Lethbridge = AWESOME!!!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Hello Family!

In my last email I wasn't very specific about WHERE in Lethbridge I would be residing. I'm serving on the south side of Lethbridge and we're covering a family ward (Henderson) and a YSA ward (Parkside). I really like Lethbridge, the feel of it reminds me of home. In Tuscany the homes were very uniform.....kind of a 'stiff' feeling. BUT in Lethbridge all of the houses are different and have their own kind of personality. It feels similiar to Lindon and I love it! Now don't get me wrong about Tuscany, I really like it there, but Lethbridge feels just right :)

This past Friday night Sis. Tomlinson and I experienced a miracle! We went to a member's home to have dinner and teach a friend of their's named, Rita*. Before meeting her she's already come to church twice with her kids and has had a very positive experience with the church. While we were teaching her about the Restoration she asked us REALLY good questions and had a true desire to know if the things that we taught her were true. She expressed that she felt that something was missing in her life and wanted her kids (ages 2 and 4) to grow up in a home where they felt safe and secure even when the world outside wasn't. We committed her to read the Book of Mormon and to pray about it, and extended her the invitation to be baptized on November 6th...SHE SAID YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wahoooooooooo!!!! She was surprised that she could be baptized that soon but was willing to take that step in her life. It was a special experience and the Spirit was really strong. This is the first time I've experienced someone saying 'yes' to baptism and I'm so grateful that the Lord let me have this experience here in Lethbridge. We're teaching her tonight about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She used to be a smoker, but decided to quit a little while ago but still drinks coffee. We'll be extending her the committment to live the Word of Wisdom tonight and think it will go well. If she's willing to give up smoking then coffee shouldn't be a big issue BUT we will be prepared nonetheless to help her with any concerns.

Well, that's one way to start a transfer in a new area! :) As everyone well knows, Sis. Tomlinson is my new companion. She's from West Jordan Utah and is a pretty swell companion. It's been weird to have each of my companions for only one transfer. Usually you stay with them for two or possibly three. But, as for me, I've had three companions so far on my mission and have learned a lot from each one. Each have helped me grow in different ways on my mission and I will always be grateful for them and the friendships I've developed with them. Anyways, Sis. Tomlinson and I are doing well so far and I feel that it will be a great transfer.

Things on my mission here in Canada have gone well so far. I feel that my testimony and confidence in teaching the Gospel is growing more as I go along. I'm very grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He's helped me out so much with the specific challenges I've faced personally, and it's been a wonderful experience to be able to help and reassure someone who is going through things that have been similar to mine. The trials and challenges that we have really are there for a specific reason, and one of those reasons is to help someone who might be in a hole you have been in preiviously. The Atonement is real and I'll always be grateful for what Christ has done for me.

Love you family!

Sister Ireland

What ho? An email from Canada!

Dear Family,

I'd like to share a cool story that's happened this week. In some missions tracting is definitely the way to go in trying to find new investigators, but for some missions it's very unproductive....that's how the Canada Calgary Mission is. Our main focus is try to get investigators through the members of the church and help build their faith in missionary work. In our mission (so far) there's no rule where you have to do a billion hours of tracting each week, it's not a huge priority. But, Sis. Tomlinson and I have a goal to have a new investigator this month by our own finding efforts so we've been doing our best to talk to everyone that we see on the streets and follow any promptings we have to knock on certain doors. It's hard trying to find people this way because most of the time they just say they're not interested. Well, Sis. Tomlinson and I were knocking at a door and we saw this girl on the other side of the street walking her dog who wouldn't stop barking. "If you don't stop barking we're going to turn around and go right back home!" she yelled. It was kind of entertaining seeing this girl react to her dog but eventually we lost sight of her. So, we decided to go down another street and see if any members from our ward would be home but came out unsuccessful. As we were walking back to our car the girl walking her dog was heading towards us...and was still yelling at her dog who wouldn't stop barking. We both decided to approach her and as we came closer we saw that she was around our age and her face and ears were covered with mulitiple piercings. MULTIPLE. MUCHO. A LOT. I instantly thought to myself, "There's no way this girl is going to be interested." I was judging her appearance and not looking on the heart. But, we still stopped to talk to her and it came out that she knew a few things about the church and was interested in learning more! She willingly gave us her address, phone number, and we plan to teach her about the Restoration tomorrow afternoon. I learned a huge lesson. Regardless of what a person appears to be or look like we shouldn't hold back in allowing them to have the opportunity to learn about the gospel. Again, the Lord looks in on the heart and when we receive a prompting to talk to someone we should trust in His ability to comprehend all things. When we learn to humble ourselves and obey His counsel, not ours, doors that we thought didn't exist or could never be opened are opened. "For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith." (2 Nephi 27:23) When ever the Lord directs us to say or do something...JUST DO IT!!! As we do so our faith and trust in Him increase and we become instruments. I prefer to be a banjo :)

Things are still in place for Rita's baptism for November 6th! The thing is is that she still struggles with why we don't drink tea or coffee....and she needs to give it up a week before her baptism and we're having a hard time contacting her. If she's still drinking we'll have to post pone the baptism until a later date until she's fully ready. I'd rather have her be completely ready and committed then still blury about things, if that makes sense.

Love you fam!

Love Sister Ireland

WAHOO!!!!

Dear Ireland Clan,

Well, transfer day is tomorrow....and....I'm.....going.....to........LETHBRIDGE!!!! My companion is, Sister Tomlinson, who will be the most 'seasoned' sister in the mission because Sis. Green is going home tomorrow, therefore making Sister Tomlinson the oldest. The ward I'll be serving in will be a YSA ward (Young Single Adult). I'm VERY excited yet sad at the same time because I'll be leaving Sis. Hill in Tuscany to train a new sister missionary who will be arriving tonight. Sis. Hill is simply the best and I'll miss serving with her. We have had many 'Excellent Adventures' in the land of Tuscany and perhaps we'll experience more if we serve together once again.......someday...... :)

Sis. Hill and I experienced an awesome miracle this past Sunday. Like I said before we had the goal of baptizing someone in October and the final Sunday for someone to come came but to no avail. So, when we came home from church we decided to drop by a potential investigators home. We were expecting that he would say that we wasn't interested but when he opened the door allowed us inside and let us teach the Restoration! His name is Tali* who is from Africa and he's Muslim. His wife, Anita*, is from India and is Hindu/Sheik. Yeah, pretty cool, eh? Anyways he was really receptive to our message and asked us a lot of questions because he's not very familiar with Christianity. He said that what we taught him made sense and seemed to have a desire to read the Book of Mormon. He wants us to come back this next Sunday, and sadly, I won't be there so Sis. Hill will have to update me. So, perhaps we won't get a baptism in October BUT the Lord has opened many doors for Sis. Hill and I because of our faith in Him. This transfer has been awesome. At the beginning things were slow but we've both worked really hard and have seen MANY miracles along the way. My faith has definitely increased as I've learned to rely on the Lord and do and say those things that He desires me to do. I've seen the blessings of learning to rely on the spirit. Throughout this transfer I've learned to rely on the spirit's promptings and have learned that it's for an important purpose, whether I've seen the results immediately or not. "...Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6) I love this scripture. I know that as I continue to rely on the Spirit that I'll never be taken down a 'wrong path', but rather when I choose to follow those promptings my pathway becomes clearer and I realize that the Saviour is walking with me every step of the way. Whenever you receive a prompting...JUST DO IT!!! You'll never regret it and the Lord will help you receive more revelation for yourself and for those around you.

Love you family!

Sister Ireland

*Names have been changed

Sister Canada

Ahoy family!

Well, I'm going to dispel the controversy of why I didn't write yesterday since I'm pretty sure that everyone is worried and are at the edge of their seats this very moment. We had Thanksgiving yesterday! Yes, October 11 is the official day in Canada where they make merry with their family, friends, and a slaughtered turkey. Since it was on Monday Sis. Hill and I were able to have a fabulous P-day with a thanksgiving dinner to tie it off with a member in our ward. Plus to make things more interesting and fun the Prime Minister of Canada came to his abode for the holiday. So, our street was monitered by his undercover people and it was the BEST. We were practically living on the safest street in Tuscany for the past few days. And to make things even cooler Sis. Hill and I were doing a morning jog by a huge ravine that is behind our house AND the Prime Minister's...I made the prediction that we were probably being watched by undercover people who were hiding in the ravine...and it turns out that I was right! We learned from someone in our ward that they really do place people in the ravine...so....we were not alone that early morning......

This past week and up to this point has been very challenging but rewarding. As a mission we have the goal of every companionship getting one baptism for this month of October. In our zone Sis. Hill and I and two other companionships do not have a baptismal date for this month so far. So here's the deal, we have to find someone to teach THIS WEEK in order for them to be baptized this month, because if they say 'yes' to being baptized they need to at least attend church twice. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! So this past week we've been working hard at trying to find people to teach with not much success. This past Saturday we went to Valley Ridge to see if we could find anyone and also teach some members in that area. To me it felt like Valley Ridge chewed us and spit us out. No one was interested in talking to us and hardly any of the members were home. I remember coming home at the end of the day feeling pretty low and my faith was weak. While saying my personal prayers I just poured out to Heavenly Father that I felt that my faith was very weak and I needed his help to make it strong. I noticed throughout the next day that my faith in Him felt more secure and strong as I did those things I needed to do to be closer to Him. I didn't feel discouraged and felt more hopeful about the future and that He would provide a way for Sis. Hill and I to find someone to teach. I know that when I sincerely poured out my soul to Him in prayer that it made all the difference in my attitude and perception. It helps build my testimony that He does hear my prayers and desires to answer them, I just need to humble myself and come to Him first. I notice in the scriptures when the Saviour says, "Come unto me," we need to make the choice of whether we'll come to him or not. He is there and is ready to receive us, but we ourselves need to make the steps towards Him.

So, to show Heavenly Father that we needed His help to fulfull this goal we fasted for his special blessing this past Sunday. This Monday we received a referral from the mission office that there is a woman in Tuscany who would like to meet with the missionaries! In Tuscany we hardly ever get referalls...until yesterday! The woman who called in the referal said that she had a conversation with her friend who is trying to find a religion.... :) We'll be stopping by her home later on today. Heavely Father definitely blessed Sis. Hill and I as we did our best in trying to find people and has rewarded our faith by giving us an opportunity to teach someone who is searching. Perhaps this lady maybe baptized this month or maybe not, regardless this has definitely been a faith building experience for me and has made me stronger. And to add to that Sis. Hill and I were able to come into a less active man's home and taught he and his wife. Throughout the lesson we would ask them questions and he would always turn to his wife and have her give the answer. Well, near the end of the message we asked another question and this time she turned to him and waited for him to give an answer. The answer that he gave was amazing and the spirit was strong in the room. Afterwards he invited us to come over to dinner next Monday at their home and we're really excited! Also, we stopped by a less active members home and had the opportunity to talk with her for a while. She's very open and doesn't mind us coming over again when we have time to do so. HAZZAR!!!!!!!! The Lord has provided miracles for Sis. Hill and I these past few days and it's built my faith in seeing his hand working in our area of Tuscany.

Love you!

Sister Ireland aka Debbie can you turn a movie on for us? :)

Episode III: Return of the Sister‏

Dear Family,

FIRST of all I must say that General Conference was A.W.E.S.O.M.E.!!!! The talks that were given were definitely inspired and spiritually uplifting....someone slay the spiritual fatted calf and bring out the best remote! General Conference has returned once again! Whenever I listen to General Conference there is always a specific message that I'm able to receive, and when the Lord gives me that message through one of his servants I know that it's important to follow through on that personal counsel I've received. I hope that all of you were able to be spiritually fed personally and I know the Lord will help and support you as you're willing to obey his counsel (please see Nephi 17:3:)

Well, things have been going good in the land of Tuscany. Sis. Hill and I tracted into this young man (Ryan*) who didn't believe that there was a God BUT he was interested in hearing our message. So, on Thursday we were able to teach him and his little sister, Rachel*. Ryan is the kind of guy that likes to prove things scientifically and basically wants to prove, scientifically, that there is a God. While teaching him Sis. Hill and I said that he first needed to have faith in order to receive his personal answer....he and Rachel seemed pretty shady about that concept. They worry that if you go by 'feeling' rather than 'seeing' you might be fooling yourself. So, the lesson in and of itself didn't go anywhere because he kept finding loop holes about the things we were trying to teach him. The cool thing though is that he's willing to read the Book of Mormon so we committed him to read and pray about it. We even asked him to pray after the lesson and he did! He didn't receive any answer when praying but that's definitely one of the first steps for him to receive his answer. If he's not willing to pray with us, then most likely who won't pray by himself. He and Rachel accepted a return appointment this Tuesday and we hope that we can ask those questions to build their faith and to help them know that their Father really exists.

I can't believe how fast this transfer has flown by! Transfers are on Oct 20 and I have a feeling that I won't be with Sis. Hill for another transfer. Ha ha ha ha when we first became companions we didn't understand each other at all. Sis. Hill is the type of sister that is very logical in her thinking while I am the type of sister that thinks illogically. Not saying that I'm a crazy sister that forgot her pills at home but we have a different way of viewing things let's just say. So, the beginning of the transfer was quite interesting, but as time has gone on we both understand each other better and have become good friends. Ha ha Sis. Hill is the best! Anyways, I'll be a wee bit sad if I don't stay with her for another transfer but I've learned a lot from her and she's helped me become more confident in the work. I'm so grateful that the Lord has blessed me with two great companions so far as I'm learning to become a better instrument in his service.

Family I love you very much and appreciate the emails and letters that you write me. They make me so happy and comforted knowing that things are going well in the land of Utah. While watching the footage of General Conference it was weird to see my old abode and I thought about you a lot during this session of conference.

I love you!

Love, Sister Ireland

aka Deberella

*Names have been changed to preserve privacy

Salutations from Canada :)

Ahoy Family,

This past week has been a challenge....a good challenge I must say. Sister Macias (from Ecuador) and I are still considered the 'new sisters' in our mission and this week we went on an exchange. Sis. Hill and Sis. Macias's companion, Sis. Chase had to go to training meetings in downtown Calgary, which left two jr. companions to fend for themselves for four days. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! :) When I realized that Sis. Macias and I were going to be working together I felt very nervous and was wondering how things were going to go because we were still relatively new. But, while I was thinking about it I felt this feeling of peace come into my mind and heart telling me it was going to be okay...and it was! Actually, it was great! Sis. Macias has such a strong, powerful testimony of the Gospel and I was able to learn a lot of things from her this past week. The Lord watched over and guided us as we worked together and it was a neat experience. Every other day we would switch out on areas, so one day we would be in my area, Tuscany, and the other day, Airdrie. It was different but good to learn to be the senior companion for both of us in our areas and I felt that we taught with the Spirit with the people we taught.

Sis. Hill and I have experienced a couple of miracles this past week. We were going to visit a member who was on a street that we previously thought we should tract. So, while walking to the member's house we decided to knock on the first door we came to. A man in his twenties answered the door and while we talked with him he was very interested about the church. Usually when we talk to people we ask them questions, but this time he was asking us questions! He wanted to take our materials that we had about the restoration and Joseph Smith and asked when our church service was because he really wanted to come. He did ask one question that if he joined our church if he could still drink....dun dun dun!!!! So, Sis. Hill told him that we didn't drink and explained that when we put those things in our body we can't be receptive to the spirit. That basically made sense to him and he told us that he would try to come. On Sunday we waited outside for him before church started and he didn't show. We're going tonight to follow up with him and see if he would be interested in learning more. To be honest, he seemed really sincere when we were talking with him so we hope and pray that he will be able to accept the message we want to share.

Also, on the same day we went to an investigator's house, Vance*, to see if he happened to be home. We saw that his car was there and it's REALLY hard to catch him because he works 7 days of the week. Vance wasn't home but the man's name who answered the door was Maribeau (Mare-a-bo:) who is also from Cameroon like Vance. While talking with him he said that he was in a bible study group and they're trying to find the church that is closest to the primitive church back in Christ's time......:) We gave him a Book of Mormon with a restoration pamphlet that he was willing to read and we're following up with him this week. Ha ha! The field is white in Tuscany! Heavenly Father has been blessing us according to our faith.

Yesterday we met with, Iris*, the woman that we tracted into this past Sunday who's husband died this past January. We asked her if she would want to hear our message and she's being a wee bit resistant. She feels that she needs to find inner peace within herself and get her 'ducks in a row' before she can go to church. Little does she realize right now that you can't find inner peace all by yourself. True, you can decide if you want to be happy but when Christ is not in the picture in achieveing that happiness and peace you will not be entirely fulfilled, you're still thirsty. In the the New Testament when Christ is speaking to the woman at the well he testifies that she would never thirst. "Wha?!" she says, "Where can I find this water?" He tells her that He is the well of living water and that through Him she would never thirst (thanks dad for that letter). Satan does everything to convince us that before we need to make changes in our lives we need to do this, and we need to do that.....oh and DON'T forget to do that other thing before you make this major change! When we listen to him we are procrastinating the peace and healing we could receive if we just ran to the Saviour and the well where he stands. If we need to make changes in ourselves we need to take the Saviour by the hand and let him lead us and to not depend on our own strength. "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things." (Alma 26:12) Turn to Him and let Him help you.

I love you family and I hope things are going well in the land of 70 degree weather in September! Jealous. :) It's getting pretty cold here. Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Love, Sister Ireland

aka Debalee

*Names have been changed to preserve privacy

The Field is White in Tuscany!‏

Hi Family!

I'd like to share two cool experiences that Sis. Hill and I had this past week. We decided to stop by a potential investigators house but she wasn't home. So, we decided that we would knock doors nearby her house. While we were walking I noticed this man pulling his recycling bin back to his house and he gave us a smile as we were going to the next door. After knocking at three doors with no success we were heading back to our car and I had the impression that we should go to the home where that man went to. So, we walked back, knocked on the door and his wife answered. Sis. Hill started talking about the Church and she seemed interested but told us that they were busy and to come back another time. I received the impression to give her a Book of Mormon...and she accepted it! So, we are going back soon to see if they really are interested and hopefully teach them a lesson.

Alright, now the BIG ONE! So, Sis. Hill and I were looking at the area map a few days ago and she had a good feeling to go to this specific area and tract it. Yesterday we went to that specific place and the first door we knocked at an older woman answered the door. She was very nice and as we talked to her for a little bit she started to cry. Her husband had passed away this January and it has been a hard for her to heal. She let us in her home and we talked with her for about an hour. Her name is Iris* and she is a very sweet woman that has been raised Lutheran most of her life, but has stopped going once her husband became ill and passed away. She has the mind set that if she can get her 'ducks in a row' she'll be able to go back to her church. She didn't want us to teach her a lesson BUT she doesn't mind us coming back to help her out....which is the perfect opportunity to serve her and teach her more about the Gospel. This situation looks very promising and we're hoping that we can help her come to our church and be able to teach her more. Bit by bit though. So, the FIELD IS WHITE IN TUSCANY!!! woooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! We've both showed Heavenly Father our faith by being willing to talk to anyone that we see on the street and after a few weeks of doing this he's opened the door for us by leading us to Iris. Faith rocks! :)

Also, this past week Elder Zivic from the Seventy and his wife came to our mission and spoke to us for mission tour. It was a really neat experience and the Spirit was very strong.

I love you family and want to let you know that my testimony of this Gospel is getting stronger and stronger as I immerse myself in this great work. It's challenging, hard, and very cold :) but what keeps me going is that I have faith that as I do my part in serving the Lord, miracles will come to Tuscany where Sis. Hill and I serve. I believe that as I do my best to serve Him that He will continue to help me through my weaknesses and challenges that I face personally. My testimony of the Atonement is growing stronger also because it's helped heal me in many ways that at one point in my life I thought wasn't possible. We just need to show Him our faith by doing and He will help with the rest.

Love you!

Sister Ireland aka Spaghetti Ninja :)

*Names have been changed to preserve privacy

Family, eh?

Hello Family!

It's been another good week in Canada. Today is 'Transfer P-Day' which means that you find out whether you're going to be transfered or not. I'm still staying in my area of Tuscany and Sis. Riley is going to the '17th Ward' which is still in my zone. My new companion is, Sis. Hill, and I've heard that she's awesome so I'm excited to get to know her for this next transfer. I'm a wee bit nervous. Anne wrote me in her letter about when you're seperated from your trainer it's like your training wheels are being taken off...and I don't have fond memories about my training wheels being taken because I biffed a lot on my bike...:) Anyways, the Lord is in control and I know that this will be a great experience. I know because I've already felt that comfort from the Spirit.

It's starting to get pretty cold here in Canada. There is already a bunch of snow in the mountains and soon enough it will find it's way down here. I just can't wait to whip out my Darth Vader coat when the weather starts getting extreme, wha ahahahaha! "You will be baptized!" (with the 'force' hand motion)

I've really enjoyed the emails that I've received from everyone this past week and I'm sorry if I'm a wee bit slow responding back. I love hearing from you and it's a comfort to know that everyone still exists :)

I love you!

Sister Ireland

aka Debbie (just in case you're wondering)

Also, please pray for me for tonight. We're meeting a non-member in a member's home and I'm extending the baptizmal date. I really need to learn to rely on the spirit and not myself...because it's just a plain disaster if I try to do it alone :)

#6 and Dear Family #..............7? ha ha who knows :)‏

Letter #6 Monday, August 16, 2010

Hello Family!

Well, many things have happened here and there. Sis. Riley and I were able to do two church tours this week. As part of the mission rules, every lesson you teach to a potential investigator or investigator you ALWAYS have to extend the invitation to them to be baptized. So, for both church tours Sis. Riley extended the invitation but both didn't committ. The first tour that we did was with this woman named, Patrica*, who isn't a religious person, but likes to study religion. Ha ha, let's say she wasn't the most...'cooperative' person but it was neat to share the gospel with someone who wasn't part of the church. She was my first non-member lesson! She wasn't rude or anything, but rather, brushed it off, didn't like to consider certain things and so forth. But, we gave her a Book of Mormon and hopefully a seed was planted. She seemed really surprised when Sis. Riley said that Christ was at the head of our Church and not President Monson...that seemed to get her attention...

The other church tour was with, Mark*, who's wife is a member and he's really interested in the church, but he feels that he's not ready....even though he's been a faithful hometeacher for many years, says consistent family prayer with his wife, has own set of scriptures and reads them..............ddddddddddddddddaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! But yet, he still thinks he isn't ready and wants more time. But, through that tour I received the message from the Spirit that I'm nothing if I don't teach by Him. I can talk until I'm blue in the face about how the Gospel is true, that Joseph Smith is a true prophet, that the church is Restored, but if it's not with the spirit testifying through me I will never be effective. It made me realize how important it is to be worthy of his presence and it's through the Spirit that the word progresses. I'm learning many many things out here on my mission that I know I wouldn't learn anywhere else, so I feel that I'm progressing ever so slowly as I'm learning the ropes of being a missionary.

The work here in Tuscany is slow but it's picking up a little. We're able to make appointments with members to help increase their faith to do missionary work, but finding investigators and trying to teach them is difficult. They're either not home (go figure), their busy, extremely sick etc etc etc. It feels at times like we're wading through mud and it can be frustrating....and right now my eczema on my hands is starting to flare up. No bueno. Ok, let's be honest, I'm a little discouraged. It's hard out here, there's this thing called 'agency' and it sucks (take this off the record:)! People are just so stubborn, why don't you listen?! 'I pitty the fool!' :) Missionary work is HARD! It tries your patience, your faith, knowledge, diligence, your bladder.....let's just say 'D' ALL THE ABOVE. But through it all, I feel that my testimony is getting stronger, my ability to teach is improving, and I'm learning as I go day by day, etc. I know that this is the right thing to be doing, and I'm grateful for the love and support everyone gives me whether it goes said or unsaid. I'm feeling supported every step of the way.

I hope everything is going well down in ye olde Utah and I love you all very much.

Love, Debbie

Letter #7 August 30, 2010

Hello Family!

This week has been awesome! This past Thursday Sister Riley and I (with a member friend) went to the Cardston Temple and it was awesome.

This temple is very different because it has wood work inside instead of white. So, as you go throughout the session the wood becomes darker and darker as you progress. I went into the temple with a prayer in my heart about a certain question that I had and came out with an answer. After leaving the temple I felt at peace and had a different perspective about things. That's what the temple can do for us, regardless if you're endowed or not you can still experience the Spirit as you go and keep Him with you when you leave. The Cardston temple is 2 hours away from my area.....it amazes me how blessed we are in Utah to have temples dotted all over the state. Take the time to go as often as you can and you will be blessed with the insight and help that you need.

Sis. Riley and I had the opportunity to teach 3 non-members this week! One of them who's name is Brent* has accepted the invitation for us to teach him more lessons! So, we have an investigator! WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! He's amazing. He's been coming to church these past three weeks and was already reading his own copy of The Book of Mormon. We taught him the Restoration and we watched 'The First Vision.' Afterward we asked how he felt about it and he said he didn't know how to exactly describe it but he felt good about it and what the gospel has to offer. We extended the invitation for him to be baptized.......................................................................................and............................................he said he wasn't ready yet but he was planning on being baptized in the near future! So, accepted us to continue to teach him and we're really excited.

I love you family and I hope that all is well. Miracles happen we just need to have faith.

Love, Debbie

*Names have been changed

Letter #4 and Letter #5

Letter #4 Tuesday, August 3, 2010

AHOY FROM THE LAND OF CANADA!!!

Well, I'm definitely in the learning curve right now. I'm serving in the area of, Tuscany! While my trainer, Sis. Riley, and I were driving to our home she told me a little bit about the area. Tuscany consists of people that are well off financialy and are very comfortable. So, the area I'm serving in is a difficult because people are not willing to hear about the Gospel because they already have those things that they need. Our main goal or focus in the mission is to do missionary work among the members and not focus as much on tracting because it's not very effective. I've had to learn to wrap my brain around that concept, because from the missionary stories I've heard from home it seemed like all you did was tracting, tracting, tracting....and more tracting. But not so in the Canada Calgary mission, it's a different up here. This past week Sis. Riley has taken me to many homes of the members of our ward in Tuscany. I love the members!!! They are so wonderful and open PLUS they make great dinners :) Sis. Riley and I don't eat dinner very often at home because usually the members are willing to invite us over for dinner and a lesson.

We're living in the basement of a ward member who's name is, Sis. Jones. She's from Scotland and has a VERY STRONG accent and it's the best! Our living quarters are very very nice and don't forget the memory foam mattresses! We've been able to teach a few members throughout this past week and I'm learning how to teach better and better. Plus, Sis. Riley helps me during role plays as we're trying to figure out ways to teach better.....she says I need to teach more simply...and breath. Ha ha and it's true! Learning how to teach the Gospel simply is so important especially trying to teach people who have no concept or understanding of it yet.

We have three investigators that we are focusing on (I'll go into more detail in the next letter with the rest). There is Victor who is from Cameroon, Africa and before I came Sis. Riley and her comp. were able to teach him all the lessons which he learned to accept....until they came to the Word of Wisdom. Victor is soooooooooo close to getting baptized but the Word of Wisdom is stopping him from progressing. He has a deep desire to be baptized, but he wants us to change the rules about the W of W so he can still join. As I've come to learn when we're asked to observe the W of W the principle is not the 'science' of it. Yeah, we can be healthy and our bodies feel better but that's not the whole point. Our bodies are temples. When we destroy our temples by bringing in harmful things the spirit leaves. That's the principle of the W of W, we keep it so the spirit can dwell within and guide us. So, imagine if we changed the rules for Victor. Ok, you can be baptized and you can still drink etc. It's all in vain. The spirit can't enter and be with him, because he 'does not dwell in unholy temples.'

One thing, I just want to bear my testimony of how aware Heavenly Father is in our lives, whether we know it or not. For example, when Pres. Trent set me apart he told me study the Atonement and the desires I had to accomplish things would come to be. Then at the MTC one of my teachers, Bro. Haskins, asked me specifically to study the atonement, and then, once again, when I was opening my call to my first area my 'travel intinerary' told me to specifically to study the atonement. This has shown me how very aware Heavenly Father is aware of me and that He is also very aware of all His children and the specific needs that they have. We just need to look, and we can see Him right there continually calling to us individually. He's really there. I testify of that.

Oh there are so many other things I want to write!!! But, stay tuned for next week's letter :)

Letter #5 Monday, August 9, 2010

Hi Family!

Well, this past week has gone well. On Monday for P-Day we went to Banff and it was B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. I'll send some pictures your way. We went to two lakes which were amazing and then we went to downtown Banff afterwards and went to their candy store. I can't remember what the store was called on Harry Potter, but I think the store that we went to was just like it! There was candy everywhere, and since I'm a true Ireland I got a bunch of chocolate bars....I didn't know I was missing something in my life, but I had found it. The chocolate here in Canada is sooooooo much better than in the states. Holy cow! I was very impressed. I'll send some down your way in a little while.

Sis. Riley and I have made a goal for this upcoming week to committ two investigators for baptism. There is Brother A, who has a Catholic upbringing but his wife is very active in the church and she's amazing. Before I came Sis. Riley and her comp. tried to committ him to baptism but he said he wasn't ready yet. From what I understand from Sis. Riley, Brother A is literally 'at the door' to being baptized. He knows the church is true, he has a foundation, but he hesitates to be baptized for whatever reason that may be. We're doing a church tour with him which is basically teaching the first lesson, but in visual form at the church. Sis. Riley is going to extend the invitation and we both have a good feeling about this.

The next person is, Brother B, who I mentioned earlier in my past letter. The only hold up he has is the Word of Wisdom and it's been really difficult trying to get in contact with him because he's trying to set up his own business. The neat thing is that he called us a few days ago telling us he was still alive and that he was busy but still wanted to meet with us. He's also 'at the door' we need to seek guidance from the spirit to help him resolve his concerns. We hope and pray that things will work out for both of them.

Yesterday we had dinner at a member home and they had a non-member friend, Brother C, who was interested in the church. Before hand Sis. Riley and I thought it would be important to emphasize on the atonement. After dinner we sat down and shared some scriptures about the atonement. Mine was from 3 Nephi11:14-15 where the Saviour asks everyone to feel individually, for themselves, the marks in his hands, feet, and side. I bore testimony that even though we can't literally or physically see the Savior with our own eyes like the people of Nephi did, the invitation is still the same for us individually. He asks us to come, to see, to feel for ourselves and be healed. Then Sis. Riley shared an awesome quote and then we showed a 'Mormon Message' by Elder Holland called, "None were with Him." Afterwards Sis. Riley sealed our message with a testimony. The spirit was present and Brother C seemed affected by the Spirit that was there. We're hoping that we can be able to teach the lessons to him, he seems very interested. Delivering a spiritual message is nothing when you don't have the Spirit with you. He was definitely there though.

Work in the area of Tuscany these past 1-2 weeks have been slow, BUT the Lord has blessed Sis. Riley and I with many sheaves! :) The mission goal is to have 20 lessons in a week, in the past year no one has reached that goal, Sis. Riley and I have 15 set up! So, we are in range to accomplish this goal! On Saturday members from our ward were willing to have us over to teach them this upcoming week and it's added up to a good amount. Through these lessons our goal is to increase the members faith and encourage them to do missionary work. Tracting in our area is not effective, so, through the members that's where we find success in teaching non-members. Family please do all you can to support the missionaries, through you they can find people to teach that they couldn't find elsewhere.

Well, the mission field is definitely a place to learn and grow. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. There are times where it gets discouraging and challenging but I remember something that Ben Carson said at his homecoming talk, "When you're going through hard times remember that something good is waiting for you right around the corner." The key is to 'walk' to that corner and not just 'stand'. We have to put our faith into action. It's hard here, but I know it will be rewarding as I forget myself. I know that as I do so that the Lord will help me become the instrument that he wants me to be.
Random note, the Calgary Alberta Temple is actually being built in my area! The church that we go to is right by the construction site! Our goal as a mission is to have 2600 baptizms before the temple is dedicated. So, you could say that we are trying to baptize a whole stake. Your prayers are in high demand! :)

Love you! Debbie

P.S. I forgot to tell you, the Prime Minister of Canada lives a few houses away from us!

Sister Ireland Goes to Canada!

HEY FAMILY!!!

Woooooooooooooooooo!!! So many things have happened so far. The plane that I boarded was a small plane...s.m.a.l.l.....so, I was a little nervous, because sometimes it's no bueno being in a small plane 38,000 ft in the air! I just understood that they have problems here and there, BUT since I'm writing to you rest assured you can know that I'm still alive. Calgary is very flat, green, and temperature right now is perfect. It's about 70 degrees or so with NO humidity, hooray! I met Sis. Archibald at the airport and she's great! As we were traveling to the mission home she gave us info about the mission and Canada itself. When we arrived at the mission home I really felt the spirit and His comfort as a I walked into that home. I felt like I was home and that this was the right place to be. We had a scrumptious lunch and then went downstairs for our missionary orientation, which was very informative and very long :) Afterwards we headed upstairs, had a great dinner and then headed the chapel a few blocks away to meet our new trainers. While waiting in the chapel for the meeting to start I was feeling very nervous, so to push out those negative thoughts I opened the hymn book and started reading. I came across the song, "Because I Have Been Given Much" and it totally related to missionary work I'm about to do. While I was reading those lyrics part of the second verse talks about sharing my glowing fire, my loaf of bread, my roof's safe shelter over head, that he to may be comforted. That's how my life has been in the Gospel. I've had plenty of fire, bread and shelter....so why not share it? So, that took the edge off to my nervousness.

At the end of the meeting I opened my call and I'm serving in Tuscany, which is the west side of Calgary and my trainer is Sis. Riley. I'm with her right now and she's a really cool sister, and I think that it's going to be a good experience learning from her. I want to write more, but next Tuesday is when I'll give you more info.

Love you!

Deb

First Week In MTC!!

Hey Family!!! (and friends)

Wow this new experience of being at the MTC has been scary and yet great at the same time. Sis. Zmolek and I taught our first discussion to an investigator (mock) at the TRC and at first it was really nerve wracking, but once we jumped in it wasn't so bad and we did a good job teaching. Of course we have a few things to work on, but while teaching this investigator I felt, deep inside, true excitement to share the gospel with this sister and can't wait to go to Canada and do the real thing. So, I know this is the right place for me to be, and I know I'll continue to grow as I put in my best effort. The Lord said to Moroni in Ether 12:27 that he would make weak things become strong unto him if he was humble and was willing to trust in the Lord. I know I definitely have things I need to improve on, but as I'm willing to obey the promptings of the Spirit and stay close to my Heavenly Father He will help me become successful.

This past week has been a whirl wind of emotions. At one point a few days ago I was feeling really really low. Since my middle name is 'obvious' I tried to stiffle my tears...but to no avail :) I was frustrated about teaching and how hard everything seemed to be here. So, I ran to the bathroom (I didn't tell my companion, but she doesn't have to know that:) and said a prayer, asking Heavenly Father to comfort me and make it through. I went back into the lunch room, but it was really OBVIOUS that I had been crying. But the Lord answered my prayer, because this one sister, Sis. Schmidt, noticed me and went out of her way to talk to me and I felt way better afterwards. I realized that the Lord usually answers our prayers through the service and concerns of others. This taught me that when the spirit prompts me to do or say something to someone else, even though we don't know the obvious reason of why, that it will be for their benefit and comfort and our personal faith increases as we see the results of following through on what the spirit asks us to do.

I share a room with six wonderful sisters! They're great to talk too and easy to get along. Luckily, Sis. Zmolek brought extra ear plugs with her because one of our sisters snores...REALLY, REALLY, REALLY LOUD! GGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!! :) So sometimes it's really hard to catch some sleep but once the ear plugs are in I sleep well...and same with everyone else! Anyways, all of them are great and we're becoming better friends as the days go by.

Sis. Zmolek and I are the only sisters in our District. The rest, of course, are elders and I remember Anne saying that with her district everyone was quiet for a little while. But, once they got to know each other more it wasn't like that. Well, the same thing goes for our district, it was REALLY quiet, but now, after this first week we all get along and we have a lot of fun! I love the elders in my district, they are awesome! I took some pictures but I'll have to email those next week, so stay tuned. Also, I've gained a lot of respect from the elders in my zone... heh heh. For gym we play 4 square and they say that I'm ruthless! WHA HAHAHAHA!!! :) It's fun to play with them, sometimes they can get a little cheap because their...man ego...get's bruised when I or one of the sisters get them out, but it's all fun and games. I really enjoy all the elders and sisters in my zone, it's the best!

I hope things are going well with everyone. This past Sunday we took a Temple Walk as a zone and I looked over in the area where everyone that I've left behind are, and was wondering what you were doing. I'm sad that I can't see you but I know we will see each other soon and the Lord will bless us individually as we strive to be closer to Him.

Sorry, there is so much I want to write but my time is already up. I love you all!

Love, Sister Ireland :)

THERE ARE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MANY MORE PICTURES TO SHOW!!! 'Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little' :) Ha ha next week there will be more!

Sister Johnson and I went to high school together!

Adventure is Out There!

Cave spelunkers of the world unite! We decided to hike to Mt. Timp's Cave and it was a BLAST! So much fun spending time with my best friends :)

Heds and I stoked to go (especially Heds)

The Heart of Mt. Timpanogos!


The water in the cave was completely clear so you could see the bottom!

Las Amigas Rock (pardon the Spanglish)

The fault line. According to Ranger Nancy, the cave would be the safest place to be in during an earthquake...whatever floats your boat Ranger Nancey :)

Me, Marcia, Katie, and Hettie Jo!

Yes, the light from the corner came naturally with the cave.

Out tour guide, Ranger Nancy, was the BEST! We had to get a picture with her or our adventure wouldn't have been complete...perhaps one day I will receive the honor of wearing her hat and be known as, Ranger Deb!

Afterwards, we decided to dine at Los Hermanos and the food was bueno!

I swear those two could be sisters! :)

"We are the quatro amigas! We are the quatro
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamigas!
And forever amigas are we!"

Canadian Cake, eh?

My awesome sis-in-law and her mom made this cake and brought it to the Father's Day dinner! The cake was the B.E.S.T. Plus it tasted great too! A great cake for a future Canadian lass, eh?

The Farewell

My farewell!

June 20, 2010

Gadget's Angels

My Best Friends: Nonie, Marcia, Me, Katie, Jill, and Hettie

I guess the secret's out...not that it's surprising...

Say NO to hair racisim. We did.

Our artistic impersonation of a totum pole that we would find in Canada

Hettie and I (she is sad that I am leaving)

Frolicking on the lush lawn with Marsh

Nonie and I

Gadget's Angels Part 2: Marry me Gadget?

He-ttie Jo Han-sen: the only person who can pop my bubble and I don't spaz out.

Me

Who says white girls can't jump?

Yeah, we make Tyra Banks jealous.
Happy that we have escaped the Prickly Garden of Shrubbery

You can just call us the AT&T bar

Gadget's Angels Part 3: Petal to the Metal. Gadget's Revenge.

Katie and I in the 'Prickly Garden of Shrubbery'

Bro Gill, Jill and I (Hey that rhymes!)


Reunited after three years from ye ol' PG High!

Yay! I am going on a mission! If I could give three thumbs up...I would!

These pictures are of my best friends and I after my farewell on Father's Day! The talk I gave on Father's Day focused on the wonderful attributes my Dad has and how to show love and respect to Heavenly Father. Like with all talks, I was very nervous before hand but once I got up and started speaking the rest was history. The talk went over well and I received many compliments from those that listened. I love getting positive feedback! Plus, it was awesome to see my family and friends there to support me that afternoon. Thanks everyone!

Wha? Canada?!

Turning in my mission papers was a nightmare. Delay after delay after delay!!!!! But, finally I turned in my papers and I was so excited about where I was going to be called. It was my dream that I would be called to the land of leprechauns and discovering a pot o' gold at the end of every rainbow I came across in Ireland! Finally, the day arrived. All of my family and friends were there when I opened my call to.............(drum roll please).............the Calgary Canada Mission!

I remember when I read those words (and I feel guilty saying this but it's the truth!) I was kind of disappointing. "Canada?! This is lame sauce! That's not exciting or adventurous at all!!! What about my leprechaun friends and my mug of virgin ale at the pub?!" SO, the pictures of me opening my mission call is sort of an act. Yes. I didn't want to show everyone the disappointment I felt and not leaking crocodile tears like I had when my Grandma gave me an Olympic Barbie Doll for Christmas when I was seven. Woof. After opening my call I decided to be in my room for a little while to think things through. Eventually, my sister, Anne, came into my room and asked what was wrong. I told her that I felt guilty that I was disappointing about my call. She said that it was completely normal, to give it some time to soak in and eventually I would be excited about where I was going. What she said comforted me and I had a better night after that conversation...what are big sisters for? :)

I don't know why the Lord has specifically called me to serve in Calgary Canada. But, I know deep down that what I'm doing is right and the Lord is sending me there for a specific purpose that I'm yet to discover as I serve His children.