THE FIRST FULL-ISH WEEK IN PETOSKEY, MI

Hello hello once again dear family and friends! I hope you are all doing well and are enjoying this bright winter! It's actually been WAY warm...well...30's. But it sure feels nice! But, to quote Nemo "good feeling's gone" because winter has arrived yet again. My hope is that people will take pity on us, and let us in. We'll see how that goes. (Note from Mom - I sent Camille the ten day forecast and there will be days at -8 degrees this coming week.) 

Living in Petoskey most definitely has it's perks. I can't believe I live here!! It is gorgeous, and I pray that I will be here to see this small sleeping city wake up again with all of it's tourists. If people can afford to live in some of these mansions, then they can afford their second home down in Florida. There truly aren't too many people here, but we do get to meet local people as we travel further away from the bay. We are teaching a woman named Mary right now who is one of the sassiest women  alive. HAHHA!!! Oh I love her!!! If she will ever let me take a picture of her, I'll have to show you our darling Mary! She calls me "blondie' and growls at me when I ask her questions. She says I ask her too many hard things (like, what are your thoughts on this scripture?), and it kind of just makes me want to keep on asking away. HAHAH!! I love her! She and her daughter came to church again yesterday and she should be coming to the Relief Society activity on Saturday. If all goes well, she'll be baptized at the beginning of next month. 

This week we went up to the top of the state and had our district meeting in a "group building". There are only a few people that meet in this building each week, so the building is so cute and little. It seems that though our main purpose is to teach non-members, we are mainly focused on helping this branch stay together. There have been some changes in leadership and some shaken up people, so it is a great opportunity to try to help these members in whatever way we can. I keep praying to find and baptize a family, and I know it can and will happen sometime. Whether or not it is while I am here, I don't know. But, we all feel like something great is about to happen in this small Petoskey branch. 

Also, there is a man named K(C?)urt Ensign who is in the Branch District Presidency here! Mom and Dad, do you know who this man is? I spoke with him on the phone for a little this last week, and he is SO cool! Even if we aren't related, I am claiming this man as an uncle. 

There are quiet a few less actives here, so we are mainly teaching less actives. Something that has stood out to me is the quote from President Joseph F. Smith "the very elect will be deceived". It is so sad to think that people who have been through the temple one day stop wearing garments, or that returned missionaries don't come to church. The theme yesterday in church was Hold to the Rod. I have thought a lot about how to do that, and all we need to do is some CPR; Church, Pray, and Read the scriptures!-including scripture by modern day prophets! Were you able to read the talk "Lord, I Believe" by Elder Holland? If not, please do so now! It's awesome! In honor of Valentine's Day this week, will you watch the video "Enduring Love" on LDS.org? Careful, it's a tear jerker. Ah it's soo so cute! 

I am currently in Traverse City (about an hour and a half south of Petoskey) because we are going to Lansing today for a big leadership meeting tomorrow. All in all, we have about a 6 hour drive to get to the mission home. As an STL, Sister Smith (From south Carolina) and I report on what our Zone goals are, how our Sisters are doing, and some other things (I'll know more when I get there! Ha!) 

Other than that, I am doing really well! I hope you know how much I love you all! Thank you for all of the prayers.:) I truly am so blessed to be a missionary for this church. I know that Christ is the head of it and that He wants us all to feel His love and to succeed. Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

XOXO

Sister Ensign 

I made it to PETOSKEY!

Hello Hello from another Pleasant place- PETOSKEY MICHIGAN!!!! I am living in a Winter Wonderland, as my apartment is on the shores of Lake Michigan! I see the Lake everyday, and it is beautiful!!! The part on my side isn't frozen over, so I get to see the waves and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! The other half is frozen, so we also have seen people Ice Fishing, and it's awesome!! I love it here!! Last week I invited you to read Moroni 7:45-48 (actually the whole chapter) before today. Did you do it? I invite you to do so now if you haven't! The Lord will help you receive more charity if you do!   My companion's name is Sister Smith, and she is truly amazing! She has been out for about a year, and it is a blessing to be able to learn from her. We are in the Petoskey Branch in the Traverse City District (One of two Districts in the USA). The branch is mostly retired people, with about 3 families. It was a neat experience to go to church and have it be in a branch building, with about 3 rows of chairs for Sacrament Meeting. The branch is struggling a bit, so it is an honor and a blessing to have been sent here. I know it has nothing to do with me or my ability, I just get to be a part of something great. I am so excited to see what will happen here in the next few months! This week was full of new experiences for sure.  We drive a Jeep (Which is awesome!), are in a HUGE apartment (which is also awesome )and are on the shore (which is even more awesome!) I also have the opportunity to use facebook to teach lessons to people, so don't be surprised when you see me on there! The weather is cold, and there is quiet a lot of snow-but not as much as I was expecting for where I am. I am told the worst is coming, so I am enjoying only wearing 4 layers of coats and leggings. We'll see what the future brings..haha!   There is one day a week where we don't have a car, so we walk everywhere. As such, we were walking home in the dark one night this week. A woman came up tp us and said "Come get in!" We told her no... A) It was a stranger and B) We were quiet close, but it was so kind of her to offer. She drove away, only to turn around a few minutes later and invite us back in. As she drove us home, she told us that she saw our nametags, and that she had spoken with missionaries in the past. She offered us dinner and a ride whenever we needed it. There truly are some amazing people out in this world. Thank you, past missionaries, for setting a good example for us. I took so many pictures this week from all over the city, but my converter thing hasn't been working for the last few moths, so I've been borrowing Sister Wilde's. I am on trade offs right now, so I can send more pictures next week! Petoskey reminds me of a San Francisco type place. It is right on the water, and there are so many little shops on the shore. I can't wait until the summer when all of the tourists come, to see what this place looks like when there are LOTS of people here. It is so cute, and I already want to have a summer home here one day. I honestly can't believe that I get to serve in Petoskey:)   I know so much happened this week, but everything is so new I am trying to remember what happened! I do know that so many people offer to help us-it's awesome. OHH!!!!!!! Haha!!! We doorknocked into some Jehovah Witnesses this week, and they let us in for a while. Needless to say, there was no changing their hearts. In the middle of our discussion, I thought "You do realize that you are asking these INSANELY DEEP doctrinal questions of a 19 year old girl, right?" One was in her late 50's and the other in her late 40's, and it amazed me how simple the gospel is. I have gained a true appreciation for the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ.   We also had A Zone P-Day today, and it was So fun! We went bowling, had lunch, and then played dodge ball and had a devotional. I know there will be pictures posted, so I'll have to send some of those next week.   Because there are so few people here in Petoskey, we don't have many investigators. We have been finding all day, every day, but we are trying to perfect it. It is so tiring, and this has been one of the most tiring weeks I've had. But it was great. I also got to call Sister Wilde and her trainee, Sister Burk, on Thursday, and I know that Mt. Pleasant is in good hands.   Overall, I am doing well, and I feel tired and so so blessed. The church is true, and I know it. I read Elder Holland's talk "Lord, I believe" and it was amazing! I know that the Apostles are men of God. Will you read this talk before next Monday? If you do, I promise you in the name of Christ that you will be able to see your faith increase as you continually submit your will to His. I hope you all have a great week, and know you are loved!! Xoxo Sister Ensign

Recent Photographs

Detroit Temple

Petoskey

Sister Ensign sent a short note today.  Her President sent a message telling us that she would be covering many miles in her new assignment.  She is leaving today to move to her new area, Petoskey. Pronounced (Pe-taw-ski).  Her note is as follows:

Correction: Just found out that there were email issues this morning.  Here is the letter she sent to be posted. 

Well a good goodbye is a short goodbye, so GOODBYE MT. PLEASANT!!! It is sad to think that someone else will be serving in my place, but I know Sister Wilde will do an amazing job as a TRAINER, and she is more than qualified to do so. Whoever this new sister is, I hope you come to love Mt. Pleasant as much as I have loved it. Saying goodbye was hard, and yes, there were tears, but I am excited for this new adventure! Welcome to.....PETOSKEY!!!!

Oh what a week! We had a world wide missionary devotional on Wednesday, as well as a Zone training! It was so cool, and I loved it. I also sang a SOLO there. Mom, I know you won't believe me, but I really did! I sang, "I Wonder When He Comes Again" because Daddy used to sing that with me as a little girl, and "I Know That my Redeemer Lives". One big shock of the week!
 

On Thursday we went to the temple! It was so cool! It was weird to leave the mission, but it was an incredible experience to do temple work, especially for an ancestor. I love being in His home, and it was an especially neat experience as a missionary. It took most of the day, and Sister Sheppard was an angel for taking us! "Oh, it was awesome!"

On Thursday night, we got our transfer calls. I am so excited to be on the shore, even though it will be FREEZING!!! I am stoked, and have only heard how beautiful it is! Wahoo!

I have been packing for the last few days, and have been saying goodbye. So many people have gone out of their way to help me, and I am so grateful for this chance I have had to serve here.

I know that my Redeemer lives, and love us all. I have been studying charity for the last few weeks, so will you commit to reading Moroni 7:45-48 (actually the whole chapter) before next Monday? If you do, I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that you will begin to feel the Love of Christ more in your life this week. Pray to have more charity and then look for the miracles that come as you see the reality of Christ love more abundant in your life! It's awesome!

Have a wonderful week!

Xoxo

Sister Ensign

Dear Mom and Dad,     I have been called to be a Sister Training Leader. I am going as far north as President sends Sisters, which is an honor, and also is kind of crazy. I appreciate his trust! I don't really have that much information, but I do know that my apartment is RIGHT on the shore! I AM SOO EXCITED!! I know that the lake affect snow hits me directly, so I will be wearing all of the layers I can wear! I am excited to see what will happen!    I'll send pictures next week!! Love you both! Thanks for being the best parents!!     Xoxo Sister Ensign :)   Mom has looked up some information on Petoskey.  It is primarily a SUMMER destination.  It is on the shores of Lake Michigan's beautiful Little Traverse bay.  Earnest Hemingway spent the first 18 summers of his life sailing and fishing there.  This area is featured in more of his short stories than any other area.  He referred to the area as 'a priceless place."  Remember, he spent his SUMMERS there.  The summer weather has average temperatures in the high 60's.  One travel site said:  "Winters can be quite cold and brutal this far north and on the lake, temperatures average around 10 degrees and dip lower very often during the peak of winter. This doesn't stop the tough folks with a love for winter sports coming; for those who like the snow in warmer weather, consider March as oftentimes snow remains but the temperature is significantly better than in January."  Petoskey has been described as "quiet and quaint with small town atmosphere charm". It has the famous Gaslight Shopping District- with boutiques, art galleries and excellent dinning."   The 2012 population was 5, 717.  Petoskey has been named one of the top 20 places to visit by Smithsonian Magazine.  The area was settled in the early 1800's.  There are 500 Victorian homes and public buildings on the national historic register.    Camille's dad has said that this sounds like the place that we will go back and visit with Camille after her mission..........  It will be during the summer months.

A Special Thanks

Aloha and a hooe-ho -Elder Mafile'O

Note from Mom:  Camille will be able to leave her mission and travel to the Detroit Temple on Thursday.  She will be in the 12:00 session.  That is the 10:00 session, Utah time.  Her mom is planning on being in the Draper temple with her. I am so exited. 

Hello beautiful family and friends! I hope you are all having a wonderful day and are enjoying this balmy 8 degrees as much as I am! In the moments when I think I am going to have a limb fall off, I think, "Hey, at least no germs!" Ha! A couple times this week, my mascara dripped off my face. Why? Because it has been so cold outside that the heat from my breath has melted my mascara. Though it is pretty frustrating to have my make up literally melt off in the freezing cold, it's been pretty funny!

 

I also want to thank all of those who have shown their support to me while out on a mission thus far. This mission experience has been life changing, and I am so grateful for all of those who have send their love and encouragement. I will be forever grateful. Thank you again! I am so blessed to have a wonderful life full of family and friends. I am honestly trying the best I can to make my Father in Heaven proud, and to help bring others closer to Him through the Restored gospel. Thank you to those who have helped me to help others.

This week was so funny and so good I don't even know where to begin! We taught some fun lessons and were able to be lead by the Spirit on many occasions. We met some great people and had a really fun time. We fell on the ice multiple times, and laughed the whole way down. I am so happy here--which must mean it's time for a transfer call. Transfer calls are on Friday, and I am excited and nervous all at the same time! Mt. Pleasant has become a home, and I will always look at these streets with some pretty funny memories. 

We also had the chance to teach a boy from China. His english isn't that great, and it was really hard to simplify things to make sense. Overall, I have  learned how grateful I am to be teaching the gospel in my own language so that I can testify without any complications. We later found a Chinese book of Mormon, and we are smooth sailing now. :) 

This week we also met a girl whose eyes lit up when we told her about a Heavenly Father who loves her. She said this was something she has always hoped for, and her eyes came alive when we testified about God's plan for her, and that He is always looking out for her. It was such a neat experience! 

Well, I know so many other miracles happened, but overall, it was just great! Again, thank for all those who have been so supportive! I love you all! Have a great week!

Xoxo

Sister Ensign 

I'm BLESSED He called me on a mission!!!

Dear family and anyone else who actually reads this, :) Today, I pretty much just want to tell you how AWESOME a mission is. So for those who are planning on going, thinking about going, or who aren't sure if they should go or not; here are some words from a girl who NEVER wanted to go---only to see that the instructions to go from her patriarchal blessing changed her life. Missionaries are: A) those who leave their families for a little while so others can be with their families for eternity B) awkwardly young children running around random cities all over the world attempting to share a message to help others C) awkward.  Yes, a missionary is all of the above. And yes, I AM SO TERRIBLY AWKWARD I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING AT MYSELF!! HAHA!!! It is so fun to talk to people. Ah man, I love this.  And Yes, a missionary is someone who is striving daily to see God and Jesus Christ help them and others.  I have been on a mission for nearly 6 months, and it's crazy to think about how quickly time flies. People, being a missionary can be such a mental game. But when you see that Christ will always outweigh the difficult times, the power of a mission becomes real. It's also amazing to see how quickly the Lord can change hearts through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I, like I said, NEVER wanted to go. But I can see that I NEVER could have NOT gone on a mission, as I am able to see Heavenly Father answer specific prayers each day. This week was great, even though we dropped some of my favorite people. The quote of the week has been "If Satan can't get you to be disobedient, he'll try to get you to waste your time". With that in mind, we had quite a few drop lessons. I was sad to say goodbye to people, and it was quite hard to tell a family last night, "It breaks my heart for you to tell me that you know this family cannot be eternal--but you aren't willing to do anything right now to change that. We as members of the church are not trying to earn heaven, we are trying to learn it. For your family to be together always, you have to learn to do things His way.  And I can't tell you how devastating it is to know you won't even try." We had planned on teaching this family on the Holy Ghost, so, as it became a "drop-lesson" it was completely guided by the Spirit. As such, it was a miracle to see how the Lord, Christ, and Holy Ghost can help two Sister missionaries testify of the blessing and reality of being sealed in a temple together forever as a family.  I've always known that, but THAT IS SO COOL! I can be with my favorite people FOREVER! Never before had I heard someone tell me that they didn't want that. So when they did, I learned how grateful I am not not only know of this, but to have my family sealed.  I also read my Momma's patriarchal  blessing this week. For all who are reading this, can I just tell you a) how cool my mom is and b) how cool the priesthood is!? AH I LOVE BOTH! My Mom is an angel, and I don't know what I could have done right to have been sent to her tender loving care. And how blessed I am for my Daddy who holds the priesthood, and who has the authority and the right to run a righteous family. Mom and Dad, you are my hero's. Thank you for being so amazing and for loving me.  So, to those who are reading this, I would like to address an idea Ammon shares in Alma 26:16 "Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel". I LOVE MY MISSION!!! I never thought I would be here, but I cannot thank my Heavenly Father enough for sending me here. Missions truly do change lives because they are centered around the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I testify that Jesus Christ lives, and loves you. I know He is there. And I know He will help you, because He has sure helped me.  I truly am so happy here, and am blessed to be a missionary. :) XOXO Sister Ensign The District Posterity

She said "Yes", and I bawled!

Now before you think of a proposal as your read the title of this e-mail, let's not get too carried away here. But, you should be equally as excited because this week was way beyond amazing! Why? BECAUSE SISTER W. SAID SHE LOVES BEING A MISSIONARY!!


Seriously, this is every trainer's dream: to have a happy trainee who loves serving the Lord. So when MY trainee said that, you better believe I cried! Oh, words cannot express the joy you feel when someone you love so much loves sharing the gospel with you. CAN I TELL YOU HOW HAPPY I AM JUST WRITING THAT MY TRAINEE LOVES BEING A MISSIONARY!??!?!?! 


This week was so good, even with some minor health challenges. Bronchitis kept me inside for a few days, but with some extremely sweet doctors, medicine, and some sleep, we will be back in business soon! After thinking about all of the blessings I have received in the last week concerning medicine, I have realized how blessed I have been to be serving in the United States. "And I'm proud to be an American!, where at least I know I'm free....and that I can get medicine and a warm shower when I'm not feeling 100%!"  How thankful I am to have been sent somewhere where I could get help right when I needed it!


Insert from Mom:  Sister Ensign has actually been much sicker than this letter expresses.  Her inability to breathe got so bad that she became frightened. She has been under the care of two doctors and has received breathing treatments, antibiotics and a steroid shot.  She was also told to stay in bed for several days.  She said “It has been hard to want to sleep, because I want to be out working.  However, I have been so out of it that I have had no choice.  I slept for almost two straight days."   



AAANNNDDDD for the weirdest thing I've eaten on my mission....DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!



A BUNNY! 



 I ate Thumper? You better believe I did. And it wasn't as hard to muzzle down as you might think. We ate with some members this week and they said, "We have been so excited to feed you! We are having the wild bunnies that have been burrowed in our garden all summer long". The meat wasn't as unique tasting as I thought it would be, but the idea that I was eating a bunny is a different story. The members are so sweet, and I will be forever grateful that I am in an area that tries to help the missionaries. But I will forever watch Bambi with a different perspective on Thumper.



I also received a blessing this week, and I see how AMAZING the priesthood is! How blessed are we to have the Power of God here on Earth, to help us in all times. The message of the Restoration truly is a message of God's love for us, and He has a beautiful plan for us all to return to live with Him. We, as members of the church, aren't earning Heaven, we are learning heaven, and what we need to do to feel comfortable in His presence again. I know that as we live in harmony with the teachings of Christ, we will be able to find happiness in this life and joy in the next. I, too, LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!



All is well in Zion over here. Thank you for all of the prayers on my behalf and for my investigators. This week we have decided to drop quite a few people who we feel aren't quite ready. And as a result, we met some INCREDIBLE people. I heard that "If Satan can't get you to be disobedient; he will try to get you to use your time poorly". With that in mind, we have made same changes and are already seeing the blessings.



I love you all! Thanks for all that you do! Happy New Year! 



XOXO



Sister Ensign 

 

5 Months

Only a few coats

Shepherds watching over their field