HOLA                                                  June 9, 2014


Well, well, well. So it's that time of the week again. It has been quite the week. Full of ups and downs but mainly ups! I'll try to be a little more detailed this week in what it's like out here and all the happenings here in San Tan Valley. 

Last Monday we had our zone activity which consisted of driving through the desert-no joke on all these dirt roads-and to our final destination of the abandoned meth house. We each got some bullet casings as a souvenir. Before heading out, our zone had a mini concert from our zone leader, Elder Poffenberger. He is way good at the guitar. We also had a lesson with some new investigators that we picked up. Steve and Wendy. Steve has had the craziest life ever. He has been in jail for 15 years and went back in for 3 more...and he's been out for about a year and a half. He and his wife were married and had their kids while he was in prison? But they seem like such normal people. They were so open and accepting and we'll be teaching them again tonight!

Tuesday was so so so so so so so so so busy. First, we had to get up at like 5 o'clock to go to the temple. It was so worth it! The Gilbert Temple is absolutely amazing! Seriously, jaw dropping. It was so amazing to get to go there and to feel of the spirit. Just what was needed. We also found out that our miles on our car were cut. Generally we have had 600 a month, but now we only get 400. So we will be on our bikes lots more, and just in time for the summer. We got another new investigator named George. He's like in his late 20's- early 30's we're guessing. When we were leaving his house, he was reading the Book of Mormon while smoking a cigarette and leaning up against the house. Kodak moment I tell you. And we taught Todd and Todd was given a blessing that evening. The most awkward hug I've ever got on my mission happened. I had my hand out for the hand shake and he just wrapped his arms around me and SMELLED ME. Not even kidding. I wanted to run away. It was so strange. 

Wednesday we had district meeting, I think we did some service and some other lessons. We taught Barbara. And her "fiance", who's a member, doesn't understand why they need to get married before she can be baptized. He basically told us that the Law of Chastity doesn't apply to them since they're in their 60's. God is no respecter of persons! Anyway, that was an interesting lesson. Barbara says that she knows the Book of Mormon is true and believes the church is true but has to work things out for herself first. Patience is a virtue. 

Thursday was busy...I can't really remember what happened because I left my old planner at our house. But we taught Todd again. And did other missionary things. 

Friday we had planning and we did some service again. And it was a grand ole time. We also ate with Todd and his family. And even though Todd kept telling us that his wife wasn't interested after showing her the temple presentation and answering her questions she wants to be taught! Yay for families! We baptize to seal. What we taught could be a potentially awkward meal ended up being great!
Saturday we literally did service from 9-5. We got to lay a hard wood floor, another skill to add to my belt. We did some service for Todd and he had this rock station playing so I asked if he had any Christian music so he turned it to love songs and told us, "God is love, right?" Ha. Actually, we can't listen to romantic music either!ha.And we ate with our zone leaders at one of our members houses. One of my zone leaders, Elder Schwab, has to have surgery on his knee and will most likely go home this week. The Brewer's fed us the most amazing burgers. They had smoked them like all day. They were heavenly. We also all had to try this habanero hot sauce so that was a party. 

Sunday we woke up to a text from Todd telling us that he was heading to the hospital because he has been urinating blood(TMI). Turns out he has an 8mm kidney stone...so he wasn't able to make it to church :( But Barbara was there and it was a great Sunday as always. We didn't have to teach or talk so it was semi relaxing for a change. We were supposed to have a lesson with a street contact that the elders talked to. We bike up to the house across the street, and see them outside watering plants. The guy, Cody is just in boxers and they run inside. We get the members to come with us over, and they don't answer the door. It's crazy to me how rude some people are. We literally watched you walk into your house. People these days. 

It was a good week. We are so incredibly busy each day. We hardly have time to even contact people because we're just teaching so much(or doing service). Which is every missionaries dream. And so I'm glad that we're able to both stay for another transfer. I feel like I've eaten at all the members houses like 50 times each.ha. It's amazing though because the members trust us and let us teach their friends. And the Lord has placed amazing people in our path this week that are so so ready to accept the gospel in their life. This truly is His work. There is nowhere else I'd rather be. My testimony is strengthened each day as I feel the guidance of the Holy Ghost direct us to those in need. I hope that y'all have a good week and that Jeb's food gets better! I love and miss y'all! 

Love, 

Sister Adams

Working on renovating the trailer!! Learning to sheet rock and put down hard wood floors!!

Desert Sunset!!

Elders doing pranks on us!! Hilarious

Silly time with my roomies!!

Someone here doesn't belong....

Desert Finds

Meth House in the desert!!

Lord's house in the desert....much mo better!!

Desert sunset with my bike....better get home before it gets dark!

It's HOT                                    June 2, 2014

I don't if it's after being out a year or what, but sometimes it's so hard to find the motivation to write an email. It's pretty tiring. haha. This week has been oh so good...and oh so hot. It's reached 110, so the heat is finally starting to roll in. Sister Hibbard's face has been bright red all week.ha. 

We did work on the trailer more...and it's starting to really come together!! I forgot my camera but next week I shall show you! This week I really felt that we were exactly where we needed to be at the right time. On Monday where we usually have set appointments they all canceled, but we were able to bike around and talk to some amazing people. And contact a family that isn't active that has a few kids that haven't been baptized! We invited the 12 year old girl to mutual and she came and wants to come every week! Yay! Miracles I tell you. We will start teaching them this week! 

There were just so many instances as we were biking around that people that were prepared were placed in our path. We set up so many return appointments! This week we are so so busy! It's the best! 

We taught Barbara again. Turns out that we found a fellowship that is too perfect. And they talk and talk and talk. They are talking about the gospel, or rather gospel related stories but it's so hard to teach more than like one principle. But Barbara is doing amazing. We're working so hard to get her a date to be baptized. I think that she knows it's real. But is scared to change, since she has been Catholic her whole life. She said the funnies thing about our Relief Society President. She was like, "God Bless her. Every time the woman talks she cries." And on Sunday she spoke for like 2 minutes about visiting teaching and starting crying. Barbara leaned over to me and said, "God Bless Her." She's hilarious. I also learned a new insult from Brother Le Master, "May the smell of 1,000 camels infest your socks." 

We did lots of service and taught lots of lessons and were just busy busy busy. All the while on bikes since we were out of miles in our car. I also went on exchanges with Sister Walker in Florence so that was fun! 

Todd had some huge job he was working on this week, so we weren't able to teach him. But we did visit with him once. He's going through a hard time. He sent us this text last night, "I  am feeling better today. I must have been in your prayers last night, thank you. Also, it was weird, I had a vision last night that Sister Adams was talking to me. I do not remember exactly what she said to me. I just remember her telling me to keep faith and everything will be alright. When I awoke, I felt more positive. Sister Adams, Thank you." So that was a little creepy, but kinda cool at the same time. 

Well, I have to be fast. We're going to an abandoned meth house in the desert as a zone for our P-Day activity. Yes, that's all there is to see out here. But thank you so much for all that you do! Sorry for the lack of pictures, I took a lot. But  I need to remember to bring my camera! I love and miss you! 

Sister Adams

Bones the CAT

What do you call an illegally parked frog? Toad                                                        May 26, 2014

Hello hello! 

Another week down, full of well...actually a lot of animals. I have so little motivation to write, but I'll tell a few stories. Sorry.

One night while checking the mail a hacking, skinny, black cat came walking up to me. So naturally we picked it up and brought it home with us. I fed it some tuna and we gave it water. We then realized that the cat that we so lovingly refer to as Bones, was pregnant. Don't worry, she didn't have the kittens. And we only kept her for a couple of days. An investigator was gonna take it, but ended up not being able to. So we just kinda had lock her out of our house. She was so pitiful and I hope bones is doing okay! She was the sweetest. 

Saturday night we left an appointment and there was a giant toad outside of their house; Sister Hibbard thought that it was fake.haha. So naturally I picked it up and then we decided we needed to show the sisters we live with our toad. We were on our bikes so I'm biking while holding the toad with the other hand. And it starts peeing....like not just a few drops. But a lot. An awesome member family saw us biking and stopped in the road to talk to us. So we showed them the frog. Then it hopped out of my hands, and the whole family was out of the car looking for it.haha. It was quite humorous. We were chasing it around, the poor thing. The best part, is I was still wearing my bike helmet for the entire escapade. Sister WIlhelm took some pictures, so she should send them to me by next week and I'll show you. We eventually let it go. The last animal of the week was this tiny, tiny little lizard. Nothing near as exciting as Bones or the toad. 

Friday late afternoon we were called and asked to speak in church on Sunday. So that was just great. Missionaries never actually have time to sit down and write a talk. We're busy. So we wrote it on Sunday morning before church. It was also Todd's first Sunday coming to church! He seemed to enjoy it! He enjoyed it enough to stay all three hours so that was good! We also taught Todd how to quit smoking, so he is now currently a non-smoker. Sometimes I think it's crazy how much we ask people to change, and that they are so willing. All because of the spirit and how the spirit converts them to the Restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Oh yeah, my topic was revelation. REVELATION RULES. 

In other news, we met a lady that biked across the entire country, "I started with my back wheel in the pacific and ended with my front wheel in the Atlantic." That was pretty sweet. We did do lots of service and such. Painted, cleaned, moved some people. It was a party. We were trained on family history again. 

We taught Barbara about Repentance and Baptism. She still won't accept a date, but I just know that she will soon! She is so so so so close!! 

We had zone conference this week, so basically an entire day just being trained by President Nattress. He is seriously the sweetest man ever, and so knowledgeable. I wouldn't want to have any other mission president. The theme of the conference was, "Step Out of the Boat." Refering to Peter when he walked on water and how we need to have the faith the step out of the boat. 

This week I have learned a lot about the atonement. The atonement I can't even begin to wrap my head around. But each day I learn something else that the atonement does and how it is here to bless me. I have felt its cleansing power in my life. I know that it enables me to keep going every day,and gives me the strength to write a talk with little notice. I know that we we petition for His help, that he will grant it to us. I dare you to try. I know that Christ lives. And that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is HIS chruch once again established on the Earth again. 

I hope that everyone has had a great week! I love and miss y'all! 

Love, 

Sister Adams

Cinco de Mayo

The Corbitt's

Pinata!!

Missed!!

Dirty Feet

Cute little baby lizard

LOVE                                      May 19, 2014

Hi Family! 

So this week has just been GO GO GO. Barely had time to sit down or really think for that matter.ha. But it is the best to be busy as a missionary. A non-busy missionary is an unhappy missionary. Especially when that leads to you being out all day in 100 degree weather and nobody answering their door. 

Monday we were able to teach Todd the rest of the Restoration. He had read several chapters of the Book of Mormon which was awesome. And he said that he had to talk to his son about when he can be baptized, because he wants his son to be there. We ate with the Corbitt Family. They feed us at least once a week. And last week we were supposed to have a Cinco de Mayo fiesta but something came up so we had it this week! Homemade pinata and everything! And we got to keep these legit sombreros!! Best day of my life. I've always wanted to own a sombrero. I did get pictures, but I left my camera at a members house so that'll be next week! We also taught the Keeling family about faith, which was a good time. 

Tuesday we received some sad news. Lauren, the psychic, decided that our church wasn't for her. She wasn't able to get past the whole reincarnation isn't a thing. It was really sad. Because she had expressed a desire to be baptized and everything. We think her boyfriend, who wasn't too happy about the whole thing, may have out an end to it. One day she'll join Christ's Church. I have no doubt. Our lesson with Rochelle fell through as well, apparently she was getting her dishwasher fixed? Who knows. But we were able to find a part-member family that isn't in the directory and we're going back to teach them tonight. They have 3 girls that aren't baptized as well! Score. We visited some awesome families after that so it was a day full of many ups and downs. #thelifeofamissionary

Wednesday we got to clean someones house, yipee! And teach Bud and Cathy the Restoration, well attempt to. We only got through like 2 principles. Then Bud had to show all sorts of ceramics and their food storage,etc. They are just too funny. We were supposed to have dinner with a member who hasn't been to church in over 20 years, but nobody answered the door. We also taught Barbara about Faith and gave her the big copy of the Book of Mormon! She was so grateful! I'm so excited for her  to continue to read the Book of Mormon. I know that her answer will come. She is such an awesome lady! We also did, "A Day in the Life of a Sister Missionary" with the young women. We had them ride bikes in skirts, and they also had to teach an "investigator." They had to draw a concern out of a hat and then had a few minutes to plan with their companion what they wanted to teach and then they did it. They did so amazing!! It was a lot of fun. I love working with the youth! 

Thursday we had 7  appointments...and they all went through! Well, except one. And it was my fault. As we were getting out of the car I was thinking, "Wow, we've had 5 appointments already today and nobody has canceled. Then we go and knock on their empty door.ha. Heavenly Father likes to humble me occasionally. But we were able to teach a few investigators. We gave Todd a church tour, and put him on date to be baptized for June 21st. He has to kick smoking and drinking so this'll be fun! He seems really committed though. As we were giving the tour, the stake president happened to be in the building and came and talked to us. Todd told him, "I'm a new member. They recruited me."haha. He WILL be a member soon. We also taught a new investigator Samone. She is a 12 year old girl and stays with a member family during the week. She wants to be baptized and so we're having her talk to her dad to make sure we won't be stepping on any toes. It's crazy how bust we are. We also met with this less active couple, and they are destination wedding photographers. They are amazing! I think their business name was BrushFire or something like that. They are really awesome! My plan is to become great friends with them so that they can shoot my wedding at a discounted price. It's a very righteous reason to help them....right? 

Friday is planning. And we also had this thing called Family Home Afternoon. It's something our mission is starting to do...just for fun I guess. It's where a zone of missionaries goes to one of the senior couples house for a few hours for a short message, games and treats. It was kinda strange. We were all just hanging out in our P-Day clothes playing games...weird. We played this game called headbandz. So you put a word on your head without looking at it and have to ask "yes or no" questions until you figure it out. And everyone kept laughing at the word that I was. So I was really scared. I determined it was in the bathroom...and after asking if I was a shower, sink, toilet, etc. and I wasn't any of them I got even more nervous. So I asked, "Do I smell weird?" That got a laugh. Turns out, I was toilet paper...I did figure it out. We did some more cleaning for a lady later that evening. And her 3 year old had her phone, and without me knowing sent like 5 videos of me to some random guy. Perfect. 

Saturday we worked on the trailer some more. The sheet rock is almost all done, and painting. We determined how to lay the tile and carpet so that will be happening soon. Some elders were helping us with it and I learned something very interesting. There is an entire community of little people in Utah, and it's called HOBBITVILLE. This is not a joke...I don't think. Apparently, it like has guards and the little people are like mean and will shoot you with BB Guns. And they wear spurs...and sacrifice bunnies. It sounds like a pleasant place. It sound insane, I know. But I have had multiple confirmations of it's existence. I'm breaking in when I get back to Utah. 

Sundays are always so long. Plus I wasn't feeling so hot. And I didn't feel like talking to anyone, but that's not really an option as a missionary. We can't even walk 10 feet down the hallway without someone stopping to talk to us. Barbara was able to make it out to church again. And Mandy Morris, this member we've been working with and it's the first time since we've been here that we were able to come to church. Before sacrament meeting started, this little girl, Tatum, came up to me and asked if I would sit by her. So I did. And all through sacrament she was brushing my hair and trying to put it up in different ways. She's adorable. We visit her family pretty frequently. 

It was a good week. I've learned that whenever you try your best to emulate the Savior in all situations that miracles happen. It's when you're able to develop a love for those you are serving and serving with that give you the motivation to help them overcome the struggles they are facing...even if sometimes they can be frustrating. Charity is the pure love of Christ...and that's what I always try and remember....especially when I'm cleaning another persons gross bathroom. All you need is love. CHARITY NEVER FAILETH! 

Love, 

Sister Adams 

#ItWasMom                                                May 12, 2014

It was so so so so great to be able to talk to y'all yesterday! Time was way tooo short, especially when the computer died and I wasn't able to say a proper goodbye. That made me a little frustrated but I guess I'll live. This past week has been so crazy busy. We hardly have enough time to do anything, and there definitely wasn't enough time to get trunky about waiting to talk to y'all. We have so many appointments these days and service opportunities. It's the busiest that I've been my entire mission this consistently. Which is fantastic! We also get fed alot. As in, sometimes we get fed almost every meal...one night we had two dinner appointments. Worst. Thing. Ever. 

Last Monday we were very disappointed that we weren't able to go to the prison outlet since it's closed on Monday's. So that'll have to be added whenever I get to come back and visit. All the remotely interesting things here are closed on Monday. They just don't want us to have fun. We were able to teach a couple lessons that evening to some less active families which is fun! 

Tuesday after district meeting we had a lesson with Lauren, the psychic. We taught her the Plan of Salvation. I thought that would resolve her reincarnation beliefs but not so much. We just had to come out and say that we don't believe in reincarnation. She took it okay, but isn't too sure about it. That's where prayer and the Book of Mormon get to come in and resolve some concerns! We also had a first lesson with a miracle new investigator Rochelle. She is 24 and covered in tattoos and piercings. She is looking for a church to raise her 10 month old son in. She's even started reading the Bible to him every night. How adorable! She was way open and had a few questions about the church. She wants to attend. So we taught her about the Book of Mormon and we're going back to teach her the full Restoration tomorrow! She is so nice and just amazing!  Tuesday night after dinner we were walking to our car and stopped to talk to a couple in their garage, Todd and Suzie. They were nice and he was way chatty.  We found out that he can see ghost. Seems like everyone around here has that ability, must be something in the water. At one point he looked at me and said, "I haven't met a single girl from Georgia that isn't gorgeous." Awkward. He kept asking what the requirements were to join the church. We set up a return appointment for the next day, taught him part of the restoration and he agreed to be baptized. He also told me that he felt a connection between us? I guess missionaries are assigned to certain areas for a reason.ha. And later voiced how he wants to divorce his wife, which is so so sad. We're actually going to teach him today during P-Day, and hopefully get him a date to be baptized on. 

Wednesday we finished painting a garage, and then we taught Todd. Did some service at Renatta's trailer. Renatta is in Minnesota for a while. Her mom is dying so she's taking care of some stuff back there. She just has one trial after another. But whenever she gets back we're gonna have this trailer looking real nice! We were even able to acquire some awesome paint colors! She might just end up with a red door :)  We also ate with this funny family the DeBoers. They just started coming back to church. 

Thursday we were able to get in with a couple of investigators and were able to kinda see how they are doing. And to invite them to come to a ward activity that was on Saturday. We also taught Barbara. She loved the Plan of Salvation and is reading a lot of the Book of Mormon. She said she would have already read it all if it was bigger print, so we have one in bigger print coming for her. She told us that we were able to answer all of her questions without even knowing what they were. And that we knew exactly what scriptures to share when. It's nice to know that you're teaching by the spirit, because  sometimes it's hard to recognize. You just have to trust your good thoughts. She has been praying, but says she hasn't got an answer that it's true yet. But said she would be baptized when she does. 

Friday we did some more service at the trailer. We had breakfast for supper at the Christman's. And we were able to go and show several investigators and less active families this cool video about moms! It was fun to be able to talk about you, mom :) 

Saturday we had service from 8-5. With the most awesome lunch break in between! Raelene came down and had lunch with us! Chick-fil-A...yumm! She is doing really good. She has some hard things going on but is such a strong lady! I love her! We also had the ward activity that night. Some of our investigators came which was awesome!! It was a carnival and was pretty fun. They had a silent auction and games and food and such. It was enjoyable. 

Sunday meetings and church consumed majority on the day! I did manage to get two Mother's Day gifts from church!haha.And then I got to talk to my wonderful family! Tell Jeb that he's a punk for not being there. I just loved seeing and hearing from y'all. Sister Hibbard said y'all had really strong southern accents.haha. 

It was a packed week full of all sorts of good stuff! And we have multiple teaching appointments each day this week! It's almost like the work is hastening!! I hope y'all have a great week! 

Love, 

Sister Adams

http://motherhood.mormon.org/

A day in the life of a Sister Missionary:
                 Part 1: Waking up

Part 2: Soccer

Part 3: Breakfast and Getting Ready

Part 4: Studies

Part 5: Extra Hour of Training

Extra hour of training our President is having us do. Sisters Lattin and Woolstehume joined us!

Part 6: Out we go!!

We are searching for lost souls... we will find them...

We see all sorts of God's great creatures!

Part 7: Lunch

Do not tell my mama this is what I eat for lunch

Our appointments dog...looks just like the dog on Sandlot

On a Scale of 1 to 10, I am an 11                        May 5, 2014

I did something bad...I responded to people before writing this email. And I'm now unmotivated to continue typing. Hopefully the amount of pictures will make up for the lack of substance in this email :)

We started teaching a new lady this week. Her name is Lauren and guess what? You guessed it, she's a psychic! But I'm not even kidding. She told me a little about me future. She said that my guy was "earthy." I'm not sure that's a term that I would use to describe Dallan, except for after out mud fight. While holding my scriptures she told me that they had "good energy." And while we were discussing the Book of Mormon she looked at me and said, " This is just the beginning for you. You will be doing this in someway for the rest of your life." Every member a missionary, the psychic even said so.ha. The other things she said was that I was from a small down, that I might work with special needs kids but in the hood, because i'm "loving and compassionate but not afraid of that environment." Needless to say, it was an interesting lesson. She was very receptive and promised she would read 10 minutes from the Book of Mormon each day. SCORE. She also sees dead people, so maybe we'll get to hear about that more this week.ha.

We also are still working on that trailer. Today we got to hang up dry wall. I'm not kidding when I say that I'll be able to build a house when I get back. Have the supplies ready and I'll get to work. Well, except for the plumbing...and electricity...and the floor...and well most of the house. 

We strangely were taken out to eat several times this week. Transfers happened and so it was fun to see everyone. Sister Carroll and I are still hoping we'll get to be companions some day. We did some service for this Pentecostal teenager..and she was getting ready to go to some big youth convention and wanted our help picking out what to wear. So we brought over some of our clothes too. She picked all my clothes. I never knew that sister missionaries and Pentecostal ladies dress the same. Learn something new everyday. #butreally

Friday we had planning meeting and a new missionary meeting in Gilbert. SO that took up pretty much the whole day. We're so far away from Gilbert. It's sad what my concept of far is now. haha. 

We were able to teach a few of our other investigators. One had a concern about exaltation and what all that entails. We were able to resolve most of it, and through reading the Book of Mormon it will all go away. 

We also talked to this toothless guy, Steve. He was way knowledgeable. He knows so much truth, but has so much confused. We are trying to be able to teach him more. He is way nice, but is a chatty Cathy and barely lets us get a word in. Maybe if he wears his teeth next time it'll be harder to talk? 

Sunday we had a few people come to church again, which is exciting but very stressful! And we taught primary. So that was fun! And we bore our testimonies, and everyone after talked about us, not that we're a big deal or anything. And apparently I said "all y'all" while I was bearing my testimony so of course that's all that anyone got out of it. #roughlife

I'm sure lots of other stuff happened to, I just can't remember it at the moment. All in all it was a good week. Today is my 11th birthday, as far a the mission goes. I have been a missionary for 11 months. #craycray  Welp, I'll talk to y'all next week. Literally talk! That'll be great! I hope y'all have a good week! I'm gonna pick up a few things from the prison for y'all today. Thanks for all that you do! Love and miss y'all! 

Sister Adams

Fireside

Trailer we are fixing up

We got work to do!1

Move the dirt!!

Sister Hibbard taking creeper pics of me

Fireside

YUM

Cooking

Making Cookies