How many missionaries does it take to change a light bulb? Two-but the light bulb has to want to change.
Hahah that still makes me laugh!
HELLLLOOOO people! How are all of you doing? I hope you had a great week, and are getting excited for this upcoming Easter week!! On Mormon.org/Easter, there are many different ways to invite the spirit of Easter into your home this week. Will you go to that website and check it out?
This week was unexpected, but we saw so many miracles. Our district is striving to have 21 new investigators in the next week and a half. It is a fun challenge because it means we need to teach someone new almost every day. It is amazing how the Lord helps us do His work.
Are you as sick as the State of Michigan? Apparently EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE, (except me!) has been getting sick -almost like a bad head cold, but it's a flu. The doctors said it has been the busiest two weeks of the year. Sister Smith was sick on Friday and Saturday, which allowed me to study, organize, and do some crafts for people. (She made Easter Treats for the Primary Children.) It's sad to see her so sick, but I had some great time trying to get caught up on all of the small things. The branch has been so kind and offered help in many ways. I will forever love the branch of Petoskey.
On Wednesday, we had a great experience. In one of my letter's I received last week, I learned the importance of following the promptings of the Spirit the first time. We doorknocked on a woman's home, and when I said "We are representatives and servants of Jesus Christ" she started to bawl and closed the door on us. We were confused, so we turned to walk away. Sister Smith said, "Should we go back?" After a prayer, we let ourselves in, and taught this sobbing woman about God's reality and His love for us in sending His Son Jesus Christ. We showed her some Easter videos and the Spirit was so strong. She was agnostic, but we called her this weekend, and she said she has been praying. AWESOME!! Thank thee Heavenly Father.
On St. Patrick's Day, we taught some lessons in which the Spirit was present, and it was great. It was an awkward 33 degrees, warm enough to rain, but cold enough that my whole body was shaking. We were soaked, and no wonder no one opened their doors-we were drenched! Ha! I have never had a less- glammed up St. Patrick's Day, but it was definitely one for the books.
We had branch conference this weekend, and it was fun to see more people! They challenged us to read D&C 88 - which I read this morning, and the parts that related were awesome.
I am thrilled for Easter, and I know He lives! Have a wonderful week!!!
Xoxo
Sister Ensign
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Monday, March 21, 2016
"I may fall, but I will always RISE - this weeks' favorite quote from a PI
Monday, March 14, 2016
WE'RE IRISH ALL YEAR LONG :)
Before continuing reading this letter, please push that little minimize line on your screen and watch the video in the link above! It is the new Easter video! It's great! So sit back, throw in the popcorn, and enjoy the latest and greatest 2 minutes and 14 seconds from the only true church here on earth. #hallelujah
Miracles happen every single day of our lives. Sometime miracles come blatantly in front of our eyes. Other times, we have the privilege of looking for the miracles. This week, overall was good. Nothing too difficult, or too exciting. But overall, good. Sometimes, weeks like these are a nice breather after some busy ones, and before the General conference and Easter hustle. (I have never been more excited for conference in my life than I am now. It has turned from a week playing with cups in pajamas into a week that helps strengthen me, and helps me know how I can strengthen those around me. I can't wait for the next couple weeks. :)
It is definitely warming up, and people are beginning to move back in. That also means that people are off on Spring break, so this town is still very small. But it is showing signs that people will be returning soon! The warmth was such a blessing, and one day it actually hit the 60's. A family here visited in SLC this week, and said SLC has more snow than here. Boom baby. That's what I'm talking about! It's been great. And with the time change, it will be great to be out later at night when families are at home. I so desperately want to find a family to teach and baptize this transfer. My adapted motto has been "Pray until something happens". A family (a couple with a baby girl) came to church for the first time yesterday, and I can't help but be excited. Who knows what will happen, but I am determined to work as hard as I can to accomplish whatever the Lord needs me to while being up here in Petoskey, Michigan.
We did have a trip down to Lansing this week for a training on Service. The Church is changing some things about service for missionaries, and we now have been asked to do 10 service hours a week, instead of the previous two. It was fun to be with so many people, and I even met some missionaries from the Detroit mission. It was fun and it was great to see President and Sister Jacobsen. Man, they do so much. We met some other mission President's and it was surprising to see the age difference. There is no way President does what he does, at his age, without the help of God. What a blessing he is to us all.
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Mary is doing well! We did family history with her this week, and I choked on my water from laughing so hard at what she was saying. What a gal. Her brother-in-law passed away last night, so we'll be seeing the family this whole next week. We are hoping the family will be more open to hearing about the plan of Salvation now. Mary seems to be ok, but we're keeping an eye on her. Love her.
I am doing well, and am excited for another week to help people in whatever way I can. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Oh, what a good day. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I. If you do love the holiday, you must be either 110% Irish, a drinker, or an Irish Dancer. So assuming the latter, turn out your feet, smile you heart out, and have so much fun in the shows this week!!! I can't wait to hear all about it! These truly are some of the most fun days of the year!! #anirishevening
I know the doctrine taught in this church brings happiness and peace to everyone who is humble enough to hear it! I am grateful for the chance to be here! Have a great week! Love you!!
Xoxo
Sister Ensign
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Monday, March 7, 2016
WELCOME TO THE FOLD SISTER EATON
Oh, if only every week in the mission field could be a week like this week. 2 Nephi 2:11
This week was so good!! To begin, MARY SUE EATON WAS BAPTIZED!!!
Mary was taught by some Elders a few years ago, but didn't connect with them. When Sisters knocked on her door a few months ago, she said they could come back. Oh and behold, a few lessons and months later, Mary was baptized! She is a Southern girl up in Northern Michigan, and one of the funniest people on the planet. I adore her!! She says, "You girls are crazy! I'm glad we get to keep you!" Haha!! Her baptism went well. She has a bad knee, and had to be baptized twice since she didn't go all the way under. It ended beautifully, and she is becoming much more bold in standing up for her beliefs and herself. You go, Sister Eaton! We all love you! There were so many miracles, and during her confirmation, she was told that she'll go to the temple and receive her endowments, and that some of her family will be baptized because of her example! HOW COOL IS THAT!?!?
This week we also went up the the Sault St. Marie. We saw Canada, and met some of the most fun older people in a Taco Bell. There is a group of members who live in Canada, but come to Taco Bell in America every Wednesday afternoon for lunch because the Taco Bell is better here. HAHAH!!! They were so excited to see us, and especially to see Sisters. I am loving it up here. The Sault is a few hours away, and it was a neat experience to see Lake Michigan and Huron. The Bridge reminds me of the Golden Gate in San Fran, so it was fun to drive across while thinking of my Dad.
We also had transfer calls this week! AND!?!?!? SISTER SMITH IS STAYING!!!! Wahoo!!!!!!! Everyone is so excited she'll be here another few weeks!!! She will have been here almost 8 months by the time she leaves, so I'm especially excited to see what the Lord has in store for us in extending her time here. We talked with the Branch President Yesterday, and our cute little branch of Petoskey is struggling. We are so small. Man, these members have to be some of the most dedicated members in the Church. There is one couple that drives 4 hours every Sunday to help the branch in the upper peninsula. How can we help these members keep that fire or rekindle the flame that was once there? Thank goodness Easter, and Conference are coming up. They are both desperately needed. Attending Church, Praying, and Reading the scriptures seem to be the answer. Any thoughts on how to help people continue to feel the Holy Ghost? We are in a fast and constant prayer mode that we will find a family to teach and baptize this transfer, because we think that could help everyone.
We saw many of the members in the branch this week, and the more I meet, the more I am humbled by their dedication. They do so much for the Church and the Lord. These are modern day pioneers, and I am beyond grateful I have the opportunity to serve along side of them.
It is also becoming much warmer! People are beginning to come out of their hibernation caves and come outside to enjoy 45 degrees. So many people are in shorts and t-shirts! It is fun to see some grass and only have to wear two coats! I can't get my hopes too high because another storm is bound to come, but I am so so happy that Spring truly is on the way!!
Sacrament meeting was so great yesterday. If you are struggling with something, please go to the Lord fasting, and I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ you will receive some comfort. The church is true, and the book is blue. I know that Christ lives, and I know that He will give you guidance and direction. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
Have a great week! Love you!!
Xoxo
Sister Ensign (Side note from Mom: Camille says that a lot of celebrities come to Petoskey. She keeps getting stopped by people and then they apologize saying, "I thought you were Amanda Seyfried or sometimes Dakota Fanning. She says she is starting to feel famous!!)
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Monday, February 29, 2016
The Sun'll come out ....maybe tomorrow...or next month.
Hello family and friends alike!
I hope you are doing well and are staying warm, wherever that may be. If it is under multiple layers of thermals and wool socks, I hope the prophecy of an early Spring from Mister Ground Hog is keeping you as warm as it is keeping me. :)
Side note, I know there are many favorite Holidays, especially those celebrating the Birth and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Is anyone, however, as excited that ST. PATRICK'S DAY IS COMING AS I AM!?!?!? AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy St. Patrick's Day to all you Lads and Lassies out there and I hope the luck of the Irish will be shining down on you this St. Patties. (Mom sent her a huge box of St. Patrick's Day decorations and things and she was most excited!)
This week was so great, and one of the most tiring I've had. We pretty much door knocked all week long, and so I was beyond grateful for warmer weather in the 30's. With lots of door knocking comes a lot of potential investigators!!! It was great!! We had one woman who we later called that said, "I've been searching for a church. I feel like God sent you to me. I've done some research, and what I am looking for is a church that will help bring me closer to Christ, bring me happiness, and allow me to help others"....hi. ok. That conversation NEVER happens!! I have been praying and fasting to find a family to teach, to baptize and to take to the temple, all month long. Brenda may just be the answer to that prayer! It was so exciting!!
We had trade offs this week, and I was with Sister T. She has been out for 5 weeks, and it was so fun to be with her. I love brand new missionaries! They are so in tune with the Spirit, and have to rely on it. To all those who are worried about not knowing what to say when you first come out into the field- YOU ARE SO GREAT!!! You are doing a better job than you think you are. Sister T. is from Tonga (possibly our only foreign missionary) and she and I had so much fun together! I adore her!
We saw quiet a few less actives and some investigators this week. The most exciting? M.!!! She had her baptismal interview this week, and she'll be baptized on Saturday!! We are so excited for her, and know she will be so blessed for joining. Satan is really attacking her family right now, trying to distract her, but she has remained faithful, and she's ready to go. I love M. S. She calls me "Crazy" and I think it is the funniest thing every time. I always tell her how much I love her, and for the first time after church yesterday she said, "You know, saying 'I love you' is a hard thing for me. I was never taught that growing up'". To which I said "Well honey, we're going to have to change that pronto". Last night, we called her for some info for her program for Saturday, and she said, "OK, I love you too.."!!!!!!!!! WAHOO!!!!! I freaked out!! I said "I knew we would wear off on you!!!" It was so fun! I love her!!
Overall, it was a great week. The Lord is blessing us in our efforts to be exactly obedient. My patriarchal blessing talks about the blessings that will come when I strive for exact obedience, and I already can see the blessings of it. How did the Bible video watching go? The actor who portrays Christ is AMAZING!! My favorite part is when He says, "And I lay down my life for the sheep". So good! Will you read 2 Nephi 31 in honor of M.'s baptism this week?
Have a great week! You are loved! The church is true! :)
Xoxo
Sister Ensign
Also, thank you for the letters this week!! They are so appreciated!! Thank you!!
Monday, February 22, 2016
HE ANSWERS PRAYERS!
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"Hey Valentine, to me-you
doth not stink" ---I laughed way too hard when I read that during
Valentine's day. Oh Mormons, haha. This
week was warm, which was more than gladly accepted as we were outside finding
for the majority of it. It was up to the 40s!!! Oh it was so warm I could
have cried.
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OHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Awkward moment
of the week?!?! HAHHAHA!!!!! Ok, so for some reason, we have met so many naked
men this week. (Which isn't all that uncommon, but it has been an uncommon
amount in the duration of a week). We met an older naked gentleman who came to
the door with a blanket around himself. I started to begin laughing when he
said, "Sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone today"...WHAT!?! Is that a
thing if you're alone!?! HAHA!!! TTHHHEEENNN he started showing us a scar on
his leg from a car accident, and I lost it when the blanket began to slip. I
started SOBBING I WAS LAUGHING SO HARD!!!!!! I had to turn around so he
couldn't see me laugh. He said "Why are you laughing?" and I couldn't
respond. Sister Smith was a champion as she spoke the rest of the door because
I had completely lost my marbles "Yeah, he lost 'em good!" (Hook reference
:)) . Anyway, I couldn't stop laughing the rest of the day!
Have a great week and know you are loved and are being prayed for! The church is so, so true, I know it.
XOXO
Sister Ensign :)
Monday, February 15, 2016
This is all for You
Hello family and friends, yet again from Petoskey
Michigan!
I hope you all stayed warm this Valentine's Day
season and enjoyed some good ol' fun dip (nothing says I love you like a blue
powdered white sugar stick).
Yes, it is cold, but thankfully I have enough gear to
withstand it. I've got: the long sleeve thermal shirt, my shirt, two sweaters,
and 3-4 coats. Then I add a couple of layers of leggings. I also wear a couple
of pair of wool socks and have hand warmers. Then, my fleece headband, my
white hat, and two hoods over that. Then my thick scarf and gloves and I'm good
to go! It’s weird feeling the wind push me, but not be able to feel most
of it. I had another tragedy this week as my breath melted off my mascara in the
freezing weather. Needless to say, we made a quick trip to Walgreens for some
waterproof mascara. We're back in business baby. I hope my pictures are as
flattering as I am feeling when I am out....ha! There was one moment that I was
so cold, that I looked down at the picture of Christ on my planner, and held it
in my glove covered-frozen hand, and said, "This is all for You. I'm
trying my best. Please, please help me do this well". It was still
freezing, people still said "No", but I felt better about the whole
situation.
This week was fun as we traveled down to Lansing to have
a Mission Leadership Council. The trip is about 12 hours round trip for me as
we have to stay with a couple of other sisters for a few nights to get down
there. I personally don't know if we are worth it to be there, but it was sure
fun! We talked to President and Sister Jacobsen, and had training on how to
better help the missionaries in our Zones. I am one of 10 Sister Training
Leaders, and love being able to talk with so many missionaries. We stayed in
Traverse City for a night, and then drove to Lansing and stayed with them for a
night. It was pretty tiring, but way fun.
This week, we doorknocked on a woman's door who let
us in. We gave a brief introduction to the Plan of Salvation. Her 6 year old
son is named Baxton, and since he reminds me of Paxton, we're pretty good
friends. We will be teaching her tomorrow! I promised her that if she would say
her prayers, diligently study the Book of Mormon, and come to church, she would
be able to find a job that will allow her to be with her son during the day. I
hope's she puts forth the effort!
We also met a homeless man who is in rehab and taught him
a couple times. He is agnostic (has some belief in a higher power) and has been
understandingly open to the idea of hope and love of God. I promised him that
if he would diligently study the book of Mormon, say his prayers, and come to church;
he would be able to find housing in Petoskey-allowing him to be baptized in
March. We'll see what happens, but it was a cool experience.
I gave a talk yesterday on the pure love of Christ- so,
of course, I talked about my momma again. Love you Mommie!
We have met with Mary a few times this week, and were
able to have her daughter Christina as an investigator last night. Mary is
doing really well, and came to the Valentine's Day enrichment on Saturday. She
AND Christina and some of Christina's daughter's came, and it was so much fun.
We are starting to plan her baptism, and she said she feels really excited, but
also nervous. I'll send a picture of us on her baptismal day if she'll let me
take a picture. She is quiet sassy and told me this week that I am a "goof
ball". I said to her, "I think you may be understanding me"
and she laughed so hard. Ha! Oh Mary. We have a few more lessons with her, then
a few reviews, and she'll be good to go!
I also have been challenged to be more bold, which I have
been trying to do for the last few weeks. It crazy how many people get
defensive when I testify of the reality of God and Jesus Christ. But it helps
me know who is prepared and willing to come into the fold.
Overall, it was a great week. Thank you for all of the
letters and the packages. I love you all! Have a great week!! Also, will you
read Alma 32 this week? Plant the seed #itwillgrow :)
Love ya!!
Xoxo
Sister Ensign
The picture just kind of sums up the weather this
week...ha!
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