a trial of faith! Oh goodness, i was just sad because we couldn't find or help anyone to come closer to Jesus Christ. Then, Elder Bowen came to our mission and talked about some guy who broke the record of running a mile under a minute and since then people have broken his record several other times... He said that doctors said it wasn't possible for the human body to run that far that fast. It just goes to show that whatever the mind can BELIEVE, we can ACHIEVE. no lie. It's a beautiful thing. We are in control. It gave me so much hope and faith! I trust God!<br /><br />Last night was an awesome experience. We met with an inactive woman and i just love her. SHe was baptized 8 years ago but doesn't go to church anymore :( She said that she didn't want to talk about it and it would open up a can of worms. We shared a scripture about the sacrament and the spirit filled the room. she started crying so hard and said she knew she needed to come back to church. Oh! I love it!!<br /><br />Ok, well we don't have much time today. We have to run off . have a great week!!! Believe and just wait, something good will happen :)<br /><br />I love you! Love, Sister MaraUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-49209702206472189292013-02-26T09:18:00.000-07:002013-02-26T09:18:15.102-07:00God will provideThat is so COOL that our ward has Sisters now! Oh my goodness. how awesome. I can't wait to work with them :) Well, i Can wait. But it will be great to be able to go on splits and stuff. <br /><br />We had a great week! we found two SOLID investigators. One of them came to church and stayed all 3 hours. We had members at the lessons and everything. It was awesome. We are starting to see the power of God here in our area! We are definitely experiencing a trial of faith and haven't helped anyone get baptized lately, but it's okay! God is pouring out his miracles and power here. I feel like we are more united with the ward and things are starting to slowly progress. It's fantastic. <br /><br />We met with an investigator at our bishop's home last night and some other members were there. It hit me so hard that we don't have to help them understand EVERYTHING and wait for them to get it all. As long as they read gain a testimony then they will repent. And that is the doctrine of Christ: to repent and be baptized. It's not as hard as it sounds. <br /><br />Sister Fedorovych is so funny haha. I feel like i'm raising a child. Oh my gosh, i laughed so hard this morning. I had to call and schedule a dentist appt for her and then fill out all the paper work at the dentist's office. It was so funny trying to explain some of the questions on the sheet. Like "have you ever had a locked-jaw?" She couldn't understand it so i had to act it out for her. There were at least 7 other times like that. I die.<br /><br />Then we had to wash our car today. OKAY, the girl has never washed a car before. We had a timer of 2 minutes to spray it, scrub it, soap it, rinse it. I told her to spray.... false didn't work. Then i let her attempt to scrub. She had no idea what she was doing. oh man, everyday is an adventure.<br /><br />I love this work. I love our family and friends and the plan of salvation. The gospel can help ANYONE- we just have to show them! I love you all :) <br /><br />Love, Sister MaraUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-56435705184331936592013-02-04T12:29:00.001-07:002013-02-04T12:29:49.653-07:00From the Four Quarters of the Earth<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Things have been going really well lately. I have such a testimony of putting our faith and trust in God and continuing onward with hope. I have noticed this cycle that I get into, where I will rely on myself, my teach abilities, my obedience and then we see a few miracles and then things get rough again. So I will completely turn it over to God and just give it up to him and we will see a few miracles and then things get rough again. This week. I feel like I began to understand what it means to work as if everything depended on me and pray as if everything depended on God. It changed the work. We didn't have an influx of lessons taught or a baptism, but for the first time this transfer, our investigators have begun to progress! it's amazing. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Coupled with that mind set was determining who's glory we are really seeking and what are our true motivations. I felt the focus change: from teaching so many lessons and striving for baptisms, so the ward would know we were working hard-to sincerely loving God and his children and trying to talk with everyone out of a genuine desire to help them have a relationship with their Heavenly Father. The shift was amazing. The work was less stressful this week, and teaching was more enjoyable. I feel so humbled and I know that all of the success that we saw this week was because of the Lord. NOT US. Oh, and the thing that sparked this shift was a letter from Sister Manwill (aubrey:) She is an amazing example to me! good friends are so important. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We had three of our investigators come to see baptisms this week. The spirit was so strong at each of them and the ward members were so welcoming and warm. I SO appreciate it when members step outside of their comfort zone just to make others feel welcomed. It means the world. ( oh we are teaching a Burmese woman, thai kid, sudanese man, kenyan guy- the 4 quarters of the earth are here in OUR mission!)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I really love having foreign companions. Sister Fed hears idioms and tries to use them- I laugh so hard every time. This week she said that we could take a less-active with us teaching and she said " it will be great! We can kill two rabbits with one stone!" hahaha. Then later, we met a woman name Velvet. Well, sister f can't say "V" so everytime she talks about her, she says "welwet" haha. I'm so immature, but it's the little things that make each day fun!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We met a kid this week who's eyes were so empty. I have never seen eyes like his before. He told us about his life story and how he has been on his own since he was 10. Oh my goodness. We wanted to help him know that he has a loving heavenly father so badly!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I LOVE federal way. I love this ward and their desire to help people. i love their love for missionaries and the gospel. I love our Heavenly Father and I know he wants whats best for each of us. This is HIS work. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Have a good one yal. I Love YOU.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Love, ME.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-54120766113328792862013-02-04T12:27:00.001-07:002013-02-04T12:27:47.652-07:00BELIEVE!<span style="font-size: large;">January 28</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm so scared! My time is so so short! Oh goodness, I don't want to go home. It was a great week. We met a lot of new people and have been going through the ward list to try and find those people that are never at church or who we have never heard of. It's amazing how the spirit is directing us to random names. We met with a woman last night that the Bishop hasn't even heard of or met and she said we can come back tonight! I hope we can teach her and her family! One of the less-actives that we have been working with lately came to church for the first time since i have been here, in federal way. Oh my goodness, it made my heart so happy to see him there. I don't know why, but it just made me happy. Maybe it's because it was something that he has been wanting to do and knew he needed to and he finally felt the strength and desire to do it. I don't know. haha. This work is the greatest. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So for Sister Fedorovych's bday she wanted to go to an asian restaurant. We picked one that neither one of us had been to before and sat down. It was a japanese buffet and then they told us that it was 20 dollars a person! I totally was game to get up and walk out and not eat there, but Fed was too embarrassed and said that we should just stay. hahha. So we did. And there was a lot of sea food that I didn't like, but she loved it. Happy Birthday to her. lol. I'm glad it made her happy.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We met with another investigator this week and she is baptist and from burhma. we told her to pray and ask god if she should come to our church and help him soften her heart. She looked at me and said "you pray" lol. I told her that she had her free will and needed to pray for herself. and she said " well if you don't believe then my heart won't change" haha. I loved it. I love asians. It was a simple statement,yet profound! and she was right ;) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I love you so much. I love how this gospel has blessed my life and our family. I love our family so so much!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Love, Me.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-30374348514945723422013-02-04T12:25:00.001-07:002013-02-04T12:25:31.846-07:00Foggy nights and Skate Parks<br />
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Hallelujer! Praise the Lord! Oh my goodness. This week was great. Interesting but so great. Sister Fedorovych is hilarious. She will be 25 on the 24th this week. We taught a lot of Russians/Ukrainians and started an English class at the church. I teach grammar, she translates and I help them pronounce things. We got a lot of cards printed off to advertise, now we just have to go out and find all the people!</div>
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So we were trying so hard to contact 80 people each day this week... which is harder than it sounds. But we just went to parking lots and contacted and ran up to people getting out of their cars and walking into the mall. We talked with EVERYONE. Serious, I have never been able to do that before on my misison. I don't know why I'm not scared anymore. I probably got a little prideful and thought it was just me being confident, but Sumner's email humbled me and I know it's the Lord that blessed me with that courage. I'm the worst trainer. lol. I laugh everytime Sis.Fed tries to contact people. She gets SO nervous. I told her that i was right beside her and if her mind went blank, then I would fill in. She is doing great though. WE have been practicing on inviting everyone to be baptized. I did it a few times as an example and then I set it up for her so it would be really easy. When it came time for her to extend the commitment her mind shut off and she didn't say anything. Hahaha. SO funny.</div>
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I think the Lord sees how hard she is trying and working because we experienced such miracles this week. as we were talking with everyone, this woman came up to us (who had previously rejected us a few days later) and said that we looked so happy and she wanted to take her girls to church! We got her info and went and had a lesson with her with a member. She came to church with the member and she wanted to leave after the first hour but her girls begged her to stay. So they stayed all 3 hours!</div>
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30 minutes after we met her, we were knocking on a door. It was really foggy and dark outside and super sketchy sketch. We noticed these two guys watching us. We talked to the woman who answered the door, told her who we were and said that we wanted to help her strengthen her faith in Jesus Christ. She wasn't interested. So we were walking down the stairs and the guys were standing at the bottom of the stairs. It creeped us out a bit so i just told Sis. Fed to keep walking. We did and when we were about 50ft away one of the guys comes running after us and said "Hey! I overheard you talking to that woman. I have had a really bad day and things have been rough lately. Will you tell me about Jesus Christ?" So we had a lesson in the parking lot! It was awesome and humbling.I know that the Lord sees us and blesses his children for their efforts. I love this work and I want to do it for the rest of my life!</div>
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It's been SOOOO foggy lately! and at night it looks the coolest. I love it! Especially at the skate park. There is a soccer field right behind it and the lights for the stadium are so bright- it creates a backlight for the pine trees and silouhettes everyone at the skate park. Man! I love the landscape here.</div>
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I love life. It is so good! We just need to follow the Lord's will and be happy! I love you family! Have a great week :)</div>
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Love, Sister Mara.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-85966114486123848612013-01-16T11:41:00.001-07:002013-01-16T11:41:09.653-07:00IT DOESN'T COST A THING TO SMILEOh Family! <br /><br />Let me tell something to you, this week was one of faith and hope. haha. I'm so grateful for trials and hardships, because we can choose to rise above them or give into them. Let me share a scripture that opened my eyes this week: <br /><br /><span class="yiv1796529397verse"><span class="yiv1796529397chunk yiv1796529397hl-id-41053924" id="yiv1796529397chunk220000"> </span></span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220001">But </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220002">learn </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220003">that </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220004">he </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220005">who </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220006">doeth </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220007">the </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220008">works </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220009">of </span><sup class="yiv1796529397studyNoteMarker"><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220010">a</span></sup><a class="yiv1796529397footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/59?lang=eng#" id="yiv1796529397footnote53" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220011">righteousness</span></a><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220012"> shall </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220013">receive </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220014">his </span><sup class="yiv1796529397studyNoteMarker"><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220015">b</span></sup><a class="yiv1796529397footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/59?lang=eng#" id="yiv1796529397footnote54" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220016">reward</span></a><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220017">, </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220018">even </span><sup class="yiv1796529397studyNoteMarker"><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220019">c</span></sup><a class="yiv1796529397footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/59?lang=eng#" id="yiv1796529397footnote55" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220020">peace</span></a><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220021"> in </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220022">this </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220023">world, </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220024">and </span><sup class="yiv1796529397studyNoteMarker"><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220025">d</span></sup><a class="yiv1796529397footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/59?lang=eng#" id="yiv1796529397footnote56" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220026">eternal</span></a><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220027"> life </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220028">in </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220029">the </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220030">world </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk" id="yiv1796529397chunk220031">to </span><span class="yiv1796529397chunk yiv1796529397hl-id-41053924" id="yiv1796529397chunk220032">come. (D&C 59:23). <br /><br />This life is literally a probation state. We are proving ourselves worthy to return to live with our Heavenly Father and he always has a plan. It may not be the easiest, but he has plan of happiness for each one of us! haha- although he tries and tests us, he still gives us ways to make the pathway bright. <br /><br />I think everything that could have gone wrong this week, did go wrong! haha seriously. I prayed to know where my wallet was and thought i might have thrown it away... so i climbed in the NASTY dumpster. It was disgusting, but Sis. F and I were laughing so hard. Then our car got taken away because I didn't have a license- so we were left to the bikes in freezing weather and rain hahah... still laughing. THEN, next morning we start to ride our bikes... and tire is flat on MY bike. Of course! hahaha. Had to laugh again, because there was nothing else to do. Amid all of these things, Libby disappeared and is MIA :( HOWEVER, some great things did happen. Due to Sis. Fed, we found 3 Ukrainian investigators. She is so funny, easy-going and awesome. I love working with her so so much!</span><br />
<span class="yiv1796529397chunk yiv1796529397hl-id-41053924">All is well :) Our Heavenly Father is aware of us and our needs. I know that to be true. Even when we have hard times, he has not forsaken us... he is just letting us walk on our own two feet for a little bit. <br /><br />This week is going to be great!! I love you all!<br /><br />Love,</span><br />
<span class="yiv1796529397chunk yiv1796529397hl-id-41053924">Sister Mara</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-30351267599085442112013-01-16T11:34:00.000-07:002013-01-16T11:35:05.090-07:00January 9th, 2013Well Hello Family! <br />
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Another transfer has begun! I am with Sister Fedorovych, from Ukraine and I'm her "trainer" haha. She is amazing! I love working with her already. She is a convert of 3 years and is so funny/chill. <br />
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Sister Clement is companions again with Sister Feller! SO FUN! OK, so this week we had a game night with Libby at our ward mission leader's house and a bunch of people from the ward. We played Mad Gab... dude having foreign companions is paying off, because I was killing it! haha! Clement and I were the dream team and won. I say that it the most humble way possible lol. It was really fun. Then Sis. F and I met with Libby last night- she is progressing but very slowly! She doesn't feel like it's the right time for her and we can understand that, so we are starting from square one and helping her to have a personal relationship with Heavenly Father through prayer. <br />
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Kiki went off the deep end again, and gave up on trying to be good :( Sad. It's so hard to see people make those "easy" choices. They think it will make them happy, but this gospel is what makes us the happiest!<br />
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Have a great week everyone! I love you so much!! <br />
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Love, Sister MaraUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-38927743490915226872013-01-16T11:30:00.002-07:002013-01-16T11:30:17.370-07:00Happy New Year!!Hey FAMILY!<br /><br />So fun seeing you on skype! So great :) I am the cutest with all my new clothes and everything. haha. I love the cool sweater because it looks to much like a grandma's couch but not enough like a sister missionary. Oh well, ain't no thang. I will be rocking it when I get home. haha. But seriously, thank you all for your thoughtfulness. <br /><br />You all look so good! I can't believe how grown up Jaina is! She is so mature now! holy smokes. She sang to me on skype, that girl can siiiing! HAha, I love our family. <br /><br />Dude it's almost 2010. Isn't that crazy? I was just thinking about the all of the blessings I have and how good life has been. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much and knows exactly what we need. Our Savior died so that we could pray to our Father , in his name, and have the opportunity to have pure joy after this life. <br /><br />Something I have realized as I have been talking to people and their life situations is that life is a test. There will be trials and hardships, but God knew it wouldn't be easy so he gave us moments of happiness and joy, great support systems, and the gospel and the priesthood, to help us through the journey. Life is so good.I'm just so grateful for this new year! It's going to be amazing :)<br /><br />I Love you all so much. Pray this week and ask Heavenly Father, which of his children is needing and ready for the gospel at this moment. Then pray to be receptive of the spirit so you can be led to them. Then open your mouth and he will fill it :) We are truly the happiest when we are thinking of others. <br /><br />I loooooove you! Have a great week :) Be happy and laugh so so much! It keeps ya young (dad) hahaha jk. <br /><br />Love, Sister MaraUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-13110306034904314952012-12-19T10:47:00.000-07:002012-12-19T10:47:56.994-07:00Say "R"... Not "ah"I FORGOT TO POST THIS NOVEMBER 19TH!!<br />
<br />I LOVE ASIANS. I can't say it enough. I love them so much. Especially this lil cambodian i have been serving with. I think she's an angel. She has so much pure love and charity. I have learned so much from her. She leaves on Wednesday morning for temple square :( I get another companion later that day. Her name is sis. loa and she is from China. I'm excited but sad. I really love sis. soum. I think that we will be friends forever. She has faced so many trials in her life, but she never loses faith or hope. Such a good example to me. <div>
<br />So this week was great. Not amazing as far as "numbers" and lessons taught go, but we had so many miracles. <br /><br />Wayne: he is doing great. Still going strong with smoking haha. Not so good. But we had an awesome lesson with such a strong spirit at our ward mission leader's house. Then he came to church on yesterday (which was stake conference) and a member of the 70 spoke. He was crying and said that he felt the spirit. Then later, he came with us to the mission president's home for a fireside. He said he wasn't going to come but we went and found a ride and S. Soum called him and told him to be ready in 5 minutes because we were going to pick him up. haha. loved it. He got up at the fireside and shared his experiences with " Sister Mi'afe and Sister Krum" hahah! HE DOES not know how to say "sis. soum." Anyways. there were other samoans there that recently joined the church so they all talked in their island tongue and he felt the spirit. in his testimony he said " I know this church is true" my heart. On the way home he said he was shaking so bad and he had never talked in front of a lot of ppl before. haha. we Love him!!<br /><br />Nakeesha and Tiana: A mother and daughter. Their brother just died. They are ghetto fabulous thangs and I love them with my whole heart. They let us right in and just cried and cried. They said that they wanted to be with their brother after his life but didn't know how to change. I wanted them to just give me their burdens because I understand the atonement. I just wanted to take it from them. But that's the purpose of life, to endure our trials and come closer to christ. Right after the lesson , they were supposed to come with us to the church and they called an hour later and said they couldn't make it. UGh. the adversary really does not want any of us to be happy!! and he will work so hard against anything that can make us happier. <br /><br />Grace and Michael: A Filipino woman who thinks she is Polynesian and her son who is ten. So cute. So real. So down to earth. She works with members at walmart and knows a lot about the church. She is awesome! We have only had one lesson so far and wont see her until after thanksgiving, but she is legitimate and i love her! <br /><br />I love all of these people. So so much.They all have different stories and trials but they are all trying to reach the same goal: to be happier and closer to God. Perfect! That's why we are here! Ha! I have such a testimony of fellowship. We CANNOT do this work without members. Please, connect yourself to the missionaries and their investigators. Follow-up with those investigators everyday. Daily contact from the missionaries isn't enough. These people want to feel love from "normal people". haha. But seriously, all we do is find, teach, and invite the spirit. The members help them get to the water and stay active. SO importante!<br /><br />I know that our Heavenly Father loves each of us. He is happy when we are happy, feels sorrow when we are sad, pain when we make wrong choices... etc. We are His work and His glory! open your mouth and share your testimony as many times as you can this week. <br /><br />I love you all and miss you so much! I can't believe how fast time goes. It's almost CHRISTMAS! It's raining like crazy here and people are starting to put up trees :) I love love love it. Wish I was with you all! Happy THANKSGIVING THIS WEEK! CHEEEE! <br /><br />Kisses and Hugs, Sister Mara. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-51209745960573105762012-12-19T10:29:00.001-07:002012-12-19T10:29:29.234-07:00Spread the CheerWhoa Buddy! This week was so long! I feel like SO MUCH happened this week. <br /><br />I will start with tracting- so we were driving to go tracting and this guys was walking on the side of the road, so i flipped a u-turn and we jumped out and talked to him. He wasn't interested so we got back in the car and just followed the road straight. We hadn't ever been there before so we were just trying to find our way out. Then we pull up and there is this big gaited apt complex that we NEVER knew about!<br /><br />ANYWAYS. Highlight of the week was our investigator Kiki. We have been trying to help her change for awhile now, but she hasn't done anything. We finally decided that it was time to stop visiting her because she wouldn't progress. An hour after that, she calls us and invites us over. She started in on telling us how hard life was and we just laid it out straight and said that she has to cut everything she is doing. We told her to give us her alcohol. First she fought about it then she agreed- then she poured it all down her sink! haha! She didn't have money for an xmas tree, so we surprised kiki and went and bought a real tree with her :) SO exciting haha. The next day, she said she couldn't do it anymore and she was going to drink and she wasn't home. We felt like we should go by anyways and when we did she was there and she hadn't drank yet! So we went and goy martinelli's sparkling cider with her haha. She thought she got a buzz from it. Whater'. Then her mom texted/called her for the first time in 2 months! We told her that God was blessing her for keeping the commandments! She is so happy. <br /><br />I honestly love seeing people change their lives. LIbby, another inv. came to church with us yesterday and then to dinner at a members home with us later! I love love love being a part of this work! I love spirit of this christmas season :) It makes me so happy and I love surprising people! haha! it's the best! <br /><br />Ok , I love you guys so much! Trust God, Eat tons, pray a lot, and Love. I honestly feel like i'm living the movie Eat. PRay . Love. Just look to god and live! I love you!<br /><br />Love, Sister Mara<div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-58529301511308282232012-12-14T09:23:00.005-07:002012-12-14T09:23:45.785-07:00A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So this week, we had a Christmas miracle!! Guess what?! yes. you guessed it: we came home from proselyting at 9pm and we were stopped in our tracks; on our front porch, leaning against a door, was the BEST, 6 foot, fullest real life christmas tree!!! Someone got us a tree!!! hahaha! it was the best! You should have seen us trying to get it into our apartment lol. It's rad though. We got some decorations and lights from members in the ward and decorated it. It's the best. our apartment smells like xmas!!!! yay! And sister clement had a choco cat so we put that on top as our angel, and put one of my beanies on his head. He looks like bob marley. It is our Bob marley tree. How perfect.<br />
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<br /><br />Also, have you ever thought about how walmart gets their goldfish? I will tell you. from China. china freezes them and sends them to america, walmart thaws them out and wal-la! They are still alive. so, if you freeze a goldfish, it will thaw out and continue to live. the end.<br /><div>
<br />Ok ok, on a more spiritual note- this week was the best. I realized so many things about myself and all of our brother's and sisters. <br />#1. when we lose ourselves, that's when we will truly find ourselves.<br />#2. Alma 31: 37-38- if we " take no thought for themselves, what they should eat, or what they should drink, or what they should put on" then God will bless us ten fold. God is in control and he wants all of us to just trust him and hold on. <br />#3. be humble and have charity- God can help us when we are meek and lowly of heart. <br /><br />I love the examples in the scriptures our these characteristics. i love the people that we come across everyday. we met a boy last night who was wearing 6 cross necklaces and I asked him how he gained his faith in god. He corrected me and told me he was agnostic but that he was wearing the crosses for each one of his friends that had died. He said that he was a bad kid and was trying to stay off the streets. He is only 19! my heart went out to this dear boy. we told him that God loves him so much and asked him to pray to know if god was there. we are meeting with him again later this week.<br /><br />i love life. life is a wonderful thing :) Be happy eryone. Smell christmas trees. smile. love yourself and everyone else. Tis' the Christmas Season!! Thank you for your prayers and support :) <br /><br />Love, sister me. <br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-43687938871505158912012-12-14T09:16:00.001-07:002012-12-14T09:17:31.799-07:00Happy EverythingHi Family!<br />
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We met this woman from Hungary this week whose family had all passed away. As we were leaving, she said in case you are gone and die before I see you, Happy Everything. I loved that, but it hurt my heart at the same time. She is so alone and has experienced so much sadness. <br />
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This week was good. We went to Seattle for an app. today, then afterwards we went to the space needle! It was good for both of our Mental Health haha. Seriously, though. <br />
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Sister Clement is great. I know I am going to learn A LOT from this companionship. haha. She has been a big help to me this week, just by talking alot and keeping me distracted. We laugh a lot too, which I am grateful for. <br />
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So not a whole lot happened this week, but here is something I really liked while I was having personal study: <br />
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In Alma 17, the sons of Mosiah and Alma are reunited and the chapter gives a little background on what they experienced <br />
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5: Now these are the circumstances which attended them in their journeyings, for they had many afflictions; they did suffer much both in body and in mind, such as hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and also much labor in the spirit.<br />
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So these are common feelings amongst most missionaries. But then it goes on to say<br />
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10: and it came to pass that the Lord did visit them with his spirit, and said unto them be comforted, and they were comforted. <br />
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So Cool! I love the scriptures and I love our Savior. He will never leave us comfortless. we can often be that comfort for someone else who is struggling! Go find that person this week :)<br />
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Happy Everything, <br />
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Love, Me. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-15737350046052391542012-12-03T10:25:00.001-07:002012-12-03T10:25:59.960-07:00INFLUENZA!Holy smokes! Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I hate food. <br /><br />If I see food ever again, i'm going to die. lol. So transfers today! I'm still in Federal Way, Sister Luo was so cute but she is gone now. I have an American companion now. Sister Clement. I'm scared haha, i don't know how to live with someone who isn't a foreigner. Seriously, I got so so used to living and being with foreigners that this whole American thing is a new concept to me. I'm excited/nervous at the same time.<br /><br />I'm way excited for Sumner to have a Filippino companion! He will love it! I kind of knew I would have an american comp, because I kept getting little signs and notes that said I would. BUT i really love this sister! I don't know her that well but I think we will see so many miracles together and learn a lot from each other! <div>
<br />So Thanksgiving was grand! I loved the letters from mom and dad about the kansas city trip. It sounded so great to be with the Stiles. We had dinner with a cute little family and then went and visited some elderly folk in the nursing homes. It just breaks my heart that they had to be alone on such a family-centered holiday. So we were visiting with this lady and this old man rolls up in his wheel chair in front of another old lady and yells " BOOM!" and then puts his fists up to fight her. The old woman was so tiny and jumped SO high. I was laughing so hard though, I couldn't help it. <br /><br />So I got the flu way bad friday night and my companion was dead to the world haha. the whole time i was just asking for forgiveness for not having more sympathy for Sumner when he was sick, haha. I can't eat anything just drink sprite or gatorade. I got a blessing last night because I couldn't take it anymore and the elder blessed me that it was only temporary and to help me appreciate my good health and work as hard as i can when i'm better. I missed mom so much when I was sick. like, so much! <br /><br />Good Reminder and I'm so humbled! <br /><br />We met with grace again this week. She said that she wants to be happy- she cries herself to sleep at night- but on the outside she is so happy. She said she let us into her home because she knew we could make her happy and that we could help her. And it hit me right then, oh my gosh, I AM the messenger to bring happiness to these people! Haha. Scary, but true and I'm so happy to be apart of this work! <br /><br />I miss S. Soum so much. But this transfer will be wonderful. I was laughing so hard about how blunt luli is. It's not just her... it's everyone that isn't american. I had a korean sister take my picture with sis. luo on thanksgiving and she looked at it and said <br />" you look so much prettier in real life. your pictures are terrible" ahaha, It made me laugh so hard.<br /><br />Oh and I'm coming home in may... not april. President told me this week. S. Soum had an interview at his house so we got to hang out at president's house for a little bit. It was really fun. I just love being around family! <br /><br />I miss you all. I can't wait to talk to you on Christmas!! so soon! LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!<br /><br />Love, Sister Mara. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-431454906533511192012-11-13T20:35:00.003-07:002012-11-13T20:35:48.057-07:00moments with maraWouldn't that be a cool title if wrote for a paper? It kind of sounds like Delilah. Maybe I should go into business with her.<br /><br />ANYWHO! Hey you all! I just read sumner's email and am SO SO humbled! "Our brother. OUR brother. our Brother"- (alia at 9 years old) haha. But for reals, i love sum's selfless service. I love that our family is so missionary minded. This gospel will go forth to every nation! Serious! <br /><br />Well, this week was great. again. I feel like I say that every week, but it's always great being a missionary. Our heavenly father is so aware of us. Sister Soum and I were tracting and we tracted into a woman that used to be LDS. It was raining and freezing and she let us in.<br /><br />We had little miracles like that all week. I love it. Our ward mission leader whispered to us and asked if we would pray for his wife to be able to get a job. haha. I was like " of course! why are you whispering??" and then he just said i feel bad asking but i know that every missionary's prayer is answered haha. It's true. I feel so close to our Heavenly Father and Savior. I'm so grateful for the sacrifice. Our heavenly father never sent us here intending for us to fail. He is so merciful and created a perfect plan so even when we do mess up, we still have a chance. How beautiful. <br /><br />I second Sumner's comment on laughing. I laughed SO hard last night.<br /><br />I'm so sorry for acting out in pride now or in the past. I just want to apologize now! I'm sorry if i ever hurt anyone. <br /><br />I love you all and hope you have such a wonderful week! Be happy and laugh a lot!<br /><br />Love , Sister MaraUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632878933996727537.post-17027964642737602092012-11-09T22:14:00.000-07:002012-11-09T22:14:00.790-07:00This Church is so True, It's Ridiculous!!(I forgot to post this on October 8)<br />
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OH FAMILY! Are you as happy and ecstatic about conference as I am?!?! ahhhh hahaahahah! I'm so so so excited about the age-change for missionaries! I got chills everywhere and felt such a confirmation of the spirit. This work is about to roll forth in a way that it never has before. <br /><br />Banksy and I did exchanges this week, and it was great! I could tell it was hard/sad for her to be back in Federal Way. This is where her heart is! The people love her here and she loves them so much. That's all it is about, love. People want to feel love and be loved and know that someone who loves them believes they can change. Jackie DeShannon was right on when she sang " what the world needs now is Love, sweet love" Those hippies were semi-close. Now they just need the gospel and they would make bomb missionaries! <br /><br />You know, not a whole lot happened this week. We had zone conference and general conference and there were some funny stories in between. I could probably write a huge long email on all of that, but I don't really feel like it. Is that bad? I just feel so happy and overwhelmed by this gospel and the conversion that is taking place in my own life. I was talking to Banksy about how I wish that I could help more people by bringing them to the gospel and it made me sad that I hadn't had the opportunity to baptize that many people. I just am not sure what my purpose is here. And she, ever-so-wisely, said that maybe I am here for me. That sounds selfish and I would never have done this for myself. I just want to make others happy and help their lives become better, but I have come so close to the Savior and I will never ever deny that this is truly his church and gospel. It's so true, it's ridiculous. I really want to spend the rest of my life helping others to see it too! <br /><br />Our Savior loves us so much. He knew that this would be hard, so he gave us the gospel to help us. Oh how glorious. I love love love being a missionary. I love our Family! and I love that sumner is living in the Philippines! hahaha CHEEEEHOOOOO!<br /><br />Sorry This is Short. AHHHH! I love you alll! Never Forget it!<br /><br />One Love, Sister MaraUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0