What do you call a bus full of old people?

A senior trip!!

My companioin thought of that one the other day and it was great.

Bad news, no time. Just got a call that there are two media referrals for us in the city over. Duty calls. But, luckily we just talked. I am the exact same except actually better. Next time I will write you first instead of President...Hehe sorry.

Love,

Snoop

Twilights!

Oh hey family.

   What's up? Before I forget, I was just wondering if someone wanted to look up the Twilight concert series line up and let me know who's playing? I just want to make sure I don't miss anyone that would be super tragic to miss. If I do though, oh well. I am just pretty curious who is coming to town. Oh yeah, another thing, next week I probably won't email until Thursday or something because we will be in Quebec for zone conference and exchanges until Thursday. Just a heads up.

   Dad I thought you would think this was cool, so we moved apartments a little while ago, and in our old apartment there were pictures and sticky notes hung up around that we had put there over time. And one sticky note that I put on the door said NPAP (never postpone a prompting). So when the elders moved in they didn't know what it meant and were trying to figure it out. So they called one of the sisters that used to live there and she told them what it meant. Then one of the Elders who is our district leader gave a whole training on never postponing a prompting, pretty sweet! Also, does anyone in our family know if we have some kind of relative that served a mission here in Quebec? Because I have been asked a few times if I am related to an Elder Kinghorn who is apparently responsible for like half of the members in Quebec because he helped teach and baptism a family with nine very active kids. They're pretty much in the presidencies all over Quebec and it is pretty dang sweet. Thank you Elder Kinghorn! It is the Morin family... if that says anything to anyone. 

   This week went pretty well. I am currently sitting here sunburned, and that is really great because hopefully that means that we can take a break from the cold for awhile. I would greatly appreciate it if it did not get any hotter or more humid though. Too bad for me, that's dreaming big. Our place might have air conditioning though, so that is a really nice thing. We went on exchanges with some sisters on Saturday and that was cool. Except our whole day was a bust. But the cool thing was we ran into soooo many people that we know on the street, daily contact, whaddup? So that was some pretty cool news. But the sister I was with literally talked the whole day. Like the whole day. I think I said 29 words. It was great. I hope she felt good though, like it helped her and stuff. She just really likes to talk I suppose. Not me so much. But sometimes I do. Just ask Aunt Marie, whenever she would come babysit I think I talked to her for like hours. Sorry Aunt Marie, that can be rough, now I understand haha. Random question: What was I like as a 4-5 year old? I am trying to figure out which personality type I am. I think the mission made me become a social type, but that's not really who I am. 

   We had some surprise miracles this week (like every week, Heavenly Father really takes care of us out here). We have just been working really hard on trying to make missionary work the members work that we as the missionaries help with, and it is going a lot better. We have been invited to the meetings of the presidencies so that we can actually all be on the same page with the work that is going on in our ward, and that is really great. Also, we finally were able to see gerd again!!!! I was so pumped! He just asked what I was still doing here haha. Good old Gerd, who is now 87. Happy Birthday! Another miracle this week was that we got a car! But it is only to be used for exchanges because we can't put a bunch of miles on it. So for the most part we are still walking, but now we don't have to walk two days to have an exchange. 

   Weirdest thing that happened this week: We were walking away from an appointment that we had had, and we see this car with a license plate that says "Sauveur Jesus" so my comp says, we should talk to that person. Then out of no where a lady walks up and says, "I know you. You're the Mormons. I can always feel when you're around." Turns out that was her car. She was pretty sweet. She just talked to us and told us how she'd been taught and she'd been to church and all of this stuff. She told us straight up things that she didn't like (of course it had nothing to do with the doctrine, which is the important part). But anyway, then she told us this crazy story about how her life was saved and it was actually really touching until she started grabbing my comp's hair and drying her eyes with it. Then we were kind of weirded out. But then she just grabbed us in a hug and said, "Can we pray?" So she prayed and that was that. She said she would come to church because she wanted to see us again. But she didn't come. So later yesterday evening we were walking by her apartment again and she was sitting outside so I yelled, "Hey Cherlee, we didn't see you at church!" And she just said she was too tired or something. It was quite the experience. 

   So anyway, that is a look into my weird life that is actually pretty great. I love it here and am so happy. A member asked my last Sunday if I'd moved my records to this ward already. Not quite Soeur Goudard, but soon. Love you all and I am super pumped to talk to you on Sunday!! Make sure you all shower and look nice, it's important to have good hygiene if you want to roll with my team. Right Chuck? Haha love you guys, we'll talk soon!

Love,

Snoop

Whack Bus

Hello dearest family!

   Wow, what a super great day to hear that my little niece is alive and kickin it! I'll be honest, I only broke down in like four sobs this email time. I got a drink though and used some kleenex's and it was allllll gooooood. This week was just like the last one except different, so that was nice. I named this email whack bus because there was one night we were getting on the bus headed to the metro station to go home and call it a night, and it just turns out that all of the people that get on the buses at night are supes interesting. After like the 27th interesting person that got on I finally wrote a note to my companion that said,"whack bus." and that was it. But I guess it's good to be on a whack bus every now and then, that way you really appreciate the none whack buses.

   I will be honest, I don't really feel like writing today. Sorry bout that. The baby news made me way too excited, so now I am really tired and just want to take a nap. You should all try and be home Mother's Day, I'll skype ya if you'd like. I am actually super pumped to talk to you all.

   Things here are going along nice and goingly. This week seemed to be pretty high stress and there were some lack of sleep nights (never good on a mission), but as of right now, I'd say things are pretty good. We are going to start having some exchanges this Friday, so that will be good fun! I will be with a newer sister that I don't really know, so I am pretty excited. Let's hope she enjoys LONGUEUIL aka my home aka the place where I have my records transfered because I might as well move in. But I am happy because I like it here and I love the members. We seriously need to find some new people though who are actually interested in the gospel. That's where we're at right now, a couple of non-progressing people. But slowly and surely things will come. We are trying to pick up the work with less active members and auxilary leaders.

   We had a super sweet regional conference this past Sunday! Elder Kacher, Elder Andersen, Linda Reeves, and Elder Hales all spoke about good things and it was really interesting. I liked it a lot. Missionary work is really changing, eh? Pretty sweet you guys, we are getting to be apart of something really great! 

   We have a Book of Mormon reading challenge for the whole mission and I am really behind, so there's that. 

   Well, I think that that just about covers it! Congratulations to the Wecker's on the new addition. I am super happy for you two and I hope that it is all smooth sailing from here on out! Send the babe and mother some love from me, I hope that everything is goin well!!!!

Love,

Snoop

P.S. America

Georgia Suzanne Wecker was born April 23, 2015!!!

Gerd is back!

Hey fam, what's up?   

   Woohoo! Gerd finally came home from Florida and I was so pumped! I didn't think I was ever going to get to see him again. Turns out we haven't actually seen him yet because we had planned to go over there and do some service for him, but when we got there he had gone to the doctor. Bummer. So we just raked his yard anyway and will try again this week. Other than that this week has been cold with a bunch of walking, yay! Walking actually isn't so bad, I'll send the pic of this blister thing I got though that was super gross. It rained today but the weather for the most part has been super nice. My companion got sunburned, bummer dude. We checked though, and we walk an average of like six miles a day! It's way sweet going from walking like two steps a day. Blessings in disguise. Also, I am always cold. Just always. That's it. Our apartment is cold. My feet are cold. My heart is cold. There's no escape. I don't know what the deal is because I wasn't even this cold in the winter... But anyway, it's all good because that means I can still wear socks and I love socks.

   We had a pretty good week. As good as good goes. We had some crazy things and some way sweet things. One guy named Sigfriedo that they elders found and we taught a few times was baptized on Saturday. He is the coolest guy. I was so happy for him. The baptism went smoothly and that was nice. They always seem to when you're not the one responsible for all of the stuff. But, it's like the scripture say, the power of godliness is manifest in the ordinances thereof. Or something like that. It just means that the spirit is present when the ordinances of the priesthood are being performed, and it is so true, because I just felt so calm during that baptism, and it was so so nice. I'm super happy for Sigfriedo, it's always great to have a brother come back to the fold of our Savior. 

   Our days are kind of funny because we spend some time trying to figure which bus to take and where to walk, but things have been  getting a lot better and that is really cool. Our mission just started a challenge to read the Book of Mormon in a transfer. I am way pumped because I love the Book of Mormon! It's tough for me though because I read it kind of slowly. So I have to hurry. But anyway, it's way great. The other day while we were filling up the font for the baptism we were just reading because we could, and I was reading in 2 Nephi 4 (might have already written you about it), and it was so good. It is true that you can get new things from the scriptures every time you read them. I read 2 Nephi 4 like a month ago and it was still so good this time around. I forgot to bring my notes here with me, but one thing that I remember loving was that Nephi is so bummed about being a natural man, and for the little sins that so easily beset him. He doesn't let himself get too upset about it though, and that is what I think is awesome! He checks himself before he wecks himself (haha get it, Jerm?). He then goes on to say how he can be better. But not even that, he keeps going and recognizes that it's our Savior that gives him that strength to change and be better. He doesn't rely on himself, he has put his trust in God before and he is committing to put his trust in him forever. I love that. And it's right after a huge trial, obviously he was going through an extremely hard time, he'd just lost his father. But he took that time to do some self evaluation and improve. He's an awesome example of that. I saw someone this week that I love very much hit a super low. And it was hard to watch. But, I am so thankful that they know that it is God in whom they have trusted, and that thanks to our Savior, they can overcome this form of rock bottom that they have hit. It's never too late to start over. When we covenanted at our baptism we accepted our Savior and his atonement, and in going to church each week we witness that we still accept him. But if we stop witnessing each week, we stop accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and we start rejecting him. That is why we have to be baptized, and that is why we have to keep going to church. We need to we need to we need to. Family please know how important it is. It kills me to see those I love turn their backs on the Savior, for those simple things that just so easily beset us. Please don't stop going. Please go if you haven't in awhile. Please do it for you. Do it for our Savior. Make his sacrifice worth it. You were bought for a price. We need him. I love you all, and I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only authorized church on the face of the earth today with the authority to make that covenant with Heavenly Father and accept his son as our Savior and redeemer. I promise you can know that for sure too if you do your part to truly study it out. I love you all again, hang in there, change is good and worth it.

Have a good week!

Love,

Suzy

Everyone is a missionary

Hello Family!

   Too bad my subject line was because of a mega bummer situation that we just had. People here are crazy. But turns out in times of trouble my companion is just pure great. This weirdo was bugging us at the metro station while we were waiting for a bus, and she just wouldn't have it. At one point though he mockingly said to me that everyone is a missionary. And although he was being a total punk, I thought that that should be true. If we truly believe something we should start to really live it, and be a missionary. I am grateful that even though some of our interactions with people here are super weird and sometimes scary, we can always learn from them.

   Well, I know Dad is wondering about transfers, so I guess I will let you know what this new adventure will look like. Exactly the same! Haha I am staying in Longueuil with Sister Fox as Sister Training Leaders. It is pretty funny. We are moving apartments though, so that is pretty sweet. Some kind of change will be nice. But I am thankful that I am staying. It has made me think a lot this week. And one of the thoughts that I have had is that there must still be some work here that with the Lord I can accomplish, so I should work even harder so that it can get done. If not I will be sent on my way one day and the Lord will make sure the work gets down through someone else. I just want to be able to be a useful instrument in his hands. So my companion and I set some sweet goals and we are going to go and #dowork. 

   We had kind of a weird week with trying to figure out the bus system and all of that. But we managed to still work hard and have two zone training meetings, so that is pretty good. I just wanted to tell you all about a cool talk that I read that was actually from two conferences ago? Or maybe not I can't really remember. But I think that it is called Your Four Minutes. And if I am thinking of the right talk, it says something about how if you ever think that it is too late, that you are too far gone as a hopeless case, you need to stop thinking it, and stop thinking it right now. I liked that a lot because that is what the Atonement is. Change right now, the minute we are willing. I really appreciated that talk because sometimes I feel like it's a little too late to change and be better. Especially since I have been in the same place my whole mission, I sometimes feel like I have already done all that I could to this place too much and that there is nothing left that I can do here. But that isn't true at all. There is always room for improvement. I am excited to change and work harder here. 

   We were able to teach a family this week from Ivory Coast, and I was super stoked to tell them about the temple that will be built there, but I don't know if they really understood what I was saying because I was just too excited. But it was cool because we saw them on Sunday on the bus when we were going to church. The dad seems to be interested, we are not so sure about the mom. I would tell you their names, but I don't know how to say them, and you know me with my spelling... not a chance!

   Well, I don't have much else to say, just to be nice. Sometimes people are super rude to us as missionaries and it makes me sad. But what's even worse to me, is when people are just straight rude to normal people who aren't trying to harrass them with pass along cards. We could all just be a little bit nicer, even when it's hard or inconvenient. I love you all a lot and hope this week is great for you!

Love,

Snoop

Here's this super weird graffiti thing we saw around, we took pictures with the other one too, but it literally 

was the exact same.

The temple! Lookin good Moroni! I am pumped for that opening day!

Stop texting in Sacrament Meeting

   Hello chums and chumettes! What's up?

   I thought my subject line was super fitting after conference. Wasn't that just the greatest conference ever? I think a whole bunch of us got called to repentance, and it would be foolish if we didn't take this opportunity to apply the Atonement before our day of probation is finished. But that is just my humble opinion on the matter. It was a bummer though because on the way to the Saturday morning session we got in a car accident. That was my first one. Pretty crazy. But it wasn't very bad or anything. There was like a random snow storm and a car two lanes over going the opposite direction lost control and started to fish tail over to our side. I slowed down a bunch but wasn't able to stop completely so we hit. But we were going slow enough that it wasn't that bad. They just towed our car though... So we will be blessed with public transportation for awhile. It is a blessing though because we just got dropped a few times this past week and we need investigators to teach, nothing like bus contacting!

   Our week was kind of a bummer though because we skipped weekly planning the week before and that was just about the dumbest thing we could have done, and the outcome of our past week proves it. But it's ok because there is no time like the present to change and start again. One day when we were walking into a building for our next appointment I contacted this guy that looked like Snoop Dog. It was a really great day after that. 

   We went on two exhanges this week and those were good times. We have some pretty great missionaries here and I am thankful that I get to work with  a good number of them. On one of the exchanges we had a lesson and the person didn't show up, so when we were walking back to our car to go and do our back up plan we saw a lady carrying grocery bags. So the sister I was with asked if we could help her. She said yes and so we ended up walking like over a mile with her. It was pretty cool though because we taught about the Book of Mormon and what makes the church different and it was a cool time. Then on the way back we talked to this guy named Pav who bowed before us as we walked up to him. He was super sweet and from Sri Lanka. We had to pass him off to the elders though because it wasn't our area. No worries though, the work is the same.

   I am way bummed because I left my conference notes at home, but conference was so good. I hope that you all watched alllllll of it, not just Sunday. Everything that was shared was really important, and it would be really good if you all watched and read the talks. And then do it a second time. If anyone feels like sending my the two conference Ensigns since I have been on my mission that would be sweet (don't worry, I know the May one isn't out yet.). I sustain the prophet and apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. And I know that if we heed their council we will be protected spiritually and physically. I really enjoyed the family theme. It really made me miss you all a whole bunch. But that is good because it just means thatI appreciate you more. I hope this week is a good one for you all! Transfer calls are on Saturday, so I guess we will see if I stay in Longueuil or not! Love you all!

Love,

Snoop

Satan's a Wench!

   

Michael's Baptism!

 Hey Family! Pretty much my companion says things are wenches, and last week she said Satan was a wench, and I agreed and thought that could be my subject line. Anywaze....

   This week was super good and waaaaaay better than last week because we just worked our pants off and we were blessed so so much. I am truly thankful for this time to be a missionary. I think I have learned the most in the past nine months than I have in my whole entire life. Forreal. I did get Humphrey in the mail haha, happy hump day to me! It is super weird to think that from now on I will have less time in front of me than I do behind me. Maybe I will do that thing I did that one time about my week, that seemed to be pretty cool. 

   So on Monday we had preparation day like normal and I think we just did groceries and I wrote letters or something. Kind of a normal day. We went on an exchange, well it was actually a trio while one sister had some doctor stuff to work out. It was a great time.

   On Tuesday we did service in the dusty place again and then we went and stopped by a Haitian investigator because we had the Haitian sister missionary with us. Haitians always love other Haitians it seems like. That is super cool. I guess if I met someone here who wasn't a missionary that was from Utah I would be pretty stoked. But every other missionary is from Utah so it doesn't seem that cool anymore. I should just start telling people I am from the mountains, because that is where I belong anyway. We also had a dinner appointment with one of my favorite families here. They always make super healthy and delicious food, so that was super sweet. We had a really good lesson with them afterwards about saving ordinances. Maybe it seems really simple and kind of like a "duh" type of thing, but we need to make baptismal and temple covenants in order to have eternal life. I know that because our Savior says so in the Book of Mormon, Bible, Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants. Heavenly Father knew what he was doing when he created this earth. And I can promise you that he is not a God who sets his children up to fail. He thought of everything. Everyone will have a chance to accept or reject the gospel in this life or the next. He made sure everyone would have their fair chance! And he helps us out by giving us signs and guides, we just have to see them and accept them. Sometimes I feel like we walk around with our eyes closed because we are too prideful to accept that there is a real Heavenly Father who loves us and only wants the best for us. I know there are times I have ignored when he has reached out for me. And for those times I have repented. I hope we are all striving to not ignore the truth that has been revealed to us. We will all be judged on a personal basis. Anyway, Satan's a wench for telling us to do otherwise.

   Wednesday we went to the Sister's district meeting so that she could participate even though her companion was gone. Then we had some lessons and went to ward council and just had a nice day!

   Thursday we just went and did a bunch of the normal stuff which is seeing people we had appointments with and getting in contact with others when we didn't. 

   Friday was a sweet mission leadership council and we ate some cake and I had some pizza and we got two new investigators which was a huge blessing. We had this one lady's address that said she was interested, but not her apartment number. So we showed up to the building and just started knocking to try and find her. Then a boy started walking up the stairs and I asked him if he knew the lady that we were looking for, and he said, yeah, that's my sister! So that was pretty sweet. The lesson went well. 

   Saturday we had a baptism for someone I have taught since I got here. It really was a big blessing and I am so thankful Heavenly Father helped Michael enter the door towards eternal life. He really progressed thanks to the help of members. I am so blessed to witness the Lord at work.

Welp, have to go. I love you all and hope that your weeks were great!

Love,

Snoop

P.S. My comp was born in Utah but lived and came from New Hampshire for the majority of her life. She went to BYU and just worked at the Pita Pit. She is mega sweet. 

P.P.S. Make sure you watch conference, it will change your life. When we were watching the women's conference on Saturday my companion and I were basically cheering for the prophet and apostles, I just have so much love and respect for them. Ok see ya.

Me these days!

Umm...

Hey family. 

So pretty much you aren't going to like me at all, but I have no time. This week was crazy! But it was good. So I will answer the questions. Then do better with next week's email. Still love you guys!

I am actually not that sick of my area. I do love it here and there is always work to do and improvements to be made, so that is sweet. The new companion really changes the area too. So it is like I have had three areas really. I love the members, the places, and just everything really. The teaching pool has changed quite a bit. We find, we teach, we drop all of the time. So there is tonz of variety. Some people we have been teaching the whole time though. The leaders don't tell us the Lord's plan for us, so maybe I will stay longer, maybe I'll go. I don't really know.

I didn't wear green on St. Patrick's day because I don't even own any green. I couldn't even pull the "but my underwear is green" excuse. Better luck next year!

Well, I spent the week doing two training meetings, three exchanges, and a whole bunch of traveling. I will expound on all dat l8r. Still a ganster, but y'all knew that.

Also, I finished the Book of Mormon again and I would just like to let you all know that if you are not reading it everyday then you probably should because it is the most important book we have. And also, imagine the work that Moroni, Mormon and all of the other prophets put into writing it. Mormon chapter 9. It is just too good and is the way to know how we can have eternal life. So please, save yourself a lot of trouble and read the book then live by its precepts.

Love you all! Better email next time!

Love,

Snoopsweeeeeeeeg

Hello

Hey family.

   Hello everyone how is it going? I hope that you are well and happy and whatnot. Things here are pretty sweet so that is pretty sweet. We had a good week. It seemed a little bit slower, but it was no big thang. The weather has been nicer, but no snow ever stopped us from mad street contacting. Pride and fear was the only thing that ever kept me from doing that. But I have been working on it and it hasn't been so bad. 

   Since I spent most of my time reading emails I am going to just do a quick little run down of my week:

Monday: Preparation day! We did emails, groceries, went to some stores for my comp (still don't like to shop, unless I am with Jerm that will never change). Then we went home and my comp took a nap while I wrote three letters and got the ultimate hand cramp. Chuck, I sent a letter to you, but I just sent it to the house. 

Tuesday: We went and did a service at this place that makes food sacks for people and they also sell some used clothes. So we spent two hours in a dusty basement sorting through dusty clothes. I had a cold for the rest of the week and kept blowing out dirty boogers, but service is sweet and I actually enjoyed talking to the people there aka my companion. We also did emergency exchanges with the Lemoyne sisters because one of the was sick. Bummer.

Wednesday: We made some rice crispies and did a bunch of pass bys. We were actually able to see some people that we haven't in a while. Including one sweet old investigator named Ruth who is super cool and nice. Then we taught Michael, the investigator since forever. He has a baptismal date again finally and that is nice. He is doing well! Then we had ward council and our ward mission leader was a total boss and pulled a, "the time spent in this council is supposed to be spent 80% on talking about the people who need help." He got some mega snaps from the missionaries. Frere Plouffe for the W.

Thursday: On Wednesday we just went outside and talked to everyone. Which meant doing some pass bys and just pure street contacting. That morning we had studied together 2 Nephi 4 and it changed our lives. But really. Forreal. No like I'm serious. So we decided that that was going to be our contacting approach for the day. We ended up sharing it with like four complete strangers. Magic! It was  great. Got a new potential from that. Then an investigator dropped us. Lame.

Friday: We went and visited this friend of the bishop's wife that is mega pregnant and on bed rest. We cleaned her house and talked to her for a little bit and it was super cool. She was a nice lady. It remined me of Jerm because she is all pregnant and whatnot. There was soooo much baby talk that day that all I wanted with life was to be a mother. Truly the greatest honor of them all. It was a good morning. Then we weekly planned and had some lessons. We did a pass by with a member but the guy wasn't home so the member just fed us some soup. That was pretty good.

Saturday: We had a power day and just taught all day and were on the run and it was a cool day. Saturdays are often like that and I love them.

Check out the attached pic! I will have to tell you more about that l8er. It's almost go time. 

Read this line this week: You can never do more for the Lord than he can do for you. It is so true. That is why when we do his will and invoke his help, we become the most powerful people we can be. 

Love you guys! Have a mega sweet week!

Love,

Snoop

Hello dearest loved ones!

Hello dearest loved ones!

   Well, this week was souuuuuper great. Because it just was so that was nice. I don't really remember you asking me any questions, so I am just going to write this thing then. I usually take notes from you emails now, but my note page was blank, so hopefully that means that you didn't have questions...

   Elder Kacher (probably not spelled correctly) from the seventy came to Montreal this week. It was sweet! We had a mission leadership council and he basically just gave us a training. It's not everyday you get that. It is seriously so crazy because I feel like as missionaries there are just so many privliges. I think I spelled privileges wrong. You know what is very tragic? I think I lost my funny. Or maybe I am too rushed here to be funny anymore. What is that? Anyway, it's ok. Back to Elder Kacher, we just talked about the importance of covenants. As missionaries sometimes we tend to look at things from a numbers aspect, like, "Oh sweet, we can go see this person and then we will have one more 'other lesson!'" But that is not even what it is about at all. It's about the covenants. He just stressed the importance of getting people to progress in their covenants so that they can receive eternal life. Who really cares if you have one more "other lesson." The goals and numbers just help us excercise our faith, keep us on track and working hard. One day we won't need numbers because our purpose should be able to drive us enough. 

   I really love my new companion, Sister Fox. She is pure awesome and I am just pure excited for what's going to happen this transfer. It's going to be too good, I tell you what. She is from New Hampshire and has some older sisters and brother and one younger brother. Turns out she used to work at the Pita Pit with Katherine. It was super funny because I showed her a picture of Hannah and Katherine, and she just kept saying how she thinks she knows them, but she didn't know how. And then we went to bed. Next morning she told me how she had woken up in the middle of the night because she finally remembered how she knows the twins. She was about to wake me up to tell me. I thought that was funny.

   I read in Moroni 10 today and was kind of suprised at how many times he exhorts us. I really love the Book of Mormon because I learn so so much from it everyday. It's been super nice with my companion because we have some nice discussions about it too. This transfer has started off well. Also, other good news is that all of the ice cream places are open again because it is no longer -freezing around here. 

   We got to see Bintou yesterday and that was sweet. A sweet lady we teach named Delindia has been making some progress too, and I am super stoked for her.

   I hope all is well with the family! I love you all very much! Until next week!

Love,

Snoop

It's a Deal, Pickle

Hello Family.

   Someone said that pickle thing in church yesterday and I thought it was super funny. It's a guy that we teach normally once a week and he is super nice. Anyway.. To address some thangs: Welp I actually don't think you asked any questions this time... I sure hope not because I took notes even and didn't notice any questions. I did want to say, however, that it was way sweet what you (Dad and Mo) wrote to me because I think it went right along with a lot of the stuff I was talking about in my last email. But that feels like ten years ago so I don't remember what I said. But when I was reading my email notes I said, "How both emails talked about what I'd been learning and wrote about." So way to go, family unity for the win! Jerm: I talked to the Prez. He said usually the announcement of nieces or nephews is done through emails on preparation day... Sorry man :( Also Mo, I was going to say that I read Elder Uchdtdorf's talk last week about the Hope and Light! It is soooo so so good! And I read it in a moment that I really needed it. The scripture Alma 34:31 I believe it is, is now one of my new favorites. I seriously just love the Book of Mormon so so much. 

   So this week we received transfer calls. You will never believe what is happening. I am staying here!! Haha but I am getting a new companion because my current one is going home. The new one is Sister Fox and I know nothing about her except that she buys produce and has a super sweet last name. We will be the sister training leaders. So I am looking forward to a new transfer with some new thangs. It's nice though, because I can honestly say that I am going to miss my companion once she leaves. We did a bunch together, and it has been fun. Especially the last week. It was just a good week. 

   I am trying to think of stuff that happened. We met a lady named Nayara who is from Brazil and we started teaching her. She is so cool! She seemed to really enjoy the visit and has a ton of questions and is so sweet. I know she will accept the gospel, I just felt that we will have to be really patient with her and her situation. But I don't mind because she was so cool and she has a son named Jack so that was pretty sweet too. I noticed that we teach more people who aren't Quebecois. They just seem to be nicer and more open. But that's ok, we are unthawing these cold hearts, no problem! 

   We went to Montreal again last preparation day to eat some more Vitnamese food. I can't remember if I already told that we did that, but again, it was suuuuper good. We went on exchanges with the Sisters who are up in St. Foy, but this time we had them take the bus down here. It went really well, those sisters are pure awesome and I love them a lot. St. Foy has got a lot coming to them. 

   We also had a zone conference meeting this past week that was super good. The spirit was so strong. I would like to invite you all to read Luke chapter 22 and think about what the angel did to comfort our Savior in his time of need, then think about what you can do to be like that angel. It was very powerful there on Thursday. 

   We had the weirdest day on Friday. No one could see us and there was like no one out to talk to. We did get to talk to this one guy named Kid who is from Atlanta. He didn't speak any French so naturally, we gave him and his girlfriend both a copy of the Book of Mormon and testified that that is how we learned our French. It'll be well for him if he reads it, of that I am sure.

   I also just wanted to quickly mention this lady named Francine that we have been teaching. She is seriously so so incredible. She reads everyday for like two hours and studies so much. She comes to church every week and really understands the gospel. It has been such a blessing to see someone start to live the gospel, because her life truly has changed for the better. She understands the atonement and the necessity of baptism and it is so amazing because it has taken me almost 20 years to understand that. I really respect her a lot, and am thankful for her example. More news on her next week. 

   Quick shout out to Steve and SJaw who will be getting married. Sweet!! Best of luck to those two. I love them very much and hope the best for this eternal marriage. It's also one of the most important things you can do in this life. It's actually essential, so good work!

   Well, I love you all very much. Til next time!

Love,

Suzy

Don't drink the water. Again.

Hey all you people.

   This week we were at an investigator's house one night when we got a text saying the water was bad again. So we asked the investigator about it and she said, "yeah usually when something falls into the river you can't drink it. Someone was on the frozen river and then they disappeared, so there is probably a dead body in the river." (...) Haha ok, that is good. But luckily, I asked around some more and it most likely wasn't a dead body. So even though sometimes I forgot and still drank the bad water, at least I wasn't drinking dead bodies.

   To answer some questions: Dad-Sorry I haven't been answering all of the questions, I did better this time. Usually I don't answer your questions because I forget. I take notes in my planner and whatnot, but due to lack of time and lack of memory, I forget. That's on me, I will do better. Don't worry Dad I still love you. Mo- We have a washer and dryer at our apartment. That reminds me, I forgot to switch my clothes. We also have our district meetings on Thursdays at 11. We sometimes go to other district meetings to see how effective they are. We usually just email at the church. Why my emails haven't been as good lately is because we have been trying harder to be obedient and stick to the time schedule, so we get off sooner and don't get back on. Sometimes we have if we had something important to address. But most of the time it's a one and done kind of deal. Jerm- I got the package!! Thanks so so so much! More to you personally l8r. 

   Ok so this week was crazy and pretty good to say the least. We had two exchanges, found a bunch of people and had stake council which is the best usually. We have the coolest ward and stake and I am so thankful to be here. But our ward mission leader got released and that was a mega bummer because he was mega sweet. We are still waiting for the new one. I guess technically he isn't released yet, but he got called as the Elder's Quorum president, so he will probably be released soon. Jerm- His wife loved the bag! Result! Remember that African lady named Bintou that I wrote about? Well she is awesome and we still teach her and her son and they are so amazing I just love them. We call her Mama Bintou and she loves it. She said that we should go to Birkina Fassou one time and visit her family with her. We said we would. She told us how to avoid malaria, so it'll all be good. 

   I wanted to tell you about something that really changed my perspective out here. It was a talk I read by Elder Holland, he gave it to some educators at one point in history (that's a better way of saying "I don't remember when he gave this talk/lecture"). One line stood out to me, he tells the educators, "If you can leave your students with one principal commitment in response to the Savior's incomparable sacrifice for them, His payment for their transgressions, His sorrow for their sins, leave them with the necessity to obey-to yield their own difficult domain and hours of decision to 'the will of the Father,' whatever the cost. They won't always do that, any better than you and I have been able to do it, but that ought to be their goal; that ought to be their aim. The thing Christ seems most anxious to stress about His mission-beyond the personal virtues, beyond the magnificent sermons, and even beyond the healing-is that He submitted His will to the will of the Father." Throughout the very real struggle to be a consecrated missionary now, in hopes that I will become a consecrated person for life, I have cherished these words from Elder Holland. If there was one thing that our Savior wanted us to get, to understand about him, was that he, despite anything else, was always obedient to his father. What a phenomenal example. And what incredible importance that means then for us, children of the same father, to be exactly obedient. If we could only just fully understand how much light, how much truth, how much love, and quite simply just how many blessings will come from our obedience to the commandments we have been given and covenants we have made, then the decision to be loyal and true wouldn't be hard at all. We're always better off if we do what's right. Always always always. I know because I see it. Because I live it. Please remember the covenants you made at baptism and/or in the temple. The reason I believe my companion and I have been able to get over our petty little struggles is because we are starting to understand that the promises we made as we covenanted are much more important then our selfish desires. I am glad that we have been able to learn all that we have. Remember, Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end are all apart of the plan our loving Heavenly Father has given us so that we can return to him one day, if we will just obey.

Hope you all had a good week! I love you!

Love,

Suzy

Duke's mixture

Hello Framily,

   Dude(s), sorry for my email last week. I just forgot that I was even writing and I just like sent it or something. I really don't even know what happened, it just got all weird like last week and my brain felt like oatmeal or maybe couscous because oatmeal is soggy and my face has been dryer lately. Kenneyways...

   It's been about -butt degrees around here lately, but it's all good and I like it because that's just how Cranada is, eh? Say that last line in a Canadian voice for the full effect. The cold can't stop us though because we still went out and contacted and just did our thang. So I don't know if everyone got to read Marshall's wedding advice to his brother and sister in law, but ho boy did that just like wake me up. Yup, turns out I got married here and haven't been a good wife. No, but mission companions I suppose are like our spouses, and I learned again this week that I will not marry a girl, but I also learned that really it is time that I myself "straighten up and fly right." I don't know if it is obvious but my companion and I struggle and it is ridiculous. What frustrates me the most is that we both know better and we both usually get along with others super well, but for some reason, us together is a serious Duke's Mixture. Like holy cow! But, thank goodness for the Atonement. And a talk that I read called Lord, Is It I? I would recommend that you all read it. After reading Marshall's letter thing and some serious pondering and self evaluation, I am learning that it absolutely does not matter who the problem is, whose fault something is or who is to blame, we are agents unto ourselves and we are free to choose "liberty and eternal life through the great mediator of all men or to choose captivity and death according to the captivity and power of the devil, [and oh boy is it true that] he seeketh to make all men miserable like unto himself." Therefore, the "problems" we seem to have, can be solved or at least just overcome if we will only choose to do what is right. And in this situation here, what is right is not to be right, it is to be selfless and love regardless of how annoying, how wrong, how whatever you may think your companion is. Mission or real life wise. Today I read in Doctrine and Covenants about the Word of Wisdom, before I had asked Heavenly Father a question through prayer, and I found out the response through the introduction of D&C 89. I was wondering about a problem I have been having lately, and I didn't know how to go about solving it, and in reading the summary thing, I just realized that like Joseph Smith, I just have to ponder about it, and inquire of the Lord. That is what Joseph always seemed to do, and because he had faith, he was answered, just like all of us can be. I think this email is going a little bit all over the place, but I just want you all to know that it is true that Heavenly Father answers our questions through the scriptures. Believe me, I did not think that I was going to find the answer to my question in the section of the scriptures that talks about the Word of Wisdom, but what do you know! Found it. I just know without a shadow of a doubt that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that if we humbly abide by it's precepts we will be blessed and SAVED. Sorry, sometimes I just think we over look that last part.

   Anyway, things are going well here or at least they are going to go better (somehow I became a turd again and need to change... it's probably because I have been hanging out in -turd degrees all the time.) If you need to repent and change, just do it, it makes life waaay easier. Love you all so much, until next time!

Chow.

Snooop 

Straighten Up and Fly Right

Hello Family!

Sorry, we don't have much time this time. But I'll try to say some cool things or something to make up for it. 

Ummm I honestly feel like my brain is fried. I am probably going to die before I make it home. Sorry guys, but I am just pure pooped. Maybe I will just send some pictures. 

   

We had a bunch of miracles this week, some exchanges and I ate a lot because that is kind of becoming a thing now. It is terrible. I studied something super cool this morning though. It was something that Elder Holland wrote in like 2003. It was called Teaching, Preaching, Healing like the Master or something like that. But he is so sweet. He just says it like it is and that is something I like. Even though sometimes I don't always do that. Anyway, he quoted the Nat King Cole song, that's the "straighten up and fly right" bit. It has been snowing here and that is pretty sweet.

Thanks for the Christmas packages!!

Who doesn't love EOS lip stuff?

My companions and I

Our car was frozen! It took 30+ minutes to scrape.

It has been snowing here and that is pretty sweet.

Cool sunset while we waited for a lesson.

Our investigator Michael and his mom and us (when we were 3 sisters working together).

My Comp.

A Little Debbie and I (I love them! Thanks for the package).

This is Alvaro! This is one of the guys we taught while we were in Victoria. And Herman Espitia, one of the grooviest ward mission leaders evah!

La famille Breton! Et la famille Gonzalez. Ils sont le meilleure! Je les aime plus que je peux dire. Oh la la. (The Breton family and the Gonzalez family. They are the best! I love them more than I can say.)

English class. I love these guys.

Meeeeeelk (milk). It is still just too weird.

We do this a lot. Make calls. Especially when it is colder than my heart outside (mega cold).

Woo Haa! Pepsi.

Lilttle Debbies

Dude, family. What's up?

Pretty much, my life is complete. You want to know why? Because I spent a full week of not being a huge butt and I opened my eyes and realized how much the Lord's hand has been and always will be in my life and I am just pure blown away. Tooooo maaaaannnyy bleeeesssiiiinnggss! Nah, but forreal, life is sooo good. 

Pretty much (whoops said that twice..) I can't really explain how miraculous this week was. I just cannot believe the power of the Atonement and what the knowledge of the gospel and the hope and pure joy that it brings can do to change a person's life. I am so thankful and blessed to know that I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. And that thanks to our Savior's grace there is nothing that can stop me or anyone from changing for the better.

I think I am going to tell one story: 

So I don't know if I have ever mentioned the old man, Frere Marchand that we have been visiting a few times a month ever since I have been here. Well, turns out that a little while before I got here his wife got Alzheimers, or she had already had it but it just got to the point where she had to go live in a home because he was no longer able to take care of her. They are in their 70's or something and it has been super hard for him. He was so active in missionary work before all of this and they always did so much for the missionaries and were always super strong and loving members who were willing to befriend anyone and everyone. After his wife started getting sick though his world just fell apart. He lost a ton of weight and just had no more joy in his life. Towards the beginning of my time here he had picked up again his hobby for painting, and he is actually really good. But that didn't keep him happy for long. He sort of would flip flop from being really happy and joking around when we'd come and visit, then two weeks later he would be so sad and just doubt everything and never talk. We always tried to bring messages that would encourage him, and members that would show him love. And he started doing better, but it was still really hard for him. He would come to church from time to time, but not too often. After one lesson we had with him, the member that we brought said, "he just needs to accept his trial, then he will stop doubting. Then he will recognizee the help he has recevied for this trial and he will be able to get through it." I thought that was true, but just didn't really know how to tell him that. This poor old man whose wife calls him 7-15 times everday asking him when he will come to see her again when he really had just been there to visit. During lessons with him she would call and he'd let the call go to voice mail and we'd just sit and listen to her sweet voice asking him where he was and why he wasn't coming to get her. It is so so heartbreaking! The last lesson we had with him he just poured out all of his questions and all of the doubts he had. he said he didn't think Heavenly Father could hear him because there are too many people on the earth. But I knew he didn't really believe that. He just kind of broke down. The member with us (she's incredible. holy cow these people) just told him he needed to accept his trial and ask for help to get through it. It was a really powerful lesson. Then Yesterday, which was fast Sunday, and everyone had the opportunity to share their testimony, Frere Marchand came to church and got up to share what he knew. So remember, he's a little old bald man. he stands up in front of the pulpit and says something like, "I am really blessed today. And I have to thank Heavely Father for that. I walked into the bathroom this morning at the church, and I found this!" Then he pulled out from his pocket a little pink comb and started to pretend to brush the hair he doesn't have. He went on to say, "whatever man left this in this in the bathroom is very blessed. I know that I am so blessed despite the trials that I have. You all know my sweet wife. She has a sickness called Alzheimers. That means she is still very intelligent, but sometimes she just forgets." He then started to cry and express how hard it had been for her and him. Then he explained how hard it was for him because she called all of the time. I then he asked them members to call her, to say hellp and see how she is doing. He said, "Just remind her who you are, Frere so and so or Soeur what have you,"and then he went on to say her number, and everyone scrambled to make sure they got it done. It was so moving. I can't even explain the feeling that was there. Then he finished by thanking everyone and saying, "I know Heavenly Father is there for me, sometimes I just forget." 

Family and friends, this is what I am talking about. This is the Atonement. This knowledge is what changes people. I am a first hand witness. I saw this man overcome one of the most challenging things life can bring. The knowledge of who we are, where we are going, and who we can be come is life changing. The Atonement is real. It's power to heal is real. Please accept it. Let it take you to a higher plane. I know you, like Frere Marchand, will realize just how blessed you are, and that Heavenly Father never forgets you, and that he has never left you alone. I know it's hard, but our Savior knows that sometimes we just forget.

I hope you all have a wonderful week. I love you so much.

Love,

Soeur Kinghorn

Ask the question!

Hello Errbody,

I was just flippin through my planner to try and find a groovy subject for my email, and I found that phrase (ask the question!) so I decided to write that. It was about this message that we are showing to the members, and sometimes I don't have the courage to just ask the question. So I encouragingly wrote it out to help myself. Anyway, in much less boring news...

Everything is just ho hum pigs bum as normal. Except in a good way, in case you took that in a negative type of way. Things have been heatin up here. Literally as in weather wise, and in work wise. It has been weirdly hot aka -13 or so. But it's all good. Let's just hope it doesn't rain again because then it will just turn into pure ice everywhere again. I think I forgot to tell you all about that, but this place sometimes just becomes like a giant glass place. I didn't really know how to end that last sentence.. So anyway..

We were able to talk to and meet some way sweet people this week. One lady was a referral from the Spanish Elders in our area, and her name is Bintou. She was so so kind. She told us that when she first met the elders she was super afraid and just wasn't sure if they were real missionaries or not. But for some reason when they asked for her name and address to visit her again she gave it to them. Then when she went home she told her soon to not open the door for anyone and kept looking out the window at the elders to see if they had gone away. She felt like someone was after her or something. So you can imagine how it went when we showed up at her door unannounced. Her son was behind the door asking who it was, and I just kept saying that we were the missionaries. And you could hear them like shuffling around not sure of what to do. Then finally she just answered and good news for us we aren't too scary looking (or so I tell myself), so she let us come in. Cool thing though, we asked her where she was from and she said Birkina Fassau (African country with a hard name to spell), and after I said, I know the world is pretty big, but is there any chance you know Elie and Eliatha (the recent converts in our ward)? And she said, with the little daughter Angela? Yeah I know them! It is so crazy. All of the people from Cameroon know the other people from Cameroon. And all of the people from Birkina Fassau, know the people from Birkina Fassau. So that was super funny, and she just said, now I know you are from God! That was nice for sure. We shared the Christmas message with her because it's just so good, and she said she would start reading the Book of Mormon, It was so cool. Our day on Saturday really was just super miraculous. I realized that we have been blessed for so long, but I am just finally starting to see it, which is making things go a ton better. So I just learned that most of the time I'll probably just have to change my attitude and count my blessings and things will get better.

Transfers were this week too. So Hermana Gentil is back to Victoria with her new companion. They both are from French so they speak French in the apartment. It's super sweet. I feel super lame speaking with them because they are really good. But I am going to start so that my French can get better too.

Things are good with my comp. We just decided that we always have to be 290% open with each other. That means that we just talk alllllll day haha. But it's all good. Keeps us happy I suppose. She taught us how to make puposas this week, and they are pretty good. I taught her how to make rice. Just messin hopefully no one is confused on how to make rice.

We had stake council yesterday and it went super well. Our stake president is just a ball of inspiration. So that meeting went super well. I think I might stay here for a bit longer (maybe a transfer or two), then I think I might be moving on, because after all the craziness of last transfer, I am starting to feel pretty comf. We'll see I guess.

I started that gratitude journal you sent, Mo. It has been awesome! I love writing in it! It makes me soooo much happier. It's a great way to finish off the day. I also read this quote once and I wanted to share it, "You can never get enough of what you don't need, because what you don't need will never satisfy you." And as the Quebecoise would say, "that's it that's all." There's not much else to say about the first quote because it pretty much is right to the point. But since I am here I guess I'll talk about it anywaze. There are tonz of things in life that we don't need. Macdoe (McDonalds), pizza, boyfriends when we're young, etc. but we always want them and seek after them with all of our time and efforts (maybe not the pizza, but you can come up with your own list of things you don't need). If we just kind of sorted through the boxes of our lives and focused on the things that are really important, like the gospel, we would probably have a lot less stress and be a lot happier. That's something I am trying to work on for the moment. And after all, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Love you! Til we meet again!

Love,

Suzy

Don't drink the water!

Wazzzzzzup?

  So, this week some oil of some type spilled in the Longueuil water supply (don't know where or what the supply thing is, but it got some oil in it), so we weren't allowed to drink the water. And I just thought about Jerm all week because I think Dave Matthews band has a song with the same name. We put signs up on our sinks because I forgot and drank the water. It smelled really bad so I don't know why I didn't notice it... Oh well, it was kind of funny. And I guess since I am still here it wasn't a big deal. One of my companions was freaking out though and made me drink a bunch of #fresh water. She was so funny. 

   Things are going really well every since I stopped being a mega turd. It's amazing what that can do for you. I was mostly just wigging out because I felt like I had to do everything and was the only one who would ever take any initiative. Then I just laughed because that is probably exactly how it was for my trainer with me. (...) Whoops. But anyway. I just decided to let the devil take the hindmost (figuratively, of course), and let my comps actually help me out, and things have been going a lot better. I think something that sometimes goes wrong with trainers is that they just expect the new missionary won't know how to do anything, so they don't even let them try, and then the trainer gets super stressed because they are doing waaay too much. And I was acting like that at the beginning of the transfer. But, by Heavenly Father's grace, he is letting me stay here in Longueuil for this new transfer as sister training leader with Sister Guevara. I'm just going to try again. And I am stoked because we are on the verge of like a break through here! I feel like I am going to be such a better person at the end of all of this! It just stinks that we all have to go through process. But boy (or girl) is it worth it! It's a bummer though because we are losing Hermana Gentil back to Victoria. It's ok though, we still get to live with her, luckily.

   We had a good time in Quebec. I felt a little bit like Batman in Gotham because we had some rogue missionaries that needed a talkin to. Just kidding, I didn't give any "talking to's," we just had some councils and got some things counseled out. I have some supes high expectations for that zone now. They better stay in line. They are all super awesome though and I love them a lot. I am glad that I will get to keep going there this transfer! This is my fifth transfer. That's a scary thought! 

   We had some good lessons with a few people here and there. There were a bunch of little miracles. Like not being able to get into buildings and stuff, but then someone always come along. It is really great how Heavenly Father works like that. I had some super awesome studies this week and have just been pure edified recently. Being a missionary is seriously so awesome. I feel bad because I don't talk about people we teach that much, but if you want me to more just let me know. I feel like since our teaching pool is kinda small though I am the one who is getting worked on the most here. I'll have to change that.

   I hope you are all happy and positive. It makes life a heck of a lot better. I love and miss you! I am excited for baby Jerm/Slaw. Jerm is already a beautiful mother. Also, someone tell Chuck I say, in your face! Holy cow she looks so grown up now. Maybe I will send some pictures. No promises. Love you all!

Love,

Snoop

Hola Familia

Heeeeyyy guuuyyzzz,

   Well, first sorry about last week. Parents, I haven't read your emails yet, but I'm sure they will be exactly what I need to hear. I just kinda broke I suppose. I always forget though that Heavenly Father has surronded me with angels, and it's just time that I start seeing it more. I can't believe that this transfer is almost over. It seriously flew by. Probably because it has been the hardest on my mission so far. But it's ok, because I am still happy, and just learning how to deal with my stress.

   We had a good week I suppose. It is a little bit trickier working in two areas, but we had a lot of miracles that happened, so I know that Heavenly Father is recognizing our efforts and helping us see the differences that He is making in the lives of others. A man we have been teaching in Victoria accepted to be baptized!! And we are also going to Quebec this weekend for exchanges and another zone training meeting. Wish us luck!

   One thing that I have been learning this week, is working out problems in a companionship. President Patrick nailed it in his weekly letter this week, he said that around the fourth week of a transfer missionaries start writing in requests for the next transfer. Something I have been trying to learn though that he expressed as well is that if you have a problem, you fix it then. You don't wait until transfers. Transfers don't happen in the real world. So one of my comps and I really just hashed it out this week and did our best to work out some of the problems that we have been having. It has definitely helped things go a lot better. It's still a bit tough out here, but I'm doing my best to not make the issue any worse. Like Megan, I am so so so beyond the valley of the thankful people that I do not have to marry a girl. If I did... ho boy would there be some mega trouble. I guess what is cool about choosing friends is that you choose people you like and want to spend time with. It's pretty cool too with companions too though, because you learn that there are actually a lot more people that it's possible you'll like. I'm glad that my companions and I can be open with each other. I am also glad that I have stopped just wishing this transfer would end. The trio thing hasn't been so bad though. Our new companion Hermana Gentil is super funny and helps us stay mellowed out. Something that I have really really needed. Who knew I could get so up tight? Probs everyone and I was just super blind to it. Who knows.

   Anyway, we ate at this super awesome Mexican place today and it was just off the chain and rollin. I could eat like twenty of their tacos. Or empanadas (however that's spelled). Also, have you people eaten Valentina hot sauce? I don't know if I have already talked about it, but it is pure divine. Mmmhmm.

   One thing that I was able to realize today, thanks to a really awesome mission friend that I have made, is that it is about time I stop holding myself back. I really am my worst enemy. I feel like things are hard, and whatnot, but that was expected. But the adversary does a heck of a job at getting us mega down about it. I feel like there is tonz I have to say, I just can't really explain what has been changing for me. What I do know though is that there is power and authority that came with my calling. And the blessing of using that power and authority is conditional to my faithful performance (see Preach My Gospel page four or somewhere around there). Before my studies I prayed to Heavenly Father and asked Him to let me know if the church was still true. He said yes. I don't know if you have all seen it lately in the Hastening of the Work stuff, just things about how we have to be doing missionary work, etc. But one thing I hope we always remember is the why. Why are we supposed to do it? Because we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, and not everyone knows that. We have to tell them. People say a lot things like, "the church has changed my life."But I always want to know how when people say that, because not everyone explains. Well, I became a full time missionary June 25th of 2014, although come the end of this year I will no longer be set apart, I will always be a missionary. Because the church has changed my life. How, you may be asking? Because I have used the atonement in my life, and I know that it changes people. I am pretty good at saying the words, "I'm sorry," but I haven't always been the best at actually changing after. But I know, with the atonement, we can really change. It starts with a desire though. There have been things that I haven't been able to change about myself yet, and I beat myself up all of the time thinking, "why am I not different?" It's because until now, I haven't really desired to be. Because if we truly want to change and be better, we will turn to the Savior and we will do it with Him. We cannot do it alone. I know that I have struggled with things on my mission because I haven't been willing to change my desires. But, when I accepted my call, I said I would give my heart, might, mind, and strength and I think it's about time that I started doing it. Don't just tame the natural man, but kill him (thanks mission friend). The greatest news is, despite all of our weaknesses and shortcomings, we do not have to change and be better alone. The Savior is there. He always has been and he always will be. I know that that is true. I see it everyday, in myself and in others. It's what is starting to truly motivate me to do this work, and desire to be better. Suzy came out on a mission, but she won't be coming home. I know I was mega dope before, but I have glimpsed my potential, and like the rest of you, who I was before is nothing compared to who I can be when I turn to our Savior. I love him. 

   I hope you all are doing well! I love and miss you and hope that you have the strength to keep growin' and changin'. Remember who you are and that you're worth it! I love you all!

Godspeed,

Soeur Kinghorn

Happy New Yearz

Hello Framily, long time no talk. Lolz, was just like a few days ago, remember?

   So pretty much this mission thing that I am doing right now is just changing my lyphe (fingers crossed for the better), and I feel like each new week I am so pumped and motivated to repent and be better and then we go and do and things get super crazy, but it is super awesome. I like being a missionary, even though this week I mega struggled. I think I don't handle stress very well. And there is too much anxiety running through my veins that I need to get a blood transfusion. But until then, things are all good. I truly am just super happy. My companion might tell you otherwise, but that is just because I have a funny way of showing it. Remember what I told you about realizing who I truly am, and how it really is changing things for me? Well, it's still true and I am still changing. I am super excited for all of my future friends and family who are going to serve missions. They're kind of like a slap in the face sometimes, but you learn so much it is pure nutz. I am just stoked that I still have so much time left. But before you know it, I'll be home again. Until then! 

   So I guess this week was kind of hard, but mostly because it was like a growing week for me personally. I didn't get too homesick or anything, so that was super nice. I didn't even cry when we skyped! I think that might be because my heart is just getting cold haha. Or something. But no, it just seemed like people were not that nice this week. And it was hard for me to deal with. Some people were angels, but I got yelled at twice and it was so weird! But, it's ok. I really want to be like our Savior. And one of the reactions to the person who yelled at me was no good. But the other one I really think I did just turn the cheek and say, "go ahead, do it again." It's hard learning to act and not be acted upon. But there is tonz to learn everyday from our Savior and how he responded to things. He is just perfect. It's so nice to have a good goal to aim for. And in this case for us it is to aim to be like him, even though it's tough to try and live like him. One day we will be better. But for the time being we gotta set some goals to keep us trying and heading in the right direction. I think we are doing pretty well. As long as we do all that we are doing as guided by the spirit, things will turn out ok. And hey, what a cute time like 2015 to get those goals goin' eh? Not a bad idea Suzy... thank ya thank ya. Sorry, apparentally I haven't quite mastered humility yet. Or the spelling of apartentally... #weaknessesmakemestronger #superlameinspirationalhashtags. We caroled a ton this week. And at the end of last week, but I can't remember to tell you that already. We have been spending a bunch of our time finding people lately, and just getting our area cleaned up. There wasn't necessarily damage done, just a lot of stuff that couldn't have been going so much better. So this week was a bunch of maitenance.

   Oh hey, another super crazy thing I almost forgot. I got a new companion, so we are now a trio. Another super sweet part of the new companion is that she came with gifts aka another area for us to work in! Woohoo! And to top it off, it's Spanish speaking. So yup, we are the new sister missionaries for the Victoria ward, and we have a new companion and we will be speaking Spanish. Along with the old stuff we were already doing. It's super nice though that I got my mission call to speak French halfway through the semester of my Spanish class, so I kind of stopped trying super hard to learn Spanish... The Lord is so wise and helped my choose that Spanish class for a reason, but I wasted the opportunity to learn all that I could have. Don't waste your opportunities to learn people!! Anyway, it'll be a crazy end to our transfer, but I am super excited and stoked. I love where I am at, literally, and I can't wait to just keep progressing, personally.

   I hope that you all had a super awesome Christmas time! Looks like Island Park was super fun. Haha there is way more snow there than there is here. It is a bummer. Our Christmas was a rainy one... But that's ok it's been good. Thank you so much everyone who sent me packages and cards. I am just too loved and it is insane. Thank you thank you one and all. I loved everything that I received and have definitely gotten fatter from all of the candy that I have been eating. But it's all good cuz my clothes still fit and that's what counts! Anyway, I hope you are all happy and I can't wait til I read all of your emails!!

Love,

Soeur Kingcorn

P.S. If anyone has some sweet family history stories they want to send to me that'll be pretty cool.............