SISTER MATHIS!!

Last week's letter has just been posted below this letter.

Sorry, I don't have much time today!!!  We have been traveling today and are now back in town.

This week was incredible, and I am having so much fun being a missionary. I have never been more tired before, and I am loving this chance to do something like this for the Lord every single day.

Some quick highlights: We received our transfer calls!!! I am staying in PETOSKEY!!! WAHOO!!!! My new companion is Sister Katelyn Mathis from Heber, Utah!! She is actually from Heather and Corbin's ward-small world, huh? She is to DIE for cute, and I can't wait for her to see the amazingness of Petoskey.

One highlight from this week was Andrea. She is a less active who was very negative when we first met her on Saturday (she thinks Mormons worship Joseph Smith over Christ) After an amazing testimony meeting on her back porch, the Spirit touched her heart and we are now going to go visit with her on Saturday! SO cool!!!

I testify that Jesus is the Christ. I know that there are people who are prepared all over to hear the message of the restoration. Will you talk to someone knew about the Book of Mormon this week? Even if it's a "No", you will have done your part in inviting!!

I love you all so much!! If there is anything you ever want more info on, the best way is to write me a letter-I'll have more time to respond!! I love you!!! Have a great day!!!!

(Note from Mom)  Camille sent the following paragraph to me after seeing the picture I sent to her showing Hunter in his Prom Tux.  I thought I would include it.)

I am obsessed with Hunter. Oh, I talk about the kid all of the time. I am LOVING Nashville more than nearly anything. Those people are in my constant prayers, and I have talked with so many people here about Nashville. I've only heard amazing things about it. I can't wait to see Huntie with a round face. I'm so grateful that I'M not the one who was sent to the deep-fried south, but I am beyond thrilled that Hunt is. Love that kid.

Xoxo

Sister Ensign 

The Eaton Family

Another Ensign to this Nation..Ya'll

I truly don't know if there has ever been anyone on the face of the planet more excited about a mission call than I was when Huntie Baby received his. 

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH MMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYY GGGGGGOOOOOOSSSSSHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
 NNNNNNAAAAAAAAAASSSSSHHHHHHVVVVIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Pre-story to Hunt's call:

I have been talking to EVERYONE, I mean EVERYONE, about Hunter's call. The branch knows, my mission president knows, and most of my investigators know. Seriously, it's the talk of this town. Everyone made their guess, and it seems like the state of Michigan was in as much anticipation for his call as he probably was. 

  

 I was in the library this week when I saw the video posted on facebook. Before I clicked on the video, I prayed that Hunter would feel that this was exactly where he was supposed to go. (Honestly, I was quite nervous to hear!!!) When he read Tennessee Nashville, I threw a HUGE first in the air and said " OH YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" AHHHHHHHHHH I CAN'T EVEN TYPE THIS WITHOUT FEELING SO PUMPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I then began to sob, right there in the middle of the quiet library. People were looking over at me, and I think my crying caught me off guard as much as it did anyone else. Nashville has no idea how blessed they are to receive one of the best missionaries this world has ever known. Hunt could have gone anywhere, and the lucky people in Nashville Tennessee are those who will be able to hear the gospel from him. I called just about everyone to tell them the good news. Huntie, I am more than THRILLED for you. And I can't wait to hear about your prep! AHHHHHHH!! It's PERFECT!!!! Nashville baby!!!! Here my Huntie Baby comes!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

 Knowing that Hunt is a few states below me has even increased my love for my mission. I love serving in the United States, and I can't wait for Hunter to meet people similar to those I am meeting. I know he already knows that missions change lives, so I add my testimony to those who have already said that this is one of the greatest things you will ever do in your life. I can't wait for you Hunt!!! AH YEAH!!!! YES!!! I'M SO EXCITED!!!!! And the end of July? What a great time to go!!! It's crazy to think that people are being call at my YEAR mark. What the? Those weeks at the MTC have the most English speakers of the whole year. So hunt will be surrounded by everyone speaking his same language going throughout different parts of the USA/World. YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!

This week was great, and it really was made so much better when I heard about Hunt's call. I was in Traverse City on Monday and Tuesday, and saw the Lord bless us and he led us to people who are prepared. I am learning how cool it is to be a missionary! On Wednesday, we had a conference in Midland (a few hours away) with a few of the Zones. We talked about promising people blessings. I have learned that when missionaries promise blessings, it shows that the missionary has enough faith in Jesus Christ that He will answer the call of His representative and will perform the blessing on the recipient. I took this to heart, and have been promising people some amazing things (all prompt of the spirit) and have seen Christ help me so much! I promised this woman that if she would listen to the message of the restoration and the Book of Mormon, she would be able to have a better job to financially support her kids. The coolest thing is that I have no idea what her financial situation is, but she started to cry right there. It was awesome! I promised another gut that he would be healed physically of his epilepsy if he would read the while Book of Mormon, come to church faithfully and pray. He said, "That is exactly what I need! I'm in". Woah!! I know there were so many other things that happened that were miracles. I spend the day on Thursday in Cadillac, and we saw other miracles as we were led to people that we had pre-set to find! Cool! I promised various Sisters that we would teach lessons, and we did!! Now that my mission is coming close to it's half way point (crazy huh?) I finally feel like I have gotten the spark of missionary work. I love it here, and I love serving the Lord!! 

 I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Living Son of God. He knows you, loves you, and has a plan for you. I testify that the Book of Mormon leads us to Him, and to happiness if we'll allow it to. 

Have a wonderful week!!!!

Sister Ensign 

The Restoration and the Birth of Jesus Christ

Hello family!!! Ok, to begin, I want to start off with the coolest thing that happened this week.

We have been praying to find new people to teach. We were out of town for the first couple days, so we only had a few days to be finding in Petoskey. 

On Thursday, we were in a SMALL town called CONWAY, which can't have more than 100 people in the whole town. We knocked on a door, thought no one was home, but a 17 year old kid came and talked with us for a while. Long story short, we ended up teaching him the plan of Salvation on his front porch (because no woman was home) while it was snowing! It was actually pretty cool!!!

On Friday, we had a free afternoon, with some time to go wherever we wanted to go finding. We had initially picked a street called Jennings here in Petoskey. I thought, however, that with some extra time and miles, we should go back out to this small town of Conway with the success from the previous day. We drive all the way out there, and once there, we both got a feeling that it was wrong. I felt quite bad because I thought that we had wasted time and miles all for nothing. We come all the way back to Petoskey to knock on Jennings street-which is within walking distance of our apartment. We talk to only a few people, but were able to get some potential investigators from it. As we walk down the street, Sister Smith and I discuss how we are able to know what is an impression from the Spirit, trying to figure out how to listen better after some wasted time. HOWEVER, as we walk down the street, a man that we had just spoken with came hobbling after us and said "I thought about what you said, and I do want to meet. Give me 10 minutes and I'll meet you at the Library". Cool!!! 
We meet at the Library, and before we can introduce ourselves, the man (Richard) says "I'll tell you something. I was writing a letter to God this afternoon. I was pouring my heart out to Him. I had JUST finished my letter when you knocked on my door. When I sent you away, the Spirit told me that you have a message for me that I need to listen to. The devil told me that you were too far away, and to let you keep going down the street. But I had to listen to the Spirit. So what is it? I'll listen". 
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously it was so cool!!!!!!!!!!! I later saw that the Lord sent us out to Conway so Richard could finish his letter. He is 68, and is pretty religious. We saw him on Saturday, and he seems very interested in the message, though we don't know if he is all the way open to changing. (But no worries!! The Spirit will help him with that part). Oh, it was so awesome!!! 
We also had some opportunities to serve at a different food bank this week. It was fun to be with new people, and to help others in need in whatever way we can. The thing that surprised me the most was how affected (effected? Haha I have no idea on spelling) I was by the radio in the background. I know in my head that baptized members of the church have the Spirit with us always, but I didn't realize how that is drastically increased it is as a missionary. The music playing in the background was quiet, and though we did our best to block it out, I found myself singing along to "Gent (gentile)" music. When I caught myself, I felt the definite absence of the Spirit. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be so involved with the Spirit of the Lord. 
We also had a trip down to Lansing!!! It was probably too much fun, and though we had little sleep, we had a wonderful time being trained to help our Sisters a much as possible. it was fun to see President and Sister Jacobsen again, and I look forward to seeing them again this upcoming week. I'll be all over Northern Michigan this week for different training with the Sisters up here, and I am so excited to help in whatever way I can. 
Conference was great, and I loved Elder Christofferson's about Daddy's. I love you Daddy! I also loved Elder Holland's talking about getting credit for trying out best. AND, I loved British Elder Kearon. Seriously, love a good accent. And love learning about helping others #doublewammie 
I love being a missionary. I am currently in Petoskey!!! I will be heading down to Traverse City this evening, then to Midland on Wednesday, then to Cadillac on Wednesday afternoon to come back to Petoskey on Thursday. I love being a missionary, I can't even handle it! I opened my call a year ago, and I have thought about all that has happened over the last year. It's crazy how quickly time is speeding up! I can't believe it. 
I love Jesus Christ, and testify that He lives. 

Have a wonderful day and week!
Sister Ensign 

Favorite view from my apartment

The Zone

Easter And Saturday Conference

*Note from Mom - Because Camille wrote on Sunday, I was able to exchange some emails with her before Conference started. I will include some of the things she told me by putting an "*" in front of those parts.

Hello Family and Friends!!

I am writing this morning (Sunday) because I'll be traveling for a bit the next couple days, and won't have time later. What a better way to spend the morning before Conference than writing some of the greatest people-YOU! *"As I watched conference, I knew the parts where Mom cried. I also knew that Dad would count on his hands how many of the 70 were released and sustained. I don't know when you will see Elder Christofferson again, but when you can, will you tell him how excited I am to see him? He brings a sense of familiarity and home, and I am so excited to hear what the Lord has inspired hi to say today. I know that there are millions of Saints around the world who are looking forward to hearing him today, so I am blessed to be among those who support and love him. Please tell him "Thank You" for me. We are in the middle of a blizzard. It's fun to see SLC all warm and beautiful!!! ENJOY THE SUNSHINE!!!!"


This week was Easter, and though I wrote on it last week, I wanted to remind everyone how amazing Easter is. Christ lives, and because He lives, we will too! * I have found that one of the most frustrating things in this life is agency. I didn't realize how much Heavenly Father loved and respected the Law of Agency, until I came to the realization that it is the thing He allowed to stand firm-causing Him to lose a third of His children. How painful that must have been for Him! But, He wanted us to be free, to be able to choose - He wanted that for us more than anything. We can't make people listen to the promptings of the Spirit! It can be frustrating."


This week flew by, and it's crazy how quickly time is going! How can it already be April? Next month is Mother's Day? Crazy! This last Monday we taught FHE to some of the cutest foster kids that I just adore. We also helped again with the Catholic food pantry. Those are some of the funniest people I've ever met! They all pick on each other and it's so fun to be there! We also drove to St. Ignas this week. It is so fun to be serving up North!! Sister Smith and I are the only Sisters currently in the mission that have served up here, so it's quiet an honor. Driving on the bridge was fun again, and it was so cool to see Lake Huron again! Maybe I'll see all of them before I go home?


We had some meetings this week, and a highlight was being able to see President John Hoover. The light radiates off of that man, and I wish I could be more like him! I don't know what the Lord wants me to accomplish while up here, but I do know that a major reason was so that I could meet President Hoover.


Some highlights were lessons with Mary and Jerry this week. Mary is one to use as few words as possible when it comes to answering questions (but when she's really talking, she REALLY talks!) This week, she said, "Wow, I just felt that warmth through my whole body. It feels so good!" It's great that she is feeling the Spirit testify to her that this is all true. We are working on a temple trip, so hopefully we'll get to go in the next month!


Our lesson with Jerry went extremely well! It was a "DTR" (define the relationship) lesson, making sure that he is meeting us for the right reasons. We talked about the Word of Wisdom, and as he has some problems with it, he is trying to figure out if this is something he really wants. The Spirit led the lesson, and it was a huge blessing.


It was also conference this week!!! I can't wait to watch it again today!! Lacsey and Mary should be coming this morning, so it will be extremely exciting! I thought some of the themes were: Be humble/look out for others and Music is the prayer of the soul.


I hope you all have a wonderful week, and thank you for all that you do!!


Enjoy another great day of General Conference! I know these men are called of God, and the Spirit will testify the same thing as you open your ears and heart to listen to their words.


XOXO Sister Ensign

He is not here; for He is Risen

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-04-1010-he-lives-celebrate-easter-because-jesus-christ-lives?lang=eng

He lives. I am so grateful to have been taught this. The above link shows a video that is quiet powerful. Please watch it!!

John 20:15-17

"15... Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."

Can you imagine what it would be like to be there when Christ was on the Earth? Who would you be? Maybe you would be someone like the late Peter, dedicated to the truth until the end. Maybe you would be among the lucky few that caught a glimpse of His miracles. Maybe you would have been there on Calvary, a relative to one of the thieves mourning the loss of a loved one. Maybe you would have been a person at a nearby market with the blessing of hearing the Savior's sermons on the other side of your tent. Maybe you would have been a young kid, or maybe someone hard of hearing that was healed. Maybe you would have been one confused and misinformed among the masses as He was condemned before Pilate (This idea was from sacrament yesterday)

No matter what kind of person we would have been, how blessed are we to know of Him, and that He lives! I am grateful for the good people in my life and the examples of countless saints who show the love of Christ through their service.

The Woman's Broadcast this week was focused on serving others, and I love the large reminder to focus and help those around us. I read the talk "The Priesthood Man" by President Eyring this morning, and it was exactly what I needed! It talks about praying for opportunities to serve others, to serve quickly, and then to quickly pray for another person to serve once the act is done. How I admire the Savior's constant desire to help those around Him. I have LOVED this Easter season, and am sad to think it is already over! Being a missionary on Easter is unique and something I will never forget. I was with other families as they shared their testimonies of the Savior, and how the Savior has helped them. It was SO GREAT! I didn't think I would be in this position a year and a half ago, but it has been a blessing that has literally changed my life. 

For Easter, we had dinner with the Jones and the Ellsworths: some of the greatest people in the branch. We had an ACTUAL EASTER DINNER!!! It's weird to think I didn't know these people a few weeks ago, and how much it felt like I was "Home" being in their apartment yesterday. It was a conformation to me that this church HAS to be true, as these strangers show me the pure love of Christ. I am so blessed. 

This week was full of: miracles, Michigan people, sun, and snow. 

Spring? Haha. Maybe next year! We were going to have trade-off's this week, but had to cancel due to the BUCKETS of snow! Then is rains? Then sun? It's so weird! But on the plus side, I can wear all seasons of outfits in one week:) 

One of the biggest blessings was with one of our investigators Jerry. He has had a pretty rough background, and has struggled with finances. He expressed to us on Thursday that He feels like God isn't answering his prayers, and that He is alone in the world. After many prayers in our behalf, and after sharing testimony of Christ's reality, Jerry got a job THAT AFTERNOON!!! IT WAS SO EXCITING!!! Also, Lacey came to church for the first time yesterday, and that girl is going to change lives. Even though it was her FIRST time at church, she was passing notes to a woman who was clearly struggling at church yesterday to comfort her. WHO DOES THAT!?! What a great example of Christ ALREADY! 

Another cool thing was that we were able to work at a Catholic food bank this week. It was so fun to be with a bunch of strangers that turned into friends as we worked together to help others. Another great thing about Petoskey is that most people here are retired and pretty well off considering they live right here on the shore. There seems to be the extremes as far as wealth goes. So it's fun to work with retired trying to do their part. Ah, it was so fun!

Overall, the work is going well! I feel like this letter is scattered all over the place. And if that is true, SO SORRY!!! Here is literally the only joke I know in payment for the confusing letter: Why were the Lamanites knees sore? Because of the Nephites! HA! 

Have a great week! I know the Lord lives, and am beyond blessed to serve Him. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Xoxo

Sister Ensign 

Happy Easter

Searching for Summer

Ta-Da...Spring!

"I may fall, but I will always RISE - this weeks' favorite quote from a PI

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 Coldest St. Patrick's Day of my Life!

WE'RE IRISH ALL YEAR LONG :)

https://www.mormon.org/easter?cid=HP_SU_3-13-2016_dMIS_fSPC_xLIDyL1-A_

 

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.

   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