Friday, December 26, 2014

CHRISTmas


My dearest family and friends,
There are a few things that I would like you to know, and seeing that I will be talking with some of you tomorrow, I am just going to keep this short:

I know that my redeemer lives. Jesus Christ. The son of the living God. He loves me and you. We are all spirit children of a loving Heavenly Father (Acts 17:27-27). And he truly does love us. That is why he restored the gospel today. That is why he created a plan so that we can return to him. That is why He even sent us here to earth in the first place, to live, learn, grow, and have joy (2 Nephi 2:25). But most importantly, his love is the reason why he sent his son here to earth, as a sacrifice, so that we could live again (John 3:16). If you know that to be true, share it. If you don't, figure it out. It's important. It's the most useful thing I can tell you. I love you all so much. Remember who you are. I realized probably for the first time in my life this week, who I truly am. A daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. And that knowledge is changing me completely. Who are you?

Until next time,
Avec Amour,
Sister Suzy Kinghorn

This pic isn't so great, but that is the prez and his wife, one of his daughters, and my comp and I. She is supes nice btw.
My sisters and I. Minus two teams. My shoes make me so tall!
We only got to skype with Snoop for 30 min. Drat! But she is doing so great. Here is a little video of her speaking French for her little brothers. She is talking about Joseph Smith and the First Vision. She sounds awesome!

Monday, December 15, 2014

Snow


Helllllooooo.
   So this week was pure nutz. Not really. I just made it seem that way because I am pure nutz. That is super weird that Jill is home. It seemed like she had been gone for no time. But Macy it seemed like she was gone forever. Time is just a weird thang. Before I start, I have some things to let you know about.. So we might not have a pday next week due to the normal crazy sister training leader stuff that seems to go on. So I will do my best to at least get to a computer to let you know all of the details in advance. But here is a little problem... We might have to skype on Christmas eve during the day.. so hopefully that will work. Like I said, I will do my best to get to a computer so that I can let you know at least a few days in advance. Haha we have to go to Quebec and back for a zone training meeting on Monday, so that will be crazy. The problem with Skyping is we are probably going to go to my ward mission leader's house, but we are still waiting to hear back from him. So I guess we will just have to see. If skyping doesn't work out though I am just going to buy a calling card and call you, probably Christmas day, so hopefully that is ok too. Not as cool, but still mega sweet. I just love and miss you all so much! Except I am actually super scared to talk to you because I am pretty sure I am just going to cry the whole time. One  thing that my mission has taught me is that I love my family more than ANYTHING! You all are the best. But nah, it'll be super cool to talk to you guys, even if I do cry. I think that is all that I really had to tell you... I hope so! 
   So we don't have much time left... I don't know what happened. But things here are going well! Yesterday we had some mega miracles and some people came to church that havn't since I've been here, it was amazing! I had a kind of rougher week because it turns out that leading an area is mega stressful. But it's all good because my companion is the greatest thing that ever happened to this mission and I love her a lot! She is from LA and is super cool. So I have been wearing my LA hat a lot around the apartment. 
   We had to get a recall fixed on our car, and while we were waiting there was a Packers vs. Falcons game on. Atlanta wasn't looking so good, what's up with that Dad. I didn't watch the game or anything though... so don't worry haha. No I saw some, but just tried not to pay attention to it. Who knew football was so fun to watch!? Not me before my mission. 
   Happiest of birthdays to Nate the Great and little Jack. Two wonderful people in my life. I love them both and hope that they had the greatest days ever!!
   Sorry, that's it for now. Better email next time!
Love,
Snoop
P.S. mormon.org/fra/noel #partagezledon
P.P.S. I named this email snow because it snowed a lot this week. Welcome to Cranada, eh?

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Transferz


Hello errrbody,   
   Welp, the first transfer where I knew I was changing companions... And the winner is?? Sister Guevara! Don't worry, I don't really know who she is either, so you don't have to feel like you are being left out. But, I have run into her about two times and she is super nice and she will be great for me. Also, the Lord picked us to be companions, so I'm not too worried. She'll come on Wednesday when I take Sister Ryser back to Montreal.
Look who it is! My cousin/not cousin or whatever! Haha Sister Dick is super sweet. 
(Sister Dick is Mo's cousin's daughter's daughter. Figure that out! But we finally met up).
   This week was a good one. Nice and crazy and stressful like always. But we had some sweet miracles and it was just good. It was crazy because we have been running around trying to say goodbye to everyone that Sister Ryser wanted to say goodbye to. Pretty much I spent most of my week saying, "but don't worry, I will still b
e here with another missionary, and we are coming to see you." I was kind of worried that a lot of people would stop seeing us since Sister Ryser is going (she has been here 11 months afterall), but then I realized that if that does happen, it won't be because of me, unless I make it because of me. So I will have to work at keeping the area up. But the companion that I am getting is super sweet I hear, and I think that people will love her so it will all go well. She can speak Spanish too, so  that will be nice with some of the people we work with that like to speak Spanish too. I am just really excited for a change. I am glad I am staying in Longueuil though, I love it here. But you know, out with the old and in with the new. I have been wanting to get better at some things, and I think that it will help having a new companion. I think there are just some bad habits that we have developed, and it has been hard for us to change them. But with a new companion it can be like a #freshstart. Or something. We'll see how it goes. I don't want to make any excuses for myself, because if something needs to be changed you should just fix it, and not wait for a new companion, because in real life we don't get new companions every six weeks. So my bad habits should have just been fixed right away, but sadly I did't always have the motivation. But luckily, now I do! So get ready for some mega sweet changes. Jk, it's mostly stuff you won't even notice. Just like my day to day things.  
   We have some progressing investigators right now. It's tough because with some of them, they just fear man more than God. It is just a bummer because when it's like that and stays like that, they'll stand before God one day and probably just say, "dang it." So we are trying to help people see and feel the importance of the gospel in their lives. We just have to be patient. But actually, here is something else super sweet! Did I ever tell you about the guy Christopher we met? He was a huge miracle, that sadly spoke English. But! Good thing we have the Greenfield Parc elders who we referred Christopher to. Anyway, long story short, the elders started teaching him, and they called us yesterday to tell us that after Sunday school, Christopher told them that he wanted to be baptized! Woohoo! Result! Heavenly Father seriously prepared Christopher, and I am so thankful that we ran into him and were just at the right place at the right time. Things are just pretty normal is all that I can really say. Maybe my self improvement will bring a more interesting email for next time. But for now, just know that I love you all and I'll write to ya next week!
Well, I love you all! I will try this week to find a family that will let us skype on Christmas. I was kind of waiting for my new comp to get all of that worked out. But yeah, we should get it done. I was wondering if maybe you wanted to try making a skype account for me, and then I could call you or something? I'll be honest though, I have never used skype, so I don't even know how it works... We'll be in touch!
Happy Christmas Harry!
Love,
Soeur Kinghorn
Nasty blister. We're working hard.
Hey it's me being Jerm and baby Jerm/Slaw! (I was having a really good hair day that day. Every good thing counts.)
What our lessons look like

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Hey Fram

Sister Gammon and some supes cute snow
Sister Norris


What is up my family?
   So I haven't quite read your emails yet, but from the quick glances I took, I noticed that you all said something about hoping that it wasn't a rough week or that it sounded like I was upset. I am so sorry! I was hoping all last week that I wouldn't die, just so that I could make sure I emailed you all and let you know that I am ok and I didn't want to make you feel bad or worry about me, and to apologize for making it seem like you needed to. We are just so busy, so I apologized for (to quote myself), "upseting the fans." I just feel like I never write and it is crazy! I don't know why I feel like there is never time. I think it's just maybe because I travel waaaaaay more than other missionaries, and that takes time and there is a lot to report to President about, and I am sorry but his email takes precedence, so then I feel bad when I just have like two sentences for you guys. Last week was especially weird because what happened was we didn't have a car for the first four days of the week because it was in the garage. So we asked the Victoria Sisters if we could borrow their car Tuesday to go and email at the chapel before they had to leave for the day. So by the time we got to the chapel we had like an hour, which would have been just fine if we would have had the key to the library where the second laptop is kept. Instead the key was lost so we had one computer between the two of us. So I let my comp go first, and then when it was my turn there wasn't much time left so I squeaked out a miserable sounding emailing and then logged off. But, to be brief (haha kinda too late for that), it is well with my soul! Aka things are sweet as ever. We've just been a little busy and stressed, but that is life and I have nothing to complain about. Just know that I am sorry for being a turd and I won't do that again. Also, many many apologies for lack of mail. I have a bunch of letters (haha like three) written, and no stamps! So one day I will buy some. It might be in the airport on my way home, but I will try to make it a little bit sooner than that. So just know they are probably coming sometime. Oh my goodness, I just remembered that it is almost Jack's birthday! That little dude, just growin up too fast!! Yesterday my ward had the primary program. you better believe I cried when they sang that one song that goes, "I have a little family, it's me, it's you, we are God's children." Or whatever it really says. I just remember the dude's singing that and Jerm and I talking about how cute that song is. So when the primary sang it yesterday I just couldn't help but remember how much I really do miss those little boys. Mostly I just don't think about it because then I get all sad and whatnot, so that helps. But those dudes are the greatest! Dad you said how you realized or maybe not realized but just are thankful especially for your family. I couldn't agree more. I've learned about 290 things so far on my mission, but one of the most important things I have learned, or come to appreciate is the importance of families. I love you guys. I am thankful to be here, but I also look forward to the day I get to see you all again. And I hope that I will never take you for granted again. I am learning to govern myself out here, but that doesn't mean that I can't turn to my parents sometimes. I am just so thankful for you all. All of the little advice you give and encouragment and stories you share with me really help me. For example, Mo you sent me a talk in the MTC by Sister Holland, and one time for our visiting teaching assignment I just had the thought that we needed to share that talk with the member. She didn't have time to see us so we left her the talk and some cookies. The next Sunday her husband came up to us and thanked us for leaving that talk and he said it was really inspired that we left that one. And I would never have even heard of that talk if you hadn't sent it to me, so thank you! Heavenly Father just gets his work done in the craziest ways. He's the coolest. Anyway, even though I may not always comment on the things you send me or remember to thank you on pdays, just know that I am so thankful. As weird as it sounds, being a missionary is kind of lonely sometimes, but I have just infinite amounts of support from back home, and I owe that to you guys. Thank you thank you a million times over for all that you do and are doing for me. I love you all so much.
   This Thanksgiving I spent on an exchange with Sister Blanc.
Sister Blanc
One of THE sweetest (as in super dope) missionaries I have ever met--Sorry for my casual language, president's email to us this week said we need to not be casual in language, even to our families, so sorry that I am sometimes casual, I just don't know how to explain Sister Blanc other than dope.. you know? I'll get better, no worries--Since no one in Quebec knew that it was U.S.A. Thanksgiving, we didn't do anything too special. Actually, we did the greatest thing a person on this earth and in the spirit world could do, taught the gospel!! We're so #blessed. Anyway, Sister Blanc is from Haiti, so she just threw it down in  the kitchen and I ate THE best Haitian food that I have ever eaten in my life. It was an excellent Thanksgiving meal for sure. I will attach a picture of the food and of Sister Blanc and I. After you see my plate of food you will know why I am probably getting fat.
Delish Haitian Food
It's really sad but also really good for my health that all of the ice cream places here close in the winter since no one wants ice cream when it is so cold outside that your hands will fall off. Except me. I would still want the ice cream. It hasn't even been cold yet though, isn't that crazy? One day it'll hit. I really would like to still believe all the people that say Cranada gets cold. But where was I.. On the exchange we had a little time to go and knock. I don't knock very often, only when I am on exchanges really, but we went to a street that Sisters Blanc and Hunt had already started knocking. We went to one door, and the lady opened the door and I just kind of introduced ourselves in a boring way. Looking back I feel bad because I could have done tonz better, but anyway, after I said what we were there for I asked if she would be interested in hearing more, and she said yes!! I was so shocked! Only because knocking isn't usually all that effective, so once she said yes I just froze, I had no idea what to say. I almost was just laughing because I didn't believe it. Luckily Sister Blanc stepped up and gave her a Book of Mormon, and I pulled myself together again. It was awesome though! Hopefully the sisters really follow up on that, since it wasn't in my area. Luckily it was a lady who lives right by one of their investigators, so they will be there a lot. Sister Blanc is awesome though. She really fears no man. She just testifies and testifies and testifies. And she was baptized 16 months ago!! She is just going to change Cranada, that's fo sho. It was an awesome exchange. And we spoke French together all day, and she said she would teach me Creole, whaddup?! I am stoked. I don't know when that will be. But anyway, you can probably tell that I just really like her. We have the sweetest missionaries here forreal.
   Since we didn't have our car this week we were blessed to walk for four days. It was honestly so nice. Except one day we accidentally missed the bus so we ended up walking two hours to the next town (Boucherville), but it was for a really important lesson that went really well and I was so thankful that we are blessed with super awesome bodies that are capable of walking two hours. Plus, we got to talk to a bunch of people. Since we are usually cooped up in a car, we don't talk to as many people. But walking definitely helped that. There are just so many blessings everywhere!
Aliens did this to our car!! Or the engine...Not sure which
  Our two zone conferences went well. We gave trainings on empowering ourselves, companions, and others. It's so true how we all have so much divine potential, but sometimes we just don't see it for ourselves. Hopefully the missionaries got a better glimpse of their divine origin, and how with our Heavenly Father they can really do anything. Check out some mega sweet scriptures: Doctrine and Covenants 6:32-37 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 I love them a ton. One thing that we talked about that really inspires us is our conversion to the Savior. If we could just begin to realize what he has done for us, it would literally make us "tremble" to know that not all of our brothers and sisters know that we can repent and change (Mosiah 28:3 another great one). That's why I'm on a mission I guess. I don't think I am to the point that Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah were at, but I am working on it, and you can too. I want people to know about the church, because I realized again that it truly is the ONLY true church on the earth. Other churches have some super cute stuff and some really excellent people, but if you want pure and true doctrine, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the ONLY one that has it all. I promise. Study it out. Pray about it. It all makes sense. We are so blessed to have the knowledge that we do, and the ability to choose and for second chances. We aren't all perfect people, but the doctrine is perfect. One sister shared a quote from President Monson this weeek with me, "The Redeemer chose imperfect men to teach the way to perfection. He did so then. He does so now." Remember that and don't forget it!
   Anywiggle, I love you all. Send me yo Skype infos, and I'll start figuring that out! I am excited and nervous to talk to you because I know I will be a little baby and cry. But whaterrrr. Until next time my friends!
Love,
Snooop from dah hood
Famille Heon

Gerd

Pootine
Sister Scheurch - it was real cold that night!
The Elder looked a lot like my friend Andrew, so we took a pic
CRANADA!
Look what I got in the mail! Thanks Mo and little bros.

Hi


I have been gone five months today. Super weird.
Seems like I have been disappointing the fans every now and then lately, and I am really sorry. I am just trying to give it my all here and be a true servant and disciple of the Lord. I dont have time to email today. I could tell you the long story, but it is long and I have to go. I am really sorry that I have not been very good at writing. I am trying, just know that. If I have disappointed any of you, just know it is never intentional. I am just kind of busy. Like I said, I am trying my best, and sometimes I make mistakes. I hope you all still love me and can forgive. I really want to check the mail, sounds like big things are coming!
I love you all and hope you are safe and happy.
Love,
Suzy

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Happy Birthday Junior Doodle!


Wazzup Famry?
   First I just want to give a shout out to my super awesome little bro, Merthew Berticus. Can't believe he is nine!! That is so crazy! I hope all of his birthday wishes come true. And that he gets all of the barbies and cute little girly things that he asked for :) I'm sending him a little letter in the mail, it'll be late, but just let him know that I didn't forget him on his birthday. I love that little dude and miss him so much everyday. I can't believe he is so old! Ãlso, next week pday will be on tuesday the 25th. We are going to Quebec again tomorrow morning for our exchanges and zone conference meeting.
   This week was super good. Much better than the last. But only because I just changed my attitude. Everything goes a whole lot better when we are just willing to be happily obedient. If we aren't happy in our obedience, then it will profit us nothing. -Said pretty much every apostle, prophet, and wise person ever. So that's what I have been working, or am trying to really work on now. But more about all that cute stuff l8er. First I will tell you all some funny things that happened this week.
   So we had a memory stick with a bunch of music, like 1000 plus songs, that we have been listening to and trying to figure out what is on it this week. There is a bunch of stuff that we shouldn't listen to, but they are all in French. And I think since they are in French the missionaries who passed the memory stick down to us thought that is was ok to listen to it. Who knows, I don't really care either way if they listened to it our not. We just skip the songs to see what's next. But anyway, there was one super sweet one that we came across that we can't really listen to, I assume it is because when it came on my companion said, "This one was a huge hit in Switzerland! They played it at all of the clubs I went to!" I thought that was funny. Apparently she went to a bunch of clubs. You go Sister Ryser! Oh yeah, but I am telling you this because if you want some ideas on how to have a good time, look up the song Alors on Danse. Also Femme Liberee (that last word has accents, but I am too lazy to put them thur). But yeah, they were some groovy ones that we skipped over but listened to enough to know that they are groovy. But I'll be honest, we actually listened to the Alors on Danse one all of the way through. But I have been doing my best to not do it again!
   This we had a lesson with Elizabeth, she is still awesome as ever! But she has a super crazy cat that is just pure crazy. So we were starting up the lesson and we asked if we could say a prayer. So she asked the member who was with us to say. And this member is kind of old and super quiet so there's that. But anyway, the member was about to start her prayer and I noticed that the cat was looking like it was about to do something not good, I wasn't sure what, but my cat senses were tingling or whatever. Haha I really don't like cats that much. But to continue, the member starts to pray, and I hear the cat jump up onto the couch where my companion and I were sitting with the member. So I decided just to hurry and sneak a peak and see what the cat was doing, and it had climbed onto the member's back and was messing with her head. Turns out my companion looked right at the same time as I did and we both started laughing and had to do all that we could to not be loud. So I just prayed in my heart that the cat would leave her alone. My prayers were answered, and like most prayers, not in the way that I expected or necessarily wanted, because then the cat came over to me and put it's legs on my shoulders and was sniffing my hair. All of this is still mid-member's prayer. But it was all good, just a nice little experience to keep us happy and not too serious. Also, speaking of cats (I really think they are of the devil, I am sorry if you like them). But yesterday we had a DA with a member and I was saying the prayer to bless the food when mid my prayer there was a bunch of weird like retching sounds going on. Once I finished, we all looked and saw this puddle of nasty green whatnot that had come out of the cat. Geez. Cats are so sick! I think we should probably start eating them or something. They are just too gross, if we are being honest here, which I am. Ok, that was rude though, maybe we shouldn't eat them. They'd probably taste super disgusting anyway.
   It finally snowed here! I was so pumped when I woke up yesterday and saw it. So we got ready for church and I put on my new coat that I was so excited to wear, and I stepped out the back door and slipped and fell down the stairs. Haha it was so funny, because I was just so excited, and my spirits were just crushed within two steps of being outside. Luckily it didn't hurt at all even though I slipped right onto my bum and fell down about eight stairs. I was just laughing and so was my companion. And the Victoria Sisters came out to see what happened, and so did the lady who owns our building. So I just said, "Desole, J'ai beaucoup des choses dans mes mains, donc j'ai tombee!" (I have a lot of things in my hands so I fell). And she just kept saying, it's slippery! Pay attention and be careful! And I thought, yeah! No kidding. Sorry these stairs are covered in snow on top of being painted by just the slipperiest paint in the world. But I was a little kinder and just said sorry a bunch.
   So, I said I would get to what I have been working on later. Now it is later. So I have been reading this talk (it's 18 pages long, that's why 'reading' is in that form and not the past), and it's about the type of missionary that we need to be if we want our mission to change us. So like I said, if we want our obedience to actually profit us something. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 it talks about how we will reap what and how we sow. And the last like of verse 7 says something like, "God loveth a cheerful giver." So we can go throughout our whole life being a giving person and doing good and what we are supposed to, but if we don't actually want to be doing those things, it is going to do nothing for us in the end. And this life, and especially the time spent being a missionary (I think) is about changing ourselves to be better aka more like our Savior. And the only way for us to change and become more like our Savior is to give our will to Him. And be happy to do it too! Something that I love that Aunt Leesa taught us kids was 1. Life isn't fair 2. No one is going to love you like your parents love you and 3. You have to bend you will to Heavenly Father's, because he isn't going to bend his will to yours. So I was just thinking about that as a missionary, and I kind decided/learned/figured out is that if I truly want to give my "heart, might, mind, and strength" here on my mission and in my life after, I have to really give all of that, all four things. And giving your heart, to me, means giving your will not begrudgingly. Sometimes I pray that things will be given me that I want after my mission or something. And the desires aren't necessarily bad, but if I was truly converted to the Lord, I would accept whatever his will is, not exactly the things that I think that I want. Overall, our Heavenly Father knows way more than we do, and once we truly accept his will, we will see that what he wants for us (his will) is actually what we want to. It will all come together, sometimes it just takes time for us to get there. I'm not there, but I hope to be one day. Ultimately, we say, or at least I say, that I am a person who follows Jesus Christ. And as we can see multiple times in the scriptures, he always said, "not my will, but the Father's be done." And to me, if I really want to be like the Savior, I too have to be willing to say, "not my will, but the Father's be done." I know that in the end that will bring us the most joy and happiness. I have been seeing people's live change because they have that attitude. They are changing their bad habits, and accepting the Lord's will for them. And I can promise you that it is making them happier. It is making me happier. It's the truth.
   Anyway, I love you all a lot. And I hope that when I come home I will be a different person. Just better. I hope you have an awesome week. Choose the right, enjoy the snow and Thanksgiving, whenever it is... 27th? They already had theirs here in Cranada. Be nice to Dude today, he deserves it. I love him so much. Whelp, until next week!
 Love,
Snoop
  
   

Monday, November 10, 2014

Hello Family!


Hello Family!
   What is up errbody? Sorry I am writing later. We went to the library like normal but there were too many people there. So we went to the mall instead, and there were too many people there. So then we tried a Lebanese restaurant. And there were too many people there too! Just kidding, we just ate lunch there. And man was it good! It was my second time going there, but I was on an exchange, so this time I had to take my companion. So instead of emailing we just ate some really good food. But then we just went to the church to email, so here I am now! A team of elders was here using the computers so we had to wait a little bit, so I went and played basketball in the gym. Turns out I am still super good. Haha just kidding, I'm not now and never was that great. But I still love it, so  that's what counts! 
   This week was a little bit slower it seemed like, but it was still good. I have way too much to be thankful for to start complaining about a slower week. Sometimes we just need those little reminders to be thankful. Too bad Thanksgiving in Cranada already passed! But I can still celebrate American Thanksgiving here too if I want. Maybe I should buy a turkey. We'll see. 
   We had some normal lessons like we usually do. We really get to work with some sweet people here. We did some service for two ladies this week. raking leaves and getting the lawns cleaned and whatnot. Everyone is preparing for the snow and the "winter" here. I say "winter" because I really just don't know if there is a crazy winter here. Everyone says there is, but I can't trust anyone these days. I tried my best not to come into the mission, Cranada, or my area with any expectations, but a lot of people told me how it was going to be. And so far... everyone lied. Haha not really everyone, but a few people. So I am just waiting to see if everyone lied about it being cold here. I just hope people like JW Henrie are reading this and laughing, knowing that I am in for a nice surprise. Because if it really does get super cold it will be the first thing that was actually how people said it was going to be! I really hope it just drops a wall of snow one of these days. That way I can test out my new coat and boots! But it might be harder to work in the winter because people might be inside more. But that's ok! You just do what you have to do I suppose. Anyway, I will keep you all updated about the winters, because nothing is more thrilling than the weather!
   People keep asking about how French is coming.. That is a good question. I have no idea, because for me it's like, "compared to what?" But I guess if it was on a scale of 2 to 9, 2 being the most fluent of fluent of French speakers and 9 being "no hablo espanol" (haha get it, not even French or English), I'm about a 4? Just kidding, that was pure confusing and only like one person would really get the joke I just made. On a scale of 1-10 one being no good, ten being perfect I am probably like a 5? Haha I really don't know. I make phone calls on my own and lead areas when a greenie can't speak or understand, but I still know there is a lot that I don't understand, and I still lean on my comp too much because she just likes to talk anyway. But there has definitely been some huge progression. It is just hard for me to see it because it's me and not someone else, you know? This will be my comp and I's last transfer together because she is going home. So change will be good, I feel pretty ready for that. I just don't want the area to fall at all. And it's hard because she has been here for almost a year and everyone loves her because she is awesome, so I just don't want people to stop seeing us once she is gone. But the change will be good I think. And who knows, I might not even stay here. I hope I do though, I love Longueuil. But yeah, a new companion will bring some new ideas, so that will help because we are trying to find some new investigators right now. We are kind of struggling in that department. But it's all good because we are so blessed and things just keep going on. The Lord still blesses us, even if we don't have as many investigators as we used to. 
   I feel bad but this week just wasn't too eventful... We are starting our three week exhange palooza this week though! So hopfeully next pday I will have cooler things to write. I love you all and am glad that you are still safe and happy! Until next Monday!
Love,
Snoop

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Mein Schatz


Wazzzzup!
   Hey fam. This week just flew by. Holy cow. But it's good to be back to say, "whaddup" and all that good stuff. This week was pretty busy, but we got a lot of good stuff done. A lot of bad stuff done too. Haha just kidding. Wow, that was a super lame joke. Anywave... So Tuesday was super crazy. We had to cover English class for the Victoria sisters, because one of them was going home and they wanted to see some members instead, so we took it for them. But we had already planned a lesson for that same time, so we had to do a last minute split, and since I'm apparently the better English speaker in my companionship I had the privilege to go and teach the class (but let's be honest, you've all read my emails, I aint dat gr8, just mega dope). But where was I? So we literally called like minutes before the class started, just trying to find a member to come with me, because the member we had asked to come forgot and wasn't at home and doesn't have a cell phone. But the Lord always provides, so we found a member to come with me and we went together and I taught the class. The sister I brought is this older Haitian lady and it was so funny because she didn't understand a thing of what was going on during the class. Haha it was really sad but also kind of funny. I just kept laughing at how awkward and stressful the whole situation was. But it was all good. I feel like I learn English while I teach it. I just hope I am not making up rules as a go. Like what's the rule with using "these vs. those?" I have no idea?! I just say what I want to, you know? But it's ok, it's always fun to learn on the spot while you're the teacher. It was super funny too because I was teaching direct object pronouns at the same time as I was trying to remember what exactly direct object pronouns were, and I was mid example when I just said out loud, "oooohhhh direct object pronouns! Ok, I know what these are!" Haha it probably wasn't too smart of me to say that right to the class mid-teaching, but it's all good, they probably didn't understand me anyway. They are so cute though, just asking me to slow down when I talk. I don't think I talk that fast, but maybe I do. Ok, enough of english class, it isn't that exciting.
   We had a lesson with this lady who has been investigating the church for five years! She is so funny because she always tells her friends about the church and how awesome it is, but she still doesn't want to be baptized yet. But it's ok, the Lord works in his own time. Anyway, she kept telling us about a lady she knows that she wants us to teach, so on Thursday she invited her friend over and we had a super sweet lesson with them. It felt like a lesson with an investigator and a member though haha, it was so weird! But yeah, it's awesome how the church really changes lives. The five year investigator (Marie-Marthe) has a son who was baptized and his life just totally turned around for the better. So she is a first hand witness of how Heavenly Father is a god of miracles. I can testify to that too. He loves us and is always helping us out, it's amazing.
   On Friday we went and took some pictures for a member. Some news thing asked for pictures of French speaking sister missionaries knocking on doors and teaching, so we went and did that for a few minutes. It was pretty funny. His wife was in the pictures with us, and after she asked us to sing in the stake choir for stake conference. But I have been sick this last week so my voice is just terrible as ever. So come Saturday night I just sang my little heart out really terribly for the whole stake. And what was worse was our mission president was sitting on the stand with his wife right by me, so they probably heard me and that's no good. But oh well, I tried. you will never believe what we sang. It's one missionaries rarely sing.. Called to Serve! Actually Apeller a Servir, but you know, same thing or whatever. Haha luckily I'm not sick of that song yet.
   Yesterday we had stake conference at four pm (.....) and so it was the first Sunday since I've been here that we've done all of our studies on a Sunday. Which isn't good I know, we should do make up studies or something, but anyway... So since we live with another team of sisters, we were all home doing studies yesterday morning, each team in their own room. All of the sudden our fire alarm starts going off, so I slowly got up to walk out and see what's up. The alarm is super sensitive so I didn't really think much of it since it goes off kind of frequently. Haha my companion didn't even get up from her chair, that's how unseriously we were taking the situation. So I get up and head for the door. I opened it and the whole apartment was just filled with smoke. Haha the other sisters walked out of their room at the same time and we all just like panicked and ran around trying to open doors and windows but it was super hard to see and breath. Then we got a white board and started fanning the fire alarm to get it to stop and to get the smoke out of the apartment. But we had to take turns being inside because our eyes were burning and our throats too. It was so funny. Moral of the story is never leave something alone cooking in the kitchen. Luckily it was the other sister's fault haha and not mine. It was all good though, just made things a little more exciting and all that.
   Oh yeah, mein schatz means "my precious" or something like that in German. So when we were at Gerd's the other day, we were finishing up the gardening we were doing, so he gave us some grape juice like he always does before we go, and he has these little cups, so I was saying "shots, shotz, shots, shots, shots" like a shot glass (probably shouldn't say that, I know, I'm sorry) and Gerd, being all old and whatnot (in a good way), misunderstood me and thought I was saying "mein schatz." It was a good old funny time. And then, the next day in companionship study, I said "mein schatz" again, for whatever reason, and my comp said, "like Golum (creepy little guy from Lord of the Rings), mein schatz (in a creepy little guy voice)." And then I said, "he doesn't say that, he says 'my precious'..." And then I thought, duh, she speaks German so she watched in German and that's what he says, in German. It was pretty funny. Sometimes I am just super oblivious and just not there... Oh dear. Just spacy as ever. Like the planner I made! Check out the attached pic! The cover says "Aimez vos freres," or love your brothers, so I thought it would be fitting to put some of my brothers on underneath.

   Welp, this week was just cute as ever. We are trying to find some more people to teach and that's always tough, but Heavenly Father really just puts those people in our paths that need to talk to us. Whether they are ready for the gospel or not, we can walk away from each contact knowing we helped someone. That's something that is super sweet about being a missionary. People just open up to you and tell you their life story, and then we just tell them how all of the saddness and trials can be made better. What a blessing. Keep spreading the good news. I know our Savior lives and loves each and everyone of us. You want to know how I know that? Read Alma chapter 34. The laws of the universe demand justice. So, sins have to be paid for. But then our Savior comes in, paying those demands for justice. That's called mercy. And wow is he merciful. Don't forget it.
I love you guys and am super stoked to read all of your emails. Keep being wonderful, I am super proud to call you my family.
Luz you all,
Snoopswag

Monday, October 27, 2014

Seigneur, Mon Dieu


Valerie's baptism. She is wonderful. I love her so much and I am so happy for her. She's entered the gate and has lots of blessings ahead of her. God is good.
My people.
   Disclaimer-- This email is long and you'll all probably be bored and skim, so to save you the trouble just read the last paragraph. En te que (anyway in French)... Ho boy do I love you guys and all of your emails. You're all the coolest and I am super pumped to write to you today. But first, just a few little "get them outta dah way" type things... Dad and Mo, if I have used the card it is because I didn't have Canadian cash on me.  Second, transfers... I'm staying with Sister Ryser and we are still the STL's whoop whoop! I will answer questions asked in your emails in the next letter I write home. So DAH week:
   This week was just incredible. No doubts about it. God is good all the time. Oh man where do I even start? Remember how a few weeks ago I told you about a girl who just showed up for church and asked for a Book of Mormon and then called us the next day for us to see her? Well, turns out she had been baptized years ago, but stopped going to church and now wanted to come back. Her names is Elizabeth and she is just a tender soul. I love her and I hardly know her. Her desires to do good are outstanding and they just blow me away. She knows what's important and followed some pretty wise advice, which is, "ask the missionaries, they can help." So now we have the blessing to see her and just read the Book of Mormon with her and teach her what we know. She is a miracle, and I am so beyond the valley of the happy that I got to meet her. We had a ward council this week too, and it went well. Our ward is super sweet and just gets things done. Our bishop and ward mission leader are so awesome. They do so much for the work it is such a blessing to be able to work along side them. One thing though that I noticed, and I have learned and was wondering how it goes at home, is that sometimes the council gets a little caught up in the planning of events and doesn't focus on the people in our ward and their needs. I was just wondering how it was at home. This question might be for you, Dad, but it's super important that our councils are effective, and actually councils, so I just thought I'd ask how it was going there. Not that I can come and change it or anything, it's just that Heavenly Father is hastening the work of salvation. And if we are too stuck in our ruts (is that how you spell that?) and not willing to step up and go with Heavenly Father's pace, then we're going to have some problems. That means we might have to rethink how ward councils are going. But Utah always seemed to be with the game, so hopefully that is the case here. If not, it's ok, everything takes time. And we need patience. Right now we are working on getting everyone trained so that the work can move forward at a faster pace. I am so stoked to get home and contribute. There is just so much to be done in establishing the Kingdom of Heaven on the earth, and it starts with individual members, so I am pumped to work at home too, now that I have a better idea of how I can help and how things should be going. Sorry, random tangent is over now.
   We had a fairly normal week this week (which means we made a lot of plans that didn't work out, taught some people and just rejoiced in the salvation of God). We didn't reach all of our goals, but I think we still worked hard. Our ward just launched our ward mission plan. Everyone is getting pretty excited to get started. One day it will be the member's work that the missionaries help with. But for now it's kind of a mix of both. But I love our ward mission plan because it is really helping people to get excited to just be involved and share the good news with their little friends and whatnot. One lady in our ward invited us over to dinner and we ate with her roommate and talked about the gospel. Which means we got some awesome Haitian food (ho boy I love it so much) and a new investigator (love that even more!). I don't know how interested she is right now though, which is tough because the member really wants this for her. But, I am a big believer in following the will of our Heavenly Father, so he'll help us know what to do, the member incluced. Just follow the spirit people, it's his job to guide us when we are worthy to have him with us, so let's just let him do his job and follow what he says. We had two other sweet meetings this week too. One was mission leadership council and the other was stake council. I just really love councils actually. I was reading a talk the other day about leadership, it was given in a priesthood session, I can't remember the name of it right now or who wrote it, but it was awesome, and it just talked about how wise and just awesome it was of Heavenly Father to give us councils. He used councils (council in Heaven.....)! They are so effective if they are done right. Anyway, we had the mission leadership council and just talked about problems and concerns we've seen in the mission right now and with the missionaries. We then decided what traingings would need to be given so that we can help fix these problems and concerns. I better understand the scriptures that talk about Heavenly Father being a God of order. I think you can find one in Doctrine and Covenants section 118 or 119 or something, the one wear it says "establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting.... a house of order." Being organized and ordered in what we do just makes us so much more efficient. I love order and organization so much more now! It makes me want to clean my room or something. Now I'm gettin crazy, what has this place done with me? Anyway, that's why I really liked the mission leadership council, because we talked about the problems, found a solution, delegated responsibility and made assingments to go forward in trainings in order to fix the problems, and after we will report back. You know what we were doing there? Following the Christ Centered Leadership Model. Pretty much I think we should just use that model in all that we do. Then we'd really always get things done. If you don't know what that is maybe I can explain one day. It just makes me so gitty and excited I don't know if you want me to keep talking about it right now. Oh man, you learn the greatest things on the mission. The trick now is to actually use it once your home. I pray I can be better once I'm finished here. Stake council was yesterday and it was amazing too. This time it was just with the zone leaders, our mission  president, the stake president, the stake mission leader, and us. So it was a lot more personal and we could all be a lot more personal and counsel better together. The church is just made up of a bunch of people who are trying their best and just giving a lot. I am so thankful that I have the blessing to be apart of all of this work. And to help in meetings like this. I don't think I'll ever get the same opportunity again. We just try to help focus on the needs of others and do more to help to progression of the work. It's a blessing, and I feel humbled to be trusted. I have to do better.
   Ok, now the highlight of the week. There was a baptism on Saturday!! It was a lady who we taught with the elders. Her name is Valerie, and she is so important to our Heavenly Father, like each of us, that I have truly felt honored to even know her, let alone help teach her about the gospel. Holy cow. From the first time I met her I just knew there was something different about her. Heavenly Father cares about her so much, and I can see that in how much others care about her, including me. It is crazy how much love I have for these people we have only known for a short time. The elders had been teaching her for awhile, and we started helping throughout the past month or so. It was so amazing to see baptized finally. The spirit was really strong at the service. She just is small and quiet and has dealt with her trials well. I really can't explain how amazing she is. When I see people be baptiezed these days I just cry. I don't realize how important it is. It's a saving ordinance!!!!!!! We need it! So when I get the privilege to see someone make that decision to come unto our Savior, I am just so happy for them. In between the actual baptism and the second half of the program we sang some hymns to keep the spirit there and wait for Valerie to change and rejoin us. We sang a bunch of good ones, but when we sang Seigneur, Mon Dieu (How Great Thou Art), I was just blown away by the spirit. I am not sure if I'm right, but I think that is one that was sung at Chandler Webb's funeral. I'm not 100% sure if it was, but whenever I sing it I think of him. Anyway, we started to sing it and I was thinking about Chandler and how I could be upset with Heavenly Father for taking him early, or for all the trials that we have to face in this life. But then, after seeing the baptism I realized that Heavenly Father really makes it simple for us. Everything we go through here is just for our learning and experience. We know what we are supposed to do. We've been told, so we have no need to worry about what happens in this life. Have faith in our Savior. Repent when you make a mistake, be humble enough to say your sorry, then have faith that our Heavenly Father will forgive you. Have faith in yourself and in the fact that you CAN be better. Be baptized or take the sacrament each week if you've already been baptized. Recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost, or remain worthy to have him with you if you've already receieved the gift. Then endure to the end. Or rather, just keep following our Savior's example. It will never make you worse off. Just do that! It really is black and white. Yeah we have hard times, but look at Valerie. I know you don't know her, I don't know her that well, but believe me she has been through a lot. Then just seeing her be baptized and make that change and start over was incredible. We can do that each week with the sacrament too. I just cried while we sang because Heavenly Father is so merciful. No matter what has happened. He just wants us to come back to him. And I just realized again that the gospel of Jesus Christ, the doctrine of our Savior, is the only way back to true and eternal happiness. It's true! And if you don't know that for yourself, find it out. If you do it with a sincere heart and real intent you'll find your answer. And then: "When Chirst shall come, with shouts of acclamation, and take {us} home, what joy shall fill {our hearts}. And {we} shall bow, in humble adoration and there proclaim, My God how great thou art!" Family, I know without a doubt that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on the earth today. It's the only one with the power to act in our Savior's name. Following my Savior has changed my life, let it change yours too. Read the Book of Mormon, it has all the answers. I promise you it does. If you're struggling, hang on, Heavenly Father and our Savior truly are here for you. I love you, as they do. I can't wait to hear from you again next week. Stay anchored in the faith!!
Written with love from your daughter, sister and friend,
Suzy

La Joie de Vivre

Soeur Hinkson and I, exchange #1

Elie and Eliatha!!! Woooohooooo!!!!
Why not have a picture like this?
So pretty much I went to the most roaring party ever this week for a lady who turns 80, today actually, and part of the festivities was singing some songs. One of the songs that was sung said "la joie de vivre," which is, the joy of living, and I just liked that. Plus the song was pretty catchy. Those old people sure knew how to throw that party down! It took me back to my younger days, when we were all only fifty... Oh to be young, I'd give anything. Anywaffle, I am just being sarcastic now, so I should stop. But the party was super great, don't get me wrong, and most of my friends here are at least twenty years older than me anyway, so it's all good. Oh man you guys, life is pretty dang good if you just slow down and appreciate the small things around you. We taught the lessons for Sunday School yesterday on service, and we talked about how service doesn't have to be some huge production, just a simple smile or a hello. And one of my personal favorite forms of service is a testimony. It just gives so much more than we realize. Sharing you testimony is a HUGE service, and sometimes we don't see how much joy it can bring to someone. But anyway, small and simple things, like small and simple acts of service, are the ways that we are changin people's lives. Don't miss out on an opportunity to think about someone else for a bit, it'll do you wonderous amounts of good.
   So again, I am super sorry for my overly lame email last week. We had less time and a lot more to write to the mission prez. But, this week's email should hopefully be better, enough happened that it for sure should be. Where to start.... The beginning! #leggo
   In the beginning there was a council in Heaven. Haha just kidding. So on Monday after email time we did some shopping and bought stuff to make a cake because it was a missionary's birthday. So we made the cake then headed to Quebec via bus. It was long again but pretty sweet. Once in Quebec we had about three hours to kill so we went to this place called Chez Ashton's and had some pretty good poutine. It was like fast food style but still super good. I had it with a Pepsi.... Holy cow that was my first Pepsi since I've been gone and I forgot how amazing Pepsi. Liquid gold. The girl who took our order said, "your Mormons! So am I." It was funny and super crazy because my companion ended up having a lesson with that same girl's mom later that week while she was on an exchange with one of the sisters serving in Quebec City. Coincidence I think not! Anyway, then we just walked around in Quebec, at night... It was kind of creepy (the Kreppy Krab. Jerm). But then the St. Foy sisters picked us up and we started our exchange. I went with Sister Gerday. Nothing too crazy happened. We went and got ice cream though at Chocolat Favouris (I spell that differently everytime, I know), it was super good. Everyone says that place is better in Quebec. I say ice cream dipped in chocolate tastes good anywhere. But that is just my humble say on the matter. Sister Gerday and I actually ran out of gas. That was a first for me. We just walked to a gas station and bought a little container with gas then put it in the car and drove back to the gas station for more. Luckily it didn't end up being a serious problem, it was just funny. Especially because earlier that day when the gas light came on she said, "don't worry, this car runs on faith," hahahaha. But it was all good. The next day we were with the Quebec City sisters and that day was sweet. All of the teams up there are super nice and we had some fun times for sure. It was nice to go back to Longueuil though. It's funny because it really feels like my home there. I was super sad to leave and super happy to be back. It is so crazy how much this place and these people are growing on me! The mission is awesome. That's all there really is to it. I know I know, some of you are may be thinking that I am just a liar putting on a front or something. Believe me. I have had some rough times here. And some days I have really not liked it. But there have been way too many blessings that I have seen to deny that this is all right and true. So, all you possible nay-sayers (geez, where is my faith in you, I am so sorry), mission life really is good, if you just slow down and see it.
   Anyway, it was nice to get back to Longueuil we had a lot of stuff to do because remember Elie and Eliatha that we had been teaching since I first got here? Welp, they did it. They were baptized on Saturday!! It was so awesome. I am so happy for them. It made coming home too late on Thursday evening really stressful though because we only had Friday and Saturday to plan for the baptism because somehow nothing ended up getting done earlier. So it was all just pure wild animal craziness. But don't worry, everything worked out and it was wonderful. Forreal. I'm so thankful and happy for them. So Friday we had lessons like normal and just inbetween everything we called people to get the baptism set up. But our ward is awesome and they all helped so much and a lot of people came and it was just a great day. It was really cool how despite all of the stress and all of the planning, once they were actually baptized you could just feel peace. It was a blessing to be able to witness that. They will be some incredible members, I can tell you that much. It was just crazy to me, because I always thought that once you had a baptism as a missionary you would feel like crazy and powerful or something, but really I had nothing to do with this baptism. The Lord does all of the work. He prepares the people and he does what he needs to in order get them through the gate and on the path towards eternal life. I was just blessed to be able to witness it. Heavenly Father's plan for us is truly amazing. I was so thankful I got to see two people take the next step towards their progression. I truly believe that the Holy Ghost is the real missionary here. Sure the missionaries are sent to the people, but we aren't the ones who change them. That is the spirit. As missionaries we just do our best to have him with us always.
   I am just so thankful to be here. It was a rough week but we got through. With the Lord we always do. I love you all so much and can't wait to hear from you again next week!!

Love you all enormously,
Snoop Poopers in you lemonade, hey!!

P.S. I was reading in Alma 31 today, I think we should start calling Matt, Jack, and Cory Helaman, Shiblon, and Corianton, you know, Alma's sons. Just a thought.


Soeur Gerday
Fountain in front of the bus station in Quebec
Bus Station in Quebec
RICE - enough said

Mo's!
Poutine....Soooo goooooooood!
Soeur Arriaga!! She is super cool and from Denmark.
This super awesome German guy, Gerd, gave me these super awesome German sunglasses! Haha just kidding, I don't know if they are from Germany, but that was nice of him to give them to me.
Donated some blood. Longueuil now literally has my blood, sweat and tears! Woohoo! Check out my "new donor" sticker. Soooo chilllll.
We found this hat so we took some pictures with it. I do that super lame hand thing all of the time and I don' t know why. Anywaze...
Me just tryin to use a whip. Haha. Gerd showed us how to use it. It's actually super hard and scary. On the right was after I accidentally whipped myself in the face. It hurt so bad!!
Soeur Brimhall and I. She is super sweet. I forgot makup that day though...So I just look lovely.
Soeur Herrera and I

Sister Rubio. Probably the nicest person I have ever met. Holy cow she is amazing!



Monday, October 13, 2014

I'm back!

The District

What is up my people?!
   Just in case you were wondering, missing a pday isn't that sweet. But, I was more than happy to do a little more this week, because we had tonz that needed to get done. Thanks to all of you who wrote me letters (emails or handwritten) I was super happy to hear from all of you and I am always thankful for the time you take to write to me. They are some of the highlights of my week for sure, so as always, keep writing, I love and appreciate it so much!
   So unfortunately I don't have too much time today. We have to go to Quebec again to finish up the last of our exchanges with the two teams of sisters up there. It's a little rough because we have to leave around three today and then start our exchange tomorrow morning, then we will switch on Wednesday, and go home Thursday evening. So our area will be closed for four days! That is really stressful. But, we have been promised that if we take care of our sister training leader responsibilities first, then the Lord will bless our area. I don't have any doubt in that promise. 
   This week we had two exchanges. One of them I went with a brand new missionary into her area. That was an interesting day because she didn't feel comfortable in her French still, so I did all of the talking that day. But the Lord really has been watching out for me and helped me to get it done. We contacted people for like two hours. It was tough because we didn't get any new potentials. That is something that is hard about this work. Days where you work so hard on something for so long and you can't see immediate results. But hey, we planted some seeds, that's for sure. We talked to this one guy who was out in his driveway doing something with his car and I just asked him if I could help him with anything. He said no thank you or whatever and asked who I was. Sometimes you don't even have to ask them about their beliefs first, so that was nice. Anyway, we talked for a bit and he wasn't too interested at the moment, so we just gave him our card and wished him the best. Then as we were walking away I heard his little son who was there the whole time just kind of off to the side, ask his dad who we were, and the dad said, "those are the sister missionaries." And I know it wasn't anything crazy, but it just made me happy to hear that, and I am hopeful that one day that boy will see some more missionaries or come in contact with the church and he'll remember that day when we were there just asking his dad if there was anything we could help him with. 
   Oh yeah, conference!! Holy cow was that awesome or what???? Haha it is funny because I think this was the first conference that I went to with real questions that I wanted answers to. The only problem was after the first session on Saturday morning I already had all of my answers! Heavenly Father is so cool. I hope you all got to hear conference. And if not, go listen right now. It will change your life. It was just so good. 
   On my other exchange we had an awesome dinner appointment with a family in my ward. They are real modern day pioneers and it was so cool to hear their story and how real the gospel just started to spread here in Canada when they were converted to our Savior.
   Well, you are all going to be sad because this email was lame and short but I have to go. But, we just had a miracle and this girl called us who is interested and asked for an appointment. Just right now!!! That is crazy, holy cow. Have a wonderful week family, I love you all so much and am excited to read your emails on the bus today!!! Be safe and do good.
Love,
Soeur Kinghorn
Some cool arch things that people painted
More of the arches
1 Some graffiti and meh 2 Plant guy - creepy 3 Olympic building 4 Snoop Lion
Soeur Del Castillo and I, I was born!
Soeur Robles and I
Da Zone
Da Greenies (I hate that name, but to quote the little dudes, we don't hate anything)
Me and some terrible glasses, me and a tamale
 A picture of me I thought you should see. And this is on our bathtub - CRANADA. Forreal, haha.
My comp and I - Blue Steel