A Busy Transfer Week

Wow, such a busy week. 

-We are teaching a less-active, Barbara M., and we are reactivating her as we go over the Missionary Discussions with her. It is so neat to see her countenance change within each visit, for the better. There is more light in her eyes and she is becoming happier each time. This is a testimony to me that when we missionaries invite to pray, to read and ponder the scriptures, it can help change a person's life. The gospel is so simple, yet so powerful. 

- We visited the Arnolds, who live close by us, and are less-active because of Health, and Sister Bowen got to say goodbye before going to Greenville on the 24th.  

- Jackie took us out to Dinner on the 22nd of July, and we went back to the Thai Thai Seafood Restaurant; Sister Bowen and I ordered the same Phad Thai dish again. Jackie mentioned how she grew up on a farm, and how she wasn't used to anything spicy. She only ate the rice with the vegetables in it (peas, and cubed carrots), with some salt. "This isn't what I had in mind," she said. it was so funny, especially when she ordered a pork dish. Her meals are limited without teeth, but, hey, at least we got to spend some time with her.

- We had a lesson cancel on us, and we will be starting up again, next week.  

-We had a lesson with Teresa, and she understood that there is more than a Heaven and Hell. 

-Sister Carter took us out to dinner one last time before sister Bowen transferred. It was a good time!

- We also had another lesson with Robin and Larry, and that went well. We taught them the Word of Wisdom, and they are willing to quit coffee completely, and to smoke half a pack a day, instead of one and a half packs. 

The elders got sister Bowen good before she left. They knocked on the door, and we couldn't see who it was because they taped the peep hole with blue masking tape. When Sister Bowen opened the door, the elders popped a whole bunch of poppers, which were taped together in a row. Then, they got out silly string in cans, and sprayed us, the ceiling fan, and whatever else they could spray. I was a little upset, as I thought about the mess we'd have to clean up afterwards. 

I am excited for this transfer. My new companion is sister Mahler, as of the 24th. She has been out 13 months, and she is wonderful. Although it is a little difficult at first to teach in unison as we have our own ways of teaching, usually by the end of the transfer we will have something worked out.  She also went to BYUi, just like me, before my mission.

By the next day, sister Mahler and I went tracting around the neighborhood, and we already found a new investigator. I was so surprised that within the first door we knocked at, she immediately let us in to teach her. Her eyes were wide as we taught her about the restoration, and she committed to read the Book of Mormon by our next visit.

Oh! And church was cancelled this week because of Duke Power and its upgrades. We went to Havlock, about 40 min away and brought Kesli, a member, with us. 

Oh! And Sister Bowen shared with me a quote from Marvin J. Ashton, from a May 1992 Ensign, on charity. Here is what the quote said:

"Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other." 

Anyways, this is all I can say for now.

Have a great rest of the week, everyone! 

-Sister Marshall 

Shout Out

Shout out to my friends and family who have kept in contact with me:

I appreciate all that you have sent to me! 

I continue to miss you, even if you are not missing me!

-Sister Marshall 

Crazy Week

So much happened this week.

Investigators: We found 2 investigators this week: Virgin, and Carol

Colleen:

We hand-delivered the Book of Mormon to her door;

Colleen is a writer; she is writing a Christian Book for the Marine Life-style and I helped proof-read and give corrections when needed. 

She told me about how those in Japan believe that a blonde-haired, blue eyed child/person is goodluck when they touch them. A woman once tried to steal her baby in Japan when she wanted to take her baby home to show her family so they could touch them. That definitely made her upset, I can imagine. 

She wants to include the Book of Mormon references in her book, along with the Bible, even though she is not of the faith. She understands how the Book of Mormon mentions things similar to the Bible, and that is why she wants to include it.

Virgin was sitting on a bench,  when Sister Bowen walked up to her on the street. We told her a little more about the religion, and gave her a Book of Mormon. 

Carol was referred to us by the Greenville sisters; she recently moved to New Bern. She has 2 children; the lesson went well; We invited her to be baptized, and she said she would. The spirit was strong. 

We also taught a lesson to Teresa, which was the first lesson in over a month. The spirit was very strong and she is still wanting to be baptized. She sent us a sweet recorded message that evening, and it completed the day. 

Robin And Larry: We taught them again at McDonalds, and we invited them to be baptized, on Aug 30th. The spirit was very strong. Robin said, "I haven't felt this way about a religion before;"

Larry called us up during the week and asked what was the difference between Noah and the Ark (Bible) and Nephi (Book of Mormon) and the ship he built; I mentioned to him how both of these moments happened in different time periods [ Noah and the Ark happened around 3,000 BC, and Nephi, after 600 BC] and they had different situations. It took a while for me to find the 3,000 BC answer - I had to go to an Old Testiment Book over at a member's home to find this one out!

Mail:

I received a package from sister VanDam back in Redmond! It was such a nice surprise. Thanks to all who contributed! I especially liked the dried Mango; that is actually one of my favorite things from Trader Joes! 

Transfer Calls: After Saturday, it has just been sad. Sister Bowen is transferring back to the same area which she served in Greenville; it's the same ward! She is leaving in the morning, on July 24th. She will not be with the same companion, though. So much tears, and a lot of pictures with the people she's touched. "The mission isn't about baptisms, it's about the people you meet," she told Sister Price. I agree; numbers are numbers, but it's about doing something for someone and touching the lives of others. 

Church:

3 investigators came to church, and that was exciting! 

We have meals everyday until Sister Bowen leaves! 

This means I will get a new companion, and I will be the senior companion of the area. I'm feeling a little nervous, especially when, after a new report, there are 600 people who are members in New Bern, and a little over 200 are attending church. There are only two sets of missionaries in this area: one pair of sisters, and another pair, elders.

I have no idea how much time I have here, but I'll do my best. 

Sister Neil told me, just before sister Bowen and I left her room in the Nursing Home, "Make sure you come and see me... don't let me down!" We were the ones who found her and have been visiting her after many, many years being in the nursing home. 

We visited Rachel; the elders gave her a Priesthood blessing because she has been feeling sick for the past couple days. Afterwards, Rachel asked the dreaded question, "So which one of you, is leaving?" The elders and I looked right at sister Bowen. Sister Bowen announced it was her, and (this was so hard to watch), slowly, Rachel's face filled with emotion. So much tears. I knew this was going to happen when the elders were here. Rachel loves Sister Bowen, and  this is very difficult for both of them. At some point, we all sang some hymns. First we started singing "God Be With You Till We Meet Again," and I can't believe I chose that. We had to switch over to another hymn to make up for the last one, and that one was "There is Sunshine in my Soul Today." And then, I was put on the spot and I had to sing SOLO a verse of "Sweet hour of Prayer." That is the second time I've ever had to sing solo, on the mission. 

Funny:

Elders pulled a prank on us. I've attached the recording to this email (it may not show up on the blog) on what happened... My gosh. They Got Sister Bowen good!

Food Stories:

-Made some home-made peanut butter.

-Ate chocolate cake for Joseph's birthday

-Made Tacos

-Smoothies

- made gluten-free/dairy-free muffins

-made granola for Sister Bowen to surprise her

Diet still vegan; gluten-free, and dairy-free. Otherwise I feel sick. 

Things I have learned on my mission so far: 

-I am able to understand the war chapters in the Book of Mormon, and they are very interesting on what the war was about. A lot of killings happened because of religious freedom? Yikes. 

-I have learned even more about putting trust in God. Last P-day I was super worried about something, then the still, small voice told me, "God has a plan for you." And then, instantly, the negative feelings went away, and I was able to focus on the reason why I am here, serving. I have to continue to line my will, with God's will; things will always work out, even if it is not the way I planned it. 

-I am using the dictionary when I study. I am finding words I overlooked; 

- I am developing more love for the people I serve; I am also understanding how a small, kind act goes a long way, and can actually change someone's whole life around.

- I love watching faith in grow in others and the light grow within their eyes. It is such an experience to watch people grow spiritually

- I am finding opportunities to serve

- I realized that the Atonement does not cover only sins as stated in the 10 commandments, or the commandments restored through Joseph Smith, but every single thing that needs to be corrected. A second chance is part of the Atonement; it covers all of the negative thoughts and feelings we have; Anything lost can be restored; Because of Christ's Atonement, when babies die, they die in innocence; they are pure; and they will instantly be in Heaven. They will not be in Limbo; God is too merciful for that. 

-I have found two cousins here in New Bern. If anyone is related to Joseph Smith, especially from Hyrum, we are cousins. I found Brother Christensen, and Brother Froggly; both of them are related to Hyrum, just like I am. This is so crazy. 

-It's been 7 months away from Joseph (my Fiance) and the months are not getting any easier. Someone told me it would, but, as for me, it's not. 

- People will always be against Latter-day Saints, because they do not know what it all entails. Since Elementary, people would make fun of me or think I was going to hell because I am Mormon. The world is bitter, but Christ's love is so sweet; If anyone is against me, or my religion, I just don't care. Jesus Christ is my redeemer; and I am a Christian. 

-My Testimony has grown so much of the fruits of the Gospel; before my mission was afraid to share the gospel; now, I'll share it. I invite you to come unto Christ, to be baptized, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. If you don't want that, well, you will later. 

-One little seed of Faith goes a long way. The Lord has revealed that to me and boy did I learn a lesson. 

-I read Elissia's letter which she gave me before I left college; That made my day also. 

I know the Lord's teachings are true, and I know that God lives; He is a God that  does not change, and is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I know the Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ, and that Joseph Smith did restore this church; he truly was a prophet of God, called of God. If I had to die for my religion, I would. I can never deny this great work.  I wouldn't trade my mission for anything; people are too precious. I am so glad I have decided to serve. God does not care about the amount of money you have. He cares about what is in your heart, might, and strength. 

New Bern is a poor town. So many poor people are so close to God, that it makes where I grew up in, look bad. When they have nothing, they greatly rely on the Lord for everything. 

---

Interesting: 

white bread with chicken and gravy...?

Anyways - I love my mission. By Thursday, it will get a whole lot harder! I've been on the mission 3 months now. 

Miss you all. 

-Sister Marshall 

  

 

More Photos from the 4th

Fireworks- standing on the freeway

With the sisters 

Another thing

One of the things I have done in my studies is to see what the Lord wants us to do daily. I am writing down a big list on these things, and He wants us to do more than just the ten commandments.

He wants us to do daily:

Live in Thanksgiving

Pray continually

Be steadfast

Acknowledge our faults

Learn Wisdom in our Youth

The list goes on and on, and I don't have the paper with me right now. I'll be sure to take a picture of it and post it. 

Photos

A lot of mosquito bites! 

I like making smoothies.

Oh - also. My goal for this week is to save money. I tried something I'd never thought of trying before, and that is to re-boil pasta noodles when they are a couple days old in the fridge. Even the hard and crusty ones - they become soft again when I boiled them. Well, there's a good way to eat leftover pasta noodles if I ever saw one. 

Hot Week in July

This week was a tough one! Another dry spell in teaching, and we taught 2 investigators this week. 

We taught Kim on Tuesday, and we got a bunch of plums from her tree, as well as some yellow squash and cucumbers. 

I made several smoothies with cucumbers!

The neighbors down below us gave us several cucumbers, and I put those in smoothies also.

All week we've been struggling with people to teach; yesterday we finally got to teach an investigator, Mary, who is Catholic. The one thing that is added to her knowledge is the spirit world, and how there is more than a 'Heaven and Hell' and how God is more merciful than that. We mentioned the kingdoms which are in 1 Corinthians 15:40-42 and we assigned her Alma 32, which talks about faith. We were surprised to see the Book of Mormon, with the pamphlets out on the table. The spirit was in the home, and the lesson went really well. We invited her to come to church next Sunday. She offered us cake, and it was good.

After that visit, I decided to make gluten-free/dairy-free chocolate cake from scratch. Yeah - I don't ever want to eat the boxed stuff ever again.  

It is so hot and humid here!

Pictures from this week!

My Dinner for the 5th 

Dry Spell, Survived Hurricane, Fourth of July - Good Week

-Dry Spell

This week, was another dry week when it came to teaching lessons. Summer has it up and a lot of people are out of town. 

We had an investigator drop us by telling a member, who told us they didn't want to do the lessons anymore. He told her that he wasn't really interested the whole time, and I do not know what to think about that. I thought for sure he was! Oh well. 

We have continued to teach Mary this week, and by our last lesson, she definitely seems interested in what we have to say. She is Catholic, and she has never heard of Joseph Smith. Her faith grew as we taught her the Restoration, and I recited the first vision from memory. The spirit was so strong in the lesson and my companion and I felt good about the whole lesson. On this day, it was the first lesson we had all day and it was so nice to teach her these things. 

This week we taught Robin and Larry in McDonalds again. It was a good lesson, but it could have been better if the lesson was in a more spiritual-appropriate environment. 

We have a Head Quarter Referral and we still cannot contact him. He doesn't speak that good of English, and he told us, after contacting him again this week, that it still wasn't a good time. This referral is tricky because it had the wrong address, and then the address this man gave us was still not correct. Somehow we'll find him! 

One of the last lessons we had with another investigator was kind of brutal. During the lesson, the investigator went off for about 30 minutes comparing, and singling me out as she compared me to the last missionary which was here, about 12 weeks ago. Some of the things she told me was, since I'm not all smiley and bubbly [like the last missionary who was 18 months in, and this missionary made sure she was well-known], I am not a positive influence, and how she needs to crack me open to get me to talk more. She went on and on about this other missionary and how I didn't seem like I wanted to be there. We have been teaching her for almost 12 weeks and every time, she compares me in some way to this other missionary. I know people pick favorites and I know people can get attached to missionaries, but my purpose as a missionary is to teach the gospel and bring people closer to Jesus Christ. My talents are hidden, and I do not boast them. I take the "seeketh not her own" as mentioned in the scriptures quite literally. In church she told me that Sister Bowen is so talented, and that I need to play the organ too. I am not an entertainer for her, I am a daughter of God who is here to help her achieve Eternal Life. 

I am me, and if you don't like it, well, too bad. I am enough for some people, and I'm fine with that. 

I have never been compared to someone else continually, and told who I need to be. I try not to let it get to me, but for most of the week, I just feel like I've been picked on. She'll be gone this week. She has a baptismal date too, which is July 26th. 

-Hurricane

All week we were told of a huge hurricane coming our way. The members sure scared us with what goes on during one. Many told us that a lot of people were going to go for bread and milk. At first they said it was going to hit Saturday, and then on the 4th of July.  

A lot of the missionaries in our zone had to evacuate their area, and two sets of missionaries came to our apartment to spend the night. It was a lot of fun! I made dinner just in case they didn't eat before they left, but everyone already ate so I've just been eating spaghetti for some of my meals this week. 

All six of us were able to get ready for the day using the one bathroom with the broken toilet (filling the water manually because it does not fill much at all by itself!), and we were a little late to studies the next day, but, we studied.   

-Fourth of July

Our Zone wore red white and blue to the Zone conference and it was so great. The Zone leaders told us it was going to be the best in history. Funny thing is, is that this was going to be the first one in history because this mission opened in July 2013. So, since it was the first, it is the best one. 

We sang some of O'Canada at the meeting, just to be silly, and we also got to see some of the progress in the District and Zone leaders. At the end, we were able to receive some watermelon. 

I made one of my favorite desserts, and altered it a bit to fit Sister Bowen's and my dietary needs. I made two large sugar cookies from scratch. One regular without the butter and used apple sauce instead, and another gluten-free/dairy-free/white-sugar-free cookie. We used tru-whip (all-natural whip-cream) instead of vanilla frosting, and we topped it off with cut strawberries and kiwi, and some blue berries. In two days, they were all gone from just the two of us (minus one piece for the neighbor right below us).

We went to Roses, and then to target. We met a potential at Target, and she was referred to us by the Bishop. It was so good to bump into her!

The missionaries saw fireworks downtown. At first we were told to go by the water, but then we saw the fireworks come up, and they were right behind us so all of us had to run over to where they were actually showing them. It looked like the world was about to end with all of the people running. I thought it looked like a scene from Dead Rising 2, but, that was just me. 

We got to stay out until 10:00 pm; we were in bed by 11:30 pm. 

On Sunday, we only saw one investigator come to church.  

One of our other investigators is moving, and I am so glad that we were able to teach her.

This is all I can say for now! I'm ready for another week!

-Sister Marshall