Moroni 7:48

Hello Family! 

Good to hear from you! Sounds like the dedication was super great! I'm excited to go to that new temple! I bet the Connolly's are in 7th Heaven right now. That is so awesome! 

Well this week has been really great:

Wednesday: I had a cool experience helping some people out in the Family History library. First off, I don't know a whole lot about family history or how to help people who come in with all their binders to try and find them things, I can pretty much just show them on the computer their ancestors name and that's about as far as it goes. But, I remembered that I am a missionary, and the line between family history and missionary work needs to be dissolved (see PMG pg. 164-little blue box). So, I prayed to Heavenly Father and said "Heavenly Father, I am a missionary, and this is your work, please help me to help them." And then I started looking through different books about those who came by sea, and I looked in the index to see if the ship they came across on was in this book. The ship was called "Hope." I didn't see it in the index. So as I was about to close the book, I just flipped through the pages and the first page I opened to was the section on the ship "Hope." Pretty awesome. They were thrilled with it. Then, later I used my google skills and found for them a book at the Family History Library in SLC that would answer every question (they live in Layton-so this is actually possible for them get). But they were so excited. It was really cool to be able to go in there and help them. Especially to really see how what is said in Ether 12:27 of weaknesses becoming strengths if we humble ourselves before the Lord and ask Him. Pretty cool. 

Thursday: I went on exchanges with one of the newer sisters. It was such a great experience. She told me that she looks up to me a lot, and that she trusts me and so she opened up a lot about some things that she has been struggling with. She doesn't have the most supportive of families at home, especially her Dad. She talked about how the only person she wanted to make proud was her Dad, and she was never able to do it. Her Dad would constantly tell her that she wasn't good enough. This made me so sad to hear. I started to tear up because I thought about how GOOD my Dad was. About how he would always tell me I was beautiful or smart. He takes every opportunity to tell me that he loves me. He will let me sit next to him on the couch and play with his hands. He will give me hugs. He called me an elect lady after going on trek together. He always would tell me that I was making him proud. Let me tell you, this has made more profound an influence on my life than anything else. This kind of love from a Father shapes children to be who they are. It gives them confidence and helps them recognize their Divine worth. But most of all, it makes it even easier for them to recognize that they have a Father in Heaven who loves them. So, Dad, I thank you. Mom too, because you did the exact same thing. To all of you parents, I recommend that you seek every opportunity to show your love and to build up your children. It makes such a difference as I have seen serving this mission. 

Friday: Sister Arnold and I have really been working hard to get our songs recorded. We are working with this guy in the Stake who has a recording studio and he is going to do it all for free. He said it would normally cost $10,000 dollars. INSANE! But, it's awesome to see how members of the Church are so willing to help each other out. To bless each other with the talents that they have been given. WAY COOL.

Saturday: I took a neat tour with a family from Ohio. They are driving to Utah for a wedding and they had 5 kids all under the age of 9. They were so fun. We were in the memorial room and I was asking them what were some of the things they were doing because they were a Forever Family-ie pray, scripture study, FHE. Anyway, then I asked them how doing those things helped them. They said that they had driven through a HUGE storm the day before and that they had prayed to be safe during it, and then felt prompted to go under a bridge. Right as soon as they got under the bridge HUGE golf-ball sized hail came down, and they were protected. After the Mom had finished this story, I asked the kids how they felt as their Mom was telling the story. They said they felt happy and good, and I pointed out that it was the Spirit that was making them feel that way. It was such an awesome thing and they were such a good family. Man, I love the gospel!

Sunday: We had this incredible lesson in Gospel Principles from our Ward Mission Leader. He talked about Charity, which as we all know, is the pure love of Christ. But, what is the verb for pure- it is to purify- or to make pure. Think of a diamond that is pure and clear- well it definitely doesn't start out like that, but it has to go through a process to become pure. It goes through heat and pressure. So, through these trials that we have in our lives we are being purified, thus becoming more charitable! It was so cool to realize. I don't know if I'm explaining it good enough, but it was blowing my mind. It makes the scripture Moroni 7:48 seem more incredible when it says that we will "become purified even as He is pure." Very cool. 

Pictures:

1- The Watsons, Sister Coats, Sister Belka, Sister Atkin, Sister Brown, Me, Sister Arnold at Longhorn Steakhouse. The Watsons wanted to take us out for an appreciation lunch. It was super fun. I love all of them. 

2- Sister Arnold and I like 5 minutes ago. I am having the time of my life with Sister Arnold. She is one of my best friends. Missionary work is really great when you are with your best friend. She reminds me SO much of Sarah, and I want her to marry Jared. :)

Welp, Family, I love you. I hope that things are going well getting ready for the wedding and the holidays. I love this gospel and I love what it has done for our family. Keep being good. 

I love you!

Love,

Sister Proctor

P.S. I will be on for about 10 or 15 more minutes... can someone please send me a picture of a teacup pig--- really showing just how small they are?! that would be very needed and appreciated haha. Thanks!

Alma 19:6

 Hello Family!!!

Today has been great! We just got back from our latest Watson Wagon. We went to the Joslyn Art Museum and then out to lunch and then to the bridge where you can be in Iowa and Nebraska at the same time. Pretty great. It was a lot of fun, and I'm sending some pictures of those. Also, I got the package from Laura and Sarah, the package from Laralee and family, and the letter from Isaac! So thank you thank you thank you!!!

This week has been super great! First off, I want to apologize for not writing real letters very often. I'll try and be better! Probably not this week though since we still have to get groceries and what not. Since we just got back from the Watson Wagon I don't have my journal or anything to help me remember what we did this week. Oh well.

One of the biggest highlights was just like what happened in Alma 19:6. Our investigator Diane is coming along so well! We set her for baptism and I am so excited. I love the way Alma 19:6 describes what happens when people are learning about the gospel. I have seen it countless times and it is incredible!

Ok, so this last week we had a mission tour. Elder Nash of the Seventy came and talked with us. It was super cool. So when we went to go shake his hand, he asked me "Are you enjoying your mission?" I said, "YES!" and then he said "It shows, thank you for your service!" That was awesome.... then later in the training, I made a comment to something he was saying and then right when I finished he said "Sister Proctor, that was a true statement and it was said with confidence." And then he just STARED at me, while I smiled awkwardly. Then he went on for about 5 minutes on how we needed to say things with confidence, so that the Spirit will resound in people's souls. He mentioned that we have the truth, and there is no reason to be afraid to state it. It was awesome. Then at the very end while I was playing the postlude music he came up to me and said "Sister Proctor, you are wonderful." Holy moly. It was crazy, and so cool. Big confidence boost that day haha.

Sister Arnold and I are working hard to get everything in order for the rest of the year, which has been fun/really crazy. It's cool though. So this last week we had Zone Conference with Elder Nash, then Zone Leader Council, and then we went to the temple. It has been some of the most spiritually packed weeks it was incredible!!!

I wish I could write more, but one of the sisters just called and said that the internet wasnt' working and so I've got to go fix it for them.

Know that I love you all and I am grateful for each of you!
Keep up the hard work!
Love,
Sister Proctor

I forgot to mention that Sister Arnold and I have been figure skating/dancing in the lobby of the TC for exercise. It's hilarious and so much fun. I have a video but it's way too big to send via email. Also, Mom, I promise to send you pictures of the quilts next week! Sorry it's taking so long.

K,
Love you all!

Greetings from Nebraska

Hi Family,

It was good to hear from a few  of you this week :) I want to thank my devoted fans. Hahah, just kidding, I know you are all probably super busy. Things are going great here. Sister Arnold and I are having the time of our lives. We are doing a lot of stuff to make sure the rest of the year runs smoothly. Gladys Knight is doing a fireside thing with her choir in October. We called them to invite them to come to the Trail Center, so some of their board came and Sis. Arnold and I took them on tour. It was good, it looks like they will be coming!  So that's exciting. I have learned so many business/people skills on my mission and especially as a TC Leader, it's crazy. It's so awesome though. Did I tell you we are going to be singing in malls during the holidays? haha we are. It will be cool. To try and promote people to come to the TC for the Gingerbread Festival. 

The quilts are all up and look really great. I am reminded every day but EVERYONE of how great of a quilter Mom is. I'm so proud of her. She makes us all look good :) Anyway, there are a lot of fun quilts and I quite enjoy it. It makes me really excited to start sewing stuff again. 

So, pictures this week:

1- Me and my roommates in our weird storage cubby thing. We decided to do our BOM study in there together. It was fun :)

2- The Wrights went home. How I will miss them and their nightly popcorn parties at their apartment

3- A bunch of us sisters last week at the Trost's apartment. They were also going home so we had a little party with them. We are SO SPOILED with all of these Senior Couples.

P.S. I had no idea that Shayla Rowley was going on a mission. That is awesome and I'm so excited that she gets to go to a VC! She will love it! 

AND! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JAKE ON THE 13TH!!!

So, this week my letter is different- yesterday we had Stake Conference and this guy told a story from his Dad and Mom who were serving a mission. It was their story of why they decided to serve a mission. And, I realized that while some reasons of why I decided to serve a mission were extremely obvious, there were a few that you don't know about, so I wanted to tell you now :)

Of course, it all starts of when I was 18 years old and in my Patriarchal Blessing it said I would serve a mission. I didn't hear a thing after the Patriarch said that. We all know I was very upset and very saddened by this. I was worried that I would miss out on cool life experiences. That I wouldn't get to have a normal college experience, that I wouldn't get married when I was 19 :), that I would be a weird returned missionary. I didn't want any of it. For years, if you wanted to make me mad or frustrated, all you would have to do is mention that I should go on a mission. Oh man. Anyway, after a year and a half, I decided to finally read my Patriarchal Blessing. Why? Because it talked about my husband, and let's be honest, I thought that sounded great haha. I would just skip over the part that said I would serve a mission. Then, over the years, I became less and less sensitive to the idea of serving a mission. The funny thing is that I wanted so badly to travel somewhere and to help people, just in a humanitarian way, rather than a gospel way. Sarah and I both looked into all the different Humanitarian projects we could be a part of-- who were we kidding? Anyway, serving a mission was ALWAYS in the back of my mind. No matter how much I wanted to forget it, it was there. As I would walk through campus I would think about it. Whenever people would talk about missions, I would try and tune it out. So ridiculous. Anyway, it finally got to the point where I realized that I would eventually serve a mission, I just had to get over my pride. I thought about what it would be like at the MTC, I thought about what my future companions would be like, etc. When Sarah started thinking about going on a mission, and was telling me all the reasons why she was going, it made sense. It was only a year and half. I had been blessed SO much. I have been longing to leave home to go serve in someway (When Sarah told me on the phone, she started out with "don't be mad at me" hahahah, that just tells you my attitude towards serving a mission). So, I decided to fast and pray about it. I did the next day, and NOTHING. I had a lot of plans for the future semester, I felt nothing and I thought I was off the hook. Then Sarah and Nathan were getting ready for their missions, Reeve was getting ready for his, and Jared was just about to start getting ready for his. It all sounded so great. Everyone was so excited. I secretly wanted a part of it, but I couldn't get over my pride. Then Sarah left to the MTC. She was loving it. This excitement that everyone else had for serving a mission was contagious and I couldn't stop thinking about it. Then, one night at the end of February, KSL did a special on the MTC. I watched that video and I wanted to be there. Every change that I wanted to make in my life, I knew I could do there and on a mission. I closed my computer, opened my journal and wrote that I wanted to serve a mission. I knew that if I wrote it in my journal then I couldn't deny it the next day. What would I write the next day? That I had changed my mind? That the huge spiritual prompting to serve a mission was just a joke? Of course I couldn't deny it, so I had to write it down to hold myself to what I knew to be true. I also had to pray and commit to Heavenly Father that I knew that I should serve and that I would serve. The next day, I worried and worried about telling my parents about it. This was a very humbling experience. Finally, it was Me, Mom and Dad and Michelle's kids. We watched Veggie Tales- Jonah and the Big Whale (Dad would like to attribute my decision to go on a mission to this movie, but I assure you I had decided way before :) ). After the kids were gone I finally got up the courage to tell Mom and Dad. They were elated. I was scared. I was scared all the way up until I was dropped off at the MTC. I didn't get to show my excitement or my passion for the gospel as much as I wished I had. I was nervous, I felt stupid because I had to be humbled, and I was sad to leave my family. Therefore, I just tried to talk about it all as little as I could.

 But, I can tell you this, as I have been serving, I have never been happier in my life. I understand and appreciate the gospel more than I ever would have. I have a stronger, sweeter relationship with my Father in Heaven. I am more personally converted. I have seen the gospel change lives, including my own. I have grown to love, appreciate, admire, respect and look up to the faithful Pioneers. I feel way more prepared to have a family that I can raise with the gospel as I have been invited into so many homes- both those with the Spirit, and those without.  I have been able to use the talents that God has given me to share the gospel. I have seen how much the gospel really does bless our families, especially our own. I have never prayed more for my family than while I have been a missionary. I prayed and prayed that Laura would find someone worthy of her to marry. I have prayed and prayed that Casey and Clint would be able to sell their house (this one is still to be determined :) ). I have prayed for each of you because I love you and I know that Heavenly Father loves you. I know that this gospel is true, not because I read from the Book of Mormon and prayed to know if it was true (although, I have done that and received that spiritual confirmation that it is true). But, I know that the gospel is true because of how it has blessed our family. "By their fruits ye shall know them", the "fruits" our family has received from living the gospel have been so good and brought us closer to God. I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to share it with others. Think about how the excitement of others serving their missions was contagious to me-- now think about how our excitement to live and share the gospel can be contagious to those around us. As we eagerly do our scripture study, prayers, sacrament and other meeting attendance, home and visiting teaching, others will see our excitement and they will long to have what we have. I know this is true. I know our Savior lives, and that He loves us. The way He lived His life makes us long to return to live with Him and Heavenly Father.  Keep doing your best. I love you all. Have a wonderful, wonderful week. 

Love,

Sister Proctor

3 Nephi 22:10

 Hello Family!

It was fun to get all of you letters and the quilts from Mom! Elder Watson has made me show that quilt to so many people. HE LOVES IT. The quilt show starts this Friday and I'll be sure to send you plenty o pictures. This week has been super great. It is so fun to be with Sister Arnold! We get a lot done and have so much fun doing it. I love it. We are both still Trail Center Leaders and it's just been a ball. I'll be really sad when it's all over. 

This week: 

Thursday: This was transfer day and so it was super busy. We have a lot to do on transfer day, but it was fun being able to do it with Sister Arnold. At night we got to hear the testimonies of the departing missionaries. It was so good to hear from them. Missions really do change people so much for the better. 

Friday: We went and met with our new Elders. We are sharing an area, which is so nice because we are gone from it A LOT. So, it was good to meet with them. Then we went and all had lunch with our Bishop and his wife. I'm excited for the things that are going to happen this transfer. Then we came back to the TC and worked on stuff for the rest of the year, with the exception of going out to dinner with our roommates for Sister Lamb's year mark. That was fun. 

Saturday: We had a phenomenal training! We talked about how the people come into the Trail Center and their lives are changed and it's incredible. But, then we talked about how we come into the Trail Center more than anyone else so our lives must be changing even more. So we had Sisters share how their they have been changed because of the Trail Center. It was super awesome. 

Sunday: We were at Church and then served in the Trail Center for the rest of the day. Something that I learned on tour that was super cool was this: We start off the tour talking about the Nauvoo Temple, and how the covenants they made there meant so much to them and helped them along their journey. We talk about the sacrifices that they made in order to have that temple, ie 5 years and 1 million dollars. But as I was talking about it I realized how much more TEMPORALLY prepared they would have been had they spent that 5 years and 1 million dollars on preparing themselves with food and provisions. But, they understood that the SPIRITUAL preparation of covenants would mean more than any amount of TEMPORAL preparation. It's amazing how much they understood about the covenants made in temples. What a great lesson for all of us today. 

Monday: We went and did service with one of our investigators. After we left, Sister Arnold and I had such a great reminder of how much the gospel has blessed our family. This family has a sign in their kitchen that says "Our family puts the "fun" in dysfunctional" hahah which isn't too off-base. They have a mixed home with kids from different marriages, but all but one of the kids are over the age of 18 but they all act like 12 year olds and it's crazy! It is just wearing the Mom out, and our hearts just ache for her because it's exhausting for her. We asked her why if we were the same age as her kids were we acting different, and she said it obviously had to do something with God. It's incredible what the gospel has done for our family. I am so grateful that Mom and Dad were strong enough and patient enough to raise us the right way. I am so grateful for siblings who are living exemplary gospel-centered lives. It's crazy what you realize when you step into the home of a family who does not have the gospel. It makes your problems seem a lot smaller. I am so grateful for all of you. 

The pictures are:

1- Oh, I forgot my coconut water, is that not just CLASSIC! 

2- Team USA cereal. Pretty awesome! 

3- Me and Sister Arnold at Transfer Point

4-Sister Lamb was dying her eyebrows, so Sis. Brown and I decided to join in. It didn't do anything to ours, but it was still fun :) 

I can't believe Sarah is home! How exciting! I'm so jealous that Laura gets to go up and see her. Give her a great big hug for me please! I'm excited for the package :) 

Family, I love you. I am so glad to be serving a mission. I am so happy to share the good news of the gospel. I hope all of you take some time this week to count your blessings. I know I will. I love you! 

Love, 

Sister Proctor

PSYCH!

Well, Hello, hello, hello.

First off, I can't believe that Jared started bawling when he heard 'all I ask of you'-- obviously he was remembering how much he loved it when I would sing that song at home. Wow. Who would have thought? ahahah

This week has been a whirlwind. It's been good. 

As we speak, Elder Watson is talking with President Weston to try and figure out when I am going home. I guess on Friday, the secretary was all set to buy our plane tickets, but when she entered it into the system, it would let us. So, they called the mission department and they said they had a policy change. The old policy was that you could go home 30 days before or after your 18 month mark- no questions asked, just needed President's approval. Now, what the policy is, is that you go home on the assigned transfer date. Which is January 4. But, for those who are starting school on the 7th, that's kind of crazy. I was really mad and upset about it for about 2 days, thinking that one of the worst things you could do to a missionary was dangle "going home before Christmas" in front of them, give it to them, and then take it away. There are also black out dates of when we can't fly home apparently Dec 19-25 are the dates this year. So even if they did release me before Christmas, I couldn't fly home. But, whatever happens, happens, and it's not worth worrying about. It was frustrating though because we didn't want to be thinking about going home or what we would have to do after in the first place, so once we had gotten it all figured out, we were done thinking about it. But then, it's like it was just thrown in our faces again. But, like I said, I'm done worrying about it. Especially knowing that Laura could maybe change back her wedding date, then I'm all good. I'm bummed that I won't be home for Christmas, but oooh well. January will still be a great time to come home. I'll let you know if I find out anything though. 

Highlights from this week:

We went to Zone Conference in Sioux City! This meant we got like a 2 hour road trip with some of the sisters! It was the funnest day ever! Zone Conference was great, then we went to South Dakota, just because we were close, then we all went to eat at a Chinese Restaurant, and then drove home. At the ZC, President Weston made some changes. Now, from 10-1030, rather than ending comp study at 10 and going out, we have an extra half hour of Book of Mormon study together with our companions. That will be cool. So, after we got back from Sioux City, all of the Sisters had 1/2 an hour and we couldn't make it out to our areas, so we all went in the apartment and had family scripture study together. It was really cool. 

The Watsons took Sister Arnold and I out for dinner again. haha. 3rd week in a row. It's crazy, but so fun. That's where we have our Trail Center Leader meetings though, so we get a lot done. And I get to eat delicious food :) We went to Cheesecake Factory this week haha. I love it. And I love spending time with the Watsons. 

This weeks Trail Center Moment:

I took a member family on tour. A Mom, Dad, their daughter, and her husband. They were really great and just traveling back from Ohio.  It turns out that the Mom was a convert. Apparently, her mom was a member but she was married to a non-member who allowed them to go to church, but didn't allow them to be baptized until they were 18. She grew up on a ranch and I guess that on their 16th birthday their Dad would give them their own horse. However, when she was 16, she asked if she could forgo the horse and be baptized. Her Dad let her. First of all, I think her faith and her testimony at 16 was incredible. Secondly, I realized that so many of the people who come into the Trail Center have Pioneer stories of their own. Why else do you think they are drawn here? They want to come and hear about people who were just like them, who sacrificed what they had to, in order to receive the blessings of the gospel. It was incredible. I am grateful for that realization. I am grateful to be serving here, surrounded by so many wonderful pioneer stories, both from those who have passed before us and the current pioneers. 

Pictures:

1-Me--obviously. I took my comp out to dinner at this delicious Mexican place. I loooved it. 

2- SOUTH DAKOTA!!! Never in my life did I think I would be so excited about going to South Dakota

3-All of the Sisters in my zone in SD

4-Ahhh, there are billions of acres of soy fields all over NE, IA, and SD

5-Out to dinner after ZC with the Sisters-group 1

6- group 2

So much fun! 

I can't believe that everyone is starting school! That is so crazy!!! This summer just flew by. I love the start of the school year. It is so fun. I hope everyone does smashingly well. It looks like Island Park was a lot of fun! Minus all the leaches! AHHHH! That is disgusting!!! I'm glad that everyone made it back safe and sound. 

Mom-there is 37 some thing out of my account from today, because my comps card didn't work. But she gave me cash, so I will try and put it in. Also, can I get more face pills, I'm out. Is the quilt almost done? I can't wait to see it! 

So, is Sarah back in America yet?! I can't wait to hear from her. I bet she is such an awesome RM!!! Super cool. 

Well, not much to report on. We haven't seen a lot of our area this week because of Trail Center and then meetings that I have to go to. But it's been really good. I'm excited to go work super hard this week. Transfers are coming up next week, so my P-day will be on Wednesday. I can't wait to hear back from all of you!!! 

I love you and I love being a missionary!

Love,

Sister Proctor

Heavenly Father Answers Laura Proctor's Prayers

 Hello Family!!!

There isn't a whole lot to report on this week. After Sunday last week, my companion and I were super sick all week long. We didn't even go out until Thursday, so that was awful. But, from Thursday on, it was great! 

On Thursday: we went on exchanges. I was with Sister Kirby and we got to go volunteer at a health clinic. We filled prescriptions. This Doctor and a bunch of pharmacists get together and let anyone in the community come in and they do a check up thing on them then give them pills that have been donated. There are no narcotics, so it's not shifty that way. But it was super fun to work there. 

Friday: We were at the TC all day and then Elder & Sister Watson took us out to dinner and then we planned for training.

Saturday: we had training and it was so good. It was all on the God's Plan for Happiness video. Of course, this meant a lot more crying, but it was so good. And we have already seen so many miracles because of it!!!

Sunday: We had another fireside, this time in Lincoln. Lincoln is about 1- 1/2 hrs away. So someone had to drive the Transfer van. Get this, I was the first Sister in the mission to drive the van. It was so much fun!!!! We had a blast and it was such a good night! 

Monday: Today we had a Watson Wagon and we went to the Strategic Air and Space Museum. Basically, when we all come to Nebraska, it's going to be Isaac and Jack's favorite place. There were a ton of planes and we even went in one of the simulators. It was so much fun!!!! They even had the "sweet swirling onion rings" like on RocketMan. Crazy. It was so much fun. Then one of the Senior Couples took us all out to lunch. We actually just got back. Man I am so spoiled!!! I love all of the missionaries here! 

Anyway, it was a great week. I'm glad I'm no longer sick and will be able to go out tonight! Woohoo!!! Although, Heavenly Father is really smart, and since I was sick I was able to figure out my life in 4 months. With the few responses I have gotten already, and the fact that Laura could get married and Tyler's sister will be there, I will be coming home December 19th. Now, this is what I am going to say on the matter: Don't do anything cool like the chocolates or gingerbread houses until after the 19th. hahaa. Please... I guess if you have to, then do them before, but I just cannot believe that I will actually be coming home before Christmas! It's crazy!!! I just have to finish my application to LDSBC, (which will cost 35 by the way-- I hope this counts as an emergency). Anyway, it is just SO perfect. I know Heavenly Father had His hand in this one. I am so grateful. I'll call the secretary right away and let her know. PS Someone should tell Sarah about this cuz she could go with me, and it would be free for her too!

This week in Pictures:

1- these were some slippers at the museum today, that if I were really rich I would get them for Jack.

2-Me in the Transfer Van!

3-All of the Sisters at the museum

4-Sweet sweet SR-37. That's right. I know the name.

5-A bunch of the planes they have in the hanger

6- Me and Sister Arnold in the cockpit of one of them

7-Getting into the simulator

8-I'm an astronaut!

Oh my gosh, Happy Birthday to Jared and Casey! I hope your birthdays were/are GREAT! I love you both so much! 

Well, I am excited for this week so we can go tear it up in Fairview. It's gonna be awesome! 

Ok, I've gotta get an email off to President and we've gotta go do 8 hours of p-day in about 1 1/2 hours SOOO. I will talk to you all next week! I love you all!

Love,

Sister Proctor

God's Plan for Happiness

Hi family,

This week has been great, just like all the other weeks. A big shout out to Katie! Happy 2nd Birthday!!! It seems like just yesterday I was missing her 1st birthday :) I'm sure you'll all have a lot of fun. I took a moment of silence on August 4th, as I knew it was the Highland Fling. Sounds like you had a lot of fun. Also, I'm super excited for you to go to Island Park. I bet that's going to be a blast. 

This week:

Tuesday: Service and then working at the Trail Center. We got more computers, so obviously, it was my duty to set them all up. It took forever and I swear I'm learning more about computers on my mission than I did working for OIT. haha. It's great though, and Heavenly Father really helps me to know what to do. 

Wednesday: We had a tri-ward youth activity where we had a panel of missionaries and the youth could ask the missionaries any question. It was a lot of fun. I think they really liked it. I think I would have thought missionaries were pretty cool if I were them--if I do say so myself :) 

Thursday: I got to see "Come Home to Kanesville" again! It was even better the 3rd time around hahaha. It's so much fun, and such a great missionary tool. We had one of our investigators come, and he really enjoyed it. 

Friday: We had Zone Leader Council, which is always so good. Then Sister Arnold and I went around to a bunch of malls because we are going to be performing at them during the holidays. Sometimes I wonder what everyone else's missions are like hahaha. We have so many crazy opportunities here, it's awesome. Then afterwards, Elder and Sister Watson took us to Longhorn for dinner. I got a steak. It was even kind of pink in the middle. You would be proud. hahaha. It was delicious. And I ate shrimp that was one of the best things I've ever had in my life. Big fan. 

Saturday: We worked on chat and then I helped Sister Belka because she was feeling pretty sick. So I just went and babysat her pretty much. This was probably a bad idea, and probably the reason why I am sick! SURPRISE! I hate being sick. It's been a while though, so that's been nice. 

Sunday: We went to church, and then my companion started feeling sick so we came back to our apartment so that she could rest. It was there that I started feeling sick too. It's the pits. We just slept all day long. 

Monday: Sick day. But, we were still able to come to the Trail Center and get some stuff done. The Seniors were having their Senior Dinner and we got a new video called "God's Plan for Happiness." They have a whole exhibit for it up at Temple Square, it's really good. Anyway, Sister Arnold and I had a video conference with Church headquarters to figure out how they wanted us to use it, so Elder Watson wanted me to present it at the Senior Dinner. It was really special. The movie is so real and brings such a wonderful Spirit. After the 11 minutes, the film was over, and I got up and just started bawling. I said that I couldn't teach any more than the film had already taught. But I could testify that I knew it was all true. And the reason why I knew it was all true was because I had seen it in my own family. I'm glad that Jared had such an incredible experience this week with recognizing the blessings of the gospel our family has received. It is such an incredible thing. I am so grateful for each one of you. I am grateful that we have lived the gospel together and that we will continue to live the gospel together. That is Heavenly Father's plan for each one of us. And the only way to true happiness. I'm grateful we are on the right track. I love you all. I commit you all to go up to Temple Square and watch it. It will be a great FHE. 

Pictures:

1- The missionary panel at the Youth activity. Sorry it's so blurry

2- Sweet bumper sticker Sis. Arnold and I saw at the mall. 

Ok- so I have been trying to figure out my life after the mission this week as well. I am pretty sure that I am going to transfer to Utah State so that I can major in Music Education. I can actually get a scholarship there just for transferring! Which is sweet. The question for all of you, especially those of you who have served missions, is: is it better to jump into school immediately or to take some time? Because I have pretty much two options: I could come home Dec. 19th and then start school on January 7th. OR I could come home January 4th, and then work for a while and then transfer up either in the summer or in August. I like the idea of working and having money, but I also like the idea of not just hanging out at home for 8 months.... I don't know what to do. I need to get it figured out, and the sooner the better. 

Anyway, I am feeling kind of dizzy, so I will probably go lay down. Know that I love you all and that I am having the time of my life out here. There is nothing better than serving the Lord. I am grateful for all of you. Have fun at Island Park and I can't wait to see all of the pictures!!!!

Love,

Sister Proctor