August 16, 2012- Independence VC- Sister Cashmore- FINAL email

August 16, 2012

MIM Forever! (Missouri Independence Mission)

Very Last Email

Hi everyone....

Goodness.... where has time gone? I can't believe this is my last email as a missionary. How in the world do you sum up 18 months and 3 weeks into an email? I think it’s impossible.

The past few days have been so incredible but also really hard.

It all started Sunday when I had the realization that it was my last sacrament meeting as a missionary. Somehow word got out that I was heading home this next week. Of course it got to the bishop and of course one of the speakers didn't show up. Well guess who was asked to speak 5 minutes before? Yup. Me. I was a nervous wreck but it turned out okay. I didn't die anyway. In every area I've served I've had the opportunity to share my testimony with people I have come to love. Independence has been no different. It has been the fastest 6 weeks of my life, but I have come to love these people so much. They are so wonderful and the fact that Heavenly Father allowed me to share my testimony with them one last time was a privilege. It was so strange to stand in front of those people, not knowing half of them and love them as much as I do. Hebrews 12: 1-2 came to mind and its what I based my scattered thoughts around. That scripture has come to mean so much to me. In our race of life Jesus Christ waits at the finish line for us. He always has been and he always will be. He is the "author and finisher of our faith". What great comfort that is. I was able to stand before those people and truly realize what the Gospel is all about. I have been blessed enough to wear the Saviors name along with my own. He is real and this really is his work.

The miracles continued while having dinner with a ward member. Before we left we had asked if there were anyone she would like us to visit. She didn't necessarily blow it off but she just said, "Well, you can go give my next door neighbors a try." I've heard that one so many times before that I had little confidence much was going to come from it. I was so wrong! After asking for Jamie and Marcie and making a brief introduction why 2 girls were knocking on their door, Marcie let us in immediately. We talked for a good hour with her about Heavenly Father’s love and then set up another appointment so we could meet the entire family.

Our appointment was on Monday evening. We knocked and no one answered. We knocked again and still no answer. Sister Cashmore and I were super bummed. Our lesson days earlier had gone so well. Why aren't they answering?  We stood on their porch for a good 10 minutes both silently praying that something would happen. Just as we were about to give up and leave them a note, low and behold here comes the family pulling into the driveway. Prayers are answered!

This lesson was one of the most amazing spiritual lessons of my mission! Everything Sister Cashmore and I had planned was immediately “out the window”. The family just talked and we listened. They didn't need to hear about the restoration or that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Not yet anyway. Instead we got to know this family. We got to know who they were and everything that they have experienced in life. As we listened, all I could think about was how much love they had for each other and we needed to let them know how much God loved them. They needed to know the love they have for each other can last for eternity. John 3:16 kept coming to mind over and over again. They continued to talk and we continued to testify. Before we left Marcie asked if we could baptize their family. We explained that was our purpose of being in their home; To invite them to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel by faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.

I wish I could put those 2 hours into words but I really can't. This family is so ready for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have never been so sure about that for anyone; all of them, Jamie, Marcie, Alyssa, Jessie and Selena are ready for this. They are ready and I (like so many other times) was lucky enough to be a part of it. I’m so thankful to Heavenly Father for starting them off on the path that is going to change their eternity. It’s moments like this that make everything worth it. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Ever.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Church that Jesus Christ established on the earth. I know it is from a 14-year-old boy lacking wisdom but by asking God found the truth. I know that 14-year-old boy; Joseph Smith was called of God to restore the Gospel to the earth. I know Joseph Smith saw what he saw and everything he experienced from Palmyra to Liberty was so the truth could move forward. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today; standing in his presence at the cultural event solidified that for me forever. I know our work as missionaries is never finished, regardless of the nametag, and I know with all of my heart that Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ are real. It is through the Savior's Atonement, the sacrament, scriptures and fervent prayer we are able to strengthen ourselves and become who the Lord needs us to be.

It’s going to be one of the hardest things in my life to leave this behind. To be completely honest I'm terrified to go back to reality and to say goodbye to everything and everyone, but it’s going to be okay, I have to believe that, and I do believe that. The Independence Missouri Mission has been the best mission in the world for me and I know this isn't the end. There is much more for me to do and accomplish. I really couldn't be happier.

Everything I have become I owe to my Heavenly Father and to you. Thank you for all that you have done, for the constant prayers, thoughts and love. I wouldn't be whom I am with out you.

I love you and have loved my mission more than you could ever know.

Be happy, love life and be safe.

I love you.

August 8, 2012- This is life as I know it.- Independence VC- Sister Cashmore

This is life, as I know it!

                                 Hi everyone,                                   

Last week I mentioned about Savannah being baptized. Apparently there was more to the story. As the district leader was interviewing Savannah something came up from her past that was going to need 1st Presidency clearance. When that is needed it usually takes a few weeks to a few months for the request to go through. President Keyes was informed immediately and the request was put in that evening of the interview. Miraculously the 1st Presidency happened to be going through those requests that very next morning. Through prayers and a lot of communication between the 1^st Presidency, President Keyes, and the Sisters Missionaries, Savannah was cleared for baptism that same evening. How cool is that? It’s amazing to see how everything really is under Heavenly Father’s direction and timing.

We had an interesting encounter with a 90-year-old man Monday. I'll have to tell you about it someday when you are all old enough. :)

On Sunday we received a text from one of our less actives we have been working with. He asked if we could find him a ride to church. No one ever asks if they can come to church. Sister Cash and I were just a little excited. When we entered the chapel there was Ma'a with his white shirt and tie waiting for us. As we were sitting in sacrament listening to testimonies, Ma'a suddenly got up and started heading to the pulpit. I have no idea what he said because it was all in Samoan but it didn't matter, the Spirit was perfect. It was really fun to watch all the native Samoan speakers talk to him afterward. Ma'a is coming back and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to watch it happen.

Sorry about my short email this week. My mind is full of thoughts but I can't seem to get them into my email today. Know that things are going well in Zion. Each day is something new and different. The lord is always blessing us. "Missionary work is difficult. It taxes ones energies, it strains ones capacity, it demands ones best effort-frequently a second effort. No other labor requires longer hours or greater devotion or such sacrifice and fervent prayer." -President Monson. This is life as I know it and it’s a good one. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunities I've been given.

Love you. Be safe.

Sister Kenz

August 1st, 2012- Independence Mo. Visitors Center- Sister Cashmore

August 1^st, 2012

Hi everyone-

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the Olympics. Although I'm a little bummed I don't get to watch them I'm even more sad I don't get to be called a new Olympic nickname from my Dad everyday.  Guo Jingjing was my personal favorite from the 2008 games.

Tell Grandpa Hall I love him! I'm so glad they found the cancer when they did. He's a tough guy.

We had interviews with President and Sister Keyes this last week.  As President and I were talking he told me the best news, Savannah Cox was baptized July 26th! When he told me I had the most overwhelming feeling, I couldn't help but cry. She made it, and I was lucky enough to be apart of it! I was so grateful at that moment. Even though I wasn't able to be there, knowing that she was able to overcome all that she did was an amazing feeling.

I so needed to hear everything President said to me. He is one of those people that speaks directly to your spirit, and knows exactly what you need. It amazes me he is in charge of 240 missionaries and where they need to serve and who they need to serve with; but he does it every single transfer. It’s all because of inspiration from our Heavenly Father. It was a really good reminder for me to know that my 5 areas and 9 companions were exactly what Heavenly Father wanted for me. Every person, experience, and moment was part of His plan. It’s amazing to know that the most powerful being the universe is aware of each of us and every aspect of our lives.

Yesterday I was able to go on exchanges’ with Hermana Crystal. It was so nice to not to be on the “sister leader” side of exchanges and to just be a missionary. Sister Crystal is amazing. She has been someone I would love to have served with but we were always on opposite sides of the mission. We taught 6 lessons in 6 hours (that doesn't usually happen while working at the Visitors Center), but numbers don't really matter. It was because of how real and loving she is with everyone. She emanates the example of our Savior and because of that people listen to her. It was an awesome day.

Sorry, this week’s letter is kind of lame. But things are continuing to move along. The work is slowly progressing and Sister Cashmore and I are loving and laughing our way through it. Sister Cashmore has been such a blessing. I have never met someone that laughs as much as she does. She is an amazing Sister.

Much thanks to all of you.

I love you. Be happy and stay safe.

Sister Kenz

July 25, 2012- The Love of God- Independence Mo VC- Hermana Cashmore

The Love of God                                 July 25, 2012

Hi everyone!

Happy Pioneer Day yesterday! I hope you all had fun.

So I have to address something before we get into the week.  All of you awesome people that continue to write me...thank you so much. You are the best. To be perfectly honest though, don't expect much from my end. I'm kind of done writing letters. Instead I'm going to enjoy my last 3 p-days with 3 awesome sisters.

Other than my lack of motivation to write letters and the constant food from our Polynesian members, things are going really great. Remember how I told you about Saiko last week? We met with his family last Thursday night and the entire family was there, Mom, Dad, and the 5 kids! It was a little intimidating, but Saiko told us he doesn't want us to focus on him, rather he wants his kids to learn and have the Gospel in their lives. We are now teaching his 2 oldest sons, Walter and Rocky. They are the coolest 9 and 10 year olds I have ever met. They are geniuses. We were able to go over yesterday after our VC shift and reviewed the restoration with them. They remembered everything perfectly, plus they read the first chapter in 1st Nephi. What young kids do that? I love them they are so awesome! As for Saiko, I'm not too worried; he sat in for the entire lesson and was definitely listening. He will come around.

People here in Indie are.... really different. It’s weird to be in an area where most people you run into are familiar with the LDS Church or belong to a break off. We ran into a lady one evening that belonged to the Restoration branch. It was so strange talking to her and having her say she believes the Book of Mormon is true but temples are an abomination and speaking in tongues is how we communicate with God. Its weird to know there are people with the truth that only our church has but somewhere down the line it got a little twisted.

Its in those moments that I have to remind myself those people are loved just as much by Heavenly Father as anyone else. Throughout my mission it’s always come back that God loves these people. No matter how rude, crazy, or imperfect they are, God loves them because they are His children.

"God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn't care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely." - President Uchtdorf.

Our Heavenly Father loves the people in the Restoration branch, Community of Christ, Baptist, Catholic, and Church of Christ just as much as He loves us- members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and that is pretty amazing. I'm so grateful the Lord has helped me see and recognize this throughout these 18 months.

It’s because of the love of God that he has given us prophets. It’s because of His love he blesses us with trials and miracles. It’s because of His love he sent his Son Jesus Christ to the Earth to atone for each and every one of us. Having that knowledge is more than I could ever ask for.

I'm so grateful to be a missionary serving these people in the Independence Missouri Mission. I am so grateful that I have experienced everything I have, the good, bad and ugly. Everything that has happened during these amazing 18 months (I hit 18 months exactly tomorrow.... yikes) is because Heavenly Father is showing His love for me.

Thank you to each of you for all that you have done for me. I love you more than I can ever express.

Be happy. Stay safe.

Sister Kenz

July 18, 2012- Life in the VC Lane- Independence, MO- Hermana Cashmore

Life in the VC Lane                                     July 18, 2012

Good morning,

Things are going great here in Independence. I saw my first possum along with a whole pile of miracles!

We have really been trying to focus on “part member” families and receiving referrals from our members this last week. While visiting a “less active” before we could even ask, she told us about a family that may be interested. It was such a blessing. We were able to stop by the referrals home the next day. It’s always funny to knock on people’s door, ask for a specific person and watch their reaction. We asked for Saiko, and the man standing in the door frame just stood there for a minute. I could tell he was trying to decide something. He finally moved out of the way and invited us in. We were able to get to know Saiko and it turned out that he once was a member of the LDS Church in Samoa, but had his records removed because of some offense. He said that when he saw us at the door he was making the decision to either accept or reject us. He said he let us come in because the church has been on his mind the past few weeks and it’s something he wants his family to learn of. Sister Cashmore and I sat with this man and testified to him of how this is his time to come back. It wasn't a coincidence his name was given to us and that he felt like he needed to let us into his home.

Sister Larson left me today! We had her goodbye breakfast this morning with the senior couples and other sisters. Although it will only be a month before I can see her again it was still no fun to say goodbye. She has been a huge miracle in my life. When I found out that she would be going home a few weeks earlier than planned I prayed that I would be able to have one last opportunity to be with her. Heavenly Father was beyond nice and gave me the opportunity to serve with her at the VC and live across the hall from her for 2 weeks. I love that girl. She is amazing. She has so much strength and courage. After serving an awesome faithful mission she can go home and start feeling better. Love you Steph!

Sister Cashmore and I have meet with a less active named Rachel once a week. She is amazing. Her faith in what she believes is incredible. As we were visiting with her we felt like we needed to share a Mormon message about forgiveness. As the video ended Rachel turned back to us with tears running down her face. She began to tell us that was what she needed. In 2009 her 2-year-old son was killed in the Tsunami in Samoa. She was living here in the states at the time and had heard about the disaster from a friend. She said that she knew instantly her son was dead. It took weeks to contact her family over the phone and her son’s body was never found. She told us that the loss of her son caused a lot of tension and anger between her and her husband’s family. Rachel who was caught in the middle and left to mourn her 2-year-old son said, "I forgave them." She said because she had the Gospel in her life she knew they were going to be together forever. She would see her son again. A wave of humility over came me as I sat listening to this strong Samoan woman of faith. Rachel helped me realize that what we teach is seriously true. It’s not something we tell people to lure them into thinking we are right and they are wrong, it’s not about that. It’s about having a purpose, a plan of happiness and a sense of belonging with those we love. What greater purpose could there be?

I'm so grateful for all I have learned on my mission. It has been the most challenging, humbling and incredible experience of my life. Even though it is coming to an end, I'm starting to feel like its time. I'm ready to take everything I've learned and apply that to being a full time member. Each of us wears the name tag with the Saviors name on it, its just invisible instead of black.

I love you. Be safe.

Sister Kenz

July 11, 2012- Independence Mo, Visitors Center, Hermana Cashmore

Zion

Hi everyone!                                                 July 11, 2012

So much has happened in the last week in a half that I don't know where to begin.

Transfers came around. I was so sad to say goodbye to Manhattan, but even more so to Kansas. I still sit here almost a week later and can't really believe I’m here. Remember almost 2 years ago I received a mission call to the Independence Missouri Mission? Remember how I was then sent out to Kansas for 10 months of it? Well the transfer call came last Tuesday and when I heard "Sister Hall will be serving with Sister Cashmore in the Independence 1^st Ward" I was pretty sure I heard wrong. I think I listened to the voicemail at least twice before I realized what was really happening.

I was being transferred to Zion and back to the visitor’s centers. I came back. I still can't believe it. It’s so weird to be in the heart of everything. To have the mission office 5 minutes away from our apartment where mail and notices take 10 minutes to get to you instead of a week. Its been weird to have 14 other sister missionaries hanging around instead of just you and your companion. Its funny to watch the newer sisters realize that I'm a full proselyter yet I'm back in the Visitors Center they are almost just as shocked as I was. It’s been weird to see the inner city and garbage instead of open fields and nothing but road kill. It’s been strange to only be in our area half a day and spend the other half in the visitor’s center. It’s all just been weird but I couldn't be happier.

My new companion is Hermana Cashmore. She is awesome. She's been serving about 9 months and is from Santa Maria California. She's just about the happiest little thing ever. It’s been a 360-degree difference from what the last 6 weeks were. To have someone to teach with, to laugh with and to enjoy what’s going on has been something I have missed. It’s been the biggest blessing to have her in my life.

Our area is another “building” area, which is nothing new. We have a few investigators but there is a whole lot of room for improvement. We did have an awesome miracle yesterday though. We had met a potential a few days earlier and set up an appointment with him to meet us at the Visitors Center. We weren't sure he was actually going to show because his very Baptist Mother chewed us out on her doorstep. But we had all the hope in the world that Heavenly Father would help him get to our appointment. Yesterday rolled around and guess who showed up 15 minutes early! Delone came! We had an amazing lesson with him. He opened up so much and expressed his concerns about his father’s death. We were able to teach him about the Plan of Salvation and help him understand the plan that God has for his family. He was amazed at the answers we had. He ended up asking for a Book of Mormon and then sat at VC and read while he waited for his ride. Sister Cashmore and I were so excited. Please keep him in your prayers. If we can keep him progressing without his mom getting in the way then we know he will make it.

Our ward is great. We cover the Independence 1st ward which is 85% Samoan. Our ward mission leader has the biggest hands I have ever seen...half your arm gets lost when he shakes your hand. They all come to church with flowers in their hair and tropical patterned dresses. Sister Cashmore and I both have blonde hair and blue eyes...so we don't stand out at all! Plus they all have names that I can't pronounce but I'm learning. They are all super loving on Sunday and it’s hard not to love these people instantly. We also cover the singles branch for the stake. It’s not as big as the branch in Manhattan but the members are just as fun. I keep wondering if Heavenly Father has some motive behind me covering 2 different single branches.

Everything has happened so fast. I've already been here for an entire week. I can tell that time is so not going to be on my side.

Heavenly Father has and continues to bestow upon me tender mercies. To actually be here and have the opportunity to feel of the unique Spirit in the Visitors Centers once again, to make 14 new friends and have the opportunity to build up one more area is so much more than I deserve. I'm so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power that it has. I'm grateful for everything the Saints went through so that we can stand here today and learn from their sacrifice and examples in this area.

Life is amazing.

Have a good week. Be safe.

Sister Hall

July 2nd, 2012- The Last week in Manhattan KS with Sister T.

July 2^nd, 2012   

Hi everyone,

This email is going to be really short; I just don’t have much time.

It’s been a good week here in Manhattan. We’ve done lots of walking in the heat and humidity but it’s been a great week anyway.

-Manny finally came to church yesterday. It only took us one phone call to remind him and he even showed up 15 minutes early. He loved it!

-We fasted for Arenda yesterday. Every time we meet with her she amazes me. Her faith for a 19 year old is incredible. We have talked a lot about submitting to God's timing and sacrificing on our part. Even if it isn't her time to be baptized she is willing to wait until next August. She knows its true and I've promised her that I'll be there to see her enter into that covenant when it does happen.

-Heavenly Father blessed us with putting Johnny into our path this week. He's from India and has so much faith in Jesus Christ. He's now reading from the Book of Mormon and attending the Wednesday night institute class taught by the Stake President. It still amazes me that I only had to come to Kansas to meet half of the world.

As always transfers have come around again. Because Sister T and I go home at the same time its looking like I’m going to be moved for my last transfer. I have mixed feelings about it all. I always get so attached to people and having to say goodbye is the worst (it doesn't help when they start to cry as they say goodbye to you either.... yesterday was no fun). I'm so grateful for everyone that I've been able to meet while serving. These people have so much faith and courage. I have to keep reminding myself that Kansas really isn't that far from Utah. Someday I'll come back and visit.

I'm so grateful for the Gospel and to have it in my life. I couldn't be happier to have served here in Manhattan. I guess we will see where the Lord takes me next.

Be safe

Sister Hall

June 25th 2012- Opposition in all things- Manhattan KS, Sister T.

June 25^th 2012

Hi everyone!

Here’s the update for Manhappenin:

-Arenda: She's so great. She's 19 and has every desire to be baptized. She has been taught almost everything and is more than willing to change her life to be a member of the church. Here is the problem; She lives with her (tool) of a boyfriend (they do live in separate rooms) and just signed a lease for her apartment for another year and put all the money down. So basically she can't be baptized unless she moves out or he does. Having to tell her that last Tuesday was one of the hardest things I've had to do. She was ready to break down into tears and so was I. After our lesson the three of us knelt together in prayer and asked for the Lord to provide a way for her baptism to happen. We are planning on fasting for her this week and I really do believe if this is her time it will happen. A miracle can happen. Please keep Arenda in your prayers.

-I miss the dry heat. I don't know how people do it out here. The 104 temperatures plus humidity is just gross. To make things even better our air conditioner is broken, and we won't have a car this next week. Oh well. It doesn't make the church any less true.

-Tomorrow I will have been a missionary for 17 months. It’s been the best 17 months of my life!

-Nesha: She is also a referral from the Elders who found her walking down the street one-day. When we met with her she couldn’t believe that we were 20 something years old and have such happiness in our lives. She kept saying, "Its like you know your purpose in life."  We talked about the Book of Mormon and God’s love for her. I have no doubt that she felt the spirit. By the end of the lesson she asked if she could read the Book of Mormon and we invited her to church. Before she left I asked her how she felt. She turned to me and with tears running down her face and said, "I came in here with all these worries and I'm leaving here without them. I feel like this is where I need to be." Please keep her in your prayers as well. She decided to not to show up to church yesterday and that always worries me.

-The cicadas (or however you spell that) are back. They aren't as bad here as they are in Missouri but they are still super loud. We keep finding dead ones outside of our apartment door. Maybe it’s just too hot for them also.

-Song: He is from China and is a referral from our Branch President. Song has a Christian background and attends the Baptist church. He wants to learn about the "LDS" church because his preacher told him "Mormons are a hypocrisy." I don't really know what that word means but from the way it sounds I really don't like it. Song wants to prove the preacher wrong because he believes that is being judgmental. He's a really cool kid, super knowledgeable and scientific, and he's willing to learn and figure it out for himself.

-Laura: I love her to death but she is just so complicated. She also has a cat...ugh, I just really hate cats. (Sorry everyone) Her particular cat really likes to sit on my lap and rub its sick head all over my hand so that I will pet it. This week as it was doing that a bunch of its hair was flying everywhere and like so many other times in my life my eyes puffed up, went completely red and wouldn't stop crying. Laura couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. Generally don't tell people that I'm allergic to their cats because everyone has a small farm of them. As Laura was assessing my eyes her cat jumped off my lap, went over to the corner of the room and barfed. Oh my. It was so disgusting. I couldn't help but laugh at the whole situation. I guess I should be grateful that it didn't barf on me. Animals can be so gross. I will never own a cat. Ever.

This week has brought so many challenges. Opposition and trial just as Lehi said. But with the opposition there is always a blessing behind it. It happens over and over again. It still amazes me. As Sister Kavea would always say, "its okay because Heavenly Father said so." It really is going to be okay. Heavenly Father always guides us through.

I'm so grateful for this gospel and for each of you. I love you.

Be safe.

Sister Hall

June 18th 2012-Manhattan KS, Sister T. Everything will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay it’s not the end

June 18^th 2012

Happy Monday everyone!

Happy Fathers day to the coolest dad in the whole world. As I sat in the family ward and listened to the same song that is sung every year by the cute little primary kids, I couldn't help but think about how awesome my own Dad is. I miss your "little sausage fingers”, eating breakfast with you at 6:30 in the morning and the entire list of nicknames you come up with for the week.  I miss Saturday tree trimming and watching football with you. Ok those last two are a lie, but I am excited to come home and play tennis and watch the Borne Trilogy with you. I hope you had a wonderful day. Love you Dad. Also, Happy Fathers day to all the other father figures I've adopted into my life. I love you!

So Heavenly Father is being really nice to my companion and me right now. I seriously don't deserve it. We have 4 people with baptismal dates, whom all have come out of nowhere. The ward members are also just completely awesome and helpful. We are continually blessed.

Our tender mercies for the week: (1 Nephi 1:20)

-Mormon message: Choosing faith over fear. This couldn't have been more perfect for me this week.

-Our newest investigator with a date is Manny. The Elders had tracted into him while they were covering the First Ward but were never really able to see him again. We were able to get an appointment set up, teach him lesson one and invite him for baptism! He's such a sweet person. He has a slight learning disability but I feel like it just helps him be that much closer to the Spirit. So far he is doing really well and will make it to his date of July 15th.

-We have a very interesting Ward Mission Leader. He is a professor of plants or something at K-State. It just explains so much!

-We got to travel 2-½ hours south (I think) to Hays for exchanges. Hays is always so interesting. I again had the lovely opportunity to ride a bike all day. I came prepared this time though and didn't wear my pencil skirt.

-We potentially had 7 people coming to church yesterday.  Getting people to church is always something of a struggle. It’s so sad to have these people look you dead in the face and say they will be there, so you hang out in the hall waiting and waiting. By the time the opening prayer is said you are still waiting. It’s always such a downer. However 3 people showed up. We will take it!

-I may or may not have realized that I have very few months left on my mission as of yesterday. No thanks. Yikes!

My mind is in all sorts of places today. I'll come up with something better next week. It’s been a hard transfer but it’s going to be okay. "Everything will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay it’s not the end". The end isn't here yet so until it comes I'll keep going. I'm just very thankful that Heavenly Father continues to be there for me over and over again. He is always there.

I love each of you. Thank you forever. I am still here because of so many of you.

Have a safe week.

Sister Hall