Week 77: "Being a Missionary Is Like Being a Rubber Chicken that Everyone Slaps Around"

5 Questions

1) Is the institute class you signed up for the "Returning Missionaries" class?  Dad and I heard about that one--and would encourage you to take that.  Maybe Annika and Maddie Giles could take it with you.  I think it is at the Lone Peak seminary building though.

2) How is your companion doing knowing she'll get a new comp next week?  Is she ready?  Have you trained her up in the way she should go?

3) Do you have any sort of "exit interview" with the MP?  President Allred wants to meet with you as soon as we get back from the airport.  I saw him at ward conference today and he mentioned that he prefers to visit with returning missionaries as soon as they are on firm ground. ;)

4) Do you think you might want to spend more than the weekend seeing your brother?  Just trying to plan.

5) Is there anything you are looking forward to finishing before coming home?

1. No, unfortunately. I couldn't find that one anywhere close to PG. But if you can find it at Lone Peak I would totally attend it. Let me know if you hear anything else. I'd sign up in a heart beat.
2. I asked her, and she said "I have anxiety all the time and tears are always on the verge. ... Just kidding, I don't have anxiety." I think she's okay. Of course she's a little sad/nervous, but she knew this would be coming basically since we were put together, and since this happened with her first trainer, I think she's at least somewhat prepared for it. Haha as for me training her, I hope I've given her some tips and a direction to go in. But honestly she probably doesn't even need my help. She just kind of naturally does what needs to be done, so I'm sure it'll be good. She did ask me yesterday for some tips on training someone into an area so I gave her some ideas, but that's about it. For the most part, we just don't talk about me going home next week so we can keep working hard and seeing miracles. (Not that I'm in denial, but it does no good to worry about it so why bother thinking about it at all? We're here to work up until the last possible minute.)
3. Yes. I believe I'll have an interview with President Griffin this Sunday. Not entirely sure, but I'll have one at some point before I leave. As for meeting with President Allred, I'm happy to meet with him Wednesday.
4. As in, do I want to spend more time than just the weekend with Cameron? Or are there other things I want to do that weekend? I have no idea. I'm just kind of trusting that everything will work out how Heavenly Father wants. I'm doing my best to prepare without losing focus. So I guess whatever happens, happens.
5. Well, our investigator Pablo was going to be baptized this coming Saturday, but we had to move it back a week. That was one of the hardest decisions I've made in my life, but I know that it'll be better for him and for us. It gives him one more week to prepare and keep learning, and he's okay with it--though he's practically dying to be baptized. Anyway, this week we'll be teaching him almost every day and Wednesday is his baptismal interview so that'll be good. We've GOT to get the baptismal record form filled out before the interview though. Oh man. Why is it so hard to get paperwork done in a timely manner? (Struggles that I was not expecting...)

Question for Mom: how much did the keyboard you sent me cost? (Hermana Albrechtsen wants to buy it from me, so I told her I'd ask.)

Well. Let's just say this week was a Russian mountain. ("Roller coaster" in Spanish is literally translated to "Russian Mountain". Too funny.) Last Sunday we'd gotten a text from Pablo that sounded like "I've thought about it and you can come get your book back." We weren't able to talk with him until Tuesday, and when we did he was totally normal again. He came to English class and we taught him afterwards with Saul (recent convert) and our ward mission leader, Brother McConkie--he told us that he still wants to be baptized and keep learning. The following day, Wednesday, we taught Pablo about the one of the commandments and in the end he told us that he couldn't change that much, it was just too hard, and he didn't want to be baptized. Then, at 6 am the next morning, he texts us and says that he thought about it a lot and actually he does want to be baptized. We taught him that day and he seemed perfectly okay. Anyway, now he's good and is progressing and is SO excited to be baptized. I'm sad that I won't be here for it, but I know that it's better for him to have more time to prepare and it really doesn't matter if I'm here or not for the actual baptism, because I was still a part of his conversion process--and what a blessing it has been! He has taught me so much about love, and patience, and humility. 

Yesterday, we visited a family in Sycamore and one of them asked me, "If you had to, could you pick just one thing that you've gained from your mission that you are most grateful for?" I thought about it for a moment and decided yes, I could pick just one (of course there's probably seventy times seven more, but that's besides the point). He asked what and I said it's made me a more loving person. After the fact, I thought about it some more and I realized that ultimately what I'm getting at is that my mission has made me a more Christlike person--just the attribute that has changed the most, in my opinion, is charity and love. I've learned to feel more love for all people around  me, no matter what differences we may have, and I've learned to express that love more openly. Of course, I'm still not perfect and I still struggle sometimes with letting people know that I care about them as a child of God, but I've gotten a lot better. 

As for the number two thing, I would have to say the testimony I've gained. Not only have I gained a greater knowledge about my Savior and about His Gospel, but I've come to know Him so much better. I read a story once about a man who crossed the plains with the handcart companies and, in a class that was criticizing the decision to travel when they did, he stood when he could take no more and, "In substance [he] said, ‘I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here, for they give no proper interpretation of the questions involved. Mistake to send the Handcart Company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it and Sister Nellie Unthank whom you have cited was there, too. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church, because everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.

“‘I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it.’” He continues: “‘I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.

“‘Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company.’"

Although I have experienced nothing like what the pioneers experienced, I identify with this story. Because, through the experiences that I have had as a full-time missionary and representative of Jesus Christ, I truly have come to know Him "in my extremities". I've realized just how much nothing I am and how much I rely on my Savior and His Atonement. I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak. But through Christ, I truly can do all things (Phil. 4:13; Alma 26:12). And it's because of this burning and abiding testimony that I know I'll be able to persevere and endure joyfully whatever trials and opposition come my way in life. Because I know my Savior, and I believe every word He has said. I know that He lives, and that this is His Gospel. This is His Church. He stands at the head of it, and He directs it through His chosen prophet on the earth today, Thomas S. Monson. I know that Jesus Christ and His Father--our Father--appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, in answer to a sincere and heartfelt humble prayer. Through him, They restored the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that each of us could receive all that the Father hath, if we would but hearken to the voice of the Good Shepherd. He has not ceased to call out to us--just as He has done throughout the history of the earth, He speaks to us through His prophets so that we may hear and know His voice. I am so grateful for living prophets, to guide us in these latter days. The Son of Man will soon come on earth to reign, and there will be one fold and one shepherd. I look forward to that day not with fear, but with gladness, when He shall say to me, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." I love the Lord, and it truly is a pleasure to serve Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love, Hermana DeBuck

Fotos:

1. Photo from exchanges two (?) weeks ago. I know it's a bit late, but better late than never. (With Hermana Capps and Hermana Neff)

2. Had FHE with the Hill family last night, and we had to take a picture. Funny story: DJ (to my right in the photo) served in the same mission as (cousin) Taylor. Small world, no?!

3. This is the word of God.

 4. Had a zone activity today and we went bowling (in Rochelle! It was somewhat odd being back...especially in jeans....) anyway, let's just say I'm not a fantastic bowler and it isn't my favorite thing to do, but we had a good time.

 5. Four Hermanas and their shoes...

6. S. Noguera, H. Webb, H. Albrechtsen and me. Plus some elders in the background. (I think they must have a photo-bombing-opportunity sense or something...)

7. Afterwards we ate out at Sunrise, a restaurant in Rochelle. We tried giving our waitress a card and found out she is meeting with the Elders. #smalltowns

Week 75: We're Not Human Beings Having a Spiritual Experience, We're Spiritual Beings Having a Human Experience

5 Questions:

1) Does the DeKalb- Sycamore area have you girls in members' home for dinner appointments fairly often?

2) What do you do if you don't have a dinner appointment?

3) Is the worldwide missionary meeting available anywhere online, do you know?

4) Have you given any thought to you plans for summer yet? I only ask because Debbie said Melanie (who gets home mid April) was going to take a couple classes in their summer term. 

5) How long does it take for you to get mail that goes to the mission home?

1. YES. We actually had to cross off some of the days from our calendar so that people can't sign up to feed us because we are just wearing ourselves so thin--some days we have lunch AND dinner appointments. Which is a blessing, don't get me wrong. But I don't have the mental capacity to do that every day. I mean, we're only human and sometimes we just need a mental break from teaching people.
2. So, therefore, if we don't have a dinner/lunch appointment, we eat at the apartment and then use the rest of the hour to study more or to clean up Area Book or do lesson reports or other various logistical important things that need to be done. We are just SO busy here--more so than any other area I've served in--that there is always something more to be done. For example, I didn't even finish the My Plan session for this week (it's on the to-do list today) because we were so busy during meal times.
3. Yes, but only on the missionary portal (the missionary website) so only current full-time missionaries have access to it. I can share my notes with you some time if you want to know more about it. But that's about all I can offer.
4. Well, I have some goals for my life after I'm released as a missionary, especially for the time between release date and school in the fall, but no set plans. As far as school goes, I think I'd like to take a Spanish placement (?) test to see what level I could start in so I can do a minor in Spanish, and then of course I'll register for classes, but I don't think I'll actually take any classes before the fall--I deferred until Fall 2016. I could probably change it but I don't think it would be worth it. Just planning on working and doing other things that need to be done at home/for my own growth.
5. I have no idea...if it's a letter they'll just forward it after putting an address label on it with our apartment address. But if it's a package, we get it whenever the next big meeting is usually. Occasionally the zone leaders bring packages to district meetings but not often. We have a zone conference this Thursday which will be the last meeting for us before transfers.

This week was pretty normal; nothing too crazy happened. One of our investigators is very excited to be baptized--originally he wanted to be baptized on his birthday at the end of April, and then he went to Saul and Francisca's baptism and we taught him the Plan of Salvation (God's plan of happiness for all of his children) and he has decided he wants to be baptized AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. But the soonest we can do is 27 February because we still have the majority of the lessons to teach him and he learns slowly. His name is Pablo and I've learned a lot from him and the process of teaching him. 

I know that God is aware of all of His children and speaks to each of us in the way we need it--even and especially when we don't have a solid understanding of God's laws. What matters most to our loving Heavenly Father is our desires and intents. If we have the desire and the intention to follow Him and His Son, then that's what makes a difference. Even though Pablo doesn't understand everything like Saul does, they're both sons of God and they're both loved by Him. I know that God cares more about the direction we're going in than He does about how fast we're getting there. 

The Gospel path is straight and narrow, and we're all at different points along that path, but all He asks is that we make covenants with Him (like baptism) and then do our very best to keep those covenants--and when (not if) we make mistakes, we apply the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repent, and keep moving forward. That is what is called enduring to the end. And it doesn't have to be painful or bitter. We can endure to the end with joy. Men are that they might have joy (2 Nephi 2:25). God did not send us to earth so that we could suffer; He sent us to earth so that we could experience the happiness of sharing the Gospel, the joy of seeking what's good, and the love of family relationships. 

I know that God has not forgotten about a single one of His children; sometimes we may feel that He is silent, or that we simply don't matter to Him, but I know that He is always there, looking out for us. It is our own choices that separate us from feeling God's love, but all it takes is one more choice to draw near to Him and I know that we will feel His love again. I know, without a doubt, that you have a Heavenly Father, who loves you. He cares about what's important to you, and He knows what worries you. He knows what questions trouble your mind. He knows what demons you grapple with. He knows what you struggle with, be it mental or emotional or physical. He knew that you would have those trials and struggles before He sent you to this earth. And that is why, even before the world began, He provided a way for you to overcome each and every one of those struggles--He provided a Savior, even His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives, and He can help you through whatever circumstance you are in. But just as that source of comfort has existed since before the world was, so too has your agency. You alone have the choice to make that will enable you to over power whatever demons test you here in this mortal life. Christ is more than willing to empower you, but you must choose to let Him. Open your ears to hear, and your eyes to see, and your heart to feel. I know that He will answer in unmistakable ways. I know He has for me, and I know that He will for you. I share this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love, Hermana DeBuck

Fotos:

1. Jose and Ida's baptism: boy I sure do love these two. They're awesome. I am so blessed to have taught them.

2. District lunch at Jamrah: Middle Eastern Cuisine. (Missionaries: we are just so weird...)

3. Me with my chicken shawarma sandwich--which is one of my new favorite foods, I might add. It was tasty!

4. Fake flautas (they're corn tortillas instead of flour). I haven't had flautas since the MTC! And they're basically my favorite Mexican food (Okay, maybe not favorite because those chile rellenos are deliciosos...)

5. We had dinner with a family who showed us their missionary wall--basically all of their four kids (all under the age of 12) want to serve missions so they put together a wall showing where all their family members have served, plus a clock showing the time in their dad's mission. How cool!

Week 71: I Almost Didn't Send This Email

Questions:
1- what kind of training did you have that you got to visit with Brother Howie from normal? He messaged me that he got to see you.
2- how is the training going for Hermana Albrechtsen?
3- when is the next transfer? Do you think you'll stay put?
4- are you still liking your mini iPad? Is your keyboard case working right?
5- how are your promising investigators progressing?

1. We had new missionary training last week. The Elders that are in my first area are also a trainer-trainee companionship (the trainee was actually in Hermana Albrechtsen's MTC district) and Brother Albrechtsen had driven them up because he's just amazing like that. haha it was so good to talk to him and the Elders actually. I found out from my trainer a bit ago that someone we'd taught was baptized and when I asked the Elders about it they said they met with her on Monday and she told them she wanted to be baptized on Wednesday. So they made it happen. So cool! Man, I love that area. I may not have baptized anyone while I was there, but I feel that I've at least played a part in a few of the baptisms that have happened. I know I've made a difference in those people's lives and they sure have impacted mine.
2. I think it's going well. She hardly even needs training, she's so great. And we can't believe it's almost over! This is the last week of the 12 Week program for us. We're pretty excited because we get to watch ALL of the district. Movie night! (Just kidding, it's totally for training purposes. But we still love it.)
3. Next transfer is next week. We find out this Saturday what's going on. And yes, I think I'm stay. We're hoping and praying that we both stay actually. That would be the dream.
4. Yeah, it's good. I admit, it's grown on me. It's super useful, especially for missionary work. Yesterday we had a member with us who just got back from his mission a few months ago and he's pretty jealous that we get to carry around our entire Area Book with us, everywhere we go. (The paper Area Books are like a two inch binder and they're SUPER heavy....)
5. Oh man. They're amazing. Did I tell you they paid tithing last week? (I suspect it was supposed to be fast offerings, but they paid it all the same! There were some great testimonies on tithing and it really impacted them I think.) They're also getting married THIS SATURDAY. Oh man. I am SO excited. Wedding number three for this hermana. But this one will be a lot more low key (not put on by a Spanish branch, and put on for a very humble reserved couple.) It's going to be great. They'll be baptized the 30th of this month as well. They're excited. We're excited. The ward's excited. Everyone's excited. (: This area is amazing.

As far as news, I haven't got much. I'm nearing the end of my service as a full-time missionary, but I know there are many miracles to come. I've got some repenting to do *cough*journal*cough* but I know that "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven". We washed and vacuumed our car today, even though it's about 15 degrees Fahrenheit (excluding windchill...). I think the guy manning the car wash thought we were crazy, but we are obedient and we will be blessed.

Oh there is this tidbit: we've been assigned Jose and Ida, my two investigators from Rochelle. Jose is taking a 6 week long class in Chicago Heights and Ida is staying with her daughter during the week while Jose is away and her daughter lives in Dekalb. So we're suddenly in charge of their teaching until further notice. It's kind of really confusing actually. But I'm excited. We're going to visit Ida tomorrow. They're also getting baptized the 30th of this month and need to get married before then. But at least both of our couples have marriage licenses so it's really not that hard....it's just coordinating everything. Man. I love this week. It's so rewarding.

It's been a great week of achieving our goals and I'm looking forward to reaching new heights. The vision truly has been raised by the Lord and I know He will qualify us as we submit our will to His. He is all-knowing and all-powerful, and through Him we truly can do all things--even miracles, if it so be His will for us and for those in our care. I know that this is the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. He lives, and He has not forsaken us. He has called a prophet on the earth today, who has the authority to say "Thus saith the Lord..." because he speaks with the Lord and literally knows the words of the Lord as He speaks today. Miracles have not ceased. The heavens are not sealed. I am a representative of Jesus Christ Himself, and as such I invite all to learn of the message of joy which I share and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, if this message is not true. I testify that God answers the prayers of those who have a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Christ. All people everywhere may gain a divine witness that the Book of Mormon is in fact another testament of Jesus Christ, that Joseph Smith is God's prophet of this dispensation, and that the Church that was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith is indeed the Church of Jesus Christ in these latter days. Will you put God to the test and ask Him for yourself if these things are not true?

Love, Hermana DeBuck

 

Week 64: Sometimes You Just Wish You Had a Microscope

5 Questions:

1) How soon are transfers?  Is it likely you'll be moved, since you've been in Rochelle this long?

2) Do you have plans already settled for Thanksgiving dinner?  With whom?

3) How does the holiday affect your missionary work? Schedule?

4) When your investigators get baptized, do they baptize in English or Spanish?

5) I can't find the Barbie movie you asked about.  Any idea where else to look?

1. Transfers are in two weeks (gag). The 8th of December. Holy schnikes batman, not cool. Is it likely I'll be moved? Unfortunately, yes. But we try not to think about it. However, we have a feeling about what's going to happen....we'll see.

2. Yes. Actually, a less-active family we've been visiting invited us over so we'll be spending Thanksgiving with them. I'm really excited. They have three little kids (10 yrs, 7 yrs, 2 yrs) and it's always such an interesting time when we visit them. haha should be fun! They're so great.

3. Well, it doesn't really. It's a Thursday so we do our weekly planning that day (which is actually normal) and we have up to two hours to spend celebrating the holiday with the family we eat with, and then from six o' clock on, we proselyte. Which should be interesting because the thing about small towns like Rochelle is that people generally don't take too kindly to people knocking on their door after dark--which just so happens to be around 5:30 or so in the evening. But hey, I know the Lord will bless us for our diligence so I'm excited.

4. They are baptized in whatever language they speak. Just depends on the person. However, if we found someone who spoke Mandarin, I don't know that they'd be baptized in Mandarin, unless we could find someone in the stake who speaks it and who'd be willing to come to do the baptism. But generally speaking, they are baptized in whatever language they are most comfortable with.

5. I have no idea. I was positive we still had it, but maybe we gave it to someone...it would've been with all the other DVDs if we still had it. Unless I hid it somewhere....ah well. I'll pray that you find it, or/and that I can remember where it is. If I think of anything I'll let you know. (For those reading this other than my mother, we have an 8 year old convert with a birthday coming up who loves Barbie. Therefore, Barbie movie.)

Well, I'm not sure what to say. It snowed!

No, I'm not particularly thrilled, but it was somewhat exciting as it was first coming down. Now it's just there, on the ground everywhere. But at least all the ice melted.

It was 1 degree Fahrenheit yesterday, including the windchill. I'm just grateful that winter doesn't last forever. But at the same time, if winter is coming to an end, that means so am I.....so I think I'd much rather it keep snowing and being cold.

Unfortunately, thanks to the cold, Jose and Ida weren't able to come to church. (When it's cold, Ida gets really sick. Poor thing.) But, they have decided to get married! We don't know when that'll happen but I know it will and I believe they can be baptized in the month of December. And regardless of if I stay in Rochelle or not, I will be there! I love these two so so so much. I can't even describe it. But, Ida told us this week that at some point, she and Joe were talking and he tells her, "I think we're going to have to adopt these two" (meaning us). I'm okay with that! I feel like one result of serving a mission is that you end up with about eight adoptive families (at least). But hey, no complaints from this hermana. (:

Gloria is also back on date, for the 19th of December. But she still hasn't come to church. I thought for sure that she'd come this week, but then she might've had to work, we're not sure. Hopefully she'll be able to get every Sunday off soon and not have to work so that she can come to church.

Satan really doesn't want anyone to be baptized here....but I know that God is much more powerful than the devil. Satan may win a battle every now and then, but I know who will win the war: we will.

The Gospel is true and it has been restored through God's prophet, Joseph Smith. Jesus Christ Himself leads and guides His church through His prophet Thomas S. Monson. The Book of Mormon is proof that all this is true, and any person anywhere, who has a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Christ, may come to know the truth of these things by reading, pondering and praying about the Book of Mormon. God is our Father, and He loves us. He doesn't want us to be confused but He will not force knowledge upon us. We must first be willing to ask, to seek, to knock. Then and only then will we receive and find, then will it be opened unto us. Prayer works and it is powerful. I know that these things are true, and it my duty and privilege to make them known to all the world--at least all of Rochelle, IL for now.

Love, Hermana DeBuck

Fotos:

1. An older photo, but we were tracting once upon a time and this letter depicted which apartment it was. Hna LaBonte tells me, "Hermana, if you were an A, that's what you'd look like."

2. This is the museum that we do service at every Thursday (but not this one, since it's Thanksgiving.) It's so cute. And it has a cannon in front of it!

3. We live nearby the Rochelle Railroad Park. I've never actually been (shame on me) but this is it! If you have trouble sleeping, don't move to Rochelle. Especially not where we live...good thing I sleep like the dead.

4. Not sure if it's a beaver or a woodchuck. But either way, it was outside our house one day. And it may have taken up residence with us, as there is/was a large hole along the side of our house...

5. Maybe I sent this home already, but maybe not. One time, we made pigs in a blanket. And this picture demonstrates just how big my hands are...yum.

6. Somehow, I always seem to end up with the dirty jobs in the apartment. It's like, all the hermanas who ever lived in this place, those effects build up and then I have to deal with them. So today I scrubbed the caulking in the bathtub (we had cleaning checks last week and we advised to do so) and it was coming out like this--or worse....but we're pretty sure it's just dirt or something and not mold. But anyway. I think I'll make a good housekeeper, no? haha

7. dinner with one of the sisters, her daughter, and two grandkids. I love this family. (He can touch his nose with his tongue!)

8. Hna Henricksen had never been to Portillo's so we went after district meeting. So tasty!

9. Us and an investigator, Irma. She's the one we raked leaves for last week (and I ended up with a  little surprise on my boot...)

10. We knocked a door that had this giant wreath on the window and when no one answered, we took a picture. Also, the snow had just begun to fall. So thrilling.

11. The senior sisters who check our house for how well we're cleaning, Sister Bowser and Sister Wright. They go home this next transfer so we took a picture with them. I love them!

Week 62: Why Don't You Use Lowry's? Because My Soul Delighteth in Plain Things. Thanks, Nephi!

5 Questions:
1) Did you ever take tests/study at USU on Sundays?  Did that help/hurt you?
2) Now that you know you are aren't being transferred out of Rochelle this round, when is the next transfer date?
3) Has your mission received many more Spanish speaking missionaries this fall?  Do you get Spanish speaking elders?
4) Did you get the mail I send directly to Sister W's home?
5) Does the mission provide bedding (blankets, quilts, etc) for missionaries there?

1. Tests, no. Those were always in class, during the week. Studying, I don't think so. I honestly believe and know to be true what we teach our investigators: Sunday is the Sabbath day in this dispensation and we are to sanctify and honor it. It is the Lord's day, and how we treat it is a sign to God, showing how we truly feel about Him. How I personally decide if something is alright to do on the Sabbath, I ask myself if I would do it if the Savior were here with me. Would I wash the dishes? Yes, because cleanliness is next to godliness. Would I deep clean the house? No, that can wait because the house is clean enough. That is simply doctrine according to Hermana DeBuck (the dishes example) but if you'd like more clarification, please see Elder Nelson's talk from the April 2015 General Conference. He explains it a lot better than I can.
2. The next transfer is the 8th of December. So I have two and a half transfers left as a missionary. Approximately 14-15 weeks. That is crazy. Boy does the time fly. And I honestly don't want it to end. There is nothing better than bringing souls unto Christ 24/7. But a release as a full time missionary is simply a call to be a life long missionary. (: So that makes it a little better.
3. I believe we've gotten a few more, not a whole ton. But some. I would say 2-6 every transfer cycle. Maybe. Don't quote me on that. And yes, we have Spanish speaking Elders. There are two currently serving in my first area, down in Bloomington-Normal.
4. I think so....? Not sure though. How long ago was that?
5. Yes and no? I know in my first apartment we had a bunch of blanket already and in my second area we found a giant blanket in a closet. The house here in Rochelle has a bunch of blankets but I believe they actually belong to the house, not the mission. The other places I think they were just leftovers from missionaries who didn't take them with them.

Well, I have some good news everyone: WE HAD INVESTIGATORS COME TO CHURCH!!!!!!!

I don't think caps lock and any number of exclamation points can even begin to describe how happy we were. We wanted to cry and to scream and to pass out all at the same time. Yesterday was probably one of the top five Sundays of my entire life. But first, some background information...

On Wednesday, we taught one of our on date investigators, Ida. She is on date for 28 November and we were able to teach her at a members' home with two of the greatest people ever, Brother and Sister Springer. We ended up having about 25 minutes to teach (because we had to leave then to be on time to exchanges in Elgin). We had asked our members the day before to study in Preach My Gospel, lesson two: the Plan of Salvation. We say a prayer and begin the lesson. Brother S starts us off and finishes us off. We spoke very little yet the Spirit was so strong. That right there is the importance of members. It was a fairly brief overview of God's plan for His children, but I know it was what she needed. We then asked if she'd prayed about being baptized on the 28th of this month and she said yes. We asked how she felt about it and she said good, smiling. I know this woman is so prepared and so ready. We then invited her to church, telling her she has to come every week between now and the 28th in order to be baptized then. Her face fell slightly, saying she had work that day. We promised that if she worked for it and we all had faith, God would provide a way.

On Friday, we were at the church doing weekly planning (exchanges on Thursday and not enough time Wednesday) when in walks a young boy, maybe ten years old, and he asks us what time services are on Sundays. We tell him ten o' clock and he walks out. Then he walks back in and asks what time they're at in Spanish, and we explain it's the same time but we translate what's said. Then he leaves. There wasn't even enough time for us to consider finding more information. We were just in shock. It was crazy and we thought to ourselves, "hey, maybe we'll have some random people we've never met at church this week" and then we went on with our week.

Fast forward to Sunday. We were talking with a member before the meeting began and in walks the young boy we met Friday. Followed by six more Latinos whom we had never met before. Can you say miracle? Because I sure can! It was truly amazing. We met all of them and got them all set up with stuff for translation. Then, later, while we are singing the sacramental hymn, in walk Jose and Ida, our couple on date. The second we saw them, I just wanted to cry and praise God. I know He is so so so merciful to His children. He truly loves His kids. And I know it has very little to do with us. The only factor we play in miracles like these is our obedience. I know because we have been repenting daily and seeking the Spirit, constantly doing our best to be our best, we were rewarded abundantly. And if I had to narrow it down to just one reason why we finally had people at church, well I don't know that I could. I think it's partly because I have been very studious in writing in my journal nightly, which is something I've been repenting of for quite some time. And I think it's partly because I've finally learned how to truly exercise faith, do the best I can, and then leave it in the Lord's hands, believing that it will all work out in the end.

This week was simply amazing. Last Sunday was fast Sunday and it was also the first of November. We were invited by our zone leaders to fast about our mission vision: 1000 baptisms in one year, which works out to be one baptism per companionship per month. Well, I fasted about it and I honestly felt like I didn't receive an answer. But now, looking back on the week, the answer was manifested in our desire and our attitude and our faith.

See, faith has always been a hard concept for me. I'm a logical thinker and faith just doesn't make sense, logically speaking. So I've been studying it quite a bit and I've learned some interesting things.
The phrase "exercise faith" really just means "working towards a worthy, unseen goal". So when we exercise our faith, we are working towards a good goal, inspired and confirmed by the Spirit, even though we don't know how it's going to be achieved. We trust in God enough to work as hard and as smart as we can, and then we give it to Him.

I recently studied Alma chapter 32 in the Book of Mormon. The prophet Alma, compared the word of God to a seed. When we first hear the word of God, we don't know if it is good or not. So how do we find out? He tells us that first we must "awake and arouse" our faculties, to "experiment" upon the word, "exercise a PARTICLE of faith", "desire to believe" and then "let this desire work in [us]" until we can "give place for a portion" of the word--or try living what the word says. When we give place for a portion of the word, when we begin living the principles we are learning, that is how we plant the seed. Then, as we continue to nourish the seed, we continue to live those principles, and we do not "cast it out" by our unbelief, it will begin to swell, to enlarge our souls, to enlighten our understanding, and to be delicious to us. We will see the fruits of living those principles and we will begin to know that they are true, good principles. By exercising our faith, by trying those principles out in our lives, that is how we learn if it is a true, good seed--if the word is actually the word of God. However, at this point, our knowledge isn't perfect. Our faith has been strengthened yes, we are more inclined to believe, but we still don't know perfectly. Eventually, as we continue to nurture that seed, we may come to a perfect knowledge--of that thing. When we get to this point, our faith is dormant because we know without a doubt that the word is good and true.

And this, my friends, is where I am at when it comes to many Gospel principles. I used to think I didn't have faith. But I learned this week that that thought is completely and utterly false. That thought comes from Satan, who would have us doubt our faith before we doubt our doubts. But now I know that I truly do have faith. But because I have seen the fruits of living the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, my faith in dormant in many ways. But there are some principles that I must continue to exercise faith for my knowledge is not perfect.

Which is what Alma tells us about next; he tells us that we must not "lay aside [our] faith". Friends and family I plead with you: do not lay aside your faith. If you have once tasted the joy of the everlasting Gospel, I would ask, can you feel so now? (Alma 5:26) Come unto Christ and be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life (1 Nephi 8:11-12). I know that God is your Heavenly Father and He loves you with an infinite love. Neither you nor I can comprehend it, but I know it's real. His work and His glory--His eternal goal--is to bring to pass YOUR immortality and eternal life (Moses 1:39). He has not given up on your nor will He ever give up on you.

I know Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He lives. He guides His Church through living prophets and apostles. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. He has called me to this holy calling, this work of salvation. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly and independent until it has penetrated every continent and sounded in every ear, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done (see History of the Church).

Love,
Tu Hija y Amiga,
Hermana DeBuck


Fotos:
1. So frequently I make Hermana Henricksen tell me a story in Spanish (to practice speaking and conjugating and making sense) but yesterday she made me, so I told her about how we always ate Cow Tales when we got a car wash. So today we bought cow tales and then ate them in the car wash!

2. Remember those disgusting bugs I told you about? Well, last night we found TWO more! The first one was enormous, which is probably why he was dead the next morning: he breathed all his allotment of air.

 

3. The other one was a lot smaller so that's probably why he wasn't dead yet. But now he's somewhere in the wilderness far from our house so who knows how he's doing.

 

Week 51: Studies Show You're Always within 3 Feet of These....SPIDERS!

5 Questions:
1) How is this new companionship?  Are things settling into place?
2) Any new investigators?
3) Have you planned any Hispanic weddings lately? (kidding)
4) How is Bishop Walters' family? Did their kids have a great time at EFY and Soccer camp? Are they taking care of you girls?
5) Are you getting used to your new mission president yet?  Also, how's the back feeling?

1. Things are going splendidly in the new companionship. Basically we've just accepted that we're both awkward and we just have a good time together. Plus we work hard and seek the Spirit so it makes for a pretty good companionship, if I do say so myself.

2. Actually, yes. We have found quite a few new investigators. Sort of, anyway. Basically we just made appointments with a bunch of people that we'd taught but didn't make return appointments with. Which makes them new investigators.

The first one this week (I don't remember if I've talked about him before) is Tequila. He's from Tequila, MX and his real name is Aurelio but he calls himself Tequila. The first time we met him, he told us he doesn't drink water he just drinks Bud Light. But he was awesome. Anyway, we'd made an appointment with him for late Monday evening and when we got there he was super distracted and wasn't paying attention. We tried teaching him how to pray and he couldn't remember step one, two steps later...anyway  so we (I) got pretty straight up with him and asked him what his problem was, essentially. He attributed it to the fact that he's moving this week and he had a bunch of work to do and whatnot. I told him, "You know what hermano, we have a lot of work to do too. Do you know what work we do?" I made him look me in the eye, and he said "What?" somewhat half-heartedly. "The salvation of souls." That is the work we do. So, while I do love this man, he just isn't ready for the Gospel right now. He will be ready someday, but it wasn't this week. So he became a new  investigator, and then we had to drop him for now. But it's okay. He'll come round. I know he will.

The second one was Gonzalo Bautista. We met him a while ago, and he seemed really interested. He's originally from Guadalajara and he told us he lives about 7 blocks from the temple out there. He told us he loves Mormons because they're so "brotherly". haha cool. (: he's this cute little old man. Anyway, we couldn't set up an appointment because he was working in the milpas (corn fields) so he didn't have a schedule. But now the siega is over (harvest) so we called him on Friday and set up an appt for Sunday. Only, it was quite possibly the creepiest phone call of my entire life. I mean, I would say I've been hit on by more old Latino men than I can count, but this was by far the worst. And it was through the phone too. Anyway, we're pretty sure he was super drunk because when we talked to him Sunday to see if he was back in town or not, he was back to how he was when we first met him. So that was good. But then he was still in Elgin so he wasn't there for the appt. But we'll see him this week for sure. He seemed so ready for the Gospel so I'm excited to teach him. And the last two. Oh man. Buckle your seat belts because I'm about to tell you concerning the worst day of my  mission--and then the second best day of my mission.

So Friday. We had lunch with Hermana Doelman (she recently moved in from AZ and she goes out with us all the time. She's an angel.) and then we had an appt with a senora we've been teaching for a  while, named Maria. She doesn't pick up the doctrine super quickly so we teach her very simply, but she was open to learning more. However, her husband, when we taught him and her the Restoration and invited them to be baptized when they know these things are true, he told us that he thought it was a sin to change religions after he's been in his church for so long. So we knew he wasn't interested or ready. But then on Friday, we took our Relief Society President, Sister Dettman, to teach Maria. And we were just asking Maria about her reading in the Book of Mormon when her husband interrupted us and started going off about how they're wasting our time because they're not going to change and we all believe the same thing anyway. And I honestly felt like I was going to be sick. The Spirit of God was NOT present in that room. It was awful, I tell you.

Also, normally, when people start going off like that, I start to just get really frustrated because I don't  understand how they can't see that this is what God wants for them and it is the only way they can be with their families after death and forever. But this time, I recognized the irritation beginning and I just plead with my Heavenly Father that He would give me His love for this man. So, as I listened to this hermano reject every testimony that we offered and every blessing we promised, tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn't help it. It legitimately hurt my heart that he was being kept from the truth by the subtle craftiness of men. But one eternal truth is that of agency. We can't force the truth on anyone. So we left them with a prayer and I think it was the most fervently I've ever prayed in my  head while my companion offered a prayer aloud. Someday his heart will be softened and he and his wife will accept the restored Gospel, and then be sealed as husband and wife for time and all eternity. I was still a bit choked up after the fact, mind you. But we still had Sister Dettman with us so of course we needed to find someone to teach.

Our first back up was a cute old lady we'd met sometime in July, named Irene. I didn't think she'd be home, but when we were putting in back ups I felt like she should be in our plans. When we knocked on the door, her husband Jose answered (like always)  and said his wife wasn't home. He suggested we try back Saturday when she doesn't work. But we hadn't gone there for nothing so we asked if we could share a message with him. And he said sure! At this point my heart was perking up because at least someone was open to listening to the Gospel. And then, to make a long story short, Jose accepted everything we said as truth, without the bat of an eyelash. The following words actually came out of his mouth: "I believe it. I believe he saw God and Jesus Christ." JOSE BELIEVES THAT JOSEPH SMITH SAW GOD THE FATHER AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST BEFORE HE EVEN PRAYED ABOUT IT!!!!!! Oh my stinking french fries. It was seriously a dream come true. Like, I can't even describe how amazing it was. I will say that my  testimony of the fall increased that day. Because in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve didn't know joy because they didn't know misery. How many times have I said something to that effect? More than I can count. And that phrase become so chillingly real last Friday. Because we had just faced probably the worst rejection of my entire mission, the sweetness of this sincere man's faith was more precious than almost any other moment I've experienced. I know that Heavenly Father truly answers prayers. Because, in that moment, I needed a reason to keep going. And boy did He give it to me. So, in a nutshell, the new investigators are going very well. We have an appt with Jose and Irene for next Saturday. And he basically committed to come to church next week. (He told us that after  we'd first met them and told them where the church was, one day they drove by because they wanted to see it. How cool is that?!

3. Thankfully no. haha we did have an English wedding a bit ago, but I think I told you about that. We didn't go to the wedding itself but we did help decorate. It turned out very nice if I do say so myself.

4. I think they're good, the Walters. I actually haven't heard anything lately about Addison but I imagine he's doing well on his mission. Kelly has had a bit of a rough first week of school, but I
think she's on the upswing again. And I believe she had a good time at EFY....I dunno. haha and Zane...oh man. This kid is so funny. He's always super little-brother-ly with the Elders but he was actually treating me like a sister yesterday. That was kind of fun. haha I think soccer camp was good. We actually had a branch activity last Thursday--put on by the Elders--so we played sports (all the women played a game called Kwizniac. It's so fun!) and it looked like Zane was probably beating everyone. But then I imagine they made the teams a bit more even or something. I dunno. But they're all good.

5. The new mission president is amazing! Man I just love him so much.  I don't know what it is but just being in the same room as him makes a person feel so much more energized! It's so great. He and his wife were exactly what this mission needed. It sounds like we're going to be seeing some changes in how the meetings are held and various things so I'm excited to see what happens. It's going to be awesome. And my back is doing okay. Did I tell you we think it's just out of alignment? So basically I've decided that if it acts up again, I'll talk to Sister Griffin about going to see a chiropractor or something. Because that's basically the way to fix it, so I'm told. But we'll see. I imagine I'll be fine for the next long while.

Well, that's about it this week. I already told you the biggest story. But just wanted to share something I learned this morning during my studies.

In Alma chapter 37, Alma (the younger) is basically teaching his son Helaman everything he needs to know in order to be the prophet. And, as a member in my last area pointed out, you'd think he'd  reveal some sort of grand secret. But he doesn't. It's so simple and straight forward and that's how we all need to live our lives, whether we're a prophet or not.

Also, in verse 16, Alma is giving his son charge concerning the scriptures that have been kept by all the ancient American prophets. And he tells him of his sacred charge, that he must appeal to God in all things concerning them. And I realized that that verse applies to all of us, as members of the  Church of Jesus Christ. Because the Lord has entrusted us with something sacred. For me, He has entrusted me with the spiritual welfare of the children of God in Rochelle, IL. For you, it may be the spiritual welfare of an entire ward, or maybe just a 9 year old Primary class. But nonetheless, He has entrusted you with something sacred. And you absolutely MUST appeal to Him in all things concerning them. And the promise is that, as you do that, "no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words." And I know that that is true. God will fulfill all his promises (see verse 17). He always has been a promise keeper and He always will be. So the question that remains to be answered is this: are you a promise keeper?

Abrazo de,
Hermana DeBuck

Fotos:

1. We had a Relief Society activity where we displayed our talents. Well, Hermana Henricksen and I hadn't prepared anything, but we brought a cake so we decided to do some frosting painting. (:
Everyone was very impressed. hahaha

 2. Me with a dragon. Enough said.

3. One of the sisters makes chain mail. So this is a chain mail dragon. How cool, right?!

4. We decided to draw out the Gospel of Jesus Christ for a Facebook post. I'm pretty proud, just saying.

Week 48: Baking Soda + Vingar = A Big Let Down

5 Questions: These are from last week--when she only wrote one line about tennis!

1) How are you and your companion getting along?

2) In your current area, do you have a car, share a car, bike?  I can't remember.

3) You mentioned in your last letter that people mistake you hermanas for other religious people.  Are there a lot of Jehovah's Witnesses there?  Do they assume that you are JW too?  Does that happen often?

Last week's answers:
1. haha well good but she's leaving tomorrow....
2. we have our own car.
3. I don't know about a lot of Jehovah's Witnesses, but enough that people constantly think we are them. I've been told that the Jehovah's Witnesses is about the same size as our church world-wide, but there are probably more Jehovah's Witnesses in town than members. But then, I don't actually know.

5 Questions this week:

1) What was the deal with last week's letter?  I'm glad you got to play tennis, but, holy cow!  You can do better than that.  ;)

2) Is this week transfers?  Any hint if you will stay or go?

3) Have you by chance seen Elder Golling yet?  He is coming to your mission, but will speak English, so you may not ever see him.

4) Did you get ANY of the packages we sent for your birthday week?

5) Did everything we sent work for you?  Size was OK, etc?

This week's answers:
1. Sorry....haha but I'll try to make up for it this week.

2. Yes. I am staying here in Rochelle, and getting an Hermana that just finished training. (Hermana Henrickson)

3. He comes today/this morning/tomorrow. So maybe I'll see him tomorrow at transfer meeting. Almost certainly I will actually. And hey, the English Elder who is staying in Rochelle will be training so maybe he'll get Elder Golling. Wouldn't that be crazy....

4. Yes, I got the iPad case, as well as the first package you sent. I love the skirt, good choice! I did wait to open the skirt until my birthday, in case you were wondering.

5. Well, I'll let you know next week about the new garments (I'm assuming that's what's in the package you sent with Pam...)

Alright, well, first things first: yes, transfers is this week, as you've probably gathered by now. Hermana LaBonte is headed to Rockford 4th, which is a Spanish branch, and the missionary she is replacing will be my new companion, so that's kind of funny. Hermana Henrickson just finished training up there, and I've met her a couple times at zone meetings, but that's it. She is super cute though, and I'm really excited to work with her. I admit I'm also a little nervous because we're reading through the section of the White Handbook about Missionary Leadership, and it includes senior companions--which is what I'll be. Up until now I've only ever been co-senior companion or junior companion. But I think I'm up to the task (with divine help, of course).

Our investigator that was on date didn't come to church (we were devastated) so now he has fallen off date. It's really hard with his schedule because he works literally all day and only has weekends off, but he has his kids with his for the summer so he wants to do things with them, and then he's driving to and from Chicago all the time and it's just hard...but man he is so prepared. He just has to make it a priority....so it's hard. It's actually really frustrating, but I think I'm learning some patience and  understanding through the whole process. It's hard because you love these people so much and you know that this is what will help them qualify for eternal life, but they have their agency so it's up to them whether or not they do something about it. It's okay. When they choose to use their agency in a  way that propels them towards exaltation, there is no greater feeling.

This week was good, just tiring. I can't believe how tired I am. But at the same time I never want this to end! It hit me this morning/last night how precious the time is that I have left. And I don't want to let a single glorious opportunity pass me by. I've got plenty of time to do things other than full-time missionary service, but I only have 18 months to devote to the Lord and His mighty work. I know that this message is the one single thing that can save the world from itself. I know that Jesus Christ will soon come again, and the Gospel that He restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith is what will help us to be prepared for that marvelous day. I love the Book of Mormon and the Prophet Joseph, and I will strive every day of my mortal life (and then some) to declare this wondrous truth.

Love, Hermana DeBuck

P.S.
In case you're wondering, I spent almost my entire birthday doing service and I think it was indeed the best birthday ever.

FOTOS:

 1. My last day as a teenager: we spent our dinner hour riding a tandem bike!

2. Us with our 8 year old recent convert, Betty (it was a primary
activity and we went to help with translation, initially)

 3. Us with Rosa and Betty, both recent converts, on my birthday. I love them.

 4. We found a dead snake this morning while backing out of our
"driveway"/dead end street. Isn't it fascinating? (haha sorry Mom.) 

5. Day of the primary activity again. Selfie with the 8 year old. (:

 6. The weekly corn foto, of course. Look at how tall it is... (: haha  this poor patch just is having a struggle this summer. ("The struggle is so real...")

7. Last chance for companionship selfies, so here's the (more) photogenic one...

8. And the not so photogenic one.....I think I must have a lot of skin around my neck.

9. Last week we went to Dekalb and the Michoacana there (it's a mexican ice cream place) and we got elote and helado! This is Hermana Capps and Hermana Richardson too. This foto was supposed  to be a silly face picture.... Everyone looks so nice and "silly"....and then there's me....... Aren't you so proud, ma? hahaha

10. Me with Andara and Larry. They're the grandkids of one of our members, and we get to have dinner and a lesson with them once a month, but they came with Grandma to the activity on Saturday! I didn't want to risk not getting a picture so we took one then. Andara's face kills me...She looks like someone I know.... (;