Stretching Has a Purpose

DearFamily and Friends:

I AM OFFICALLY DONE WITH TRAINING.

When I think of myself as a real, grown-up missionary, the first thing that comes to mind is...NO MORE STUDYING FOR THREE HOURS A DAY. This does not mean that I know everything. My learning curve is still high. The "training" portion of my time as a missionary is in my rearview mirror.  

As of last Thursday, October 9th, I have a new companion. Her name is Sister Rossi. She is such a blessing. We work so well together and I am grateful to call her friend and companion. I am now what you call a "leader" in my area of Oakton, VA. This is exciting and I am up for the challenges and good times. 

Here are some things I learned these past six weeks:

Sister Rossi and Sister Kelly
We will be a stretching success.

- You cannot "hijack" other people's trials. 

- You can never be too compassionate.

- Sticky notes are a language of love.

- Subaru's drive very nicely.

- I cannot parallel park; but, this city girl is learning.

- Shutting down and not moving when a vicious dog with a frothing mouth (!!!!!!) encounters you does not help. THEY CAN SENSE FEAR. 

- Laughing at insults has better mileage than crying at insults.

- Target is better than Walmart.

- Costco Deprivation is a real disease.

- Brother Noel (our ward mission leader) is actually an angel.

- Oakton Ward is too perfect to be real. 

- Your mistakes have already been paid for through the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.

- Heavenly Father hears all our prayers...doesn't matter who you are. He hears ALL of us.

-You come on your mission to learn. To grow. To STRETCH. 

-You came on this Earth to learn. To grow. To STRETCH. 

-ALL of us are here ON EARTH on PURPOSE.  

-People learn and grow in all different levels in their own way.  

But bottom line, we were sent here for a reason. 

When life get's hard, please know that it is because there is something your loving Heavenly Father wants you to learn. I have definitely had to learn that the hard way. 

Also know that stretching is part of our earthly experience. I have learned to laugh at the fact that stretching is painful sometimes...but if we did not stretch, how would we become better?

"The Easy Way Out Fairy" does not exist.

We must work hard, endure to the end, and TRUST in our God! God loves us no matter what we have done. We, as human beings, cannot comprehend how much HE loves us. But I tell you that He does. I will admit that often I do not feel I deserve so much love from God. But this is not true. Homeless crack addict? He loves you. The Candy Bomber? He loves you. (See the awesome movie "Meet The Mormons" to understand that reference.) So take advantage of this love and live your life in joy and peace. It's never too late to change or transform into the person you want to become and who God wants you to become. He loves me. He loves you.  

Thank you for your support and prayers <3

xxoo to all!

Sister Kelly 

A Seeker of Truth Behind the Wheel

Hello Everyone!

My trip last week into Washington DC was incredible! We went to the National Art Gallery and I fell in love and did NOT want to leave. I found a book in the gift shop that featured portraits of cats reinacting scenes of Shakespeare plays. I died of laughter.

We have been working a lot with "B" and he is making progress! We also have a family from Nepal on date for baptism! 

I have news. We recently had a district meeting with our mission president, President Riggs. A district meeting is when the missionaries in our area (Elders and Sisters) have a mini-conference with the mission president to discuss how to be a more effective missionary. President Riggs pretty much put a kibosh on tracting. This is when you go door-to-door, looking for people to teach. I took this news well, even though (plot twist), I love tracting. To me, it's fun to see the reaction of people, who are so used to yelling at our elders, open the door and see two sister missionaries. So in a way, I am going to miss tracting. But I understand the reasoning behind the "kibosh on tracting."

But anyway, member lessons are a "go." It has been so great teaching members the missionary lessons. Having a knowledge of how to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ builds their faith and helps them feel comfortable to share their beliefs with the people they love who do not believe in the Savior or have a strong relationship with Him. Our members are SO fantastic. Some members in our ward (and there are many) have been such an example to me. They help me become the person I want to be. At 19 years of age, I am still trying to figure out my life. Trying to help others figure their lives out while I am trying to figure out mine, has actually been a blessing in disguise! Getting lost in serving others is the gift that keeps on giving.  

This past Friday, we had a five hour Driver's Education Seminar for Missionaries. I almost lost it when I found out I was going to be driving for five hours. I grew up in a walkable community in urban Milwaukee. Never needed to drive (only to church and seminary). Not interested in driving. No, not me. Another reason I was sent to this mission. I needed to develop the "drive to drive." I needed to stretch. I must be the driver I know I can be!   

It turns out, I had so much fun at the Five-Hour-Driver's Ed. Why? The seminar was conducted by the senior missionary couples! (Spouses who are retired who come and serve a "couple's mission") I love them and have such a renewed appreciation for their devotion and service to us  youthful missionaries. I discovered some interesting facts about being a senior missionary:  they do not have the rules we younger missionaries do, they are encouraged to take naps (very jealous) and they use their personal phones in order to keep in contact with their family members and friends. Sign me up when I am a senior citizen! In short, the senior missionary couples are awesome, kind, humble and hilarious.  

We had a blast testing our ABS (anti-braking system) and learning to parallel park, etc. I did such a horrible job parallel parking that one of the senior missionaries, Elder Collins, whipped out his phone and started taking footage of the drama surrounding my parking skills. Humbling. You know the struggle is real when you see an 80-year-old senior missionary, whip out his iPhone to tease you. It all worked out. End result? I LOVE DRIVING. 

Every six months (in October and April), our church, world-wide, listens to our church leaders deliver messages from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. This past weekend was General Conference and as always, it was really powerful. The Saturday Afternoon Session was my favorite. I was grateful to be able to hear the words of our beloved prophet, his apostles, as well as many other leaders of the church. Elder Dallin H. Oaks' granddaughter is in our ward. She told us last week about the church leaders being able to deliver their speech in their native language. I loved watching and listening to those whose first language is not English, deliver their testimony in either Chinese, Portuguese or Spanish.  

What I love most about General Conference is that every time, without even planning it, the speakers always have a consistent theme in their talks. Finding a theme can often be a personal preference. This is because your thoughts, concerns and inquiries are personal and you can gain a lot of comfort and answers from listening to General Conference. I loved hearing from different speakers about being a SEEKER OF TRUTH. Also, if you have any questions regarding ANYTHING, take it up with God FIRST. This speaks for everyone. Trust me. I know He hears and answers your prayers and my prayers. He always has things figured out for you. And what I have come to realize and cherish is that there are multiple different pathways you can take in life and they will be the right ones. God has a thousand different back-up plans for you so as long as you continue to press forward, keep the commandments, and use wise judgement. We do not need to fear about our lives! That's something I definitely need to remember always.

I love you all. Thank you so much for the support!

xoxo Sister Kelly  

One of my bests ever, Pauline, from my ESL Class

Five hours Behind the Wheel, never felt so good for this city girl.

Called to serve and loving it. 

I could live here...

My Life in the "Present Lane"

Hello Everyone!

I am off to DC in a matter of hours! I am so excited...the excitement is real. We get to go to DC and see the sights, once a transfer (or every six weeks). We couldn't go last transfer so, this is my first official time touring our nation's capitol. 

This week was incredible!!!

I do not really remember what happened in the beginning of the week, (#missionarybrain) but as far as the rest of the week was concerned, it was memorable and amazing.

We had a Missionary Conference with just the sister missionaries who are currently serving in the Washington DC South Mission. We listened to our mission president and other speakers. This was my first Missionary Conference and I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical. I thought it was going to be a one of those sessions full of tears and fake compliments. It was not like that at all. 

The theme of the conference was, "Live in the Present." Don't dwell on the past and don't hyper-focus on the future. It dawned on me that I rarely spend time in the "Present Lane," of life. I realized that I am so focused on the next step of my life and idealizing it, that when the future comes, it's nothing like how I expected it to be. Then I dwell on the glory days...

In short, I am Uncle Rico in "Napoleon Dynamite." 

However, I am committing to change. Since the Missionary Conference, I made a goal to accept and notice the beauty of taking things day by day. I cannot control tomorrow OR yesterday. Deep down, I thought that I could! But what does dwelling on the past do for me? NOTHING. What does only focusing on my future life...which to be honest....is probably not going turn out like how I envision it...going do for me? NOTHING. Now keep in mind, learning from your past mistakes and creating future goals are very crucial and important. But focusing on today and living in the moment is very crucial and so benefical!

  

Another (extremely) important thing I learned while at the Missionary Conference was how to make a meal out of a Crock Pot. Such an accomplishment.

At the conference I was finally able to meet Sister Kennedy. We passed like ships in the night at BYU last year. She knew my friends and I knew her friends, but we did not know each other. I met so many wonderful, beautiful and hilarious sister missionaries. I loved every minute of the conference and I learned so much.  

  

Also, can we take a moment and talk about how AMAZING General Women's Conference was, on Saturday night (9/27)? I got so choked up when I found out that Sister Neill "Nana" Marriott was speaking! It made me think of my Mitchell's and how I love them! Everything she spoke about was incredible and was what I really needed to hear. I will carry her words in my heart, always. Everyone around me that evening loved Sister Marriott's talk. I feel so special to know her and her amazing children and GRANDCHILDREN. 

Me and my very best friends, the Mitchells...

Missionary Update:

***Shangita and Dee came to church.

***We officially have a family from Nepal on date for baptism. 

***And, we are meeting with "B" on Wednesday! 

Awkward Moment of the Week:

***Chasing after someone who I thought was an investigator named Neil....it wasn't.  Instead, it was Neil's roomate (or evil twin),  named "Vinand."

Thank you for your support, love, and prayers! I feel it all!

xoxo

Sister Kelly

Living in the Present Lane while Singing in the Rain.

Finally, Sister Kennedy! 

My National Day To Serve

Happy Monday, Readers - 

This week was crazy. So crazy, I don't even know where to start.  I am going to start jotting down the weekly anecdotes of my daily life. In other words, keep a better record of what I should say in my weekly posts. You deserve to hear only the best and craziest and funniest stuff.

I want to begin by thanking you so much for all the support you have given me these past few months. In this business of being a missionary...one needs support. It means so much. Everyday, I am humbled and so grateful. Thanks for just reading my blog and appreciating what I write. I love you all. (And if there is some random creeper from let's say, the Ukraine, who is stalking my mission blog? I thank you, as well.)

I want to start by spotlighting two awkward moments I had this week. 

**Awkward Moment #1 - I was really (like really....) tired and we were at a less active's house home teaching her about prophets. I decided to lay my head back on the chair to see if that would make me more comfy. The gal yelled in her SASSY African-American voice, "OH YOU WANNA TAKE A NAP? YOU WANNA? WELL GO ON AND TAKE A NAP!" I thought she was ticked. Come to find out, she was actually serious. She offered Sister Savage and I a spare key to her apartment...in the occasion we are in the neighborhood and we get tired (again) and need to take a nap.

**Awkward Moment #2 - I am now officially a Facebook Missionary. First step, I had to clean out my FB profile. Then I had to hide (I REFUSED to delete) all my photos that don't "fulfill or correlate with my  missionary purpose." Looking at all my 80s dancing photos at a public library, with my "Sister Kelly" name tag on, was a real treat.

This week's missionary moments are as follows:

A quick update on "B." He got sick and had serious back pain this week and as a result, we were unable to teach him. All is not lost. We will not give up on "B." 

This past week, in terms of "stereotypical missionary progress" such as baptisms and new investigators? We fell short. But in terms of bonding and gaining really deep trust with less actives and members?? We struck gold. 

I saw first hand the strength of the Oakton, VA members of our church. I am truly amazed. This past Saturday, September 20, the Oakton Ward had their National Day To Serve combined with The Church of The Brethren Presbyterian Church and the United Methodist Church. We made blankets, organized 3,000 kits for laundry and made hundreds of infant care kits. Our Mormon congregation (we have about 400 members who come to the Oakton Ward every Sunday) and the two mentioned congregations, met at the Methodist church. We had a blast! 

I particularly enjoyed getting to know Pastor Singleton from the United Methodist Church. (#mynewbff) She loved talking to us about our mission. About 200 people showed to serve at the Methodist building and 80% of them were from our church. The other churches were astounded and shocked at how much we were willing to serve. A few people asked me, "HOW MUCH DO YOU PAY YOUR BISHOP TO GET PARTICIPANTS AND SERVICE LIKE THIS?!?!?!"  We had to break it to them that our Bishop doesn't get paid and no one gets money for their service or church assignments. 

Also, I was able to bond with Karl, a member of the Church of the Brethren. This awesome 60 year old man with a SWEET ponytail and beard, is in charge of a donation center and wants us to help in Vienna (no...sadly not Austria). He was so kind and sweet. I LOVED the Day to Serve. I loved everything about it. I loved how willing people were to help others. Mostly, I loved the fact that we were all from different faiths and backgrounds. We are all under one God.  

Service, from what I have learned, is the glue that holds our world togther. It is truly a beautiful thing. Service can be the smallest of acts...like a smile or a card. Sometimes the smallest things are the biggest. Little acts of service truly make the biggest difference. I know that to be true.

xxoo

Sister Kelly

Loving our National Day To Serve

The Umbrella...

Hello Everyone!

So this week was a week of miracles. Sister Savage and I have experienced many blessings and miracles through members and less actives; but we realized that we hadn't had any solid success with investigators. 

But that changed this week.

First, let's back track to about four weeks ago to the worst day of my life as a missionary. Literally, the worst. It rained all day. I love rain, but on this particular day, it poured. My dress got super see-through, my shoes got ruined and I had a headache. To make matters worse, EVERY SINGLE APPOINTMENT FELL THROUGH. Every single one. Which gave us none other option than to tract. All day. In the rain. People were rude to us at the door. It was awful. We were on this particular street and we decided to knock on this one particular door. Why not get yelled at or insulted one more time? We knocked and a man answered. He looked annoyed. I thought, "Great, he probably sees our name tags, hates Mormons, thinks we are crazy because in reality, we looked crazy being so wet and soaked to the bone. 

What did he say to us? "How long have you two girls been out in the rain? WHERE IS YOUR UMBRELLA?!" It was obvious we had forgotten our umbrellas. Why not make this day any worse than it already was? After we told him we didn't have our umbrellas, he raced to his car and gave us his umbrella! Greatest gift ever. We were so shocked at someone being kind to us that we responded awkwardly and I almost started crying and that's never a pretty sight; so, we quickly left. Shout out to my brother Matt who won an umbrella at the Prom last Spring. When he came home at 2 a.m. he said to my mom and dad, "I'm going to give this umbrella to Elizabeth for her mission." I use that umbrella now, Matt. Thank you!

Then a week later, we returned the umbrella and we gave this kind man a copy of The Book of Mormon and a Resotration pamphlet, shared our testimonies, and gave him a thank you card with our number on it. He said he would love for us to come back in a couple weeks. 

So, we left on a really good note.

Flash forward to two days ago. Earlier this week while I was on exchanges (exchanges are when we switch companions for a day...to switch things up); we went to check on him. (We'll call him B for the sake of privacy.) It turned out we knocked on the wrong door. B called us on Saturday and asked if he could have a lesson soon! WHAT? NO ONE DOES THAT!!!! It is usually us missionaires that have to track people down; but, he tracked us down! He was wondering why we hadn't come earlier. We said we would be over that night.

Family and friends, I have never felt more fulfilled as a missionary than when we taught him Saturday night. It was the most beautiful lesson. He came with typed-up questions for both me and Sister Savage and they were the sweetest questions i.e."Why are you Mormons?" "Is is okay to ask God questions?" He read all of 1 Nephi (#amazing) and had so many thought provoking questions on what he had read. He was shocked that other religions don't read The Book of Mormon! He thought it was a beautiful and peaceful book to read. For the "Gospel Blesses Families" portion of the Restoration pamphet, he had printed out a picture of his wife and baby son so he could show us how God has blessed his family. Sister Savage and I completely spoke through the spirit. I was able to tell him my testimony and how this gospel changes lives and brings nothing but peace and joy. He really listened. He drew away from God because he was brought up in a really strict religious home. His dad was a minister but could never answer his questions. He said that Sister Savage and I were able to answer many of them that night. He said such a beautiful closing prayer. We have another lesson with him this week. What a blessing.

My emotions got the best of me when we left his home. Tears. To think that the "worst" day of my mission led to the most beautiful lesson I have ever taught. B is incredible. A true light to all. He is so prepared to become a part of this beautiful gospel and I pray that he will come to find that on his own. We are meeting with him on Wednesday and I cannot wait!

So all in all....as a missionary, you're gonna have wacko, crazy days where giving up sounds glorious. But, you have to keep in mind that God ALWAYS has your back and ALWAYS has a blessing around the corner. So glad I came to realize that. So incredibly glad.

Have a great week...sorry no pictures...all I took this week on my camera is a blurry pic of two cats I was trying to stalk/chase. 

xoxoxo

Sister Kelly 

Six Weeks of a Steep Learning Curve

Hello Everyone!

I am back. This week it is me, Sister Kelly, writing the words. As stated in my post last week, my iPad was giving me problems. Last week I was unable to email from the local library because it was Labor Day. (I can't decide if that is a good thing or a bad thing.) Who knew Labor Day would be such a struggle?

Well I am one transfer down. Eleven more to go. I am not counting. (That's right?!?!)  I know my grandmother (Marilyn) has a jar and she puts a jelly-belly in it everyday I am gone. So, I know she is counting. :)  

A transfer is every six weeks. So, every six weeks I don't know if I am going to be moving to another area or staying put where I am. Luckily, I did not get transferred. I love my area and the ward.

  

Adjusting to the mission life has been no walk in the park. I have learned so much. So, in a nutshell, here are some of the things that I learned being a brand new missionary.  

Interpret each point as you wish.

- Never interrupt a former Black Panther (yes..a Black Panther member).

- Never try to discuss politics with people. Especially if they are crazy old men named "Dave" or "Richard."

- Do not ever sit on abandoned toilets.

- If you forget breakfast, you will regret it.

-  You can receive just as many endorphins if you pretend to workout.

- Dogs are EVIL, but squirrels are cute.

- God doesn't want to CHANGE you but he does want to REFINE you.

- There is a difference between change and refinement.

- God has a plan for each and every one of us; so access it!

- So what if Mormon Messages are cheesy? They are sooo good.

- Our trials are not consequences of disobedience; they are proof that the Lord wants us to grow. He knows that you are prepared to grow.

- Sometimes, to get to where God wants you to be and where we are currently...requires stretching.

-...and that stretching? Super uncomfortable.

- There is beauty in laughter.

- There is beauty in a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

- There is beauty in emotionally drowning, because that is when the Lord can fill us and keep us afloat.

- There is pure comfort in Christ.

- Pioneers were incredible people and everyone can be a Modern Day Pioneer.

I have learned so much. And I have learned a lot the hard way. This transfer and training and just being a missionary was seriously not what I expected. But that's okay! There is such power in learning and accessing God and Christ. There truly is!

Love you all! I hope everyone is healthy and safe.

xoxo Sister Kelly

P.S. WHAT?! JOAN RIVERS DIED? What is going to happen to, "Fashion Police?" Robin Williams, now Joan? Who's next? Jimmy Fallon? Better not be. 

Chick-fil-A isn't too terrible, I guess :0

The Oakton Zone...a valiant group.

Sweet Sister Kambourian, my Aunt Paula's friend who is in the neighboring ward.

My district. Another valiant group. 

I found my "Meredith." 

Sister Kelly Does NOT Email in the Library

Sister Kelly's parents received an email from her yesterday, Monday, September 1, 2014, on Labor Day. The local library was closed. No emailing in the library for Sister Kelly this week. Her iPad was acting up and she did not have time to send a post or photos. 

In order for this to not seem like a Christmas Letter where nobody knows who is writing the script, I will make my presence known so that there is no confusion as to who is submitting this week's post. It is Elizabeth's mother. Me, the (full-on) blogger. 

A wonderful experience happened to our family and Sister Kelly last week. Last Wednesday, August 27, 2014, Elizabeth's dear friend, Avery Anapol from Shorewood made the trek by metro to see her at the Washington, DC Temple's Visitor Center. Many thanks to a member in Elizabeth's ward, Sister McCoy, who picked Avery up at the metro station, took her to the visitor's center and then took everyone to dinner in Bethesda, MD. Avery is a sophomore at George Washington University and she basically took "planes, trains and automobiles," to see Elizabeth. I had no idea these two had made plans to meet. 

I was very surprised to hear from Avery and delighted to get a full report of her take on the Visitor Center and of Elizabeth. Avery shared something; and, her words are ones I will never forget. Avery expressed that she always knew Elizabeth was Mormon. Avery said, "Everyone knew she was Mormon. But watching her in action at the Visitor's Center made me realize that her religion is something that means a lot to her." Simple and beautiful. I had never put those words and thoughts together before. Serving a mission for your church shows how much your beliefs really matter to you. 

Heartfelt. Insightful. I get emotional every time I think about or share with someone the words she said. Avery, your perception of that experience with Elizabeth will stay with me forever. Thank you. You hold a special place in my heart for taking the time to see our Sister Kelly.

    

Avery at the Washington, DC Temple Grounds.
Shorewood Shines...