6 Week Intervals

......So transfers are tomorrow. But we will get to that part later :) This week was a pretty good one! We knocked into this guy who was a crack up. Not because he was trying to be but the things he said were interesting. He told us that Christianity is the red-headed step child to Catholisism. I think that should be the other way around, but ok! And my lovely companion has some bright red hair. I told her she should have gotten super offended by that to see what he would say but it was too late at that point. It would have been funny to see his reaction though.

       We taught Makaylah's family this week and WOW! That lesson was so great! We got to her house and we sat down and asked if her step dad wanted to join in the lesson because he had been at church the day before (that was a huge step for him). Makaylah looked at her mom and said "He's going to say no." We asked her if she would just ask him and invite him to sit in. Her mom, Wendy, told her to scoot and she went to ask. The room went quiet and we heard Makaylah say "ok" quietly. I figured he had said "no" and she wasn't going to argue it but as she came into the living room she says "He said yes...." We were all surprised but at the same time Sister Kemp and I were not because we had been spiritually creating this lesson and planning on him being there. We taught the restoration again and the spirit was so strong the entire time. Charlie, the step dad, isn't very into religion but it seemed that he had really felt the spirit as we taught. He told us that he had enjoyed church and that he got a good vibe from the meeting. We explained to him that that was the Holy Ghost testifying to him that what he was doing was right. After the lesson he thanked us for coming and told us that he planned on being in the lesson this week. We are so excited and can't wait to continue teaching Makaylah's family. We have been praying to teach a family and the Lord has blessed us with one.

       We also had a fun lesson with Kaitlin and Angelina. Our primary president gave us some of her FHE games so we used one called enduring to the end. It made me miss family night but that is ok. I feel like I have been able to have that again with these girls. Anyway, they are doing so well and we can't wait for them to be baptized!

     Oh! Before I forget! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAGE!!! Sorry it's a couple of days late but I totally forgot to write this last week! I love you! I can't believe you are 19! Crazy! I hope things are going well! I miss you! Keep smiling!

    Ok, someone needs to tell her that is up. Please and thank you! :)

Mom! Actually everyone, you need to read the story "The Black Telephone". Its a good one! Our bishop read it to us at church yesterday. Read it!

So funny story for Mikayla: First background story. When we plan to see people and their lessons we plan members that can go with us. So for this LA we planned for Brother Brown to come with. Ok on to the story. We went to this member's home a couple of nights ago and his wife answered the door. She looked at us funny and I was about the ask for this member but I totally spaced on his name. Not sure why, we see him pretty often. So instead of asking for Brother Dixon Brother Brown came out of my mouth. I quickly corrected myself and went of with the conversation. As we walked away from his door I started cracking up. Like I couldn't breathe kind of cracking up. Sister Kemp looked at me like I was a weirdo and asked what I was laughing at. At first I couldn't tell her because I didn't know how to phrase it without it sounding bad and still I don't know how to explain it but I will just tell you Brother Dixon is black. So I was laughing because I was hoping his wife (who isn't a member) wasn't thinking I was referring to their skin color. Ok, don't worry I am just sitting here laughing again as I relive this memory.  

     Ok, ok, ok, I will tell you what is happening to me now. But first I was telling some people in the ward yesterday that I was thinking I was going to get transferred. We said our goodbyes just in case and a couple of them looked at me and said "Sister Woods you have grown so much since you have been out here! You were so quiet and so shy! You have really come into your own!" Inside I was just laughing at them. Me? Shy? I don't believe it. However now that I think about it, I was pretty quiet. I didn't want to say anything wrong so I kept my mouth shut for a long time. I don't think I started talking really until this transfer. 

      Well, my predictions were right! I am heading to Goleta Ca tomorrow! I am the senior companion and driving. Yikes! I am so not ready for this! But here it comes anyway. I am excited to be going to another area but sad to be leaving my "home". Wish me luck!

I love you all!
Sister Skeeter

No?

Sister Kemp and I were cracking each other up the other day while we were weekly planning. We get so bored that we start going crazy. While we were planning we were joking about how missionaries don't know what the word "no" means. Why do you think we keep coming back? We joked about how when people say no and close the door we write them down in our planners with their addresses and make a note to visit them when "they are more prepared". I am sure you are all wondering why this would even be funny. It is when you are a missionary.

Also this week I ate some legendary food. There is a member here who makes a certain pie and the story is that some sisters had it one day and then got really sick the next few days from it. I don't know the whole story but that is what I was told. I have been to this members home a few times and had avoided this pie for 4 months. There is another part of this story that some of you know, but I don't really want to talk about it on here. Mail me a letter if you really want to know. Anyway, we go to this member's home on Monday and after dinner he asks if we want dessert. I hesitantly said yes (I can't eat very much when I am at his home. He even made fun of me because according to him the amounts I dish myself are "meager") and Sister Kemp excitedly exclaims "there is always room for dessert!" haha she didn't fully understand the circumstances yet. That is ok, more power to her! He grabs a pie dish and places it on the table. As he pulls off the tin foil I see a mint green.....filling and start praying that we are about to eat mint chip pie. The member's mom, who lives with him, asks if it is avocado pie. He tells us that it is. I can't lie; my stomach churned. It wasn't too bad, but I can't eat avocado as of right now.

Also Mikayla! Remember when we used to talk about how long your prayers are when they were like 2 minutes long? Well now mine are 30-40 minutes long. Beat that! Just kidding this isn't a race. Also can you send my new license? I kind of need that. Thanks!
This week the three little girls did not make their date unfortunately. Something happened and Melissa is not allowed to see her dad, who is there at most of our lessons. We have referred her to other missionaries and pray that her mom will still let her be taught and baptized. She has been so excited about becoming a member. She got up last fast and testimony meeting again and spoke about how she knew baptism was the right thing to do and she was excited to go to primary. It has been so fun to watch her progress and love the gospel. She is such a good missionary to her mom and we can see how her mom has been softened to this message because of the things Melissa has done. I think she can see how happy Melissa is with the gospel and with reading the Book of Mormon.
For Kaitlin we have been talking with her mom to see if March 2nd would work. Things are difficult here because Kaitlin's parents are separated and have to do some talking before her dad before the date can be official. We have been praying so hard for these girls and we continue to do so as Satan tears them apart. I know what happens is what Heavenly Father wants to happen. As of right now we can just teach and pray and hope the spirit will touch Kaitlin's dad.
Makaylah is still doing very well! She loves reading the Book of Mormon and has a very strong testimony of priesthood blessings. The funny thing is she has never had one. We taught her and her mom about the word of wisdom and we told her mom that if she needed help overcoming an addiction she could get a blessing. Makaylah jumped at the idea and said "they really work!" She then told us that she hadn't had one before but she had seen others get blessings and see how they helped those people. Her testimony is still growing and she continues to amaze us with how prepared and ready she is for the gospel. Her mom Wendy has also been making a lot of progress. At first she wasn't interested in really listening to the lessons but now she sits in on all of them and was so excited when she got her own Book of Mormon. She even came to church for the first time yesterday and brought her husband who was not interested at all. We are looking forward to teaching them and seeing if her husband will start sitting in on the lessons. We had invited him before but he decided that he didn't really want to hear them. We are hoping that him going to church yesterday is a turning point for him and that he will have a desire to learn more now.
This week I also had a really sweet experience with prayer as well. Sunday morning Lydia left church early because she wasn't in a very good mood and one of the members caught her as she was leaving. The member said a quick hello and asked Lydia if she was feeling well. Lydia replied that things weren't that great so the member reached out and gave Lydia a hug. She she did so Lydia began to cry and this member lovingly listened to her and tried to comfort her. That night in my prayers I felt so sad for Lydia. I wanted things to go easier for her and I want her to be able to not stress about work. I was fervently praying for her and asking the Lord to help her and take care of her. As I did so the thought came to my mind "I will take care of her." I knew that Heavenly Father had been listening to my prayer and He was telling me that everything was going to be fine. I had meant to tell Lydia that the next day, however I forgot and didn't end up sharing that with her. On Friday Lydia texted us and told us that she had lost her job. We had planned to go see her the night before (inspired planning) and decided that we needed to see her when she got home. When we got to her house I was able to share my experience with her and help her to realize that Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. He knows what we are going through and what we need to do to become the people He wants us to be. The spirit was so strong as I testified of His love for her and told her about my experience. I could feel of his love for Lydia and as we talked my love for her grew even stronger.
      I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. I know He is watching over us and guiding us along this path. I love Him and know that He lives, as well as the Savior.

Well that is it for this week! I love you all!

Sister Skeeter

Mini Eggs!

So I realized a couple of days ago that Easter in the next holiday...after St. Patty's day. Anyway that means that mini eggs will be coming to the shelves pretty quickly. Remember how I asked for no more candy? Well, I am revoking that just for the Easter season. Feel free to send me as many milk chocolate mini eggs as you want :) 

Ok, I have a list of things I wanted to tell you all about.

1) There is a hockey team out here called the LA Kings. If that isn't the biggest oxymoron then I don't know what is. I was so confused when I saw that. Then I realized that it was hockey and not basketball (Sorry, worldly I know).

2) The other day we were walking in our apartment complex and this kid walks outside. I had to do a double take. It looked EXACTLY like Tavan; except this guy ended up being super ghetto. So imagine him with a plaid jacket that is 20 times too big for him and then sagging jeans. That is what I saw haha I just thought it was funny.

3) Ok RMs. Do you remember those streets that you were just so excited to go knock because there weren't any records of other missionaries being there? We had a couple of those streets this week. I was so excited to go knock them and then they were kind of a disappointment. Only because people were not as open as I was hoping they would be. Life of a missionary. Full of ups and downs.

BUT! There is this apartment complex that we realized was in our area and there are no records of any missionaries being there and I know they haven't been knocked for at least 8 months. We have been going there and I think there was only one door that wouldn't listen. The people in that apartment complex are very nice and very willing to listen. That is one of the places I look forward to going to every singe day. It's just a good pick me up! And we meet some pretty colorful people there too. There is never a dull moment.

Ok that was my list. Not as long as I remembered it being.

For all of those wondering, the weather finally cooled down and we have had three days of rain. YAY!  Prayers and Fasting really work. We are praying that there is more rain to get out of this drought.

Oh hey! I hit my 4 month mark yesterday and the fun part was that it was Sister Kemp's 4 month mark too! We took pictures....don't worry! Maybe one day you will all see them!

Life as a missionary has been so good lately! I don't know why or what changed but things have been a little too easy. There's a storm coming! I can feel it. I think it actually started brewing this week. I just hope and pray that I am always worthy to help these people and am open to the promptings of the spirit. I think that has been the hardest part for me. It is hard for me to recognize when the spirit is actually talking to me and when I am just thinking. There have been a few moments when there is no mistaking but then there are others where I have no clue. So that is what I have been working on lately.

Gah! Ok, time is already up! Love you all!

Sister Skeeter

I Was Born Into What They Call The Church Of God

     Let me explain the title. We knocked into this lady named Sandy this week. I am pretty sure my lungs are completely black now and I don't think I have ever smelt so much like a smoker in my life. She was a very heavy smoker. The walls of her apartment were yellowed from the smoke and there was a cloud of smoke lingering from the past. Her home smelt like a casino times 100. Can you just smell it now? As we went home we could smell the smoke on us the rest of the day and we hoped the other non-members that we talked to wouldn't be able to smell us and get the wrong idea. Oh the things you experience on a mission. Sandy is this really sweet older lady who let us in after talking for about 30 seconds (just so you know that is the first time I have ever been let into a home on first contact). We taught the restoration lesson but every 5 minutes or so she would say to us " I was born into what they call the church of God. They call them the holy rollers. Now that is just far fetched." I think she told us that 6-7 times. Because of that we weren't sure how much she remembered or understood of what we were saying but it was an interesting experience. It felt weird being in a complete strangers home but she told us that we were welcomed any time, however we aren't sure that she would even remember us if we went back. Maybe we will check in on her in a few weeks and see if she remembers us.
     This week some of the events that took place feel like they happened months ago but at the same time I can't believe it is already preparation day again. So in some aspects it went by very fast, in others it has felt like it has been a long week.
In my personal studies I finished reading the Book of Mormon which was really cool. After I finished I said a prayer and have continued to pray to feel of the truthfulness of the book so that I can gain a better testimony of it. Having that reconfirmation I feel will help me to help the investigators understand the importance of it more as well. The thought that I cannot convert someone past my own conversion comes to my mind a lot as I declare to people about the Savior and the Book of Mormon. As I have been able to read and pray I have been able to grow closer to the Savior and I have been able to strengthen my own testimony. I hope the Lord's investigators are able to feel my testimony as I bear it to them and can feel of my love for the Savior and the Book of Mormon.
Today I also read in Matthew and I really liked a verse in chapter 7. It is verse 29 and it says "for He taught them as having authority and not as the scribes." In JST it says that He spoke with authority from God not from the scribes. I just thought that was neat because that is how I want my teaching to be; from the authority of God and not of myself. My goal is to always be teaching with power and authority and of course with the Holy Ghost. I know it is only through him that people can become converted.
I don't remember if I told you about Chad in the last couple of emails but Chad is a newer investigator and his life has been a difficult one full of past mistakes. I feel bad for him every time we teach him. I want him to be baptized already so that he can start a new life and have a more fulfilling life and not feel so cast out. He came to church on Sunday which was super exciting but he took off after Sacrament. We also have a police officer in our ward and we suspect that Chad saw him and felt uncomfortable and that is why he left. We aren't sure yet but we will try to figure out what we can do to help him spiritually. He has been so great at reading the Book of Mormon and he said that whenever he is really struggling he opens it up to a random page and starts to read. He said it has always opened up to something that can help him and he has been strengthened through reading it already. We are so excited to be teaching him but sad that it is so hard to get a hold of him and teach him a real lesson. He tells us he has questions but every time we plan to answer them he leaves or doesn't show up for the appointment. One day we will be able to answer his questions! 

      I have a feeling Chad will be baptized but it might be awhile before he is completely ready for the gospel.

      So I am sure most of you have heard stories or met JWs who are nice at first and then they get really hostile. Let me just tell you, that has been my experience with all of them except for one out here. I am quickly losing respect for them because of how rude they are. Oh man, if I could bible bash they would be sorry. I refrain though and go on my way. So this week we met one who approached us and the minute she said she was a JW I shuddered a little bit. I was waiting for her to bring something up so that she could start arguing with us but I was completely wrong. She asked us a couple of really sincere questions and we had an hour long conversation about the things we believe and what we know is going to happen after this life. We cleared up some misconceptions for her and explained the real Adam and Eve story. Have you ever heard their take on it? It is kind of funny. Anyway, I walked away thinking "wow, I can't believe that just happened." Anyway I just thought it was funny because she was so different from the rest of the ones I have talked to.

     Also a couple of quick things: Jamie, thank you for getting me hooked on Jolly Ranchers. I cannot go through weekly planning without them now. And guess what! I got a free skirt this week! That was sweet! It isn't super attractive but hey I am always down for new clothes when they are free!

Ok, time to sign off! I love you all!

Sister Skeeter

I smell a new car!!

So this week Sister Kemp and I got a brand new car! We are driving a 2014 Ford Fusion. We call it the great white. Because it is great, it is white, and it looks like a shark. So it works! It is such a smooth ride! Ok, now that I have said that it is going to break down. Worldly! Oops.

Anyway, California is in the middle of a drought. One of the Seventy has asked that everyone is the state fast for rain, so I will be fasting with all of my family this week. That was cool for me to think about. I am not allowed to ask my family to fast for things out here but hey they live here so they will already be doing that! 

This week has been eventful! We got 5 new investigators who I am so stoked about! I will write more about them in a few. I also cut my first pineapple. I know lame huh? I am 21 years old and I just learned how to cut up a pineapple. Haha! What a loser! Anyway, don't worry I am pretty much pro at it now and it was delicious!

Ok, serious stuff now. Did I ever tell you people about Ernesto? I hope so because he was a total miracle from the start! Well he went off to LA and told us that he would refer himself the missionaries because he wanted to get baptized. I lost contact with him and yesterday he showed up to church!! He went to the other ward but that is ok! Those sisters were able to have a great lesson with him and he still wants to be baptized! I am so excited for him! I just want him to be a member already! He has changed so much just since we have first met him. 

This week we met this girl, who I am very excited about! She answered the door and told us that other missionaries from different faiths like to come because she and her brother will listen and like to hear what other people believe. We taught her about the restoration there and she followed everything so well! At the end she told us that out of any other religion that she has hear our makes the most sense and that she loved how we know everyone has a piece of the truth but there was originally one church and that it would make sense now to only have one true church. She invited us back and we are so excited to teach her more. She has been prepared to hear this message.
I have found that I love teaching children. I am pretty sure I have told you this before but it never ceases to amaze me how in tune little children are with the Spirit. They are so receptive and acknowledge the fact that they feel good when we teach them and they are so willing to keep the commitments and find out for themselves! Sister Ardnt and I talked to a couple of young boys a few weeks ago but it was dark and we didn't want their parents to get mad at us because we were two strangers walking around talking to their kids at night, so we quickly declared to them and asked if we could come back. We talked about how our families can live together forever and one of the boys Tyler loved the idea! He started giggling and told us he was excited that we were telling him this stuff. We told him we would come back some time in the middle of the day and we said our goodbyes. Sister Kemp and I went back yesterday and knocked on his door. I don't think I have ever felt so welcomed by anyone. He opened the door and said "hi!" Then he did a double take and excitedly exclaimed "Oh hey!" We asked him if we could talk to his family and when would be a good time. His dad then came to the door and asked what we wanted. He quickly told us he was not interested at all and said goodbye. I wanted to cry. Not because he wasn't interested, although that is sad, but because Tyler could feel the spirit as we testified to him that night and he wanted to learn more. I have been praying that he will be able to find missionaries again some day when he is older so he can come to find the truth for himself.One day.

Angelina, Melissa, and Kailin are doing well! They love having us come over and Kaitlin is loving young womens! 

Lydia is still going strong and loving the church! We have been over a few times to see her and it is incredible how much faith she has.

So, sorry this is so short, but I am out of time. I will continue with the stories next week! Have a fantastic week and remember who you are! I love you all!

Sister Skeeter

Week of 01/20/14

This week has been weird for me getting used to a new companion. It's funny, because all of the sisters that came out with me have had a different companion both transfers and I have just had the one. When Sister Kemp got here I really had to adjust things to fit the both of us and not expect it to be the exact same as the last two transfers. It has been interesting for me to see how different missionaries do things and how we can still be obedient by doing things a little differently. I keep thinking about Mom and Dad always making fun of me while I did my homework because to me, the teacher's way is the only way. Guess I haven't learned my lesson because when Sister Kemp asks if we can do things a little differently I immediately want to say "no." I assume it isn't as obedient as the way Sister Ardnt and I did things and that our way is the only way. Wrong! Don't worry though, I am loosening up a little bit. Slowly but surely I will learn to love change. It is also hard to imagine though that anyone could be as obedient as Sister Ardnt. She is very strict.
  I can already see that this is going to be a real growing transfer for me, however I am excited to see how it goes! It has been fun to have someone who was in the MTC with me. We get along really well and we have had a few people comment on two red-heads working the area. Watch our  4th ward!
The work in this area has been progressing really well! We taught our referral Hannah on Tuesday and it was such a great lesson! The spirit was so strong. Right before we got started on the lesson her boyfriend walked in and said he wanted to listen to the lesson as well. We gladly invited him in and honestly I expected him to just sit there and make fun of us. As we taught, the spirit was so strong! When I got done reciting the first vision we stopped and asked the two how they were feeling. Hannah responded that she felt security and that she felt really good. Chad, her boyfriend, said excitedly that he felt joyous and like he didn't have to worry about all of the junk that was happening in his life. I was elated to here this! I love when the people we teach can feel the spirit so strong! We explained that it was the holy ghost giving them those feelings and that He was testifying to them that what we were saying was true. We went on with the lesson and after we committed them to read the introduction to the Book of Mormon and the first chapter. As we walked out the door Chad turned to us and said "We will start reading tonight and I will make sure she reads as well!" referring to Hannah. I again doubted them, as to if they would remember our next lesson. Last night however we had another surprise. We went over to the house to teach the little girls Kaitlin and Melissa and as we were leaving Chad was there again. He was outside on his skateboard smoking. doubt sank in again but he yelled to us saying, "Hey! I will see you on Tuesday!" We told him we would be there and that he should bring any questions he had so that we could help him. He replied "I have been reading and don't worry I have questions." He then pulled the Book of Mormon out of his pocket and told us that he had brought it everywhere with him. Sean who lives in this home agreed to that and told us it was Chad's new travel companion. We are so excited to have the opportunity to teach these two children of God. I should not have doubted them in the beginning. I am looking forward to Tuesday and will be preparing with a lot of prayer and scripture study so that I can invite the spirit in this next lesson and help them progress even more.
As for our recent converts, Cheryl is finally making an effort to come to church which is so great! She came yesterday along with Lydia. We have started the new member lessons with both now and are in the process of handing them over to the ward. So far they both have great home teachers who are making sure that the lessons are done and that they are being fellowshipped. I love that the ward has been so great about introducing themselves and making sure that the new members are comfortable in the ward. I know with this ward that I don't have to worry about Lydia and Cheryl getting left behind. They are in good hands.
Those were some of my favorite moments from this week. Sister Kemp and I are still trying to figure out how to best work in unity, but I guess that is how it is the whole transfer; always improving out teaching and working on being better servants of the Lord. I am excited for the progress this area is making and I am so glad that I am still here for at least another transfer!
So, I got an email from Sadie today, let me just say; I was so excited to hear from her! As I wrote her I thought about an experience I had this week during studies. This is the story I told her and I wanted to tell you as well;
Every single time I make a plan to do something He quickly turns me around (even when I am trying to turn back) and shows me a happier way to live. There is a scripture in Genesis 19 and it is the Lord talking to Lot and his wife. He tells them "escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in the plain." As I read that I thought about myself and how I need to stop looking back and stop lingering in the same spot. I need to move forward and progress to higher grounds. Let me tell you, that has made ALL of the difference. The adversary wants us to be unhappy and if he can get us to focus on the negative we will stay on the plain and lose our lives. I am excited for the change this transfer will bring and I can't wait to hear from you all! I love you!

Sister Skeeter

If I had a dog I Would Name it Sally

If I had a dog I would name it Sally,

Ok that is a lie. First off, this is a note to my future husband. Whoever he may be and where ever he may be. I will NOT...EVER have an animal in my home. :) Let me just say, I didn't like animals before I got here but having all of these stinky, nasty....things throwing up during lessons, jumping on me, and sneezing on my feet has really made me dislike them even more. They are disgusting....so sorry future husband! Hope you don't like animals!

Ok on to the real stuff now. We were stuck inside this entire week so we don't have much new to talk about. Sister Arndt was sick so I did a lot of studying and thinking. It was weird not going out at all. 

Lydia is doing so great! Her baptism is this Saturday! Wahoo! I want you guys to meet her. She is probably the sweetest lady in the whole world and all she wants to do is serve the Lord. We asked her why she like the church so much and she said "I just feel at peace with it. I know it is the only true one and I don't feel like I have to go out searching anymore." Yep, that is our investigator...or the Lord's :) We can share.

Oh, this story is for my mom. Incase you were wondering we live in the ghetto. I forgot to tell you that one day while we were out tracting we heard gunshots and then saw an ambulance drive up. Yep, that happened. And one day we were in an area we call "Big Mexico" (we have a "little mexico" too) and we saw a bunch of sketchy looking guys go into an ally way. A few minutes later we heard gunshots, and a few minutes after that they dispersed. That is the kind of area I am in. Fun huh? Got to love the crazy things that happen on a mish! Uhm so I can't think of anything else that needs to be said. I know the second I get off the computer though I will remember plenty of things to tell everyone. 

Oh, I got a funny sweater the other day...I love it :) I didn't buy it, Jamie got it for me for Christmas, it says "Red Hair, Don't Care #gingerproblems" hahaha Yep! That is me!

Question; is anyone taking care of bamboo plant? I want that alive when I get home! :)

Ok, I can't think of anything else. Sorry this one is so short! More stories to come next week! Love you all! Thank you for the support you give!

Love,
Sister Skeeter."