No Man's Land                                                                 February 24, 2014

This week was crazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzy!

The most entertaining, we went to this area in our area that's like in the middle of nowhere. And we found out after that none of the elders ever went there. And I can understand why. There's only one member that lives over there and they aren't active. As we were biking around, I felt like we should have been riding on horses. It felt like we were in like the Wild Wild West or something. Everyone had like a ca-zillion dogs, that weren't exactly the most friendly. And for the first time on my mission, we felt inspired to tract...that was entertaining. And totally not productive. We got chased by some scary dogs. There was also this really tiny old trailer that we decided to go knock on. And then I realized a huge window was busted...and it was completely empty except for an old really weathered book. It was seriously so creepy.

We were able to do a lot of service this week. The elders that left this area said they did service everyday, and out ward mission leader feels that's gonna be the key to getting into homes in this area. So we plan on going service tracting this week. Which is we knock on doors in service clothes and just offer service. It shall be fun! We have been working so so hard. Like the other day we biked and biked and biked and there was not a soul outside to talk to, nobody answered their doors. It can be so frustrating. But this is just like my first area, so I know the blessing will come as long as we are exactly obedient to the spirit. We have been able to contact a few solid potentials that want to be taught. And had two lessons scheduled for yesterday. One with a guy named Chris Clay. He was taught once before and wants to take the lessons again. The other with the youth of a member, 4 kids, who all are over eight and need to be taught before getting baptized. But Satan was really not gonna have that. So I'm pretty sure he gave me food poisoning. I'm not sure what it was. After supper Saturday night I just felt awful, and then in the middle of the night I got really sick. And then had to stay in all day yesterday. When I called the nurse and she told me I needed to stay in all day I just started crying. I did not wanna stay in. There is no time for that. It was so frustrating. Seriously. I felt like in 8th grade when I couldn't play basketball for a while when I fractured my ankle. It was a good reminded of how much I truly love being a missionary. The members made sure that I was taken care of, and the elders came and gave me a blessing which was really nice.

An awesome family in our ward moved this week which was a bummer. The Stoddards. She is so funny and makes the most delicious homemade bread. That's one of my goals when I have a family, make homemade bread. They have this adorable little girl, Lilly. Who kept having me come dance with her and paint her fingernails...but just pretend. She was so cute!

We're also starting to gear up for the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Visitor Center. It's like the biggest production in the USA...at least for Easter, I think. Whatever it is, I've heard amazing things about it, and I know that lots of referrals come from it so that'll be really fun!

On Saturday morning for exercise we woke up early and played soccer with our zone at the stake center. It was so much fun, but we were so tired afterward. Elder Vasquez is from Mexico and is SO dang good at soccer. I pulled a few moves on him and got passed him once, and everyone freaked out. Elder Vasquez just said, "Dang." He's probably the most humble elder that I know.

Really, the majority of our week was knocking on empty doors, and biking biking biking. One thing I have learned is to really rely on the spirit more fully. Because there is so much work to be done in this area. And so many people to visit. And so many people that our waiting to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Sometimes it's hard to know where to start and what to exactly do. I know that I have felt the influence of the spirit so much in the last week, even though a lot of so-called "success" didn't come from it. I know that we were in the right place at the right time. Even though one night, we did wake up 3 sleeping children 3 houses in a row. Whoops. I'm grateful that the spirit is the teacher. And he not only teaches the investigators. But the spirit teaches me what I need to do and how I can best help the people around me, as well as how I can best teach my companion. Lucky for me, Sister Hibbard is awesome and came pre-trained. So that's what I'm trying to constantly improve on, listening to the spirit and acting on the promptings that I receive. Alma 34:38

 Well, I'm about out of time. Thanks for all that you do for me! Thanks so much for the card! That was a life saver! Seriously! I miss y'all! And the south...this morning at the store a lady asked where I was from and when I told her GA, she said, "Where is that?" Seriously. A man also told us this week on his mission they had the saying, "Sisters are blisters." RUDE! Also, I literally made this man jump like a foot off the ground one night when we approached him, and he yelled, "What's going on?"haha. He was super nice actually, and we had a good conversation with him. He grew up in Utah, but we were able to come back and tell him and his wife about the Gilbert Temple since they didn't have a chance to go. Anyway, sorry that I'm so scatter brained. I'm gonna start journaling more! AHh. I"m the worst at that. I hope y'all have a great week! LOVE YOU!

 

Sister Adams

Can you say GIANT cacti?

Creepy Trailer!!

Weathered book inside creepy trailer

This has adventure written all over it!!

The desert Life

This is a lemon as big as my scriptures!! CRAZY!! Lemonade anyone!!

 

 

 

What about an Iced Latte?                                                         February 17, 2014


Bum. Bum. Bum. Another week bites the dust. 

It's crazy how fast each week goes by! And it was super crazy how little time this week that we had to actually get out and work. We worked at the temple all day for Wednesday and Friday. We had a zone conference on Thursday all day. Basically  the only time we had out in our area was a couple hours last Monday, Tuesday afternoon, and Saturday. But this week, there is no meetings really so we FINALLY will get to know our area better. We also received a phone call this morning from the assistants that informed us that we will be getting a car today, so thats exciting. Although I really love biking, which is what we'll still do most of the time anyways. 

 Last Tuesday we met our ward mission leader, Brother Krueger, at Dunkin Donuts for a meeting(he's single so we can't go in his home). So we go to order a donut and a drink and Sister Hibbard looks at me and asks, "What about an iced latte?"hahaha. I had to tell her that it had caffeine. Brother Krueger and I were dying. And now all the leadership of the ward knows, and they have been teasing her about it. It's a fun running joke we have. Oh Sister Hibbard, they don't even sell coffee in Rexburg...so she just had no clue.ha

We knocked on lots of doors and lots of people didn't. It's kinda funny to see a new missionaries reaction again, and how crazy she thinks it is that people don't anser the door. I have forgotten what it was like those first few weeks and what a shock everything was. I hope that she's been able to have some good experiences as we've been getting to know people and trying to teach and testify whenever we can. She is really positive and excited to teach some investigators, so we have to find lots of people to teach! And I know that that will happen! There is so much potential in this area! I am so excited to have time spent in our area this coming week! 

Yesterday we had an appointment scheduled, and we planned for it and prayed about what they needed, etc. And when we were walking up to the door the blinds were open and I saw the mom up and moving around. And when we knocked and such we could hear kids telling their parents that we were there. Yet nobody even came to the door. We left a note, and as we walked away we saw the blinds that had been open were now closed. Sister Hibbard just couldn't believe it. Later in the evening at our dinner appointment, with a single lady in the ward that was struggling, we shared the message that we had prepared for our appointment earlier in the day and she was in tears. She told us how she knew that message was meant for her, and thanked us for sharing. It's so cool to me how when we do things by the spirit, even when we think it's for a different purpose, it's always for a reason. Nothing is ever done in vain. It was a cool experience, and just a tender mercy that even though we haven't seen lots of success in this new area so far, that we are being guided and directed. And helping people to feel of the love that their Savior has for them. And that's all that we've been asked to do. 

In our zone conference one thing we talked about was being consecrated missionaries. Which can be really hard. And the thing that stood out to me was the difference between water that is 99.5 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius. At 99.5 degrees all it is is really hot water. At 100 degrees it is boiling water, and becomes 1720 times more powerful! All we have to do is dedicate ourselves that small degree, give up the one thing that could be holding us back as missionaries and become 1720 times more powerful! And what is given up is nothing in comparison to the blessings that are received! So I'm trying to figure out what I need to do to become 1720 times more powerful!

The weather did get rather warm this week! Up into the 80's..so I realized I need to drink more water. I just hate water. But people on the streets are already offering to give up water, and then we're able to share a message so it's actually a blessing. Besides the sweat and really cool helmet marks that it causes to leaves in our hair. 

On Valentine's Day we were working at the temple, and it was lots of fun. I saw lots of people from my old areas which was so nice. And the Sudweeks! It was so exciting to see someone that I knew from my old life, or real life as I sometimes  refer to it as.haha. I was spoiled for sure on Valentine's Day. I got a package from the Day's. They are just so sweet! Tell them thanks for me! And from the Barne's! Dallan is probably the sweetest person ever. He had a puzzle made of one of the pictures of us. It's AWESOME! Such a fun gift. And of course the flowers from the family. So that was a good day! 

There are so many amazing members here that have such great faith, and such amazing stories that build my testimony! When I hear of people getting kicked out of their home for being baptized I just can't even phatom that. And it's even more amazing to see how the Lord provides for them as they follow the spirit and Christ's example in being baptized.

I wish there was more  to tell this week. One thing I probable said a cazillion time over the last week, and even more over the course of the temple open house, when presenting the videos is this. "Goodmorning. Welcome to the Gilbert Temple. I'm Sister Abby Adams and we're exctied to have y'all hear today. We're gonna start out by watching a 12 minute video about what you can expect to see and feel as you go through the temple today. It is a silent tour, but there are posters outside of each room that explain what you'll be seeing. All of your questions can be answered outside in the hosting tent. Where we'd also love to hear about your experience at the temple by filling out a comment card. We hope that y'all enjoy your tour, and we'll get your video started." 

Welp, thanks for everything! Be expecting to hear about some miracles next week! I love y'all so so much! 

Sister Adams

Picture puzzle from Dallan for Valentines!!

I put it together!! Aww!!

Valentine's Flowers from Home sweet home!!

Shadow creations while riding a bike- Talent Itell ya!!

Talent never ending!!

Hello Hello from the far away land of San Tan Valley!!                                 February 10, 2014

My new home for now

I see a mountain!! And the desert!

For some reason- we wanted this to look scary- did it work?

New companion Sister Hibbard

Check out the Street name!

   I have left the super nice and well groomed area of Gilbert for the outskirts. It is like a whole new world let me just tell you. The last couple days leading up to transfers was full of some sad goodbyes. The saddest was probably Jace. The 11 yeard old boy. When he found out I was leaving he said, "This is why I don't like preachers. They always leave." He then said he had to find something to give me. So he ran upstairs and got a flip-flop key chain and wrote on it, "to my friend, remember me." It just broke my heart. He wouldn't stop hugging me and saying that he was gonna miss me. Hopefully he'll be able to be baptized soon and I'll be able to get to go. A couple other people referred to me as such a great friend when I was leaving. I think that was one of the best compliments that I could have received. The Savior treated everyone as a friend, and that is who missionaries try to emulate.

   Wednesday was the big transfer day. I am now training Sister Hibbard who is from Rexburg, Idaho. She is great! We get along really well and have a lot in common. It's funny because she just thinks I know everything and do everything perfect since I've been out 8 months. Which is so far from the truth. But she is very excited about missionary work and I know that we'll have great things happen in the next 6 weeks. After transfer meeting, we found out we wouldn't have a car, and didn't have a ride to our house. We eventually go to our house, which is out of the ward boundaries. we didn't even know where our ward boundaries were. We didn't have a working cell phone. We didn't have any food. We were just basically stranded in our home, which is really nice by the way. Finally, the other sisters that live with us came(they have a car). We were able to call and get someone to help us to fix our phone. And we were able to go get some food. So it was quite the interesting day.

Thursday we actually got to go out in our area. There is like a neighborhood, and then some like back roadish things. A mountain or two is also in our area, but we have yet to bike up those.haha. It is just so different than Gilbert! But I hear that the work s really moving down here. We don't have really any progressing investigators right now, but there is TONS of potential! It's weird like, not even knowing any of the members or anyone at all. But it's an adventure for sure. We were able to meet some nice people. The first man we talked to on the street...yelled at us.haha. He said, "LEAVE ME ALONE. IT'S SO RUDE TO BE BOTHERING PEOPLE." Literally all we had said was, Hi. How are you doing today. Poor Sister Hibbard, not such a good first OYM to see. But that's part of being a missionary. Overall, I feel like the people are alot more open. We have talked to some amazing people.

And the leadership in the ward is amazing. They put a little bio of us in the program, and also had us get up and introduce ourself and bare our testimonies during sacrament meeting. People still think I have an accent, so that is on the plus side. It may be little, but it's still hanging on.

OH! We got to meet some more general authorities. Let me just tell you this story. We were scheduled to work the temple shift Saturday morning, and we have to be three at like 7:30 so a member was picking us up at 6:45. I had the alarm set for 5:30. Turns out it was set for 5:30 pm. So I wake up at 6:41. So much for a shower and anything else.haha. We get ready in hyper speed and get out the door on time. When we get to the temple, we got to the bathroom to make ourselves a little more presentable. And as we're walking from the stake center to the temple theres a group of men coming towards us. I recognize one as President Lesuer, the temple president. I was about to tell Sister Hibbard who it was, and then I realized that Elder Callister-who is in the presidency of the 70- is right beside him. So we meet and shake hands, and I make sure to use Elder Callister's name in the exchange. As we start walking away someone in the group comes up to me and says, "Nice job knowing the bretheren." Bonus points! I wouldn't of had a clue, but we had just watched a talk by him at transfer meeting. Which, is AMAZING! He basically compares every aspect of Christ's chruch in the New Testament, and in a nutshell  proves that we truly are Christ's chruch once again established on the earth. Everyone in the world should read it, seriously.  Here's the link....http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2014/01/what-is-the-blueprint-of-christs-church?lang=eng&query=callister+blueprint

After he goes on the tour he comes into the tent and talks to us again as well. Of course that had to happen when we had been given 3 minutes to get ready in the morning. Of course.

Also, on Sunday we went to visit this family who has 15 kids, not even joking. One of them gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek as I was sitting on the couch. He said, "I gave you a slobbery kiss."haha. He was really funny. First kiss that I've gotten on my mission though, so that was excting. Hopefully Dallan doesn't get too jealous :)

I think that's about all I can remember at the moment. I've also been kinda sick and so my new ward probably things that I talk really raspy and such. Awesome.  We will be emailing an hour later now, because we live far away from the library and by the time we get here all the computers are taken, so we'll be shopping first from now on. Which sucks, because it won't overlap with when Dallan is online. Well, next week is a holiday so who knows what will happen.

But I hope y'all have an amazing week! Thanks so much for all that y'all do for me! I love and miss y'all! Not a day goes by that I don't think of everyone. Good luck with all the snowy weather this week, I'll be enjoying 70 degrees. :) I love being a missionary. This week I have really learned how the atonement can help in everyday things. I know that I rely on His strength and guidance in all that I do. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to make it. The gospel truly does provide enumerable blessings...that I know I couldn't live without.

Oh, Happy Valentine's Day!

Peace and Blessings,

Sister Adams

The Black Plague                         Feb 3, 2014

 

Not all too much happened this week. Sister Bouck had the black plague I'm pretty positive, so we were inside...all week. We went out a couple days for a few hours at night to lessons that we didn't wanna miss. But for the most part...I just read half the Book of Mormon, watched The Testaments twice(the only slightly entertaining movie thats approved). I read a few Ensigns, updated some records, did a little cleaning. It got really old, to say the least. Some really nice members did bring us lots of food and such! Which was so nice. But now there is so much soup in our refrigerator..

We were able to teach Juan this week, the Law of Chastity. And also go to see the temple open house with him. Which is so gorgeous! I saw a few members from my old area which was fun. Juan really loved.  He also told us that he loved us...but he may or may not have brought brass knuckles to church.haha.I have pictures of us their, but I can't send any because I keep forgetting to buy a converter! I will be sure to get one today! I haven't sent pictures in forever! Sorry about that. But I'll do better.

Let's see...we taught Jace this week. He told me like 10 times that I was gonna rule the world one day. He always gives us hugs before we go. It's so sad to hear him talk about his mom and how she doesn't believe. And how he just wants to live with her forever in heaven, but she doesn't believe. Melts my heart. He had went through the open house and asked us, "Why is the temple so fancy? It's just too fancy. Can we talk about that for a minute. It's just TOO fancy." So we talked about how it's the Lord's house, and he just said , "wow.Wow. WOW. It's His house."

We also heard a story from a lady that was arrested for battery with a hamburger..and how she isn't allowed to be in possession of a hamburger anymore. That's a heartbreak...hahaha.

So transfer calls came on Sunday night. We were in the middle of planning, and I was like, "Is anyone ever gonna call us?" And right when I said it the phone started ringing and it was President Nattress. Sister Bouck will be training and staying in the area, and I will be leaving to a new area and training a new missionary. It's called "white washing." When the two missionaries who were in the area leave, and two new ones come in. So I am whitewash training. It's a bit nerve racking...since I won't know a soul in the new area and the new missionary will be expecting me to know what I'm doing. We get to learn together! It's kinda wierd that I still don't feel qualified enough to train any more so than when I was called to train having only been out 3 weeks. Still need the Lord to help me in all that I do, all of the time! So there will be lots to learn in my new area. I wonder if I'll make it out of Gilbert Gilbert...into the outskirts or something. Or if I'll be around here my whole mission. Which would be fine :) There's always a new adventure to be had.

But it's about that time. I will tell you nexy week how everything goes in my new area with my little greeenie! I love and miss y'all! Have a awesome week!

Love,

Sister Adams

 

 

 

               I Love to See the Temple                         January 27, 2014

Hola!

well, another week has gone by. So that's kinda crazy. It went by so fast. I love love love love whenever we are able to stay busy. Not being busy is like the worst think ever. Last Monday we didn't really get much of a P-Day since we worked at the temple, but it was fine. We took some longer lunch breaks during the week.haha.

As much as I love working at the temple, sometimes it's really boring. And all the time it makes me feet hurt. But it's the little things that make it worth it. Most of the good experiences that I had there this week wasn't with talking to some non-members. It was overhearing different conversations and then just talking to members. Turns out, this black tag I wear makes people a little less prone to talk to me.ha. Black tags and long skirts(to the toon of snapbacks and tattoos). I loved hearing one lady talk about how she was so honored to be invited to come and see the temple. We also got to see lots of protesters this week. They are just another witness that the church is true. You don't see them outside the opening of some other church, giving out anti material, and talking a bunch of crap on microphones, holding up untrue things about the prophet. It's crazy. Satan is woring really hard. At first when we saw them, there was a feeling of anger. Like why would they do that. They're so disrespectful. But as we talked about it further, we began to just feel really sad for them. They don't understand. They are just filled with so much anger. And if only they would open there heart just a little to see that we aren't even bad at all. We are Christian. The name of our church gives that away. My heart just hurts for them. I really wanna go talk to them but I know they will just not be very nice to me and it wouldn't result in a very good conversation I'm sure. No matter how hard I try. I got a great compliment while working, this lady came up and said, "You are a super hip sister missionary. You are just so cool." Another man came up to me with his son, and asked if I was engaged. Then talked about how his son wasn't dating anyone...so awkward. I'M A MISSIONARY.

One miracle that happened this week was with Phyllis. She's the blind and nearly deaf lady that we are teaching...or rather attempting to teach. She doesn't retain much of what we say, and that's like the 2 minutes we're able to squeeze in something. She is just so chatty. We were able to get her the Book of Mormon for this special tape player she has. And we listened to the introduction and testimony of the 3 and 8 witnesses with her, and Joseph Smith's testimony. And then she paused it and recalled back to us all that was just said. It was amazing. She actually understood that the Book of Mormon was not a book about the histpry of the church, but a anciet record of the prophets in America. I know the concerns that she has will be resolved as she listens to and prays about the Book of Mormon. I love the Book of Mormon. I love the restored gospel. What a blessing it is to have another testament of the Savior. Why would anyone not want more of God's words? I just don't understand. The Book of Mormon will answer any concern that anyone has. It's the best.

Juan is also just doing amazing! He is on date to be baptized on April 19th! He said the funniest thing this week..."The inside of me is changing. The outside...it's painted." He's so so funny. He also opened up the car door for Sister Bouck and I when we went to our car to leave after the lesson. He is seriously a changed man. He just looks so happy. Even though some things are not going so well for him, he is just awesome!

We had exchanges this week with a sister training leader. so that was interesting. She literally got attacked by a dog. But just got some scratches. It was really hard not to just laugh, it was scary though. Other good things that happened this week, I was fed Raising Canes. The word seems to be spreading that I love that place, and now Sister Bouck is hooked too!haha. I got an awesome package from the Powell family! i love them all so much. It made my day! And uhhh...I'm sure lots of other good things happened. OH! Ruth gave me a picture of a manatee.haha. So many fun things happen every week, and really funny quotes that I just don't even have enought time to talk about them. Sorry that this is just so scatter brained. Sometimes emailing is just stressfull. But as dad would say, It is what it is.

Thanks so much for all that you do for me! Seriously, y'all are too good to me. It's been another great week. You can do something for me, help the missionaries in the Commerce Ward find somebody to teach. The members job is to find, and the missionaries teach. People are ready! I promise! I love y'all! Have an awesome week!

 

Peace and Blessing. Peace and Blessings.

Sister Adams

I LIKE PANCAKES                  January 20 2014

THIS WEEK WAS AMAZING.

And really only because of the temple. Last Monday we all went to President and Sister Nattress's house for a "meeting." Really we just hung out, ate food, and talked about the temple for like 10 minutes. But it was fun none the less.

On Tuesday we had a training by Elder Walker. He is in the first quorum of the 70, and a head over the temple department in the church. He also gave all the sisters a tour of the Gilbert Temple. IT IS SOOOO PRETTY! I can't even explain it. The Celestial room is home to the world's second biggest chandelier. The rug in the bridal room was hand designed and made and imported from Asia. It has a beautiful grand staircase. Lots of stain glass. The baptismal font is this beautiful design of these turquoise tiles and such. The fountains outside were made only like an inch deep on non-slick rock so that brides could walk on it. It's just the most amazing place in the world. And I get to spend lots of time there! Elder Walker told us as we were walking in that we could pick out our sealing room.ha. None the less, it was an amazingly spiritual experience to get a tour from a general authority. Ever sister was crying at some point in the tour.  It truly is the house of the Lord. And everyone can feel that as they go through.

Whenever we're at the temple, we can't approach and talk to people. But if they talk to us then we can. It's kinda hard not to just start talking to people when you here things like, "The eternity mirrors really changed my perspective on marriage." Or how they felt sitting in the celestial room. It goes against everything that we're taught as missionaries. I had a sweet experience with this couple. They were talking to me, just about how much they loved the temple, and we talked about there family, and what missionaries do, and lots of good stuff. And I asked if they would fill out a comment card. He wrote, "What an amazing spiritual experience. This church is truly blessed by the Lord." I was almost in tears as I read it as they were leaving. They did request to learn more, so that is exciting! We also heard about a couple fire fighters that were asked to come inspect something. As they were waiting to go in someone invited them to come back for a tour, and they declined. As a man was leading them into the temple he looked behind him and noticed the fire fighters were no longer following him. He went back, and they were both standing just inside the entrance is aw. And they then said they would be coming back for a tour, with their wife and kids. AMAZING!

The most notorious guest was Joe Arpio. I had never heard of this man. Apparently he's some big tough sheriff...who makes his inmates wear pink boxers, and other things, and is really harsh on criminals and such. He made sure to bring two bodyguards with him, whose arms were the size of baby dolphins. Seriously. And he's like this tiny 80 year old man. The only interaction I had with him was when he asked where the bathroom was. And then everyone was like, "THATS JOE ARPIO." I learned he's the reason that we have Joe Boxer. My mind was blown.

Our shifts at the temple are 8 hours long, without even a 30 second break included. We also say the same things over and over. We present videos at the beginning of each tour, which is like a 30 second blurb. And for the VIP they had refreshments, so I'm not sure how many times I said, "Thank you for coming. Enjoy some refreshments." It's super tiring, and we get home late, we don't eat. But it's worth it because it's the temple.

We also taught Juan this stop smoking workshop and blew up his tobacco with some gasoline. It was awesome. I have pictures but still don't have the adapter to send them. He is such a good man. And is so committed to whatever it is that he is doing. So he is now a non-smoker.

We haven't talked to Sheryl too much. She keeps canceling appointments. She's just blowing us off. It's so frustrating. I feel so bad for her, because she knows what is true but is too afraid to act on it because of her boyfriend. Lame sauce. He's just holding her back from true happiness.

We ate with Bishop Oliver on Saturday, and when we went into their house my old zone leader, who's been home for a few months was there. With his fiancé, that is from Gilbert. They are getting married in March. So crazy. I know her as well, she lived in my last area. It's crazy.

I also got a package from the Barnes full of "Alpine Snow." It was a lot of fun. And very thoughtful of them!

Welp, that's about all I have time for. We have to work at the temple today. So it's not gonna be much of a P-Day. Thanks for everything this week, mom! I love you so much! And miss you every single day. I love y'all.

 

Sister Adams

 

Mr Sneeze                          January 13, 2014

For starters, this week:

A horse sneezed on me...twice.

Someone thought we were nuns?

Someone thought we were from the Sisters of Notre Dame?

Elder Holland wasn't able to make it last minute.

We saw Phyllis put her shoes on the wrong feet.

We received a text meant to go to that mans wife...

We were asked to each speak in sacrament for 15 minutes, last minute.

We did lots of service.

Two people asked as us to explain the polygamy situation.

One person said she was a "recovering catholic." I didn't realize Catholicism is something you needed to recover from.

And someone yelled at us, "I really don't wanna talk to you." Grouchy pants.

Also, this man calls Tangelos, TangEo's. "Do you girls want some tangEo's?"

Alright. Our lesson with Juan this week went really well, mainly because all we did was take him to the Visitor Center in Mesa to see Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration. It is such an amazing film, and it really stuck him as well. We committed him to pray to know that he was a prophet of God. It's such a good thing that nobody has to take our word for the things that we teach. They get to find out for themselves. It wouldn't work very well if it was just a sales pitch. Juan also was able to find a job this week which is so amazing! He is doing oh so good! We'll be teaching him this week as well!

We were also able to get a hold of Sheryl and have an appointment with her this week. The adversary is just working so hard of her right now. And she knows that this gospel is true. We just need to get her to act on it. She's just a turkey that is scared to fly.

Here's the Parable of the Turkey's:

There was an enterprise turkey who held a meeting one day with all the other turkeys. In this meeting they were taught how to fly. They loved soaring in the air, flying to new vistas, etc. But at the end of the meeting all of the turkeys walked home.

We need to make sure that we are acting on what we have know and have been taught, whether it's through the scriptures, church, the spirit. We need to be flying turkeys! hahahaha. I love that parable.

Today we have a meeting with President and Sister Nattress today to figure out our schedule for the temple open house. They're now expecting 1 million people to attend the open house. The number just keeps growing! It's so amazing! It's going to be insanity. I'm assuming we'll have to be helping out very often. The next month is going to be so crazy, and busy, and exciting. On Tuesday we're being trained for the temple, I guess they thing we don't know how to act ;)

 Goodness. Being a missionary is crazy. We also hear lots of things that we don't really need to know. Such as, "I know, I fart in my sleep." And other things that I just really feel I shouldn't pass on. I think they thnk it's like we're doctors of something that they can just tell all sorts of things.
We were able to show the temple presentation to quite a few non-members which was exciting. It's cool to see how interested they are in the temple. And on Thursday evening we were asked to speak in sacrament for yesterday. I think people just think that missionaries just have time to write talks. But we don't. We wrote our talks on Sunday morning. It was funny, because we had to like hand write them with pens. And we didn't have access to lds.org. And you couldn't just copy and paste to move stuff around. GHETTO. But my talk was on tender mercies of the lord. So I'll see if I can make a copy of it to send home.

Elder Holland wasn't able to make it, so we heard from Elder Wright of the 70. He was really good. And his wife explained him replacing Elder Holland as,"It's like you have tickets to the Beatles concert and you're really excited for it. You've been looking forward to it for a long time. And then right before the concert you find out that instead of the Beatles, it's going to be the Dixie Chicks. So I hope some of you like country music."haha. I'm out of time to type what I learned but it was a good time.

Thanks for all that y'all do for me. It's so awesome to hear from you! Being a missionary is a good time. Love and miss y'all.

Love,

Sister Adams