The One Where We Don't Support The Military

"To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven."

- Thomas S Monson

There's a lot about a mission that can be easy to get discouraged about. The list is long with reasons. Because of this, I have found the importance of gratitude and how vital it is if we want a happy life. Being grateful not only allows us to see God's hand in our every day lives, it allows us to step back and look at the progress we have made through this life. The talk that this quote comes from was one that popped up while I was trying to click on another one. While glitches on phones happen all the time, I believe that I needed to hear it! Gratitude comes in handy especially when we're going through a difficult time. Something that Sister Kepler and I have been doing every night is writing "grotes" which is our made up words for "gratitude sticky notes". We list the things we're grateful for and then put the sticky note on our closet door, the assigned area for them. Its been fun to actually write down what I'm grateful for every night but another heartwarming aspect that comes from this is being able to look at the notes as they accumulate and to see all of the things we're grateful for, each individually and all as a whole. It's a powerful tool, gratitude, and from the mouth of one of God's chosen prophets, if we live with gratitude in our hearts, we can touch Heaven. So, #begrateful! 

This week was so great. A couple highlights:

We tracted into a neighborhood I've been feeling particularly drawn to for quite a while and before we started, we noticed that one of our less active members lived there so we walked down to where she lived. We knocked and she let us in and we had a wonderful conversation about church and her family and how things were going. I felt prompted to share a message with her about Jesus Christ and that lead her to mention some things she was struggling with. My heart went out to her and I was filled with gratitude to my Heavenly Father to leading me to her because she was dealing with doubts and questions that I, too, had faced before I chose to serve a mission. I kept feeling like I needed to invite her to read the Book of Mormon but I kept asking other questions because I was too scared to be pushy! Lol 😅 I haven't really gotten this whole bold missionary thing down yet, but I'm getting there! The time came and I asked her if she had read the Book of Mormon recently and she paused for a moment and said: " you know, that's a book I haven't cracked open in a while." Sister Kepler and I then had the opportunity to testify of the importance and power of the book and how it would answer her questions like it did ours. She asked us if we would come read with her and spend time around her grandson and show him what it feels like to be around us. We happily accepted and gave her a hug and left feeling blessed and uplifted by our visit. 

While we were walking away from her home, we saw a gentleman getting out of his car and walking to his door. We waved and asked him how he was doing and he said: "I'm doing pretty good for an old guy, thanks for asking!" We continued to walk and then decided to stop by on our way back. We knocked on his door and he opened and came out and had a wonderful conversation with us. He isn't interested in organized religion but he loves God. We talked about how feeling God in our everyday lives is so important and how it can be a driving force for good. We then asked if he had come across the Book of Mormon and he said that he had heard of it but hadn't read it and then told us that the only thing he doesn't like about our church is that we don't support the military. I about laughed out loud! Actually, I think I did. Haha we told him that we absolutely do and made sure he had the right church. :) we gave him a book of Mormon and I told him that it even talks in the Book of Mormon that this is a promised land, a land to be proud of and respected! He said he would look into it. :) it was awesome! 

We had a great lesson with our people that we're teaching. They're awesome and I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to teach them. They're passionate about Jesus Christ and are filled with the desire to do the right thing. It's inspiring to be "teaching" them; I feel like they are teaching me! 

On Thursday, we had interviews and it was a good day. It was filled with district unity and love for each other. We had a great time discussing goals and how we can love and support each other in our efforts. Then, our stake president, President Keogh, came and spoke to us and asked us what ways we would like to be involved in the wards and stake to get them fired up about missionary work. He gave us awesome pointers and left us with a powerful testimony. He's the next Jeffrey R. Holland. He's a powerhouse with the best Scottish accent. He's like the Gerard Butler of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I keep wanting him to go into a Sparta mode but he's just the coolest guy. He also came and spoke in our ward conference on Sunday. He talked about the power of God's Love and how much he loves us. It was awesome because we had some non-members in the congregation so I'm sure they felt the spirit! 

On Saturday, we volunteered to be race marshals for the Bentonville Half Marathon and 5K. We had to wake up pretty stinking early to get there on time but we were excited to help! We were assigned to help on the 5K course and then go help the Half Marathoners. We cheered people on and they loved it! We saw a lot of people we knew and a lot of people we didn't! It was really fun to have people say hi to us and to hear "Thanks, Sisters!" as we cheered them on. They knew who we were! It was a wonderful experience and I'm glad we did it! We got a lot of time out in the public and were able to serve. It was awesome! 

This week was so great. The work is going wonderfully. The gospel is restored and God is ushering in his final dispensation and is preparing us every moment for our eternal lives with Him. I'm blessed to be out here in the work of the kingdom and I'm thankful for the love and prayers I get from back home. You are all incredible. I love you dearly! Be grateful, be bold, and be loving! Be kind to one another! 

-Sister Young 

Service tracting

5:30 in the morning, ready for service!

Elder Rhodes, our ZL, is dying. (Going home) we did a clue theme

District photo

Uno during lunch to keep up the fun!

I love worms! I don't know why! 

I found a worm and I love worms. So I put the worm in an acorn top and set him sailing in a puddle! 

The One Where We Went On A Successful Walk

"Your calling gives you authority; keeping your covenants gives you power."

-PMG 

There's lots of times in the scriptures where it talks about teaching and preaching with power and authority and we, as missionaries, are told that we are capable of that, but sometimes I wonder if I have it all the time simply because I'm a set apart missionary. I found this while studying this week and it helped to enlighten me on my question. I also know that it applies after the mission. We as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are called to be missionaries throughout our whole lives. Thus, we have authority to go out and to do good works and be an example to others, but the most effective we can become is by living worthy and keeping our covenants we have made to our Father in Heaven and to Jesus Christ. THAT is how we tap into our spiritual strength and our pool of endless holy help. How do we keep our commandments? Well, read about them! Pray for more knowledge. Attend the temple this week or the next and look for something new to learn. Make more of a commitment to not only keep, but to act upon those covenants we made. Make them a part of who you are daily and you will become more powerful, daily. 

This week seemed to be a slow week. We took a hit with our numbers with it being Spring Break, but we still got out and did work. We spent Tuesday doing service, the recycling center, yard work for some members, computer help for some members, and then dinner. We had some wonderful discussions and uplifting ideas on how to reach others most effectively. Bella Vista is a hard place to tract because it's such a retirement community and people do not like others knocking on doors. They get online and have a Facebook page and tell everyone that someone suspicious is going around and then everyone is alerted and it's just chaos. 😅 So, we have been trying to work with members and getting out in public with them to show others that we're not as scary as we look! (Some days, we ARE as emotional as we look... #saddayshappen) it's been really fun! 

One night, we had dinner with a truly wonderful couple in our ward and they are so sweet. They made us hamburgers and homemade fries and diet coke and then cookies and ice cream for dessert. It was SO GOOD! That is an American meal, I tell you what. Then, afterward, we went on a walk! We got out and just went down their street and one of their neighbors was outside working on his fence and we stopped and talked for a while and got to know him and his wife. We left them with a card and asked if we could stop by again to come say hi and they said yes! 

On Thursday, we went out tracting and we started in an area that some members lived in and they weren't home so we decided to walk around and meet some neighbors. Well, no one answered doors and that's pretty typical. Then, one lady answered her door maybe the width of a toothpick, I could barely see inside. She asked what we wanted and I asked how she was doing and was trying to get to know her, and she laughed at me and closed the door! I mean, I love that I can make people laugh, but that one kinda hurt. Haha 😅 then, we were walking back to our car and a guy was outside with his kids, turned and saw us, and then yelled to his kids to go inside and you could tell he was not going to have us talk to them. It's so sad to see how closed off the world has gotten. They need a little more love and friendship! 

Because of the lack in numbers, this week was a hard one, emotionally. I also got a stomach bug in the middle of the week so that put us out for a day and that never helps the guilt factor, but we are plugging along. We are excited for the weather to get warmer and allow us to serve more of those in Bella Vista. 

The work was slow this week. There's always sadness that comes with that. But, church was wonderful. Jaycee, the little boy we are teaching saw us in the foyer before church and gave us big big hugs, which helped my heart so much. We don't get hugged a lot so getting those hugs are always a treat. He asked to sit by us in church and we were happy to. :) He kept hugging me throughout the meeting and I really needed that after a rough week. He asked us to come over but we told we were on Tuesday and he asked if we could stay for hours. Haha he sure loves us and we completely love him! I'm excited for another week to get out and to go to work! 

I love you all, so much. Thank you for everything you do. Keep going and keep trying. Go to the temple. Sing a couple extra hymns this week. Turn on a conference talk instead of some music. Take time for the Lord. It will help you and your spirit. :) 

I love you! So so much! Be kind to one another! 

-Sister Young 

Bingo with our favorites! I'm standing behind Charlene, Maryann is on her fight and Barbara is on her left and Dorothy is at the other end. They are the most wonderful gems. ❤ 

 A family in our ward got two Huskey pups and they are SO CUTE. They're the only kind of babies we can hold for a while. 

Snapchat filter suckers Sister Kepler bought with Elder Rhodes and Elder Bradshaw! 

Tracting selfie!

Sucker selfie! 

Service at Sister Healy's!

The One With Hard Hats

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I LOVE this scripture! What a promise of strength and it brings me incredible joy to know that even though I am weak and I will always have weaknesses, I can be made strong through Christ and His atonement and gospel. And boy, do I need it! Especially out here on a mission. 😅 #weaknessgalore

This week was such a great, wonderful week! Let's see if I can recall some spiritual things for y'all...

Tuesday, we spent the day weekly planning and getting some things ready for the lessons of the week and getting things in order for exchanges the next day. I also got us roped into subbing for seminary by accident for Wednesday morning so we needed to plan for that as well. 😅 I had asked Brother Peterson if we could come join in seminary some mornings to get to know the youth and connect with them a little better and he was like "Well I actually need a sub this next week! I'll let you know when." 😂 well, I'm glad we could help! Then, we went to dinner that night at some awesome members home and we had Cafe Rio pork. 😍 soooooo good! Made me miss home. Haha

Wednesday, we had early morning seminary and our ward is close enough to Bentonville schools so they travel to the stake center for seminary which is about 25 minutes away. So with getting ready and whatnot, we had to wake up at 4 in the morning and be to the stake center at 5:45 and then class started at 6:10! It was a great class and we had a lot of fun teaching and discussing with them. I love the youth of the church! They're such great kids! Then, we met the Sisters from the Centerton ward and went on exchanges. I took Sister Chaffin back with me to Bella Vista and we had such a great time! We did service and then taught the Plan of Salvation to a boy we're teaching, the one who's mom has all the snakes and it was SO FUN! That family is near and dear to my heart and I love his testimony and excitement to get baptized! We had "Snake School" afterward and Sister Begay shows us all her awesome snakes and tarantulas and Sister Chaffin held a snake for her first time and did great! We went home and then crashed for the night. I fell asleep at like 9:15. It was a loooong day. 😅 

Thursday, we met back at the stake center and swapped back comps. Then sister Kepler and I went to institute that our stake holds there on Thursday mornings for the adults who are interested. It's us sisters and a lot of elderly folks. It's such a great time! Then we met with our wonderful Baptist friends and helped them out with some massage work as service and set up some times to keep meeting. I invited them to watch general conference and told them we would love to watch it with them if they would like that, too! I'm SO excited for GC! It's my favorite birthday present every year! 😍 

Friday was Zone Conference! I LOVE ZONE CONFERENCE. It's my favorite time of the whole transfer. Such power and motivation and just awesome insights and I always feel like its exactly what is needed. Just a great day filled with making new friends, laughing, learning, and growing in the gospel. That night, we had dinner with a member in our ward and she brought her friend who isn't a member and we got to know her better. She is such a wonderful person and has a love for good things in life and is just a very real, wholesome person. We talked about a lot of things and then she mentioned she had a daughter and that her daughter is just starting to get to the age where she associates money and things to happiness and sees kids at school have things and be happy and thinks that's what she needs. So I told her about our missionary chalkboard events that we sometimes have where we have these giant chalkboards and we ask a question at the top that says something like "happiness to me is..." or "What is something you value most?" And I told her that it's incredible to see how many people put family and God and friends and things that money can't buy! She was SO excited and I invited her to come and bring her daughter to help us and she really wanted to! It was so awesome to see her get excited about being proactive to help her daughter with our help. It was a definite highlight for me this week. 

Saturday, we ended up doing a morning full of service with none other than the wonderful Sister Taylor! Her companions had a meeting with the mission president so she needed sisters to go with her to service and she called us! We went to Roger's, about 35 minutes away, and helped on a construction site to take before during and after photos of a fence they built for a home for boys. It was pretty fun, we had an awesome time talking to others and each other and enjoying the sunshine and the outdoors! 

Sunday, Sister Kepler spoke in church! She did such a wonderful job and spoke on "love, lift, include, and invite" which is the stake mission plan. She did really well. After church, we studied and worked on a little plan for the next day and then our Baptist friend, Amber, came and picked us up and took us to her church. It's so great to attend other churches because it has helped me to realize that we are all Heavenly Fathers children and we can be united in that belief before anything else. And when we are united in love and charity first, then the other principles of the gospel will fall into place. We had a great time and are grateful we took the time to do it. 

We had a wonderful week filled with the spirit and opportunities to share the gospel. I hope that you have had opportunities as well and are working to share your light with others! I promise it helps! Take time to work with others and testify of what you know to be true. There is power in doing so. So DO it! :) 

I love y'all so much! I hope you know that! 

Remember to actively work to make your weaknesses strengths, to forgive and forget, and be kind to one another! 

I love you! 

- Sister Young 

 

car selfie!

construction babes

Sister Chaffin and I at service in the rain! 

                                       

My Conversion Story

Posted on Facebook March 15, 2019:

Growing up in the church was not the difficult part. The difficult part was not understanding how important the gospel was behind the church. I hadn't really grown my own understanding of Jesus Christ and His gospel my entire life. I knew bits and pieces and the Holy Ghost had burned in my heart the truthfulness of others testimonies, but looking back, I can see that it wasn't a real part of me and who I was. So, I left it on the back burner, I didn't make an effort to take part in it. I knew that it was important, but it just wasn't important to me. 

And then I lost one of the dearest friends my world will ever know. She was the essence of strength and the ultimate goal of a human being to me. It rocked my world to think that what had happened really happened. I found myself so incredibly sad and my heart just shattered for her family and loved ones and her gorgeous, amazing, wonderful children. I wanted so badly to have her back, but I will never forget spending a couple minutes with her in preparation for the viewing and I knew, without a shadow or glimmer of a doubt where she was. I knew that she was alive and progressing and living and watching over her loved ones, her children, and even me. 

The Holy Ghost spoke to my heart and testified of the truthfulness of Gods Plan of Salvation; something I had learned years ago but had not fully grasped. Now, I knew why the knowledge of where we came from, why we're here, and where we are going was so powerful. It brought me hope. It brought me help. It brought me peace. I knew that this was knowledge for every single one of Gods children and it had to be shared. 

The peace and the hope that Christ's gospel brings is absolutely for you and every human you see. I was not converted because I had not applied it. It wasn't until I actively turned towards my Savior and learned more of the healing and hope that comes from him that I found the truest form of joy I have ever felt. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for Emily and for the lessons she taught me by her righteous example and Christ-like living. I'm grateful for #myconversionstory

Please take some time to share with me, with your family, with someone you don't know about what brings you joy and share your conversion story. Let's come together to build and celebrate each other and come unto Christ together!

The One Where God Is In The Details

This week was one of the highlights of my mission thus far. There have been lots of tender mercies and lots of times where the Lord has helped me to recognize His hand in all things. I wish I could write them all down and tell you all about all of them, but some things are best kept to ourselves and some things can't be shared. BUT! I want you all to know that no matter what you're going through, no matter what you're dealing with, no matter if your situation is happy, sad, lonely, fully active, lazy, dark, light, complicated, scarily simple; whatever your circumstances are, I promise that Heavenly Father is mindful of you. Not only are you being watched over, but He is blessing you with things you may stand in need of, need that sometimes you don't know is there. He is all knowing and is fully aware of the times in our lives and has placed stepping stones to make things work up to that point and He is in the works for the stepping stones to get to the next area of life. He is incredible. I am SO grateful for Him and His plan and His love.

Last Monday, we spent a good majority of our day with the mission office staff because our car was giving us troubles again. RIP. So, we called the wonderful Sister Braaghton and she walked us through what to do. We ended up driving to the mission office and they asked us if we would help them drive the new vehicles they got for the mission and we said "TOTES!" which means totally, for those who don't know. So we were on our way with the finance coordinator, Elder Johnson, the housing coordinator, Sister Johnson, and sister Braaghton. As we were driving to the dealership, Elder Johnson pulled into Buffalo Wild Wings and took us all to lunch! So nice! And then we got to drive the 2019 Chevy Equinox's, they got 4 of them. When we got back to the mission home, Sister B said: "Alright, take your pick." And we got a new car! Stinking lucky is what we are! It's been so nice to not have so many problems with our car! 

An then they put the Tiwi in. It's this little box in the car that tells us when we're speeding and when we're not wearing our seatbelt and when we're being an aggressive driver. I actually quite like it. It's a nice reminder! But they put it in our car on Wednesday and it's been messing with the system. 🙄 It's been pretty frustrating! But I'm studying patience in my studies so God has blessed me with opportunities to be patient. :) 

Some pretty cool things that happened this week is there is this wonderful family whose father works a lot and he's gone quite often. One of the boys has turned 8 but is not baptized yet because he wants his dad there, so we are going to be teaching him the lessons! We could make our last appointment because the schedule ended up not working. So this last Saturday, we texted the mom and asked if there was a time that would work for us to come over and she said that in about an hour and a half worked! It was awesome! So we just discussed a little bit of what we wanted to touch upon and then headed over and taught him the first lesson. He is SO excited to get baptized and LOVES the gospel! It's infectious! At the end of our lesson, Sister Kepler asked him if he would pray to know if what we talked about that night was true and he said, "Umm, I already know it's true!" My heart exploded. He is so wonderful. I wish I had his faith. It's so strong and he just knows that it's true because he feels it in his heart! Also, the mom has like 7 tarantulas and 14 snakes and she's gonna help me on my phobia of snakes! That's an added plus, too. 😊🐍

Another really wonderful experience! we were at the library to get things switched over from sister Kep's phone to her SD card and it was taking a long time. We were kind of getting grumps and antsy to leave and she had me check over a Facebook post (Add her as a friend! Alyssa Kepler. She's awesome!) and I said it was good, and a lady sitting at the desk by hers perked up and asked if we said her name. We said no and then struck up a conversation about religion and different things and she had a pretty interesting opinion about the "Mormon church" and then asked us what church we're from and we told her that we're missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints... or previously known as, the Mormon church. :) She was surprised and we chuckled and asked if there was a time we could come share what we believe with her and she said yes! She gave us her number and told us to call her the next day. 

We called her and she invited us over to her home and we went and she had a pretty interesting belief about religion and talked and talked and talked to us for about 50 minutes about.... honestly, there was so much. I can't even begin to put something down. haha. But at the end, she said: "Well, is there something you want to ask me or talk about or tell me about?" So we got the opportunity to share with her the restoration and bare our testimonies about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. She was pretty quiet the whole time and then said that it all made sense and she believes that he was a prophet already. SCORE! and then we extended the invitation to read the Book of Mormon and she said yes with no hesitation! It was so wonderful. Before we left, she told us that she was going to tell us that today wasn't a good day and tell us to reach her in a couple weeks, but God told her that we needed to come to her home that day and she knew that meeting with us was very important. HOW COOL IS THAT?!?! 

I LOVE THE GOSPEL! 

I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON!

I LOVE THE POWER OF MISSIONARY WORK!

So beyond grateful for the opportunities I've been able to have on my mission to strengthen my testimony and to help others. I'm grateful for the power of the spirit and how it can help us to know who to talk to and how to share the gospel with them! I'm very very grateful for all of you and your love and kindness and prayers. 

Work hard this week, pray to know who you can serve, be mindful of opportunities to testify and share the gospel, and be kind to one another! 

- Sister Young 

Sister Kepler is ready to be shipped off

new cars! The one I'm showcasing is our new beauty

selfie with a snake

The One With the Tracting Freak Out

Helllllllloooo everybodyyyyyy! 

What a GREAT WEEK! Wow. Such a good, spiritually uplifting, exciting, wonderful week! 

First off, my spiritual nugget for this week is the talk entitled "Patience, a Key to Happiness" by Elder Joseph B Wirthlin. It's so incredible! 

The beginning of this last week was busy with Sister Pierce saying bye to the people in the ward and packing. (Sister missionaries have SO MUCH STUFF.) Then, Thursday came and I had to say goodbye to my snack sized, cute companion. She will do so wonderful on her mission. She has the biggest heart and it's ready to tackle the rest of her mission like a boss. I'm so excited for her. 

Because Sister Pierce left at 9 in the morning and my next comp wasn't expected until 4 PM, I was companionless! So I stayed at the church with a whole bunch of elders and I felt so weird! I wasn't supposed to be there alone! 😂 But then three other sisters came in and I was saved. Haha they ended up staying to wait for transfers so we played an awesome game of "Bentonvillopoly". It was so fun! 

We made the decision to go to B-dubs for lunch at 11:30 with all the missionaries there at the church so during the game, I had a property that an Elder wanted and he kept trying to make a deal and I kept saying no. So me, being me, offered a deal that if he bought me wings at lunch, he could have it. And he accepted!! So my lunch was paid for. All for a property in a game that doesn't really matter. 😂  it was really fun tho! 

Then cute Sister Kepler showed up! She's from Pocatello Idaho and has only been out 3 months! I'm so excited to be her companion. She is an incredible hard worker and we are so ready to take on Bella Vista! After she got a little settled in, we went to dinner with the Raby's, our ward mission leader and his wife. They are so sweet and excited to have someone new! 

On Friday, we did lots of service and had a pretty packed day with unpacking and service from 8 am till about 4 PM and then dinner and then studies. It was a good, fun day. All the places we serve already love her like I do! 

Saturday was fun. We got ready for an appointment but then it canceled so since we were already up there, we drove to a neighborhood and started tracting because Sister Kepler loves tracting.... I do not. 😅 but she's determined to help me and I'm so grateful for it because I need the help! We had knocked on a couple doors and nothing. And then we're walking past a house and Sister Kepler decides she wants to knock on the door. Well, we have to walk into the carport because there's no front door and the windows are all boarded up and the blinds on the door are all bent and broken and I'm a freaking out a tiny bit inside, but singing primary songs to keep me calm. Then she knocks on the door and a beast on the inside with the most soul racking bark starting barking inside and that didn't help me. And then I hear Sister Kepler say, so nonchalantly, "oh man, it's so awkward when they have cameras." And I look up and there is totally a recording cam in the corner. So I grabbed her and and was like "NOPE. WE'RE LEAVING." and Sister Kepler is just laughing her head off. It was a great freak out. 🙄 oh man. 

But we tracted some more and met some nice people. It was definitely an experience. :) 

Then that night was the ward variety show where we got to see everyone's talent and they warmly welcomed the new sister. It was a really fun, ward family night! 

Sunday, church was canceled because we got snow!! and with the kind of roads and conditions Bella Vista has, we can't leave our apartment because it's too dangerous with the ice and snow. So we stayed in and rested and studied and planned and then went to dinner at the Raby's again. They treat us so well. :) 

All in all, it was a great week. I'm so excited for the hard work ahead and for the challenges and difficulties but also for the growth and opportunities. I hope you all have a great week and keep reading and praying. 

Also, a great quote from Sister Kepler tonight: "Missionary work is just a hard, mostly disappointing scavenger hunt." 😂 the reason why I love it is because its true! But the times when it isn't disappointing, it is so very worth it. And even sometimes, when it is disappointing, it's still worth it. :) 

I love you all! Be kind to one another! 🤟🏻

Bentonvillopoly!

 

B-dubs! With 22 missionaries. :) 

my comp for the day and the elders in the back!

eating twix to get us through a busy service day!

fun hats at service! 

Snow!