The Adventures of Sister Proctor

I'll Take the Rocket

2012-01-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

This has been a good week. The pictures are from our zone activity last week of making shirts. Me with the Davis' who left yesterday morning. One ridiculous chat that we got the other day. And I will send you another email with another ridiculous chat. Don't post those pictures though, because they have the email addresses of people.

This week in tender mercies:

Monday: P-day, getting letters and pictures from home!!! I love hearing from you all, it really just brightens up my week. Thank you so much.

Tuesday:The TC was unbelievably slow, buuuut, I read 40 pages of the Book of Mormon. It is really nice to get all of the study time that we do when it's so slow.

Wednesday: I found this devotional from Legrand Richards called Missionary experiences. You should all read it. It's phenomenal. It just talks about how TRUE this gospel is!!! In fact, maybe I'll attach it. Done. You should all read it. In fact, Will you all read it by my next P-day? I promise that if you do, you will be able to strengthen your testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and come closer to Him. :)

Thursday: We had exchanges and so I went to another area. I learned a lot. And a lot of the things that I have been praying for were answered on that day through that exchange. It was really great to see how Heavenly Father was looking after me. So grateful.

Friday: 6 month mark!!! Wooo hooo!!! We also had a great district meeting and I had a lot of realizations about missionary work and about the gospel. I love that.

Saturday: We went over to one of our investigators house and she was busy cleaning, and so we offered to help. I have been dying to help clean this house since I got here in August. We cleaned the kitchen, it was disgusting and I have never cleaned more dishes in my life, but it looked SO good afterwards!!!!! I felt like Niecy Nash on clean house. Shoot!

Sunday: Natte came to church!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was the best thing ever! I'm so glad that he finally did! Everyone was greeting him afterwards and he loved it. He especially loved the intermediate hymn of "Who's on the Lord's Side?" Which was great. So good to see people actually progress!!!

Monday: We just had a few hours in our area, but it was so enjoyable just going out and talking to random strangers. Enjoying that is a tender mercy.

Happy Birthday Michelle on Saturday!!! That is so exciting!!!

So today, our P-day is cut 3 hours short since we are going to the temple this Friday, so I will try my best to write you all letters.

You all sound like you are doing so great and I am so grateful for every single one of you. Please know that I love you so much. I miss you all, but I am so grateful for this time that I get to serve a mission. Sometimes it is hard and I just can't wait for the day when I get to come down that escalator and see you all again, but I know that if I want to be happy THEN, I need to be happy NOW. Remembering that has made all of the difference. As hard as missionary work can be sometimes, you just have to remember that this is the ONLY time that you will be able to devote your whole day/life to serving the Lord. What a great opportunity that is. I have learned so much on my mission, but I still have so much more to learn. I am excited for those opportunities.

So, next week is transfers so our P-day will be on Wednesday. It's gonna be crazy to figure out where I am going to end up. I am freaking out about it, but I know that it will be exactly where I'm supposed to be. What a great promise.

Is there anyway Laurie could forward me Sarah's emails? I love hearing from her.

Still no snow. Which is the greatest. But word on the street is that whenever there is a mild winter, that means that tornado season is crazy. YIKES. What's the number one thing I've been afraid of after Laura told me about the second coming (note that she left out the part about the Savior coming for the second time)?? Tornadoes. Gosh, I hope that we don't have any. It would be cool to see one, but from VERY far away :)

I STILL don't have Isaac and Taniel's address. Please please please send that to me?

I miss you all a ton and I can't wait to hear from you next week. Be good and keep working hard. I promise to do the same thing. I love you all!!!

Love,

Sister Proctor

Mom is trying to catch up again

2012-01-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Family!

I got really sad when we were talking about watching Freddy Kruegers Christmas and I realized that I wouldn't get all of the voicemails saying "Merry Christmas, Martha" after everyone watched it. Too bad. Hahaha.

Well, this week has been great! I even brought my journal with me so I could actually remember what we did! I write down a tender mercy for every single day, so I will share those with you

Last Monday we went to Walmart and after walking all around, I realized my wallet was not in my pocket. YIIIIIIKES. This Walmart is super sketchy too. There are always people trying to trade their "50 dollar gift cards" for your 50 bucks. Puh-lease. Anyway, We walked all around the store and went back out to the car to see if it was in there, and NOTHING. Then, we went up to the Customer Service, expecting nothing, and someone turned it in!!!!!! What a MIRACLE! Seriously, when I was talking to members about it, they were like, Heavenly Father loves you, because no one would turn it in here. I am excited to meet that person in Heaven and tell them how thankful I am for them :)

On Tuesday, we had a lesson with Patrick. His heart is getting worse and worse. He lost 1/3 of his heart muscle and has had multiple heart attacks he has a pace maker and a defibrillator. And it's a miracle every time he wakes up. So we went and talked with him and talked about funeral arrangements and talked about how he is prepared to meet God now that He is baptized. It was really special. Then I read Alma 40:11 with him. This scripture is the very first scripture I read with him when we met out in the parking lot because he was talking about all of his family members who had passed away. So to be able to read it with him again, this time talking about how he would be "taken home" was such a special experience. I was totally bawling. As I was reading it, I kept thinking about how one day I would get to see him in Heaven in a perfect state, and how I was an instrument in the Lord's hands for getting him there. Missionary work is the BEST thing ever! I cannot even express to you the gratitude and the joy that I feel from this sweet experience.

On Wednesday night, all of the sisters who live in the apartments went over to one of the senior couples and had a Thanksgiving breakfast at 930 p.m. It was so much fun. Then we all went around and shared what we were most grateful for. I said I was most grateful for Heavenly Father's plan for me. I am just amazed at how happy I am being able to serve a mission. And to think I fought this for 4 years!!! I am becoming the person that I have always wanted to become and I have a much stronger relationship with my Savior. I have also been able to develop so many great and lasting relationships here with all of the other missionaries. It is just awesome.

On Thursday, we had 2 Thanksgiving dinners right in a row. WOOF. The tender mercy was that I didn't die. Even though I wanted to. I have never experienced so much pain in my life. There was just so much food in my stomach. At the 2nd dinner, they gave me a GIANT piece of pecan pie. Never again. It took everything in me to finish it and not throw up. I seriously was praying the whole time. Then we went to the church to share a message with a bunch of members that were having a joint Thanksgiving and just the smell of it made me so sick. I went into the bathroom and tried to throw up. I was ready to swear off Thanksgiving for the rest of my life. But, of course, members gave us all of the leftovers, so that is really all I have been eating the past few days. It's OK when you don't have to eat a ton right after another dinner. Yikes.

On Friday, Steve- who we just set for baptism- texted us and dropped us. Worst thing ever. He didn't even explain why. It was SOOOOOOOOOOO frustrating. I just could not stop thinking about it though, so I started a fast that night and continued on to Saturday. Noticing that this wasn't exactly a tender mercy, I decided to write one that I forgot to write before. Apparently, Elder Holland is one of the Apostles in charge of visitors centers, especially assigning them to VC, especially the Mormon Trail Center, so he probably saw my picture and assigned me here! How awesome is that! I love Him, and I love Heavenly Father, and they both knew exactly where I needed to be. Cool. Also, we got to go to the temple. Which was before Steve dropped us and all I could think about was how in a years time I could be there to see Steve go through the temple. ...

On Saturday, I didn't write a tender mercy :( I was still so upset about Steve. I could not stop thinking about him and I wanted to see him again to bear my testimony to him and let him feel the spirit.

On Sunday, Steve texted to us "stay warm and safe." Our WML had just given us a ton of cake and so we asked Steve if we could drop some by. He said yes and so we RUSHED over. We were able to talk to him and he said he read the whole BOM and felt that he couldn't make the sacrifice that God was asking. So we talked to him and testified to him that he could and that God would help him. He told me I should go into sales since I am always "closing" ahahah. But! He said we could meet with him again! My prayers were answered!!! So awesome! I just pray that he will continue to progress and that he can enter into a covenant with His Heavenly Father.

Yesterday, the tender mercy was that our apartment was clean, and all of us helped clean it. Once people live with me, they realize very soon that I don't like cludder and hoarding on to crap :) Hhahaa, I love it when things are clean.

If anyone is interested in getting me a journal, I could really use one. I want one like all of my others, which you could see in my room downstairs. It is at Deseret book or walmart or something. It's like a half size one that says Journal on the front. I had a white one, a black one and this one is a reddish color... if that helps you find them... they lay flat when you write, which is why I love them. Anyway.... that would be sweet :)

I have to give you this Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe. It's so good, one of our members made it for me like my first Sunday here, and then she made it again this last week because she knew how much I loved it. I got all of the stuff for it today so I could make it. It's SO EASY.

2 c Chicken Broth

Chicken Cooked- you can used canned

1 can diced green chilies

1 pkg taco seasoning

1 can corn-optional

1 can cream of potato soup

Mix in a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours

1 hour prior to serving, add:

4 oz velveeta

8 oz sour cream

serve with limes, cilantro, and tortilla chips

It is so freaking good. I am excited to go home and make it haha.

So the pictures this week:

Every Friday night, we usually have sisters sleeping over at our apartment since we are close to the TC and we have training early that morning. This is this last Friday night. Sister Atkin and I go crazy when we are together. I love her so much. Anyway, we somehow got into playing superman. It was a lot of fun hahaha.

The other picture is me with the Naylors. They are going home this week. I am going to miss them SO much! He is the one who does all of the family history stuff for all of us. They live in Heber, so I'm glad that I'll be able to see them when I get home. I also invited them to my wedding reception in a year and 4 months. hahaha. I know that's not really going to happen, but I seriously am excited for when I really do get married and I get to have them all come to my wedding reception because most of them live in Utah :) haha. Not that I think about that a lot... what?

It is getting colder and colder. No snow except for that one day on the 1st of November. But I am freezing BIG TIME.

Well, Family, I love you all SO much! P.S. We won't need a calling card for Christmas. I am pretty sure that we are going to Skype. I can't believe Jared is on his way to the Philippines. He is going to be such a powerhouse missionary. I am excited for him. I love you all so much and I wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Love,

Sister Proctor

Hello Family!

Greetings from the coldest place I've ever been to! We had our first real snow fall. It is CRAAAAAZY. They have straight up ice storms here. It's nuts. Here's my tender mercies of the week:

Tuesday Night: We went over to this one guy's house who we are teaching. He is from Togo and He has a Masters in Biblical Studies. I was able to share with him all of these scriptures that made the Restoration make sense. I was pulling them out from who knows where. I know it's because of the Spirit. I have studied those scriptures diligently before, and then when I need them, the Spirit brings them to my remembrance. It's awesome. And awfully convenient, because I don't know what missionaries would do without it. Yes I do: absolutely nothing.

Wednesday: We had the most amazing District meeting ever. I love my district this transfer. We all pray for each others investigators every night and we all just recognize who is in charge of this work. We have seen so many miracles together it's amazing.

Thursday: We were in the TC pretty much all day. Elder Watson found out that I did tech support and so now he uses all of my computer hacking skills. I like it. I feel needed and important. Also, it's just cool how EVERYTHING that I did before my mission was preparing me to serve a mission and be the most useful. Like playing the piano. I play the piano at every meeting we have, and I love it.

Friday: They had the new trainers join in on Zone Council. It was PHENOMENAL. I learned soooooooo much about how to be a better missionary. I realized something AWESOME. We were talking about how important that it is that we love our investigators and we let that be our driving force rather than baptisms or numbers or whatever. And we were just talking about that for a while, and then I realized that God's whole motivation for us, for the Plan of Salvation, for everything is love. 'God so LOVED the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son.' So, God's motivation is love, and we are to be doing His work, His way, then our motivation should be loved. After I realized that I shared it with everyone there and all of our minds were blown. It was awesome.

Saturday: This was when it snowed. We started out at the TC and I was downstairs working the gingerbread festival, and there was a HUGE group from Minnesota on a Holiday Getaway. It was so fun talking to all of them in their accents. It was the cutest. I got 10 referrals from them in like a half an hour because all I had to do was mention that we could send them Freddy Kruegers Christmas (formerly known as Mr. Kruegers Christmas) with Jimmy Stewart and they were SOLD! It was so funny. But the best part was that it snowed so much that the cars got grounded, so we had to stay in the TC. We all had so much fun. Of course, we were still diligent missionaries and we organized our area books like crazy. Sister Hawkes and I spent a lot of time shoveling the sidewalk outside and we had a great chat about how AWESOME missions are... more on that later. It was such a fun day.

Sunday: We reset Steve for baptism on Dec 17. We are so excited for him. He stopped drinking coffee before we even told him about it. Holy cow. This guy is so prepared, sometimes it freaks me out haha. Everyone is just blown away by his story. It's funny.

Ok, so back to being a missionary. I LOOOOOOOOOVE it. I absolutely love it. I can't even express to you the joy that I have for what I am doing. Not just teaching the gospel, not just meeting new people, not just making new friends, not just developing a better relationship with my Savior and Heavenly Father, not just becoming a better person. EVERYTHING about being a missionary is awesome!!!!!!! I started thinking about the person that I was before I left, and it makes me sad. Even right before I left, I was so nervous and scared that I don't feel like I was as excited about missionary work as I could have been. It makes me sad that you don't get to see me so excited and so happy about what I am doing. But I guess the letters will have to suffice for now. I really cannot express to you my joy and my satisfaction in serving a mission. It is everything that I have ever wanted to do, but just didnt' know it. It is preparing me sooooooooooo much for my future life. I can't even stand it! It's so awesome! I can't wait for Jared to keep having these experiences. And for Mom and Dad when you serve! AHHHHH! It's amazing. I can't believe that in less than 13 months this will all be over. That makes me really sad sometimes. Which is why I just have to cherish every single day that I have as a missionary. But then, when I do return, to keep being a missionary and to keep living the gospel. Did you know that is why they made Preach My Gospel? It was to convert the missionary as well. There were so many missionaries that kept going home from their missions, and then becoming less active. So they made Preach My Gospel. It's AMAZING! I love it so much! I love studying from it every single day! You all should study from it. It's not just how to teach the gospel. It's how to LIVE IT! I seriously cannot express to you what I feel about being a missionary. So I will just do this: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I feel that is the best way to express to you how excited I am about it :)

Oh man. I can't believe I get to Skype with you in 20 days!!! We will probably be at the Kmieciks house, so that will be fun, then you can see them :) Speaking of the Kmiecicks, they want tabs like the ones I have in my scriptures, which I got from the BYU bookstore. They are plastic and roundish white tabs. They said they would buy them if you guys could find them and ship them out, that would be cool.

I can't believe Jared is in the Philippines. I started tearing up when I read his email just thinking about him teaching people the gospel in the most humble of circumstances. It's amazing. He is going to come home a different person, and so will I. And it will be for the BEST.

I absolutely love that Dad is getting so into Christmas this year! Who knew all I had to do was back down and He would get into it hahaha. Everyone has different coping methods for when they miss people, Dad is just showing his by getting into Christmas as much as I did :) hahaha. I love it so much. The tree looks awesome! I love it!

I am so happy about everything. I have realized that my happiness level has just sky rocketed. hahah. Every meal someone makes is the best thing I've ever eaten. Every dress someone wears is the cutest thing I've ever seen. Every persons name is the prettiest name I've ever heard. hahaha It's so funny. Everything is just so GOOOOOD! Bah! I just hope that you can feel a little bit of what I am expressing.

The pictures are of the GOOORGEOUS sun set and then the snow! It's awesome.

Well, I am going to send an email to Jared, so I'm off. But have a wonderful week. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! 36? years! That's awesome. I talk about you guys a lot at the end of my tours at the SLC Temple facade and how AWESOME it is that you were married there. I love you all so much and I miss you! Pray for me since I have to drive mission cars in the snow :) I love you and miss you! Talk to you in 20 days!!!

Love,
Sister Proctor

Hello Family!

So, first off, sorry for the lack of letters last week, we were BUSY! We went and got a real live Christmas tree!!!!! We decorated it ourselves and it is just the best. Oh, I just love it. I'm thinking of lighting it up in flames on Christmas Eve, just to make it feel more like home, but we'll see ;)

Thank you SOOOOO much for all of your emails! AAAAND packages. I got 3 yesterday. That's the best thing that could happen to a missionary haha. I'm so excited to open them on Christmas (except Casey's which I will start tomorrow). I absolutely love Christmas, and it's actually pretty fun being here for Christmas. On Christmas Eve all of the sisters are getting together at the TC with the senior couples and having dinner and playing games. The Senior Couples have figured out that I can cook, so they want me to help. I love it! It's going to be fun. And then, next week (my p-day is on Wednesday) I will be able to tell you what time we can skype, I will be at the Kmieciks house probably, so I'm excited that you can meet them!

Tender Mercies for the week:
Monday: P-DAY. We got a Christmas tree. Nothing could be better. Also, I am super grateful for my roommate Sister Hawkes (she took Isaac and Taniel on tour). She is just so awesome and she can't WAIT to meet all of you because of all the stories I tell her. She is awesome and we have become really great friends, and will continue even after the mish. She's great. and so is the Christmas tree.

Tuesday: Wah wah, I was sick again. It's getting really old. We went out to our area for a little bit, but I was just feeling EXHAUSTED, so when we came back for our shift at the TC I just went and slept in the bed. Yikes.

Wednesday: Still sick. I just slept all day long. I knew that this would happen though, especially after last week I was telling you just how much I love being a missionary, then I can't go out because I'm sick. I'm certain that Satan is over viruses/bugs. It's so obnoxious. This isn't really a tender mercy... whoops.

Thursday: Oh my gosh. We were scheduled for chat and I have been having the worst attitude about chat. Because we either chat with members who need counseling, or people who just want to bash, or people who are creepy. Anyway, President Kunz was at the TC and he wanted to sit in on one of the chat sessions! I was freaking out! But, the chats went SOOOO well! It was awesome having President there. He was so excited! The chats went so well! We sent the missionaries to 3 people in 3 hours!!! and set one for baptism! It was really great. Heavenly Father gave me that so that He could show me why He started chat in the first place. It was awesome. Also, the cars were grounded due to the snow, so afterwards we just organized and updated our area book.

Friday: Elder Watson is having me do the schedule for the senior couples because he thinks I'm some sort of whiz on computers. It's nice though, I feel important. I just love the Watsons, and I love the Trail Center.

Saturday: We finished typing up all of our potential investigators. Our area book was the biggest mess, and I couldn't handle it anymore, so I had to get it all organized. It looks so good now, and it's so much easier to plan. Also, that night, all of our roommates got together and watched Mr. Kruegers Christmas before we went to bed. It was so tender and so fun. I love Christmas!!!

Sunday: I took a Mom and her 9 year old son on tour. They had just come up from the gingerbread and I guess they do that once a year. So I took them on tour and it went so well, they will be baptized one day, I know it. But, after they left, they came back because the Mom said that her son said something that she thought I should hear, and he said, "this was the best time I've ever had here." So tender. So cute. I love it.

Monday: The tender mercy is that we have Preach My Gospel. I just love studying and I love studying from PMG. It's so amazing and such a wonderful inspired gift from God. I'm so grateful for it.

So, that's this week. Due to being sick and the cars being grounded, we only had 9 hours in our area this last week, so things were slower, but they are still going great! Steve is going to get baptized on December 23 and confirmed on Christmas. What a great day that will be.

What areas did Doug serve in?

I am so glad you had the chocolate dipping party!!! That is awesome! I can't wait to get some of that :) It sounds like you are all doing really well and having fun.

The pictures are of our Christmas tree festivities and decorating that we did last week. I hope you like our fire place, with the stockings hung with care- or how ever that poem goes. Then a picture of me and Elder Watson. Love him.

I can't believe that Casey is going to have a baby so soon! That is CRAZY! I knew she was pregnant, and has been for a while, but I guess I thought it would take a lot longer. That's nuts!!!! Corbin is a cute name, I'm excited to see pictures of him. When is Laralee due?

Jared sounds like he is doing so well. I just love reading his letters. Just like it was before our missions, every time I hear something about the Philippines I am more and more happy to be serving in Nebraska :) It's so funny, because I wanted to go somewhere foreign so bad, and learn a language, but Heavenly Father knew better, and I am so happy here. I love Nebraska and I love the people. I love the pioneers and I love the gospel that they gave EVERYTHING for. It's so great. Oh, that reminds me, I am sending an SD card with a short 10 minute video of me going through the gallery showing you stuff, so I'll get that off today hopefully. Also, just know that at the beginning when I just say I want a self tour and I sound like a brat, it's because it's an inside joke, because a ton of people come in and say that they just want a self-tour... so the sisters in the video knew that... anyway... it should be fun.

Well, family, I love you SOOOOO much! I'm excited to skype with you in a couple of days!! That will be crazy! What is happening with Jared? It's too bad I can't see him... I'm going to send him an email real quick, So I've gotta go. Just know that I love you and miss you! Merry Christmas!!!

Love,
Sister Proctor

Hello Family!

Happy New Year!!! I hope everyone had a great New Years. On New Years Eve, I was pretty sick again, and so I slept most of the day. Then that night we weekly planned and then we had a coconut and opened it. I don't know why we had a coconut. Sister Hawkes bought it and wanted it for that night. It was really gross. But we busted that open, and then we counted down until 10:00 and had some Martinellis. Then we went to bed at 1030. You can see from the pictures that I look a little bit out of it, and that is because I was on Theraflu and sooooo tired. It was a pretty uneventful New Years, but still fun. Everyone here is getting sick like crazy. They say it's because of the flood and the mold that is now in the air. It's really obnoxious. One of the sisters here has dang whooping cough. It's crazy.

This week in tender mercies:

Tuesday: P-DAY!!! And we went to the mall. It was the best. I got a new watch for 10 bucks, which is great because mine has been falling apart for many moons now. Plus, it's just fun going back to the mother ship :)

Wednesday: I'm starting to realize more and more how perfectly Heavenly Father directs our paths. We were driving out to our area and I remembered that I wanted to stop by the office to get a MOTAB sampler for Natte. When we got there, Sister Lund asked if someone had called me and told me to come because they needed my help since they are moving the office. They wanted me to go through all of their old computer stuff and chuck everything that they didn't need. They have been in that office since 93, which meant I had to throw away all of their floppy disk word perfect back ups. It was crazy haha. Anyway, just cool that Heavenly Father directs us to exactly where we need to be.

Thursday: Every now and then, Sister Graham has a hard time feeling like she is as close to the Spirit as she should be, and it frustrates her, so on our way home I asked if we could stop by the Watsons so he could have a talk with her. So we did. When we were there, Elder Watson said SO many nice things about me. He sndered on the love that the Savior has for me. And when I am not where I am supposed to be, he weeps and worries about me. But when I come to Him, He is there with loving arms to embrace me and let me feel of His love. What a great experience.

Friday: Sister Graham was sick this day. This isn't the tender mercy, but it was a tender mercy that I was able to take care of her. I have been praying for ways to better show her my love. Because I don't like just saying it, I want to show it. So, with her being sick I was able to serve her more and take care of her. It was great.

Saturday: I thought back on this whole year, and how at the beginning of 2011, I had no idea what happiness was in store for me in the latter half of the year. I am so grateful that I chose to come on a mission. I am so grateful for everyone who made it possible for me to have this experience. I am so grateful for my Savior and for the relationship I am developing with him. 2011 has been a phenomenal year, and 2012 is going to be even better! Especially if at the end of it (before Christmas) I get to see all of you!!!! Keep praying for that ;)

Sunday: Another experience of Heavenly Father directing our paths. We were trying some people at about 530 yesterday, and I decided we should just call the Kmieciks and see if we could visit them. We called them and they said we could come right over. We didn't really have a lesson planned, so I decided to ask them what they learned at church. They decided to go to the gospel doctrine class since they are studying the Book of Mormon. I asked them if we could read a chapter of the Book of Mormon with them that night. I asked Brother Kmiecik where he was in his reading and he said Alma 26. I was so excited, and if you don't know why I would be excited, feel free to look at my missionary plaque. So we read that together, they asked questions, I shared with them why Ammon was my favorite person in the Book of Mormon, then we applied it to them and how they are being missionaries to those around them. It was really great. Then Brother Kmiecik asked why we decided to come over. We told them we just thought it was a good idea. He said that that morning, they had been talking about how they needed to get better at reading and that they needed to start as soon as possible. So Brother Kmiecik was just amazed at how the Lord answered that for him immediately. It was SO cool. I just love how everything works out EXACTLY the way it should. And now every week we are going to to go the Kmieciks and read with them. It will be so fun. I'm excited.

I don't know if you got the letter, but the mission office is now moving to this address:
11027 Martha St, OMAHA, NEBRASKA, 68144

I know, I know, Martha Street?! How awesome is that?! I was meant to be in this mission at this time. It's so sweet. haha. Now, EVERY single letter that comes to missionaries will have my name on it. AWESOME. haha

Transfers are in a month, and more than likely I will be transferred out of Millard. I am FREAKING out. I love Millard so much and I don't want to leave the people here. I am going to make the best of these next 4 weeks and try and understand that if I do get transferred that it will be exactly where the Lord needs me, and that will make me love it just as much.

I got Jake's mormon.org profile! Woohoo!!! Good job Jacob! Now if the rest of you could send yours along the way too that would be great! And while your at it, you could even write me a letter!!! Hahaha, it's another Monday P-day, so I didn't really get a lot of emails... :( It's OK though, I suppose you are all busy and have lives what with the holidays and all... weird.

So, tomorrow I am going to the Doctor to have my hernia looked at. This past week it hasn't been bothering me at all. That's the frustrating thing, because sometimes it's fine and other times it bugs me. So I don't want to have to have you pay for me to fly out and back to fix something that doesn't really matter. It's like the boy who cried wolf (Did you know Jake was that boy?!). Anyway, I'm gonna go get it checked out again tomorrow, and missionary medical will cover that check-up, so that's good. Hopefully we can get it figured out and I won't have to worry about it. Elder Watson refuses to send me home because he thinks that I will get transferred to another mission and he doesn't want to share me hahah. But we'll get it all worked out hopefully. Right now, I don't see any need for surgery, but 2 weeks ago, I would definitely say otherwise. Baaah. So annoying. But, it's alright, whatever is supposed to happen will happen.

Well, I love you all so much. Thank you for your love and for your support. You all mean the world to me and I couldn't ask for a better family. Thank you for the things you have all taught me and for your examples of gospel-centered lives. I love you all!!!!

Love,
Sister Proctor

YAYYYY FOR EMAILS!!!

I love Tuesday P-days hahaha. It was so good to hear from all of you! That's so exciting that Corbin is here!! And if I don't come back before Christmas, I will be coming home on his 1st birthday! Crazy/Awesome!!!

This week in Tender Mercies:

Tuesday: We went to the Doctor for my hernia, and pretty much everything is fine, and they said to let the pain be my guide. But then I found out that day that there is a way to get it fixed here, with mission medical covering it! It's awesome! So we will plan on getting it fixed in March or April, because they don't want me to slip and fall on the ice (if it ever actually snows here) while I am recovering. So that IS AWESOME.

Wednesday: We had a lesson with Steve and we asked him to teach it. He provided handouts and everything. It was about enduring to the end. It was incredible. I just love seeing people progress in the gospel!

Thursday: I got to be companions with Sister Belka (MTC comp)!!!! Both of our companions were sick so we got to go out together. It was SO MUCH FUN!!! We teach so well together and we went through a lot together in the MTC so it was so good to be back again. I hope we can be companions for real soon.

Friday: I was companions with Sis Belka again! But the biggest tender mercy was when Heavenly Father saved our lives!!! hahaha. We were driving down the freeway, when all of the sudden a ladder falls out of the truck in front of us in the next lane over. Then the ladder came skidding across the freeway right into our lane. We checked behind us, and no one was there, so we slowed down as fast as we could. But we still totally ran it over. So it cracked part of the front fender, so we had to fill out an accident report. My favorite part was having to draw out the diagram. Hahahah. So funny. We were laughing sooooo hard. But, luckily we were safe and everything is OK. Also, I was not driving-just FYI

Saturday: I figured out how to print a mini Preach My Gospel. It's incredible and SOOO small. I'm so happy about that. hahah. Now I can have it everywhere I go!

Sunday: Steve was ordained a Priest by his son! So awesome! Also, it was the last page of my journal, and at the beginning of the journal which started on September 24, 2010, I said "Ah, a new journal. How exciting. I wonder what will happen to me as I write this journal." Who knew it would be the best things of my life that would go down in that journal. So many tender mercies.

Monday: So, sometimes my comp makes weird faces when she teaches. This is an awkward thing to tell someone. But, I figured out a way to do it! We started recording ourselves in companion study when we role play and then we watch it and see how we can improve. She picked up on it, and now is working to fix it. So great!!!

So, the pictures are:

1. This DELICIOUS recipe from Sister Watson from this drink we had at Christmas. You should totally make it.

2. That is how sticky our floor was. It was disgusting and I almost fell over.

3. Sister Belka and I with our accident report

4. The diagram of our accident. hahahah

5. Me and Sister Graham just barely.

Well, things are going splendidly here. There is still no snow. It's like 50 degrees everyday. Last week it was like 60, I didn't even have to wear a jacket. It was awesome. I'm not convinced of midwest winters. So far, it seems that they don't exist... Hahaha. I'm just hoping this doesn't come back to bite us later this year. We'll see.

It sounds like everything is going well at home. That makes me happy. I love that Dad is obsessed with cleaning carpets.

Did you know that I love being a missionary? It really is awesome. I am so grateful that I don't have to worry about flying home/flying back for a surgery and that it will just get fixed here. Also, I'll be able to exercise for real after that! That will be nice. My arms are getting pretty buff though since that's all I can work out hahah. I can't believe that in less than a year I will be home. I also can't believe that Sarah is almost to her year mark! That is so exciting!!!

So how is everyone in the Goodwin/Proctor Family? I hope everyone is doing what they know they are supposed to be doing so they can be happy!

So, we are having this huge exhibit coming to the trail center called Love thy neighbor. It's about all of the church's humanitarian work. It's really great. It came yesterday in 10 HUGE crates. And we started setting it up, and we soon realized that the exhibit has these panels that are 9 feet tall and our basement ceiling is 8 feet 6 inches tall. Yikes. I still don't know what they are planning on doing about it. There have been a TON of advertisements for it... Hopefully that all gets worked out. It was pretty stressful for everyone yesterday.

Well, I love you all so much and I am so grateful for all of the examples that you give to me. Please continue to pray for all of the missionaries. And pray for ways that you can have missionary experiences. If you know who the missionaries are, go out with them!!! Not on a date... I mean, to teach with them. Hahah. It sounds like Jared is doing well, I just wished he sent a picture of that hair cut hahah. I miss Laura cutting my hair too. Well, I love you all and I hope you have a fantastic week! Love you! Write me lots!!!

Love,

Marf

Hi family!!!

YAAYYYYYYYY!!!!! I'm so excited that Isaac and Taniel are having a girl! I can't even stand it! That is so exciting! It's gonna be so fun to come home to all of these new nieces and nephews! So great!

The pictures are from the gorgeous sky we had yesterday ( you can see there is STILL no snow) and then me 5 seconds ago. Pretty great.

Tender Mercies:

Tuesday- I made a skirt! I got some really cute fabric for like 7 bucks and then one of the senior missionaries let me use her sewing machine. It was so fun. I miss sewing and I love the skirt that I made. It reminded me of home. The only problem is that now all of the sisters want me to make them a skirt too. haha

Wednesday- we went over to the Kmieciks to read the BOM with them. We did the same thing the Sunday before and I drew out the Tree of Life vision for them on a piece of paper to help them understand it. And when we went back on Wednesday, they had it in a frame, they titled it "Tree of Life" and put my name on the bottom. It was the sweetest thing. I was about ready to cry it made me so happy.

Thursday- Sister Graham and I have been having a lot of fun together. It's great. It's fun to laugh a lot. Yesterday, she texted one of our appointments asking if we could "move it up an hour before 6" but the auto correct on our phone made it so she asked if we could "love it up an hour before 6" hahahah I was dying.

Friday- I gave Steve Scott and his coworker a tour. It was fun. It wasn't the greatest tour since it was hard with both of them leaving through out it to call people, but NBD. Also, there is a senior missionary here who is a chiropractor and I had him do some work on me since my back was hurting, and it worked! Maybe not all chiropractors are quacks. :)

Saturday- We had some training on using family history in our finding. I also learned how to use new.familysearch.org. It's the funnest thing ever!!!!! I can't wait to go home and do family history!!!! also, if you go to createfan.com and log in with your lds.org account, you can print off a pretty snazzy fan chart. I did it and I've been showing EVERYONE. They think it's amazing.

Sunday- We had an appointment with a new investigator. She has a little boy who is 5. And while we were talking to her, he came up and interrupted us letting us know that he loves his family a lot. And then he said, "and you two are part of my family." It was so cute! When I was in the MTC, we had one of the General Primary counselors come and talk to us. She told us to look in the eyes of the children, because we are representatives of Jesus Christ and they need to feel His love through our eyes. I remember that every time I see a child. It was the sweetest thing.

Well, things are going swimmingly. We have someone set for baptism on the 28th, and get this!!! She's a female and she's married! Woohoo! Not all of the people I baptize will be single men hahaha. So funny. She's so great and she LOOOOOOOVES Glen Beck. She was even on his show once. Maybe she would get along with Isaac ;)

Well, probably 2 1/2 more weeks left in Millard. Not that I'm predicting transfers or anything... hahah. It will be hard, but at the same time I think a new place with people that I haven't seen would be a nice fresh start.

Michelle, thanks for sending me the blog posts, that is a GREAT idea!!! I wish I could still read all of your blogs!!

Today at zone activity we are going to make those bleach shirts. It was my idea haha. Hopefully they turn out. Also, we are holding some Elders heading to Curitiba Brazil!!! Too bad Reeve couldn't have been here for a little while. I told all of them to look for Elder Sudweeks. And that he'd probably be one of their trainers. Pretty awesome.

So, our President has challenged us to start reading the Book of Mormon and to be done by the end of June, but focusing on the Atonement. I think it will be really cool. I am going to use a separate Book of Mormon for it. I'm excited to do that.

I can't believe that Heber is getting baptized so soon! That's awesome!!! Good job HEB!

Well, I'm sorry this is so short, but I have to get some stuff ready for Zone Activity. I love you all and I am SOOOOOOOOOOO grateful for all of you. Oh, I just remembered I had this dream that all the missionaries went on a field trip to Kohlers, but we had to make sure our parents didn't come while we were there. But Mom came anyway hahaha. So, it was fun talking to you in my dream Momma! I love you all! Write me lots!

Love,

Sister Proctor

I feel like a teenage mother

2011-12-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

Dearest Darlingest Family,

This has been a CRAZY morning. We had been waiting all morning to hear about transfers, and then at 8:01 am President called-NEVER a good sign. hahaha. He called me and let me know that the Lord has called me to be a trainer. I immediately started freaking out. It is going to be a very new, interesting and faith building experience. I am excited that I get to stay in Millard, but I am so nervous to train!!! I have only been out 12 weeks! I know that the Lord will help me though and we both (my new companion and I) have a lot to learn from each other. Anyway, if you could just add some more thoughts for me in your prayers, that would be great :) And also for my new companion, that she won't be TOO disappointed with her trainer :) Her name is Sister Graham and she is from Orem, Utah. She doesn't know that we are going to be companions yet, she will find out tonight at President's house and then I'll pick her up tomorrow morning at transfer point when I say farewell to Sister Myers. Like the title of my subject, I feel like a teenage mother. I am not experienced enough to train someone! Hhaha. It's gonna be hard, but I know it will make us both better missionaries and the Lord has a lot in store for both of us.

Transfers are CRAZY. One of my roommates is being shipped out west and we won't see her for who knows how long. It's just weird because the last transfer didn't affect us, but this one totally threw us all through a loop. I will still be rooming with Sister Hawkes though, so that's good. She will be training as well. So, fortunately I will have a semi-trainer when we come back at night that I can ask questions to. I am excited because I know this will push me to be a better missionary.

Anyway, this week has been good. The last p-day I was sick and I just slept the rest of the day after I emailed you. Then on Wednesday I was sick again and had to stay in the Trail Center all day. Then on Thursday, I was so sick of being sick that I didn't even care anymore and I went out in the afternoon and felt good enough, then we had a shift in the trail center, so that was fine. Then, on Friday we had weekly planning and the trail center so by that time I felt much better. On Saturday we had **** baptism! (change the name if it's going on the blog). It was so awesome! He is thinking about serving a mission and I can't wait for people to hear his testimony. Then on Sunday we had a great day and ****was confirmed and****** received the Priesthood! It was so great! I love days like that when you see people making covenants and/or receiving the blessings of the gospel. It's so awesome. On Monday we had district meeting- I included the picture of our district and our zone leaders. I have loved this district, they are SO fun. And the good news is a lot of them are still in my next district. Then afterwards we went to the trail center. Then yesterday we served in the trail center. I was the next to give a tour and I was just sitting in the chair and these two guys walk in. And I turned to Sister Atkin and I was like, "these guys look famous. like the osmonds or something." Then we found out that one of them had served in NOM and left in July and so he was talking to Elder Watson for a while. In the mean time, Sister Atkin are making all of these jokes because they look like the Osmonds about how I should on the tour call him Elder Osmond or ask how Donny and Marie are doing, and we are just cracking each other up. Then I go to take them on tour and as we are walking into the gallery, I ask them what their names are and they say their first names and their last names. Osmond. I was like. Wait. What?! and they were like, Umm... Osmond. and so then I start laughing and I bring them back into the lobby and say "Sister Atkin, I'd like to introduce you to the Osmonds." And she couldn't believe and we told them the story of what we were talking about before hand. It was so funny. It turns out that Donny and Marie are their aunt and uncle. Crazy stuff. So I'm practically famous now. It was a really good tour, too.

Hey, I had this idea! Rather than buying stuff and shipping it to me, you could buy it on Amazon and have it shipped here!!! Genius right?! ahahha. Some of the other sisters families do that for them. No pressure or anything, but I could really go for an electric blanket... It is starting to get CHILLY here. It snowed last Wednesday. A TON. It's all melted now, but it's supposed to snow again today I think. Oh gosh, I just realized that now I'm gonna be Senior comp, which means I'll have to drive the mission cars. In the snow. yikes. Again- please pray for me.

Well, this last week has been really great. Since I was sick for so long and realized how BORING it was to stay inside all day and how unproductive it feels, I have a new found love for missionary work. Not that I had lost it or something, but you just realize how great it is to be able to be out working all day. It's awesome. I am so excited to see how I grow this next transfer. I am nervous, but I know that Heavenly Father knows exactly what we both need. It will be great. I am sad to see Sister Myers go. We had some rough times, but these past few weeks we have just gotten along so well, and everyone in our ward tells us how amazing we work together (this was even when we were having rough times). Our ward mission leader said that he hasn't seen more effective missionaries than the two of us in the 3 years he's been the WML. It's awesome how well we worked together even when we sometimes drove each other crazy. I am going to miss her and I am excited for her to go back to the real world. Missions are really great. I am excited to see what I am like at the end of mine. I already feel like a different person from when I left- but it just gets better and better. I'm excited to see what Jared is like when he comes home.

I can't believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up so fast! I am excited for Thanksgiving. We are having it with the Kmieicks. They are recent converts (Aug 2011) and they are so FREAKING awesome!!!! They are my favorite, and I was really sad thinking that I might get transferred away from them. But I get to be with them for longer! So that's awesome.

Anyway, the Pictures:

1. Me and Sister Myers at her last Saturday TC training.

2. The FM missionaries were blowing leaves out front and I told them how it was my dream to use a leaf blower so they let me have this pansy one and play with it for a bit. It was pretty awesome.

3. Phil's Baptism!

4. Sister Myers and I learned that we could do these head stand things. It's pretty fun, but it hurt my head and I can't really do it anymore. hahah

5. Our District.

6. Last night we put all our beds in the front room of the apartment and had a sleepover. It was fun. But sleepovers are pretty lame when you have to go to bed at 1030 and wake up at 630 hahaha

Well, I love you all SO SO SO much! Thank you Michelle for all of the pictures! They are so fun to see how everyone is growing up! I love it! I can't wait to hear from you all very soon. Know that I love you and I pray for you everyday. I am so grateful for our wonderful family!!! P.S. You don't have to post this, but I referred Aunt Vicky and Uncle Ken and I looked it up online and it says that the missionaries are teaching them! I was so stoked!! I hope that things continue to progress. I know that if you pray for them, great things will happen. Whether it be now or down the road.

Anyway, I love you all so much! Please keep me and my poor trainee in your prayers!! I miss you!

Love,

Sister Proctor

Out the window Buzz! Your a Genius

2011-11-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

Hello Family!

It has been a great week! Last Thursday we went to transfer point. I was totally bawling/freaking out the whole way there because I got called to be a trainer and I was just thinking it was a total joke! A trainer is someone who TRAINS brand new missionaries. You'll remember that I was a brand new missionary just 3 months ago, so I did not feel adequate AT ALL. But, just like our Bishop said: The Lord knows I can do it, the mission president knows I can do it, so the only problem is me thinking I can't do it. So, I have learned just how much I need to rely on the Lord to do anything. Every morning I wake up stressed out of my mind and so nervous about the day, but if we do what we are supposed to, I have seen how the Lord will help us. It's amazing. Sister Graham is so great though, so that also makes the job a little bit easier. She is from Orem, Utah and does not know the Grahams. I really like driving, especially since the mission office just gave us a brand new car. It's flippin' sweet. It's the only time in my life that I will probably get a car with less than 25 miles on the odometer haha. It's cool though. Also, really scary since it's not my car :)

We have worked in the Trail Center a lot this week, so that has been great. They are putting up all the Christmas decorations and stuff. It's the best. I love that Laura has her tree up. Also, I would love to get some pictures of the Christmas lights at the house! I bet they look awesome! I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week!!! What are your plans for Thanksgiving? We are going to a recent converts house, the ones that I LOVE so much. I'm excited. But I am really sad that I don't get to be home playing with all the kids. Holidays are a rough time to be away from home, especially knowing that the annual dipping party is coming up and Fakesgiving!! OMG. Oh well. I'm excited to Skype with all of you in like a month and a half though! That will be a ton of fun!
Well, we are in finding mode big time. We need to increase our teaching pool so we can get people baptized! It's a lot of fun talking to people all the time, but I wouldn't hate having a lesson every now and then :) One of the goals for the Millard ward is to have everyone pray for the ward to find a family that we can teach, baptize and then one day be sealed in the temple. It's pretty cool and I am excited to see what comes of it. I just remembered that upon being called to be a trainer, Elder Watson offered to give me a blessing. It was so great and in that blessing I was promised a lot of really great things about my mission. So great. I love the Priesthood! Also, I love all of the senior missionaries here, they are fabulous. Especially Elder Watson. He is like our grandpa/Dad here. It's awesome. He's always there for us and taking care of us. The Watsons go home the same time I do. I'm so glad because A. I can go visit them when I get home without driving to Nebraska. B. They are taking a moving truck back to Utah, so I might be able to slide some of my stuff in there :). Which is super handy.

That's awesome that Steve Scott is coming out here. I would love to take him on tour. Too bad Jenny and Drew can't come out here too :) And Jodi :)
I am so jealous that you are going to see White Christmas!!! Ahhh!!! That will be so much fun!
Well, we are having our mission tour this week and so tomorrow we are going to go and get trained from Elder Christofer Goulden or something like that. Those who had it yesterday said it was amazing, so I am pretty excited. I have to play the piano for it and then Me, Sister Hawkes, Sister Brown and Sister Wilson are all singing "Lord I Would Follow Thee." I arranged some different parts and music to make it sound more than just a hymn and it sounds pretty sweet. Last zone conference I arranged accompaniment for Where Can I Turn for Peace so I could play for Sister Hawkes. It was pretty fun. I like doing stuff like that it turns out.
You know how every missionary comes back and says that the number one thing that they learned from their mission is the power of the Atonement? Well, I always heard this and I figured it was because they saw it changing other peoples lives or because they had to go through really difficult times and as they were struggling they were able to go to Christ. And I know that all of these things happen, and I have seen them happen. But one new thing that I have seen is the Atonement helping me to train Sister Graham as well as teach investigators and interact with members. I was so so so so so nervous about being in charge and having to lead a lesson. But the first lesson we went into, I could feel a difference. And I know it's because of the Atonement. It makes up the rest for EVERYTHING that we do. And even though I was/am nervous about being called to train, the Lord has provided a way for me to do that, just as long as I rely on Him. It's cool that the Atonement will help us in every aspect of our life. I love that.

Mom, have you gotten your quilt back yet? I sent it back on Wednesday, but I did the cheapest rate so it might take a while... I hope it gets there soon.
Oh my gosh, I forgot!!! There is a gingerbread house festival that is going on downstairs and it starts this Saturday and goes through the first of the year. They set up all the decorations down there and there will be music entertainment the whole time and then there are gingerbread houses everywhere and activities for all of the children! And it smells like gingerbread all. day. long. It's the best thing I could ever ask for :) Maybe next year, you all should come and pick me up so you can come to it. Maybe then they would let me go home with you before Christmas!!! Genius. Hahaha. That would be really fun. I know all the kids would LOVE IT.
Sarah sounds like she is doing great still, that's really good. She sent me an awesome letter last week. It's like she knew I was called to be a trainer and that I was freaking out about it. So awesome. That's too bad about Steven! I'm glad that things are working out though. Also, Jared sounds like He is doing well. I can't believe he'll be in the Philippines so soon. I'm glad he gets to be a zone leader. When I was the coordinating sister it was fun to go and work with them and to take the new missionaries around. But, we got to see the stark difference that just a week would make in a missionary rather than like a month. So I bet that's really cool. And they only let the really good missionaries be zone leaders, so I'm glad Jared is doing his best and working hard so he can be a top missionary from the beginning. I am so proud of him.
As far as Christmas presents go, I would love clothes. But, maybe buy some clothes and then send some gift cards or something. I really like the skirts that I have seen at dress barn. I know Laura is probably cringing... but it turns out they are kind of cute. Or maybe my sense of fashion is just SO warped. All the dresses that Mom made me are kind of too big now and they are super long. They don't have to be as long. But I can still use them for the Winter so they will be long and I can put some sweat pants underneath them. I don't really know what else I would want for Christmas... We don't have a whole lot of time to do anything... but clothes would definitely be fun, and then whatever else you feel is necessary :) Mom, you can send the electric blanket from home if you would like, whatever is fine, just as long as it's electric :) Also, I already said this, but no one said anything back to me, that I would like to still be in on the name drawing for Christmas presents... please? If you could let me know who I have as soon as possible that would be great, because I only have so many more days that I can actually buy it, and then I'll have to ship it.
It sounds like things are going really well at home, with the exception of the truck not starting. Maybe you should get new cars, it turns out they are really nice. You can buy old mission cars, because they pull them out every 50000 miles, so it's not half bad idea. Plus we have to vacuum them and wash them every week. So, that's pretty sweet. Is Mom ready to part with the van yet now that only Laura lives at home? Who knows. hahah.
Well, Family! I love you all so much! I miss you and I'm so glad that things are going well for all of you. You are in my prayers every single day and I miss you so much! I'll talk to you in a month and a half and I'll see you in 13 1/2 months! I can't believe I'm almost to my 12 months left mark. Crazy. It's been fast, but slow at the same time. I love being a missionary. OH MY GOSH, I just remembered a really great TC experience. It was a Jewish mom with her Christian husband and two kids. They lived in Idaho and so they knew a lot about Mormons and admired them. They had a lot of questions for me as far as my faith goes. I got to talk to her about how our family came so close together when Mom had cancer and it just built us up. And then she pointed out that most LDS people turn to God in times of trial, whereas the world usually questions God, and she wanted to know why that was. I was able to bear a powerful testimony on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how He didn't just suffer for our sins but for our pains, sorrows and afflictions. So, when we have that knowledge, we can go to Him and find comfort and it makes it a lot easier. She was speechless. It was just such a great opportunity to bear my testimony of the Savior to a Jewish person, who doesn't even believe in Christ. I hope it made a lasting effect on her. It was a great experience for me.
Well, I love you and miss you!!!
Love,
Sister Proctor

I feel like a teenage mother

2011-11-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

Dearest Darlingest Family,

Anyway, this week has been good. The last p-day I was sick and I just slept the rest of the day after I emailed you. Then on Wednesday I was sick again and had to stay in the Trail Center all day. Then on Thursday, I was so sick of being sick that I didn't even care anymore and I went out in the afternoon and felt good enough, then we had a shift in the trail center, so that was fine. Then, on Friday we had weekly planning and the trail center so by that time I felt much better. On Saturday we had Phil's baptism! (change the name if it's going on the blog). It was so awesome! He is thinking about serving a mission and I can't wait for people to hear his testimony. Then on Sunday we had a great day and ____ was confirmed and ___________ received the Priesthood! It was so great! I love days like that when you see people making covenants and/or receiving the blessings of the gospel. It's so awesome. On Monday we had district meeting- I included the picture of our district and our zone leaders. I have loved this district, they are SO fun. And the good news is a lot of them are still in my next district. Then afterwards we went to the trail center. Then yesterday we served in the trail center. I was the next to give a tour and I was just sitting in the chair and these two guys walk in. And I turned to Sister Atkin and I was like, "these guys look famous. like the osmonds or something." Then we found out that one of them had served in NOM and left in July and so he was talking to Elder Watson for a while. In the mean time, Sister Atkin are making all of these jokes because they look like the Osmonds about how I should on the tour call him Elder Osmond or ask how Donny and Marie are doing, and we are just cracking each other up. Then I go to take them on tour and as we are walking into the gallery, I ask them what their names are and they say their first names and their last names. Osmond. I was like. Wait. What?! and they were like, Umm... Osmond. and so then I start laughing and I bring them back into the lobby and say "Sister Atkin, I'd like to introduce you to the Osmonds." And she couldn't believe and we told them the story of what we were talking about before hand. It was so funny. It turns out that Donny and Marie are their aunt and uncle. Crazy stuff. So I'm practically famous now. It was a really good tour, too.

Anyway, I love you all so much! Please keep me and my poor trainee in your prayers!! I miss you!

Love,

Sister Proctor

I Have a laundry Machine

2011-11-01T10:12:00.001-07:00

Hello Family!

This week was SUCH A GREAT WEEK!!!! As you can see in the pictures, we had a baptism!!!! Since you aren't posting this on my blog, I will tell you his real name, but if you are posting it on my blog then you will just have to change the name :) Anyways, this is __________! We met him at the end of August, but we didn't start teaching him until the end of September. He was set for baptism on November 5th, but this last Tuesday, Sister Myers and I felt like it needed to be moved up. So we had an appointment with him that day at the trail center and in the memorial room, we talked to him about it, and he said a prayer and said he wanted the rest of the day to think about it, but that he knew he probably would get baptized on Saturday. Then, we went and watched the John Tanner story, which is like 20 minutes long, and then he came out and asked us what we were doing on Saturday and if we wanted to go to a baptism! It was so awesome! So many people from the ward came and it was such a wonderful experience! It was stressful making sure everything was set up and that there would be people there, but it was ALL worth it! So so so so so great! He was so happy. He told us at his baptismal interview that he was so amazed that all of the sister missionaries were alike (he has met 4 total in the last month). He said we are all different, but we all have the same happiness and the same seriousness about the gospel. Then he said that he has never seen happier people than he has underneath the roof of our church building. It was really really cool. I am so happy for him. Now, we get to do it all over again this weekend with our other investigator! So awesome!

That was obviously the highlight of the week. Last night, since it was Halloween, we weren't allowed to be outside after 6 pm. So, all the sisters got together and had a dinner and then made a Christmas craft! Best way to spend Halloween EVER! It was awesome!

Well, I've had my first sickness in the mission field. I was super sick on Wednesday and I just slept all day long in the basement of the trail center. It was SO boring. I thought days were long when we were out in our area, but they are WAY longer when you are just sleeping all day. It was so annoying. I felt fine after that, except today I am feeling pretty crappy again, but I'm hoping I can just push through it. It's so annoying being sick. All of the sisters are coming down with something this week.

I can't believe Dad bought Christmas lights!!!!!!!! What the heck?! It's a Christmas Miracle.

So, this last week I took a former mission president and his wife on tour. He was the mission president of the Utah Provo Mission. At the end, he said I was an amazing missionary and he wished he could have had me at his mission. Best. compliment. ever. It was so awesome. I really love being a missionary. It's so hard, yet so awesome all at the same time.

Next week is transfers! I will definitely be getting a new companion, since Sister Myers is headed home. It is so crazy and so exciting all at the same time. We have had a great 3 months together, but I am excited to see what else is to come. It's weird because I hate moving in real life, but in a mission I think it's so fun to not know where I am going to be living or who I'll be living with next week. Crazy stuff. OH, just FBI, my P-day next week is on Wednesday. BUT, we might have to do our emails on Tuesday if we get picked to go out with the new missionaries. So, just send in your letters probably on Sunday night :)

I am struggling writing this letter because I feel like my head is about to explode, so I'm sorry if it doesn't make any sense :)

Thank you, Michelle for the package! I got it on Wednesday (the day I was sick) and so it was PERFECT! Plus I was freezing cold and that Gryffindor scarf warmed me right up. That is awesome and I am so excited to wear it!!

Well, I have gotten some winter gear. I still have to get some for real snow boots. They are just so ugly I have a hard time spending money on them. It's supposed to snow tomorrow. Woof. I like snow, but not when we have to walk around in it ALL day long :) Hopefully I can find some boots today or something. We'll see what happens.

Jared sounds like he is doing great. I am excited for him. He's officially been in the MTC longer than I have. Woohooo! It's so exciting when you get your travel plans. Probably even more exciting when you are there longer than 4 weeks :) I loved the MTC, but I definitely do not miss eating that cafeteria food all the time.

I am making such great friends with the sisters here. I am so excited to get back (in 14 months!!!) and play with them/live with them. They are so great! Did I tell you that my mission is shorter than regular missions for some reason? It looks like my fly home date with be January 4, 2013. Which is pretty crappy that I'll miss 2 Christmas' but there's not much I can do about that haha. I figure it will be a fun way to say goodbye to those here.

So, Nebraska decorates for Holidays like CRAZY here! Everyone has Halloween decorations up and I can't even wait to see what it's like at Christmas! Also, as you saw in the picture, we made those reindeer sweatshirts! It was awesome! We did it with our whole district. It was a surprise. I know the Elders loved it. hahaha. It was so much fun!!

Well, I don't know what else to say and I feel like I should go lay down or something. I'm so glad to hear that everyone is doing well. I pray for you each every single day and I love getting letters from you all! Please remember to do the simple things like praying, studying scriptures, and going to church. It's crazy how just slacking a little bit can interrupt your life so much. I see it out here all the time with the less actives that we visit. Know that I love you all so much and I love this gospel. I love being a representative for Jesus Christ and helping people come closer to Him. I can't wait for Jared to have his first baptism. It's such a great experience seeing people understand, and the light in their eyes changes. It's so powerful. This gospel is amazing. I love you all and miss you!!

Love,
Sister Proctor

Are you saying I killed Lord Morley

2011-10-24T19:13:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-24T19:02:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-24T18:53:00.003-07:00

Hi Family!!!

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.

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, 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.

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

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

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

2011-10-24T18:49:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Family!

Thanks for all of your letters! I didn't get as many emails this week, maybe you forgot my P-day would be switched to Friday since I am in the Visitor Center training now. Anywho...

I did not win the most dear elders on a Saturday contest. For some reason Dear Elder hates me, and I don't always get them the day they are sent. I got all of the ones you sent on Saturday on Monday night, after the Elders had left, so I couldn't even brag about it hahah.

Laura, how much does my comp owe you for the stuff. Also, a CHI?!!!! Holy crap! That's awesome! I'm a little bit jealous. Thanks for th muddy buddies, they were exactly what we needed haha

Happy Birthday Jared!!!! And Casey tomorrow!!!

It sounds like Katie's birthday was a lot of fun! I wish I could see a video of all the kids dancing, especially Katie trying to dance in her chair. Hahahaha

I loved the pics from the Highland Fling!!! I'm glad you all got lots of candy. Thank you Michelle for even making sure I got some of that candy in that package haha Michelle, can you make sure that I have at least 150 in my checking account? I want to make sure I have enough money for the airport. Thanks!

Let me know in a dear elder what number to call on Tuesday morning. If it was possible for me to talk to the grandkids, that would be really cool! It would be easiest if you were all in one spot... Again, It iwll be Tuesday morniing between 8 and 930 ish. Sorry that's so broad.

So this last week has been great. Since the Elders left Monday morning, and VC training didn't start until Wednesday, we had our teachers to ourselves. It was AWESOME. Anything we wanted to talk about or learn about or go over they would do it. It was seriously so so so nice. Then on Wednesday we started the training. There are 22 sisters in our class so it's kind of crazy. A bunch of them are going to Temple Square, some to D.C., some to the Mormon Battallion ( they already got their pioneer dresses, I'm so glad that's not my mission), and then of course Winter Quarters. It is so much fun. The first day we just learned how to approach people or welcome them. Then we learned how to most effectively use the referral cards so it isn't so annoying when we ask them to fill it out hahah.

Yesterday we learned more about the Christus statue and how to introduce it. Then we played the recording and asked each other (role playing) what they thought of it. It was a lot of fun. Except I don't think that there is a Christus statue at WQ. Oh well. We got all of the information for what we have to know EXTREMELY well in order to give tours. It's pretty cool stuff and I'm excited to learn more about it.

Then we went around the main building and had to teach people using paintings. It's a lot of fun. It's a lot less pressure, and I feel like all I have to do is testify, so who wouldn't like doing that?! And last night we set up a visitors center and had volunteers come in acting like visitors and we gave them a tour. It was a lot of fun!

I cannot wait for Saturday! I am so excited to go to Temple Square. But the best part is, is that now I get to be a missionary on Temple Square! It's going to be SO SO SO cool! I'm actually really jealous of all the sisters who are going to Temple Square. I secretly wish that I could go there on my mission too, but I'm sure I'll love WQ just as much when I actually see it. Anyway, that will be very exciting.

I am getting along really well with all of the sisters in VC training. We all have so much fun together. Yesterday we all played soccer together. My team did really really bad. But, the one goal that we almost made, was from me, so that's pretty great. I think that tells you how bad we were that I was the one who was closest to making a goal ahhaha.

It is so crazy because we have sisters from Mongolia, Cambodia, Philippines, Mexico, South Africa, Chile, Hong Kong, New Zealand and then some from the states. It's so cool to hear their stories. Although sometimes it makes me feel like a selfish brat, because they all came on missions because their families are inactive and they wanted to show them a good example. And I just came because I finally decided to get over myself. haha oh well. Their stories are AMAZING. I love hearing how they got the gospel and what it did for them. It just testifies to me that it is true. I always knew that the gospel touched lives because I saw it around me all the time. But it was always with people in my similiar situations. It's cool to realize that some sweet girl in Mongolia can have her life completely changed because of the gospel. And just knowing that with how different her situation is from mine, the gospel still touches her the exact way it needs to. Goodness gracious, it's so cool! That just testifies even more of how true it is! When we were practicing with each other on how to fill out the referral cards, I was with the sister from the Philippines. She is the cutest, sweetest girl. I love getting to know all of them and the experiences we are having here.

Another fun thing about the VC training is that we have our own special classroom with a keypad to get in and everything. Inside are all of the pamphlets and resources we can use, then a bunch of kiosks where we can watch the videos that they will have at VC and a Christus statue cut-out. I was carrying it across campus yesterday and Reeve saw me. He was like, what the heck are you doing? hahaha Kind of a funny thing to see. Someone just walking around with a bigger than life cut out of Jesus. Too funny. Anyway, it has been a lot of fun.

I can't believe that I will be in Nebraska on Tuesday. Or that it's already been a month. It's crazy how fast, and yet slow at the same time it all goes. I have loved my MTC experience and I'm glad that I am going to WQ. It will be such an amazing experience.

Anyway, how are things going back at home? Did you get the back yard fire pit in yet? I hear you are going to Island Park next weekend! That's awesome! Someone be sure to push Isaac along in the river and then make sure his whole back side gets wet. For me :) Thanks! Hahahah oh man that's funny! Well I hope you all have a fun time!

AAHH I just remembered something. Will you all send me this back? Don't Dear Elder me on Monday, I'm pretty sure I wont' get them. But before then, or just email, or send them to Nebraska.

Anyway here it is:

How has _______________ helped you come unto Christ?

Modern Prophets

Temples

Book of Mormon

Priesthood

Ordinances

Tithing/Fast Offerings

Church Attendance.

Tell me how each thing has helped you come unto Christ. We had to do it for VC training and it was a really cool experience. So, I think it will be cool for you too. Also, it will help me know more blessings I can promise to people as I invite them to do things, which would be REALLY helpful. Anyways, I love you very much! I might be able to email again on Monday while I am packing, but I am not sure. I will talk to you all on Tuesday though! Remember that I love you and that I love my Savior. I know we would not be the amazing, close and blessed family that we are today if it wasn't for His atonement, sacrifice and love for us. I miss you all a lot and I hope to get lots of pictuers of Island Park! Please keep writing me lots, it really makes everything 10 times better when you get a letter. I love you and I thank you all for your examples, support and your love!

Love always,

Marf

Hello, Hello, Hello

2011-08-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

Life is still great here at the MTC I can't believe I only have a week left!! We got our travel itinerary and we are flying out Tuesday morning. I can call you from the airport. Probably between 8-930 am... let me know if you would like me to call. You might all have to be in one place. I can't talk for more than 30 or 40 minutes.

This morning our Elders left for South Africa. It was really really sad to say goodbye. They have become some of my best friends and it will be hard to not have them around. But we exchanged addresses and plan on writing each other and stalking each other on facebook when we get back :)

Visitors Center training doesn't start until Wednesday so this week me and my companions get our teachers all to ourselves. That will be weird, but good. We feel like orphans a little bit. Oh yeah, when I switch to VC schedule, it will make my Pday on Friday. So this Friday is my next and last P-day here. So feel free to email me by then.

I see Reeve a lot. We have gym together so sometimes we play four square together. I have become quite the force to be reckoned with when it comes to 4 square. The elders were all very proud. One time I saw Reeve in the cafeteria and their district does "part your hair days" and they all had it parted down the middle. It was really ugly hahaha.

Well, we have all been sick this week. It was the WORST. We think it's because our AC unit in our room was leaking water and we're pretty sure there was mold. So that was special. But, we moved rooms and are feeling a little bit better.

I got my first package from Casey!!! It was like Christmas! It was funny though because she sent it in a prepaid cell phone box so I looked like I was trying to sneak in a cellphone haha. Thanks Case!

So, on Friday we had in-field orientation. It was really cool and a total "PUMP YOU UP" for the mission field. Also, they started a new 12 week program for when you get to the field that also helps train you. I am kind of excited about that.

MTC choir is so COOL! We sing every Tuesday for devotionals. Last week we sang "Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands." such a good song. Yesterday our district sang "Nearer My God To Thee" for our departure song in Sacrament Meeting. It was gorgeous. We all know how to sing, so it sounds SO GOOOD. Our teachers have told us we are the best singing district they have heard here. So that's way cool.

We are going to be at Temple Square this Saturday. That will really be a lot of fun. I'm excited. It will be weird to drive by Highland though.

OK. So enough about that.

The MTC is the coolest place. The other day, we were at the TRC with our investigator named Hely. She is from Guatemala and she is Catholic. She wanted to know why if we were so young we would come on a mission. I told her about how I knew the church was true and what not, then I talked to her about the BOM and how it had helped my life and how it could also help her life. She started to tear up and said I was speaking to her heart. Which is great, because it means that the Spirit was speaking through me. Very very cool. It is so cool what happens when you bear your testimony. Elder Holland said in a video we watched to never let your faith be too hard to detect. I like that a lot.

Another really really cool thing I realized this week was that without the restoration of the gospel, the Atonement would have been in vain. No one would be able to fully repent because they are not baptized by the proper authority and even the Sacrament where we renew those covenants and partake of the Atonement if not blessed with the proper authority does not count for anything. My mind was blown.It is so cool to be here because I learn more and more of how true this gospel is. I don't even feel like it's an act of faith anymore. It is true, it's logical, it makes sense, and I just KNOW IT! I am so glad that I can be here. A few days ago, we had a Testimony meeting with one of our teachers. It was really cool. He had us sing Nearer my God to thee and then we all realized that it wasn't US becoming nearer, but it's Jesus singing those words. That even though it's a cross that raises Him up, He is Nearer to God. It was really cool and makes the song so much more special! I am so excited for Jared to get here and to be able to feel the Spirit that I feel daily.

So, like I said, the Elders left this morning. This was my first freak out panic attack of the MTC. hahaha. I could not fall asleep last night because I was so worried that we would miss our last breakfast together. I seriously woke up probably every hour and just stressed otu about it. Luckily, we didn't miss the breakfast and we were able to say our goodbyes. They were really really great friends and will make amazing missionaries and even more amazing men. I will send some pictures home today so you can see them and my companions.

My companions and I are still getting along swimmingly so that's great.

I always write a list of things I want to write about, but then I get here and I spout them out and I don't know what else to write. Luckily for you, I do hand write that one that might make my letters a little bit better. So I"m sorry if my emails are super lame. It's just hard to concentrate when you ahve the time ticking down in the corner haha.

The other day we had a workshop where we practiced teaching people about the Atonement and what it could do for their lives and what it has done for your life. Right as I walked in I felt the Spirit so strong I just knew that I was going to end up bawling by the end of the night. And, obviously I did. It was so cool. It amazes me that God has this perfect plan. And the central focus of that plan was the Savior and His Atonement. So we could overcome both Spiritual Death and Physical Death. He loves God so much that He would do this. He knows how amazing God is and so He would do this for us, to help us get back to Him. But most importantly, he loved all of US individually, to not only receive the punishment for our sins, but experience everything that we experience so He could be the perfect comforter. It's amazing. it's really cool to read John 3:16-17 and replace the word "world" with your name. That is really special. That is what I focus on mostly with our "investigators." People's minds are blown when they find out how much someone loves them and did EVERYTHING for them. It's really cool. Like I said, I love this gospel and I know it is true.

It's really cool to teach things to other missionaries just role playing, but to feel the Spirit so strong when you are doing it. Even if we aren't saying the things that they need to hear, the Spirit speaks to them and helps them individually. really cool.

I am already amazed by the person I have become through this short time. I feel so much more confident and happy. I love who I have become because I was willing to follow my Savior.

I love all of you very much and I can't wait to hear more from you!

Write back lots!!!

Love,

Marf

Week 2

2011-08-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hi family!!!

Well, it's still going really well here at the MTC. I love it here, and I can't belive I am already half way done. It makes me sad to think that I won't be here, but i'm excited to go to nebraska and have real investigators that we actually follow up with. we have fake investigators here, but i'm excited to get real ones. Tell Claudia that I see Reeve alot. I got a picture with him today, but it takes a couple of days to print, so you'll probably get it and a bunch of other ones next week. Thanks everyone for their dear elders. It's actually kind of sad to go a day without one, but I guess I can't expect a letter everyday ;)

I keep hearing about some elusive package. That sounds nice. I need some no show socks like there is no tomorrow.

I have been writing down things throughout the week that I wanted to tell you, so here it goes.

EVERYONE loves my scripture case. They want Jared to make them one.

This one is funny. We had to all write on the board why the Book of Mormon was the keystone of our religion, and Elder Klumker wrote "Without it, the whole church is false." Then, he didn't like how that sounded, so he went back up and erased the "without it" and thought about what else he could say. So then, I look up and all I see is that someone wrote, "the whole church is false." baaah ha. we all had a good laugh about that one.

There is a creamsicle tree on this campus. No joke. You go up to it and smell the bark, and it smells EXACTLY like creamsicles. It's amazing. Also, sometimes when it rains, in certain spots it smells like cherry jolly ranchers.

Our teachers (who are AMAZING, ps) always pump us up for the mission. Brother Brown had us imagine when Christ came to the Americas, and they all shouted "hosanna" which means, save me or grant me salvation. Well, he can't come down right now to everyone, so he CHOSE us. He chose me, knowing my talents and my weaknesses, when he could have had anyone else, to help others find salvation. That was a really really really cool experience.

How's David doing?

I had a substitute teacher that knew Laura. Her name is Julia Carlson

Also, unless Jared has already bought a new pair of scriptures, they sell them here and you get a sweet discount on everything at the bookstore. A quad is like 30 bucks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!!! AND KATIE NEXT WEEK!!!

Oh, I got proposed to. By a Tongan. So I guess I'll be coming home pretty soon. hahaha. It was at the gym. He kept talking to me, and I kept avoiding him, since that's what we're supposed to do. And then at the end, he was like "You wait for me for two years?" And I was like, I can't, gotta go! and he just yelled, "I'm serious!" as I ran away. haha that was good. P.S. 4 square is really fun.

Dad, can you tell me that story about the sheep that you told at Grandpa Goodwin's funeral?

Have you shipped my bedding to NE? It needs to be there in 2 weeks?!

Jared, there is such thing as an inflatable tie. So you can use it for a pillow. Kind of genius. This Elder in my district has it. He reminds me SO much of Louis from Even Stevens.

We have to pack up tomorrow and move 2 floors down. Woof.

We had Mary N. Cook or something come yesterday to Relief Society and talk about Virtue. She wanted us to thank everyone in our lives who were role models of virtuous women. So, that would be all of the women in my family.So, Thank you. Also, could you thank Sister Holdman? Thanks

On Tuesday night, we had a devotional where the speaker talked about the purpose of missions and there are 2 reasons. 1. do the work of the Lord. 2. Sanctification of the missionary. It was really cool. He told us to pray every night to be blessed with the knowledge of who we really are and that we will be astonished. He said that Sanctification is the process by which we become what we've always wanted to be. That's really cool. I already see myself growing in to a better person, the kind of person that I want to become.

Yesterday, our Branch President and his wife gave us a departing lesson, since they won't be here next week when the Elders go to South Africa. They shared a story, and at the end it was pretty much have a mission where you don't want to take your tag off at the end of it. I started freaking out. I don't want this to end. I've only been here for 2 weeks, but I don't want it to end. I want to keep doing missionary work, and do the things that I am doing. I know I have a while to go, and I might change my mind a couple of times, but I know I will definitely be sad to take that tag off.

We are learning more and more about teaching people and not lessons. It is SO cool!!!! Something else that is cool, is that we have all of these fundamentals of how to be a good missionary, and they can all be found in Alma 18. It's so cool that we are patterning our curriculum based off of what the Sons of Mosiah did, and also Christ in 3 Nephi, who were obviously the best missionaries. Pretty great.

I love preach my gospel. Study it. It will make you a better person. Casey said she is studying it to teach her children. I love that idea. We learn more and more about how it was developed and how it will make us more effective missionaries. It's amazing.

This morning I woke up at 520. WOOF. we had to be at the temple dressed and ready to go at 630. It was really cool, and the Provo Temple is so pretty! Funny story, the elders in our district had to change their alarm to wake up earlier than normal, but for some reason it went off at 130 am. But they didn't even notice, so they got up and started showering hahahaha. That just shows how sleep deprived we are if 130 am feels the same to us as waking up early in the morning. hahahahah. they realized a little later and then went back to bed. haha. Luckily on p days we can take naps. I took about a 1 1/2 hour nap today which was AMAZING! I get so exhausted by the end of the week, that just helps me to make it through haha. I fall asleep way fast now. That's really nice.

Well family, keep sending me letters! One Elder got like 8 letters one day. I wouldn't hate beating him. hahaha. I love you all very much, and I miss you, but it helps that I have Sister Belka. She is so much fun and she helps me whenever I start to get a little discouraged- nothing huge, I was just sad when we went back to teach our "investigator" that it wasn't this huge spiritual experience where I was bawling like the first one. She told me they wouldn't all be like that and that it wasn't always our fault. hmm.. go figure. I probably should have figured that one out on my own. But I'm glad to have her. We have a lot of fun. It also helps that I love my district and I love what I am doing here, and the person I am becoming. This church is true. There is no doubt about it. Heavenly Father loves every single one of us PERFECTLY. He wants us to come back to him and to do what is right. He set up a way for us to come back to him through the Restoration. Way cool. Well, I only have 30 seconds left, so I better get this sent off before it gets deleted.

I love you all, and write me lots!

Love, Sister Martha Proctor

I can't pull the wagon

2011-07-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hey Ya'll!

We've been learning Nebraskan in our classes. I almost have it down. I can pray and recite the first vision in Nebraskan. So it's coming along really well. Just so you know, I only have 30 minutes to read all of the emails and then write to you. So it is probably best that you ALL send me handwritten letters or dear elders and then I can respond with a regular letter or just do a little bit of email. Also, becuase i have so little time, i am going to be less concerned about spelling and typos.

I absolutely love it here!!!!! It is such an amazing place. My district is so much fun. Our branch president told them to all stand up whenever we enter the room and when we sit down at the cafeteria. They are going to be amazing men when they get back. They are a lot of fun to be around. I know everyone probably says this, but I think we have the best district here. We haven't had any problems and we all get along well and are progressing very well with the teaching.

On Friday night, I think, we had our first lesson. It was a mock investigator and our teacher played him. But we treated it like it was real. It was the coolest thing ever. We were so worried about what we would say and we kept running around in circles. Finally I read my companions D and C 84 I think verse 85. Where it says not to take thought of what to say before hand and that the spirit will prompt you. So we studied what we thought we should know, but didn't have a script. Then we got there and we let the spirit lead the lesson. He was a media referral who wanted a BOM so we gave it to him, and told him to read it and why it was true and experiences we have had with it. Then we talked about God's love for him and I ended up saying a prayer with him asking God to help him feel his love. It was really cool and I was totally bawling. We comitted him to baptism. The elders were really impressed. Then our teacher came up to us afterwards and said that the whole day he was fasting for something special and that night in our lesson with him, he said the spirit that we brought was so strong that he was able to get an answer to his prayers. He helped us to know that even if we aren't saying the exact right things, if we have the spirit with us then the spirit can teach them what God would have them know. That's the cool thing about missionary work. It's not like anything else in this world. We are God's missionaries and he will help us in everything that we do to progress his message along. Really cool.

We had a fireside last night with someone from the Misisonary Department. He works for the Homefront commercials and so he showed us all the classic "Mormon" commercials. They were SO SO funny I loved it. Then at the end, he had us all sing along with a recording of MOTAB singing come come ye saints. It was amazing. He told us how we were all pioneers, since we were sacrificing for God. and that we would all return home honorably. On the last verse we all just decided to stand up. No one directed us to. It was so so powerful. I don't think there was a dry eye among the 2006 of us there. It was amazing. I honestly don't know how anyone could leave this place with all the experiences you get here. It really is a special thing and something that I will always cherish. I am already sad that I only have 3 1/2 weeks left.

After the fireside, we watched Legacy. I haven't seen it in a while and I could NOT stop laughing. The part where she says I can't pull the wagon. "If we ever meet again it will be Zion to me! and then the best part... where there is the oooing choir in the background music and David is slowing the horses down and it looks like he is singing with the music. ahahhahaha classic. I loved it. You guys should watch it again.

I got called to be the Coordinating Sister on Thursday night after we met with our branch president. Apparently I just work with the Zone Leaders, but I'm just over the girls. I'm excited and it will be a fun way to get to know the girls in our branch when they come on Wednesday. Right now it is just me and my two companions.

Yesterday in Sacrament meeting I played the piano. They haven't had piano players in there for a while and so they were all so happy to have me there. Everyone here is really really nice. All the Elders open the door for us, let us cut them in the lunch line, and are just not your normal 19 year old boys. It's really great. I like it alot. I think every boy should come here. They will become better men and they will learn to respect women. It's awesome. I also feel like in the 5 days that I"ve been here that I have already grown so much. I feel the spirit so strong in my life. I recognize the love Heavenly Father has for me and for his children.

Yesterday we watched Music and the Spoken word which was all about pioneers. It made me and sister ford and sister belka SO excited to serve in Winter Quarters. That is going to be amazing. We don't start that training until the last week though.

Thank you for all of your letters! Today was the first day that I didn't get at least 1 dear elder.

P days are awesome. and you can take naps. that's really really great. Waking up early hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. But I wish I would fall asleep faster. I just think about everything I learned in class and then scriptures start popping into my head. Which is really nice, because then i can use them, but it's annoying when I'm so tired and want to just sleep.

I'm still getting along great with my companions. I really do love it here. I'm excited for Jared to get here, He will do great.

I would love to hear more from all of you!!! Please write me more letters, they really do help out a ton. They are just a nice pick me up for the day. I like that a lot. I will send you a handwritten letter later where I can write you more about what I have done this week. I know you probably think this is enough, but there is just so much that happens here. plus I have to use that cute paper at some point.

I love you all very much. I miss you, but it helps a lot to be here and to know that I have your support. I am so glad that we are a family and we have the gospel in our lives. That is a such a huge blessing. Well, the time is flashing, so I better get this sent off. I love you all!

Love,

Sister Proctor

Dear Readers

2011-07-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

This is my last blog post for 18 months. I'm getting set apart Tuesday night at 8 p.m. and that means no movies, no cell phone, no facebook and no blog for 18 months. It's gonna be good, and I am so excited. My blog will continue to be "Sincerely Martha" however, it will be my letters from my mission, as my mom will be posting them on this blog.

I am so excited, I mean look:

Who wouldn't be?

I know it's the exact place I need to be and I can't wait to start this next chapter of my life.

Feel free to write me, I would love to hear from you. I also have really cute stationary that I can write you back on, so that's reason enough! Here is my address:

MTC:
Sister Martha Proctor
MTC Mailbox # 252
NE-OMA 0816
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

We will update it with my other address once I get to Nebraska after my 4 weeks in the MTC.

Also, feel free to use dearelder.com. It's super easy, and it's free! Also, they print them off the same day and I get to read them. So for all of you hard core writers, you could write everyday :)

Finally, I just want to say thank you to everyone who is supporting me. It means a lot. I'm excited to go, but that doesn't mean that I won't miss everyone here like crazy. I look forward to hearing from you and then seeing you all in 18 months!

Sincerely,
Martha

Dear Future Parents

2011-06-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Future Parents,

I have found a bit of data that you might be interested in. I know a fool-proof way to ensure that your daughter gets married within 4 years of High School. You don't think that there is just ONE thing that could have such an effect? Well, let me show you the evidence....

Lone Peak Chamber Choir- 2005-2006

Sopranos:

1. Karlie R. -MARRIED

2. Lacie J. -MARRIED

3. Sally D. -MARRIED

4. Nicole B. -MARRIED

5. Britney P.- kind of flown off the radar, but last time I checked, she was not married.

6. Nicole C. -MARRIED

7. Sabrina B. -MARRIED

Altos:

1. Martha P. -MISSION

2. Jade J. -MISSION

3. Emily S. -MARRIED

4. Becca S. -Neither

5. Leslie F. -MISSION

6. Brooke L. -Niether

7. Danielle S. -MISSION

I thought this was interesting, but it wasn't until I moved on to the next year that I realized just how true this was...

Lone Peak Chamber Choir 2006-2007

Sopranos:

1. Lindsay R.-MARRIED

2. Sally D. -MARRIED

3. Katrina L. -ENGAGED

4. Tia H. -ENGAGED

5. Lea W. -MARRIED

6. Trish R.-MARRIED

7. Trisha R. -MARRIED

Altos:

1. Martha P. -MISSION

2. Jade J. -MISSION

3. Stacy E. -MISSION

4. Jessica L. -MISSION

5. Melissa B. -MISSION

6. Emily B. -MISSION--this is an update- apparently she is expecting her call this week- Thanks Melissa!) It just helps to prove my point haha

7. Erin M. -neither

Yep, that's right. For some reason, boys can't resist those high fluffy voices. For my Senior year to have ALL of the sopranos engaged/married, and all but ONE of the altos on missions (mind you, she is not a member of the church, so I think she is exempt). It's crazy stuff. So parents, if you want your daughter to get married in college, or you are just too excited to plan a wedding you can't wait more than 4 years, put her in choir, and make sure she's a soprano.

My nickname in choir was "Beef" because I was told on many occasions that I had a "beefy" voice. This is sounding worse and worse as I type it, but I was told it was because I had such a rich, dark singing voice... As much as I loved being an alto, the evidence is clear that guys prefer sopranos. So parents, don't let your daughter grow up listening to Karen Carpenter, otherwise her choir teacher will tell her it sounds like she gargled with drain-o (A comment I got all the time) because she can sing so low.

I think I have proven my point.

Case closed.

Sincerely,

Martha

Dear X-Men

2011-06-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Dear X-Men,
Can I just say WOW? This past Thursday I went and saw the new X-men First Class movie. It was SO good. So good in fact, I went and bought the trilogy and watched them all. *The following may contain spoilers-however the movies are like 10 years old, so you probably already watched them* I bawled when Professor X died, I just didn't think it was possible. Then when Magneto told Pyro "Charles Xavier did more for mutants than you will ever know. My single greatest regret is that he had to die for our dream to live." I could just die. It was so good. Then at the very end when Magneto moves that chess piece a little bit, I'd be lying if I said I didn't totally gasp! And then after the credits when you find out that Professor X transferred his mind into the body of that guy born unconscious! Holy crap! Please just come out with the next X-men movie! Don't get me wrong, I love the origins, but I'm dying for the next one. I don't know why it has taken me so long to discover them, but they are soo good! I especially like that Eric and Charles aren't really enemies, they are still old friends, but with different ideas. Super cool. I also liked First Class because I love seeing how people get to be where they are in the other movies. Wow. I never thought I would have a post this nerdy, but WOW!

Also, Kevin Bacon plays the bad guy in X-Men First Class. At first, I could not stop thinking about this commercial:

Too funny.

But seriously, if you haven't seen these movies, WATCH THEM. NOW. Don't wait. Heck, I'll watch them with you.

Sincerely,
The next member of the X-men,
Martha

Dear Grandpa Goodwin

2011-05-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Grandpa Goodwin,

I just wanted to say thank you for everything. You were an amazing man and I know that I would not be the person I am today if it were not for you.

Thank you for not forbidding my Mom from dating Dad. I know you probably wanted to.

Thank you for taking all of your kids and their kids on a Church History tour back East. I know that is where a lot of our testimonies started.

Thank you for all the BBQ's in your backyard. They were a lot of fun, and they helped bring our family closer.

Thank you for doing everything you could to keep our family close. I don't know where I would be without my best friend and cousin, Sarah.

Thank you for all the compliments after I would play the piano at your house. They made me feel really special. You were really good at that.

Thank you for your giant hugs. They were the best, and I'll probably miss those the most.

Thank you for taking all of us girls shopping on multiple occasions. I had the coolest grandpa ever. Not because you would give us money, but because you would go shopping with us and we got to hang out with you. It was so much fun.

Thank you for giving Mom a Father's blessing when she had cancer. That will always be a really special memory.

Thank you for being so strong in the gospel. It makes these hard times infinitely easier.

Thank you for the last 2 months of getting to serve you and Grandma.

Thank you for all the funny things you would say while on your pain medications.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pray for you to pass away peacefully so you could reunite with Allison as well as the 370,000+ people you helped get to the temple. That was a really special experience.

Thank you for bringing our family closer again through these last few months and your funeral. It was something I think we really needed. We'll try to be better at staying close so we don't have to do this again :) I promise we'll have more BBQ's, and still keep up with the Christmas party.

Thank you for the love that I felt from you while we all sang (or at least tried to, I was crying so hard) Love at Home. I will always think of you when I hear that song.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see how much you and Grandma love each other. That was really sweet. I loved seeing her take care of you and I loved seeing your gratitude. I hope I can have that someday.

Thank you for being my Grandpa and for loving me. I love you back and I will make you proud.

Love Always,
Martha

Dear Swamp People

2011-05-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Swamp People,
If loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right.
Later Gator,
Martha

Dear Canon Rebel

2011-04-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Canon Rebel,

I would just like to personally thank you for helping me take these pictures of my adorable nieces and nephews. We just need to get some of Landon and Matthew and we'll be set.

Gonna miss taking pictures of them for 18 months,

Martha

Dear Mission Call Part 2

2011-04-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here is the video of me opening my mission call.... I finally got it off of my phone. I wouldn't recommend watching the whole thing, but I'm too lazy to edit it. Just watch until at least 1:17. It's too funny.

Dear Mission Call

2011-04-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

Let's just start off with all of the 'signs' I thought I was seeing...

As soon as I decided to go on a mission, I had a dream that I got called to Libya. Yikes.

Then, the day before I got my call, I woke up after dreaming about being called to Paris, France.

On the way to school, I told Reeve I would like to go anywhere but the midwest.

I went to school where a foreign girl from work shared a cookie from Ukraine.

I looked at all the visitors on my blog and it seemed like every single one of them was from a foreign country.

My parents told me about the nice white Cedar City man that my Grandpa was convinced was from Samoa

I went to Target to get some hair stuff, and a guy walked in front of me and said "excusez-moi"

On my way home, I listened to the Charlotte Church Pandora station and every song was in a foreign language.

I came home and my Dad was watching a History Channel program about all the states, particularly Kentucky.

I opened up msn.com and the first thing on there was a news article about Paris

That night I watched Biggest Loser where they flew all the contestants to New Zealand.

As I was going to bed, I followed tradition and played one round of Wheel of Fortune on my phone. The answer to the bonus round was Rome, Italy.

The next morning- the big day, I walked into my Drug Abuse class and this girl was speaking in French.

Then the whole class was about my teacher's study abroad to Ukraine.

Then, I headed home. And I saw you there, sitting on the counter. No one else was home. It would have been so easy just to take a peek and then act surprised. But alas, I knew I couldn't. So instead of open you, I watched an hours worth of other people opening their mission calls on youtube. The rest of the day made me feel sick. I was so anxious and nervous. Then it finally came time to open you up.

Nebraska Omaha mission.

I started to laugh. But then I got really excited when I found out I will also be at the Winter Quarters visitors center.

I leave July 20th (5 days after Harry Potter- I might have seemed more excited about this in the video my family captured, but I assure you, I am more excited for my mission. It's just an added bonus that I will be here for HP).

I couldn't stop laughing after I opened you. I hated the trek the first time I went, and I had to be begged to go the second time. And now I'm getting to learn ALL about it and actually appreciate it. Luckily, I won't have to wear pioneer clothes-believe me, I checked.

I am so excited and I don't know what I'm going to do for the next three months, because I just want to be out.

But thank you, mission call, for telling me exactly where the Lord wants me.

Looking forward to the best (and hardest) 18 months of my life,

Martha

Dear Ice Skating

2011-04-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Ice Skating,
I had a really fun time this semester. Let's be honest, if it weren't for Reeve, I never would have taken you. I learned a lot of things. I learned how to spin, how to do forward and backward crossovers, and a few little jumps. There was other stuff too. I think it would be fun to learn more about you, we'll see what happens when I get back.

Here is a video of our performance. It's a total joke, and one of the girls totally biffs it at the end. Pretty funny. I'm the very last girl in the line-the one that you see first in the black skirt, white shirt and green cardigan. Enjoy.

P.S. That is my little brother Jared who is the commentary. It's pretty funny.

Dear ...

2011-04-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Biggest Loser,

I cry EVERY episode. Thanks.

Also, at the rate Laura and I were going that night,

We'll be seeing you soon.

Never Eating that much again,

Martha

Dear School,

We're almost finished. And I probably won't see you until Winter Semester 2013. Or maybe even Fall. Wow. I'll still be learning. A lot. But it's gonna be weird to part from you for so long.

Love Learning,

Martha

Dear Snow,

I think we should see other people.

Martha

Dear Mission Call,

Please, please, please come this Wednesday.

Getting a crash course in learning to be patient,

Martha

Dear Boys,

I'm so glad that you were called out 3 times in General Conference to stop being ninnies. Sort of wish it wasn't right when I was leaving on a mission...

Hoping there will actually be a change, especially in a year and half,

Martha

Dear Bread Flour,

You complete me. I actually like baking bread now!!! You make the biggest difference, I don't care what anyone says.

Baker under the bed,

Martha

Dear Cancer,

Go back where you came from.

Never liked you,

Martha

Dear Life

2011-03-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Life,

Can I just say, WOW! I mean, really, wow. If you had gone according to my plan, I would be finishing up my student teaching and graduating in Music Education in about a month. And let's be honest, if we were going to go with my plan back then, I'd also be married. Probably to Darrell, hahah.

But, life, you decided not to go with my plan. Instead, you thought it would be a good idea for me to try three times for the Music Ed major-with no luck. You decided to have me change majors (to something which I totally love, by the way). You then had me move home, after I vowed after the day I moved out-would never, ever, EVER happen. But, I really love it. And I'm glad it happened.

And now life, you are taking a whole new kind of turn. I knew it was always coming, but I tried to avoid it- a lot. But now, I'm so stinking excited. I can't believe it. I am such a planner, and I think I'm pretty good at it too. But right now, I'm giving up all of my control, to do something really amazing.

As of yesterday, my papers are officially in to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For more information go here --->mormon.org.

I will hopefully have my call on March 30, April 6, or if General Conference really does slow these things down, April 13.

So life, I surrender. However, I hate to break it to you, I don't really think it's surrendering. This is already making me SO happy. I look forward to learning where I get to serve. I look forward to loving new people. I look forward to not looking like a frump now that they changed the clothing guidelines. I'm excited to have to be around 19 year old boys--- WAIT. that's not true. I'm excited to go anywhere to see unfamiliar and beautiful creations. I'm excited to get really great letters from all my friends and family (hint hint). I am excited to share with others all that I have been blessed with. I am just excited.

Life, I'm excited for you and me and all that we get to do for 18 months.

Can't wait,
Martha Proctor

Dear Stevie Nicks and Rain

2011-03-11T22:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Stevie Nicks,

You're a WOMAN?!

Been confused for 21 years,
Martha

Dear Rain,

I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this.
But, I've always kind of thought you just smelled like dead worms.

Hate to break it to you,
Martha

Dear Cinco de Marcho

2011-03-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Cinco de Marcho,

I just wanted to let you know that you are easily one of my favorite Holidays. The homemade Cafe Rio and the pinata are really great. Oh, and I love that since it's a made up holiday, there is never a 'holiday rush', no worries about it becoming too commercialized, and we don't have to fight anyone at the grocery store for the ingredients for our annual dinner.

I really just wanted to say thank you for being such a great holiday.

Until next year,
Martha

P.S. I know it's technically Marzo, but I feel like "Marcho" just makes you that much better.

Dear Jimmer

2011-02-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Jimmer,
I just wanted to say great game today! I didn't watch it... but it's all over facebook. Mostly, I just wanted to thank you for the dream date (dream where you went on a date with someone) the other night.

I had no idea you were my friends roommate! I was so excited when I came over to watch a movie with him and I saw you! You were so quiet and shy. I liked that. Then you finally broke out of your shell to teach me how to play chess. I had never played before that, and I hope that you can teach me more often.

I had a great time! I'm not so sure that it was as good as my date with Micheal Phelps, but it was definitely up there! Anyway, thanks for taking this picture with me

Let's get together soon. We do go to the same school you know.

Checkmate,
Martha Proctor

Dear Baby Ella

2011-02-23T18:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Baby Ella,

You are the sweetest little thing. I'm excited to have you in our family. You don't even spit up. I like that a lot. Thanks for being my model for my first try at newborn photography.

You are beautiful, and always will be.
Love,
Your Auntie Martha

P.S. Blogger ruins the quality of the pictures I post. The original picture is way better. But you are still adorable, no matter what.

Dear Old Blog

2011-02-22T21:14:00.000-08:00

Dear old blog,

It's not you.

It's me.

I'm sorry I let you go.

But, we started when I was a Freshman.

And now I'm a Senior.

It was time.

Plus, I really like writing posts letter-style.

And, let's be honest,

I had the quote from That Thing You Do

wrong the whole time.

It was

'I led you here skitch, for I am spartacus.'

I was just too lazy to change it.

I look forward to my new blog.

I hope we can still be friends.

Sincerely,

Martha

2.14

2011-02-14T21:18:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day.

Woof.

The last time I had a Valentine

on Valentines Day,

I was in the 7th grade.

My super mature

(pronounced matooor, not matchure)

8th grade boyfriend

gave me a rose

and chocolates

and one of those poems with your name

M-marvelous

A-amazing

R-ravishing

.... You get the idea.

It was so romantic.

Finally

2011-02-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

Look what finally came to Netflix...

This looks too good.

What the heck?!

Who came up with this?

I'm pretty sure if I had to watch that man

-in that costume-

for an hour and a half,

I would never sleep again.

You are my comfort slacks

2011-02-05T18:05:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life is really great. Sometimes I get to live with my best friend for almost two years. And sometimes best friends go on missions. Sarah went into the MTC this last Wednesday to get ready to go to Chile. This caused me to reminisce a lot about all the fun we had over the past few years...

Sarah is more than my best friend, she's my cousin too. Because of that we have 21+ years of good times. Here are just a few.

Mopeds in Hawaii!

One time, when we shared a room, we tried to learn the dance to "Thriller." There was about 3 square feet for the both of us. We didn't get very far...

The midnight release for Breaking Dawn- too bad that turned out to be a total bust.

We made a TON of music videos using photobooth. We were so weird when we were together, but we had so much fun. I tried posting one on here, but it didn't work. That's probably for the best if I plan on ever making new friends.

Midnight release of HSM 3

One time I had to go to the dentist, so she took me. Afterwards we were meeting our friends to go to a Lacrosse game, so we bought treats. I had been craving gummy bears like crazy, so she bought me some. I tried eating one with a numb mouth. I instantly started panicking because I couldn't tell whether I was chewing the gummy bear or my tongue. Then it just slipped right out of my mouth (the bear, not my tongue) and onto my lap. Sarah was laughing SO hard.

Waiting OUTSIDE in November for the midnight release of Twilight. We were freezing.

We loved going for bike rides after we bought our beach cruisers. One time we went on a road that had a ton of trees covering it. Sarah started freaking out because there was something on her forehead that was warm. After looking at her finger, she realized it was bird poop. She started panicking and rode over to a nearby tree to get a leaf to wipe it off within. In the meantime, I am hunched over my bike laughing so hard I can't breathe. I can only imagine what the people walking past us were thinking.

When she beat Darrell at the eating contest. She downed 7 Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers. I have never been more proud.

One time we both had a crush on the same boy. Robby. It was bad. We got in a lot of fights because of him. Eventually my crush faded out, and many moons later, Sarah's did too. We decided to never have a crush on the same boy, it wasn't worth it.

Driving to Arizona to make our flight to Hawaii. There was a major traffic jam. Naturally, this is the first pose she thought of.

One time, we went to Walmart to get stuff for dinner. We got pasta-roni, and since strawberries were in season, we got some and some cream to put them in. While our pastaroni was cooking, we decided to have strawberries and cream. We split it equally between the two of us. We were STUFFED. We found out 2 minutes later that all the cream we had each eaten was about 700 calories. Needless to say, that pastaroni never made it to our mouths.

This was the second one.

Whenever we would drive in the car we would BELT the songs that were playing on the radio. Then when it was over, we would just carry on our normal conversation.

Look closely and you will see that I am flashing "Live Long and Prosper." We were pretty obsessed with Star Trek that Summer.

Once we were driving, and she was telling me about something having to do with kissing. She was trying to explain to me how someone had kissed someone or something like that I don't remember. But she was like, it wasn't just a peck, it was like THIS. And then she kissed her hand to show a really long awkward kiss. Well, at this point, we were at a stop light and I look over and I see our next door neighbor Kwai-Lin watching Sarah make out with her hand. It was HILARIOUS.

At the PCC

We had a nightly ritual where I would take a shower while she was in the bathroom getting ready for bed. We would just talk over the day or anything we really wanted to. It's one of my favorite memories.

Our last night in Hawaii

Any time I watch Flight of the Concords, I will think of her.

We found these for 5 dollars at Walmart, we couldn't NOT buy them. Both of us had "Back in Black" for the each others ringtone.

We would always talk to each other in different accents. Sarah is pro at speaking in accents. When I moved home, Jared kept asking me why I kept talking like a Russian or a Mexican.

Going all the way up to Ikea just for the 2 dollar hot dogs.

Whenever we would go out to dinner, she would always tell us how much she was going to tip.

Dressing up for the HP 6 Midnight Release.

Summer days spent swimming or laying out in the front yard.

We went up to SLC to stroll the streets and get "culture." In the end we just went to all the Church stuff. It turns out that is way cooler, and there aren't creepy people haha.

She loved Christmas just as much as I did. We spent way too much money on decorations for our house. Almost every night we would drive around to see Christmas lights on all the houses in Provo.

She had a huge crush on the boy next to her, and I had a huge crush on the boy next to me. It was the perfect plan. We could have boyfriends, and we could still hang out all the time. Haha, if only they thought the same thing ;) And then there is Andrea, who encompasses sooo many good memories.

The Hawaiian-English dictionary she would always pull out.

Chinese Nativity at Temple Square

One time she dyed a strip of my bangs purple. That was pretty cool.

Midnight release for HP 7

She gives Styx a run for their money with her rendition of "Mr. Roboto."

Midnight release for Eclipse

All the nights we spent video chatting with Garrett.

Roommate family picture

One time she heard that orange peels were good for you. So she ate them. A ton of them. So sick.

We have a picture like this from when we are like 8 or 9. So before she moved back to Oregon, we wanted to recreate it.

Last march we went to a bunch of different malls and tried on Prom dresses. It was ridiculous. But so fun.

Day before she moved to Oregon

We went tanning a few times. It was the best way to feel warm in the Winter.

We sent out a Christmas card to all our ward. It had pictures of us, and what we all had done that year, hahaha.

I am so ashamed to say this, but when we shared a room, Sarah found a TON of Zac Efron pictures and we put them up on our wall. Then, when we decided to move on, we hid them in random places in the boys house next door. They were finding those pictures for months.

I LOOOVE this pic of us. We were boogie boarding at Waiamea Bay in Hawaii. The waves were HUGE. I'm talking like 15 feet. We only did about two until we felt like we might die. It was so much fun.

Like most roommates, we had a lot of great late night talks about the gospel or life in general. Really loved those.

Roommate picture 2

I'm gonna miss being able to text her funny stories or quotes from movies. I'm gonna miss calling her to try to figure out my life. It seems like she knows me the best out of anyone and helps me stay level headed. Oh well, there's still letters, right?

We're hot.

We always wanted to travel. Our first plan was to go on an Art History tour through Europe. Then it switched to a Humanitarian thing in Uganda. Then Mexico. Then Fiji. Maybe someday we can check one of those off.

The night before she went into the MTC she came to visit. Our last pic together for 18 months!

We are inseparable whenever we get together. We were nervous, though, that because we were joined at the hip we would never make new friends or get boyfriends :). We were talking about how we were each other security blanket, but instead we said that the other person was our comfort slacks-hence the name of the post (comfort slacks are really comfy sweats that are only 5 dollars at Target. The term comfort slacks was coined by Meldy. Her idea came from the SNL Target video that we fell in love with).

I already miss her, but I know she is going to be a great missionary. I will try to get along for the next 18 months without her being my "comfort slacks."

Let's Go Girls

2011-01-31T22:06:00.000-08:00

Every morning, I wake up to this song...

Since it's the first thing I hear every morning,

it gets stuck in my head a lot.

However, there is a problem.

(I know you're asking how could there be a problem when you sing this masterpiece in your head all day long?)

The problem is:

I am terrible at singing the right lyrics.

Here are a few of my favorite portions

of my version of the song in red

and the real version in black:

no inhibitions make no commissions
No inhibitions--make no conditions

Get a little out of line
Get a little outta line

ain't gonna ask a libllee collect...
I ain't gonna act politically correct

(I know libllee collect doesn't mean anything. But, it's the best I could come up with in the moment of singing. Plus, she does not have the best diction. haha)

the best thing about being a woman
The best thing about being a woman

is the perogative to have good fun and
Is the prerogative to have a little fun and...

(Obviously a misspell of prerogative, but I thought I was making that word up! I was surprised that I was remotely correct with that one)

oh ah ah ooh beating a wild yeah you and that in sky
Oh, oh, oh, really go wild--yeah, doin' it in style

comb of my hair do of the dare

Color my hair--do what I dare

weed o weed o wance we only wanna dance
We don't need romance--we only wanna dance

(weed o weed o wance?? YOU try figuring out what she's saying without seeing the lyrics!)

Haha. I love it.

I'll have to share some more

of my genius lyrics with you in the future.

Look forward to my version of

Single Ladies.

It's too good.

Letters: Take two.

2011-01-23T22:39:00.000-08:00

Dear T-Mobile,

Just get the iPhone already. Verizon did it. Why can't you?

Love,

I love technology.

Not as much as you, you see.

But I still love technology.

Dear Japanese Cherry Tree Blossoms,

I think I might have started drooling when I heard about you. How could I not...

I've been thinking that I want to learn how to paint, and I think you are the perfect candidate for my first attempt.

Love,

Hoping to see you in real life someday.

Dear Physiology,

I'm kind of wishing I would have paid better attention in High School. Logs. Meiosis. Mitosis. Translation. Transcription.

Blech.

Love,

I got an A in anatomy, that should count for something, right?

Dear Shy Martha,

Where the heck did you come from?

You used to be super outgoing, and even flirty, from the beginning. People called you outspoken. Ebullient even.

ebullient:

Zestfully enthusiastic.

joyously unrestrained

overflowing with enthusiasm or excitement

Love,

Get over yourself, Thanks.

Dear Summer,

Where exactly is it you are wanting me?

Provo or Highland?

If you could decide soon, that'd be great. Thanks.

Love,

Hate looking for housing.

Dear Sundance Film Festival,

Kind of wish I could get to know you this year.

I plan on going sometime in my life.

I'll just have my own film festival.

I plan on watching a bunch of independent movies on Netflix.

Wanting some culture,

Me.

Dear warmish weather,

I love you.

Can't wait to join you with my bike soon.

Love,

I want to ride my bicycle.

Dear Midway Ice Castles,

Kind of hoping to meet you very soon.

You kind of look magical.

Could use some magic,

Me.

Dear Hall and Oates,

No, You make MY dreams come true.

Love,

So what if I listen to you on repeat?

Dear Tuesday Thursday 9:00 2nd block class,

Sorry I dropped you without even giving you a chance.

I am just really sick of waking up early.

And I hate the idea of waking up at 7 M-Th.

We'll meet again.

We kind of have to if I plan on graduating.

Love

my comfy bed more than you.

Dear blog,

I think about you a lot.

I have so many ideas for blog posts.

I promise to try better.

Love,

Pretending to be too busy.

Dear Sewing,

I kind of missed you.

And I kind of like you.

Circle YES or no if you like me.

Martha

Dear Future Boyfriend/Husband:

What the heck am I gonna do when I find out

my Dad is the only male that likes watching

Pride and Prejudice?

Love,

Watched 3 versions with him this weekend.

P.S. I'll cut you a deal and watch sports or something.

Dear Amazon.com,

I don't know why I didn't think of you before.

But you have it.

My favorite perfume.

It's been discontinued.

And I haven't had it for years.

But it was only 8 dollars instead of 40.

Heyo.

Thanks.

Love,

Smelling good.

Dear Roadtrip,

Let's get together.

Soon.

Love,

Looking to be warm again.

Sledding

2011-01-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

On the first of January, we took a bunch of the nieces and nephews sledding. It was a lot of fun. When we were done we came back and had homemade cocoa and toast. Apparently I'm really good at making toast, because when I gave it to Jack he said, "MMMM! Yummy toast, Barta!" It was super cute.

I just got done editing a bunch of pictures from this day, and here are a few that I love.

Heber's face looks so funny in this one. I love it.

I love all the pictures of Hannah and Jake. I think they are so sweet. I would have loved to have pictures like this with my Dad from when I was little.

Boat pose in Pilates. Apparently that's how I sled.

Zoom in to Jack's Face. He is IN HEAVEN in this picture. He's sledding. He's with Isaac. Nothing could be better.

Jared's sweet sweet hat

Love Hannah's face.

HAHAHA.

The Collision

Jack in Jared's EWOK hat.

toothless.

1280 x 1024

2011-01-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

New Years Resolutions:

1.No fast food. All year long. This includes road trips. No, I do not count Subway-that food is actually real.

2. Make a monthly budget, and live by it. You may remember my money blog. It was effective, but really annoying to update. I use mint.com now and it is SUPER helpful.

3. When I have something nice to say, say it. Sometimes someone will give a really good talk in church, or has affected me in some way and I chicken out on telling them. Not this year.

4. Go to ward prayer. I have been in the ward since May and never gone. I think it's time I start making friends in Highland. I went two days ago and had a lot of fun.

5. YOGA. In Provo, Meldy, Sar and I would go every Monday night and every Saturday morning for an hour. There is no reason I can't do that now.

6. Go to the gym at least 3 times a week. This wasn't hard for me to do in Provo because my roommates would go and we had no TV. I waste way too much time watching TV or sitting at the computer. I can still watch TV and exercise at the same time!

7. Once my real classes start (today all I had was ice skating) I can only get on Facebook on the weekends. I did this last Winter semester and it worked like a charm.

8. I am not allowed to pretend to be on the phone when I see someone on campus.

9. When I am invited to things, GO! I really don't mind chilling at home on a Friday night, but I need friends, so I am going to go to things that I am invited to, rather than take the option of staying home alone. Obviously, I can't go to every single thing, but if the other option is hanging out in my room-I have to go.

10. Go to the temple at least 2 times a month.

11. Go to my meetings. Even my 7 am Stake meeting where I don't say anything.

I love New Years, it's my favorite Holiday (second to Christmas, of course). I like making goals. I like fresh starts.

Two years ago, on New Years Day I found out for the second time that I was not accepted into the Music Ed program. A pretty crappy way to start off the New Year, but a few weeks later Jeffrey R. Holland came to a BYU and gave this devotional. If you haven't read it before, read it. If you have, read it again. It helped me a lot through the struggles I was having. It's the perfect talk to listen to to get you motivated to move on and change for the better.

Happy 2011.

Confessions

2010-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am really good at blog-stalking/facebook-stalking.

like, really good.

I went to a Jonas Brothers concert my Freshman year of College.

And I bought a shirt.

When I was 16 years old I was banned from ebay.

I accidentally bid on a fake ipod from England.

It only cost like 40 pounds... how could I not?

My dad called ebay and told them I was underage and should not have to pay for it. Needless to say, I was banned.

I watched 5 and a half seasons of the Hills.

It was on netflix, I lived at home and had no friends, so sue me.

I have been tanning before. Like 4 times. Sarah talked me into it. I would keep doing it, but it's just too darn bad for you.

One time during Freshman year, I was driving my roommates car (she was also in the car) and I backed into another car. It was terrifying, but there was only a little bit of paint on the other car and we just rubbed it right off. Thank goodness.

I pretend to be on the phone when I see people on campus that I don't really want to talk to.

I've gotten pretty good at carrying on a one-sided conversation.

My sophomore year of High School my parents banned me from listening to/singing Phantom of the Opera.

I was obsessed.

I may or may not have acted it out in my room.

Gosh, that's probably the most embarrassing one.

I would just sing it while they weren't home.

Or go to my friends house.

All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy

2010-12-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas came early this year.

Grades aren't posted until like a week after Christmas, but for some reason the Anatomy grades were posted.

And I got an A.

Merry Christmas to me.

Letters

2010-12-06T22:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Netflix,
Please stop putting up TV shows like Futurama, American Dad and Family Guy. Blech. How about some more like Say Yes to the Dress? That was nice.
Love,
Looking for a new TV show to get addicted to.
P.S. I know you are probably having a hard time trying to figure out what "Scott" likes since I watch Say Yes to the Dress and Hannah Montana and my Dad watches every war movie known to man.

Dear Billie Holiday,
You are my woman. I love your music. A lot.
Love,
Feeling classy.

Dear boy in my Stress Management class,
You've been eying me all semester, you always sit right behind me in this class, in chronic disease prevention and I see you everywhere and you always smile. I was going to tell you to make a move, but today you announced you were getting married in three weeks. This just got awkward.
Love (better yet, don't),
Feeling awkward.

Dear Anatomy,
I do not want to break up with you. This semester has been my favorite semester. You are the best class that has ever happened to me. This isn't goodbye, just a see you later.
Love,
Can't wait for functional anatomy.

Dear Chile,
Please take care of my best friend for the next year and a half. I don't know what I'd do with out her.
Love,
Gonna miss her.

Dear I-15 construction,
Avada Kedavra
Love,
Can't wait to be done with you.

Dear Martha,
Please don't eat food that isn't good for us.
Love,
Mr. and Mrs. Large and Small intestines

Dear Long hair,
I don't know why I waited 9 years to get rid of you. I don't even miss you. Sorry.
Love,
Looking good with short hair.

Dear Christmas break,
I need to work on ME right now, but soon enough we'll be together
Love,
Can't wait to be with you.

Dear Electric Blanket,
You are the best thing that has ever happened to my sleep.
Love,
Warm and Toasty

Dear Meditation,
I always kind of thought you were for hippies. But, I actually kind of like you.
Love,
A hippy? Or maybe you're just that good.

Dear American Chopper, Pawn Stars and Swamp People,
I never thought we'd find love. Maybe I'm desperate, but thanks.
Love,
Unexpected Lover

Dear In Defense of Food,
Thanks for opening my Dad's eyes. It's really nice :)
Love,
Excited to have someone else concerned about what "foods" we eat.