Well Ya'll...I can't believe that 2007 ends tonight!! What a glorious year it has been! I find it very strange to think that I spend half of 2007 at home and half on my mission! Crazy! But I have been so blessed this year!
I am excited for the new year to begin and I only wish that I could say that I will spend all of 2008 on my mission!...but sadly, I'll be home before 2008 is over. Ahhh...enough of that!
I am so grateful to be a missionary! Life as a missionary is amazing! We just had 4 baptisms on Saturday and 4 confirmations on Sunday! And the work keeps rolling forward! We are working with 2 solid investigators who are praying about a baptismal date!! I am so excited to be serving the Lord in this amazing cause! I know that this is His work and I am humbled daily by the small part that He has asked me to play!
Well, it wouldn't be a new year without new goals. And as a missionary, we are very goal oriented. I have been thinking a lot about what I could do to invite ya'll to help in the missionary efforts! There have been a lot of little tasks that I have considered challenging ya'll to, but the fact of the matter is that the missionary work you have to do is between you and the Lord. I am not going to pretend to have stewardship over you or your areas wherever they may be, but I do want you to know that I know that through prayer each of you can determine what efforts will move the work forward where you are. So...
Will each of you pray to receive inspiration about what you can do individually this year to help bring a family into the gospel?
I promise you that as you pray, that God will answer your prayers and give you the inspiration needed to help bring a family into the gospel! I know that this is true because I have seen it first hand. I love the promise that the Lord makes in Jeremiah 16:16-17. After He declares that He will send many hunters and fishers of men, He reaffirms to us that he knows all and He knows which of His children are ready to hear the gospel. I know that God is mindful of us. I feel that everyday! I know that as you strive to aid the Lord in this work that you will feel His love more in your lives. He promises that he will be with us as we preach His gospel (Matt. 28:19-20).
I love this Gospel!!! And I am so grateful to be a member of Jesus Christ's church on the earth today! What a priviledge and and honor...but also, what an intense responsibility! I pray that you will all strive to accept this challenge. And like the good missionary I am striving to be, I will be following up on January 15, 2008. That gives you 2 weeks and 1 day to determine your goal with the Lord. I would love to hear about that goal. :)
I hope that this letter finds you happy and healthy! I feel your prayers and love you dearly!
Love,
Sister Abbott
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Merry Christmas!!! December 28, 2007
Ok, so before ya'll think that I've gone apostate by e-mailing not on a Tuesday... the library was closed on Christmas Eve so we couldn't e-mail. We received permission to proselyte an extra hour on Monday and e-mail later in the week.
All is well!!! The work is starting to pick up again now that people aren't as stressed with the holidays! And I am sooooo excited for tomorrow's baptism. Simone Whitehurst, Justin Pinillo, William and Da'Kasia Whitehurst are getting baptized tomorrow! They were going to be baptized on Christmas, but then Simone and their dad got married so we moved it to the 29th so that Simone could be baptized with them. On Sunday, the four are being confirmed and the younger two kids (Santoria-7 and Nehemiah-2) will be given a name and a blessing so that they will be on the records of the Church!! Life as a missionary simply doesn't get better than that! We are excited to see this family get one step closer to the Temple! Woo hoo!
I love being a missionary!! Christmas was great!!! We had a brunch with the Hoeppners which was fun. Sis. Hummel did the eggs, I cut the fruit, and Sis. Hoeppner made bacon. It was great! Mine was cold by the time I got to eat it because it was ready right when it was time for me to call home.
Life in North Carolina is great! The weather has been going CRAZY lately. Sis. Hummel and I are so confused! In AZ, when you look out the window, you can tell if it is cold or hot by how much you can see the sun. Here, the sun can be shining and it's 30 degrees. It makes things interesting. But I am sooooooooo glad to have a winter coat (thanks mom and dad!!!!). It makes a huge difference. North Carolina is the most windy place I've ever been in my life. And the fog at night is great! I love it!! Last night we got out of an appointment and looked over this field and it was as if there was a sheet of fog about 4 feet tall. It was pretty stinkin cool!
Have I told ya'll that I love being a missionary?! It is as if the Lord is watching over everything we do! I know that he is truly going before us! People's hearts are so prepared!
Last night we got some interresting news. We got a call from the APs who told us to start to keep our eyes peeled for apartments in town. They want to move us closer to town because it will be more effective. And while it would make it easier on miles and travel time...we really don't want to leave Sis. Hoeppner. Hopefully we will be able to stay with her until April when her husband gets back from Iraq. I love living with a member. We live in a nice home with a family. I'll miss it, but whatever is best for the mission we are more than willing to do.
I feel very strange e-mailing on a non p-day. I appologize if my thoughts seem somewhat scattered, because they are! I can't believe that it is almost the end of 2007!!! At this time last year I was moved back to the home ward and working on my papers...crazy!
I realized last week that I can no longer say, "A year from now I'll still be on the mission." What a crazy realization! There is such an urgency in the work! It was good to realize that I don't have forever...I only have 12 months left to fulfill the mission that my Heavenly Father has sent me here for. Time has already flown by and I would imagine that it probably won't slow down. Time to get to work!...well, I've been at work, so I suppose...time to kick it into a higher gear!!!!!
Thank you all for your loving support! I love being a missionary! I can't fathom doing anything else with my life right now! What a marvelous work we are engaged in?!
I hope all ya'lls Christmas was merry and bright! And we are excited to celebrate a white Christmas tomorrow! It may not be snowing, but baptisms are better than snow! Woo Hoo!!!
Love,
Sister Abbott
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Happy Pre-Christmas!!!
Ok... once again making it's December debut...Daily miracles!!
Now that I am back on board and a little more settled in...here are the weekly miracles:
12/5--We had a lesson with the RS Pres. and I had the most amazing realization of the importance of working with members to ensure that recent converts stay in church.
12/6--I received a blessing because I've been pretty sick. In the blessing my body was pretty much told that the Lord's work was the most important aspect of my life right now and being sick just wasn't going to work. I feel much better now!
12/7--Simone quit drinking tea,coffee, and smoking!!!
12/8--We had an appointment to introduce someone we were teaching to the Elders. His name was Leroy Brown :). But both of us spaced until 10 min after we were supposed to be there. Which since ya'll know me...that NEVER happens!! But when we got there, there was something off. No one was there, and we didn't feel good at all. We literally ran out of the neighborhood. I don't know what happened, but I know that we were protected! The Spirit is so amazing!
12/9--Long story, but I am so grateful that the Lord answers prayers through other people! OH, and I had to teach Relief Society last minute and it was pretty good.
12/10--We were giving a woman a Book of Mormon and explaining Moroni's promise. I told her that I knew that the Lord would answer her prayer. She looked surprised and said, "Really?" What a humbling experience to be able to tell her that I KNEW that God would answer her prayer!!! Isn't being a missionary amazing!!!
I love being a missionary. Sorry I'm kind of rushed today. The computer is being crazy! I love this work and I am soooooo excited to have 4 baptisms on Christmas!!! I know that God is excited too!:)
I hope ya'll are having a wonderful holiday season!
Love,
Sis. Abbott!!
Now that I am back on board and a little more settled in...here are the weekly miracles:
12/5--We had a lesson with the RS Pres. and I had the most amazing realization of the importance of working with members to ensure that recent converts stay in church.
12/6--I received a blessing because I've been pretty sick. In the blessing my body was pretty much told that the Lord's work was the most important aspect of my life right now and being sick just wasn't going to work. I feel much better now!
12/7--Simone quit drinking tea,coffee, and smoking!!!
12/8--We had an appointment to introduce someone we were teaching to the Elders. His name was Leroy Brown :). But both of us spaced until 10 min after we were supposed to be there. Which since ya'll know me...that NEVER happens!! But when we got there, there was something off. No one was there, and we didn't feel good at all. We literally ran out of the neighborhood. I don't know what happened, but I know that we were protected! The Spirit is so amazing!
12/9--Long story, but I am so grateful that the Lord answers prayers through other people! OH, and I had to teach Relief Society last minute and it was pretty good.
12/10--We were giving a woman a Book of Mormon and explaining Moroni's promise. I told her that I knew that the Lord would answer her prayer. She looked surprised and said, "Really?" What a humbling experience to be able to tell her that I KNEW that God would answer her prayer!!! Isn't being a missionary amazing!!!
I love being a missionary. Sorry I'm kind of rushed today. The computer is being crazy! I love this work and I am soooooo excited to have 4 baptisms on Christmas!!! I know that God is excited too!:)
I hope ya'll are having a wonderful holiday season!
Love,
Sis. Abbott!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Katie... I mean Rachel
Rachel was having a fun time playing with the "Katie Cutout." Even though Sister Abbott is on a mission, Katie is still with us here.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
STAYING!!! 12/04/07
I know that you all were up pacing half the night wondering about transfer calls...oh wait...that was me. Just kidding! But we got the call... Both Sis. Hummel and I are staying in Elizabeth City! We called our top investigator this morning to tell her and she said, "Well of course you did. We all prayed for it last night!" All is she and her 5 kids and her fiance! So all in all we aren't done here yet! I was so excited about that, plus no one else in our district was transferred! I'm really excited to really start to settle into this great place!
Our district leader then told us about what was going on with the other sisters in the mission! I was TOTALLY STOKED to hear that Sis. Moldenhauer is training!!! What a lucky greenie! I am excited to hear about how rockin' that's going to be!!!
Enough about transfers... guess what?!?! I want you to think about what the greatest miracle/present for a missionary would be for Christmas..... Yeah, that's right...a baptism?! Or maybe 3?!!!!! I am probably not making any sense. So we started teaching a family last week, and set the three oldest children for baptism. We asked if they would be baptized on December 29, and they asked if they could be baptized on Christmas! We are still working out the logistics, but it's looking good. Sadly their parents are still overcoming some pretty crucial obstacles, so it might take a little longer. But they are so excited! I don't know if there was anything sweeter than to hear 3 young men and women (12,11,and 10) tell of how they felt as the prayed and asked God if the Book of Mormon was true! They were so sincere! This family is so prepared! I love this work! I love it because it is the Lord's work and I am merely an instrument in His hands!
As we have been working with this family, I have learned a lot. But the biggest lesson I learned, I would like to share with you all. I don't know if I have written about them at all before, but we met their mom at a gas station north of town. We stopped in to visit with a ward member who can't come to church that often because she is the manager there. As we were walking out, I saw a minivan pull up and a few kids pop out. I felt the prompting to give the mom a Together Forever pass along card, but we were running late for out next appointment and so I pushed it aside! But my wonderful companion then instead of walking to the car, went to another man and started talking to him. I figured that if she was talking to him, I should go give the woman a card. I gave it to her, we started talking and set up an appointment to meet with her. Now three weeks later, she and her whole family is working towards baptism and confirmation! What a disheartening feeling I had when I realized that I almost didn't even talk to her! I have now devoted myself to do better! We never know who is ready to accept the gospel, but God does. So as we listen to Him, He can lead us to where we need to go.
I would write about the other miracles, but that is the one I want to leave with you for this week. I know that this work is God's work! I know that as we strive to follow all of the commandments of God, we will be blessed. I know that my Savior loves me and each of my brothers and sisters! I know that He suffered, died and was resurrected so that each of us can eventually live with God again! That sacrifice is something I cannot even begin to comprehend, but my gratitude for it grows each time I strive to apply the Atonement into my life! I am so grateful for the scriptures! I am reading in the New Testament right now and I see my testimony growing daily! I am gaining a respect and love for Peter! I want to be a servant like Peter!
I am so excited to be a missionary at Christmas time!!!
I love you all and hope that this finds you well!
Love,
Sister Abbott
Our district leader then told us about what was going on with the other sisters in the mission! I was TOTALLY STOKED to hear that Sis. Moldenhauer is training!!! What a lucky greenie! I am excited to hear about how rockin' that's going to be!!!
Enough about transfers... guess what?!?! I want you to think about what the greatest miracle/present for a missionary would be for Christmas..... Yeah, that's right...a baptism?! Or maybe 3?!!!!! I am probably not making any sense. So we started teaching a family last week, and set the three oldest children for baptism. We asked if they would be baptized on December 29, and they asked if they could be baptized on Christmas! We are still working out the logistics, but it's looking good. Sadly their parents are still overcoming some pretty crucial obstacles, so it might take a little longer. But they are so excited! I don't know if there was anything sweeter than to hear 3 young men and women (12,11,and 10) tell of how they felt as the prayed and asked God if the Book of Mormon was true! They were so sincere! This family is so prepared! I love this work! I love it because it is the Lord's work and I am merely an instrument in His hands!
As we have been working with this family, I have learned a lot. But the biggest lesson I learned, I would like to share with you all. I don't know if I have written about them at all before, but we met their mom at a gas station north of town. We stopped in to visit with a ward member who can't come to church that often because she is the manager there. As we were walking out, I saw a minivan pull up and a few kids pop out. I felt the prompting to give the mom a Together Forever pass along card, but we were running late for out next appointment and so I pushed it aside! But my wonderful companion then instead of walking to the car, went to another man and started talking to him. I figured that if she was talking to him, I should go give the woman a card. I gave it to her, we started talking and set up an appointment to meet with her. Now three weeks later, she and her whole family is working towards baptism and confirmation! What a disheartening feeling I had when I realized that I almost didn't even talk to her! I have now devoted myself to do better! We never know who is ready to accept the gospel, but God does. So as we listen to Him, He can lead us to where we need to go.
I would write about the other miracles, but that is the one I want to leave with you for this week. I know that this work is God's work! I know that as we strive to follow all of the commandments of God, we will be blessed. I know that my Savior loves me and each of my brothers and sisters! I know that He suffered, died and was resurrected so that each of us can eventually live with God again! That sacrifice is something I cannot even begin to comprehend, but my gratitude for it grows each time I strive to apply the Atonement into my life! I am so grateful for the scriptures! I am reading in the New Testament right now and I see my testimony growing daily! I am gaining a respect and love for Peter! I want to be a servant like Peter!
I am so excited to be a missionary at Christmas time!!!
I love you all and hope that this finds you well!
Love,
Sister Abbott
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Woooo Hooo!!! 11/27/07
Hey ya'al!!!
It's official...I'm in the south! The other day I said the phrase, "Well Sis. Hummel, I'm fixin' to get something out of the trunk..." FIXIN'?! How rad is that?!
Anyway, I am sad to report that I don't have the weekly miracles this week either. I'll repent!
But this was such a GREAT week!! I love being a missionary! Last night we got to teach a whole family! That's right...a whole family!!! Dad wasn't there, but Mom and her 5 kids were!! They are so prepared! There is still a lot of work to do, but they are willing to do it. Yee Haww!!! I love this work!
Last Thursday was great and terrible! It was soooo great because we got so much done. But so terrible because we weren't allowed to proselite (sp?). We got to have weekly planning all morning. Then we cleaned our car...it's so pretty! :) Then we started painting pictures! Then we went to the Dillingers for dinner and the Ward mission leader (Umphletts) for dessert! We were home in time to finish our paintings and go to bed. It was full, but tiring. For some reason when we are doing the Lords work, the tiredness doesn't seem to hit. But when we aren't activly inviting people to come unto Christ, the tired just comes! Isn't that great! What a testimony that this is His work! He lifts us up so we can do His will!
Then on Friday, it was time for dinner, so we parked on a street and pulled out the cooler. As we sat there, we saw a TON of people start congregating at the building right in front of us. We didn't realize it but it was the town's big Christmas lighting ceremony! Naturally, we jumped out and started talking to people! It was soooo great! We met so many nice people. And the Bishop of this ward gave the opening blessing! It was great!! The Lord truly directs us in everything we do...even where to eat dinner!
Well, I suppose that is all for today! December is almost here!! Woo Hooo!!! I love holidays as a missionary!
I love you all! I know that this is truly the Lord's work and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His church! How blessed are we to be a part of it?!
Love,
Sister Abbott
It's official...I'm in the south! The other day I said the phrase, "Well Sis. Hummel, I'm fixin' to get something out of the trunk..." FIXIN'?! How rad is that?!
Anyway, I am sad to report that I don't have the weekly miracles this week either. I'll repent!
But this was such a GREAT week!! I love being a missionary! Last night we got to teach a whole family! That's right...a whole family!!! Dad wasn't there, but Mom and her 5 kids were!! They are so prepared! There is still a lot of work to do, but they are willing to do it. Yee Haww!!! I love this work!
Last Thursday was great and terrible! It was soooo great because we got so much done. But so terrible because we weren't allowed to proselite (sp?). We got to have weekly planning all morning. Then we cleaned our car...it's so pretty! :) Then we started painting pictures! Then we went to the Dillingers for dinner and the Ward mission leader (Umphletts) for dessert! We were home in time to finish our paintings and go to bed. It was full, but tiring. For some reason when we are doing the Lords work, the tiredness doesn't seem to hit. But when we aren't activly inviting people to come unto Christ, the tired just comes! Isn't that great! What a testimony that this is His work! He lifts us up so we can do His will!
Then on Friday, it was time for dinner, so we parked on a street and pulled out the cooler. As we sat there, we saw a TON of people start congregating at the building right in front of us. We didn't realize it but it was the town's big Christmas lighting ceremony! Naturally, we jumped out and started talking to people! It was soooo great! We met so many nice people. And the Bishop of this ward gave the opening blessing! It was great!! The Lord truly directs us in everything we do...even where to eat dinner!
Well, I suppose that is all for today! December is almost here!! Woo Hooo!!! I love holidays as a missionary!
I love you all! I know that this is truly the Lord's work and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His church! How blessed are we to be a part of it?!
Love,
Sister Abbott
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Random thoughts from Sister H & A!- or Sister HA!
Here is a portion of the letter Sister Abbott sent me (Jessie) this week. I thought you all would enjoy. (The title of the post is how Sister Abbott titled this portion of my letter- I didn't make it up).
- We fed a goose a tortilla chip!
- We drove down a street 3 times before we realized the house we were looking for was on the next street.
- We got a ride with a stake missionary and she ran a stop sign... we almost died!
- We taught a lesson to the sister we live with.
- We met a VERY funny lady at a gas station...She was Hungarian!
- Sis. Hart thought her camera was stolen from the airport, but we found it under my car seat! We took fun pictures... a lot of them and then sent it to her.
- We tracted in the strongest wind I have ever seen!
- We taught a man named Dr. Calvin! He's a preacher!
- We met a long haired dachshund!
- We were contacting a referral, and a kid- messy red hair wearing a diaper- slammed herself against the glass. She looked like a kindergartner from "Recess".
- A kid almost ran into the road. We slammed on our brakes and then he waved us on. It was really funny!
- I taught these little kids "Bear, Ninja, Hunter". It's kind of like Rock, Paper, Scissors, but more involved and much more fun! Now, I have random children yelling at me, "1,2,3... ROAR!" with bear claws. It's pretty entertaining.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!!! 11/20/07 excerpts
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
I am so grateful this fine Tuesday morning!!! Just to let you all know... on Thanksgiving, we are going to dinner at a members house at 3 and then helping them decorate for Christmas. Before that, we have weekly planning. It will pretty much be a normal day as a missionary. Sis. Hummel and I are a little bummed that we aren't allowed to proselite. In the white handbook it says that holidays are a great time to find people because they are at home with families. Oh, well... I am excited to be able to devote one whole day to gratitude!!
On a side note, I have heard bits and pieces about the stake center being burnt down. I would love to know more details on that. Please do not worry about it making me homesick... if I have details it helps put my mind at ease and it is easier to get back to work. As I looked at the thumbnail pic that I saw from Meg, and thought about the memories that we have all had in that building it made me so grateful to know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is not a building! It is a Kingdom of God! And no one can stop this work! I am so grateful to know that although my memories of practically all of my youth can be traced to that building, my testimony is of my Savior and his Redeeming love. I know that this Gospel is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Another Stake Center will be built, and more memories will be made. Although I am saddened at the thought of that building not being there any more, I know that all is well. The Lord allows these things to happen to strengthen us and to help us build to higher heights! What a grand adventure the Lehi Stake is now able to embark on! Pray for President Ahlstrom! I am sure that this is an incredibly trying time on him especially. Pray for him and embrace his vision for whatever will come!
I love this work! I love being a missionary!!! Right before I left on my mission, I was very nervous and often thought, "What have I gotten myself into?!" I was scared for the unknown. But the Lord has truly blessed me! It seems as if these last 5 months have been the longest and yet shortest of my life. I have learned so much about myself, my Father in Heaven, my Savior, and His Gospel. I am excited to make the most of the next 13 months and do my best to invite EVERY soul I meet to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Him and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end! I now feel more than ever that this truly is a marvelous work and a wonder! I know that this is the Lords work! There are far too many miracles for it to be the work of man! I am so grateful to be able to be His hands in this work!!!
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you! I don't think I express it enough! I have such an amazing support system at home! I know that you all support me and sustain me in this calling. I can feel your prayers and your love daily. My Father in Heaven has blessed me with the most amazing family and friends in the world. How can I not share the most crucial part of the equation? How can we deny the fact that our love, happiness, and joy comes from the knowledge that we have that Heavenly Father has reached out in love once again to his children and has called a Prophet? I know that God has called a Prophet today! I know that it is through Prophets that God reveals His plan to His children (Amos 3:7). And I know that it is through this knowlege that I have found the most happiness. What an amazing blessing to know that our Savior lives?! And that not only does he live, but he leads His church through President Hinkley! This last Sunday, we were tracting and found a man outside who was very polite but told us that he had no intention of changing his religious views. We expressed understanding and through the conversation, I testified that I knew that there was a prophet on the earth today. His eyes shot open, and as I showed him a picture of President Hinkley, I told the man that Pres. Hinkley was a Prophet of God, just as Moses and Noah were Prophets. The man did not speak. He took a card for mormon.org, but declined the invitation to meet with us again. I don't know if he was helped at all by that conversation, but as I testified, I felt my testimony confirmed that the power of God is once again on the earth today and that God has called Prophets for us to have direction in our lives!!
Ok, I'm off of my soap box, but please know that all is well here in Elizabeth City! I am excited to experience Christmas as a missionary! I promise that the miracles will make an appearance again next week.
I love you!!!!
Love,
Sister Abbott
I am so grateful this fine Tuesday morning!!! Just to let you all know... on Thanksgiving, we are going to dinner at a members house at 3 and then helping them decorate for Christmas. Before that, we have weekly planning. It will pretty much be a normal day as a missionary. Sis. Hummel and I are a little bummed that we aren't allowed to proselite. In the white handbook it says that holidays are a great time to find people because they are at home with families. Oh, well... I am excited to be able to devote one whole day to gratitude!!
On a side note, I have heard bits and pieces about the stake center being burnt down. I would love to know more details on that. Please do not worry about it making me homesick... if I have details it helps put my mind at ease and it is easier to get back to work. As I looked at the thumbnail pic that I saw from Meg, and thought about the memories that we have all had in that building it made me so grateful to know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is not a building! It is a Kingdom of God! And no one can stop this work! I am so grateful to know that although my memories of practically all of my youth can be traced to that building, my testimony is of my Savior and his Redeeming love. I know that this Gospel is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Another Stake Center will be built, and more memories will be made. Although I am saddened at the thought of that building not being there any more, I know that all is well. The Lord allows these things to happen to strengthen us and to help us build to higher heights! What a grand adventure the Lehi Stake is now able to embark on! Pray for President Ahlstrom! I am sure that this is an incredibly trying time on him especially. Pray for him and embrace his vision for whatever will come!
I love this work! I love being a missionary!!! Right before I left on my mission, I was very nervous and often thought, "What have I gotten myself into?!" I was scared for the unknown. But the Lord has truly blessed me! It seems as if these last 5 months have been the longest and yet shortest of my life. I have learned so much about myself, my Father in Heaven, my Savior, and His Gospel. I am excited to make the most of the next 13 months and do my best to invite EVERY soul I meet to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Him and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end! I now feel more than ever that this truly is a marvelous work and a wonder! I know that this is the Lords work! There are far too many miracles for it to be the work of man! I am so grateful to be able to be His hands in this work!!!
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you! I don't think I express it enough! I have such an amazing support system at home! I know that you all support me and sustain me in this calling. I can feel your prayers and your love daily. My Father in Heaven has blessed me with the most amazing family and friends in the world. How can I not share the most crucial part of the equation? How can we deny the fact that our love, happiness, and joy comes from the knowledge that we have that Heavenly Father has reached out in love once again to his children and has called a Prophet? I know that God has called a Prophet today! I know that it is through Prophets that God reveals His plan to His children (Amos 3:7). And I know that it is through this knowlege that I have found the most happiness. What an amazing blessing to know that our Savior lives?! And that not only does he live, but he leads His church through President Hinkley! This last Sunday, we were tracting and found a man outside who was very polite but told us that he had no intention of changing his religious views. We expressed understanding and through the conversation, I testified that I knew that there was a prophet on the earth today. His eyes shot open, and as I showed him a picture of President Hinkley, I told the man that Pres. Hinkley was a Prophet of God, just as Moses and Noah were Prophets. The man did not speak. He took a card for mormon.org, but declined the invitation to meet with us again. I don't know if he was helped at all by that conversation, but as I testified, I felt my testimony confirmed that the power of God is once again on the earth today and that God has called Prophets for us to have direction in our lives!!
Ok, I'm off of my soap box, but please know that all is well here in Elizabeth City! I am excited to experience Christmas as a missionary! I promise that the miracles will make an appearance again next week.
I love you!!!!
Love,
Sister Abbott
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Email excerps 11/13/07
All is well in NC!!! It has really started getting cold!!!! We went to the mall to look for winter clothes today. By the way, we had a sisters meeting at the last zone conference and Sis. Millburn said that she wants to see more color in our wardrobe. Ok, so she didn't say that. But she said that the area 70s wife said that color is great as long as you are still professional. It was kind of big news. Sis. Kirk was very businessy, but Sis. Millburn is just great!!! We no longer have to wear a white shirt if our jackets and skirts aren't the same color. It is great to know that Sis. Millburn says that it is up to our discression. We just have to make sure that we still look like the Lord's representatives. But I went to the mall this morning...it was a pretty scarce selection. I found a grey cardigan sweater that will be good, but the more I shop, the more I realize that I have clothes like this at home. I can't find any winter coats that fit the missionary qualification (dark-black or brown, and long enough).
Mom, can you send my brown gloves, my winter clothes, and there is a brown throw blanket up in my cedar chest. If there are problems, let me know. It has warmed up this week, but it'll be mighty cold again soon. I know life is crazy, and I understand if it doesn't get shipped right away. I have no problem waiting, but if you don't get it sent this week, can you let me know what you are planning on sending so that I can purchase anything else out here that might be good? I don't want this to be a burden. And now that I'm out here, I realized that I probably should have brought the carry on piece of luggage that I bought...oh well. I'll make it work. I love you!
This week has been a little crazy! I feel like I've been here for forever, but I'm only at my 2 week mark. The people in EC are great! We have met some of the greatest and most hillarious people! It is right on the water (a river I think), and is soooo beautiful! I'll get some pictures and send them at Christmas! I love being on the water! Mom would love it here, but it doesn't smell like the ocean. I don't know if Mom likes the smell...hmmm. Mom, do you like the smell of the ocean? I really feel like I'm in the South here! People are so polite. I get called Miss Abbott pretty often, which is funny. I wonder if people think my first name is actually Sister.
There are a lot of Navy and Coast Guard families in the area. It's great! But I never ever started to understand the true sacrifice their families make. We are working with one Navy wife whose husband is getting ready to ship off for 6 months! Her life seems to be in shambles...hopefully she will start to allow the gospel to help her.
I'm not sure what else you want to know about the area. My comp... Sis. Hummel! She is GREAT!!!!! We laugh SOOOOOO hard! This is her first time being Sr. Companion and I am new, so it's interesting! She has Ciliac disease, so she can't eat wheat barley or rye. She is also highly allergic to brocolli, esparagus, cheddar cheese, sage, thyme, and basil. Setting up dinner appointments is fun! It is really funny how people see it as a challenge to see what they can make that she can eat. It's also funny to have them turn to me and say, "what about you?" I get to say, "I'm not allergic to anything!" It's a good time. She reminds me a lot of Geneva Castillo back in Jr. High. Crazy. wacky. and just nuts! Plus, she thinks I'm hillarious, which is a plus!
Dad, I'm glad that all is going well. Filling a teaching pool is one of the most exciting things ever. Last week at Zone Conference, I realized that the sifting process has many steps. We sift to find those who are willing to listen and then we have to sift through them to find those who are prepared to receive and embrace the Restored Gospel. It's great! But that is the sad part...finding people who just aren't there yet!
We had such a miracle on Saturday. We received a referral for a woman with no name and no address. We were given a description and a few streets that she might live on. So we headed out to find her! We parked at onestreet, prayed and decided to go into down town. We drove around and parked where we felt we needed to be. We didn't end up finding the woman, but we tracted into a woman who used to meet with the missionaries, but wasn't ready to make the commitment yet. She was so excited to see us, and we set up a return appointment. She is so prepared! She just moved out of living with her boyfriend and is excited to have sister missionaries! We will teach her this week!
Ok, well I better get going! I love you all!
Love,
Sister Abbott
Mom, can you send my brown gloves, my winter clothes, and there is a brown throw blanket up in my cedar chest. If there are problems, let me know. It has warmed up this week, but it'll be mighty cold again soon. I know life is crazy, and I understand if it doesn't get shipped right away. I have no problem waiting, but if you don't get it sent this week, can you let me know what you are planning on sending so that I can purchase anything else out here that might be good? I don't want this to be a burden. And now that I'm out here, I realized that I probably should have brought the carry on piece of luggage that I bought...oh well. I'll make it work. I love you!
This week has been a little crazy! I feel like I've been here for forever, but I'm only at my 2 week mark. The people in EC are great! We have met some of the greatest and most hillarious people! It is right on the water (a river I think), and is soooo beautiful! I'll get some pictures and send them at Christmas! I love being on the water! Mom would love it here, but it doesn't smell like the ocean. I don't know if Mom likes the smell...hmmm. Mom, do you like the smell of the ocean? I really feel like I'm in the South here! People are so polite. I get called Miss Abbott pretty often, which is funny. I wonder if people think my first name is actually Sister.
There are a lot of Navy and Coast Guard families in the area. It's great! But I never ever started to understand the true sacrifice their families make. We are working with one Navy wife whose husband is getting ready to ship off for 6 months! Her life seems to be in shambles...hopefully she will start to allow the gospel to help her.
I'm not sure what else you want to know about the area. My comp... Sis. Hummel! She is GREAT!!!!! We laugh SOOOOOO hard! This is her first time being Sr. Companion and I am new, so it's interesting! She has Ciliac disease, so she can't eat wheat barley or rye. She is also highly allergic to brocolli, esparagus, cheddar cheese, sage, thyme, and basil. Setting up dinner appointments is fun! It is really funny how people see it as a challenge to see what they can make that she can eat. It's also funny to have them turn to me and say, "what about you?" I get to say, "I'm not allergic to anything!" It's a good time. She reminds me a lot of Geneva Castillo back in Jr. High. Crazy. wacky. and just nuts! Plus, she thinks I'm hillarious, which is a plus!
Dad, I'm glad that all is going well. Filling a teaching pool is one of the most exciting things ever. Last week at Zone Conference, I realized that the sifting process has many steps. We sift to find those who are willing to listen and then we have to sift through them to find those who are prepared to receive and embrace the Restored Gospel. It's great! But that is the sad part...finding people who just aren't there yet!
We had such a miracle on Saturday. We received a referral for a woman with no name and no address. We were given a description and a few streets that she might live on. So we headed out to find her! We parked at onestreet, prayed and decided to go into down town. We drove around and parked where we felt we needed to be. We didn't end up finding the woman, but we tracted into a woman who used to meet with the missionaries, but wasn't ready to make the commitment yet. She was so excited to see us, and we set up a return appointment. She is so prepared! She just moved out of living with her boyfriend and is excited to have sister missionaries! We will teach her this week!
Ok, well I better get going! I love you all!
Love,
Sister Abbott
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
An email to Jessie 11/6/07
I am sooooooo sorry that I mistyped the address. I was actually telling Sis. Hummel that I was needing to rebuke my family for not writing me when in actuallity, it's my fault. Hopefully the PO will get it figured out! But Sis. Hummel says that usually letters get here REALLY fast. So have no fear!
I am really overwhelmed here! Not bad, doubting myself overwhelmed...just overwhelmed. It's weird not having 2 comps. I miss it. But this is good...I was spoiled for too long. It's frustrating because when there is 3 you can teach a single man, but with 2 you HAVE to have exchanges or you can't teach! Bah! It is nice being able to sit in the front seat though.
Man, I am MOST definately in the South!!! I feel like I jumped into a Andy Griffith episode. It's not that small town but the people act like it. It's great!!! I love it here. I think I'll stay here a while! Hopefully at least 3 transfers!
Well, I am excited to get the package...whenever it comes.
I have to run!
Sister Abbott
I am really overwhelmed here! Not bad, doubting myself overwhelmed...just overwhelmed. It's weird not having 2 comps. I miss it. But this is good...I was spoiled for too long. It's frustrating because when there is 3 you can teach a single man, but with 2 you HAVE to have exchanges or you can't teach! Bah! It is nice being able to sit in the front seat though.
Man, I am MOST definately in the South!!! I feel like I jumped into a Andy Griffith episode. It's not that small town but the people act like it. It's great!!! I love it here. I think I'll stay here a while! Hopefully at least 3 transfers!
Well, I am excited to get the package...whenever it comes.
I have to run!
Sister Abbott
Wrong address... 11/6/07
So I didn't realize until I got Jessie's e-mail that I mistyped the address. It's 312 TraVis Dr. I'm sorry. But that explains why I haven't gotten any mail this week. I was starting to be a little upset. just kidding.
I have to admit that I have been a little lax this week on my daily miracles. They are happening, but I am a little overwhelmed right now and haven't been documenting them. But ironically, I've been doing better at journaling.
I love North Carolina! Elizabeth City is right on a river, and it is soooo beautiful! I'll have to get some pictures and send them! The other day we were tracting, and we went to this one house. The man had a bunch of NC TarHeel stuff. I saw something that said, "This is Tar Heel country". I thought...that's NC! And then I realized that I am in NC! It still hasn't totally sunk in that I'm not in VA anymore. I keep asking people what brought them to VA. It will probably sink in about a week before I go back to VA.
We had a cool experience on Sat. Sis. Hummel has celiac (sp) disease, which means that she can't eat Glutin. So we have to go in for one meal a day, and we live in the boonies, so it can sometimes be a slight disadvantage. But we decided to visit some less active sisters in the nursing home right by where we live. As we were leaving, I asked Sis. Hummel if they had ever given a pass along card to the secretary at the front. She looked surprized, and said no. I walked over to the woman and before I could say anything, I noticed that she had her Bible out. I asked about where she was reading...the Beatitudes. I gave her a Book of Mormon and showed her where Christ taught the people in the Americas the same principles. She was very excited and very interrested. We are meeting with her tomorrow! It's going to be great!
I'm glad that all is going well. Mom...take it easy! Don't be in a wheelchair when I get home, ok? I was needing to ask a couple things... 1) I need to know when Aunt Marilyn served, who her mission president was, and her maiden name. There is a less active man who served in that mission and this might be a way to get in to meet with his family. 2) What exactly is Meg's nerve disease? There is a woman in the ward who was recently diagnosed with MS, but she is going for a second oppinion. What meds does Meg take for it?
I am feeling very rushed today, but I'm not sure why.
I think I mentioned it last week, but we are living with a family in the ward. They are great! We are excited to help them decorate for Christmas on Dec. 4. We get to have a real Christmas, not a fake picture of a tree Christmas. It's going to be great! And we only have to survive one transfer to be here on Christmas.
I suppose that's all...I might write more if I think of anything.
Love, Sister Abbott
I have to admit that I have been a little lax this week on my daily miracles. They are happening, but I am a little overwhelmed right now and haven't been documenting them. But ironically, I've been doing better at journaling.
I love North Carolina! Elizabeth City is right on a river, and it is soooo beautiful! I'll have to get some pictures and send them! The other day we were tracting, and we went to this one house. The man had a bunch of NC TarHeel stuff. I saw something that said, "This is Tar Heel country". I thought...that's NC! And then I realized that I am in NC! It still hasn't totally sunk in that I'm not in VA anymore. I keep asking people what brought them to VA. It will probably sink in about a week before I go back to VA.
We had a cool experience on Sat. Sis. Hummel has celiac (sp) disease, which means that she can't eat Glutin. So we have to go in for one meal a day, and we live in the boonies, so it can sometimes be a slight disadvantage. But we decided to visit some less active sisters in the nursing home right by where we live. As we were leaving, I asked Sis. Hummel if they had ever given a pass along card to the secretary at the front. She looked surprized, and said no. I walked over to the woman and before I could say anything, I noticed that she had her Bible out. I asked about where she was reading...the Beatitudes. I gave her a Book of Mormon and showed her where Christ taught the people in the Americas the same principles. She was very excited and very interrested. We are meeting with her tomorrow! It's going to be great!
I'm glad that all is going well. Mom...take it easy! Don't be in a wheelchair when I get home, ok? I was needing to ask a couple things... 1) I need to know when Aunt Marilyn served, who her mission president was, and her maiden name. There is a less active man who served in that mission and this might be a way to get in to meet with his family. 2) What exactly is Meg's nerve disease? There is a woman in the ward who was recently diagnosed with MS, but she is going for a second oppinion. What meds does Meg take for it?
I am feeling very rushed today, but I'm not sure why.
I think I mentioned it last week, but we are living with a family in the ward. They are great! We are excited to help them decorate for Christmas on Dec. 4. We get to have a real Christmas, not a fake picture of a tree Christmas. It's going to be great! And we only have to survive one transfer to be here on Christmas.
I suppose that's all...I might write more if I think of anything.
Love, Sister Abbott
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sister Abbott's new area
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
This picture was taken from an airship hovering over Elizabeth City. The City's expansive waterfront is shown punctuated by a bridge carrying motorists to and from the City and Camden County. The beautiful Pasquotank River winds it way to the Albemarle Sound at the top.
Psych!! October 30, 2007
Well, it looks like I don't get to be the one surprising you with the information about North Carolina!!! I'm glad that you found out so soon though. This morning on the way to the library, I told Sis. Hummel, "My family thinks I'm in VA..." I'm glad to hear that you are more in the loop than that.
So just to fill you in on what happened last week: Monday night we got transfer calls saying that we were all staying. I think I commented on how shocked I was because I was sure that the Spirit had been preparing me to leave. Anywho, the work carried forward and I was at peace with everything, but still a little unsettled. I was questioning whether I knew how to understand the Spirit. I was studying Ch. 4 of Preach My Gospel with much furvor. Then on Thursday, we went to Institute. The lesson was on Jonah, but we spent the whole time looking for similarities and differences between Jonah's life and the Savior's. It was soooo facinating! (We had two investigators there! It was great to show them that everything we do in the church is encompassed by the Atoning sacrifice of the Savior!) Anyway, the Spirit was there and was teaching me so much. One thing at the end of the 1st chapter was that it said that the Lord had prepared the whale... I was so grateful for that. I felt this overwhelming sense of peace that the Lord loves us so much that he takes care of the details. And then at the end of the book, the word prepared was written about 4 times. I didn't understand why the Spirit was teaching me that until the next day. I felt as if no matter what happens, the Lord PREPARES every needful thing. For me, he prepared me to be ready to leave.
Anyway, we were tracting all Friday morning in the rain! :) It was great! Then we were on our way to lunch and checked our voicemail. We had a bunch of messages, but one from Elder Coles. He used to be our ZL but he was just made AP last Thursday. He told us that he was just calling to see how we were doing and that we needed to call back,... "...actually, if you could call the President's cell phone, that would be best..." We were pretty shocked and Sis. Moldy said something about an ET, but we all laughed. We thought it would be strange for them to have an ET when transfers had just happened the day before. Anyway, so at lunch I made Sis. Moldenhauer call even though it was my day. President asked her about the weather and then I heard her say, "Sure, she is right here..." I don't remember all of what President told me...I was kind of in shock. He said that there was a change in the mission. One of the Sisters was having to go home on Monday and they needed me to go to Elizabeth City North Carolina to be companions with Sis. Hummel. He then gave me some very wonderful advice and much needed encouragement.
So long story short--I went from the northern most part of the Mission to the southern most part.This is such a grand adventure!!! Sis. Hummel is from Cottonwood. And Daylight savings is this weekend... we'll see how that goes. Neither of us have ever done it. But it's ok. They just sent sisters down here last transfer and there haven't been sisters here for 6 years. President stressed the urgency of the work down here and told us that we were the pair for the job. In my individual interview he called me a "missionary thoroubread"--I know it's spelled wrong, but I thought it was cool. I'm not sure what it means, but I like it.
I am so excited for the new area, but I have to admit that I miss H-burg. Sis. Moldenhauer said that the first week will be rough and that I will be homesick for it, but it will get better. I know that is true. I feel like that is my mission homebase. I love it there. I love the people! But NC is amazing! Granted I've only been here 24 hours, but I can just feel it.
This is such a grand adventure!!! Sis. Hummel is from Cottonwood. And Daylight savings is this weekend... we'll see how that goes. Neither of us have ever done it. But it's ok. They just sent sisters down here last transfer and there haven't been sisters here for 6 years. President stressed the urgency of the work down here and told us that we were the pair for the job. In my individual interview he called me a "missionary thoroubread"--I know it's spelled wrong, but I thought it was cool. I'm not sure what it means, but I like it.
I was not prepared for saying goodbye to my companions. There were many tears shed. The closing song in RS on Sunday was "God Be With You til We Meet Again". I don't know if Sis. Moldy and I even got out a whole verse. She truly is a sister...my sister! We are so much alike it's ridiculous! It's funny because we have both expressed that we bring out parts of our personality that we thought were dormant. We are both incredibly stubborn! I'm surprised that that didn't come up with her parents. So many stories from our childhood are practically identical! I'm sad that we are both hearing about how you were together this weekend, but we don't get to talk about it. I am so grateful for all the things that I learned working with Sis. Moldenhauer. She is the best missionary I know! If you see or talk to her family again, please let them know how proud they should be of her. She is the perfect example of a PMG missionary. She is great! And I hope that she moves to Phoenix. The plan right now is to go to Utah State, but who knows. But no matter what, we truly will be friends forever, that I do not doubt. Yesterday I cried a little while saying goodbye but was good all the way down. President asked us to find a worthy woman to bring me down so that my comps could still work. So Sis. Reed (the one who knew dad from Phoenix) picked me up and took me to Richmond to meet Sis. Hummel. We had a great chat all the way down! She is an amazing woman!! But once we got to the mission office, President spoke briefly with each of us (Sis. Hummel and I) and then the two of us together. In my individual interview, I was doing ok until I looked up at the transfer board and saw my comps pictures. I had to fight back the tears...let's just say that I lost. He handed me a tissue and said that it was ok to cry. He laughed and said that Sis. Moldy and I were truly two peas in a pod. His next comment was that I "shouldn't worry, you'll get to serve around each other again." I suppose that we won't get to serve together again, but I just hope I get to see her at a conference or something before she leaves in April. But if not, all is well!
Anyway, church on Sunday was amazing! Both wards had their primary programs! Talk about amazing. There was one YSA there who has expressed that his goal in life is to be a husband and father. He is so sincere, and that was his first Sunday at church. I think it reelled him in! I am so excited to hear about how that works out. Pat decided to postpone her baptism. But she is still going to be baptized! Oh, tell Sis. Lott THANK YOU so much for the halloween package. I don't know if I will get to write her today because I have to unpack, but please let her know.We went to the ward party on Sat. with Pat. We had carved our Jalloween pumpkins on P-day and brought them. We won the pumpkin carving contest hands down!! Everyone in the ward was so impressed. And our WML was so excited because I asked if he wanted the tools for carving. We brought them to him on Sunday at dinner.
I feel a little scatter brained today. Possibly because I hadn't slept from Friday until last night. Oh, and we are living with members here in NC! Crazy huh? She is a woman around our age, with a 3 year old little girl and her husband just left for Iraq. It's very different, but will be very good.
I love NC already! Elizabeth City is the "Harbor of Hospitality"! How funny...I went from the Friendliest City to the Harbor of Hospitality! I love it here!! And Sis. Hummel is so excited because her last 2 comps had to go home because of health reasons. She hasn't been tracting in 2 weeks. But we went out for a long time yesterday! It was great! The people are soooooo nice and accepting! We tracted into these men who were roofing yesterday. They were drinking beer and told us that they didn't feel it was right to talk about God while drinking. We had a great conversation, left some passalong cards, and asked them to call when they were sober! It was great!!!
I love this gospel! I love that the Lord trusts such simple men and women to carry His message to the world! I know that this is His work and that miracles happen everyday if we are willing to put our faith to action!!!
My new address is:
Sister Katie Abbott
312 Tracis Dr.
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Well, off to do the work!! Woo Hoo!!! In your prayers this week, please pray that I will become acclamated to the new area. I know that it will come, but I could use all the prayers I can get.
I love you all!!!
Sister Abbott
So just to fill you in on what happened last week: Monday night we got transfer calls saying that we were all staying. I think I commented on how shocked I was because I was sure that the Spirit had been preparing me to leave. Anywho, the work carried forward and I was at peace with everything, but still a little unsettled. I was questioning whether I knew how to understand the Spirit. I was studying Ch. 4 of Preach My Gospel with much furvor. Then on Thursday, we went to Institute. The lesson was on Jonah, but we spent the whole time looking for similarities and differences between Jonah's life and the Savior's. It was soooo facinating! (We had two investigators there! It was great to show them that everything we do in the church is encompassed by the Atoning sacrifice of the Savior!) Anyway, the Spirit was there and was teaching me so much. One thing at the end of the 1st chapter was that it said that the Lord had prepared the whale... I was so grateful for that. I felt this overwhelming sense of peace that the Lord loves us so much that he takes care of the details. And then at the end of the book, the word prepared was written about 4 times. I didn't understand why the Spirit was teaching me that until the next day. I felt as if no matter what happens, the Lord PREPARES every needful thing. For me, he prepared me to be ready to leave.
Anyway, we were tracting all Friday morning in the rain! :) It was great! Then we were on our way to lunch and checked our voicemail. We had a bunch of messages, but one from Elder Coles. He used to be our ZL but he was just made AP last Thursday. He told us that he was just calling to see how we were doing and that we needed to call back,... "...actually, if you could call the President's cell phone, that would be best..." We were pretty shocked and Sis. Moldy said something about an ET, but we all laughed. We thought it would be strange for them to have an ET when transfers had just happened the day before. Anyway, so at lunch I made Sis. Moldenhauer call even though it was my day. President asked her about the weather and then I heard her say, "Sure, she is right here..." I don't remember all of what President told me...I was kind of in shock. He said that there was a change in the mission. One of the Sisters was having to go home on Monday and they needed me to go to Elizabeth City North Carolina to be companions with Sis. Hummel. He then gave me some very wonderful advice and much needed encouragement.
So long story short--I went from the northern most part of the Mission to the southern most part.This is such a grand adventure!!! Sis. Hummel is from Cottonwood. And Daylight savings is this weekend... we'll see how that goes. Neither of us have ever done it. But it's ok. They just sent sisters down here last transfer and there haven't been sisters here for 6 years. President stressed the urgency of the work down here and told us that we were the pair for the job. In my individual interview he called me a "missionary thoroubread"--I know it's spelled wrong, but I thought it was cool. I'm not sure what it means, but I like it.
I am so excited for the new area, but I have to admit that I miss H-burg. Sis. Moldenhauer said that the first week will be rough and that I will be homesick for it, but it will get better. I know that is true. I feel like that is my mission homebase. I love it there. I love the people! But NC is amazing! Granted I've only been here 24 hours, but I can just feel it.
This is such a grand adventure!!! Sis. Hummel is from Cottonwood. And Daylight savings is this weekend... we'll see how that goes. Neither of us have ever done it. But it's ok. They just sent sisters down here last transfer and there haven't been sisters here for 6 years. President stressed the urgency of the work down here and told us that we were the pair for the job. In my individual interview he called me a "missionary thoroubread"--I know it's spelled wrong, but I thought it was cool. I'm not sure what it means, but I like it.
I was not prepared for saying goodbye to my companions. There were many tears shed. The closing song in RS on Sunday was "God Be With You til We Meet Again". I don't know if Sis. Moldy and I even got out a whole verse. She truly is a sister...my sister! We are so much alike it's ridiculous! It's funny because we have both expressed that we bring out parts of our personality that we thought were dormant. We are both incredibly stubborn! I'm surprised that that didn't come up with her parents. So many stories from our childhood are practically identical! I'm sad that we are both hearing about how you were together this weekend, but we don't get to talk about it. I am so grateful for all the things that I learned working with Sis. Moldenhauer. She is the best missionary I know! If you see or talk to her family again, please let them know how proud they should be of her. She is the perfect example of a PMG missionary. She is great! And I hope that she moves to Phoenix. The plan right now is to go to Utah State, but who knows. But no matter what, we truly will be friends forever, that I do not doubt. Yesterday I cried a little while saying goodbye but was good all the way down. President asked us to find a worthy woman to bring me down so that my comps could still work. So Sis. Reed (the one who knew dad from Phoenix) picked me up and took me to Richmond to meet Sis. Hummel. We had a great chat all the way down! She is an amazing woman!! But once we got to the mission office, President spoke briefly with each of us (Sis. Hummel and I) and then the two of us together. In my individual interview, I was doing ok until I looked up at the transfer board and saw my comps pictures. I had to fight back the tears...let's just say that I lost. He handed me a tissue and said that it was ok to cry. He laughed and said that Sis. Moldy and I were truly two peas in a pod. His next comment was that I "shouldn't worry, you'll get to serve around each other again." I suppose that we won't get to serve together again, but I just hope I get to see her at a conference or something before she leaves in April. But if not, all is well!
Anyway, church on Sunday was amazing! Both wards had their primary programs! Talk about amazing. There was one YSA there who has expressed that his goal in life is to be a husband and father. He is so sincere, and that was his first Sunday at church. I think it reelled him in! I am so excited to hear about how that works out. Pat decided to postpone her baptism. But she is still going to be baptized! Oh, tell Sis. Lott THANK YOU so much for the halloween package. I don't know if I will get to write her today because I have to unpack, but please let her know.We went to the ward party on Sat. with Pat. We had carved our Jalloween pumpkins on P-day and brought them. We won the pumpkin carving contest hands down!! Everyone in the ward was so impressed. And our WML was so excited because I asked if he wanted the tools for carving. We brought them to him on Sunday at dinner.
I feel a little scatter brained today. Possibly because I hadn't slept from Friday until last night. Oh, and we are living with members here in NC! Crazy huh? She is a woman around our age, with a 3 year old little girl and her husband just left for Iraq. It's very different, but will be very good.
I love NC already! Elizabeth City is the "Harbor of Hospitality"! How funny...I went from the Friendliest City to the Harbor of Hospitality! I love it here!! And Sis. Hummel is so excited because her last 2 comps had to go home because of health reasons. She hasn't been tracting in 2 weeks. But we went out for a long time yesterday! It was great! The people are soooooo nice and accepting! We tracted into these men who were roofing yesterday. They were drinking beer and told us that they didn't feel it was right to talk about God while drinking. We had a great conversation, left some passalong cards, and asked them to call when they were sober! It was great!!!
I love this gospel! I love that the Lord trusts such simple men and women to carry His message to the world! I know that this is His work and that miracles happen everyday if we are willing to put our faith to action!!!
My new address is:
Sister Katie Abbott
312 Tracis Dr.
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Well, off to do the work!! Woo Hoo!!! In your prayers this week, please pray that I will become acclamated to the new area. I know that it will come, but I could use all the prayers I can get.
I love you all!!!
Sister Abbott
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Transfer Calls! 10/23/07
Well this week has been absolutely fabulous!!! Transfer calls came last night, and contrary to what we thought would happen, we are all staying in Harrisonburg! We are all really excited to get to spend Halloween and Thanksgiving together up here. It has been a relatively warm fall so far, and the locals keep telling us the color changing leaves are just beginning. I’m excited to get to stay for the whole season. I feel very mixed emotions though. All last week I felt as if I would be the one leaving. I’m not sure why, but I felt that the Spirit was preparing me for that. And then yesterday morning, I felt as if no matter what happened I would be ok. That made me feel even more that I was leaving and that the Spirit was just giving me a heads up. Little did I realize that I was just being prepared to be ok with all of us staying. Oh well, who knows why I felt that way. All I know is that I get to stay in H-Burg!!!!! Woo hoo!!!
Alright, on to this weeks miracles:
Wednesday 10-17—We did the Stop Smoking workshop with one of our investigators, Pat! She was very excited and is still going strong!
10-18—Today I got to meet the Area Director for CES here. He was very nice and it didn’t take long to find some connections. When Dad was looking at the Chapel Hill position, he would have replaced Bro. Clark. And then I mentioned that Dad had been interested in the NY position last spring. Did I tell you that the man who is in that job now is the uncle of my MTC comp? Strange coincidences! But it was good to have some good CES chats.Oh and I got the greatest package from Mom and Dad! My comps and I love our socks. We actually wore them this morning because it was pretty cold.
10-19—Happy 29th Anniversary Mom and Dad!!! Today’s miracle was that we went to contact a Media Refferal only to find out that she has been coming to church with her boyfriend. She said, “I guess I’m going to be part of your church soon.” We start teaching her this week. Plus I got my Jalloween package from Jessie!! Woot Woot!!!! My comps and I are excited to get started on that today! There is a pumpkin carving contest in one of the wards…I don’t think they’ll know what hit them!
10-20—I was in charge of planning today. President Millburn told us to fill our days with appointments, and tracting is supplementary. Well, I was so happy because we were going to back to back appointments all day long and didn’t have to tract at all!!!!! I don’t think that has ever happened or ever will happen again.
10-21—Tonight we taught Pat about the Plan of Salvation! And then at the end I asked her if she would follow the example of the Savior and be baptized. She wholeheartedly accepted and we set the date as Nov. 3!!!!!!!
10-22—Today’s miracle is that we all stayed and are going to stay in H-Burg!
I don't know if there is anything else to tell you all about. Oh, the leaves are so beautiful! We drove to West Virginia on Saturday and the views were amazing! What a grand place to be serving!! I love this work so much! There are definately days when I feel very overwhelmed and inadequate, but that is when I remember Pres. Eyring's talk... We are inadequate without the Lord's help. I have been reading Jesus the Christ lately and it is amazing! My testimony grows with every sentence that I read. It is coming slowly especially since I am working on the footnotes too. I usually get a page and a half a day or so. Right now I am working on the New Testament, Preach My Gospel, and Jesus the Christ. Between those and using a study journal, there isn't much time in the hour we get in the morning. This gospel is so amazing! I love it so much!! Woo hoo!!
Love,
Sister Abbott
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
It's FREEZING!!!! And pretty.... 10/16/07
Hey all!!
Today will probably be a short one, we took a wrong turn on the way to the library... Well all is well in Harrisonburg! My comps are great! I love them more and more everyday!!! Our investigators are progressing! My door approaches are SLOWLY improving!
As promised: this weeks miracles:
10/9-- We watched a video on Temples with a less active couple. My testimony was strengthened about how the Temples truly bring us closer to God, and prepare us for eternity! I miss being able to attend the Temple!
10/10--We got to teach an achievement days activity. We did "a day in the life of a sister missionary". It was so much fun. The girls got a kick out of keeping track how often we pray. Apparently on a very slow day (only one appointment), we pray 22 times. Cool huh?
10-11--We went to institute tonight. It was great! That morning I had been studying Pres. Eyring's talk called "Rise to your Call" (thanks Jessie :))... And the lesson was on Mantles and how we can fill our responsibilities. The Spirit told me some things I need to work on. How great is that?!
10-12-- We were able to uncover some underlying concerns of one of our investigators. She is great and we are now able to move forward.
10-13--We had a lesson with NO distractions!!!! The Spirit was uninterrupted, and it was soooo powerful!
10-14-- One of our investigators who we didn't think could, came to church!
10-15--We had a FHE with an active family. We helped them set goals to how and who they would share the gospel with! It was amazing!!!!
10-16-- I was studying this morning and I was able to find the answers to some questions that one of our investigators was struggling with.
I know these don't sound like miracles, but I've been able to recognize that anything that happens with the help of the Lord is a miracle! How great is that?!
I love you all and will hopefully be able to write more next week!!
Love,Sister Abbott
Today will probably be a short one, we took a wrong turn on the way to the library... Well all is well in Harrisonburg! My comps are great! I love them more and more everyday!!! Our investigators are progressing! My door approaches are SLOWLY improving!
As promised: this weeks miracles:
10/9-- We watched a video on Temples with a less active couple. My testimony was strengthened about how the Temples truly bring us closer to God, and prepare us for eternity! I miss being able to attend the Temple!
10/10--We got to teach an achievement days activity. We did "a day in the life of a sister missionary". It was so much fun. The girls got a kick out of keeping track how often we pray. Apparently on a very slow day (only one appointment), we pray 22 times. Cool huh?
10-11--We went to institute tonight. It was great! That morning I had been studying Pres. Eyring's talk called "Rise to your Call" (thanks Jessie :))... And the lesson was on Mantles and how we can fill our responsibilities. The Spirit told me some things I need to work on. How great is that?!
10-12-- We were able to uncover some underlying concerns of one of our investigators. She is great and we are now able to move forward.
10-13--We had a lesson with NO distractions!!!! The Spirit was uninterrupted, and it was soooo powerful!
10-14-- One of our investigators who we didn't think could, came to church!
10-15--We had a FHE with an active family. We helped them set goals to how and who they would share the gospel with! It was amazing!!!!
10-16-- I was studying this morning and I was able to find the answers to some questions that one of our investigators was struggling with.
I know these don't sound like miracles, but I've been able to recognize that anything that happens with the help of the Lord is a miracle! How great is that?!
I love you all and will hopefully be able to write more next week!!
Love,Sister Abbott
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
WOO-HOO Email from 10/9/07
Man this week has been AWESOME!!!!!!!!
We had Institute on Thursday night, District meeting on Friday, Conference on Sat. and Sun., and then Interviews with President Millburn on Monday!!!! Talk about walking on the clouds! How awesome is it to be a missionary at this time! Something that has been really moving forward is the member missionary work. We have now started to do what we call AMI's or Active Member Instruction where we instruct members on how to utilize Preach My Gospel and then roleplay situations where they could share the Gospel! It is just beginning but we feel so good about it. There is definately a "best" way to do the Lord's work...and that is His way. This work should be done through the members. The Lord understands this, we as His missionaries are starting to implement it, and once every member truly does become a missionary no one can stop us!! What a marvelous time to be in His service!!! There are so many feelings of my heart that I wish I could express in e-mail, but alas it doesn't work that way. But the best way for you to understand is to get involved in the work. Dad, I am so proud of you! I know that you understand and I can promise you that you are a missionaries dream WML! Life is crazy, I understand that, but we all need to be working within the family to make our home a gospel sharing home! Dad, is there anyway that you can send me a couple copies of Elder Ballard's talk from the April 2006 conference about a Gospel Sharing home?
I have some Conference goals that I would like to share with you. And you can keep me accountable. I am working on being a better example, but I'm not sure how I can fully do that yet. A more specific goal that I have after listening to President Eyring is to document my daily miracles. I don't always write in my journal, but I have committed to keep track of at least one miracle a day that we see in my agenda. Then at the end of the week, I am planning on writing to you and informing you of them. So here we go:
-Saturday October 6, 2007: We had one of our investigators come to the second session of Conference. We had decided to go to dinner that day and asked Kelsey Failes if she would join us. We went to this great place called Panera Bread where I got a bread bowl with Brocolli Cheese soup (doesn't hold a candle to mom's). During dinner Renna and Kelsey talked a lot about what intrigues them about the church. And Kelsey shared her conversion story with Renna. That cafe transformed into a Temple as Kelsey shared her testimony that the Book of Mormon answers prayers and that the fruits of the church speak for themselves! It was awesome! And then we went with Renna to the Bishop's house where the YSAs were having a girls night with the Bishops wife. It was awesome! I was able to have the annual Girls night during Priesthood!
Sunday October 7, 2007: This morning during companionship study I told my comps that I could literally smell the coffee cake that my mom always makes on Conference Sunday. We laughed and moved on. I wasn't homesick at all, just grateful for the traditions that we have. Then in the first session of conference Sunday, I was tapped on the shoulder. I turned and to my utter surprize, Sister Hales was standing there. I was totally stunned! My companions said they wished that they had a camera to capture my face. I slipped out into the lobby and talked with the Hales for a minute. I think it took about 20 min. for it to really sink in. But Sis. Hale kept saying, "I have your breakfast!" I had no clue what she meant. She then handed me the blue tin, and said that it was my mom's coffee cake. I was in utter disbelief!!! I cannot tell you what a tender and grand experience that was! Truly a miracle! Words cannot express my gratitude for a loving supportive mother and father who sent a care package to me on that blessed day! It does not take much for me to understand how much my Heavenly Father loves me, because I feel that love so much from my parents! I love you! But perhaps the most amazing miracle that occured through this interaction is something that only God could have known. During the talk right before Sis. Hale came, my mind and heart were brought to thoughts of Meg. I don't know why, but my heart offered a silent prayer that the ward would be taking care of my family. I felt a little uneasy at the thought of my sister without the care of a loving ward and although I know how great our ward is, I felt as if I needed a confirmation. So I wrote down on my inspiration page that I needed to write and ask how the ward was doing. Not 10 min. later I was speaking with Sis. Hales. She said one sentence that brought peace to my heart and testified to me of the love of my Savior. She was telling me how she came to know where I was serving. And she said, "I was over at Meg's scrubbing her floors..." At that moment, my prayers were answered and my fears were laid aside! I know that the Lord loves us. I know that He cares for us each individually! I know that He has promised to take care of my family. I know that He answers prayers! So thank you for sending the care package, it was a miracle in so many ways! PS-- We have had some for Breakfast everyday this week. The slices are thin, but we want it to last.
Monday October 8, 2007: Today's miracle is simple... our ride to Interviews called and cancelled last minute and we couldn't find a replacement, so we had to drive to Waynesboro. We had someone call us right before we were about to leave and offer to take us, but we felt that we needed to drive--we never turn down rides, but the Spirit directed us that we needed to drive ourselves. Well, it was a good thing, the meeting didn't get over until almost 7, instead of the 5pm time that we had intended. We were so grateful that we didn't have to have a member wait so long for us.
I doubt I will write that much for each day, but I wanted you to know how much the Lord is working in our lives. The more we recognize it, the more he blesses us! I am so grateful for this gospel!
So something funny happened last week while we were e-mailing. Sister Moldenhauer laughed, and turned to me and said, "Sister Abbott, my sister saw you in the newspaper!" Afterward we realized that she had seen my picture in the Beehive and recognized my as her sister's companion. Kind of funny huh? Sis. Moldenhauer has a sister in Mesa and one in Kingman. I think her parents are coming to Mesa this week. She says that they are planning on calling the family to get to meet you. That'll be funny. I want pictures!
:) Alright, well I think that is all I needed to write about! I love the work! I love the Lord! This is truly the BEST time to be a missionary!!! Woo hoo! My prayers are with you, but I know that God is watching over you! (D&C 100 vs. 1-3).
President asked us to use some of our e-mailing time to go onto Mormon.org this week to know what we are asking people to look at. So I have to go! I love you all!!!!!!
Have you gone on any exchanges with the missionaries this week?!
Love, Sister Abbott
We had Institute on Thursday night, District meeting on Friday, Conference on Sat. and Sun., and then Interviews with President Millburn on Monday!!!! Talk about walking on the clouds! How awesome is it to be a missionary at this time! Something that has been really moving forward is the member missionary work. We have now started to do what we call AMI's or Active Member Instruction where we instruct members on how to utilize Preach My Gospel and then roleplay situations where they could share the Gospel! It is just beginning but we feel so good about it. There is definately a "best" way to do the Lord's work...and that is His way. This work should be done through the members. The Lord understands this, we as His missionaries are starting to implement it, and once every member truly does become a missionary no one can stop us!! What a marvelous time to be in His service!!! There are so many feelings of my heart that I wish I could express in e-mail, but alas it doesn't work that way. But the best way for you to understand is to get involved in the work. Dad, I am so proud of you! I know that you understand and I can promise you that you are a missionaries dream WML! Life is crazy, I understand that, but we all need to be working within the family to make our home a gospel sharing home! Dad, is there anyway that you can send me a couple copies of Elder Ballard's talk from the April 2006 conference about a Gospel Sharing home?
I have some Conference goals that I would like to share with you. And you can keep me accountable. I am working on being a better example, but I'm not sure how I can fully do that yet. A more specific goal that I have after listening to President Eyring is to document my daily miracles. I don't always write in my journal, but I have committed to keep track of at least one miracle a day that we see in my agenda. Then at the end of the week, I am planning on writing to you and informing you of them. So here we go:
-Saturday October 6, 2007: We had one of our investigators come to the second session of Conference. We had decided to go to dinner that day and asked Kelsey Failes if she would join us. We went to this great place called Panera Bread where I got a bread bowl with Brocolli Cheese soup (doesn't hold a candle to mom's). During dinner Renna and Kelsey talked a lot about what intrigues them about the church. And Kelsey shared her conversion story with Renna. That cafe transformed into a Temple as Kelsey shared her testimony that the Book of Mormon answers prayers and that the fruits of the church speak for themselves! It was awesome! And then we went with Renna to the Bishop's house where the YSAs were having a girls night with the Bishops wife. It was awesome! I was able to have the annual Girls night during Priesthood!
Sunday October 7, 2007: This morning during companionship study I told my comps that I could literally smell the coffee cake that my mom always makes on Conference Sunday. We laughed and moved on. I wasn't homesick at all, just grateful for the traditions that we have. Then in the first session of conference Sunday, I was tapped on the shoulder. I turned and to my utter surprize, Sister Hales was standing there. I was totally stunned! My companions said they wished that they had a camera to capture my face. I slipped out into the lobby and talked with the Hales for a minute. I think it took about 20 min. for it to really sink in. But Sis. Hale kept saying, "I have your breakfast!" I had no clue what she meant. She then handed me the blue tin, and said that it was my mom's coffee cake. I was in utter disbelief!!! I cannot tell you what a tender and grand experience that was! Truly a miracle! Words cannot express my gratitude for a loving supportive mother and father who sent a care package to me on that blessed day! It does not take much for me to understand how much my Heavenly Father loves me, because I feel that love so much from my parents! I love you! But perhaps the most amazing miracle that occured through this interaction is something that only God could have known. During the talk right before Sis. Hale came, my mind and heart were brought to thoughts of Meg. I don't know why, but my heart offered a silent prayer that the ward would be taking care of my family. I felt a little uneasy at the thought of my sister without the care of a loving ward and although I know how great our ward is, I felt as if I needed a confirmation. So I wrote down on my inspiration page that I needed to write and ask how the ward was doing. Not 10 min. later I was speaking with Sis. Hales. She said one sentence that brought peace to my heart and testified to me of the love of my Savior. She was telling me how she came to know where I was serving. And she said, "I was over at Meg's scrubbing her floors..." At that moment, my prayers were answered and my fears were laid aside! I know that the Lord loves us. I know that He cares for us each individually! I know that He has promised to take care of my family. I know that He answers prayers! So thank you for sending the care package, it was a miracle in so many ways! PS-- We have had some for Breakfast everyday this week. The slices are thin, but we want it to last.
Monday October 8, 2007: Today's miracle is simple... our ride to Interviews called and cancelled last minute and we couldn't find a replacement, so we had to drive to Waynesboro. We had someone call us right before we were about to leave and offer to take us, but we felt that we needed to drive--we never turn down rides, but the Spirit directed us that we needed to drive ourselves. Well, it was a good thing, the meeting didn't get over until almost 7, instead of the 5pm time that we had intended. We were so grateful that we didn't have to have a member wait so long for us.
I doubt I will write that much for each day, but I wanted you to know how much the Lord is working in our lives. The more we recognize it, the more he blesses us! I am so grateful for this gospel!
So something funny happened last week while we were e-mailing. Sister Moldenhauer laughed, and turned to me and said, "Sister Abbott, my sister saw you in the newspaper!" Afterward we realized that she had seen my picture in the Beehive and recognized my as her sister's companion. Kind of funny huh? Sis. Moldenhauer has a sister in Mesa and one in Kingman. I think her parents are coming to Mesa this week. She says that they are planning on calling the family to get to meet you. That'll be funny. I want pictures!
:) Alright, well I think that is all I needed to write about! I love the work! I love the Lord! This is truly the BEST time to be a missionary!!! Woo hoo! My prayers are with you, but I know that God is watching over you! (D&C 100 vs. 1-3).
President asked us to use some of our e-mailing time to go onto Mormon.org this week to know what we are asking people to look at. So I have to go! I love you all!!!!!!
Have you gone on any exchanges with the missionaries this week?!
Love, Sister Abbott
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Email from 10/2/07
Thank you for all of your letters this week. I wish I had time to respond to all individually, and if I finish this and do have time, you will find another letter in your mailbox.
First off-- The baptism was AMAZING!!!! There were so many people show up that we had to switch from the Relief Society Room to the Chapel!!!!! Talk about ward support! Kelsey was beautiful! I will be getting pics developed by next week and will definately send some. She is so amazing!!! I got to speak on the Holy Ghost. Not necessarily the best, but the Spirit was there.
After the baptism, the Hartmans and the Failes took us to lunch. It was very fun!!! Then we were back to work.
We have had soooo many miracles this week. I love it! We tracted into a woman who just graduated from JMU. She is great! Very intillectual and is looking forward to learning more. She came to the RS Broadcast and enjoyed it very much! Next, a little while ago we were street contacting at Food Lion (a local grocery store chain), and I talked to this woman for a long time. We discussed about the need for one religion for a long time and then she had to leave suddenly. I think I might have written about this before, but we tracted into her last monday and it was soooo exciting. She said that we must be sent from God because no one knocks on her door. She was touched and we were able to teach her on Saturday. Then she came to the Broadcast with us. We are going to be teaching her again tomorrow. I am so excited!! She is amazing! That is just two of the phenomenal stories from this week!!!!
I need to ask a favor of all of you. I know that for health reasons some people (*cough* Meg) can't do this, but everyone else should. Talk to your missionaries and offer to go on exchanges with them. Work with them until you can find a day that will work. Please please please do this. It will only take a couple hours and it makes the WORLD of difference!!! We need members to testify. The Lord needs you to testify!!!
Ok, so here is some exciting news... I set a goal to read the Book of Mormon from start to finish within my first two transfers (3 months). And guess what?! I finished it this morning. I want to share something very special with you all. As I read the final verses, I knew that I needed to take Moroni's challenge (Moroni 10: 3-5-- pg 529). I went into the back bedroom of the apartment so that I could be alone and I prayed. I will not share the exact experience, but I will say that it was choice. I will never forget this morning as long as I live. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I knew it before, but I am filled with a renewed testimony of it's fullness. I know that so many amazing men and women sacrificed their lives to preserve this record. I know that the Lord allowed the record to be preserved so that we can read it. As I prayed I felt ashamed that I did not cherish the words before now. I knew they were true and accepted the doctrine as correct, but I now have a relationship with the Prophets of the Book of Mormon. They saw us. They saw me. And for that they sacrificed all that we had to share with us their testimony of the Savior! Pick up the Book of Mormon today! Pick it up and read it. And then pray to have the Spirit witness of the truthfullness again. God will always reveal truth no matter how many times we ask. He promises us that in Moroni. I know that this is the Savior's church and I am so excited to begin the New Testament now. God loves us so much that he has given us 3 testaments of the Savior. I love my Savior and I am grateful to be His servant! The work continues onward!! I love working here! I love it because I know that it is right.
Just a heads up...my companion Sister Bergren was supposed to be coming home on Dec. 6 this year, but her family just got the travel plans and she isn't going home until Jan. 16. I don't know what is going on, but it looks like I might be in the field an extra transfer. I am not sure how this will affect ASU stuff, but I am not worried. If ye are prepared ye shall not fear, right? I've prepared before I came on the mission and the Lord will provide. It might mess my scholarships up, but in that case, obviously the Lord needs me elsewhere or to go through something different that what I had planned. How exciting that the Lord has better plans for me than I have of myself?!
On a more funny note... Sis. Moldenhauer's sister sent her the funniest Green Eggs and Ham Book that has been mormonized!! It is great! I'm going to write it down and send it eventually. Sooooo funny and great to use in active member lessons. Harrisonburg rocks!!!!! I love it here! Fall is definately upon us. Only a few trees have turned so far, but I am soooooo excited to see the mountains covered in yellows and reds instead of the green!!!!! Yeeee Hawww!!!!!!!
Woot woot! Isn't the work amazing?! Keep me posted! I love you all!!!!!!!
Love, Sister Abbott
First off-- The baptism was AMAZING!!!! There were so many people show up that we had to switch from the Relief Society Room to the Chapel!!!!! Talk about ward support! Kelsey was beautiful! I will be getting pics developed by next week and will definately send some. She is so amazing!!! I got to speak on the Holy Ghost. Not necessarily the best, but the Spirit was there.
From left to right:
Sis. Moldenhauer,
Kelsey Failes,
Sis. Abbott,
Sis. Bergren
Kelsey Failes,
Sis. Abbott,
Sis. Bergren
After the baptism, the Hartmans and the Failes took us to lunch. It was very fun!!! Then we were back to work.
We have had soooo many miracles this week. I love it! We tracted into a woman who just graduated from JMU. She is great! Very intillectual and is looking forward to learning more. She came to the RS Broadcast and enjoyed it very much! Next, a little while ago we were street contacting at Food Lion (a local grocery store chain), and I talked to this woman for a long time. We discussed about the need for one religion for a long time and then she had to leave suddenly. I think I might have written about this before, but we tracted into her last monday and it was soooo exciting. She said that we must be sent from God because no one knocks on her door. She was touched and we were able to teach her on Saturday. Then she came to the Broadcast with us. We are going to be teaching her again tomorrow. I am so excited!! She is amazing! That is just two of the phenomenal stories from this week!!!!
I need to ask a favor of all of you. I know that for health reasons some people (*cough* Meg) can't do this, but everyone else should. Talk to your missionaries and offer to go on exchanges with them. Work with them until you can find a day that will work. Please please please do this. It will only take a couple hours and it makes the WORLD of difference!!! We need members to testify. The Lord needs you to testify!!!
Ok, so here is some exciting news... I set a goal to read the Book of Mormon from start to finish within my first two transfers (3 months). And guess what?! I finished it this morning. I want to share something very special with you all. As I read the final verses, I knew that I needed to take Moroni's challenge (Moroni 10: 3-5-- pg 529). I went into the back bedroom of the apartment so that I could be alone and I prayed. I will not share the exact experience, but I will say that it was choice. I will never forget this morning as long as I live. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I knew it before, but I am filled with a renewed testimony of it's fullness. I know that so many amazing men and women sacrificed their lives to preserve this record. I know that the Lord allowed the record to be preserved so that we can read it. As I prayed I felt ashamed that I did not cherish the words before now. I knew they were true and accepted the doctrine as correct, but I now have a relationship with the Prophets of the Book of Mormon. They saw us. They saw me. And for that they sacrificed all that we had to share with us their testimony of the Savior! Pick up the Book of Mormon today! Pick it up and read it. And then pray to have the Spirit witness of the truthfullness again. God will always reveal truth no matter how many times we ask. He promises us that in Moroni. I know that this is the Savior's church and I am so excited to begin the New Testament now. God loves us so much that he has given us 3 testaments of the Savior. I love my Savior and I am grateful to be His servant! The work continues onward!! I love working here! I love it because I know that it is right.
Just a heads up...my companion Sister Bergren was supposed to be coming home on Dec. 6 this year, but her family just got the travel plans and she isn't going home until Jan. 16. I don't know what is going on, but it looks like I might be in the field an extra transfer. I am not sure how this will affect ASU stuff, but I am not worried. If ye are prepared ye shall not fear, right? I've prepared before I came on the mission and the Lord will provide. It might mess my scholarships up, but in that case, obviously the Lord needs me elsewhere or to go through something different that what I had planned. How exciting that the Lord has better plans for me than I have of myself?!
On a more funny note... Sis. Moldenhauer's sister sent her the funniest Green Eggs and Ham Book that has been mormonized!! It is great! I'm going to write it down and send it eventually. Sooooo funny and great to use in active member lessons. Harrisonburg rocks!!!!! I love it here! Fall is definately upon us. Only a few trees have turned so far, but I am soooooo excited to see the mountains covered in yellows and reds instead of the green!!!!! Yeeee Hawww!!!!!!!
Woot woot! Isn't the work amazing?! Keep me posted! I love you all!!!!!!!
Love, Sister Abbott
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Email from 9/25/07
This week has been a long one. I feel like it has been a month since I wrote you last. I'm glad you all enjoyed the ice cream extravaganza! We got a kick out of it. I feel like I am blanking on what I need to tell you. Kelsey's baptism is still a go! She is so wonderful! I was reading D&C 25 about what it takes to be an elect woman and I thought of her. She is truly one of the Lord's elect daughters. I can't believe how much he loves me to let me be a part of her life. I used to laugh at the cheesy mormon folk stories about "I'll find you my friend..." I never realized how true it is. I knew Kelsey before we came to earth. I don't know if we promised each other anything or what, but I know that this friendship was started a long long time ago. She is so precious to the Lord. I am so excited to see her baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! WOO HOO!!! And then after her baptism, there is women's conference!! What a great weekend! I am so excited. My companions and I are totally stoked for conference. I realized that Conference is like the Oscars/tonys for missionaries! I am so excited!
OH and on the 30th, we get to go back to WV to teach Gallan again. Hopefully the trees will start to turn by then. There are some red leaves here and there but nothing picture worthy yet. I will hopefully be able to send baptism pics with scenic pics in the next week or so. As for this last week. We had some great meetings. I think we are all still trying to get a little acclamated without Sis. Thomas. She knew everything, and we just had to follow. Now we are all trudging through new waters. Plus they cut our miles, so we are stretching to try to get everywhere we need to be without going over.
I am so excited to hear about the miracle with Meg's shoulder. It's funny...I was a little stressed about it. I was praying so hard for so long for so many days. Then the morning of the surgery, I woke up and didn't even remember about it. It wasn't until about 9am that I realized what day it was. The Lord truly shows us that this is all in His hands. My prayers continue to be with the all of you as you work through this. Meg--be patient!!! The Lord already provided a miracle, so let you body do the healing it needs to before you jump back to work. I love you and pray for you daily. I never realized how much you truly have been through until I listen to women and men poor out the anguish in their souls. I look at them and can promise them blessings of comfort, peace, and joy in their lives. I then have the privilege of telling parts of your story. They look at me with awe and disbelief. I am then able to share with them that I know that my sister has been blessed because she is one of the most faithful, obedient women I know. You are touching lives in Virginia...and you are soooo much a part of my mission. Thank you! Thank you for always setting an example of obedience and strength. I know that you will be blessed throughout all of the eternities for your faithfulness through trials!
I'm glad to hear that the wedding went well. I loved the pictures, especially the one with Josh and the girls. Dyan truly was beautiful!! Josh, you truly are a lucky one. Also, I know what you mean about missing the desert. I'm not homesick, but thank you for sharing your experience. I feel at home here in the mountains. It is amazing!
Sara, I'm glad that you are doing well! New York will be amazing! Just follow the rules ok?! New York is fun, but it can also be scary. As I reflect back I realize how stupid I was and how much the Lord protected me. Dad will be scared for you to go, but just stay with the group and don't do anything stupid! I love you! Have fun at the dances. I think we should make guesses as to whether or not there will be a dance that you don't get asked to multiple ones! Is Cam going to Homecoming?! He is a Pirate you know?! We pirates stick together!!!
Oh, mom, thanks for the update on the Mercury!! WOOO HOOOOO!!!!!Just one more thing that I can add to the list of things that I missed while on my mission! How great that I can always remember when the Mercury won their first title!!!!!
I know that this is really not that long, but I am still in a buzz... we had a long week. I usually make a list of things to tell you and I didn't have time this morning. I am sure I will tell you all about the Baptism next week. Oh, and I get to give a talk on the Holy Ghost. I am a little nervous but oh so excited! I get to speak at Kelsey's baptism!!! Woo hoo!!!!
I can't believe that Jackie is getting deployed! That is so exciting. I realized this morning that it is as if she has been in the MTC for 3 years and is finally getting to put her training to good use!!!! Rock on!!! I don't know if Jabuti knows what's coming it's way! Jacks, you are always in my prayers. I know that they Lord will protect you as long as you are doing what he has asked of you! You are going to do great!! I also lost your address...the e-mail purged itself.
Ok, well I better run! The gospel is amazing!!!!! Keep pass along cards in your purses and pockets!! Never feel bad about giving them to waiters/cashiers/friends!!! This is eternal life!!! If they don't understand how important it is, you do! So share it with them!!! I love you all and am so glad to hear that you are doing well.
Oh, before I go I have to tell you about a little package that I got last night. It was from Larry Bowman! I was rather excited especially when I opened it and saw that it was the most amazing letter ever!!!!! I don't know if I can describe it fully but he sent me a verification letter allowing me to spread the gospel in the state of VA. I wish I could remember what it was called, but everything was to the nines. I also received a letter that looked like it was from the 1800s. It had a wax seal and everything!!!! Plus some copies of stamps from that era! How cool is that!!!! Oh, and he enclosed a pic of him in his uniform. What an amazing man!!! I will have to give him a call when I come back to visit to see if he will come. I keep him in my prayers. His spirits are high and I know that the Lord will bless him. I am still in awe! He is so great! Plus both of my comps got packages from their families last night too. It was like Christmas!!!
I love you!!
Sister Abbott
OH and on the 30th, we get to go back to WV to teach Gallan again. Hopefully the trees will start to turn by then. There are some red leaves here and there but nothing picture worthy yet. I will hopefully be able to send baptism pics with scenic pics in the next week or so. As for this last week. We had some great meetings. I think we are all still trying to get a little acclamated without Sis. Thomas. She knew everything, and we just had to follow. Now we are all trudging through new waters. Plus they cut our miles, so we are stretching to try to get everywhere we need to be without going over.
I am so excited to hear about the miracle with Meg's shoulder. It's funny...I was a little stressed about it. I was praying so hard for so long for so many days. Then the morning of the surgery, I woke up and didn't even remember about it. It wasn't until about 9am that I realized what day it was. The Lord truly shows us that this is all in His hands. My prayers continue to be with the all of you as you work through this. Meg--be patient!!! The Lord already provided a miracle, so let you body do the healing it needs to before you jump back to work. I love you and pray for you daily. I never realized how much you truly have been through until I listen to women and men poor out the anguish in their souls. I look at them and can promise them blessings of comfort, peace, and joy in their lives. I then have the privilege of telling parts of your story. They look at me with awe and disbelief. I am then able to share with them that I know that my sister has been blessed because she is one of the most faithful, obedient women I know. You are touching lives in Virginia...and you are soooo much a part of my mission. Thank you! Thank you for always setting an example of obedience and strength. I know that you will be blessed throughout all of the eternities for your faithfulness through trials!
I'm glad to hear that the wedding went well. I loved the pictures, especially the one with Josh and the girls. Dyan truly was beautiful!! Josh, you truly are a lucky one. Also, I know what you mean about missing the desert. I'm not homesick, but thank you for sharing your experience. I feel at home here in the mountains. It is amazing!
Sara, I'm glad that you are doing well! New York will be amazing! Just follow the rules ok?! New York is fun, but it can also be scary. As I reflect back I realize how stupid I was and how much the Lord protected me. Dad will be scared for you to go, but just stay with the group and don't do anything stupid! I love you! Have fun at the dances. I think we should make guesses as to whether or not there will be a dance that you don't get asked to multiple ones! Is Cam going to Homecoming?! He is a Pirate you know?! We pirates stick together!!!
Oh, mom, thanks for the update on the Mercury!! WOOO HOOOOO!!!!!Just one more thing that I can add to the list of things that I missed while on my mission! How great that I can always remember when the Mercury won their first title!!!!!
I know that this is really not that long, but I am still in a buzz... we had a long week. I usually make a list of things to tell you and I didn't have time this morning. I am sure I will tell you all about the Baptism next week. Oh, and I get to give a talk on the Holy Ghost. I am a little nervous but oh so excited! I get to speak at Kelsey's baptism!!! Woo hoo!!!!
I can't believe that Jackie is getting deployed! That is so exciting. I realized this morning that it is as if she has been in the MTC for 3 years and is finally getting to put her training to good use!!!! Rock on!!! I don't know if Jabuti knows what's coming it's way! Jacks, you are always in my prayers. I know that they Lord will protect you as long as you are doing what he has asked of you! You are going to do great!! I also lost your address...the e-mail purged itself.
Ok, well I better run! The gospel is amazing!!!!! Keep pass along cards in your purses and pockets!! Never feel bad about giving them to waiters/cashiers/friends!!! This is eternal life!!! If they don't understand how important it is, you do! So share it with them!!! I love you all and am so glad to hear that you are doing well.
Oh, before I go I have to tell you about a little package that I got last night. It was from Larry Bowman! I was rather excited especially when I opened it and saw that it was the most amazing letter ever!!!!! I don't know if I can describe it fully but he sent me a verification letter allowing me to spread the gospel in the state of VA. I wish I could remember what it was called, but everything was to the nines. I also received a letter that looked like it was from the 1800s. It had a wax seal and everything!!!! Plus some copies of stamps from that era! How cool is that!!!! Oh, and he enclosed a pic of him in his uniform. What an amazing man!!! I will have to give him a call when I come back to visit to see if he will come. I keep him in my prayers. His spirits are high and I know that the Lord will bless him. I am still in awe! He is so great! Plus both of my comps got packages from their families last night too. It was like Christmas!!!
I love you!!
Sister Abbott
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Email 9/18/07 excerpts
I am glad to hear that you survived the (wedding) weekend!! I was a little worried but I prayed extra hard, so it was ok! I figured it would be a rough day. In my morning prayers I pleaded with the Lord to make it a busy and productive day so that I could keep my mind on the work and not on the fact that I was missing my brother's wedding. Well... Heavenly Father definately has a sense of humor! In the prayer I also asked that we would be home in time for us to celebrate with ice cream and an EFY music dance party. He is so funny! Well, we actually had a lunch and a dinner appointment (that has never happened...we hardly ever even have dinner appointments). But we were excited. This wonderful old woman fed us lunch and we started her on a program called "We are a missionary minded family". I'm planning on mailing you a copy dad. It's great and I am excited to see the miracles that will happen because of it. Anyway... after lunch she gave us a big bowl of ice cream! We were so full but we ate it anyway to appease Sis. Johnson. As we left I told my companions about my prayer that morning and we laughed. Heavenly Father definately had a good little chuckle about it I'm sure. Well, we tracted a lot that day. We met a lot of hispanics and I was surprised at how much of the language I could understand from my limited high school studies...it must have been the help from the Lord. Then we went country tracting! I love that! People are interesting, but the scenery is AMAZING!!! Then we went to our dinner appointment. Mom, you will be proud. I ate squash! Yuk! But I did it. And I ate this thing with raisins! Yuk! But the woman was wonderful and her husband is less active. For desert she fed us what I thought was like a apple crisp with a bottom crust. But then she told us it was CUCUMBERS!!!! I was in awe! I got the recipe and will send it to you as well. Oh and on top of it was ICE CREAM! We were all holding in the laughter!! It was great!! Then we went tracting for a little bit. Oh, we tracted this dead end street called "Hope Cir.". Well, a less active family that we are working with lives there. They are great, and they really keep you on your toes. I love working with them because everytime we go over there I feel as if he forces us to testify of how and why we know it is true! Anyway, they are definately characters. Sis. Moldenhauer hadn't met them yet, so we decided to let her tract into them. Hehe. We came to the door and they yelled at us to go away! Sis. Moldenhauer's face was PRICELESS. I smiled and said, "go ahead". As Sis. D came to the door she invited us in and Sis. M. gave me quite the glare. We all had quite the laugh and Sister Moldenhauer is a great sport. Anyway, after that we went to 2nd ward cooralation meeting. We have it on Sat. Evenings because of the overlap of ward times, so we can't have it on Sundays. Anywho, after that meeting, he dished us up some...that's right...ICE CREAM!!!! All of us were laughing soooo hard it wasn't even funny. So when we got home that night, we realized that we had done enough celebrating. So we took it easy. Heavenly Father is so funny. Just another way that we see that he will poor out blessings that there will not be room enough to receive it...litterally!!
So I am sure you are wondering about my new companion!!! I have to admit that I was extremely nervous about meeting her. I knew nothing about her. On Wed. we drove to Richmond, dropped off Sis. Thomas, and then tracted around the church for the rest of the day until the transfer van came back with our comps. As soon as I met Sis. Moldenhauer, my fears fled away. SHE IS AMAZING!!!!! Think of what you envision about the epidome of a missionary...that's her. She is sooooo fun and such a powerful missionary. I am in constant awe of her ability to follow the Spirit. I am so excited for this transfer!!! We keep kidding about her staying here until the end of her mission (April), and us being able to be comps that whole time. She is from Soda Springs, ID. She reminds me of a more spunkier Lorin Payne. Speaking of Lorin...what's going on with her?! You should tell her to write me! What happened with Justin?! Anywho...Sis. Moldenhauer is AMAZING!!! We are quickly becoming great friends. I never knew missionary work could be so much fun!!! She is a hoot! I definatly have a lot to learn from her.
Well, I love you all SOOOOO much. But Virginia's too amazing to miss AZ!! Oh, and fall is most definately upon us. It's chilly and the trees are almost ready to start turning!!!!! I'll take tons of pictures for you mom!
Love, Sister Abbott
Monday, September 17, 2007
Here are some excerpts from Sister Abbott's email on 9/11/07.
"I'M STAYING IN HARRISONBURG!!!!!!! Not only did I survive my first transfer, but I get to stay in H-Burg!!!! I can't even tell you how excited I am! The only sad part about transfers is that Sis. Thomas is leaving. :( I am really sad, but excited about the change. This will truly be an adventure. She is going all the way to the other side of the mission, so I won't see her unless one of us gets transfered before she goes home in Feb. I have really begun to feel like she is my mom, so it's really hard to see her go. In so many ways, she is the missionary that I hope to be. But I figured we are far too alike to stay together for too long. Oh well, change is good right...Who moved my cheese?!......
Next... good luck with the wedding. Thursday is officially marked in my calendar as "Chicken Stuffing night". I didn't realize how homesick I would feel this week, but I keep pressing forward. I figure I'll have a decent cry on Sat. and move on. Sis. Bergren promised that we can eat a bowl of ice cream and rock out to EFY music......
Oh, before I forget, my new companion's name is Sis. Moldenhauer. I don't know if that's how it's spelled, but she is coming up here and both she and Sis. Bergren are going to be the Sr. Companions. I'm excited but a little apprehensive. Trios are either really good or really trying. I'm hoping this is another case of the former.
This week was a little crazy. Instead of a normal transfer week... Transfer calls on Monday, P-day on Tuesday, and Transfers on Wed. We had transfer calls on Saturday, P-day on Monday, a mission conference this morning where Elder Dunn of the 70 spoke to us, and transfers tomorrow. It's very weird. They cut an hour off of p-day yesterday and told us to e-mail today. Sis. Thomas says this is very weird, but when does missionary work actually work out the way it's "supposed to". I wonder when we will finally catch the idea that this is the Lord's work...not ours!"
"I'M STAYING IN HARRISONBURG!!!!!!! Not only did I survive my first transfer, but I get to stay in H-Burg!!!! I can't even tell you how excited I am! The only sad part about transfers is that Sis. Thomas is leaving. :( I am really sad, but excited about the change. This will truly be an adventure. She is going all the way to the other side of the mission, so I won't see her unless one of us gets transfered before she goes home in Feb. I have really begun to feel like she is my mom, so it's really hard to see her go. In so many ways, she is the missionary that I hope to be. But I figured we are far too alike to stay together for too long. Oh well, change is good right...Who moved my cheese?!......
Next... good luck with the wedding. Thursday is officially marked in my calendar as "Chicken Stuffing night". I didn't realize how homesick I would feel this week, but I keep pressing forward. I figure I'll have a decent cry on Sat. and move on. Sis. Bergren promised that we can eat a bowl of ice cream and rock out to EFY music......
Oh, before I forget, my new companion's name is Sis. Moldenhauer. I don't know if that's how it's spelled, but she is coming up here and both she and Sis. Bergren are going to be the Sr. Companions. I'm excited but a little apprehensive. Trios are either really good or really trying. I'm hoping this is another case of the former.
This week was a little crazy. Instead of a normal transfer week... Transfer calls on Monday, P-day on Tuesday, and Transfers on Wed. We had transfer calls on Saturday, P-day on Monday, a mission conference this morning where Elder Dunn of the 70 spoke to us, and transfers tomorrow. It's very weird. They cut an hour off of p-day yesterday and told us to e-mail today. Sis. Thomas says this is very weird, but when does missionary work actually work out the way it's "supposed to". I wonder when we will finally catch the idea that this is the Lord's work...not ours!"
August Pictures from Virginia
Sister Abbott is standing in front of the Mission Home in Virginia.
Her first companions (whom she loved), Sister Thomas (left) and Sister Bergren (right)
A giant bug on the sisters' licence plate.
Sister Abbott's first baptism (August 11, 2007) Gallan Malcolm.
Driving from Virginia to West Virginia, they pass through this stretch of road called "The Canopy."Monday, August 20, 2007
Sister Abbott & Lindsay
Sister Abbott and Lindsay with her baby Carolina
Lindsay is Mark Jones' sister
Mark Jones is married to Amanda Bowman Jones
Amanda is Jay's sister (just older than him)
Kindof confusing, but fun!
It's a small world!
Katie is serving in Lindsay's ward so we get great updates and pics like this!!!
Thanks so much Lindsay!!!!!!!!!!
Email week of August 13th
Before I forget, I'll answer your questions. The heat wave isn't that bad. The temp is in the 90s, but the humidity has it at 110s. It's just like the heat at home, just stickier. All is well though. Anytime I feel overwhelmed, I sing the song "Onward Christian Soldiers". Sure enough that does the trick. I am a soldier and I am marching miles and miles to rally the troops. What a blessed calling?! So the heat isn't that bad. I do exercise after I shower. It's not as gross as it sounds and it is fine. I shower which wakes me up which makes my workout more productive. We only have time for push ups sit ups and some stretches...too much to do. I am currently studying 2 Nephi. I juststarted over in the Book of Mormon. It is amazing how much I am getting out of it this time as I read. In my hour of personal study, I study PMG for 25min. then The Book of Mormon for at least 20 min. and then anything else we need for lessons that day. It always go by way too fast. In Ch. 5 of PMG, it explains that we should teach from the BoM. It is great! So we teach from the BoM as much as possible. 2 Nephi 2 and 9, and Alma are usually the most descriptive for the lessons we teach.
We drive a Chevy Malibu. I don't get to drive, because Sis. Thomas is the designated driver, but I'll probably drive later in the mission. We eat with the members more often than I expected, but the mission rule is that if you eat with members, they have to either have a non-member, less active, have a lesson at their house after, or go on splits with you. It makes it more difficult to get appointments, but it encourages member missionary work, which helps! I would love quick meal ideas!!! We only have an hour for dinner, so it would have to be fast enough to make in 10-20 min.
Sisters don't burn much here, except for nylons. Everything else is too precious to us. Our wardrobe is limited and too expensive for us to replace. At 9 months, you put a pillow under your shirt and take pictures though. Could you print off the e-mailsthat the family sends and send them to me. It would save me the money toprint them off and I have a binder like the one you have that I am keepingeverything from my mission as I get it so I don't have to organize it when Iget home. You know, letters, programs, stuff like that. Has Steve started taking the discussions yet?
Our baptism was AMAZING!!!! I realized on the way there that it was exactly1 month from when I entered the MTC. How awesome is that! Gallan is amazing! The spirit was so strong and we got to teach the first lesson while he was changing. His mom isn't a member, and I knew that it sparked her interest. The best part about the baptism was that it completed the family. His wife and children were already members, so this just completed it. They are one step closer to being an eternal family. How great is that?! My heart is filled with love for them and I am so excited that they will get to go to the Temple next year!
Ok, well...time's basically up. If you print e-mails or send letters, I have more time to respond because I can write you back. I love you!! The work is great!! My prayers are with the family in the evenings, but my heart is in the work. I know that that is they only way I can truly be a help to the family. Keep pressing forward! I know sometimes it's hard, but that is what this life is about. We knew what it was when we picked it up!
I love you!!
Sister Abbott
We drive a Chevy Malibu. I don't get to drive, because Sis. Thomas is the designated driver, but I'll probably drive later in the mission. We eat with the members more often than I expected, but the mission rule is that if you eat with members, they have to either have a non-member, less active, have a lesson at their house after, or go on splits with you. It makes it more difficult to get appointments, but it encourages member missionary work, which helps! I would love quick meal ideas!!! We only have an hour for dinner, so it would have to be fast enough to make in 10-20 min.
Sisters don't burn much here, except for nylons. Everything else is too precious to us. Our wardrobe is limited and too expensive for us to replace. At 9 months, you put a pillow under your shirt and take pictures though. Could you print off the e-mailsthat the family sends and send them to me. It would save me the money toprint them off and I have a binder like the one you have that I am keepingeverything from my mission as I get it so I don't have to organize it when Iget home. You know, letters, programs, stuff like that. Has Steve started taking the discussions yet?
Our baptism was AMAZING!!!! I realized on the way there that it was exactly1 month from when I entered the MTC. How awesome is that! Gallan is amazing! The spirit was so strong and we got to teach the first lesson while he was changing. His mom isn't a member, and I knew that it sparked her interest. The best part about the baptism was that it completed the family. His wife and children were already members, so this just completed it. They are one step closer to being an eternal family. How great is that?! My heart is filled with love for them and I am so excited that they will get to go to the Temple next year!
Ok, well...time's basically up. If you print e-mails or send letters, I have more time to respond because I can write you back. I love you!! The work is great!! My prayers are with the family in the evenings, but my heart is in the work. I know that that is they only way I can truly be a help to the family. Keep pressing forward! I know sometimes it's hard, but that is what this life is about. We knew what it was when we picked it up!
I love you!!
Sister Abbott
Monday, August 13, 2007
Emails, emails, emails!!!
I have to tell you more about Harrisonburg! The people have accents! The people have a strong faith in Christ! It's awesome! Oh, and it is HOT HOT HOT!!! It's great though!! It's so humid, but I knew what I was getting myself into. Yesterday it rained all morning until we were leaving. I think it's funny because I didn't know missionaries were allowed to swim! I feel like I'm breaking that rule everytime I walk outside. The heat index today is 110. So if you see any missionaries...offer them cold water! And even if they say no...give it to them anyway!! Oh, Mom. I got the package, I have yet to receive any mail if you sent itbut it was sent to Richmond and then after they sort it they send it here,so that's probably why. I sent the address in the previous e-mail but I'll put it on here as well. Thank you for the package!!! It was great! And I loved the pictures even if they weren't the greatest quality! Pictures are pictures!!! Oh, Mom, I think I left my scripture marker refil pack in thegrey thing in my luggage that I sent home with you from Utah. Can you lookfor that? With all of this scripture study, I'm almost out of a couple colors. That is sooo exciting about Dad's new calling. I figured something like that was on it's way. Dad was way too excited about missionary work for it not to be. Dad, I think it's funny that we are still working on Abbott Family Projects together...just a couple thousand miles away from each other! Keep up the hard work! The Sunday School class sounds great!! One great idea is to have the people practice sharing the Restoration in 1-2 minutes. It showed me that it doesn't have to be a 30 minute discussion in order to testify that Jesus is the Christ and that his gospel has been restored on the earth today!! Ok, well my time is almost up. I did meet Mandy's sister-in-law. I was in shock when she told me who she was, so it took me a minute to process. But she totally looks like Mark. I look forward to getting to talk to her more. I didn't see her in RS.
I love you! Thank you for all of your support!! I love you and I look forward to hearing more about home next week. Until then, I would send you all of my heart, but it's a little preoccupied rightnow!
Love,
Sister Abbott
Sister Katie Abbott
1721 D Park Rd.
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
I love you! Thank you for all of your support!! I love you and I look forward to hearing more about home next week. Until then, I would send you all of my heart, but it's a little preoccupied rightnow!
Love,
Sister Abbott
Sister Katie Abbott
1721 D Park Rd.
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
First email from the mission
First off, my address is:
Sister Katie Abbott
1721 D Park Rd.
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
I am in Harrisonburg!!! It's pretty much the MOST beautiful place in theworld!! I'm convinced that God felt bad after he made the desert andstarted on VA and WV! I am in the area that covers West Virginia! Godtruly knows the desires of my heart, because from the moment Amanda told meto be ready for the coast, I've wanted to serve in the mountains! I'vetaken TONS of pictures but I probably won't develop them for a couple weeks.Well, it is truly official...GOD LOVES HIS MISSIONARIES!!! Harrisonburg isnot only beautiful, but the work has started to flourish!! My companionssay that I am the luckiest missionary in the whole world. Oh, my comps areSis. Thomas (my trainer) and Sis. Bergren. I love being in a trio!! SisterThomas is like a combination of Jenny Dick, Rhonda Shreeve, and Me! She isfrom a little town called Litchfield, CA about an hour and half from Reno.Sis. Bergren is from Las Vegas, but went to school in Reno. They have bothbeen out about a year and I couldn't have asked for better companions. Sis.Thomas is exactly the missionary I want to be. And Sis. Bergren has so manyqualities that I never knew I wanted to have. This transfer is truly ablessing!!Speaking of blessings... the work is so great here! The membership is strong! We cover 3 wards...Harrisonburg 1st and 2nd and Franklin (WV). We
don't get over to WV very often, except for when we are teaching someone. Right now we are doing a LOT of tracting. Our mission requires 18 1/2 hours a week. Most missions are only 12-15, but God has prepared more people than we can find in that time. So far, the success off of tracting hasn't been obvious, but I can see the change in people eyes as we share our testimonies of Jesus Christ! What a marvelous work this is!! In case you can't tell, I am overjoyed at the moment. Yesterday we taught out 3 leading investigators. I suppose you might want to know about them...
Julie-- She is 23, never believed in God before the missionaries tracted into her last month. She now knows that God is her father, Christ is her Savior, and Joseph Smith is a prophet. She has kept ALL of her commitments and I know God is proud of her. She is telling her family this weekend that she wants to be baptized, so hopefully she will be baptized on August 25th!!
Deanna-- She called for a free copy of Finding Faith in Chirst, and the sisters delivered it to her a couple weeks ago. She knows it's true and actually asked us last night when she could get baptized!!! But we started teaching her husband from Lesson 1 last night. He says that he has a hard time believing it, but it is so apparent in his eyes that God has prepared him for this!! They have 2 sons that will start on the lessons if Glen says it's ok. Last night, we gave Deanna a Proclamation to the World and the Testimony of Joseph Smith pamphlet. She called us this morning and told us that a couple nights ago, she was praying about Joseph Smith. She knew it was true but wanted a stronger conviction if she was going to do this with her family. She told us this morning that in a dream that night, she saw//-->
strong! We cover 3 wards...Harrisonburg 1st and 2nd and Franklin (WV). Wedon't get over to WV very often, except for when we are teaching someone.Right now we are doing a LOT of tracting. Our mission requires 18 1/2 hoursa week. Most missions are only 12-15, but God has prepared more people thanwe can find in that time. So far, the success off of tracting hasn't beenobvious, but I can see the change in people eyes as we share our testimoniesof Jesus Christ! What a marvelous work this is!! In case you can't tell, Iam overjoyed at the moment. Yesterday we taught out 3 leadinginvestigators. I suppose you might want to know about them...Julie-- She is 23, never believed in God before the missionaries tractedinto her last month. She now knows that God is her father, Christ is herSavior, and Joseph Smith is a prophet. She has kept ALL of her commitmentsand I know God is proud of her. She is telling her family this weekend thatshe wants to be baptized, so hopefully she will be baptized on August 25th!!Deanna-- She called for a free copy of Finding Faith in Chirst, and thesisters delivered it to her a couple weeks ago. She knows it's true andactually asked us last night when she could get baptized!!! But we startedteaching her husband from Lesson 1 last night. He says that he has a hardtime believing it, but it is so apparent in his eyes that God has preparedhim for this!! They have 2 sons that will start on the lessons if Glen saysit's ok. Last night, we gave Deanna a Proclamation to the World and theTestimony of Joseph Smith pamphlet. She called us this morning and told usthat a couple nights ago, she was praying about Joseph Smith. She knew itwas true but wanted a stronger conviction if she was going to do this withher family. She told us this morning that in a dream that night, she saw the picture of Joseph Smith in the first vision. She didn't know what itwas until she read the pamphlet last night!! Isn't it amazing how the Spirit teaches those who God has prepared!! I am so grateful for the important role I have to deliver this message by the Spirit! God loves his children! I see that everyday!!
Galen-- Ok, so Julie and Deanna started the lessons before I got here, but with Galen...I was here from the beginning! His wife is a member, and has been since before they got married (3 years ago). They both have children from previous marriages and her two children live with them. Galen has been going to church for the last month or so, but they live in Franklin, so we didn't know about him until the day that I got here. On the phone, he said he wanted to be baptized and was told that we needed to talk to him first. We drove up to Franklin on Friday and Sunday. We've taught him almost all of the lessons and we will finish up this Wednesday before he is interviewed by the DL. He is getting baptized this Saturday. It's amazing to see the difference he has shown in the last week. We met with him in Harrisonburg last night. The first night we taught him, we taught the first two lessonsand the Word of Wisdom. He had already quit smoking and drinking a while ago, but he was still dipping. After the lesson, he committed to stop and he hasn't done it since 5pm Friday!! It is so obvious to see how the Lord has prepared him and how the Spirit is helping him. His wife, Charity, told us that we must be doing something right because he has never worked so hard for any of the Elders. I know that this is flattering, but it's not true. Galen is ready. God knows he's ready! And we were just privileged to be at the right place at the right time!! I love these people! I love this place! I know this is the greatest message the world has ever heard!! How lucky am I that I get to deliver it!!
Ok, now about Virginia and West Virginia-- I have never seen so many non-lds churches in my life! They are everywhere and the marquees are HILARIOUS!!I'll have to start writing them down! I'm going to send this and then write another one, to make sure that all of this does get sent!
I love you!!
Sister Abbott
Sister Katie Abbott
1721 D Park Rd.
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
I am in Harrisonburg!!! It's pretty much the MOST beautiful place in theworld!! I'm convinced that God felt bad after he made the desert andstarted on VA and WV! I am in the area that covers West Virginia! Godtruly knows the desires of my heart, because from the moment Amanda told meto be ready for the coast, I've wanted to serve in the mountains! I'vetaken TONS of pictures but I probably won't develop them for a couple weeks.Well, it is truly official...GOD LOVES HIS MISSIONARIES!!! Harrisonburg isnot only beautiful, but the work has started to flourish!! My companionssay that I am the luckiest missionary in the whole world. Oh, my comps areSis. Thomas (my trainer) and Sis. Bergren. I love being in a trio!! SisterThomas is like a combination of Jenny Dick, Rhonda Shreeve, and Me! She isfrom a little town called Litchfield, CA about an hour and half from Reno.Sis. Bergren is from Las Vegas, but went to school in Reno. They have bothbeen out about a year and I couldn't have asked for better companions. Sis.Thomas is exactly the missionary I want to be. And Sis. Bergren has so manyqualities that I never knew I wanted to have. This transfer is truly ablessing!!Speaking of blessings... the work is so great here! The membership is strong! We cover 3 wards...Harrisonburg 1st and 2nd and Franklin (WV). We
don't get over to WV very often, except for when we are teaching someone. Right now we are doing a LOT of tracting. Our mission requires 18 1/2 hours a week. Most missions are only 12-15, but God has prepared more people than we can find in that time. So far, the success off of tracting hasn't been obvious, but I can see the change in people eyes as we share our testimonies of Jesus Christ! What a marvelous work this is!! In case you can't tell, I am overjoyed at the moment. Yesterday we taught out 3 leading investigators. I suppose you might want to know about them...
Julie-- She is 23, never believed in God before the missionaries tracted into her last month. She now knows that God is her father, Christ is her Savior, and Joseph Smith is a prophet. She has kept ALL of her commitments and I know God is proud of her. She is telling her family this weekend that she wants to be baptized, so hopefully she will be baptized on August 25th!!
Deanna-- She called for a free copy of Finding Faith in Chirst, and the sisters delivered it to her a couple weeks ago. She knows it's true and actually asked us last night when she could get baptized!!! But we started teaching her husband from Lesson 1 last night. He says that he has a hard time believing it, but it is so apparent in his eyes that God has prepared him for this!! They have 2 sons that will start on the lessons if Glen says it's ok. Last night, we gave Deanna a Proclamation to the World and the Testimony of Joseph Smith pamphlet. She called us this morning and told us that a couple nights ago, she was praying about Joseph Smith. She knew it was true but wanted a stronger conviction if she was going to do this with her family. She told us this morning that in a dream that night, she saw//-->
strong! We cover 3 wards...Harrisonburg 1st and 2nd and Franklin (WV). Wedon't get over to WV very often, except for when we are teaching someone.Right now we are doing a LOT of tracting. Our mission requires 18 1/2 hoursa week. Most missions are only 12-15, but God has prepared more people thanwe can find in that time. So far, the success off of tracting hasn't beenobvious, but I can see the change in people eyes as we share our testimoniesof Jesus Christ! What a marvelous work this is!! In case you can't tell, Iam overjoyed at the moment. Yesterday we taught out 3 leadinginvestigators. I suppose you might want to know about them...Julie-- She is 23, never believed in God before the missionaries tractedinto her last month. She now knows that God is her father, Christ is herSavior, and Joseph Smith is a prophet. She has kept ALL of her commitmentsand I know God is proud of her. She is telling her family this weekend thatshe wants to be baptized, so hopefully she will be baptized on August 25th!!Deanna-- She called for a free copy of Finding Faith in Chirst, and thesisters delivered it to her a couple weeks ago. She knows it's true andactually asked us last night when she could get baptized!!! But we startedteaching her husband from Lesson 1 last night. He says that he has a hardtime believing it, but it is so apparent in his eyes that God has preparedhim for this!! They have 2 sons that will start on the lessons if Glen saysit's ok. Last night, we gave Deanna a Proclamation to the World and theTestimony of Joseph Smith pamphlet. She called us this morning and told usthat a couple nights ago, she was praying about Joseph Smith. She knew itwas true but wanted a stronger conviction if she was going to do this withher family. She told us this morning that in a dream that night, she saw the picture of Joseph Smith in the first vision. She didn't know what itwas until she read the pamphlet last night!! Isn't it amazing how the Spirit teaches those who God has prepared!! I am so grateful for the important role I have to deliver this message by the Spirit! God loves his children! I see that everyday!!
Galen-- Ok, so Julie and Deanna started the lessons before I got here, but with Galen...I was here from the beginning! His wife is a member, and has been since before they got married (3 years ago). They both have children from previous marriages and her two children live with them. Galen has been going to church for the last month or so, but they live in Franklin, so we didn't know about him until the day that I got here. On the phone, he said he wanted to be baptized and was told that we needed to talk to him first. We drove up to Franklin on Friday and Sunday. We've taught him almost all of the lessons and we will finish up this Wednesday before he is interviewed by the DL. He is getting baptized this Saturday. It's amazing to see the difference he has shown in the last week. We met with him in Harrisonburg last night. The first night we taught him, we taught the first two lessonsand the Word of Wisdom. He had already quit smoking and drinking a while ago, but he was still dipping. After the lesson, he committed to stop and he hasn't done it since 5pm Friday!! It is so obvious to see how the Lord has prepared him and how the Spirit is helping him. His wife, Charity, told us that we must be doing something right because he has never worked so hard for any of the Elders. I know that this is flattering, but it's not true. Galen is ready. God knows he's ready! And we were just privileged to be at the right place at the right time!! I love these people! I love this place! I know this is the greatest message the world has ever heard!! How lucky am I that I get to deliver it!!
Ok, now about Virginia and West Virginia-- I have never seen so many non-lds churches in my life! They are everywhere and the marquees are HILARIOUS!!I'll have to start writing them down! I'm going to send this and then write another one, to make sure that all of this does get sent!
I love you!!
Sister Abbott
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Sister Abbott's address and NEW EMAIL
Katie's new email address is:
She prefers mail through DearElder.com or regular mail.
Please only email letters - do not forward anything to her!
Her new street address is:
Sister Katie Abbott
1721 D Park Road
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Monday, August 6, 2007
The Provo Temple
The day finally arrived for Sister Abbott to attend a session at the Provo Temple.
She was so excited!
This is a new outfit that Grandma Szabo made her.Doesn't she look great?!!!
Four Square Champion!
Yes, apparently they do have Four Square at the MTC.
Katie was thrilled!
(For those of you who don't know, Katie and her friends created a four square league a few years ago with matching t-shirts and everything. She is quite amazing.)
These are some of her four square buddies.The elders in her district would plot against her everyday at lunch.
It was their goal to beat her before they left the MTC, but I have a feeling it never happened!
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