OH My Goodness! That's My Home!!

Holy cow! Can you believe that another transfer is about to end?? Where the heck did the time go?! 

Oh sorry. We're not supposed to say things like that. "Replacement" curse words are apparently still curse words. Oh dear. Our mission loves rules. And I am quite the rule follower... but I gotta say. Even I'm having a hard time keeping track of them all! 

So if you want to send me letters, please wait until next Monday so we can find out if I'm staying in Bountiful or not. 

I hope I stay. It would be incredibly lame to leave right before the holidays. ;) 

Okay, awesome things this week. First off, I.  GOT BAPTIZED! Her new husband  was able to perform the ordinance. And there was great ward support. The evening was really just so beautiful. We sang "A Child's Prayer" and watched the new video, "He is the Gift." Her family friend gave a talk on Baptism, and her father in-law talked about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The feeling of love was so strong in that room! I was completely unprepared for how overwhelmed I would feel. The joy was indescribable. I've been able to see plenty of baptisms at home, but really it was so wonderful to be able to be a part of her story. We had time allotted for sharing testimonies, and I got up and bore mine. As I stood there I realized that the single most important thing to me that I wish I could express clearly to everyone in my life is my love for the Savior. HE is the gift! He is the reason we will have the opportunity to return to live with our Heavenly Father. Through Him everything. EVERYTHING that is wrong with this world can be made right. I know this with all of my heart, and thinking of it makes my heart ache it is so full! Seeing Irene baptized wasn't a "woohoo! Look what I did! I convinced her to bend to my will!" No. That's not why I'm here. I'm not here to persuade, bribe or convince anyone to do anything they don't want to. I'm not a salesman. I am here because I love my Savior so much that it wouldn't matter to me if everything else in my life fell apart. It wouldn't matter if everything else in life was taken away from me, because I know that He has already overcome it. He has carried it so that we don't have to. He has promised that we will have everything restored to us. He is my joy and my peace and my hope. I didn't do much for Irene but share these things with her... and the joy of seeing her embrace this great hope was overflowing. :) I now understand the phrase "my joy is full." 

We were also able to see that same day the baptism of a little girl that we had taught. Her family doesn't really attend church, but they wanted her to be baptized at 8. She has 4 older siblings in a "yours/mine" family so some of them are more active than others. These kids though. Two are completely active, the other two are returning to activity, and then there's her. :) It's kinda crazy sometimes how kids are such a good example to their parents. 

So I mentioned that "He is the Gift." This is a video that you should ALL watch! And share it! We have hundreds of pass-along cards that we are supposed to hand out over the month of December. It's hard to find people in Bountiful that aren't members of the church, but Sister Alaiasa and I are showing our faith by deciding to walk each day, and we've had the opportunity to pass out a few! There are still hundreds though. ;)

Funny story though - last week we walked to the church building. (WE WALKED TO THE CHURCH BUILDING!!!!!! There are actually THREE buildings within walking distance that hold a total of 9 wards. Utah is crazy. :) We were just about to turn around to walk home - just a 15-20 minute walk or so - when I saw a person sitting on the ground by the bowery. (Another Utah word... means pavilion.) I couldn't tell how old he was, and I couldn't even tell at first if he was alone or not. I thought, "Well, we're running late, and we've been able to hand out a ton of cards today, and this interaction would probably be really awkward, so I'm just going to go home." Then immediately I had the thought, "Turn around and go talk to him." Done. I literally did an about-face... my poor companion was so confused! As I approached it was clear that there were two people - a boy and a girl - who were very tightly wrapped. Well the second he saw us he sat bolt upright and said in a slightly annoyed voice, "Sisters!" Yep. That's us. They were so young! I asked if they were in school. She said that she was in college. He said that he wasn't right now... he just got back from his mission the day before. Oh really? Where did you serve? Maryland.

WHAT.

As in, Maryland Baltimore?

Yes?

With President Richards! Yes.... 

OH MY GOODNESS THAT'S MY HOME! 

He was not nearly as excited about this as I was. :) This was Elder Martineau. I don't know if I ever officially met him, but I sure heard about him a lot! He served in C2 for awhile last year, and I remember the missionaries from our ward mentioning his name sometimes... It was clear that he wanted us to leave just so he could snuggle his girl some more. So we showed him our cards and said, "Well then you probably know all about this?" Yep. He did. He took a card to share with someone, and then we disappeared. 

Good times! Life as a missionary is so awkwardly hilarious sometimes!!! 

Ok ok. Now for those of you that hung in there for all of my missionary talk. Here's something fun. Christmas parties. Christmas ward parties. Christmas ward parties that do really cheesy lip syncs that have Jon Schmidt!

Well Jon didn't do a lipsync. Darn. :) But we had a pretty neat interaction! (And yes. Here I am. Talking about Jon Schmidt again!!!)

So we arrive at the party and I remembered that we were supposed to contact the Schmidt's about a lesson that we were going to teach at their home on Sunday. I found Michelle (his wife) and asked her my missionary-totally-acceptable-reason-to-be-talking-to-the-Schmidt's question. To which she responded, "Sounds good to me! Go check with Jon. Tell him I said it's okay with me if it's okay with him..." "Okay... Wait. Jon your husband, or Jon your son?" "Jon my husband, he's right over there." Yeah thanks. Like I didn't pick him out the second I walked in the room. And you want me to go talk to Jon Schmidt?!? Okay!!! 

So I go ask Jon my missionary-totally-acceptable-reason-to-be-talking-to-Jon-Schmidt question and he responded that he thinks it'll be okay... he just has to check his travel itinerary. Right. Famous musician. Travels the world. No big deal. 

Then I kinda got absorbed in the conversation at the table. He was talking with a guy that I will refer to as "computer guy." Here is what happened. 

Jon Schmidt: (to computer guy) You're only 28?? 

Computer guy: Yeah...

Jon Schmidt: But you're too smart to be 28! How'd you get so smart?
Computer guy: I'm not that smart....

Me: So what are you smart with?

Computer guy: I work with computers...

Jon Schmidt: This guy is like a genius!

Computer guy: I'm knowledgeable. Not smart. 

Me: Hey! I know how that is! I'm studying chemistry... people always tell me how smart I am, but the more I learn, the more I learn how much I don't know!

Jon Schmidt: Hey, chemistry. That's impressive. I studied really hard and could only pull C's. You must be smart too. 

Computer guy: But see, I'd probably pull C's in music.

Jon Schmidt. Okay... true. 

Me: See... I'm just REALLY good at following directions. I can play music... as long as I HAVE music.

Jon Schmidt: You play the piano?? 

Me: Yeah actually, I teach it too!

Jon Schmidt: Right on! (then he fist-bumped me.)

Brother Fisher (our Ward Mission Leader for that ward who is AWESOME): She said that she's better than you Jon!

Jon Schmidt: I believe it. I'm waiting for my lessons.

Me: Pretty much. I played in your ward a few weeks ago. Sorry you missed it.

Jon Schmidt: Aww man!

Brother Fisher: Yeah. She got up to the pulpit and said, "This is for YOU Jon Schmidt! Jon Schmidt?? He don't know JACK Schmidt!!!" (That trash talk Brother Fisher put in my mouth still makes me roll with laughter. :)

Jon Schmidt: Hey! That was a good one! I always knew I couldn't name my son Jack...

Me: Yeah. I'm actually trying desperately to learn one of your songs right now, so I'm not as awesome as you... yet.

Jon Schmidt: Well thank you for that! Which one are you working on?

Me: From the Christmas book - "Good King Wenceslaus"

Jon Schmidt: Ah yeah... 

Me: I sometimes have to cheat and listen to the cd to make sure that I have the rhythm right...

Jon Schmidt: Well thank you for playing our music!! (He says that so sincerely!)

Me: Thank you for writing it! I especially appreciate the "do this for small hands" comments.

Jon Schmidt: How small? (Then he held up his hand so we could compare hand sizes. His is TWICE as big as mine!) Woahhhh!!! Can you even reach an octave??

Me: Yeah! I can reach a 9th! (I'm proud of my small hands. :) 

Jon Schmidt: Impressive.

Me: What can you reach?

Jon Schmidt: Oh... I think like a 13th or something...

Me: What?? So when they put 12ths and such in hymns, people can actually play those??

Jon Schmidt: Yep! I can hit them. 

And then we had to stop talking to watch the fun lipsync. Which was really SO FUN. Though when the Relief Society did a goofy song that used rubber chickens dressed up in Christmas costumes, and the Elders quorum laid upside down on the edge of the stage and wore a goofy costume that had eyes on their chins and a little puppet costume on their heads, I really couldn't help turning around and saying, "Mormons are SO WEIRD sometimes!!" But they're my people! I love my people. :) 

Okay, last thing. Last night was the Christmas Broadcast from the leadership of our church. It was all so incredible, but Elder D. Todd Christofferson shared a wonderful message about how Christ descended below all things so that He could rise above them. Doesn't it make sense then that we should descend below SOME things so that we could gain experience? So that we would know how to succor each other? So that we could rise above? It was exactly what I needed to hear. I am truly doing much better this week. Life has all sorts of ups and downs, but the downs make the ups that much sweeter. And the downs make it so that we can help others. I was able to do that this week, and I am truly oh so grateful for all that I have endured just to be able to be the strength that someone else needed. 

There is a song that is on one of our cd's that really resonates with me. It's called "We all need saving" By Jon McLaughlin. The version we have is sung by Vocal Point - a LDS a capella group. And it's incredible. :) My companion and I sing it all the time! 

Alright dear friends, thank you so much for all of your love and support! I hope that you all have a great week, and find something that will bring you joy! 

Sister Tipton

Bountiful Before Thanksgiving

It SNOWED yesterday. It was only like an inch or so, but it was actual snow. Before Thanksgiving!! I know that's actually not that strange for Utah... but I've barely ever seen snow before Christmas back home! 

It was funny, we spoke to Brother Eubank on Saturday about a meeting that we were going to be running on Sunday. (For those that don't remember - he's our stake high councilor over missionary work, and also the weatherman on KSL.) It was rainy and nasty on Saturday, so after our business talk I asked him for a weather update. Because, why not? We don't get to see the news, and weather is important! ;) So he gives us the report and tells us that it'll snow that night. 

I really kinda didn't expect it to though... so on Sunday after our meeting I shook his hand to thank him for his help and then said, "Hey, good guess on the whole snow thing." To which he responded with mock outrage, "Guess?! We don't guess!!! That was a calculated report!" "Brother Eubank, I come from a state where we have a love/hate relationship with our weathermen. Especially when it comes to snow... because they're usually wrong." "Well, we strive very hard to not be." Ha! He's an awesome leader. He is a good motivator, super in tune with the Spirit, and he's not afraid to reprimand when necessary. He's very powerful! But I love that on top of all of that, that he'll tease. He's not uptight, but he's very concerned about doing things the right way. It's an incredible combination, and I love that I get to learn from his example. 

I'm starting to see why my trainer Sister Haddock would always say that two types of missionaries get sent to serve in Utah: the future leaders, and the basket cases. The leaders to learn... and the basket cases to keep an eye on. I hope I fall into the former category. ;) I really am learning so much from serving here! Yesterday the meeting that we ran with Brother Eubank was with ALL of our ward mission leaders, their ward missionaries and the high councilors assigned to each of those wards. As I looked at the crowd gathered I realized that in my first area I have already worked and associated with more leaders than most missionaries do in their entire missions! 12 ward mission leaders, and 16 bishops so far (because of splits and bishopric reorganizations) Not to mention the stake presidency and a plethora of high councilors. Really if you wanted to learn leadership skills, there's no better place! I'm so blessed. :) 

I accidentally saw him on the news this week too. :) The family that we live with called me upstairs to get my mail (longest letter EVER from the wonderful Tammy Norris!!! Made my LIFE!) and they had the news on and he was giving his report. Seriously I think my jaw fell to the floor and I was so excited! I just kept saying, "That's Brother Eubank!!" I'm usually pretty good about looking away when the television is on, but I just couldn't! It's one thing to know that someone you know is the weatherman, and quite another to see it! Especially after 4 months of serving with him. So I texted him afterward about it and he said, "Accident, huh? Do you really want to stick to that story??" I plead the fifth. :) Seriously. Love the teasing. 

Speaking of leader men that tease... On Thursday we attended the Young Women of Excellence meeting in the 24th ward. Partly because it's my favorite ward, and partly because we're actually working with a few young women that would be there. Thursday was a hard day though, and Bishop Pierson knew it. So he decided to make a public example of me! Again... I am ALL FOR being teased for the sake of lightening the mood. In his talk to the young women, Bishop Pierson pulled out a burr puzzle that he had shown me the last time I went to his house. I solved it once in about 10 seconds which he was really impressed with... but he took it away from me after I couldn't solve it a second time. I was so sad! He pulled it out as part of an object lesson to the girls - each piece of the puzzle is exactly the same externally with just a few minor differences inside. But each piece isn't very impressive by itself - they all have to be working together to make something beautiful. But if even one piece falls away, the whole structure falls apart. This ward is still new - it's two halves of two former wards that have been meshed together, so I suppose that part of it was to encourage the young women to reach out and envelope everyone in this new ward with love. It was a good message. But the teasing! When he pulled it out he said, "Now, this is something that Sister Tipton will recognize." And I whispered a little too loudly, "YES!!!" So when people looked around I said, "Sorry... I got a little excited..." And Bishop said, "It doesn't take much..." Then he made me stand up and turn around while he solved the puzzle because he didn't want me to see how it was solved. LAME! Ha! As he put it together he teased me about being obedient and there was lots of bantering to distract from the fact that it was taking him a little while to put it together... I think I said, "I solved it in 10 seconds once." "That was an accident" "It was pure genius!" I don't know if the families in the ward thought we were as funny as we did, but heh. Whatever. :) When he finally put it together he demonstrated how pretty it was and made the point about one piece falling away causes the whole structure to collapse. Which it did while he said, "And it would take Sister Tipton 3 days to put it back together...." Afterward he let me play with it, and I solved it. Again. :) Then he showed me how it really works while saying, "Your technique is a little poor." It's true... I could put it together, but it's actually a really cool puzzle! 

And that teasing just made my life feel so much better that day too. It was good times! 

My light therapy box arrived this week! I love it so much! It makes your eyes reach maximum relaxation in good natural light, which makes happy eyes and then happy people. The things that I've been doing to cope really have been helping a lot. It's clear that I still have depression because I am still so much more impatient and easily frustrated than usual. But I guess it's good for growth. My companion and I go back and forth between getting along really well, and then just being really exhausted from being together. Our personalities are very different and it makes things hard. And I'm super annoyed at myself because if I was in my NORMAL state then it would be so much easier to be patient and charitable and long-suffering with her! But if it was easy then I wouldn't grow. Sometimes it's really tempting to think about all of the things that annoy me about her... and so I've started to try to catch myself in those moments and pick out 5 things that I like. It's not easy! But I realized that I do have SOME control of my thoughts. (Also, disclaimer, please don't read this and think that I think that she's a horrible person. I actually don't... it is just HARD to be glued to someone 24/7, and it's even harder when you're two very different people... what I'm trying to explain is actually my own faults here. I'm not a perfect person because I'm sometimes allowing myself to get annoyed by little things that don't matter, but I'm trying to change that...) 

I asked Bishop Pierson if it made me a bad person on those days when I'm not very good at controlling my stress and being kind to her at the same time. He said, "Not a bad person, just a bad companion." Ha. Thanks Bishop. (Another Disclaimer: He in no way meant to belittle me, and I did not feel hurt or accused by his honesty.) And yes well, it's true. But I, like so many millions of us, am a work in progress. I don't LIKE being a bad companion, and it's not EASY to change, but I'm trying. I don't know that I'm always doing my best, but I am making an actual effort. In our second lesson we talk about repentance. Repentance means "change" to become more Christ-like. Christ is perfectly patient, perfectly charitable, and perfectly long-suffering. Even when He was hungry or stressed or overwhelmed by the amount of people that needed Him. I could stand to be more patient, more charitable and more long-suffering when I am hungry and stressed and overwhelmed by the amount of people that need me. :) The worth of every soul is great in the eyes of God. And that includes my companion. It includes me! He loves us all even when we're imperfect, but He loves us even more when we recognize our weaknesses and attempt to refine them. 

So in a way, I'm glad to be in the refiner's fire. :) 

Sister Pierson (Bishop's wife) taught me some things to help manage the depression. One is called "yogic breathing." Bishop Pierson, always a tease, sometimes refers to this and the essential oils as "voodoo" and keeps calling it things like "How's the yoghert breathing going?" Or "Go do your yoda breathing..." Oh dear...

Then something I said caused him to quote Rocky Horror. It was a really off the wall quote (like most of that movie....) and I said, "Was that Rocky Horror?? No... similar though." And he said, "Yeah, it's cleaned up..." "That was Rocky Horror?! Seriously??" "Um. How do you know that?" "Well Bishop, I was a bit rowdy in my youth as well...." Good times. :) 

Sorry the email is kinda all over the place this week. :) So we started teaching the boy who showed up at church a few weeks ago with the Schmidt's and bore his testimony in fast and testimony meeting... even though he's not a member! We dropped by the Schmidt's on Wednesday to try to coordinate a time to teach - we have to coordinate with Michelle Schmidt to make sure that there's an adult female home, with Jonny Schmidt to make sure that he's there with his friend, with  him,  and with the Elders that serve in his area since he doesn't live in ours. That's lots of talking. :) But when we stopped by on Wednesday the door was answered by a half-naked teenage boy that I didn't recognize. That's happened a few times out here (once a few months ago with a Bishop's son from the 34th ward!) and it's SO FUNNY how embarrassed the boys get when they see the sister missionaries standing there! I was laughing so hard I could barely ask if Michelle was home. The boy who answered the door was a friend of the Schmidt twins, and he called for Michelle. Then Jonny Schmidt peeked from the kitchen to the doorway, in his boxers! He quickly hid behind the wall again. Seriously... laughing so hard. Then Michelle came to the door and invited us in. One of her sons protested saying, "Mom! We're naked!" But ha, didn't faze her! And it didn't faze them either. Silly boys. :) We had a good chat with her, were able to accomplish the business that we needed to, and then helped her clean up her kitchen after the storm of teenage boys blew through. It was a really satisfying and fun visit. 

Then when we went back to teach on Sunday (yesterday) she very excitedly pulled out a People magazine saying, "I don't even know if you're supposed to see this, but I don't care because I have to show you!" The piano guys had made it on the top 12 list of things to watch or listen to! They were ranked #6. She even excited showed us One Direction... ranked #8. "Piano Guys beat out One Direction!!!!" It was cute how excited that made her. I love this family. :) 

Ok, so now for some news about the area! Irene had cancelled both of our appointments with her last week, which made us super sad because she's scheduled to be baptized in less than two weeks and we still had a lot to teach! But she rescheduled for Saturday and we caught back up. All is well now. :) I'm getting kinda nervous about her baptism though... It's scheduled for December 6th. I don't really know what to do! It's my first one! I don't know what we're expected to do and plan, so hopefully it all works out okay. J. in the care center is also preparing for baptism! She's scheduled to be baptized on December 20, and told us this week that each time we visit she feels more and more sure of her decision. I think she'll be solid. :) Her baptism will be a little different though, since she's hospitalized. We have to reserve a therapy pool that has a ramp for her baptism so that we can roll the wheelchair in. I have no idea how that one's going to work either... but it'll be good! 

Anyway, this report is lengthy enough! Have some pictures! The first two are from our temple trip last Monday. The third is a picture of my poor companion trying to use a fork the way that Americans do. (She usually turns it over and puts food on the back of it like the English do!) 

I'm halfway through my third transfer here. That's crazy! Time seems to fly by sometimes. :) Thank you all for your love, letters, and prayers! 

Happy Thanksgiving friends!

Sister Tipton

Still in Bountiful!!

Sorry my email subject titles are so boring. :) 

I'M STILL IN BOUNTIFUL! And I've decided that I'm never ever going to leave. Seriously leaving this place will be the saddest thing ever. The people here are so much like my friends back in the Columbia Stake. When my mission president placed me here he told me that it was going to be a hard area, but I haven't found that to be true. I love it here. 

And now I have to say something that I never ever EVER thought I would say. I would move back to Utah. Uhhgh! Excuse me while I choke! :) But seriously. I love Maryland, and that's where my family is so I think I'll stay there for awhile yet. But if Heavenly Father needs me to come back, I absolutely would. In a heartbeat. 

At the very least I think I'll be visiting this wretched state more than I thought I ever would. :) You may all commence with "I told you so"s. :)

This week was actually quite hard, but still wonderful. Last Monday when I emailed I was so heartbroken. I wanted nothing more than to go home, to be honest. After a lot of thought I realized that Sister Haddock had become a rock for me out here. It's the weirdest thing ever to be dumped in the field after time at the MTC. You go from being surrounded by 3000 other missionaries, to being alone with you and your companion. The only time we see other missionaries is on preparation days, and at district meetings. We only hear from home once a week, and as much as my wonderful friends have been sending letters and emails, it still broke my heart every Monday to have no emails from my family. So, like it or not, she became my whole support out here in the wilderness. ;) When we found out that she was being transferred I felt like I was totally alone again. It was just as hard to say goodbye to her as it was to my friends and family back home. And on top of her leaving, I suddenly felt the weight of carrying the responsibility for all of the people in this area that we love, and I was terrified that I would forget someone. Actual sobbing. I was seriously despairing. At that moment all I wanted to do was go home. 

I had been upset for awhile leading up to transfers too though. We both had a feeling that she might be leaving, and it broke my heart. I was hoping that after she actually left on Tuesday at transfers that I would be okay. My new companion was so nice to me, and it was good in a way that she's coming from an area where she just spent 6 months, and had her last companion for 4 and a half months. She was sad too. By Tuesday night I knew that I had to do something though. I HATE not being able to control my emotions - I understood the point of transfers logically, but I just couldn't embrace them emotionally. I was having a hard time sleeping. It took forever to fall asleep at night and when I did I would wake up again after a few hours and not be able to get back to sleep. On top of that I had no appetite. I was eating at every meal because I know that I'm supposed to, but I wasn't eating very much. I know myself and I knew something was wrong and that I had to do something to regain control of myself. The first two things that came to mind were to get a blessing or to fast. I decided that I would ask Bishop Pierson (the best Bishop ever) when we saw him at our quilting group the next day for a blessing. I thought I might wait a day or so to fast - at least until I was eating normally again. :) 

So after quilting we had a conference with Bishop Pierson. We talked about the work in his ward and what he would like us to do. Then I asked him for my blessing. Have I mentioned that he's the best?! In our church every worthy man can hold the Priesthood, which is the authority to act and speak in the name of God. As such they have certain responsibilities in the church which all involve service. One of the acts of service is to give blessing to those in need. A blessing is given to an individual for comfort or for healing and is dependent upon the faith of the person receiving the blessing. The words that are said within are not the words of the man giving the blessing, but they are the words of God to the person being blessed. I have had many blessings since I was baptized nearly 6 years ago, and each one has been individual and precious. When I asked for the blessing he asked simply, "What's going on?" Before long I was sobbing about all of the things that were hard for me in that minute. Some things, like "I just can't control my emotions!" were met with very straightforward responses like "Well yeah, you're a woman." that just made me laugh. Just chatting with him raised my spirits a ton and helped me to remember how capable I am, and also how normal my feelings really are. When I told him that I was worried about forgetting someone he laughed and said something like, "Welcome to the club." I don't know how Bishops do it. Especially when they work full time and usually have families to raise at the same time. Bishop Pierson gave me a blessing - he anointed my head with oil (I didn't know they could do that without a second Priesthood holder) and blessed me with a plethora of blessings, starting with "God knows you, and He knows the things that trouble you and cause you to struggle." I began crying again then, but now they were good tears. :) Among the many blessings I received I was promised that I would be able to be in control my emotions and have the strength to complete my work here. 

And I have been. 

Transfers were probably one of the hardest things I've done yet. Every missionary's experience is completely different, but since I've been serving and teaching for so long in the church I knew that the work wasn't going to be the thing that was hard for me. And it's not. For me it's leaving the people. But since I received the blessing on Wednesday I have felt SO much better! Even that day I felt lighter - as if a weight had been lifted. Nothing about my situation had changed, but I was better able to bear it. And that's one of the blessings that we receive from Christ's atonement. :) 

Anyway. I don't know if that came out as clear as I would have liked. :) I learned so much from that experience but I can't quite verbalize it well. I must say though that I am grateful for trials. We grow so much throughout them. This week has flown by. And we've done a lot of great things! 

I need to tell you about Irene Barker! I asked this wonderful woman if I could have permission to write home about her, and she agreed, so we don't need to remove her name this week! Irene is one of the most incredible people that I've met! Her family was the last family that Sister Haddock and I taught together. We taught about the Book of Mormon - what it is and the blessings we are promised from studying it. Usually we use the first paragraph and the last two paragraphs from the Introduction. Read those and test it - I promise that you will receive a testimony of this book! Typically we teach a lesson and then leave a commitment - something for them to do that will strengthen their faith in Christ. With the Book of Mormon it should make sense that we ask them to read from it every day. But, as the Barkers typically are, they said "Oh yeah, we've already started. I read a chapter every day, and we've started studying it as a family too." Seriously, where did these people come from! Heavenly Father has absolutely worked with this family. When Sister Haddock first arrived in this area 6 months ago she was told not to go by this home because the Barkers weren't interested. It's truly incredible how much has changed in the last few months! It's incredible to witness their fire and excitement for the gospel. It has very little to do with me and any talent I may have as a missionary, and it's all about the Savior. They are determined to not return to the lifestyle that they led before and they know and understand that the best way to leave it all behind is to turn their hearts toward Christ. 

They are absolutely amazing. 

On Thursday Sister Alaiasa and I taught another lesson to the Barkers. This one was a quit smoking program that we teach. It sounds like a gimmick, but it is a 15 step program that helps smokers to rid their body of nicotine and turn off the triggers to grab a cigarette. It's simple things like brushing your teeth after a meal, having healthy snacks handy, and loading up on the Vitamin C. It was developed after lots of study, fasting, and prayer from some Elders serving in Ireland in the '80s. And it's incredible! At that lesson, they admitted that they had already QUIT and were on Day 2 as non-smokers. What?! Who does that?? So we taught the program to help them. :) For half of the steps they said things like, "Oh yeah, we're already doing that." Their kids - 11, 13 and 15 all sat in and have been a great support for their dad and step-mom. We had invited a lot of fellowshippers to learn about what they had to do so they could be a support. So we had a two-doors down neighbor (who is in the Relief Society Presidency), their old home teacher, and the new elders quorum (one of which is their new home teacher.) Each of us arrived in waves though, so they kept getting a knock on the door and laughing each time. :) Finally at the fourth knock the BISHOP walks in. Ha! He actually wasn't planning on being there for this so he left, but we all thought it was hilarious. There were many jokes about the next knock being the Stake President. :) Each time the kids scrambled around trying to find more chairs. It was so fun! 

At the end of the lesson the whole family received blessings. Irene and her husband Michael both got healing blessings and were promised that they wouldn't even like the taste of cigarettes anymore. The Spirit in that room was so strong, and it was one of the most incredible things that I have had a chance to witness as a missionary. I am so glad that I'm here now, and I'm so glad to be able to help them! They barely need any help at all - they are speeding down the right road. They have now been smoke free for 6 days. Please keep this wonderful family in your thoughts and prayers. 

This week we also had another wonderful experience - we got to see M.  Twice!! We finally caught him at home and he agreed to let us come back to teach on Friday! We were teaching this man when I first arrived. He had made some poor choices in his life, but he was really changing. He's a less active so he's been raised in the church. But then after my first few weeks he started cancelling lessons and quit responding to our texts. He had a job that caused him to work on Sundays and so he hadn't been able to go to church. It's crazy how quickly that little choice draws you away. When Sister Haddock and I stopped by a month ago, his mom said that he had relapsed. It was very sad. So when we saw him on Friday he admitted to making bad choices, and that he had gone back to old friends. But he said that he had stopped hanging out with those friends again and was trying to do good things. He's agreed to let us come by and teach him lessons, and to have people over to read the scriptures with him once a week! I'm so excited. Definitely pray for this man!

Okay, so SUNDAY. Sunday's are our craziest days ever!! I somehow managed to guide my new companion through our routine, and to not forget anything. Sister Haddock and I had scheduled a musical number in one of our wards, even though we told the ward that one of us might leave before then. This ward just happens to be the ward that Jon Schmidt goes to. ;) Sister Haddock and I had so many fan girl times and we were so looking forward to playing in that ward; it seriously broke my heart when I had to start thinking about what I was going to play without her. I was able to find a violin player from another ward who played a Celtic Hymn Medley with me (If you could hie to Kolob and Adam Ondi Ahman.) And honestly, I was kinda glad that Brother Schmidt was gone - touring Europe with his mad piano playing skills. :) I was less nervous for one thing, and for another - that was supposed to be mine and Sister Haddock's thing. So it hurt less too. :) Even though we only had a day of practice, we did a pretty good job. And we kept getting compliments!! THAT meant a lot, to get compliments on my piano playing in a ward with such talented musicians. (Jon Schmidt isn't the only one! He's just the only famous one... ;) My favorite was from Sister Schmidt! She told me that I am a very accomplished pianist! Seriously?! I mucked it up and said something like, "Well, not as good as your husband" which she actually couldn't deny. So I texted later and said something like 'I'm working on accepting compliments, and what I meant to say is that it means a lot to hear you say that I play well when you're so used to hearing such wonderful music! So thank you!' She replied with, "You are so welcome and you deserved the compliment, so drink it in and give thanks!!!" Seriously, that made my life. :) 

My companion wasn't feeling well yesterday, so she napped during lunch while I prepared a Gospel Principles lesson that we were teaching at the 8th (mid-singles) ward. They had a non-member from China attending church for the first time and wanted a class that would be simple and straightforward enough for her. (Um. WHY is it so dang hard to have a simple Gospel Principles lesson?! If you want to delve deeper or talk about more obscure things, go to Gospel Doctrine! Sheesh!!) I was suddenly SO grateful for the year and a half that I taught Relief Society... and for all of those times that I procrastinated to the point of preparing a lesson the same day that I taught. ;) It definitely made this experience much more fun and less stressful! :) So I taught the lesson, and we had a great discussion - about 10 people had been invited to this class so that the Chinese woman wouldn't feel singled out. The points were simple, but the discussion powerful. The Spirit was strong in that class, and nearly every single class member thanked me sincerely as they left. Saying things like "That was a REALLY good lesson!" And "Well planned! Well done!" I didn't do much - other than follow the manual, follow the Spirit, keep it simple and ask questions. :) But I was grateful for the compliments all the same. 

Once I finally stopped moving yesterday the stress and burden that I had been carrying all day finally hit me. I took Bishop Pierson up on his offer to text him any time I needed - even if it was late at night. He's such a good man. Really, have I mentioned that he's the best? :) He told me things like, "You always struck me as really confident" and "You know, you really are doing a great job." I like that he noticed. He's so Christlike! Sometimes it feels like there is so much to be done and that there's just not enough of me... it's good to remember that Christ - and the leaders here in Utah - don't expect me to run faster than I have strength. 

I love Bountiful Heights. Best place ever. :) 

This morning I studied the exact scripture that I needed today. Alma 26. This chapter is all about Ammon rejoicing in his God. From the moment I read it today, for the first time in a few weeks, I feel like my heart is singing with joy! Among all of the praises that he sings, and the discussion of the trials that he has faced and overcome with the help of the Lord, he says "Who can glory too much in the Lord?" I laughed out loud. Really, we cannot praise God enough! He HAS been so good to me! I've realized now that though serving a mission was never in my plans, and though a big part of me really didn't want to come, that I LOVE IT here. I wouldn't trade these experiences for the world. I am so glad that His wisdom is so much greater than my own! 

"Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name." Alma 26:35

I love you all. I am sorry friends that I am not a better individual letter writer. I so appreciate all of your love and support though. It means the world to me each time I receive a letter or email. I love you dearly, have a great week. 

Love always, 

Sister Tipton

PS - I can't believe that I learned to love Utah! What is WRONG with me?!? ;) 

PPS - Here is a picture of me and my new companion! Her name is Sister Alaiasa (Ah-lie, ah-sah) And she is from Hawaii. She is part Samoan and part Maori. So even though she was raised in Hawaii she has a cool New Zealand accent that I tease her for. :) Just this last week I helped teach her how to properly pronounce the letter 'z'. :D She kept saying it "zet" It was really hilarious when she learned this though. We have leaders that are called "zone leaders" but that we usually call "ZL's." She's been on a mission for a year, and thought that everyone was calling them "CL's" all this time!! Hilarious! She and I have good times... and we have a tendency to stay up talking too late. I miss Sister Haddock, but Sister Alaiasa is awesome too. :) 

And just to rub Sister Alaiasa - this picture is in front of an American flag! :D She likes to pretend that she's not American... hahahaha, silly girl. :) 

We did a service project on Saturday morning where we went around with the youth from one of the wards and raked as many lawns as possible! (It's so cute how few leaves they have here... ;) We loaded the leaves into a trailer, and then all climbed in to crunch down the leaves and drive to the next location (since we're, you know, on a MOUNTAIN, and it would be too hard to hike up and down the roads when we can drive there in a minute. ;) If you know Utah, we started on the houses just below the 'B' and worked our way down. It was super fun!!! The Spanish sister missionaries in our area came to help as well. :)

Transfers!

This week has been very very sad. Both Sister Haddock and I had strong impressions that we weren't going to be together this transfer and we were right. It's SO super sad because she only has one more transfer of her mission. I'm sure this will all be for our good, and I'm sure I will love my new companion too, but change is always hard. Especially when this change really does end a chapter of my life. She and I will never again be missionary companions, but I'm sure we will remain friends. 

The GOOD news is that she's just going to the next zone over. Even though I'm serving in the Bountiful Heights stake in the city Bountiful, we're actually in the Farmington zone. Sister Haddock is going to the Bountiful zone, and she's still serving in Bountiful. And the BEST part is that her new companion is Sister Hano - my MTC companion! I was praying so hard that if Sister Haddock had to leave that at the VERY least she would go to someone who would be nice and kind and love her. She and Sister Hano are going to be awesome together. I'm jealous. :) 

My new companion is Sister Alaiasa. All I know is that she's from Hawaii and she's been out nearly a year. And I'm staying in Bountiful Heights!!!  We were right about the driving thing though - when the APs called to ask if I had driving privileges they wanted to make sure that I could drive because she doesn't have a license. AND I'm finally finished TRAINING, which makes my life so happy. 

I'm nervous about the change - it's been comfortable living with Sister Haddock these last 6 weeks or so and I know it's always tricky when you put two new personalities together, but I'm sure it will be good. 

Bountiful is awesome right now. The other reason we were sure that one of us was leaving (and the reason why we felt it was Sister Haddock, because this is the story of her mission) is that the work is just EXPLODING. We had ANOTHER person call us this week and said that they had a friend that wanted to take the lessons because they want to get baptized. This was at the care center and we were able to teach her last week, with plans on teaching her again this coming week. 

Then yesterday in church, for fast and testimony meeting, a teenage boy who is a non-member stood up to bear his testimony! He talked about having met with missionaries before but that it wasn't until after he saw "Meet the Mormons" and really connected to one of the stories (the story about the missionary mom and how she changed her life) that he really decided that he wanted to change his life too. He's friends with the Schmidt's twins (the piano guys Schmidt's. :) So yes, I totally got a referral from Jon Schmidt. It's a little iffy about whether or not we'll be teaching this boy though - he doesn't live in our area, but the Schmidts do, and he wants to take the lessons at their home. He lives in our current District Leader's area, but Elder Crow and his companion are BOTH getting transferred (seriously, tons of changes this week. I hate it. :P) Elder Crow said that it would probably be best if we taught him, but we have to call President Hansen to see what he thinks. Either way, the situation is pretty dang cool! 

One of the women we visit is totally not interested in learning anything about the church, but she's happy to let us visit her. She was baptized decades ago, and her family is all active, but she doesn't want to be (right now...) Last week she came to an activity at her ward to help out - it's a "Single Sister's Luncheon" and is mostly widows. She LOVES the "old ladies" because she feels like they don't judge her as much. She kept telling them though that it's crazy what has happened, because she normally doesn't let missionaries in her house at ALL. We've been by several times, and she was definitely upset when we told her about transfers. We had a funny conversation with her after the luncheon though! 

Me: "Do you wanna come with us??" 

Her: "To do what?"

Me: "Teach the gospel!"

Another woman at the luncheon: "tell them to take a Valium." 

Her: "Take a Xanex girls, it's not gonna happen!" 

Ha! 

Ok, the only other super exciting thing that happened this week was Halloween. During the day people kept asking us if we were real missionaries or if this was our costume. TOTALLY why they lock us in on Halloween night! ;) The night before Sister Haddock curled my hair and it looked so cool. :) And on Halloween, Holly, the daughter of the people we live with (who also lives here) came downstairs and we had a party and ate lots of junk food. 

And then Holly "cleansed our emotions." Weirdest thing ever, but kinda fun! She "released our trapped emotions." Ok. We ended up staying up a little too late, and the next day when Sister Haddock and I were talking about it we both agreed that we had thought we should go to bed at 10:30 (like we're commanded to!) but Sister Haddock said, "We were enamored by her priestcrafts." HA! It's true. Totally sucked in. :) The other funny thing she said that morning was, "We still have a tea party on my desk!" 

Anyway, this should be an interesting week. I made a promise to myself 6 weeks or so ago that I would always do my best to love my companions from the beginning, but I'm really nervous transfers. I just really REALLY don't want things to change, but I suppose that's just life. 

I love you all! Thanks for all of your letters. I'm sorry that I'm a little backlogged on my letter writing, but I love you all dearly and can't wait to see you again. 

Sister Tipton

1 - Curly hair! Also, Jesus photobombed us. 

2 - Dracula teeth - these are some pretty cool gummies that Mendy et al sent me. 

3 - HALLOWEEN! Partay!!!

4 - Sister Haddock and our skeleton decorations! Also from Mendy. :)

5 - Holly pouring drinks at our tea party! We had some naked juice. :) 

6 - Pretty sunset! 

This Woman is Golden!

Well, I have completely run out of time to email today! I just wanted to let you all know a few quick things. :) 

First off - this is the last week of the transfer, so don't send any mail to the address in Bountiful just in case I get transferred next week. 

This week was awesome! And also really hard! We taught a lot of lessons, but unfortunately most of our friendshippers weren't there. Friends, if you agree to go to a lesson with the missionaries, please go! And if something comes up, don't feel bad about cancelling last minute. 30 minutes before the lesson is still preferable to once we've STARTED the lesson. That happened 6 times last week. 

We go to a quilting group every Wednesday that makes quilts for people in need, and this week they found out that I didn't have a warm winter blanket, and so they gave me a quilt that they made! It's so WARM and fuzzy and I'll cherish it forever. Love you Bountiful 16th, 24th and Dry Creek wards! 

There is also a GIANT pumpkin growing in a lot near our house. Probably for a contest or something. Seriously this squash is HUGE. It makes me smile. 

We spent 3 hours on Saturday helping a nonmember decorate for Halloween... and we still didn't finish! This family is INTENSE with their Halloween decorations! But their yard looks so awesome. They thought it was really hilarious to see sister missionaries - skirts and all - scattering body parts throughout their yard. Good times, good times. :D 

The AP's called us one night this week. (Assistants to the President - as far as missionary leadership goes, they're as high as you get) They said that they were checking with all new missionaries to see if we had driving privileges. I woulda believed them too, until my companion said, "Yeah right. They're trying to be all sneaky - they want to make sure you can drive because President is probably considering having you train next transfer." Oh. Well that's different. I mean... it could also mean that he's considering sending me a companion that is partially trained, or is foreign and can't drive. Or nothing could happen. But Sister Haddock and I are pretty sure that we won't be together next transfer, which is very SAD! 

There are great things happening in Bountiful! This week one of our ward mission leaders told us about a woman who isn't a member of the church who has been coming the last few weeks. Last week he asked her if he could send her the missionaries and she agreed instantly.This woman is golden! We had a lesson with her on Thursday and committed her to baptism! Seriously, who does that?? We also committed her to pray every night before she went to bed, and when we followed up with her yesterday at church she told us that she was also praying every morning! Really, where did this woman come from?! I kept praying before coming on a mission that just ONCE I would have the opportunity to meet someone that was prepared to receive the gospel like I was, but I really didn't think it would happen. It's so awesome that it actually has!!! She just eats up the lessons and was so eager to schedule regular meetings with us. Also, this is the first time that I've taught someone with even the slightest hopes of seeing them accept Christ and choose to be baptized. It's awesome. I'm SO not allowed to get transferred. That would be a mean thing. 

We carved pumpkins with our friend Jenn Sabovcik this week. She's awesome. Seriously, google Jozef Sabovcik. (that's her husband) he's incredibly talented. We love that family! 

So that's it! I've taken too long of course. Here are some pictures for you! 

Love always,
Sister Tipton

Bountiful Week 9

We had a lot of really cool experiences this week - despite the fact that nearly all of our appointments cancelled! 

When I mentioned that to my District Leader last night when he called in for our weekly report he said, "But you're not going to get discouraged because of it, right?" Right. He's such a good missionary! 

Speaking of good men, the Bishop in one of our wards is a GREAT Bishop. Sister Haddock and I have recently been on a musical number binge - word has gotten out that she can play the flute and that I can play the piano and now suddenly all of the wards want us to play! Yesterday we were practicing for a musical number in the 16th ward when the Bishop from another ward in that building came in to listen to us. When we finished he said, "So. You've been hiding your talents under a bushel." Well. Not intentionally... would you like us to play in your ward Bishop. "Yes. Does next week work?" Well sure - we're already playing in another ward that Sunday, but why not? What would you like us to play. "What you just played is nice. Or... do you know any Pink Floyd? Perhaps some Sting?" I'm a bit shaky on my Pink Floyd - but I have some Pirates of the Caribbean memorized! "Perfect! Let's hear that!" But... we're in the chapel. Is that even allowed? "The Bishop just told you to." Ok! 

And then I played Pirates in the chapel. That Bishop then asked if he could borrow the chapel for a minute so one of the preparing missionaries could practice her farewell talk. We decided to stay and listen since we weren't sure that we could make it to their church service that day - we're glad we did. That talk turned into a homecoming talk - because of medical problems (that this dear sister has already waited over a year and a half to be cleared for missionary service) she is no longer cleared and has to stay home. This good Bishop sat and listened intently to every word she spoke and then gave her encouragement when she finished - and because their wards split a month ago, he's not even her Bishop anymore! I KNOW Bishops are crazy busy on Sundays, and it was just so tender to see that he acted like he had all the time in the world, and provided such support to this sister. 

So, speaking of missionaries. Yesterday we attended a homecoming, a farewell/homecoming, a farewell and another homecoming. In three different buildings! Phew! People also party hard out here when missionaries leave or return - meaning lots and lots of food! 

And now we have at least two musical numbers this week. One in Jon Schmidt's ward! - he may or may not be here because they're touring, but still that makes me feel crazy intimidated! They're used to some incredible piano music in that ward! Sister Haddock and I keep joking that we should just learn a Piano Guys piece for Sunday. ;) 

Speaking of famous people, I'm meeting a lot of them. Go google Jozef Sabovcik. He was an Olympic bronze medalist in figure skating for his country back in the '80s! He's from Czechoslovakia - someone has Olga Campora if she's heard of him! The other cool thing that he's done is something for the church - he's not a member, but he and his family live here in Utah. The church wanted to build a temple in Czechoslovakia, but the government was unsure. So Jozef was asked to write a letter to the Slovak government telling them what it was like living in an LDS community and pretty much saying that building a temple there would be a good thing. And the government accepted it! Maybe we'll see a temple there one day. :) 

Another person to google is Tade Biesinger. He's a 14 year old boy, and is the son of a family that we work with a lot because they're highly active in missionary work. Tade was Billy Elliott on Broadway! Their neighbors are a family that we love.  

Saturday was a day of music! We left the apartment at 7:30 to help out at the Stake 5K and we heard all SORTS of worldly poppy music over the loud speakers. We may have indulged a bit when the Backstreet Boys came on. :) And Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger." :) Then later in the day we got to see Tade's Billy Elliott performance. And that evening we attended a lipsync at one of the wards. BEST IDEA EVER! Seriously, ALL wards should have a lipsync! In between performances - while the next group was getting ready - they did a "name that tune." They would play a piece of a song for a few seconds until someone could name it. Then at the lipsync - the High Priests did "Happy." I actually hate that song - my companion hadn't really heard it until then - but the video they made was HILARIOUS. I hope it ends up on Youtube. :) It starts with one of the high councilors - who happens to be the KSL Weather Man - in a bathtub. Then a whole bunch of men doing household chores - and even one rocking out with his walker! Seriously, I was in stitches. :) The other really great one was the Young Mens (including Tade ;) They did Miley Cyrus' wrecking ball song - which Sister Haddock also hadn't heard until then. The young men dramatically acted out each verse and then pretended to be bowling pins while a giant ball came through and knocked them all over. It was such good fun!

And then my dear companion kept randomly breaking out in "YOU CAME IN LIKE A WRECKING BALL!" for the next day. Apparently this song that she had never heard of before was stuck in her head. ;) 

But ok - I'm not just playing out here. ;) Here are some of the things I learned this week. 

We had an MTC shadow with us on Tuesday - she is a teacher there that goes out into the field with missionaries to evaluate if the things we learn in the Missionary Training Center are applicable in the field. When she first met us she told us that she couldn't tell which one of us was the senior companion! Which made me feel really good about myself. :) She gave us a lot of pointers and even helped me to be less timid - even to the point of commanding us to chase after a car that was pulling out of the driveway of the home we wanted to visit. We did. :) I feel like a real life awkward missionary now! :D 

But the biggest thing she taught us is that amongst all of the lessons and principles we have to share, we have only ONE message. And that is the gospel of Jesus Christ (which is faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.) The restoration is the what of the gospel, the plan of salvation is the why, and the gospel of Jesus Christ is the how. She showed us how to implement it into our lessons to stay centered on that one message, which is just really cool. 

We also visited P. this week! The lesson was SO much better than last week and I think we helped him to better understand prayer. We started with the video "I can find happiness" (which is incredible and you should all watch!) Then had a really great discussion about God as our Heavenly Father and how much He loves each one of us! Hopefully it helped him realize how personal prayer really is. Seriously, we have the opportunity to talk to the supreme creator of the world!! Who wouldn't want to do that?! 

And finally I had a lesson on faith. We were visiting a woman at the care center who is mostly paralyzed. She was having a bad day so we sang her favorite song with her - Edelweiss from the Sound of Music. As we did that I flipped through my scriptures to see if I could find something to share. We're promised that we will be given the things we need in the moment we need them, but I had doubted my ability to find a scripture in a moment like that. Even as I flipped I said to myself, "if I don't find one by the end of the song, then I'll just use the one I always use." BUT I FOUND ONE! It was one I highlighted a long time ago, but hadn't read in awhile in Mosiah 24:14. And it was PERFECT for her for that day. I wanted to jump up and down and shout "It works! It works!!!" Seriously, faith! Try it! It works!!! (And go read that scripture, because it's a really good one. :) 

I've attached three pictures of two little girls whose families we visit and the ADORABLE BABY KITTIES!!! And then me with all of the baby cuteness. I LOVE KITTIES. 

More pictures to come in another email.

Love you all! Have a great week!

Sister Tipton

The last pictures is me with my new boyfriend, Bones. ;) Then a gorgeous fall colored street, and a beautiful sunset. Seriously, the sunsets here are to die for! They're so pretty! I will definitely miss them when I leave! 

Conference!! And other happenings in Bountiful

So out here in the grand old state of Utah I often get the question, "So what did you think when you opened your mission call letter and saw that you were coming to UTAH?!" 

Honestly, after I got over my initial shock at HAVING A CALL (since it took me 8 whole weeks to get it!) I was thrilled! My first thought was, "I wonder if I'll get to go to the Salt Lake Temple?!" And then, "What if I get to go to General Conference??!" 

AND I DID. 

Every 6 months members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gather to listen to the words of the prophets and apostles. There are 5 conference sessions that are each 2 hours long, which just sounds tedious, but it is WONDERFUL. Have you ever wanted to know what God's will for your life is at this time? Listening to conference is a sure way to find out! I really loved the Sunday morning session - three different speakers in a row spoke on the importance of listening to the prophet. This was even more incredible given the fact that none of the speakers talk to each other or discuss the talks they are preparing. The prophet spoke during that session. The prophet right now is President Thomas S. Monson, and I was really anxious to hear what he would say after all of those talks about listening to him! President Monson stood up and spoke on following Christ. 

So there it is: follow the prophet, follow the prophet, follow the prophet; follow Christ. I don't honestly know any truer doctrine. 

I think it's just incredible that 6 months ago at the last conference I knew that I wouldn't be home, but I never in a million years would have imagined that I'd actually be able to ATTEND! We went to both of the morning sessions. 

So everyone always talks about the protesters at conference. There are people that don't agree with our religion, so they come to protest outside of large gatherings of Mormon events. They honestly didn't bother me. It was mostly people holding signs telling us that we were wrong, and a few people shouting at us. I must say that they have a LOT of faith in the calmness of the Mormon people! There are 22,000 Mormons that gather in the conference center, and like TEN protesters. I'm not prone to violence at all, and I think it's a waste of time to tell other people how wrong you think they are, but I must say that it just doesn't make a lot of sense to me to try to stir people up to anger when you are so drastically outnumbered. Because really that's their whole goal, is to make us angry. 

But Mormons are awesome and respond in the best ways. Next to all of the really hateful people there were women holding GIANT signs that said, "I LOVE MORMONS!" One woman was singing the primary song "Popcorn popping" that passerby joined in with in order to drown out the sounds of the angry protester. And there were groups of people singing hymns for the same purpose. Pretty cool. :) 

We had interviews with our mission president this week. Sister Haddock told me that during her interview, President Hansen asked her how I was doing. She said, "President, she has Preach My Gospel in her heart!" Oh that makes me so happy! President and Sister Hansen both told me that I have a great companion. I really do. :) 

It's really incredible too to me how the things that we study in the morning can be of use during the day. On Tuesday a passage from the Book of Mosiah (In the Book of Mormon) came up twice during my personal study. It was about prophets, seers and revelators. Then that evening one of the girls we were teaching asked "what's the difference between a prophet and a revelator?" Ahha! I KNOW that answer! And where to find it!! Go go scripture power! :) 

Another really cool thing happened on Saturday. We were going to watch conference with a member but at the last minute realized that there was a miscommunication and that we wouldn't be able to go to their home. With 10 minutes until the session we were a little panicky about where to go - we tried a ward mission leader, but he couldn't. We tried the stake center, but no one was there. Finally we tried the senior couple serving in our area and they said, "Sure! Come on over!" With seriously a minute to spare. At their house we met their granddaughter who was formerly a teacher at the MTC. She asked to come teaching with us that evening, but we hadn't planned any appointments. But this one woman was on my mind all day. It turns out that Kelsie, their granddaughter, had also seen 'B' earlier in the day! Kelsie had the thought that she should speak to B, but didn't because she had no time. So Kelsie was amazed when B opened the door that evening. It was seriously so cool. I had wanted to see B because she has been trying to come back to church, but B doesn't trust missionaries because she has had bad experiences in the past. I just know that Kelsie had to be with us that evening! She really helped her to soften and open up. And now we have another appointment with B!

We are also going to begin teaching one of the eternal investigators! (He's been investigating for actual decades, and the rest of his family are members.) I'm so excited! 

This week we saw a gorgeous rainbow. It was the brightest rainbow I have EVER seen! And a double one too! I didn't get any good pictures of it sadly, but it was incredible. It looked like you could see the base of it, right in the mountains! The beauty of the earth is incredible. It's just evidence of how much God loves us!

And finally, I got to hold baby kitties!!! They were the sweetest ever!!! It was at the end of a long, busy day, so it was great to hold the kitties and feel their softy little purry love. :) 

Well my life is amazing. :) Hope you are all having great lives too! Until next week!

Sister Tipton