Week 73: Now I Feel Like A Fit Pillsbury Dough Boy

1) Do you hear from any of your former companions, ever? Do you keep in contact with them?

2) Are you opposed completely from a Valentine's package?  I know you said no more treats.  But I feel like a "bad missionary mom" if I don't do something.

3) Do you read exclusively from the Book of Mormon in your scripture study, or do you mix up your studies and cover all scripture by studying topically?

4) How is the winter there?  Colder, snowier, wetter, etc than last winter?  are you holding up OK?

5) How is your health holding up?  Anything unusual?

1. I do every once in a while. My past companions that are still in the mission send me their weekly emails so that's fun. 
2. I'm not entirely opposed, I just don't know what you'd put in it....because the only thing you could send that would be used before I go home is food. But I don't think I need any of that. And anything else would just be more stuff to get home or leave behind. I've tried thinking of something I could use but I literally can't think of anything...sorry.
3. For me, personally, what I do is I begin my hour of personal study by reading the Book of Mormon for 10 minutes, and then I study out of Preach My Gospel (the missionary guide) for 10 minutes--I'm studying it from front to back, or at least that was the original idea but it's pretty slow going because I only have ten minutes--and then I study a Christlike attribute for 10 minutes. The last 30 minutes I use to study for investigators, so I'll use Preach My Gospel, the New and Old Testaments, the Book of Mormon, True to the Faith, the Bible Dictionary/the index/the Guide to the Scriptures, etc. It all kind of depends on the needs of the people we're teaching that day. I'm trying to read through the New Testament, but it's pretty slow going because one hour just isn't enough ever.
4. The winter this year is much milder than last year. There have been a couple single digit days but not many. And it isn't that snowy either. Today it was actually sprinkling/misting rain. I'm doing fine though. I'm pretty much prepared for anything so I just take what we get because the weather doesn't affect much of the work of salvation. The only reason it would is if it's below zero degrees (F) without windchill. Then we're not allowed to go out. Which makes me wonder how people in Russia or Mongolia or other really cold places ever get anything done...maybe we're all just super wimpy here or something.
5. Health wise I'm doing fine I think. About three times a week we work out with one of the sisters in one of the wards so this is probably the best shape I've been in my whole mission. I still have weird back issues at times, but it's just soreness. None of that crazy I-can't-move-ness so that's good. Plus I've been really trying to get my 5 fruits/veggies every day and drinking more water. A couple times I actually got 8 glasses and I was SO proud of myself. Because that's the hardest part of Fit for the Kingdom for me. (For those who aren't aware, Fit for the Kingdom is our mission "diet". We get points if we meet certain parts and if you get over 400 points for the transfer then you get a gift card to Subway, or something like that. Trust me, I've not gotten close to that yet but I am improving and that's what really matters, right? I'm just building healthy habits for the rest of my life. haha)

Wow I don't even know where to begin this week. SO MUCH HAPPENED. And since I've been pretty skimpy on the emails as of late (sorry) I'll try to give you a summary of the highlights of each day:

MONDAY

Okay so a lot happened but nothing worth noting this day. haha we're just building up the suspense here, okay.

TUESDAY

A sister invited us over for lunch so we visited her. Every time we visit she always gives us something random to take with us. This week it was tights, hand sanitizer, a heat compress, face wash, bowls and salt & pepper shakers. haha she's so great. 

We also knocked a lot of doors, which we haven't really done since I got here the beginning of December. Oh man it was so great. I've missed knocking doors. Every door is like a wild card, a surprise. We had some pretty funny/interesting encounters with people closing the door as they talked with us until it was maybe a quarter of an inch wide. One man we talked to did that and then, when we asked him his name, he took one look at us and closed the door. Another woman, when we asked if Maria and Reyna live there, told us that they didn't. We asked her name and she said "Reyna". haha man I just love people. They're so great. It's something that has really helped me to stay positive throughout my mission, because normally when we knock doors, we have experiences with people slamming the door in our face or telling us to go away or something. But it's easier to stay positive if you look for the good in those situations. And you know, someday those people will come round and they'll have true, lasting happiness and peace.

Also taught English class. We worked with Pablo, one of our investigators. He knows about five words/phrases in Spanish, so we went over the alphabet with him again. Oh man, I don't know why but it sure is fun. It's also really hard to say the alphabet in English now, it's been so long.

WEDNESDAY

Oh boy, was this a good day! Instead of our normal district meeting, we got to watch a Worldwide Missionary Broadcast with some of the Apostles and other General Authorities. It was truly amazing. For those who are interested, we have approximately 75,000 full-time missionaries now, serving in over 400 missions. How crazy is that?! Oh man, it was just so marvelous. I was able to receive a lot of revelation that I know is going to help me endure to the end with joy.

That evening we were able to teach a less-active sister in one of the wards. We just stopped by and she let us in, and I think it truly was led by the Spirit. We were able to have a really powerful lesson with her, that I honestly don't think Elders could have had--we discussed our divine nature as daughters of God and helped her recognize how she can have the Spirit more in her life. We're also going to be visiting her again this evening and I am very excited to help this daughter of God come even closer to Christ.

THURSDAY

Two of our investigators had their baptismal interviews and they passed with flying colors. Our district leader was actually in tears because he was so touched by this hermana's humility. Man I love these two. They'll be baptized this coming Saturday at 6 pm. They are such an inspiration to me. When I grow up, I want to be as humble as the G. family.

Also had dinner with a recent convert and his wife (she was already a member): the Hartung's. They are so much fun! They took us out to eat at a Thai restaurant (also delicious) and man, I just love being around them. They're so down to earth and humble. Unfortunately they're moving to Arizona soon so we don't get to be with them for much longer.

We had about 30 minutes before we had to leave our area for exchanges and we had some tracting (knocking doors) in the plans. That morning we had picked streets to knock and we'd both felt one of the same ones, along with some others. I knew that we'd both felt that one for a reason so we went and the very first door we knocked on we didn't even get around to knocking! A man opened the door as we walked up (he was waiting for someone else, but still) and we taught him a little about what we teach and he expressed interest in learning more! We set up a return appt for Tuesday (tomorrow) and we're excited to teach him the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ! Inspired tracting: I love it.

FRIDAY

We were on exchanges and I got to be with my MTC companion, Hermana Capps. What made it even better was that she came here, which is one of her past areas! It was definitely inspired to have our exchange when we did (it was planned approximately one day in advance as opposed to at least a week, which is more normal) because we were able to visit some of the people that Hermana Capps taught while she was here and it was perfect! We had an awesome lesson with her convert, Gonzalo, as well as a lesson with an investigator couple (Samuel and Imelda) that she found. With Samuel and Imelda, we knelt and he offered the prayer, asking very sincerely if this is the path that God wants for him. It was amazing. Plus, they fed us tamales and mexican hot chocolate afterwards. haha score! (But the main reason it was awesome was the lesson, not the food, I promise.)

Also that day, we had to get gas but our receipt didn't print so we had to go inside to get it and we ended up teaching the cashier for about five minutes! Definitely not a coincidence people. As an hermana in my last area always said, "No hay casualidades". Y es la verdad.

SATURDAY

Had a meeting with Bishop Malley (Sycamore ward) and Brother McConkie, our ward mission leader, plus Brother Hartung (a ward missionary) and the elders that morning. We got to eat breakfast (Sis Malley is a fantastic cook....) and then discussed the work of salvation in this area. Bishop Malley is awesome, though very intense about everything, which is somewhat intimidating at times. But Brother McConkie is basically an angel and he just knows exactly when we need a bit of an explanative pick-me-up. The work truly is hastening.

Due to the meeting, we started our studies about an hour later than normal, and then we got a call during our language study saying that Jose and Ida (my investigators from Rochelle) were getting married in approximately two hours. EXCUSE ME?! So we were like, alright keep us posted and we'll be where we need to be when we need to be there. Later, we get a call saying Jose and Ida are at the church right now, but we were the closest ones to them (everyone else was in Rochelle--everyone else being the Rochelle Hermanas and Branch President Walters). So we run to the church and let the family in. The Rochelle hermanas get their soon and then we find out that President W has been detained--one of his locksmith jobs was going to take four times longer than expected, so he wouldn't be there for an hour, maybe an hour and a half. So we sent everybody else to go get lunch while Hermana Albrechtsen and I decorated a little bit. Luckily, Sister Owens, who runs the family history center, was there so she helped us out and it turned out pretty lovely. It's amazing what you can find in an LDS church building as far as decorations go. Eventually, everybody who needed to be there was in the same room and they were officially married. So cool. It was a little weird because apparently they had decided the night before that this was going to happen--and one of the Primary girls from our ward was getting baptized at about the same time so there was a bit of confusion--but it all worked out! haha I love those two and I am so happy for them.

Also had a great finding lesson with a member family, the Henricksen Family, in Dekalb. We taught about our mission vision--1000 baptisms in our mission in the year 2016--in relation to Lehi's vision at the beginning of the Book of Mormon. As we taught, Sis Henricksen told us that she had a coworker that we should go visit. Well, one thing led to another and right after dinner we followed her to his house and knocked on his door. It was awesome! He was ready to let us teach him before he even knew what we were going to teach him about! He is so prepared. We just taught him on the doorstep for a few minutes but we were able to set up an appt for this coming Wednesday at a time when Sis Henrickson and his whole family will be there. The vision is truly coming alive before our very eyes. And get this: he offered to feed us. Wow. Just, wow.

SUNDAY

Saturday night we had gotten a call from an unknown number and, come to find out, it was Howie A (from my first area in Normal)! He and his wife were passing through Sunday and wanted to stop in and see us both. Man I love those two so much. They also brought up a pan of cinnamon rolls. (They know us so well.) haha

Also, Saul and Francisca and Diego were all at church, plus Samuel and Imelda. Saul and Francisca were totally fellowshipping Samuel and Imelda--they're just too perfect. Also, Saul gave the lesson in Gospel Principles (he's not even a member yet people). Samuel shared a very sweet  thought/testimony at the end of our class, and Imelda seemed to enjoy herself too. Our Spanish group is getting pretty strong here; I love it. I love these people so much. I truly am so blessed to be serving as an Hermana in the Sycamore-Dekalb area of the Illinois Chicago West Mission. 

I have learned so much and I continue to learn and grow everyday. I am definitely not the same person that I was just 17 months ago, for which I am eternally grateful. I know that the Lord is hastening His work. This is the truth. There is no other organization or group of people on the earth that have the very authority of God to perform ordinances of salvation--for the living and the dead--and to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He stands at the head of His Church, and at the side of His disciples. Each of us has the potential, as children of God, to bear the name of Christ and share His restored gospel with all nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples. It is a privilege to be a full-time representative of Jesus Christ. I know that I am nothing; as to my own strength I am weak. But I truly can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Alma 26:12; Phil 4:13) This is the Church and Gospel of Jesus Christ, which were lost from the earth for nearly 2000 years. But God has not abandoned us; He has not ceased to speak to the children of men. He truly has restored His priesthood authority through a young man, even a prophet of the Lord, Joseph Smith. He truly did see God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, that spring morning in 1820, in a forest in upstate New York. I know it, and I know that God knows that I know it, and I cannot deny it. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and is another testament of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Together with the Bible, each of us may know the doctrine of salvation that we may inherit eternal life. All of this knowledge and even more is available to every child of God, if he or she will but ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true (Moroni 10:4). I know that He is your Father, and He will answer your sincere prayer, if you will but ask with real intent, believing that you will receive. Of this I testify, as a set apart representative of my Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, in His name, Amen.

Love, Hermana DeBuck

Fotos:

 1. With Gonzalo, Hermana Capps' convert here in Sycamore. He was overjoyed to see her again. I imagine that's what it'll be like in the spirit world, except probably even better. (:

 2. At the end of exchanges....it's super dark, sorry. haha but it was 8 o' clock at night. We do what we can, but we're only missionaries.

 3. Me with Jose and Ida at their wedding. (It wasn't even planned, but I totally match the colors we picked out for them...) They were so thrilled. And don't they look lovely!

4. Us with the Albrechtsens. It was so fun to see them again! They said when I come back to visit I can stay with them. haha I love them so much.

5. Got our hairs cut today. I love that members are willing to do that for us, for free. Even if we just used a garbage bag as a cape. haha it was definitely worth it. And doesn't my hair just look lovely....haha ah well. You know, you just stop caring after a while. Because there are more important things than how your hair looks--like the salvation of souls.

Week 70: How Many Times Do You Have To Be Repreimanded/Counseled To Fill The Font?

5 Questions:
1) Were you a trainer before Sister Albrechtson?  We got a nice letter from the mission office that you were made a trainer, but I thought you had been one before.
2) We also got a nice thank you letter from the mission office about my sending  McDonald's gift cards.  Did you get one--I hope not.  I meant them to go to missionaries that didn't get much/anything from their families.  Just wondering...
3) Has winter shown up there yet?  It is winter here in a BIG way.  Christmas day we had a ton of snow--so we came home to a yard/driveway/housetop full.
4) Are you warm enough?  Do you like your Christmas presents?  You really didn't say too much when we talked on Christmas.
5) Did you get my message that I put Grandma Eileen's and Grandpa Herb's Christmas money in your account?

1. No, this is my first time.
2. I did not get one, at least not from the mission/you. Just from other people. (By the way, shout out "thank you" to everyone for the Christmas cards/gifts/notes! I really wish I could write hand written thank you notes to each and every one of you, but I just can't. I'm sorry. I am not superhuman and it just won't happen. I still love you though.)
3. Yeah, so last week on Monday we got some crazy snow that is nicknamed "heart attack snow" because it is so dense that when you shovel it, you're likely to get so worked up that you'll have a heart attack if you're not careful. Or something like that. Anyway, there was a winter storm warning with snow and freezing rain and whatnot, but we did just fine. However, the snow froze overnight and walking over it now is like walking over a frozen lake. We had a grand old time jumping on it outside a members' house because there's no fear of falling into the ice cold water below--because it's just grass.
4. I am definitely warm enough. haha I did like my Christmas presents, thank you. I just wasn't expecting so much. I think I just dislike talking about gifts people give me because it makes me feel uncomfortable but I really am grateful. Promise.
5. Got the message at least now, but I think I did before too. Thank you.

WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?!!
Basically, this was the week of miracles.
If I could write about every single one, it'd probably take you an hour to read it--and that would name an inordinate amount of time to write for me, which is time that I simply do not have. So a summary is what you'll get and you'll just have to be happy with it.

• I love going by less active members' homes that you don't know anything about--and then they're super duper nice! It's the greatest feeling, I tell you what.
• District lunch at a Mexican restaurant and we convinced our district leader to get horchata; needless to say he's in love.
• A dinner appointment cancelled the day of one day and then, as we were driving back to our apt for dinner we got a call from a family saying that they were planning on having the Elders over but they weren't able to make it so if we wanted to we could come over and eat the extra food. I think we got there faster than a horse around a barrel. 
• Because of the impromptu finding lesson and my wonderful companion asking for a referral, we decided to try this less active family later in the week, with the daughter of the family we ate dinner with. But they said we should call first so we did and she was super friendly! Unfortunately she was on her way to work so we couldn't visit. But then she was at church the next day! We were unable to attend that ward's sacrament meeting but we were told that she shared her testimony about all the "coincidences" that helped her want to come today--including a call from the sister missionaries. I love it when you see/hear of the direct fruits of your labors. And I love it when members and missionaries actually work together.
• We taught two of the best investigators of all time, Saul and Francisca (and their 7 year old son Diego). And they told us that they want their son to go on a mission. Also, the wedding date is set and they're on their way to baptism!
• We celebrated New Years with our ward mission leader, Bro McConkie and his family. We did a Spanish (as in Spain) tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight (or 6:30 for missionaries), one at every chime of the clock. I only got through ten because it was so funny to watch everyone else. Then we spent the evening reading the Book of Mormon--our mission president gave us a new challenge of specific things to mark and look for, and we're supposed to be done before April, though I'm going to try to finish before I report home.
• We FINALLY got to do some finding (probably the third or fourth time since I got here) so we went looking for some people who missionaries had met in the past but never taught and one of the doors we get to has someone coming out of it. His name is Hector and he practically asked us to teach him about Christ. Unfortunately he lives in Wisconsin. But I know the Gospel is just as true there as it is here. At another door we knocked we found Marina who somehow has a Book of Mormon and a King James version of the Bible (though we have no record of her being taught) and we taught her for just a bit and set up a return appointment. First new investigator since my first week I think! So cool.
• Went out with one of the Laurels in Dekalb ward to try some less actives for about an hour and the first two had moved--but the people living there were interested in learning more! It was truly miraculous. We told the young woman with us that she must be a lucky charm because rarely do people respond like that. But it was amazing! That is the effect of members and missionaries working together. President Monson is definitely inspired and is definitely the Lord's chosen prophet.
• Jennifer was baptized! She was so so happy and it was such a good service. To make a funny long story short though, we spent the two hours before the baptism started filling the font--with giant pots from the kitchen because we couldn't get the font faucet to work. Eventually one of the bishopric members and his wife came and showed us what to do. In our defense, the directions on the wall are NOT accurate for what to do. But hey, thanks to our giant pots from other water sources in the building, the water was the perfect temperature.
• Jennifer was confirmed on Sunday! The members do such an amazing job of fellowshipping and helping her feel welcome. She also shared her testimony (at the baptismal service and in sacrament meeting) and she did so wonderfully. It was such an amazing experience.
• Saul AND Francisca (and Diego) came to church and she loved it! It was her first time and it was a really good one. But then, they're always good. We had set up 8 headsets for translation and all of them were gone. Sadly, Pablo was unable to make it and one of our other investigators dropped us via text, but he'll come around when it's his time, I know it. Also, we found out this morning that our investigator couple paid tithing yesterday, due to some powerful testimonies on tithing--and we've never even taught them what it is. The gospel is SO true, people.
• We got a call one morning from someone that we'd stopped by the day previous, leaving a note with our number. For those who aren't too familiar with missionary work, that NEVER happens. Seriously. People never call us when we leave a note. Not even members. But this guy did. And he told us he's looking for something more in his life and he thinks this might be it. Well, Dan, the path to eternal life is about to open up before your eyes. (He's one of three people we'll be handing over to the elders, but the gospel they teach is the same exact one we teach, which is the same exact one that Christ teaches, so it doesn't matter who teaches or who baptizes because it's all just so true!)
• We visited Saul and Francisca and Diego on Sunday in the afternoon and  they accepted a baptismal date of 30 January! We are so excited for them. Diego asked, "I have to be 8 to be baptized right?" and when we said yes he told us in three months he'll turn eight, so we told him that his dad will be able to baptize him. He was so excited. Also, his parents want him to serve a mission in Mexico--probably to find, teach, and baptize all their cousins. Aren't they the greatest? I think yes.

Basically, Heavenly Father is so good to us. I love being a missionary and sharing the gospel with everyone. I especially love giving cards to cashiers and random people in the store and sharing a simple testimony of Christ and His restored Gospel. The Gospel is so true. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and so is the Bible. Joseph Smith is God's chosen prophet in these latter-days to restore the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet on the earth today and the only man authorized to receive revelation for the entirety of the human family. I know that when we follow his counsel and the words of the ancient prophets found in the holy scriptures, we will not fall off the path and one day, we too will partake of the fruit of the tree of life (see 1 Nephi 8).

Love, Hermana DeBuck


Fotos:

1. Us with one of the pots we used to fill the font. We are nothing if not creative and resourceful.

2. Using the water from the men's shower--the women's was colder and yellowy...no thanks.

3. The other water source was the cleaning closet, and we used the mop bucket to transport the bucket from the closet to the font.

4. Jennifer and us, just before her baptism. Isn't she just glowing? (Pardon my awkward smile, I was in the middle of chewing a brownie, which was all I had for dinner....)

5. This time we are literally glowing. Oh boy. But this is us with Jennifer and Brother McConkie (the ward mission leader) who baptized her.

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 22: The Margins Are Weird and It Bothers Me, But I'm Lazy

5 Questions: 

1) About the boots, when I went to order the shorter, more traction boots--they didn't have then in a size 8.  How about these?  Will these work?  If you like them, I'll order then Monday. (Kamik Women's Vienna2 Boot)

2) If I am putting a little box together for you is there anything you would like me to include?  You haven't mentioned anything, really, so if you don't. you are at my mercy to send tings I think you 'll like.  Just saying.

3) How are your investigators progressing?

4) Do you even know why the ward has "trust issues" with the missionaries?  That is so weird to me.

5) Do you hear from anyone regularly besides me and Dad?  Just curious.

1. They didn't come in a size 7.5 did they? If not, no worries. Those look like they'll work just as well. Thanks momma. Also, I do hope you're using the Christmas money you and dad gave me. Because you should. Seriously. Do it. Okay? Okay.

2. Actually, if those white cap sleeve undershirts are still being sold at Costco (the brand says Heirloom), could you send me a couple? Mine are still wearable but I've got three from Down East that are just stretched out I think so they're a little difficult to work with. Oh, this may sound weird, but will you send me a little 3 ring binder from Deseret Book that says "Missionary Journal" on the front? The one I have right now is pink--and it's going to be bulgy pretty soon. Once I have filled it I'm going to send it home but I'll need another binder thing...I know, it's weird. But I've got more papers than will fit in the one binder well, so....yeah.  Did I tell you that missionary CD? I can't remember...sorry. Mi mente se fue...Also, I will probably be sending some stuff  home soonish because I don't want to have so much stuff to transfer with me...the problem is that I can't send winter stuff home because I'm going to need it again next winter, which is a little frustrating, but I'll deal  with it. One more thing regarding this, so I was debating about buying a suitcase that's bigger than the small one I've got because the small one is just barely too big to be a carry-on which means I could  have more room...(weight isn't my problem, it's space). But I wanted your opinion first. Plus, I'm not sure what I'd do with the small suitcase if I got a larger one to replace it... This isn't pressing or anything, but I was thinking that would help me out for transfers because last time I had two boxes of stuff that I can't just get rid of (study supplies and whatnot) but I don't wanna lug two extra boxes around the mission. Am I making any sense? I'm not sure... sorry.

P.S. What's the best way to send stuff home, specifically paper stuff? I know that weighs a lo and I'm not sure if it would be better to use a flat rate or just find a random box...

3. Well, currently we only have two progressing investigators (Angelina and Mary) and they both want to be baptized, but they've got a bit of a hold up--obviously, or they would've been baptized  already. Angelina just doesn't feel ready, though she basically is; we've taught her almost all of the lessons. She's so cute though. And then Mary was baptized before but had her name removed from Church records--through headquarters. So we're not exactly sure what needs to happen nor what is going to happen. So we're working with her and Bishop Eames (he's Australian) to get it figured out. All of our other investigators aren't technically progressing because they don't come to church. We've been going through the process of figuring out who is actually interested and who is just too polite to say no to us. That's something Hermana Grant is really good at. So it's a little sad to drop people, but I just have to keep telling myself that they're just not ready right now, but eventually they will be. President says there's a statistic from the Church that the average person hears the message six times and rejects it before accepting it.

4. No, I don't really know. Either no one actually knows or no one will tell us. Elders Campbell and Johnson told us what they know which is that there were issues with the meal calendar about a year ago because the Hermanas were just kind of doing their own thing and didn't really belong to anyone (or something like that) but still wanted to be fed which pulls from the Elders' meals so that's not
really fair and blah blah blah. I don't really know. It all seems a little strange but we've gotta deal with the ill effects either way.  Ah well. We met with Bishop Goodman this last week and had a good talk
about our role in his ward and what we can do to help, and our ward mission leader said Bishop sent an email that spoke favorably of us  and our meeting so it must've been a success. The problem is
(apparently) that we work in all the wards so we don't actually belong to anyone. So we're still figuring out what we can do for all of the wards, but since the sisters were taken out and all the wards have one set of Elders now, we have informed them all that we are more than happy to work with English people, specifically single sisters in the wards, less active or not, in order to built up Zion, as that is part of our calling as stated in Preach My Gospel. So the wards have pretty much embraced that and given us names of sisters to stop by, and we've already seen some success there, so that's really fulfilling. Brother Ames, one of our ward mission leaders, told us that his goal, or his vision, is just to get people in the Church in order to grow the wards--whether it's convert baptisms or  reactivation, it doesn't matter. And I feel the same way. Of course missionaries want to have baptisms, but bringing people to Christ is the ultimate goal.

5. Yes, Chris writes me every week, as well as Kate, pretty consistently. Marina and I have been emailing back and forth a bit because we're both pretty bad at writing letters. I've heard from Hermana Israelsen a few times too, so that's fun.

One question for Grandma and Grandpa Boomgaarden, do you remember an  Elder Lowe serving in Gilroy? One of the families in one of the wards, the Lowe's, their son comes home this Wednesday and he has served in Gilroy so just thought I'd ask.

So this week was really good for key indicators: we had seven member present lessons. Woohoo! We were thrilled with that. And, one of the standards of excellence is to have a member out with us every day and we had five of the seven--we would have had six out of seven except that because of the weather yesterday we weren't allowed to drive anywhere....but yeah! So that was awesome. And there was one day we had five or six lessons in one day. It was great. We really are seeing so many miracles here in Bloomington-Normal. It's fantastic.

So, funny story: in district meeting this last week, the Pontiac Elders led a discussion and did a practice about teaching the First Vision, and we talked about how Satan will do just about anything to
stop us from saying the First Vision because it invited the Spirit so strongly. So we were talking about experiences we've had with that--one was that just as they were starting, the dog walked into the
room, threw up, and walked out. haha oh man....too funny. The one I shared was that just as we were beginning to talk about Joseph Smith, the guy in the room who was asleep woke up and started ranting about something in Spanish but he's extremely hard to understand and then he was crying while ranting so he was even harder to understand. SO weird. haha but funny, looking back. haha.

Anyway, so then they did their practice, the Elders, and just as they were starting the First Vision, the church phone rang. No joke. So Elder Hamman, who was the investigator, "picked up" the phone (using his iPad) and pretended like he was on the phone--Elder Campbell responded in kind, using his
iPad, and they had a "conversation" on the phone. Afterwards, when we were talking about the practice, Elder Hamman thought Elder Campbell had called the church phone but he said he hadn't. Then, later, we did a big group practice and Elder Campbell volunteered to be the investigator (a 90 year old man named Gerald who "Just loves Jesus"....oh my) and just as we were starting the First Vision, someone called the Bloomington 1st Elders' phone--and Elder Campbell had it. hahaha. Oh my goodness. It was hilarious.... Satan is real! No joke. Oh man, it was such a funny district meeting. We have an awesome district. I admit, I thought it would be weird to be the only sisters, and it is, but it's also entertaining. But then, maybe it's just this group of Elders. haha either way, always a laugh, every week.

On Saturday we were going to put Angelina on date for 14 February but she told us she doesn't feel ready. After we talked about it for a bit, she told us to invite Jimmy ass well....so we did. haha his
response: I'd only be baptized in a warm month! So we ended up inviting him to pray about being baptized in July, which he said he'd do.

I've been practicing the piano a bit--no one in our district can play well enough for us to sing to--and I am seriously wishing I had stuck with it. I know, momma: you told me so. However, it's been fun to  play periodically (only about once a week because it's P-day). I hadn't realized how much I like it. I also put some sheet music on my iPad so I can play songs wherever I am--including the Mutual Theme Song for this year, "Embark". I was worried at first because it's 10 pages long but you basically play like 10 different chords the entire time. So it was actually pretty easy. Anyway, maybe  when I get back I'll be able to play the hymns well enough for people to sing to.

Yesterday, they cancelled/moved church so we just had sacrament meeting at 10; everyone was saying that we'd get 6-12 inches of snow basically overnight. Yeah, we got maybe 4", in the deepest
spots....but ah well. Hermana Grant and I walked to church, since we live 1.5 miles from the church (not kidding; 1.5 miles is accurate). But it was a fantastic testimony meeting. The youth had a Book of Mormon read-a-thon this weekend and so various youth, leaders, and parents bore testimony and shared stories from that. And, since we didn't have to be at the church super early, we got to do  personal study before church. I studied faith, and it was awesome because Brother Winsor bore his testimony about faith. Mm, it was so good. I love meetings like that.

Basically, being a missionary is the hardest thing I've done and I think it may be the hardest thing I ever do, but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I am learning so much--about the Gospel,
about people, about myself, about my Father in Heaven. SO MUCH. It hit me this week that January was ending, which means in one month it'll be March which means I've been a full-time missionary for 5 whole months. Excuse me?! Yeah, not cool.

Well, that's about it from me this week. I hope everyone is doing well. Oh, if you're reading the Book of Mormon and marking it according to this reading challenge I extended to ya'll, let me know. I wanna hear how it's going!

Con Todo Mi Amor,
Hermana DeBuck

Fotos:

 

This is what Normal, IL looked like at approximately 11:45 AM yesterday.

Walkin' home in the snow, of course we had to take a selfie, and of course I look like an eskimo.

 

Discovered these stickers on the desk I'm using; of course it used to belong to an Elder, but at least he had good taste.

Week 17: Best. Christmas. EVER.

 Mom notes: Here are this week's 5 Questions:

1) Do you need more contacts sent to you?  Are you even using them?  Are you sticking with your glasses?

2) Were there any books that you needed that we haven't got to you yet?

3) How are the garments holding out?  I know yours aren't that old, but things happen.

4) Need tampons?

5) Did you get Gma Jo's little package?  Did it make sense to you?  Did you write her a thank you note to that you got it?

1. Uh...I honestly have used my contacts twice--in the CCM--and none since I've been in the field. It's just more work in the morning.... Once it starts snowing for real I may use them again (snow and rain don't go well with glasses) but I'm good on that count.

2. No worries on books. We're only allowed, as missionaries, to read Jesus the Christ, Our Search for Happiness, True to the Faith, and Our Heritage; as well as the Ensign and other church magazines. So I'm good there. Plus, to be honest, there is no time to read anything except the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. Which is okay with me. There's always something to get gotten out of those.

3. I'm good on garments. No holes or anything of that sort, so I think I'm doing okay. That might be a good idea for my birthday though... (; haha

4. Nope. That's what Walmart's for.

5. Yes I got Grandma Jo's package, but no I have not yet written a note back to her; we're only to write letters and such on P-day and it's just barely P-day. I'll be doing that later today--unless something catastrophic happens.

Okay, well this week will be a short email as I just talked to you on Thursday.

The work here is going just swimmingly. I love the people we get to work with. It's so amazing to see the change that happens not only in people's lives but in the people themselves. For example, Julia: you can see the light of Christ growing brighter and brighter in her, and it's all because of the Book of Mormon. I really am so blessed to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. Granted, I'm not always a finely tuned instrument, but it's a work in progress.

The holidays have been a bit rough for key indicator numbers, but this weekend we were blessed immensely: prior to Saturday, we had had about four lessons. But then we had four lessons on Saturday and three on Sunday. Oh man. That is what happens when we plan by the Spirit and we follow the promptings we receive during the day. It was awesome!

We're still kind of in denial because Hermana Israelsen leaves in about a week and we don't want it to happen. I told someone yesterday "tengo miedo"....it'll be fine, I know, but I still don't want her to leave. So, that's really sad. So let's not talk about that anymore.

I just wanted to share something real quick that I was learning in personal study this morning. I read from Mosiah 24 about Alma and his people, beginning in verse 17, thereabout. So it says that they packed all their stuff up and it took ALL night. Then they traveled ALL day. When they finally pitched their tents, anyone and everyone who could talk "poured out their thanks to God". And what's the next thing that happens? God tells them that they need to leave. He tells them "if you leave, I'll stop your enemies". But only if they leave right then. They still haven't slept! Maybe it's just me, but if I had been there I probably would have been tempted to say, "let the Lamanites have me." But then, maybe not. Think about what terrible bondage these people had been in. They were willing to pack all night then travel all day and then the first thing they did was praise God for getting them out of bondage. I mean, I don't think I can even fathom how bad they had it. But I think, overall, it just goes to show that even when we do exactly what the Lord asks us to do, we're still going to have to do hard things. It's just part of life. It isn't because He is punishing us; He's testing us. Because that's what life is: a test. It's not supposed to be easy--that would have been Satan's plan. But we all chose to follow Christ while we lived with God in the premortal life, before being born on the earth. We jumped for joy and sang praises to our God for the opportunity to be tested, to have trials, to learn and to grow. So when you're going through a hard time, remember that you asked for this, because you KNEW that Christ would be able to help you. Trust in Him, and you'll never go wrong.

I love this Gospel, and the opportunity that I have to be a missionary and share the happiness that comes through the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's definitely a trial some days, but it is so worth it. I would not trade this time for anything else in the world. Thank you to everyone who makes it possible for me to be here; I know I can't see all that you do for me. This was by far the best Christmas I have yet to experience in my lifetime and I know it's because I can feel the true Spirit of Christmas, the Spirit of Christ, through missionary work. And I can feel it everyday of my life. (I'm already making plans for helping out the hermanas in Logan when I go back to school.) I am so blessed to have been born into this beautiful Gospel and Church, and so it's a small price to pay to be a missionary--and I'm the one that wins in the end. I am so blessed everyday as a missionary. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and all that He does for me. I learned this week that if we don't repent for our mistakes and our sins, then we still have to pay the price for them, even though Christ already has. So make it easier on yourself and don't let Him have payed for your sins in vain: repent! Make the changes that need to be made and you life will be blessed beyond measure--that's what repentance means. I am ever so grateful for the ability I have to repent and to become better, to try again and again to reach my potential. Thanks be to our Father in Heaven for providing a way. He gave us the tools, but we have to use them. I invite everyone reading this to more fully accept those tools and put them to use in your life; if someone gave you the keys to a Charger, it wouldn't do you any good until you put the key in the ignition and turned.

Todo Mi Amor,

Hermana DeBuck

P.S. If the temporal respect, best Christmas present ever award goes to Abby Hollis: 1988 EFY CD = the single most greatest thing of my entire life.

However, this Christmas was the best ever for other reasons, which I will not be enclosing at this time as I don't have the energy to write about it. #sorrynotsorry