Monday, October 24, 2011

Are you saying I killed Lord Morley

Hi Family!

So the pictures are super lame again! But, the one with me with a red tongue I thought was pretty funny because it looks like I coughed up blood. And we all know the story of that! It was actually this stuff called MIO? It's like a water enhancer. You pour just a tiny bit into a bunch of water and it flavors it. Well, we were in the lunch room and bored, so I asked Sister Jenkins what she thought it would taste like just straight. Obviously, I was willing to try it.... It was pretty bad. My salivary glands were on FIRE. And it totally dyed my tongue red. Crazy stuff. 

I can't believe that Jake and Laralee are having another girl! That is so crazy. Poor William. P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM ON THE 22ND!!!!!!!!

Laura, before I forget... Could you burn me CDs of my whole Sunday playlist? I thought I wouldn't care about music, but it turns out I DO. Also, if you could send me the Josh Groban Christmas CD and appropriate songs from Josh Groban like such as You are Loved and You Raise Me Up and any others that aren't "romantic." And good churchy songs from my Womens Chorus CDs. I asked you for those a while ago and I thought they'd be in the last package, but alas, they were not. However, I would love to have you start doing this and I know it will take a lot of time, so no rush.    

Last Wednesday I was having a REALLY hard day. I think that because there are so many little things that just bother me or I am impatient with, rather than deal with them or confront them, I just tune them out. It's like I shut off all of my emotions for like 2 solid weeks and I was just a robot doing the things I was supposed to. Well, it was the worst on Wednesday and I couldn't even pretend to act chipper. It was just so exhausting and my body felt achy. We went to District Meeting, had lunch, and then went to do the Call Center and then we were gonna go out to our area and there was no way that I was going to be able to go out and work and talk to people. I felt like I had a brain cloud (hahah). Anyway, so what I did was I went and prayed. This prayer was different from any prayer I have ever given. It's like I was screaming in my head to Heavenly Father to help me to at least FEEL something!! I just prayed over and over and over that He would help me. And after about 10 minutes of praying like that, I got up and I felt completely fine. Then on our way out to the area, we had another area's car and they had Josh Groban You Are Loved and it just pumped me up even more. So that's why I want that SOOOO badly. It's such a great message and it was nice because it reminded me of home. And when Sarah and I were singing it at the top of our lungs in the car and right at the part where it's like YOU. ARE..... LOOOOOVVVEEEDDDD. And right when we got to "loved" then we got rearended. It was kind of funny. But, bad because she got rear ended but I'm excited to see that video in Heaven. Hahahah. Anyway, it was amazing what prayer can do and I have been feeling much better and I have realized that I should probably have emotions :) I thought about the sons of Mosiah and how they had DESIRE and they can't have that desire if they don't have emotions. So, that was a good reminder to have emotions and to deal with them, rather than just turn them off to not get bothered, because then you don't feel the good ones either. 

We went on exchanges again and I was with a new missionary. This time we were just with our ward mission leader and he did pretty much everything, so it wasn't as stressful :) Our WML is AWESOME! He makes me excited to get back home and to work with the missionaries and to be just like he is. He is so dedicated and is willing to do ANYTHING for us/our investigators/members of the ward. So cool. 

So we had our first mormon.org chat. We were only on it for an hour. And it was a creepy person. But a lot of the other sisters have had a lot of cool experiences, so that is awesome. We all have a 6 hour shift a week where we have to come in and chat. "Don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes, all day." 

Sarah's letters are so great. I want to be like her. She is such an AWESOME missionary! I wish she could train me!!! That would be sweet! Seriously, I am amazed at the woman and the missionary that she has become. 

I loved Jared's letter. I love the translation for conversion. It really is just taking them back to what they already know. Isn't that awesome?! I think that is how the Spirit really works. It isn't telling us new things, it's like we FEEL that we are remembering something that we once knew. It's so cool. 

Well, it is absolutely freezing here. It's 41 degrees right now and it feels like -20. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it's COLD.  We are going to go look for boots today because my legs/feet can't handle it anymore. Hopefully we find something. 

So apparently Sister Dalton (YW Pres) and I think Sister Cook (Primary Pres) came in to the trail center last week. Unfortunately I was not there. That would have been SO cool to meet them! 

Can you PLEASE email me recipes for those soups that I asked for a few weeks ago? And Reeve's address? Oh yeah, and on Halloween night, we aren't allowed to go out (everyone thinks we're DRESSED UP as missionaries) so we are having a Sisters Party and we are making a craft for Christmas gifts to send home. Could you all send me like a 4 by 6 or 3 by 5 picture of each family/person? We are supposed to have 10 pictures total, So I figure one of the whole fam together-I guess just the yellowstone one. 2. Mom and Dad. 3. Christensen Family 4. Proctor Family 5. Jones Family 6. Taniel and Isaac 7. Laura. 8. Me. 9. Jared. and.... maybe one more with all the grand kids together or something, I don't know. But I need those printed off and mailed to me before Halloween. That could be WONDERFUL. Thank you! 

Well, there is not much else to say. Things are going really really well in the Millard area. We reached 90% of the standard. Our minds were blown. However, we will tank it this week since we only have 2 days in our area really. But that's OK. It's just nice to see that we are making goals and reaching them. I love being a missionary. Sometimes I can't believe that I really live in Nebraska and I go out everyday to talk to people about Jesus Christ. But it's SO AWESOME! I'm excited for Jared to go out and share it with people. Also, KUDOS to Michelle for handing out a Book of Mormon! That's awesome! The Book of Mormon and the Spirit are the most powerful tools in conversion. It makes our jobs a little bit easier, that it's like Hey, read this awesome book and then pray to Heavenly Father about it and tell us how it goes! haha. Obviously it's not THAT easy, but it is nice that it's not like we are selling cutco knives door to door. We are teaching people the Gospel, and the entire Godhead is on our side!!! Way way sweet. 

Well, let this week's email be a reminder of the power of prayer. GO to your Heavenly Father and plead with Him. He is there and He hears and answers our prayers. I can promise you that. I love Him and I love my Savior. I love you all and there is not a day that goes by that I don't pray for you or think about how wonderful you all are. Have a wonderful week and I will write you on Monday! 

Love, 
Marf

Bears, Beets, battlestar Gallectcia

Hi Family! 

Guess what's back in full effect?! That's right, my color coded closet. I sent you a picture so you could appreciate. I don't have as many clothes back as I did at home, but I love it. Also, it's not AS extreme since I don't have coordinating hangers. I just don't have the time/means to find them all. hahah. That other picture was taken like 5 seconds ago. Sorry my pictures are super lame :)

So this week has been great! We saw one of the "I"m a Mormon" billboards on our way back from District Lunch. It was freaking awesome! Also, we heard from all the ward members that there were 2 commercials back to back right before the Husker game started. Freaking sweet. The Cornhuskers are a big deal here. We usually try to plan not to even proselyte at that time because no one is outside and no one opens their doors. It's so funny. 

Jared, I can write so much because in the field you get an hour for emails. AAAAND I didn't have a GF to write to on my down time on P-days hahah. Also, I played Mavis Beacon as a kid, for fun! 

I still really wish that I could get Sarah's weekly emails forwarded to me. Also, I think I should have Reeve's address. Maybe I'll send him a letter or two. 

So, we got some new training in the Trail Center yesterday!!! We are going to start doing the Chats on mormon.org. We will have "online investigators." We can set up appointments with them and everything! It is SO awesome! Then, we have this online area book which is the most amazing thing ever. I wish that we could have it for more than just our chat investigators. You just print off a progress record!!!!! It's flipping awesome! Anyway, I'm really excited about that. We will be talking to people from all over the world. Taniel had a question about Call Center. It's in the basement of the Trail Center. We get incoming calls from people calling from mormon.org, or pass along cards or something like that. They are usually requesting a free DVD or something, but then we sweet talk them into having the missionaries come and deliver it. Also, with the referrals we receive at the TC, we then call those people and tell them their friend referred them and see if they want the missionaries to come and teach them. It's really fun. I love it. I can't wait to start doing the chat this week. 

So, on Thursday, my companion went with another missionary to the temple since someone they taught was going through the temple. So, I went on exchanges with the other sisters companion. Who has only been here like a week. So I had to not only be the Senior comp for a day, but I had to be a trainer! All while I am still getting trained! It was one of the most stressful things of my life. And it was a car fast so we had to walk EVERYWHERE and our area is huge. And it was pouring rain while we were walking like 2 miles. It made me appreciate Sister Myers a lot more. I don't ever want to be Senior Companion, let alone a trainer. It was so stressful and I was EXHAUSTED. However, I have to do the same thing all over again this Thursday when Sis Myers goes to the temple again. Yikes. Hopefully it goes better. 

Yesterday we had 4 investigators and one less active at church! It was so awesome!!! We've only had one investigator at church since I've been here, so to have 4 was pretty crazy. Did I tell you that someone we are teaching is SET for baptism. Well, actually 2, but we turned one over to the Singles Ward Elders. But the one that we have been teaching is about 60 years old and he is the nicest man ever. He is so sweet. He called and left a message the other day and said he saw one of the mormon.org commercials and that it reminded him of how happy he was since he has been meeting with us and that he was "soon to be a mormon." It was really cute. That will be exciting. 

I loooove the Senior couples here. I am so spoiled. I have like 6 sets of Grandparents. We went to Elder and Sister Watson's house last Friday night so they could give us some counsel and pray with us (I'll tell you the story when I get home. It was a crazy night). But they really take care of us and love us. It is so comforting to have them there and to have them be so willing to help us out. Sister Watson gave Sister Myers and I 10 Oreos each and she told us to eat them all at once and we would feel really good. Hhaha. She is so funny. 

It sounds like Michelle and Brian are having a good time in Florida! Tell people to visit mormon.org and maybe they will chat with me!!! That would be so cool!

It is SOOOO pretty here. All of the trees are yellow and orange and red. And it's just GORGEOUS!!! I love it here. Today we are going to go to the mall and to target and then to Jason's Deli. I need some winter clothes here soon, so I'm hoping to find something today. The weather has been perfect everyday, I love it (minus the HUGE rainstorm when we had to walk all day :) ). We go with our roommates. It's really nice having roommates to break up being with the same person 24/7. 

It sounds like things are going well with Jared and Tagalog. I like getting his letters. I love that he speaks Tagalog in his sleep. There was an Elder in our zone in the MTC who had a serious sleep walking problem. But he would always dream that he was teaching this black lady who didn't want to get baptized because she didnt' want to ruin her weave. Hahaha. But he would always get out of bed, shuffle around in the drawers to find pamphlets for her and then explain that she would only be in the water for a few seconds. It was so funny. His stories always made me laugh. 

I am more and more grateful everyday that I get to be at the Trail Center. Seriously, I feel so spoiled to be here. It is just so great. OOOH I just remembered something. So we always have a prayer meeting each morning we're in the TC. And the last one I was in, Elder Watson was there and he wanted all of us to go to the cemetery that day and to just reflect. So I did and I started thinking. Everyone always says that the Mormon Trail Center is the best historic site/visitors center. And it's because of the spirit that is felt here. Well, we know that when people bear their testimonies, we feel the spirit. And then I thought about how STRONG the pioneers testimonies had to have been if they can still be felt 160 years later, from EVERYONE who comes here. As a missionary, I want to have a powerful testimony that will help others feel the spirit. But I know that the pioneers did not receive that testimony without going through hardship. It is the sacrifices and the struggles that they had to endure that gave them that amazing testimony that can still be felt. Well, I can't expect to get a testimony like that if I am not willing to do things that are hard. It was cool to think about and it reminded me of the things I could be doing better to BE a better missionary. 

Mom, my comp and I listened to the talk you gave at Reeve's farewell. I remembered how amazing it was! I love the difference of I will GO, I will DO, I will BE. It's so great. Also, Jared your talk was really good. It's funny though because it must have just been recorded from the microphone because you couldn't hear people laughing at all of the jokes- it was the same in Mom's, Reeve's and James' so it just sounded like everyone was telling jokes and no one was laughing at them. Pretty funny. My comp and I were dying at the part where Jared said we were all getting the censored version of his talk. Too funny. Tell Brother Graham thank you for that, it was really neat to have. 

Well, I love you all and I am so grateful to have you as a family. You are wonderful examples to me and you support me and love me. Thank you very much! I love my Savior and I know that He loves all of us. How blessed we all are to have the knowledge of the restored gospel. Amazing. Have a wonderful week and I will write you all next Tuesday! I love you!!!

Love,
Marf

Dementor, Dementor


Hello Family!
First off, I sent you some pictures from the zoo last week. It was AWESOME. The ghost of the bayou was pretty lame though... it looked like it was fake or dead just sitting in the water. But still, it was a life long dream fulfilled. We had a ton of fun. I found some more Kencraft Candy Sticks. That's always great!
Oh my gosh, General Conference was AMAZING!!!! I loved it! I watched the Saturday sessions at members homes and one of them was a Recent Convert, and when Pres. Monson got up and just started laughing and making jokes he was like, "that is not what I expected at all!" I loved it. Then on Sunday morning I was in the Trail Center so I could only watch it when I wasn't on tour. Then I watched the afternoon one at a members home and then later that night we came back and watched the morning one in the TC. I wish the whole world could have heard Tad R. Callisters talk about the Book of Mormon. It was SO good. I loved it. Mom, I am so proud of you for deleting Angry Birds. I felt a little bit guilty when he said that :) ALSO, I can't believe that the Tabernacle is going to be a new temple! That made me SOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited! I loved that Tabernacle. So many good experiences there with Stake Conference and Choir Concerts. And now there will be many more made with it being a temple. That makes me so happy. Maybe I'll get married in it. IF I get married. Hahaha joke.
So, everyday one set of the sisters serving in the trail center go to the Catholic convent down the road to do service. Apparently, they were a HUGE help in us getting the Winter Quarters temple, so we go and help them out. So we went yesterday and we walked their dog "Gidget." It's pretty fun. Then we went and helped this nun get stuff out of her closet. She was really nice. She showed us a picture of her family. Her Parents, her bros and sisters and her nieces and nephews. It is so sad that they don't have a family of their own. There is no way in HECK I would be a missionary like this my whole life. I am glad that our church understands the importance of having your own families. It's sad that they don't get that experience. Also, I never thought in my life that I would be asked "Are you guys like nuns!?" so many times in my life. Gotta love it.
Oh my gosh. I got the package today!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! Especially for the GPS!!!!!!! Holy cripes! I am so happy that we won't get lost all the time now! You are the best! Well, you were even without the package, but now I'm just real excited. I can't believe Dad was willing to give up Princess Pei Pei. I hope he named his iPhone that. Also, I hear that he is having eye pains and headaches from the iPhone. hahah. Just get an iPad and all will be good :)
On Sunday, this lady came in with her two kids and they were dressed in church clothes. She said they had tried to go to church but that it was closed (because of General Conference). So she took her kids to walk around the temple and then they found this place. She apparently was raised LDS, decided to be an atheist, went to Afghanistan and decided not to be an atheist, and has been going to a non-denominational church for like 6 months. However, the 11 year old boy was told that his Dad was not going to Heaven and so they didn't like that church. So, she remembered what she had learned growing up LDS and tried telling her kids, but she was just confusing them, so she decided she needed to bring in the missionaries. She was so excited that we had a tour and so I took them on the tour. When we got to the memorial room I told them about the Plan of Salvation. The little boy had so many questions, but he was understanding everything perfectly. He told me that he had learned more in 20 minutes at the Trail Center than the 6 months he had spent at the other church. It was awesome. At the end, they agreed to having the missionaries come and teach them in their home. The mom started to tear up and said that she has been needing to feel peace in her life, and that she felt it here, and that she needed to get back on track and having the missionaries over if she wanted to continue to have that peace. It was so awesome. I love serving in the Trail Center. This is such a special place. I feel so spoiled for getting called here.  I love the pioneers. I will go on a trek every year!!! Ok, that might be pushing it... hahah
I am so glad to hear that Jared is doing well. Tell him that ALL missions are hard, not just foreign ones please :) hahaha. I totally knew he'd be District Leader. When he says to dear elder him everyday, he's not kidding. Those things are the best things EVER.  I am excited to listen to his farewell!
I want to see pictures of the playhouse! That is so fun! It's crazy that things are changing at home with everyone moving out. Just lock Laura in her room so she doesn't get married and everything will be fine. I am excited to find out what Laralee is having!!! I hope it's a boy too :) Mom, I'm glad that you are thinking about making me a quilt :) I like the idea of having everyone sign a triangle, but I think I might get stressed out having to deal with it. I don't know. Maybe it could work.
I loved getting Sarah's weekly email! Please keep those coming my way. They really boost me every time I read them. She is such a great missionary. Also, Laura, will you tell Elder Epstein to forward me his weekly emails? It was good to hear from him.
Do you remember when Jared spelled "I am Lord Voldemort" with my hair in the shower. I do. I was laughing about that pretty hard the other night. He's a funny kid.
Well, things are wonderful here. The leaves are changing and falling quickly. It's so beautiful. I really love the missionaries here. It is so nice becuase every saturday morning we have a training and we get to all be together with all the sister missionaries, as well as the seniors and the Mission President and Mom. It's so wonderful.
Today starts the mormon.org media campaign in Omaha! I am so excited. There are going to be billboards along the freeway and commercials running on the major TV stations. I am excited to see the growth that comes because of it. We are revamping our whole call center because there is going to be added growth. This is actually happening in  9 other major cities, all of which could call in to our call center. I love being able to work in the call center. We are also going to start doing chat, which will be so fun.
Happy Birthday Brian on Saturday!!! (If saturday is the 8th, I'm not exactly sure....)
So what did Jared do for his last few days at home?
Being a missionary is really great. I have realized that there is no way I could have gotten married without serving a mission. My husband would have gone crazy. haha. I have already learned so much that will make me a better wife and mother. Elder Watson, our director here, talks a lot about how our missions aren't just to make us better people or to make other people better people, but ultimately for us being a better wife and a better mother. It's so cool that the Lord uses everything He can to prepare you to be the person that He needs you to be. I love Heavenly Fathers plan for me. I have fought it long and hard, and I'm sure that in the future I will also fight it, but He knows me perfectly and He knows what will be best for ME. I am so grateful to have a Father in Heaven who wants nothing but my everlasting happiness.
So, our Ward Mission Leader called us this morning to congratulate Sister Myers and I on having the most member involvement with investigators in our Stake. Apparently the Bishop called him, and the Stake President called him, and the Mission President called him. I was surprised, because I thought we haven't been doing that much, but it's nice to know that we are doing our best and that the Lord is making up the rest!
Well, I love you all very much and I am so grateful every single day for our family. You all make me so happy and I love you so much. Have a wonderful week and I look forward to hearing from you soon!!! I love you!!
Lots of Love,
Marf
P.S. Mom, I have your quilt and a CD of all the pictures of the quilt show. I will hopefully send that off next week...

Hello, everyone

Hi Family!!!
Well this week has been wonderful! On Monday we had P-day and then we went to this wonderful Spanish family and we read 1 Nephi chapter 2 with them. Their 11 year old daughter is a member, but the parents can't get married yet due to immigration stuff. But they are such a great family and they love having us come over and read the Book of Mormon with them so they can understand it better.
We have been finding a lot of new investigators. The only problem is trying to retain them. We get in a lot of first lessons, but then when it comes to the second lesson, it seems they either find another church, say they dont want us to come, or just down right ignore us. That's always fun. One of the most important things is to teach people and not lessons, and so we are working very hard to meet peoples needs rather than just teach a lesson. Hopefully that will help us retain them more.
That wonderful family that we met who have the 8 year old who I helped pray for the first time called us and said they found another church. We told them that we still wanted to meet with them though and they were excited about that. Now, if we could just get them to join the true church, that would be great :)
I hope I don't sound like I'm super bummed out or anything. Yes, it is sad that people decide not to have us come over anymore, but things are still going great. In fact, this one guy that we aren't even teaching yet, but have been talking to for like the past month has a car that he can't sell and wants to get rid of. So he called us and asked us if there was anyone in our ward who needed a car and we figured there was, so we called the bishop and he said that he had been praying for this exact thing to happen and he knew exactly who it should go to. We got to tell the people who are going to be getting the car. They were SO excited. It was really fun.
On Wednesday, we had our cleaning day. I spent 7 hours cleaning, and it still wasn't done. We had an entire carful of stuff to take to goodwill and probably that much in supplies to take to the mission office. It felt like Christmas to me to get rid of all that junk though. It was awesome.
We also got to go to the temple on Friday. It was so great. Sister Myers and I did initiatories and then we got to go sit in the Celestial room for like an hour while we waited for everyone else to come out of the session. Then our whole zone got to sit and talk in the Celestial room. It was so awesome. The WQ temple is REALLY pretty.
Well, this week in the TC was really good too. Yesterday was especially good. This family came in. A grandpa, the mom, the dad and their daughter. The mom and the daughter were members. The tour took like 2 hours because the grandpa talked SO MUCH. I don't really know what he was talking about most of the time. He reminded me SO much of Mr. Bean though! hahahaha He kept saying "At any rate" and "That's at a nano-molecular level and I don't want to even get into that" and "Not paranormal but paranatural." It was really funny and weird to me at the same time. Anyways, the Dad is apparently a "dry Mormon." He does everything in the church, even has callings, but just isn't baptized. He said nothing really interested him in the church, and even though he hasn't had a drink in years, he wondered if he wanted one later after he had been baptized. So at the end, we were at the Salt Lake Temple Facade and I asked his wife and daughter what it would mean to them if their family could go there and be sealed. They weren't super vocal about it and so then I told them what it meant to be sealed to my family. I was totally bawling and telling him that it meant the world to me to know that my parents promised to love and honor each other for eternity, that if anything happened we would be sealed and that it made our relationships more important. I told him that even if he didn't find certain aspects of the gospel interesting, that his number one interest should be his wife and daughter. And how he is keeping them from that eternal family. And that they are way more important than having the option to drink in the coming years. I then asked him if he would let me send the missionaries to his house, and he agreed. It was a really cool experience. I was super bold, but the mom and daughter thanked me so much at the end. So, that was awesome.
So, apparently, the sisters have a little saying when they are deciding what to wear in the mornings and it's "what would Sister Proctor wear" hahah. It's so funny. A lot of them come in and raid my closet. I probably would too if I had to come out with the old dress code. Woof.
So, it was winter here for like 3 days. It was freezing cold (only 50 degrees, but it felt FREEZING). And we didn't see the sun at all. I am not super excited for a Nebraska winter. Hopefully I'll be able to get through it haha. But, we decided we are going to need a lot of soup for lunches and dinners. So I would LOVE you to send me some soup recipes. Like Potato Soup, White Bean Chili, that Olive Garden Soup, some easy Chicken Enchilada soup, and whatever other ones you can think of. Writing all those down just made me really hungry.
Anyway, that's awesome that Reeve is in Chicago! I wonder how long he will be there!? That's so cool. Also, I can't believe that Jared's farewell is this Sunday! That is so exciting! I know that his talk is in outline form, but even just those would be really cool. Also, I want a TON of pictures of his farewell and the MTC. ALSOOOO, I can't believe the bike is finished!!! That is so sweet!!! What is going to happen to it while he is gone? I never got a picture of the playhouse being done... that could be cool.
So the pics I sent were of me like 10 minutes ago, the GORGEOUS sunrise this morning (the pic doesn't do it justice), my belly button :) hahah I wouldn't hate it if that didn't get forwarded on to anyone else :), and me and my roommates on Sister Hawkes' birthday. We got up at like 5 and decorated our whole apartment. It was a lot of fun.
So, I cancelled the surgery. So that's nice. Hopefully I won't have to worry about it until I get home. I was looking forward to getting to sleep in during recovery time though... hahah oh well.
We are going to go to the zoo next p-day with our district. I am so stinking excited. Apparently it's way better than the Hogle Zoo (who knew?!) hahaha. Also, I figured out why I got sent to Nebraska... do you remember the Ghost of the Bayou that was at the Hogle Zoo and I wanted to see it SOOO bad, but I missed it? Well, it is at this ZOO!!!! I was so excited when I found that out! Hahaha, obviously I know that's not why I was called here, but it's an added bonus :)
Dad, how did you get the exact address of where I live?
Also, just so you know, I print out all of the emails since I'm at the Trail Center. So if you feel bad because you didn't write me a hand written letter, and then you decide not to email me because it will take up partof my hour, worry no longer. haha. I love me some hand written letters, but if you can't, then you can email me and I will print it out.
I can't believe Jared is going into the MTC next week! That is so exciting. Just know that the first night and first morning is not how it is always going to be. It gets way better. And on Wednesdays and Sundays they have an icecream bar. But on Sunday, they have all these yummy toppings. Get there early if you can. Join the choir, because then you are guaranteed seats. My next P-day is on Wednesday because of transfers, just FBI.
Thank you Casey and Michelle for sending me the recipe! I knew I could count on you :)
Well, my hour is pretty much up. I love you all so much and I wish I could be there to drop off Jared at the MTC. However, I'm glad that now I'll get a letter from him every week :) Please make sure that his weekly email or any hand written letters are also forwarded to me. I am so excited. The MTC is the best place. I wish they had an EFY thing, but just let you go to the MTC. You learn so much there. Anyway, I love you all and I am so grateful for everything you all do and all of the love and support I feel from you every single day. Please continue to send me that love and support by sending me that package ;) I think Sis. Hawkes might get sick of me using her blow dryer every morning. haha.
I love you all very much and I miss you! Have a great week and I can't wait to hear from you!
Love,
Marf

Well, Dwight Has a Big Personality and I Have a Big Personality


Well, it all my fault, I didn't see anyone reading this so I stopped the updates.  Appearantly I was wrong. This letter is from 8-23-2011
Hello!

Well, I am in Nebraska now! I don't know who said Nebraska was a flat state full of corn fields... maybe it is when all you do is drive through it, but it is BEAUTIFUL here! There are a bunch of rolling hills with trees EVERYWHERE! I cannot wait for fall! It's pretty humid, but it hasn't been super hot yet.

We got here on Tuesday and we went to the Mission Office where we had to watch some safety driving thing for when we actually get to drive the cars (our trainers do). Then we had our interviews with President Kunz, who is SO great! Then we just got all the logistics figured out and rules and what not. Then we went to the mission home and had the lasagna and the best parmesan french bread in my LIFE! It was so stinking good. Sister Kunz is such a good cook. Especially when you have been eating cafeteria food for a whole month. Then our assistants did some training and we did some role play. Then we headed to one of the Senior Sisters house and slept there. Her name is Sister Taylor and she is the cutest sweetest person ever. Everyone says she makes you REALLY miss your grandma, which is super true. hahaa. The next day we went and got a tour at the Trail Center, went to the temple grounds, the cemetary and then to the bronze statues that Blair Buswell did. It was super cool. Then they through us all out with some missionaries that have been here longer and we went finding. It was so fun and so crazy! I was really sad when we were done because I was so excited that the people we talked to wanted to talk to us and I just loved them so much and the area and the companion I was with, I was sad that I wasn't going to be able to follow up with them. Then we went back to the mission home and we had dinner with Elder and Sister Watson (the Trail Center Directors) and a stake President. Then we had a testimony meeting and then we got our first assignment. Everyone had to go to the front of the room and read it out loud. I was the very last person. I got assigned to the exact area I was in earlier that day!!! President knew I would be so excited and so he saved me for the end! It was funny because he was excited to see me excited. It's like Christmas day when you get your assignments hahaha. So I am serving in the Millard area and Sister Myers is my trainer. I will send some pics in snail mail, but I learned today that since we do our emails in the TC we can just put them on the comp and send them in our emails! Which will be so so so nice!

On Thursday, we started out at the transfer point, then we went to our area where we had the longest planning session of my life. Which will occur every week. woof. It will be a lot better when I actually know the people that we are talking about. Then we went around and talked with people and I met a family that they have been teaching. They are the cutest. It's a mom and her 2 little girls, one 6 and one 4. They are super cute and I love them! The mom is wanting to get baptized, but she is living with her boyfriend so we have to get that all cleared up beforehand. Anyways, after that was over, there was a HUGE HUGE lightning storm. It was crazy! I could not have lived here when I was little. There is not a thick enough blanket that I could have wrapped around my head. It was crazy driving home. There were trees that were completely fallen over and on the streets and in some areas (not where we were) there was hail the size of baseballs that dented a lot of the mission cars (we drive a 2011 toyota corolla btw. It's awesome). Then we got home and the power was out. So I got to unpack in the dark. That was a bundle of joy.

The next day was Friday and we were in the Trail Center and I was able to go with my companion for 2 tours and then after that I was on my own. It's an amazing place here! I totally love it. I'm so glad that I get to be in the Trail Center, because I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of tracting. And if I had to do that all day everyday I might go crazy. Although, it could happen, so I should probably bite my tongue. Anyway, on Friday night, we went back to that family and I set her for baptism on the 24th. When you have a baptismal date you get to call the President and he will sing you a song. He was really excited, and we are too. So hopefully everything works out and she can get married and baptized by the 24th. She said in the closing prayer to please help her to get married and baptized by the 24th, so I think that's a good sign.

On Saturday, we had trail center training. It was SOOOOO nice to finally get a little bit trained. It is going to be so much fun here. Plus they do that training every Saturday so it's super nice that we get to see all of the sisters once a week. I love it. Then we were on for the 3-9 shift. In Omaha they are going to do a mormon.org media blitz. They have been doing it in a lot of the big cities and have found it to be extremely successful. I heard it doubled baptisms in new york. Anyway, the 2 general authorities who are over that came to the trail center for a tour. They are also in charge of preach my gospel. Anyway, my companion gave them a tour and asked if I could come and help! So on my second shift I helped give a tour to 2 GA's! It was awesome. I was able to bear my testimony to them in our Memorial Room. Which Isaac and Taniel can tell you about. it's the best place here and it's so sacred. Anyway, that was one awesome experience.

I also gave a tour to Josh Krogue, this boy I had a crush on in the 7th grade, and his wife. It was so crazy when he walked in. It's been a lot of fun working here and I can't wait to learn more about the pioneers and why they did what they did. If you have any Pioneer stories of our ancestors, I would VERY much appreciate them. One of the Senior Elders here is a crazy Geneology man. He is helping me find some too. So that's good.

So now, we have an hour for emails, which is a lot less stressful!!! I like it a lot. Oh, just so you know, there is going to be a quilt show in the TC basement in September. If you go to wqquiltshow or something then you can find it. You can even submit one of your quilts! I think it would be AWESOME if you sent out your faith in every footstep quilt, Mom. People would loooooove it here. I would take really good care of it, and then ship it back to you. Just on option. Look it up and let me know.

It sounds like you all had a bunch of fun at Island Park!!! That's so great! I don't get why Dad was nervous about the canoe tipping? Oh well. Has school started yet? Is Jared all ready to leave yet? One more month!!! That's crazy. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them and I will answer you.

The Senior Couples who serve here are the best! I love them. We are all just one big family. We always tell each other we love each other and it's really cool.

I participated in my first Trail Center Run yesterday. Every transfer, they run a 5K. most of the sisters only run a mile though, because we get started later and we still want time to shower and stuff. It was fun though. Maybe by the end of the mish I'll be able to run the whole thing super fast with time to still get ready.

On my last day in the MTC The Sudweeks sent me some brownies!!! It was the best! All my friends from the floor came and we celebrated our last night there by eating those brownies. They were DELISH! Claudia also sent me a letter, that was really really nice. Yesterday, I got a letter from the Fowlers in your ward. I haven't ever met them, but they just thanked me for my farewell talk and for my testimony. It was so nice of them.

Well, I don't really know what else to write. A whole lot has been happening, and I'm busy all the time, and I can't remember half of it now. The TC has motion sensored lights, so when I am taking people on tours, the lights turn on as I walk. It's like an art gallery, so they are accent lights. It's really cool. haha. I don't know why I like that so much.

OH yeah!!! Thank you for the package!! It was so nice to get all that stuff... If you are wanting to send me another package (hint hint ;) ) Then I could use all of the cardigans that I have downstairs (except the short ones). In the TC we have to always wear a cardigan or a jacket. So that would be nice. Also, there was a change AGAIN in the dress code and I can have my pretty coats too. Mostly just that red black plaid one and the black and white plaid one. But I won't need those super soon. But I wouldn't hate getting them... and any other super cute clothes or skirts you want to throw in hahah. It's only been 5 weeks and I'm already sick of my clothes. That's a bad sign. We are headed to Plato's closet today to hopefully find something cute and cheap. I already feel like my sense of style is out the window. Suddenly all I want to wear are clothes from DI. That's bad.

Anyway, I love it here and I am so glad that I am finally here!! It's so beautiful and I am having a great time. I want you all to know how much I love you and miss you. I can't wait to hear what Casey and Laralee are having! That will be so fun! Don't have too much fun partying as you get ready to send Jared off, because I don't want to miss anything good ;) Just keep going with the camping/outdoorsy stuff and we should be OK. hahahaha. P.S. If you could make sure there is 150 in my checking account at all times, that would be nice. Just let me know if the funds start to get low.

I love this gospel. I love being a missionary. I love the people of Nebraska. I love my Savior. I had a realization the other day that the Pioneers knew and loved their Savior too. It wasn't just Joseph Smith and having the "restored gospel." Having the gospel meant they knew Jesus Christ and they were able to access the Atonement. That is so powerful. That's what got them through EVERYTHING that they went through. And none of us are walking across Iowa in the mud for 4 months, but we can use that exact same Atonement to help us get through our hard times. This gospel is true and it is perfect, because it was organized by a perfect Heavenly Father who loves every single one of us, PERFECTLY. I love it.

I love all of you and I miss you! Please write me back lots!!!

Love you,
Martha

Another letter from 9-6-2011
Hi Family,

First things first. Yes, I have a hernia. I appreciate all of your prayers and concern. But from the sound of your letters, it sounds like Sister Kunz didn't tell you that it's TINY. My belly button is just a little bit bigger than it normally was. I don't think it's super noticable. But for some reason, I play with my belly button a lot. hahahahah. This has been the most awkward thing to tell people. Because they ask me when it happened and if I think I've had it for a long time. and I have to be like "Oh no, I KNOW my belly button." Bahhh aha. It's super awkward. Anyway... I am going to find a surgeon covered by Beechstreet today and set up a consult with him. I'm not super worried about it. It doesn't hurt, it just feels a little bit sore sometimes and I can't lift, pull or do sit ups. So that's annoying. But the surgery/recovery shouldn't be too bad. On to bigger and better things...

First of all, Joe, Laurie's nephew, is in my area! His wife referred herself at the Trail Center! That was crazy when we made that connection. Anyway, we will be visiting them in the near future.

Have you all made mormon.org profiles? I want to see them. Send me your link :)

Mom or Laura if you are planning on sending out packages anytime soon then I would LOVE my Womens Chorus CDs. there are 2 sets, with 2 CDs each. They are by my DVDs in my room. Also, if Jake isn't using the Denise Austen yoga VHS, we would love it here. We work out in the TC sometimes. Especially now that its getting cold. He can keep the DVD, we can just use the VHS. Also, if Jake and Laralee could send me that tiny picture of me and Brooklyn and Hannah for the locket, that would be fun :)

So, Nebraska is super great. There are a TON of bugs. A bunch of the sisters have chigger bites. Chiggers are so gross. I have yet to have any bug bites. But they are like microscopic ticks that burrow in your skin and suck your blood. It grosses me out big time. I'm hoping to avoid them for as long as possible.

It's starting it get chilly here. They have a real fall. It's awesome! I'm so excited for it! Especially with all of the beautiful trees here. I saw my first corn field like last week. It was a lot of fun.

So things are going well with the people we are teaching. We had another one of those experiences where we were walking down some apartment stairs and we saw this family of four and asked them about their beliefs and then they invited us in right there to teach them! It was awesome! I love when that happens. Miracles! They are really great and were so open to learning and we left them a BOM and they are reading it and we will see them this Saturday. So that's really fun!

So, I was in the TC all day yesterday. It was crazy how many people came in. A lot of them weren't members. Apparently there is geocache here, and once you get here, it's like a puzzle thing you have to complete with clues, so that was fun, I got to help someone do that. Then I gave a tour to this baptist lady. She is VERY baptist. She had so many questions, and sort of wanted to Bible bash with me, but I just kept my cool (as much as I could). She asked me if I had ever read the Bible straight through, and I told her no. She then asked me to read it and I said I would if she would read the Book of Mormon :) She took one and promised to read it. and in the end I asked if she wanted to refer herself and talk to missionaries, and she said she only wanted to talk to me. So we exchanged addresses and I will be writing her. So we'll see how that goes. It was a good experience, but crazy at the same time.

My P-day next week will be on Monday. Just FBI.

Also, where is Reeve? Did he get his Visa?

Mom, yes I wanted Alma 26:16. Perf. When is Jared's farewell? I can't believe he is leaving so soon! That makes me so stinking excited!

So, one of the Senior Elders here is a family history CHAMP and he does a chart thing for us from the info he downloads off of family search. Then he finds the people that we are related to that are buried here. There are 7 Utleys that were buried here and one Grant. Anyway, the chart he printed off was HUGE. It went from where we have the Nauvoo temple facade all the way out the door. It's the longest one he has ever printed off. He said that there must be a lot of people doing family history in our fam. Hahaha, I was like "if you only knew!" It was crazy! I'm pretty sure that he will send you a copy of it, as well as a copy of all the peoples stories that we have here. So that will be fun.

So I had this apostrophe (epiphany) in the TC the other day. We always heard that every single thing that goes into a VC is inspired and has to go through the 12. Well, we have a handcart that you can pull across the carpet just for fun. Anyway, on one of the tours I had this 17 year old kid pull the cart and there is 400 lbs in it. His sister asked him if it was hard to pull, and he said something I will never forget. He said "the wheels make it easier." and right then it hit me why they have that handcart there. It is an invitation to repent!! Here's how I figure:

We all have 400 lbs to carry in life. It's hard, but we have to do it. However, the Atonement of Jesus Christ (wheels), makes it a lot easier. He helps us carry the 400 pounds and we don't have to feel the weight or the burden of trying to carry that everywhere.

However, in the handcart demonstration, we also put tiny rocks down in front of the wheels that make it WAY harder to pull the wagon. Those rocks are our sins, or bad attitudes that we are putting down ourselves that make it so we are not taking full advantage of the healing and carrying power of the atonement. So, as I was giving the tour, I told this new epiphany I had and I told them to remove any rocks that they are putting down. If they are feeling the burden of the 400 lbs to get rid of the rocks and allow the Savior to fully carry you. My mind was blown.

Anyway, I invite you all to do the same thing. The Atonement is real. It works. It's so full of love. When we fully access it, and repent of our sins and come unto Jesus Christ, he will carry our burdens. Remove whatever rocks you have put down and come unto Jesus. He is there waiting for you with open arms.

This gospel is AMAZING. I don't know if I ever fully realized just how blessed we are to have been raised in the gospel. To know at a very young age that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. That the Book of Mormon is the Word of God. And that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's true church once again restored to the earth!

Well, I love you all very much. And I miss you lots and lots. But I love hearing from you and I can't wait to get more letters from you , and Michelle's package :)

Love you!

Love,
Marf

9-12-12
Hello Family!

Well, to start off, I just have to tell you that I was so shocked to hear about Brian's Mom. I found out on Thursday night I think and I have just been praying that all of the Jones family can feel peace. That is really hard to go through, but as my mission president told me when he called, it's a great time to reflect and think of the blessing of life. Most importantly, the blessing of knowing what happens after we die. And that Mike and Marci are together FOREVER. What a great promise we each have. In the meantime, I would love it if that was the only call I had to get from my president :) As soon as the phone rings and you see that it's him calling, your stomach drops and it's no fun. So let's let that be the last of any calls my president has to make, deal? Deal.

So, I go in tomorrow to have a consult with the surgeon. I can't believe that I have to do this. I've never had to go to the doctor for anything, and when I do it's always like, "you're just paranoid, get over it." and now it's for real. And I'm seeing a surgeon. Crazy! However, my companion and I joke that maybe they'll just have to remove my belly button and then all of my companions from here on out can talk about how they had a companion without a belly button. Which makes for really cool stories. Hahaha, but like I said it is a TINY hernia. Not that noticeable, so I'm sure they will be able to save my belly button :)

Happy Birthday Jake!!! Tomorrow!!!!

The pictures that I sent were from our P-day last week. My companion took me to this place called Scheels. It's like Cabelas and they have a Ferris Wheel inside! (I don't know why I capitalized ferris wheel, ahhaha) It was awesome. The only funny thing was that Dad had finally explained in his letter that day why he always said "Don't take any wooden nickels" and then the token to get on the ferris wheel was a wooden nickel. Anyways, it was a lot of fun. We went with 2 other sisters and then walked around this mall thing and got ice cream. Also, there were the Kencraft candy canes at Scheels, as you can see in the picture. So that was crazy.

So, there are these bugs called Sacadas? or something like that. They are the weirdest bugs ever. I have only seen one a couple of times, but they are big. They make the weirdest noise. There is a constant siren sound outside when you are by trees that they live in. It's SO LOUD! It's crazy stuff!

So, for the last 4 weeks since I've been here, the members have been providing us dinner. We pass around a meal calendar and they sign up for a night to have us over for dinner. However on Thursday we learned that would be NO MORE. Because prime proselyting time is between 5-9. And we were having dinner from about 5:30-7 sooooo to maximize our time we have stopped eating dinner with members. It's pretty crazy! I'm excited about it though. Plus, they feed you 5 course meals with dessert every night, and so I feel so sick every night from stuffing my face. So I'm really looking forward to eating like a normal person again. Also, this Wednesday, they are making us schedule out 4 hours to de-junk and deep clean our apartments. I have never been happier hahaha. I love cleaning and I have been wanting time to do it in our apartment, but writing letters on P-day is so much more important. But NOW I can do it with my comp and roommates so that will be great! Also, they will be having monthly cleaning inspections. WOO HOOO. I'm probably the most excited about this out of anyone hahah

I still haven't received anyone's mormon.org profiles.... Also I sent that questionnaire thing to you of "how has____ blessed your life" or something like that. If you could send that, that would be great. ALSO, if you want to subscribe me to the Friend and the Ensign, that would be SO sweet! Just have it sent to the mission office and then I will get it. Please Please Please! They would be so helpful in our Effective Member Visits.

Well, we were in the trail center a lot this week and then doing mormon.org visits to prepare the members, so we didn't have a ton of time to teach investigators. But we got 3 new ones yesterday. They are the cutest family. A mom and Dad and 3 kids. One who is almost 9, 6, and 4. They are so great. They don't know anything about any religions, but they believe in God and they want to learn more. They really loved having us there yesterday and we taught them the restoration and how to pray. At the end of the lesson we asked if one of the parents would like to pray and they were too nervous, they said they would next time. Then Sister Myers asked if any of the kids would like to. The 9 year old's hand shot up and said he would pray if I would tell him what to say. It was the SWEETEST thing ever. This darling boy had said his very first prayer to his Father in Heaven and I got to witness it. Such a great experience. His Mom was just about in tears after he finished. They were so excited for us to come back and to come to church with us in 2 weeks (next week is Stake Conference). Anyway, I am excited for them and I am so grateful for that opportunity. Heavenly Father loves us. And He wants to hear from us every single day. He is so ready and willing to let us feel His love if we just pray sincerely to Him. It is a challenge for the new missionaries to spend 30 minutes a day praying during personal study. It's really cool. I feel like my prayers are becoming a lot more heart felt and I realize more that I am speaking to God rather than just spouting out the things I hope would happen. I recommend trying it.

The good news is, they have a Target here. ("that Heaven has a Target!" hahah, I just thought about that). My comp and I went and it was just great. Hey, if anyone comes in contact with a GPS that's like 40 bucks, I would like to buy it. I can send cash your way. But, I'm going crazy here without one. I definitely want one whenever I become the driver. I feel like I am lost almost all of the time and we would be able to save time and be on time if we had one haha.

Thanks for the package Michelle and everyone else who had those story things in it! Oh my gosh. That bear with it's stuffing coming out of the belly button was hilarious. I didn't get it at first. I was like, oh, a crappy bear that's falling apart. And then my companion was asking what I got and I showed her all of the stuff and as I was showing her I caught on that it was a JOKE! hahahah that was really funny. But that story game looks way fun! I was dying about the one with the 11 kids and only 7 of them having torsos, and then the one where a man was sentenced to 2 years for flinging dung covered fly swatters and Rosie the robot from the Jetsons. hahahahahha. So good.

So, one of the Elders from my district in the MTC would like my weekly emails forwarded to him, so if you could do that, his email is nathan.epstein@myldsmail.net. Tell him that he can email me, but I can't email him and we should be good to go. Thanks. He probably won't get half of the things that I say in here since they are all inside jokes, but still, it will be fun to hear from him.

Well, I can't think of anything too crazy that has gone on. I told you earlier that we drive a 2011 Toyota Camry, but we switch cars all the time. Mostly we drive a 2010 Chevy Malibu. I really like nice cars. I love that we get to drive them everywhere :) OH MY GOSH. I can't believe that Butch is not working right!!!!! Poor Melodie. Everything I sell her turns to crap as soon as I sell it to her. OH man. I hope they can get that figured out in time and it won't be too expensive!!

I still haven't heard when Jared's farewell is??? I would really like to get a copy of his talk. Also, I don't know where Reeve is now. Come on! I ask all these questions and nothing! ahhaha jk. I understand that it has been a crazy week. I'm glad everything went OK with Mom at the Dr... Sister Kunz said after I'm out of surgery she will spend the day taking care of me. That's reason enough to get surgery hahahah. She is so great and it will be like having a Mom again for a day!

Well family, I love you all SOOOO much! I almost tear up every time someone asks me why I came on a mission. I tell them that my family was so strong and so happy and so close, I wanted everyone to have a chance to have a family like ours. I know that we have our problems, just like every family does, but we have been and can be healed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. And we are blessed to know that.

Well, I can't think of anything more to say, so I hope you all have a wonderful week and I look forward to hearing from you soon! My P-day next week is on Tuesday. I'm almost done with my first transfer. CRAZY. Anyway, I love you all very much and I miss you!

Love,
Marf

Another Week

Hi Family!!!

Well this week has been wonderful! On Monday we had P-day and then we went to this wonderful Spanish family and we read 1 Nephi chapter 2 with them. Their 11 year old daughter is a member, but the parents can't get married yet due to immigration stuff. But they are such a great family and they love having us come over and read the Book of Mormon with them so they can understand it better.
We have been finding a lot of new investigators. The only problem is trying to retain them. We get in a lot of first lessons, but then when it comes to the second lesson, it seems they either find another church, say they dont want us to come, or just down right ignore us. That's always fun.

One of the most important things is to teach people and not lessons, and so we are working very hard to meet peoples needs rather than just teach a lesson. Hopefully that will help us retain them more.
That wonderful family that we met who have the 8 year old who I helped pray for the first time called us and said they found another church. We told them that we still wanted to meet with them though and they were excited about that. Now, if we could just get them to join the true church, that would be great :)

I hope I don't sound like I'm super bummed out or anything. Yes, it is sad that people decide not to have us come over anymore, but things are still going great. In fact, this one guy that we aren't even teaching yet, but have been talking to for like the past month has a car that he can't sell and wants to get rid of. So he called us and asked us if there was anyone in our ward who needed a car and we figured there was, so we called the bishop and he said that he had been praying for this exact thing to happen and he knew exactly who it should go to. We got to tell the people who are going to be getting the car. They were SO excited. It was really fun.

On Wednesday, we had our cleaning day. I spent 7 hours cleaning, and it still wasn't done. We had an entire carful of stuff to take to goodwill and probably that much in supplies to take to the mission office. It felt like Christmas to me to get rid of all that junk though. It was awesome.
We also got to go to the temple on Friday. It was so great. Sister Myers and I did initiatories and then we got to go sit in the Celestial room for like an hour while we waited for everyone else to come out of the session. Then our whole zone got to sit and talk in the Celestial room. It was so awesome. The WQ temple is REALLY pretty.

Well, this week in the TC was really good too. Yesterday was especially good. This family came in. A grandpa, the mom, the dad and their daughter. The mom and the daughter were members. The tour took like 2 hours because the grandpa talked SO MUCH. I don't really know what he was talking about most of the time. He reminded me SO much of Mr. Bean though! hahahaha He kept saying "At any rate" and "That's at a nano-molecular level and I don't want to even get into that" and "Not paranormal but paranatural." It was really funny and weird to me at the same time. Anyways, the Dad is apparently a "dry Mormon." He does everything in the church, even has callings, but just isn't baptized. He said nothing really interested him in the church, and even though he hasn't had a drink in years, he wondered if he wanted one later after he had been baptized. So at the end, we were at the Salt Lake Temple Facade and I asked his wife and daughter what it would mean to them if their family could go there and be sealed.

They weren't super vocal about it and so then I told them what it meant to be sealed to my family. I was totally bawling and telling him that it meant the world to me to know that my parents promised to love and honor each other for eternity, that if anything happened we would be sealed and that it made our relationships more important. I told him that even if he didn't find certain aspects of the gospel interesting, that his number one interest should be his wife and daughter. And how he is keeping them from that eternal family. And that they are way more important than having the option to drink in the coming years. I then asked him if he would let me send the missionaries to his house, and he agreed. It was a really cool experience. I was super bold, but the mom and daughter thanked me so much at the end. So, that was awesome.

So, apparently, the sisters have a little saying when they are deciding what to wear in the mornings and it's "what would Sister Proctor wear" hahah. It's so funny. A lot of them come in and raid my closet. I probably would too if I had to come out with the old dress code. Woof.

So, it was winter here for like 3 days. It was freezing cold (only 50 degrees, but it felt FREEZING). And we didn't see the sun at all. I am not super excited for a Nebraska winter. Hopefully I'll be able to get through it haha. But, we decided we are going to need a lot of soup for lunches and dinners. So I would LOVE you to send me some soup recipes. Like Potato Soup, White Bean Chili, that Olive Garden Soup, some easy Chicken Enchilada soup, and whatever other ones you can think of. Writing all those down just made me really hungry.

Anyway, that's awesome that Reeve is in Chicago! I wonder how long he will be there!? That's so cool. Also, I can't believe that Jared's farewell is this Sunday! That is so exciting! I know that his talk is in outline form, but even just those would be really cool. Also, I want a TON of pictures of his farewell and the MTC. ALSOOOO, I can't believe the bike is finished!!! That is so sweet!!! What is going to happen to it while he is gone? I never got a picture of the playhouse being done... that could be cool.

So the pics I sent were of me like 10 minutes ago, the GORGEOUS sunrise this morning (the pic doesn't do it justice), my belly button :) hahah I wouldn't hate it if that didn't get forwarded on to anyone else :), and me and my roommates on Sister Hawkes' birthday. We got up at like 5 and decorated our whole apartment. It was a lot of fun.

So, I cancelled the surgery. So that's nice. Hopefully I won't have to worry about it until I get home. I was looking forward to getting to sleep in during recovery time though... hahah oh well.

We are going to go to the zoo next p-day with our district. I am so stinking excited. Apparently it's way better than the Hogle Zoo (who knew?!) hahaha. Also, I figured out why I got sent to Nebraska... do you remember the Ghost of the Bayou that was at the Hogle Zoo and I wanted to see it SOOO bad, but I missed it? Well, it is at this ZOO!!!! I was so excited when I found that out! Hahaha, obviously I know that's not why I was called here, but it's an added bonus :)

Dad, how did you get the exact address of where I live?

Also, just so you know, I print out all of the emails since I'm at the Trail Center. So if you feel bad because you didn't write me a hand written letter, and then you decide not to email me because it will take up partof my hour, worry no longer. haha. I love me some hand written letters, but if you can't, then you can email me and I will print it out.

I can't believe Jared is going into the MTC next week! That is so exciting. Just know that the first night and first morning is not how it is always going to be. It gets way better. And on Wednesdays and Sundays they have an icecream bar. But on Sunday, they have all these yummy toppings. Get there early if you can. Join the choir, because then you are guaranteed seats. My next P-day is on Wednesday because of transfers, just FBI.

Thank you Casey and Michelle for sending me the recipe! I knew I could count on you :)

Well, my hour is pretty much up. I love you all so much and I wish I could be there to drop off Jared at the MTC. However, I'm glad that now I'll get a letter from him every week :) Please make sure that his weekly email or any hand written letters are also forwarded to me. I am so excited. The MTC is the best place. I wish they had an EFY thing, but just let you go to the MTC. You learn so much there. Anyway, I love you all and I am so grateful for everything you all do and all of the love and support I feel from you every single day. Please continue to send me that love and support by sending me that package ;) I think Sis. Hawkes might get sick of me using her blow dryer every morning. haha.
I love you all very much and I miss you! Have a great week and I can't wait to hear from you!

Love,
Marf

Greetings Earthlings

Hello!

Well, I am in Nebraska now! I don't know who said Nebraska was a flat state full of corn fields... maybe it is when all you do is drive through it, but it is BEAUTIFUL here! There are a bunch of rolling hills with trees EVERYWHERE! I cannot wait for fall! It's pretty humid, but it hasn't been super hot yet.

We got here on Tuesday and we went to the Mission Office where we had to watch some safety driving thing for when we actually get to drive the cars (our trainers do). Then we had our interviews with President Kunz, who is SO great! Then we just got all the logistics figured out and rules and what not. Then we went to the mission home and had the lasagna and the best parmesan french bread in my LIFE! It was so stinking good. Sister Kunz is such a good cook. Especially when you have been eating cafeteria food for a whole month. Then our assistants did some training and we did some role play. Then we headed to one of the Senior Sisters house and slept there. Her name is Sister Taylor and she is the cutest sweetest person ever. Everyone says she makes you REALLY miss your grandma, which is super true. hahaa. The next day we went and got a tour at the Trail Center, went to the temple grounds, the cemetary and then to the bronze statues that Blair Buswell did. It was super cool. Then they through us all out with some missionaries that have been here longer and we went finding. It was so fun and so crazy!

I was really sad when we were done because I was so excited that the people we talked to wanted to talk to us and I just loved them so much and the area and the companion I was with, I was sad that I wasn't going to be able to follow up with them. Then we went back to the mission home and we had dinner with Elder and Sister Watson (the Trail Center Directors) and a stake President. Then we had a testimony meeting and then we got our first assignment. Everyone had to go to the front of the room and read it out loud. I was the very last person. I got assigned to the exact area I was in earlier that day!!! President knew I would be so excited and so he saved me for the end! It was funny because he was excited to see me excited. It's like Christmas day when you get your assignments hahaha. So I am serving in the Millard area and Sister Myers is my trainer. I will send some pics in snail mail, but I learned today that since we do our emails in the TC we can just put them on the comp and send them in our emails! Which will be so so so nice!

On Thursday, we started out at the transfer point, then we went to our area where we had the longest planning session of my life. Which will occur every week. woof. It will be a lot better when I actually know the people that we are talking about. Then we went around and talked with people and I met a family that they have been teaching. They are the cutest. It's a mom and her 2 little girls, one 6 and one 4. They are super cute and I love them! The mom is wanting to get baptized, but she is living with her boyfriend so we have to get that all cleared up beforehand. Anyways, after that was over, there was a HUGE HUGE lightning storm. It was crazy! I could not have lived here when I was little. There is not a thick enough blanket that I could have wrapped around my head. It was crazy driving home. There were trees that were completely fallen over and on the streets and in some areas (not where we were) there was hail the size of baseballs that dented a lot of the mission cars (we drive a 2011 toyota corolla btw. It's awesome). Then we got home and the power was out. So I got to unpack in the dark. That was a bundle of joy.

The next day was Friday and we were in the Trail Center and I was able to go with my companion for 2 tours and then after that I was on my own. It's an amazing place here! I totally love it. I'm so glad that I get to be in the Trail Center, because I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of tracting. And if I had to do that all day everyday I might go crazy. Although, it could happen, so I should probably bite my tongue. Anyway, on Friday night, we went back to that family and I set her for baptism on the 24th. When you have a baptismal date you get to call the President and he will sing you a song. He was really excited, and we are too. So hopefully everything works out and she can get married and baptized by the 24th. She said in the closing prayer to please help her to get married and baptized by the 24th, so I think that's a good sign.

On Saturday, we had trail center training. It was SOOOOO nice to finally get a little bit trained. It is going to be so much fun here. Plus they do that training every Saturday so it's super nice that we get to see all of the sisters once a week. I love it. Then we were on for the 3-9 shift. In Omaha they are going to do a mormon.org media blitz. They have been doing it in a lot of the big cities and have found it to be extremely successful. I heard it doubled baptisms in new york. Anyway, the 2 general authorities who are over that came to the trail center for a tour. They are also in charge of preach my gospel. Anyway, my companion gave them a tour and asked if I could come and help! So on my second shift I helped give a tour to 2 GA's! It was awesome. I was able to bear my testimony to them in our Memorial Room. Which Isaac and Taniel can tell you about. it's the best place here and it's so sacred. Anyway, that was one awesome experience.

I also gave a tour to Josh Krogue, this boy I had a crush on in the 7th grade, and his wife. It was so crazy when he walked in. It's been a lot of fun working here and I can't wait to learn more about the pioneers and why they did what they did. If you have any Pioneer stories of our ancestors, I would VERY much appreciate them. One of the Senior Elders here is a crazy Geneology man. He is helping me find some too. So that's good.

So now, we have an hour for emails, which is a lot less stressful!!! I like it a lot. Oh, just so you know, there is going to be a quilt show in the TC basement in September. If you go to wqquiltshow or something then you can find it. You can even submit one of your quilts! I think it would be AWESOME if you sent out your faith in every footstep quilt, Mom. People would loooooove it here. I would take really good care of it, and then ship it back to you. Just on option. Look it up and let me know.

It sounds like you all had a bunch of fun at Island Park!!! That's so great! I don't get why Dad was nervous about the canoe tipping? Oh well. Has school started yet? Is Jared all ready to leave yet? One more month!!! That's crazy. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them and I will answer you.

The Senior Couples who serve here are the best! I love them. We are all just one big family. We always tell each other we love each other and it's really cool.

I participated in my first Trail Center Run yesterday. Every transfer, they run a 5K. most of the sisters only run a mile though, because we get started later and we still want time to shower and stuff. It was fun though. Maybe by the end of the mish I'll be able to run the whole thing super fast with time to still get ready.

On my last day in the MTC The Sudweeks sent me some brownies!!! It was the best! All my friends from the floor came and we celebrated our last night there by eating those brownies. They were DELISH! Claudia also sent me a letter, that was really really nice. Yesterday, I got a letter from the Fowlers in your ward. I haven't ever met them, but they just thanked me for my farewell talk and for my testimony. It was so nice of them.

Well, I don't really know what else to write. A whole lot has been happening, and I'm busy all the time, and I can't remember half of it now. The TC has motion sensored lights, so when I am taking people on tours, the lights turn on as I walk. It's like an art gallery, so they are accent lights. It's really cool. haha. I don't know why I like that so much.

OH yeah!!! Thank you for the package!! It was so nice to get all that stuff... If you are wanting to send me another package (hint hint ;) ) Then I could use all of the cardigans that I have downstairs (except the short ones). In the TC we have to always wear a cardigan or a jacket. So that would be nice. Also, there was a change AGAIN in the dress code and I can have my pretty coats too. Mostly just that red black plaid one and the black and white plaid one. But I won't need those super soon. But I wouldn't hate getting them... and any other super cute clothes or skirts you want to throw in hahah. It's only been 5 weeks and I'm already sick of my clothes. That's a bad sign. We are headed to Plato's closet today to hopefully find something cute and cheap. I already feel like my sense of style is out the window. Suddenly all I want to wear are clothes from DI. That's bad.

Anyway, I love it here and I am so glad that I am finally here!! It's so beautiful and I am having a great time. I want you all to know how much I love you and miss you. I can't wait to hear what Casey and Laralee are having! That will be so fun! Don't have too much fun partying as you get ready to send Jared off, because I don't want to miss anything good ;) Just keep going with the camping/outdoorsy stuff and we should be OK. hahahaha. P.S. If you could make sure there is 150 in my checking account at all times, that would be nice. Just let me know if the funds start to get low.

I love this gospel. I love being a missionary. I love the people of Nebraska. I love my Savior. I had a realization the other day that the Pioneers knew and loved their Savior too. It wasn't just Joseph Smith and having the "restored gospel." Having the gospel meant they knew Jesus Christ and they were able to access the Atonement. That is so powerful. That's what got them through EVERYTHING that they went through. And none of us are walking across Iowa in the mud for 4 months, but we can use that exact same Atonement to help us get through our hard times. This gospel is true and it is perfect, because it was organized by a perfect Heavenly Father who loves every single one of us, PERFECTLY. I love it.

I love all of you and I miss you! Please write me back lots!!!

Love you,
Martha