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 63: "I Just Realized, You're All Hermanas, So I Better Take This [Photo] in Spanish!"

1) What is the sickest you have been while on the mission? At USU? (Mom note: Her brother was just diagnosed with Mono this weekend!)
2) Have you ever had to use your medical insurance while you were away from home? Did you have any problems trying to use it?
3) How cold has it been there lately?  Any big storms?
4) How are your investigators progressing?  Baptisms still on target?

1. Um, I think the most sick I've been is honestly just a cold...just got over one this week (thank you, Airborne) and I got one last winter when I was with my trainer. But I really think that's it...probably because Heavenly Father knows I'm a baby and can't handle anything more than that. As for at USU, I think probably the same. I suppose I don't really get sick all that often... Usually though what happens when I get sick is I have a stuffy nose for weeks on end and I just can't seem to get over it. Somehow this week though I managed to get rid of all symptoms basically in about a week. Probably because I drank so much orange juice and took Airborne. Hallelujah.
2. I don't think so, actually. So no, no problems. haha
3. It's actually been really nice and fresh here. Yesterday it was about 70 degrees. Today it's a bit rainy so it's a little cooler, but I haven't even had to wear my big coat yet, let alone the snow boots. We heard once upon a time that we weren't going to get snow until after Christmas, but we've since heard that we'll have snow in December most likely. But I honestly don't know. So far it's been really nice. Supposedly it's supposed to be a somewhat mild winter. We'll see how long that lasts though. Just looked at the weather (approved app) and it's supposed to be in the 50s for a few days then in the 30s so I guess the cold is on its way. Brr. I never did like the cold, but at least there's no snow still. (I had to think SO hard to come up with the word "still"; it's been replaced by the Spanish equivalent in my brain...)
4. Well, Jose and Ida are just the most fantastic people of all time. For real. I mean, where do I even begin? So last week they came to church for Sacrament Meeting and then had to go. We were able to teach them on Wednesday and Friday and Saturday. It was awesome. They have such a sincere desire to do God's will and they're beginning to believe in and feel the power of prayer. We did find out about a few obstacles to get over but we have faith and we know they have faith. Ida keeps all of her commitments and then does some extra studying on the side. Jose is beginning to understand how to pray in order to receive answers and then be able to recognize them. I feel like they're my children, but at the same time I feel like they're my parents. It's so great. So we had invited them to come to a baptism this Saturday and Ida told us she had a vendor fair and they weren't sure they'd be able to make it. We gave them the address anyway and told them we'd pray really hard--and then asked about ten of the members and some missionaries to also pray--that 1) Ida would sell all her Tupperware, 2) the vendor fair would end a little early [or that they'd be able to close up a little early] and 3) that she would find someone to go in her place on Sunday [that way she could go to church]. Well, let me tell you something: PRAYER WORKS. I know Heavenly Father answers prayers, even if it's not exactly how we think He will. Because Ida actually didn't sell very much at all; she said it was pretty slow all day. However, the fair ended up being done at 3 instead of at 4 (the baptism was at 4:30 and the fair was in Rockford, about a 30 minute drive away), and she found someone to take her place Sunday! So they came to the baptism (oh, and there were technical difficulties with the font so the service was delayed for about half an hour) and then afterwards we taught them the Word of Wisdom because they have to be living that for two weeks before they're baptized and last Saturday was exactly two weeks before their baptism and then they came to church yesterday and stayed for all three hours. Oh, and yesterday was the Primary program and they loved it! Oh man. I just love this couple. Also, at the baptism, we had some food afterwards and we'd just about run out of plates so Jose and Ida shared one and Hermana Henricksen and I shared one. When the two of us sat down with Jose and Ida, Jose passed me a napkin and I said "Oh thanks, I didn't even think of that!" And he goes "Well, I always take care of my daughters." Aww.... (: I think a tear may have welled up in my eye. I just love these two SO MUCH. There really aren't words to describe it. They're just amazing. I know we can overcome these obstacles because we have faith, they have faith, and our God is mighty to save (Alma 34:18; 2 Nephi 31:19).

So that's basically the main highlight of this week. I'm not sure what else to say. Good news is that I've stayed committed to writing in my journal nightly so I WILL keep up and then everything I forget to tell you will at least be written down so that we may all profit thereby. (haha) But anywho, here's a brief summary of this week:

Monday: We went by a less active family who live out in the boonies, and it was in the evening and mind you, it gets dark at about 5:30. But so we went by and when we pulled up there was someone (we think) in the truck in the driveway but we went up to the door anyway. We could hear the kids yelling inside but no one ever answered. So we went back to the driveway (on the side of the house) and the lights on the truck were off now. So we wrote a note by the light of the lamp on the side of the house and the whole time we could hear them talking, looking through the windows in the garage door (or something like that) and I distinctly heard them say "They're still here..!" I don't know who they thought we were but boy was it funny. haha Maybe it's just me but I'd much rather have the missionaries knocking at my door at 7:30 than anyone else....haha but yeah. I guess we're really intimidating or something.

Tuesday: We were driving up Lincoln Hwy and I was watching people walking outside (since I am the official co-driver) and I saw a lady that I thought was our investigator so I stared until we'd past and then I stared some more and finally I was convinced it was her so we turned and parked on a street, prayed and started walking towards this woman. And it was her! Her name is Irma and she is so great. She's had a lot of bad experiences with people that have left her without much trust in the general population but she likes us (now). We walked with her back to her house, just listening to her really. She commented about how much we laugh. Let me tell you, it's because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Only true things like that make you as happy as us. Anyway, we get to her house and she tells us she's going to finish raking leaves and we practically beg her to let us help her and she concedes. Well, I hardly ever got to rake leaves growing up because there aren't many trees at my house so it was lots of fun! However, in the process I managed to step in some poop. Yes, poop. I believe of the cat variety. Well, we then had to walk quickly back to our car because we had an appointment with an investigator. But I had poop on my boot! I couldn't just track poop into her home! (It's always immaculate, plus that's just not cool period.) So we get to the car and it's about dusk (5 pm, you know) and I can't see very well what I'm doing, but I"m trying to scrape it off with dried leaves. Well, the problem with dried leaves is that aren't very sturdy so it basically just crumbles and now it's on my hand! Well, we begin driving and it begins to smell. So I roll the window down and stick my arm out. By the time we've arrived my arm is FROZEN I tell you. But hey, at least it doesn't smell in the car. While Hna ran up to a member's home to pick something up to take to our investigator with whom we have an appointment, I sat in the car with the door open, trying to get poop off. What did I use? Well I happened to have eaten a banana earlier that day and had nowhere to put the peel so I was using that, plus some napkins we had in the car (for when we check oil levels on Mondays) and some water in a water bottle. Well it sort of worked and it was mostly off. When we got to our appointment finally I asked to use the bathroom and I wiped off a bit more with hand sanitizer. So now at this point my boot smells like a combination of cat poop, banana, and cherry blossom. Our investigator's dog sniffed at my shoe for a little longer than normal. But hey, it was good. haha all in a days work, right?

Wednesday: We visited a sister in the ward who has been having a bit of a rough time lately. We weren't planning on being fed but she fed us anyway. (We had pork chops--in the oven, they were more delicious that I remember pork chops being--and mashed potatoes--she used that Mesquite steak seasoning in the potatoes and it was also delicious--and Brussel sprouts. Oh boy do I love Brussel sprouts. I don't know why but boy are they tasty. Just saying. Also, she had a poster on the wall and it was intriguing. I knew it must have something to do with a video game but didn't know what so I asked her about it. Come to find out it was something with League of Legends. Wow.... I haven't heard that phrase for eons! Just kidding, more like slightly over a year. But it feels like eons. It was just so weird to contemplate that again because I haven't even thought about video games for months. Wow. It made me realize just how much a person can change simply by putting one's mind to it. I know I've had the Lord's help in becoming as focused as I am, and I am truly grateful for that.

Thursday: We had zone conference! Wow. It was awesome. And if I'm being completely honest, the first reason for that is because our zone leaders brought us cake and we ate it. It was divine. haha. But it was also awesome because we learned a lot. Plus, I finally had another interview with President. Man, I love President Griffin. He truly is inspired. I know he is so in tune with the Spirit because he was reading between the lines of my asked question and helped me know what I needed to know. I know he is a man called of God to preside over this mission. He receives revelation for all people residing in these geographic boundaries, as far as missionary work is concerned. And just as we are blessed for following the prophet, Thomas S. Monson, I know we are blessed by following the counsel of Gilbert M. Griffin. I love him and his wife and I am so so grateful for what they teach and what they have taught already.

Friday: So we were doing our plans and no one was letting us in so we had about 30 mins left until the next hour with nothing to do. So we prayed and both felt we should go by Ida and Jose. So we drive across town (takes about 8 minutes) to the neighboring "village" and drop by. And of course they let us in because they're only two of the greatest people on earth. And we had a fantastic lesson. We found out a bit more of Ida's concerns and helped them to gain a little more confidence in themselves and in the Gospel. I know these two are searching for what we are trying to give them, and they are so so so close. They're amazing. And I know Heavenly Father will guide us if we will only ask.

Saturday: we had breakfast with a member and when we got there she tells us she invited our investigator! (they're basically best friends) so that was super cool! Both of these two sweet sisters are going through almost unbearable trials and I think it's not by coincidence that they've met and become good friends. Although they have such different circumstances, I know they will be able to support and lift one another as they continue to seek the Lord first. I am so grateful for the stability of my own family and the health of my loved ones. It's not something you always realize that you're grateful for until it no longer exists or you get up close and personal with someone else's situation. I know I am blessed beyond measure and surely I do not merit the great blessings that I've been given. But I know I will continue to work to be worthy of the blessings I already have and to help others receive the same joy and happiness that my family and I enjoy. I am so blessed to have been born to parents who made sacred covenants between themselves and the Lord and who have worked to keep those covenants throughout their lives. I am so grateful for their example. I hope you both know how much I love you and admire you, even if I don't always express it. I'm still not perfect so I'm working on that part.

Sunday: Well about three months ago our ward mission leader gave us a referral (Tony) of a friend of his who was reading the Book of Mormon of his own volition. We went by with this member to try to find him and got no answer. We went by later and met the brother of this referral who told us Tony didn't live there anymore. Our member then directed us to Tony's other brother to look for more information. We went by and met a woman who was previously meeting with the missionaries (I'd met her once before actually) and she told us to try a house on the corner of a street named Irene, with a poodle almost always on the car in the living room window. So we did. We probably tried that house about 3 times and no one ever answered. And we never ever saw a poodle. So we went back to this woman and she told us it was the second door down in the apartment building on the corner. So we tried the second door and met a man whose name wasn't Tony and he didn't know of anyone named Tony. We tried the first door and they had a giant dog--not Tony. Well, Saturday we went back and decided to try all the other doors on that corner because we just wanted to find Tony. And the very first door we knocked was answered by a young woman who said her dad was Tony. Uh, what?! However, he was asleep so she said to come back the next day before 2. So we did. And we found Tony! Oh my goodness! It was harder that finding Waldo but we finally did it. And he's awesome! He asked us where the church building was and said he'd come and also let us set up an appointment to come teach him. Oh boy. I'm excited. He told us he began reading the Book of Mormon out of curiosity and he just wants to finish it so he can know everything. haha by all means, keep reading! It was truly a miracle. (Also, it did turn out to be a second door, just coming from the direction not of the corner...)

I had plenty of time today so this should be long enough for the next month or so right? haha (maybe I'm kidding.)

I know the Gospel is true and I know there is nothing that could make a person happier than the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. As I learned at zone conference from a Hindu-converted-Mormon, Elder Murchison: Hinduism is based on the experience of the four blind men (in the story of the 4 Blind Men and the Elephant) but the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is based on the experience of the man who saw the whole elephant. There is nothing truer on the earth, that I know. How do I know? Because I read the Book of Mormon and I prayed and I fasted and I asked God, with the intent to act according to the answer. I invite you all to find out for yourselves if this truly is true. If it isn't, well then you've knocked one more religion out of the running. But if it is, then you know what you need to do. I promise you that if you will ask with a sincere heart and real intent, having faith in Christ, by the power of the Holy Ghost you too can come to know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ, reestablished on the earth once more so that all of the children of God may be benefited and one day inherit eternal life.

Love, Hermana DeBuck

Fotos:
1. #thatawkwardmoment when auto-correct turns your name into something two times longer and actually more complicated.

2. Some of my favorite hermanas at zone conference (from left to right: Hermana Taylor, H. Dahle, H. Neff, H. LaBonte, H. Griffin, H. Henricksen, and yours truly.)

Week 59: If I Had a Woman Like You in My Life Telling Me That Everyday, I Really Could Change!

5 Questions:
1) How often do you get to have a General Authority in your mission?  Have you been able to meet together and learn from him?
2) Did the winter get there before you got the clothes?  I couldn't tell how close you were to the BIG cold front that dove down from Canada into IL.
3) Have you had any change with any of the investigators you are working with?  are they coming to church?  Is that the biggest issue most have to progress?
4) When have you felt ht Spirit the strongest on your mission?
5) What strengthens your faith when you feel down?  You generally don't SOUND down but I'm sure it happens.  What do you do when it does?

1. I believe we have a whole mission conference every six months and a general authority (a member of the quorum of the seventh or a member the quorum of the twelve) comes. They'll usually do a mission tour too, I believe, though I'm not sure exactly what that entails. I personally haven't had the chance to sit down one-on-one with one of these divinely appointed men, but I know other missionaries have. But part of what happens is we'll have zone conferences so he and his wife will teach whatever they are inspired to teach in each of the zone conferences, so we do get to learn from them. It's always very inspiring and revelatory.
2. Nah, it's not that bad. I've still got a trench coat I've been wearing, plus one of our members made us those cute headband ear warmer things so I'm doing great! It was a tad chilly, but we survived. I'll be fine for at least a week without anything else.
3. Not particularly. Unfortunately, no one we're teaching is coming to church or has come to church since I got here...but we're working toward it. That is the biggest problem we have in this area, but again, we are working on it. Haha poco a poco. I will talk a bit more specifically about one of our investigators a little later in this email though... 
4. Oh wow. That is hard to say. The first issue here is recognizing how the spirit feels. Which I am learning to do and I think I've gotten a lot better than since before my mission. But then the next issue is deciding what kind of prompting is the strongest. Because sometimes it's really strong because the Spirit is warnings us about something, other times it's really strong because we are testifying of restored truths, other times it's because the spirit is trying to get me to do something I don't want to do. Each of those feelings is a little bit different, but I would say for the most part they're equally strong. If I had to put it into just a few moments, I would say for the most part, I feel the spirit the strongest when I am testifying if my Savior Jesus Christ, of His chosen prophet in these latter-days, Joseph Smith, and of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Because those are eternal truths, and one of the roles of the Holy Ghost is to testify of truth. The most poignant moments are when I have the opportunity to look a person in the eye and tell them that even if they won't accept the truth as truth, it will continue to be truth, and it does continue to be truth. I have told people, as pressed upon by the Spirit of God, that there will come a day when the Bible simply will not be sufficient, and they will remember this conversation and my words, and know, once and for all, that my words were complete and utter truth from God. I think those have been the moments of my mission where the Spirit is the strongest.
5. I don't think there's been even a week of my mission that hasn't included at least a moment of feeling "down". I'm sure it happens to all missionaries (all people for that matter) but I feel especially susceptible to moments of negativity because I simply am not a very positive, happy type of person. But what helps me is saying a prayer and reading my Book of Mormon, usually Jacob 5, 2 Nephi 4, or Alma 26. Those are my go-to pick-me-up chapters. Quite often I turn to those pages in my Spanish Book of Mormon and then I am able to feel better God's love for me and rekindle the fire of my faith and the hope of my salvation--and that of those around me. Of course the scriptures done have ALL the answers to our personal lives, but I know that when we want God to speak with us, we should open our scriptures to show Him that we really are listening.

Well, I was going to start by saying that this week was super good and I'm not sure why, but if I really think about it, it's easy to see why I feel so good: we've been talking to everyone! And although I know it's what we're supposed to be doing, and I know that it makes me happy, it's always so hard. But once I've done it a few days, it's not so hard! In fact, I love it! We have met some of the greatest people this week, and I can't say that they're progressing toward baptism right this very minute but I know the seed has been planted. And because we talked to everyone and were being diligent with our time, I know we found the reason we needed to be in that specific area at that specific time. So that was amazing.

Also, our investigator Gloria told us this week that she'd like to be baptized! Unfortunately, we weren't able to put her on date, but I know this week we will. We really just need to talk with her about how she has to come to church in order to be baptized--that's part of the promise you make at baptism after all. I think then she'll really want to come to church (she still hasn't come...) So we're fighting the very powers of hell here, but where aren't we? It's just amazing to know that we truly are on the Lord's errand and the moment we do His work in His way, we see miracles. Daily. There is no question in my mind that this is His work and His glory, and as I recently "ponderized", it truly is my glory and my joy that perhaps I may be an instrument in His hands to brig some soul to repentance (Alma 29:9).

I also came to the realization this week that I only have approximately 19 more weeks as a full-time missionary. And I think, as terrifying as that statement of fact is, remembering that was exactly the push I needed. Because yes I'm exhausted and tired and sore all the time, but the time has already flown by. And I know it'll only go faster as the end gets closer. And I don't want to have any more regrets when the end comes. So I'm going to work as hard as I possibly can, and as smart as I possibly can, to utilize this precious time that I've been given.

Unfortunately, I can't remember the other cool/inspiring things that happened and that I learned, but I guess that's one reason we're supposed to keep a journal! We had a zone activity today so I don't have a ton of time to write. But know I love you and to everyone who reads this, directly or indirectly, know that you have a loving Father in Heaven who is aware of you and your needs. You are His child. And there is absolutely nothing you or anyone else can do that will every change that. He wants you to return to Him, and has provided the perfect plan to achieve that; now it's up to you. He believes in you. If He didn't, He wouldn't have sent His Son to be your Savior. The Gospel is true, and it's the only way for us to have our families with us for the eternities. And though it may seem like an impossible standard to live up to, it's really quite simple: there are only five steps. I know you can do it.

Love, Hermana DeBuck


Fotos:

1. Our landlord/branch president pulled this nasty out of our bathtub drain. All the Hermanas that have lived in this house...left this treasure.

2. My sweet companion made breakfast one day! So cute!

3. We helped out a recent convert; they've been putting siding on their house and had to tear everything off first. They had three days to put all the trash in this giant dumpster and the three of us got it done in about two hours!

4. Pardon my posture, but here is me, modeling the latest in apron styles...haha

5. We found the coolest chairs the other day! We knocked on the lady's door and she told us all about them--she even said we can sit on them if we want!

Week 54: It's Rosh Hashanah!

5 Questions:
1)    Dad forwarded me the mission newsletter.  What do you think of the "Fit for the Kingdom" challenge?  Are the new Mission President and wife big time health food/exercise fans?
2)    Are you going to do the challenge?
3)    Do you have much interaction with Sister Griffin?
4)    Did you get your flu shot yet?
5)    Do you need me to put money in your account?

1. Well, I honestly haven't read it yet so I'm not sure about the newsletter.... And I don't know if our mission president and Sister Griffin are health/exercise fans.... I think they may just be concerned that we haven't been paying enough attention to our health and so we suffer a bit. I don't know though.  This is just me pulling something out of the air for an answer...haha

2. Maybe... I won't commit to anything just now, but I would think yes. No promises though.

3. Sort of. She LOVES going out with the missionaries, but it's a bit harder because we're farther away from her. When we have zone meetings/conferences, she'll usually go out with a set of sisters while President does his president stuff. She was going to go out with us last time, but it just didn't work out because of timing and whatnot. So I think the next zone meeting we have, she'll probably go out with us. But we'll see. She's super cute and awesome. Plus, she speaks Spanish. What more could  we want?

4. No.....(do I have to?)

5. No I'm okay. I'm trying to not spend money. I got some cash from Grandma for my birthday so I'll use that if I need to. But I don't think I'll need to spend any money. I'm trying to avoid acquiring more STUFF. Because I just don't need more stuff... But thanks for the offer.

Well, this week was another week of work. I honestly can't remember anything that happened.... but it was good. It is transfer week and somehow all four of the missionaries in our branch are staying. So that's cool.

Our recent convert told us her sister and dad are going to be moving to Rochelle--and her son, who just turned eight, wants to be baptized! So that's gonna be awesome. We'll also be working with her sister because she sounds like she may be interested as well. Her dad is also interested but apparently the only person that he wants to talk to is Brother Sampson, one of the members here. So, the Elders and Brother Sampson will be working with him. But, that'll be awesome. We're thinking we may be able to have a big family baptism! Which would be the coolest thing ever. (:

We're still working, slowly but surely, with our investigators. One hermana almost accepted a  baptismal date last week. She's so close.   She just needs to come to church to feel the Spirit here. Our other investigator who is really close spent the last week in El Salvador so hopefully we'll be meeting with him soon, and get him progressing toward the celestial kingdom and eternal life as well.

The highlight of this week was a short moment, and it was spent on the door of a woman who doesn't believe she has need for another book of scripture. I had the opportunity to testify of the Book of   Mormon and the love of our Heavenly Father in giving it to us, and in speaking to the people who wrote that inspired book. I looked her in the eyes and as prompted by the Spirit, I told her that one day she will have need for more, and she will remember our words. I know that I spoke truth because I felt the Holy Ghost testify to me, powerfully, that what I said was true. And I know she felt it, even if she denied any such feeling. I walked away from that door knowing that I had done by part and Heavenly Father was pleased with our work.

Sorry this week is short, but we have to end our P-day a bit early because we have a dinner appt at 5 in another town.

But know this: I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. After His death and resurrection, His apostles continued the work that He'd left them to do, but even they were eventually rejected and killed. The priesthood authority that Christ had given to them was lost from the earth because no one  possessed it. Until a young man named Joseph Smith was called as a prophet, just as Enoch, Noah, Moses and Abraham before, to restore the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. The priesthood authority was given to man once again, in order to perform the ordinances of salvation for the children of men. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet and I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I also know that everyone we talk with about the Prophet and the Book of Mormon will feel the Holy Spirit of God, because He testifies of truth. And then it's up to them if they will accept or reject the truth. If they choose to reject it in that moment, I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that one day they will remember our words and they will remember how they felt, and they will know that we spoke truth, in it's most pure and untarnished form. And then they too will know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and that the Book of Mormon is God's tool in these latter days to gather scattered Israel.

What a glorious work we are involved in. I feel privileged to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I have made promises with God Himself that I will carry the Gospel to the world. And I have every intention of fulfilling those promises for the rest of my life. Do you?

Love, Hermana DeBuck

Fotos:
1. The ladies at the museum. It's always such a blast talking with them and listening to their conversation while we alphabetize obituaries. (: (from left to right: Mary, Judy, Hna Henricksen, Kathy, me)

2. Us and Darla again. I actually do not have an arm growing out of my head, and no, that is not a comfortable position. But she pulled my head down and my arm got stuck and this is how it turned out...but hey. She's awesome.
 

PS--I forgot to tell you and maybe you already know, but Elder Golling (mom note: this a young man that used to live on our stake) is serving in one of my first wards down in Peoria! So that's pretty cool. He's actually in the ward that my converts are in...so yeah. Just thought I'd tell you that. I didn't know if you knew or not. Love you!

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.... (;

Week 38: The Work is Blooming(dale)

Mom note: due to the holiday, Hermana DeBuck and her whole mission had their P-day moved to Tuesday, May 26th.  We got a note from the mission secretary to let us know not to be worried when we didn't get a letter yesterday.

5 questions:

1) What did you do different with P-day moved to Tuesday?

2) How often do you have conferences? District?  Zone?  Mission? Sisters'?

3) Are conferences always on Mondays?  Or do they always readjust P-days?

4) How are you doing with the tri-panionship still?

5) Do you ever hear from past compañeras?

1. Nothing, really. I mean, having P-day on Tuesday in this area isn't particularly fun because we have a dinner appointment every Tuesday at 6 and then we have MCM at 7 or 7:30. So we have literally zero time to work when P-day is on Tuesday. But other than that, everything is pretty much the same.

2. We have zone meetings every month, and every three months we'll have zone conference (the difference is zone conference is longer). We have district meetings every week on Wednesday. Mission conferences don't have a schedule. It's just whenever President wants to have them. In our mission, we have mission conferences more frequently than other missions, partly because we're all pretty close to the mission home/center, partly because President likes giving us more training so he interprets that part of his calling widely (he said so himself). Sisters conference is kind of the same thing. Under President Fenn, they've had sisters conference once every year, but it's entirely up to the mission president.

3. Actually, the only conference I've had on a Monday was a special mission conference on April 6, and it was only on a Monday because that's what day of the week April 6 was. Usually, I've had zone/mission conferences on Wednesdays or Thursdays. But I think it can be Tuesdays and Fridays too. It just depends on when they happen.

4. I think I'm doing alright. I mean, I'm not a big fan of people and so I've noticed that this transfer it's a lot easier for me to get irritated, which means it takes a lot more effort on my part to be not irritated. But it's good.

5. Occasionally. I get Hermana Capps' weekly emails, but as for the rest of my companions, who are all dead, not on a regular basis. Just every once in a while.

As for dad's question, my release date is 3 March 2016.

Also, FATHER: My iPad case cracked (it's not devastating, but now my iPad doesn't stay very well in the case all the time so I'm a little worried that it'll be more likely to get damaged if something happens.) But I can't return it to Walmart, I have to go to the manufacturer. And I have a 2 year protection plan thing so it's fine I think to wait. I just wanted your opinion too. I'm thinking I'm gonna wait until I get home to worry about it, and then replace it at home when I could go to an Apple store or something and get a better case. But anyway. That's that.

Nothing really thrilling happened this week, so nothing to report on. We're finally figuring out the  logistics of being a trio (we got a bike rack for three bikes this last week so now we get to use bikes again.) I've realized I've totally under appreciated naps until my mission. I took some pictures this  week (by me and by other missionaries I suppose) so I'll send those home this week and count it as my email. Sorry!

Know I love you all! And know the Gospel is true!

Love, Hermana DeBuck

Week 11: It Snowed Last Week, I Almost Cried

Questions from my mother:)

1) What kind of food do you eat each day?  Are you cooking?  Is it healthy? can you get what you are able to make easily/quickly?

2) Did you get the box(es) of winter stuff I sent?  Also, did you get the bubble package with your slips?  Did I miss anything else you can think of?

3) How much money do you really have to work with for groceries/toiletries/etc each month?

4) For black boots, can I just put money in your UCCU account and have you buy them out these for Christmas?  Or did you want me to find something and guess a size?

5) Is there anything I can add to your Christmas box that you might like to have to give to families /individuals you are teaching?  Obviously it is something small...and inexpensive.

1. well, we usually eat some sort of "Mexican" food--burritos with refried beans, rice-a-roni, and taco/hamburger meat, plus Valentina sauce, have been the most recent common food. It's delicious. We also eat frozen pizza some times, and we made hamburger helper last week--that was an adventure in a not-ten-inch pan. Oh yeah, I eat a bagel lots of mornings. Sometimes we cook. But it just takes so long....and I'm not even gonna pretend that we eat healthily....sorry.

2. No....but we've got zone training tomorrow, so I may (?) get it tomorrow when the assistants/sister training leaders come. Or transfers are next week so maybe then. We'll see. Either way. I'll be okay. Hopefully. Pray that I don't freeze; I'll be okay. I can't think of anything else....if I do, I'll let you know. Thanks momma! You're the best(: Eres la major.

3. I think we get $150 a month.....I'm not sure. Hna Israelsen and I split the grocery expenses every week so we do okay. It might be $160.......the sisters and my hermana are saying $160. So there you have it. It's definitely enough to survive.

4. I was hoping you could just send me the ones I already have......it would take so long to find ones that I like. Plus, it'd be silly to own two pairs of the same boots. And if you were to look for them, they would be found in one of two places (I'm pretty sure). Either in the teal blue tub in my closet, under the laundry basket, or in the purple lid tub underneath my bed. Pretty sure they're in the former. I'm talking about the black long boots......so. No worries on sending them soon or not. I have boots so it's not like I'm gonna get frost bitten toes. But that was the best/number one thing I could think of for Christmas. Plus, then, you don't have to buy anything except postage. (: haha. No worries either way though momma.

5. Little (cheap) CTR rings. Those I understand are like 30 cents. Other little LDS paraphernalia would be good. Stickers and cards and things.... I dunno. 

Well. I dunno what else to write.....................................

I really cannot believe how much success this area is having. Well, I mean I can believe it because it's happening, but it's just so awesome! Especially in the Normal ward. It's fantastic. The coolest thing (I think) this week was this man we met with. His name is Charlie. We found him while we were driving, on our way home, and I told Hna Israelsen, "I think that guy's hispanic", so we flipped around and went and knocked on the door of the house where I saw the guy. We weren't even sure if he was, but when he answered, he did speak Spanish--and English. So we set up an appt to come back (it was late at night) for that next Saturday. We weren't sure if he was really interested in what we had to say or not, but when we met with him on Saturday, he was really solid. It was great because he asked a lot of questions, and we were able to answer most of them well enough, I thought. We invited him to be baptized on Jan 3 and he said he would be, if he felt ready. So we're (I'm) really excited to work with him. It'll be great.

We're working with a lot of great people, and doing our best to work with whole families. 

The Acevedo's are really awesome. I think they're kinda like the poor of the Zoramites in the Book of Mormon--they've kinda been forced to be humble. So we're glad that they're turning to God and the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ through us. They're so sweet and fantastic. Marcela (madre) and Emily (8 yrs old) are on date for Dec 13. We've gotta explain the Restoration to Juan Antonio--he missed that lesson, so he doesn't really get authority....but he will.

There really is so much good happening. I think every quarter ought to be the last quarter. Because we are seeing so much success and progress. I've definitely noticed it as we, as a companionship, do our best to really follow the fourth quarter focus, as well as our zone focus. We've definitely got a lot we can still improve on, but I'm excited to do it.

We went to district lunch this week. At this place called Pizza Ranch. If you ask me, it's a lot like Pizza Pie Cafe but more expensive and not as tasty. But it was fine. The elders picked I think....ah well. It was funny though; Elders Campbell and Olsen were telling about this lesson they had where the investigator told them that he was a vampire in a past life. And he was completely serious about it. Elder Campbell said he was legitimately scared for his safety. haha it was funny too because the point in the story where I began listening was when Elder Olsen said "I have a confession." Then Elder Campbell, "I was a vampire in a past life." hahaha oh man....too funny. I wish you could've been there. My retelling is definitely not sufficient.

Well, that's about it. I'm also about out of time; sorry. I'll let you know next week if I get the package or not. Thanks again! 

Oh, could you tell me some more about our family history (both sides) as members of the church? I can't remember (and it's killing me) if Gma converted after she and Gpa got married--Gpa's family converted when he was a kid/younger right? And then I really have no idea how dad's side found the church/was found by the church. But I wanna be able to tell people. (Hermana Israelsen asked, so that's what brought it up.)

Okay, now I think that's really it. Love you lots! Thank you for all the support.

I wish my emails were more spiritual. But I think this is all that'll happen this week. Just remember that I know this church is true. Every time we meet someone and/or teach someone, we talk about the Restoration, and every time I get the opportunity to bear testimony of it, my testimony grows stronger and more resolute. That is the best thing about serving a mission I think--if you think you've got a testimony, serve a mission. By the end of it, if you've done it right, you will have a testimony, without a doubt. I promise you that.

Con Todo Mi Amor

Tu Hija y Amiga

Hermana DeBuck

Sent from my iPad