Highlights From Fabulous Franconia

Hey Everyone!

I hit my 6-month-mark on January 9, 2015

It's been a few weeks. Last Monday was a holiday, as you know. Then, when I went on Wednesday to email from the public library, the computer system was down throughout all of the Fairfax County Libraries. I couldn't use the computer. But here I am, finally. 

My Preparations Days are full of preparing for the next week:  laundry and shopping, emailing from the library and doing some sight seeing. Today I went to Old Town Alexandria with the other sister missionaries serving in Kingstowne: Sister Kennedy and Sister Malufau. We had such a good time. 

Last week, Elder Hallstrom and Elder Perkins, two General Authorities from our church came to speak to the missionaries. They taught us some amazing things. One gospel principle they focused on was FAITH and how to build it. One point that sticks out in my mind is that FAITH can be a power in your life. It can be a power IF we have a desire to build it. I've realized that on my mission, the truest form of power comes through faith, hope and charity. If we can acquire these things in our life, nothing can stop us. I am so grateful I am learning this essential principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Highlights of my new life in Franconia: 

- My companion, Sister Wright and I befriended a girl in our ward who is training to be an Olympic boxer. She's the coolest person ever.  I love being around her. 

- There's also another woman in our ward who is training to be a Special Agent for the FBI. Amazing. 

- Every Wednesday, we go to a less-active's home to translate documents from England in the early 1800s. I'm literally indexing family trees and baptistery names that were written over 150 years ago. Sometimes I feel bad touching these "ancient" papers but the lady trusts us and we touch them minding that our hands are NOT greasy...  

- We are teaching this awesome 16 year-old girl who is hopefully getting baptized soon (we are just waiting for her mom's consent). She is wonderful for many reasons. She has such a desire to learn more. Another great part of our friendship is that we have totally bonded quoting lines from "Mean Girls" and "Scandal." Recently, I was telling her about my decision to serve a mission and how I was actually planning on doing a Study Abroad first. I had a strong feeling to put studying abroad on hold and serve a mission first. After I said that she said, "I'm so glad you decided to serve a mission first Sister Kelly, otherwise I wouldn't have met you!" Having her tell me that literally made my entire week! It's nice to hear every once in awhile that you're making a difference...because sometimes you feel like you never are.

- We are teaching another boy who is getting baptized in February. This young man is solid. He comes to church every Sunday...in a suit! He's 15! Last week his mom came to church with him and loved it. Hopefully, we can teach her too.

- My friend, Tian, from the Oakton Ward (baptized inAugust 2014) is taking names to be baptized in the Washington DC temple this Saturday. My companion and I have permission to go with her. I can't wait!  

With Tian at her baptism, August 2014, in Oakton, VA

AND FOR THE BIGGEST MIRACLE OF ALL:

Sister Wright and I have a great relationship with an awesome recent convert who has a 15 year-old daughter who has not joined the church yet. The daughter either hasn't clicked with the missionaries or she became too attached to them. Well...she is obsessed with the British Boy Band, ONE DIRECTION. (AHH. So am I. Went to the One Direction concert with my cousins, August 2013. Do I need to mention we were on the third row?!?!) I clearly understand what this young lady is talking about. She told us that she will not sit in on a lesson that we teach, unless it involves something to do with ONE DIRECTION. 

Problem solved. 

We found a life size cut-out of HARRY STYLES at a party store. It was really expensive. We shared our situation with a member in our ward and she gave us money to purchase our very own "Flat Harry Styles." We purchased him and will be getting a missionary name tag for him that will say, "Elder Styles." He will be attending every lesson we have with her. Elder Styles is even coming to the district meetings we hold with the other elders and sisters. Not sure if Elder Styles has been invited. Who cares? We are sooooo funny!?!? 

Remember that FAITH can be a power in your life. Thanks for reading. Thanks for your support and love. 

xoxo Sister Kelly

In Old Town Alexandria with Sister Malufau, Sister Wright, Sister Kennedy and me.

Confused. 

It was raining really hard and when that happens, our mission president does not allow us to
drive our car. So we walked. In the rain. For about four miles. We got drenched.

Car inspection time. Clorox Bleach wipes were a lifesaver.

Just another Franconia sunset.