NEARER MY GOD TO THEE!!!     Sept. 9, 2013

At the Arizona Temple

YOU are so Silly!! Going to the Temple is so much FUN!!!

It's true. The Lord has called living prophets. Elder Anderson came and spoke to us Saturday. We were all singing hymns as he walked into the gym in the chapel where we were gonna take a picture with him. We were singing for like 40 minutes waiting for him to get here. And we happened to be singing Nearer My God To Thee as he walked in, and as he got closer and closer it literally felt like we were getting closer to God because the spirit was so strong. Everyone's eyes were filled with tears. He was so nice and funny. And truly a special witness of the Savior. How great it is to know that we have a prophet on the earth to lead and guide us. And why is that so hard for people to believe? God loves all his children the same, so why would there by prophets back then and not now. It was truly an amazing experience. We each got to meet him which was cool. And then he talked to us for about two hours. He said there was no other mission in the world like the Gilbert Mission. Because of it's size and the concentrated number of both missionaries and members. And the challenge of the mission would be to see it the members and the missionaries alike have the faith to find those who are prepared. If we don't have the faith, this mission won't be successful. He told us if it doesn't work, then they'll close the mission down and it'll be part of the Tempe mission again. He said it is the "Experiment of the Gilbert Mission." Pretty crazy. No pressure at all, right? Here's some quotes from him,

"Nothing in the scriptures says bringing people to salvation is easy."

"Easy is not connected with missionary work." 

"If you don't know what to speak about, speak about Christ."

"The future of missionary work is the Gilbert Mission."

He talked about a lot, but I don't have time to include it all. But it was truly amazing. He also said that our mission is not the most important thing we will ever do, but it will be like a "Beautiful badge of honor." And that it will set the foundation for the rest of our life. 

In other news, I've been out officially 3 months and some change. I also found out my release date, November 25th of 2014. Cray cray. And it really doesn't seem that far away. 

We also went to the temple this week, in order to get spiritually prepared to meet Elder Anderson, and it was amazing as always. 

We ate at Chipotle Saturday after Elder Anderson talked to us. Buffalo Wild Wings happens to be right beside it with like 5000 TV's outside. May or may not have watched part of the GA game while eating lunch. GO DAWGS. "If you can't avoid it, then enjoy it."-President Howes, former Tempe Mission President

I literally don't remember what else happened this week. We taught some lessons! Steve gets baptized on the 21st! We did some service for a family. One of my favorite families moved to Utah this weekend. Raelene bought me a journal, because I told her I was bad at writing one and had ripped all the pages out of mine to write letters.ha. She's the best. A member asked if I could contact her after I get home because she wants to set me up with someone. So awkward when people do that, and I didn't expect that to happen at all. I'm sure that Dallan is getting the same thing. I mean, he's perfect.

But I hope all is well on Adams Hill! I'm doing pretty good. It's actually been raining the past two days which has been nice. I love you! I love y'all! Best family ever. Thanks for the package. And thank Cathy for the package. Dallan's mom also sent me one! 3 pakages plus several letters make for a good week! I love y'all! 

Sister Adams!

Hola!!

This week we went on exchanges so I went to a different area for the day. And the area that the companionship covers was a Spanish speaking branch and then a YSA ward. So WAY different than covering family wards, especially the Spanish part and the lack of my Spanish knowledge. So many people that we met with and talked to that day only spoke Spanish  I was just like, "HOLA." And "Gracias." Sister Lemon did teach me how to say a few phrases in Spanish  Like, "Yo se que El Libro de Mormon es verdadaro (I know the Book of Mormon is True). Yo se que Jose Smith fue un profeta(I know Joseph Smith was a prophet). Yo se que Jesucristo es mi Salvador(I know Jesus Christ is my Savior). Also, Somos las missioneras de la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias(We are missionaries from The church...). It makes our churches name longer than it is in English  which is saying something. One person we talked to told us that she found an old book written by Joseph Smith that she wanted to give us, so she goes in her house and brings out a super old copy of The Pearl of Great Price. She was like, "Read it and let me know if it's any good."haha. But it was pretty cool. I also was struggling to stay awake in one of the lessons because I literally had no idea what was going on. I would pick up random words...Tumor, Christ, Church, Good. I'm basically fluent now, don't even worry. We also ate with some of the people in the YSA ward, and it was so awkward. I don't even know. It was super strange because in the middle of the conversation this guy sitting across from me just goes, "Are you engaged?" I was like what, no. He was super weird. Glad that I'm not in a YSA ward. Sister Lemon said serving there is the most awkward thing she's done on her mission, and she goes home in December. As we were biking back to her apartment that night we street contacted this group of men sitting in their garage. They were all drinking and smoking. I felt like I was at The Shop. Imagine if missionaries came to the shop and tried talking to those guys about the church.ha. They were nice and it was funny, but not too productive. 

Last Monday we were playing basketball and everytime I made a shot the elders would start singing As Sisters In Zion. It was pretty funny. 

The lady who is going through chemo is starting to lose her hair which is so sad because she's struggling with that. I'm debating cutting my hair to support her and then I change my mind. I'm still thinking about it. Obviously not shave my head but cut it short. I know it would mean alot to her because she feels really alone. 

We taught Bailey one of her new member lessons this week and that was a lot of fun. It's nice to just talk about the gospel as a group of girls pretty much, because several of her young womens leaders were there which we have gotten close to. Bailey also has to give a talk next week in Church! And Noah is not a priesthood holder which is so cool! We went to run on the track Saturday morning and there was also football practice, and as I was running I saw Noah walking across the track to practice.ha. Weird because he's never seen me in normal people clothes before. But it was funny. 
We taught M, the hyper 9 year old girl, The Word of Wisdom and all she kept talking about was how wisdom was when your wise. Then one time she was like, it means you can't drink bloody mary's.haha. I was thinking how in the world does she know what that is at that age!ha. 

I also received an awesome package from The Jones' this week. It was seriously the best. Tell them thanks!! For all that was in it! And Beky sent me another letter and had made a little book full of Instagram pictures. I've looked through it like 50 times. Speaking of which, tell Delaney to get on my instagram and accept the people who have requested to follow me. it's some of the people from here.

That's crazy that dad's Ironman is so soon! He will do awesome!  Other than that, for my Birthday, pretty much just clothes. Maybe some jewelry. Or shoes. Or a mini mini BOM.  Idk. I'll think about it. All in all my week has been good. And this coming week is going to be way busy. We're going to the temple, have lots of meetings, and Elder Anderson is coming. Plus we have more appointments set up than we normally do so it's looking to be a good week! I love you so much! And miss everyone so much! I love you mom! 

Love, 
Abby

Big Ole Cactus

The Lord directs His missionaries, literally!!

Catching raindrops!!

Rain, Rain, go away...Wait just stay, this is fun!!

Does this really need a caption? I think not!

Wow...

Playing in the rain and no one to tell us not too!!

Elder Neil A. Anderson is Coming to our Mission!!

Abby & Elder Hoffman

At the Zone meeting!! Not transferred! Staying in Gilbert!

Sisters at a zone meeting August 2013

Pretty, pretty sky!

Loved by a family in Gilbert!!

Little cuties showing off their artwork

Craziness sets in!!

This week seemed to go by so fast once again, and it feels like nothing all too exciting happened. But then again, there were some big stuff. We had transfers on Tuesday, and two new zones in the mission were created. So Sister Holcomb and Sister Carroll, who live with us, are now in a different zone. It's super confusing because we now go to different meetings and such and it's just weird. But it was good to see all the missionaries at transfers to see how everyone is doing. We also found out the Elder Neil A. Anderson is coming to our mission on September 7th. He is coming to Arizona for some other church business and called President Nattress to ask if he could talk to us for a few hours. He also wants to greet us each individually which will be awesome! I'm super excited for him to be here and talk to us! He's one of the 12 apostles, but I'm sure you know that. 

As far as teaching this week, we didn't have too many opportunities. I swear like 7 of them we had scheduled didn't answer the door or weren't home. We are trying to find more people to teach. There is some real potential with one family and a couple other people that we've contacted. So hopefully we get to teach soon. Right now, we are teaching three people. But they can only meet once a week, which leaves a lot of other time to just knock on doors. 

Noah, is getting ordained next Sunday for the priesthood which is way awesome! We're super excited for him! Bailey is still awesome and we love seeing her! We're starting to teach them the New Member Lessons, with the ward missionaries, this week. So that'll be good. 

We also did some service for a member who has cancer like everyday. She just started chemo this week and she lives by herself and hates asking for help. So we just show up and help her! I had to empty her pot of puke. It was disgusting. I was gagging. But not as much as I had expected. You should be proud of me. 

You had asked if I had still been running. Well Sister Ayers can't run....? But there's a high school right near our apartments so we started going to the track because we can see each other but each do our own thing. Sister Holcomb and Carroll come too. So I've been running bleachers and such. 

I also got a new bag from target, because my Vera Bradley one is a little small. But the one I got I hate. Maybe for my birthday could you get me a messenger bag? Not a huge one. I had saw some cute ones of Etsy before I left. Just an idea. 
Having a car has been nice, especially since Sister Ayers hurt her knee...But I prefer biking, and we're able to actually talk to people on a bike and not just drive past them. We haven't started Facebook yet, that'll probably start in about two weeks is what we're thinking. 

I'm doing well. I got a good letter from Beky this week which was nice. I'm working on writing everyone back that I haven't. Promise I'm not forgetting to write anyone. I come home every day exhausted...especially this week. I would love to have a lazy day but that doesn't exist in the mission field. But all is well here. Hopefully we're able to find more people to teach! I love you and miss you so much! 

Sister Adams

Hello Hello! 

The crowning moment of this past week was definitely Saturday, when Noah was baptized! Seriously, the overflow in the stake center was full. There were so many people there to support him and his decision. His parents, who aren't members, also came. His dad even spoke some which was really cool. His older brother was able to baptize him and was getting choked up the whole time. It was cool. And his parents were balling. There was such a sweet spirit there. His dad gave me a hug afterward. Oh well. And told us we were welcome at there home anytime. Noah also bore his testimony which was cool. He is setting such a good example for everyone in the high school. It was amazing. 

We stopped by the Allen's this week to pick up some medicine for Sister Holcomb, since Bishop Allen is a doctor, and it was a good time. Cole and Cameron decided to play beauty shop on me while bishop went to pick something up. Sister Allen said she wished I was there to meet Christian, their son serving in Ghana. Cole told me that Christian would think I was cute and I would think he was cute.haha. They're trying to set me up with there son who's on a mission? Awkward. Plus, I have Dallan and he's the best of the best. Speaking of which, he is doing good in the MTC. I just got a little email from him. They call him Grandpa or Gramps because he's older than everyone.haha.

We also went on exchanges with a sister training leader this past week, and she's amazing. She leaves next transfer and it was a good experience to learn from her. 

So I'm not getting transferred which is good news! It'll be good to stay in this area. I love all the people here. 

Yesterday, was a mission presidents devotional where recent converts talk and then the mission president. It was really cool to hear some of their stories. We are only allowed to go if we bring an investigator or recent convert. And Bailey was able to go which was cool. She might talk at the next one. 

Would it be possible to get some general conference tickets that I could give to Noah? He really wants to go and is making plans with a friend to but it's hard to get tickets down here. So if that's possible it would be much appreciated! Also, an auxillary cord for the car. If theres money in my account I can just get it. We also put Steve on date again. He will be baptized in September! He's rally excited! 

Overall, life is good. We're in a bit of a rush today to get some stuff done, but I love you so much and thanks for all that you do for me! I'm doing great and loving my mission, even though it's also the hardest thing I've ever done. It's so great to feel the spirit so often and help others feel the same thing! I love you and miss everyone! 

Love

Sister Adams

Noah gets baptized! Look at that smile!! 

4 sisters sharing an apartment!

Abby with Elder Robles

Pretty girls with purple lei"s

Poo Pies!                                                                         August 12, 2013

This week…I was served lots of pie. It was terrible. Like days in a row we had pie at each dinner appointment. It was all I could do to keep it down. It was miserable. But I did manage to survive, somehow. And not even puke on their tables, which was a pretty big blessing. Tender mercies.

 We had interviews with President Nattress this week. He is the nicest! And he has such a strong spirit with him, always. The interview with him wasn't very long. He basically just makes sure that you're doing alright and talks and asks questions. He asked me what my key to much success has been which caught me off guard. I just feel so new to it all still. But that was pretty cool. It made me actually think as to what has caused all these blessing of being able to teach prepared people. Obedience…obedience brings blessing. It's that simple.  We were also told that we'll be using Facebook daily for an hour. Along with that we each get our own iPad mini which is pretty sweet! At that meeting the housing coordinator gave a demonstration on how to clean a toilet….completely not necessary. She talked about the "brownies" and the "yellowies" and all sorts of other details that made for an interesting presentation. She's crazy. All the elders and sisters in my zone were cracking up. 

Saturday night our smoke detector battery died…the detector that's right above my head. It literally beeped every minute. I tried taping a pillow over it. We took it our of the wall, and it still beeped. So it's sitting outside until we get a new battery.haha. Sister Holcomb and her companion, Sister Carroll, moved in with us last Monday evening. They might have to move out come transfers but we'll see. So it's been fun having all four of us in an apartment. 

After church yesterday we got a call saying we will be getting a car…even though in my opinion we don't really need it. We'll probably only ever use it on P-Day's. Our area is so small, and in a car we can't talk to anyone. But we'll see. We go pick it up this afternoon! It's crazy that I haven't driven in so long…hopefully I haven't forgotten.ha. 

Saturday, we're going to eat with Sister Buckley…so if you get a call from Arizona please don't answer it then. You can call her back if you want. But I would just be a complete mess if I were to talk to you. In Relief Society yesterday we sang the primary song "Mother, I love you." And I was crying. I miss you, mom! I also taught Sunday school yesterday….it went pretty well I do believe. That was my first time teaching in church so not too bad. 

Noah Miller, the guy who is getting baptized, is super excited. We have the program all planned out, just have to get it typed up and stuff for Saturday. It will be great! 

One of my zone leaders, Elder Loomis, goes home next week. And he really wanted me to ask if you could send videos from home of what GA is like and people talking? I don't know. Strange request but he was being serious. Don't worry too much about it though. He can google it when he gets home if he wants too. I literally get asked like 5,000 questions each time we see them or any elders about GA. A guy in one of the wards I covered served in GA and he was wondering if I could get him a license plate from home? Idk…people asked weird things of me this week.

Not too much happened this week…contacting. We did get a door slammed in our face. And i mean SLAMMED. It was a pretty good feeling. But overall, I'm doing great. Transfers are next Tuesday, so I will find out next Sunday if I'll be transferred. I don't think I will be though. But who knows, I also didn't think I'd be training so quickly. But I'm great. Weeks go by so fast, but each day is long. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve. I love talking to people, on the street even, about the Book of Mormon. There's such a powerful promise that anyone who reads and prays with a sincere heart can receive an answer that it's the word of God. And if the Book of Mormon is true, then Joseph Smith was a prophet, and this is Christ true church. It's such a blessing to know and live the gospel. I miss everyone at home! And look forward to hearing from everyone! I love you! 

Sister Adams :)

Breathtaking....

Sunrise...a new day dawning

This is worth seeing for yourself!!

So, what do you do when the smoke detector will not stop beeping, tape a pillow over it!!

But it really doesn't work, I had to take it outside til we get batteries!!

Just looking cute

Seriously..you haven't written me yet? I love getting letters. 

This is my face when I get a letter!!

My red shoes all dusty from being Jesus' feet

Sunset after a great day!!

Sherwin Williams Dallan!!

How cute, a gift in a paint can.

Baptism Bonanza!

I see Granny, Cindy, Kay, Kim, I see Dallan, Taylor....

Here we go through the neighborhood! 

It is all good here folks!

The haboob is going to get me! The wind is blowing my hair

Gilbert Arizona on a beautiful day!

Montana at her Baptism!! Sister Holcolmb and I got to come for the celebration!

Montana gets baptized!!

This week has been nothing short of spectacular. First off, do you remember Montana? Sister Holcomb and I taught her the first few lessons and then had to hand her over to the elders in her area? Well, she got baptized on Saturday! And we surprised her! She cried when she saw us all walk in. She's amazing. And in the picture it looks like she doesn't like me...just Sister Holcomb. False advertising. It was so amazing to get to be there for her. Nobody in her family was there, they are all against the church which is hard. But she has such great faith and you could feel her spirit and testimony the whole time. I was asked to give the closing prayer, such a big deal I know. Also, she has the prettiest hair! 

      In other baptismal news, two of our investigators that we started teaching this week are on date to be baptized. One for this coming Saturday, August 3rd. And the other for August 17th! Bailey, is getting baptized on Saturday. She is 17 and going to be a senior this year. She got to go to the Luke Bryan/Florida Georgia Line concert this weekend...so not fair. But she has been coming to church for a while with her best friend and has also been to Girl's Camp since she was like 13. She wanted to be baptized before we met with her, so that made our job a little easy. She's really awesome! Noah is the other one getting baptized on the 17th. He's also 17 and going to be a senior. His parents are anti but his older brother was baptized a few years ago and is now married in the temple. All his fiends are LDS so a few of them always come to the lessons which is super good. He is just always eager to learn more and more. Even though we are teaching them I don't feel like I can take "credit" for their baptisms. They were both so prepared when we met them and so just ready to have the blessings of the gospel in their life. I honestly don't feel like I deserve all these blessings! I have been working really hard and it's nice to see something come from it, but really. I just happen to be in the right place at the right time to have the privilege of teaching them. They are both showing great faith in being baptized regardless of what is going on around them. What a huge commitment...with the best possible consequences! 

   Also, Beky's letters are seriously hilarious. I will send a picture. I feel bad that I haven't sent my response out...but I do have the letter written to her and Joseph! Also, thanks to Nickel and Patricia for the letters. Dallan also sent me a paint can full of stuff, by way of his neighbor that was coming to Gilbert. So that was an unexpected knock on the door and surprise one night! 

   In other news, I got 3 flat tires in 2 days. AWESOME. A crazy old lady similar to Sister Vest said that I look like I'm 15, and then got all the way up to 17 but didn't believe that I was 20. She also tells the same joke every time we see her. "What do you do when you see someone standing on top of the toilet? Call the police because they're high on pot." Old people. 

   How is everyone doing? I'm doing well. Teaching is going pretty well. Yesterday I taught the Law of Chastity and the Word of Wisdom. It's nice to get those done once so that each time will get a little better. I actually thought it went pretty well though. Not even awkward at all. BOOM. We also taught the YW on Wednesday.  And are still being fed well. We actually get a lot of mexican food. But not like real mexican food. White people Mormon mexican food. There is lots of other stuff, but I'm running out of time. I would love to hear how you're doing. Two weeks in a row without an email I feel out of the loop! Thanks for the pictures! I love you! And remember I'm moving to apartment #2046 on the 1st! I love you!

Sister Abby Adams

Haboob Pictures!! And various things we did this week...like ride our bikes and oh yeah...I got a luau in a box!! SWEET!!

I am all good here in Gilbert!

Beautiful sunset!

Foot tan...Sweet!

I could hurt someone with this...whatever this is.

Nevermind my face...

Luau in a box...

Thank you Dallan!

I Love You Everybody!!

Two goofy sisters!

Say Cheese

Chick fil a