The Nye's ARE Related to the Nye's

May 19, 2014

Greeting and Salutations J

Ah!  It feels like FOREVER since last P-day!  Transfers always make the week feel SO much longer!  But!  I made it to today J so YAY!

It was a good P-day. J  Full of giggling and smiles, some from my e-mails and some from me and Sister Arbon just havin’ fun!

We didn’t do much, and I was totally okay with that!  We e-mailed, shopped and then sat around writing letters, doing laundry, and cleaning.  I very much like those days sometimes! 

Dinner was at Sister Kekoolani’s (I [Sister George’s mom] am not sure on the spelling of this name as it is written differently in the previous entry.  In that entry she spelled it “Kakulani”).  She is s super sweet lady!  I like her a ton. J  She served her mission in Chicago, Spanish speaking.  It was fun to listen to some of her stories. J  Her husband passed away a little over a year ago, so that has got to be lonely.  Especially since her two youngest are both on missions.

After dinner, we went over to the Musgroves to teach them another lesson.  We went over the baptism interview questions.  They were supposed to be baptized this Sunday, but none of us were feeling that was right, so we’ve pushed it back to June.  It’ll be good. J  I’m so excited for them!  They are so awesome!  And Kayla made progress tonight!  She wouldn’t talk to us but she did whisper to Jamie.  We’ll get there!  Sister Arbon and I are bound and determined!  And we’re unstoppable. J  So it’ll happen!!

May 20, 2014

Today was my first District Meeting here.  Oh my!  Our district is TINY!!  There are only 6 of us.  The Winder elders, our elders and us.  It’s nuts!  I miss my big district, which doubled this one.  Well, now that means not only will I get to give a ton more trainings as an STL, but I get to give a ton more cause of our tiny district too!  Oh joy!  It’s also weird to be the only sisters.  I’ve never had that before.  I guess this is how it was like before they made the age change.  I like big districts better.

We went tracting for a little bit before our appointment.  No one answered but one guy.  He was really nice.  Sister Arbon and I have so much fun together, that I don’t even care or notice that not many people answer.  Tracting is so much more fun when you’re laughing and just enjoying life!!  I have been lucky, okay blessed may be a better word, that way.  I have by and large had really great companions who have made my life of tracting so much more enjoyable than it could have been. 

Our appointment was with a lovely lady named Tiffany.  She is in a situation that just frustrates me.  But the missionary part of me just loves them and hopes that they will allow the gospel to help them make good decisions.  Once we finished up there we went tracting some more!  Summer break is nice and all but it’s a pain when people don’t answer!  But again, we had a ton of fun together and the time flew by. J

I got the letter you wrote me on transfer day Daddy. J  All I can say is thank you!  Thank you for the boost!  I also got a letter from Cassie Davie.  She served here and told me some people that needed visits.  Sister Arbon and I flipped through our area book and found most of the people.  We’re going to try and see them tomorrow!  She didn’t put a return address, so I can’t write her back and let her know what’s happening.  Momma, could you FB her for me and ask? J

Then we had dinner with the Sisics.  Oh I really like that family!  She is the member, he is Muslim – but not really practicing.  He has been meeting with missionaries for a long time but everything has just started clicking.  He is AWESOME!!  He is really loving the Book of Mormon and is willing to do anything we ask.  Sister Arbon and I love teaching him.  They have 3 little kids, Gabriel (J), Michael, and Lili.  During our lesson Lili was watching Frozen.  Talk about distracting!  And I had been put in a seat facing the TV, basically out of my peripheral vision I saw a lot of that movie without meaning to.  Ah well.  Still not sure how they put it altogether I know it is about the snow queen.  That’s still all I got from it.

Our last stop was to our “investigator” Austin.  He really wants to be baptized but can’t cause he is on probation for 8 years.  He is dating the elder’s former investigator so that’s interesting.  He is a really neat guy.  Hopefully he will stick it out the whole 8 years.  We would benefit from having him and he would benefit from having us.  I love the Atonement!  It is the most real and best thing this world has to offer.  It works.  It works for anyone who is willing to allow it to work for them.  It is really the greatest gift of all.

May 21, 2014

We’ve had a pretty good day!  It has been wicked hot though!  93 degrees today.  Which doesn’t seem that bad until you add the humidity.  Yuck!

On Wednesday morning we have a conference call with the Zone Leaders and District Leaders.  It’s so we can talk about the elders and sisters and what we can do as leadership to help them.  The elders forget that we area on the phone so they just talk about whatever boys talk about then there are no girls.  It was quite entertaining.  They are good young men so there was nothing questionable that they talked about. 

After the call, we tried calling the people that Cassie asked us to go see.  Then we had lunch.  Homemade fish sticks!  Sister Arbon and Sister Smith went fishing last transfer and there was still some in the freezer, so we breaded them and baked them. J  Kinda fun!

One of the ladies Cassie said to see was Gloria.  We knocked on her door and she said, “I know who you are!  The Mormon missionaries!!” and invited us in.  We talked for a while.  She is a sweet lady!  She asked us if we had large print Bibles.  We said that we didn’t.  She got up and left and  came back with 2 nice, new NIV large print Bibles.  She even signed them for us. J  Haha!  Not sure what I’ll ever do with it but I have one now!!

We had an appointment with Amanda in Monroe, so after Gloria, we headed there.  We had to knock 4 times before she would answer.   When we walked in, it was hotter than outside, which was saying something cause remember it was like 93 degrees today plus the humidity.  It was bad!  And then I see her kids, they are the most adorable babies ever and it literally took every fiber of my being, plus praying a whole darn lot, not to grab those little kids up in my arms.  Scarlett (the 2 year old) was in a tank top and diaper.  Little Christopher, the one year old (he instantly had a hold on my heart!!), he had on a soggy diaper.  I don’t think little kids are supposed to sweat.  At least I have never seen kids sweat until today.  It really ripped my heart out.  We watched the Restoration video.  I will be praying on them really hard!

When we left, we had to stop to wash our hands.  When we pull into the parking lot there are 2 men there.  One of them looked at me and said, “Hey Baby.”  Excuse you?!?  I don’t think so!  Not even in yo’ dreams!!  He got an eye roll for a response and then backed off when he saw the tag with “Sister” on it.  That’s right!

Dinner was with the Mahedy’s.  Sister Mahedy is super cute.  I like her a lot! J  Afterwards, well, we tracted. We mostly talked to a lot of black people.  They were all SO nice!  In Hickory Flat there isn’t a large black population.  Some neighborhoods seem to be mostly white folk, others mostly black, and some mixed up.  But honestly they were all so very nice to us!

As Sister Arbon and I were tracting, we realized it we her 9 month mark.  So we ended our night at Chick-fil-a for a milkshake to “celebrate.”  Even though it makes you want to get under the covers and hide!!

May 22, 2014

Today was another HOT day!  I think we’re supposed to be stickin’ in the 90 degrees for a while. YUCK!

We went over to Sister Shirley’s in our service clothes, ready to help her out with whatever she needed.  Well she kept telling us she was so glad we visited her on “our day off.”  After about 3 times of telling her that it wasn’t P-day, but that we came to do service, we finally just let it go and just visited with her.  She is going to meet a publisher to see about getting her poetry published.  She had us give her our home addresses so she can send us a copy when it is written. J  She is actually very good!  So I’m excited to get a copy.  If she remembers of course. J

Then we went home and moved around our apartment and ate.  It is amamzing all the random clutter and junk that gets left behind and dumped in missionary apartments!  We ended up with 2 full bags for Goodwill and a lot more than that in the trash.  We also moved the furniture around.  It’s amazing how open things can look if you just move a few things! 

After our lunch/cleaning party, we went tracting in the middle of nowhere.  It took us about an hour just to get to 5 houses.  And not a one of ‘em answered!  Ugg!  But we kept tracting.  Not one person answered their door.  Literally.  Not one!  We got to the point where we were just trying to figure something else to do cause tracting wasn’t effective.  So we looked at formers in the area book.  We found a family who had been tracted into about a year ago.  As we were going there, the GPS took us down this random dirt road and took us through a creek!  It was so funny!  Only in Georgia! J  When we got to the house we knocked a few times.  She finally answered and instantly went on the defense.  She asked us who sent us and why.  We told her we knew missionaries had come in the past and we wanted to stop by.  She told us they were a bi-racial family (um so?!?) and she had asked the last sisters about the curse of Cain and they stopped talking to her.  Then she said she wanted nothing to do with the church.  UGG!  So that was pretty sad.  Sometimes things get messed up before the gospel can really be shared with someone.  Stupid Satan!!  But he really won’t stop us because everyone will get a chance - - a REAL chance to hear the gospel.  This lady and her family will get a true chance because I am sure this was not it!

We didn’t have too long before dinner, so we started tracting this random dirt road.  As we were walking, we saw this little baby bird just sitting in the middle of the road squawking, a little ways off was its sibling that had gotten run over by a car. L  The Birdy parents were in the trees squawking back.  We knew we couldn’t pick it up or the parents would reject it, but we didn’t have the heart to just leave it there to end up with the same fate as its squished sibling!  So we, being the kind Samaritans that we are (J Haha!), got a stick and kinda scootched it/made it hop to the side of the road.  The birdy parents were going nuts!  But they were being stupid and not helping their child!  Haha!  It was quite the adventure. J

Dinner was at the Galbreaths.  They are one of those families that are related to like 5 other families in the ward.  They are so very nice.  And y’all will never guess how we ended out our night . . . yup tracting!  Surprise, surprise. J  At least it’s cooler in the evenings!!

May 23, 2014

Yo!  Dude!  If I calculated correctly, you graduated today!!! (Nope she didn’t calculate correctly)  Congrats! J  I hope to see a pic of you in your cap n’ gown on Wednesday when we e-mail before you get this, but the reason we aren’t e-mailing on Monday is cause the library is closed for Memorial Day and then we will be gone all day Tuesday for Zone Conference IN SUWANEE!!!  J  AH!!  I’m excited.J  I get to visit home!!

So today was a very long intense session of weekly planning.  We hav e a good full week planned out!  Next week is going to fly by!

After weekly planning we had a few people within walking distance from the area book that we wanted to check in on and follow up with.  Well that was all fine and dandy.  IN THE 94 DEGREE HEAT!!  Oh my!  So wet and hot!  I hate the summer weather as a missionary, I really do!

We made a return appointment with one of the ladies.  The other wasn’t home.  So we tracted until dinner.  We met a lot of Hispanics and got a few referrals for the Spanish elders.  Dinner was with the Jordans.  They were so cute!  Their little girl Carlin, who is 3, latched onto me pretty quick.  She kept grabbing toys and giving them to me. J  Basically I was in heaven cause I got to play with her. J  So much fun!!

We ended our evening again with tracting.  At one house we knocked on, the guy answered the door with a bird on his finger and he let me hold the bird on my finger!!  It was sweet!  We also talked to a group of guys playing dominos, drinking, and listening to music.  It was pretty funny.  The last door we knocked on the guy was in one of the upper windows and told me he had just gotten out of the shower and had not clothes on.  Lovely.  We did meet a few potentials, so that was exciting!

When we got home, I called Elder Hensen to give him the Spanish referrals.  I found out that he is Sister Carrigan’s district leader.  Ah!  Now I’m jealous of both of them!!

May 24, 2014

It was a bit of a strange day today.  We had a meeting with Brother Coe.  He told us that we just needed to do our jobs and that he didn’t want to babysit us.  Totally confusing because we totally thought we were doing our job.  Not sure how he has been our babysitter but okay.

Sister Arbon and I left the meeting totally frustrated and annoyed.  We were driving to Social Circle (which is a half hour away) because the missionaries who were there were transferred out so we have their area book and we needed to follow up on some of the contacts they had.  We were so very hungry so when we got there we stopped for some food.  It’s amazing how much clearer your head can be when you aren’t hungry.  We were still totally frustrated but were able to deal a little better. J

So there is totally a reason why the missionaries got transferred out the Social Circle. A little sketchy.  On Main Street they’ve got some of the old, big southern houses, but most of those are run down.  It’s pretty sad.  Even though we were in our area, we felt like we weren’t.

None of the people we tried to follow up on were home.  At one point we were looking for a guy at an address that didn’t exist, whose teaching record said he had just gotten out of jail.  YEAH!  We decided that wasn’t too smart of us.  So we had about an hour before dinner with the Nye’s who live in a nicer part of Social Circle.  They really are why we decided to give Social Circle a try.  We decided to stop by Sister Taylor’s.  She is a funny lady!!  I was just giggling the whole time. J

Then we headed to the Nye’s.  When I first heard their name I of course went straight home to Idaho Falls and wondered if they were related to our Nye’s but promptly put that silly little longing of a thought out of my head.  Brother Nye asked where I was from.  When I told him Idaho Falls, he said he had a brother that lived there.  I said I had some Nye’s in my stake and we figured out they are the same ones.  Their Nye’s are my Nyes!!!  Small world! J  Dinner was really fun.  I love making connections with my Georgia people and my Idaho people. J  Tender mercies of the Lord!

After dinner we stopped by a less active on our way home, Sister Alley.  On her porch was a painting of some dandelions that had seeded and it said, “We call them wishes, because that’s what you taught us.”  I asked her about it.  She said the quote that she would always say is, “You can call them weeds or you can call them wishes.”  I LOVED that!!  Ah!  It’s so true!!  I’ll be taking it as my new motto!!  So we talked with Sister Alley for a while.   She is a very sweet lady.  She basically told us the reason she isn’t active is because she doesn’t like the ward.  I have discovered it is a very sad thing when people push themselves away and then blame it on others!  I have to remember not to get too frustrated when that happens.  But it’s a good reminder to me to NEVER let that happen.

May 25, 2014

Gotta love 9 o’clock church!  Ha!  I used to, when I wasn’t a missionary and didn’t have meetings!  Ah well.

The elders taught Gospel Principles today and President Laboon (one of the Stake Presidency) was there.  They hadn’t prepared at all and it was a struggle, poor guys!!  Sister Arbon and I were SO glad we taught last week!! J

Relief Society was pretty good.  There are some sweet tone deaf sisters.  They found out I play the piano.  Oh boy.  Lucky me.  I did learn something pretty cool.  We were talking about the resurrection and Sister Galbreath said how a lot of time we aren’t seen as Christians because we don’t use the cross as a symbol.  But the cross was just the tool that was part of Christ’s death.  If someone we loved were to be killed with a gun, we wouldn’t have the gun as the symbol to remember them by.  We would have a picture of them.  Just like we do in our churches with pictures of Christ.  I liked that explanation.  We for sure are Christians.  Christ’s name is our church for heaven’s sake!

After church we went over to a lady’s house whose name is Susan Head.  Her grandson’s other grandparents are LDS and she wanted to learn more about what they will teach him.  She is a super sweet lady!  When we first got there, her husband answered and told us we were wasting our time, but them she came and told him she wanted to learn.  He kept objecting and she told him to go away.  It was pretty funny. J  She sincerely wants to learn.  Hopefully, the spirit will touch her and she will recognize it!

We had lunch and then tracted in the lovely 94 degree weather that we have been having.  I have totally forgotten what dry heat feels like!  All I know is that I’m constantly soaked every day.  It’s not a pleasant thing!  You would think that 2 girls who just look wilted would help make people be nicer.  False.  Guess again.  It’s pretty much the opposite.  Lots of people will look at us and state the obvious, “Not now girls, it’s too hot.”  What?  Really?  Hmmm!  I thought it was quite pleasant!  No duh Sherlock!  Yeah it’s hot!!  Ah, the joys of working with people. J

We had dinner with the Bells (our bishop).  It was fun.  We had a good time.  During dinner we got a random rainstorm.  I love those things.  Sometimes I wish they would happen when I was tracting and dying of heat.    But no.

Our last stop was the Musgroves to talk to Jamie about the no smoking program.  We pulled up and there she was outside smoking.  Oh boy!  It started out a bit rocky at first but finished on a good note.  Hopefully she is as determined as she seems.  I have met so many people who want to quit.  It is so hard.  We will do lots of praying on her.

When we got home, there a s a HUGE wolf spider at our door.  If our neighbors had been asleep we would have woken them up with the amount of squealing that went on as we tried to catch it. J  Haha!  Now it’s in a jar on our counter.  We named it Hank.  He probably won’t live too long.  I had forgotten how big the spiders are in the summer!  And yet, I still love this place with all my heart.  Funny how that works, when you love something you tend to look past the weaknesses.  Alrighty peeps!  I love ya lots!!

Love

Molly 

Heartbreak Leaving Hickory Flat - - Hello Monroe

May 12, 2013

Hey Fam,

Well today was transfer calls. . . .  My  heart is so sad!  I so very badly wanted to stay here another transfer.  Instead, at 8:01 a.m., just as we were starting comp study, the phone rings with President’s name.  I know I looked at Sister Rowe with absolute fear.  You only get a call from President if you are getting called to leadership.  I let it ring a few times before I answered.  Then I started crying as President told me he was calling me to be an Sister Training Leader (STL) in the Cornelia Zone.  I am sad on two fronts.  I would rather not be an STL and I so love Sister Rowe and Hickory Flat!  President said he would only give me one piece of advice, just love the sisters.  He then told Sister Rowe she was getting Sister Webster and I was with Sister Arbon.

After we hung up, I just cried for a little bit.  I am just a little scared and I have watched other STL’s and it just seems to be a lot of extra work and responsibility.  My mind and body just felt a little drained.  Then the calls and texts started pouring in.  Rules about calling other missionaries go out the window on transfer day.

When I was emailing I asked my Sister Hooker where she was headed.  Cornelia Zone is the one she is in now.  OF COURSE!!  She is now headed to the Peachtree Corners Zone and I’m headed to Cornelia.  We just switched sides of the mission!!!  Bugger!  I know I should be grateful that we had each other in the MTC and at the beginning we were in the same zone but I really want to still be in the same area as her. 

After e-mailing I came home and started the dreaded packing.  I’m REALLY gonna have to start sending stuff home.  : ?

Dinner was at the Markhams.  I really like their family!  We also stopped and said goodbye to the Alleys and Pettits.  Of course I got pictures! J  I hate saying goodbye though.  It’s so hard!

♥My Pettits♥

♥Sister Alley and Thatcher - - Brother Alley wasn't home.♥

May 13, 2014

Sister Rowe, Me, and Elder Peña my most solid Missionary friends in Hickory Flat!

It was a hard day today!  I really do hate saying goodbye.

We had a really good district meeting today.  Man!  Now I’m going to have to learn to love a whole new district!  Bugger.  Hopefully it’s a fun district.  Hopefully there will be totally awesome sisters in my new district.  The other sisters in my district didn’t want to go to lunch with us, the elders all went over to the Dustin’s to have lunch with them.  So we just went home for lunch.  I really couldn’t eat anyhow so maybe it was just as well that the other sisters didn’t want to go to lunch.  I’ve kinda been sick to my stomach since that call from President.  I know I will eventually learn to love the STL thing but for right now not so much!

Max, Jenn and me!

My sweet Jenn!!♥♥♥♥

We went and said goodbye to Max and Jenn.  That one was hard.  I’m going to miss that girl!  I love her lots!  I cried big time!  She wrote me a sweet letter.  She’ll be fine.  She learn to love the gospel more and more.  She and her sweet Max will be a great addition to the strength of the church where ever they go.

Afterwards we went to see Billie.  It was a little different than I expected.  She talked about how she didn’t want to say goodbye to the missionaries anymore.  Basically she told Sister Rowe not to come over anymore.  It was so sad.  I know Sister Rowe will keep going and I know that Billie will be glad to see her and meet Sister Webster.  My Billie is a stubborn little thing but she loves us and the gospel really does change lives.  I love these people so very much.  How does it happen?  They have become a part of the most cherished part of who I am.  I am better because Father chose to share them with me in this life.  What a gift!

Sister Rethke and Taylor - - Brother Rethke was at work!

We tracted for a while, and then went to the Rethke’s.  Darn I am going to miss them!  They have added a delightful spice to life here in Hickory Flat.

♥♥My "Mary Poppins Family"- - The Dustin's Practically Perfect in Every Way!!♥♥

Dinner was at the Dustin’s.  Oh man!  This family has become my family in so many ways.  I love them SO much!!  They are the most amazing family and oh how I love those kids!!  I am so going to miss this family!  Brother Dustin had everyone say something they had learned from me.  It was embarrassing but so very sweet! J

Our Relief Society activity was tonight so we went to that.  I said goodbye to some of the women there.  Sister Dustin spoke about how we need to love ourselves.  She did a great job!

We took pictures with the elders and attempted to burn Elder Winter’s suit since he is leaving.   Haha!  Epic Fail!  It wouldn’t burn.

Oh my heart is so sad!  When did I come to love this place so much?!?  I knew it had wiggled itself into my heart, but I didn’t know it had wiggled itself in so deep!  I don’t agree with the Lord making me leave, but I know that He sees a lot more than I do!  I know I will eventually come to love Monroe. . . someday.  I’m so thankful for the people I have met here!  For the memories, the joy, and the sadness. I have grown in ways I never knew I needed to grow.  They haven’t gotten rid of me. J  I’ll be back!

May 14, 2014

Today was hard and scary.  But mostly hard.  I woke up at around 5 this morning and I was so nervous I couldn’t go back to sleep.  Last night I had stayed up until 12 to finish packing and everything.  So on top of being crazy nervous I was exhausted.  I couldn’t even eat.  My darling Sister Rowe made me some food but I could only eat like 2 bites.

Sister Dustin took us to Norcross where we were meeting up with a bunch of sisters to exchange.  The closer we got, the more scared I got.  I don’t know why I’m freaking out so much.  Ah!  Annoying!!  When we got there Sister Alder came up to me and told me I would do great.  My response?  Bursting into tears.  Pathetic!!

Sister Arbon found me about 10 minutes later.  She is SO cute!  And instantly eased my fears just a little.

It about killed me to say good bye to Sister Dusting and Sister Rowe.  I just wanted to jump back in the car with them and drive right back home to Hickory Flat with them.  But they headed one way, I headed the opposite.

Sister Arbon is DARLING!  It wasn’t hard for me to instantly love her.  We figured out that she is in Aunt Diana’s ward!  Actually, Aunt Diana wrote me about her when I first came out but I had forgotten about it! 

The day was a whirlwind.  We got back and Sister Arbon let me unpack and get settled, then we ate lunch.  Which I was actually able to eat.  Then we went tracting.  Loganville is pretty much the most city I have served in.  Even more so than Suwanee.  We had fun and laughed a lot.

We then visited people.  Though I am unable to tell you who.  It will take me a little while and then I’ll be fine. J  Transfer days are always just long, exhausting and overwhelming- -well at least when you are the one doing the transferring. 

May15, 2014

Oh my!  I’m just never going to be able to sleep again. : /  Last night was rocky.  Basically I was just exhausted all day.

We decided to call all the sisters in our zone and get to know them.  Our zone is tiny!!  There are only 4 sets of sisters, including us.  It was fun to talk to them.  Sister Smith, Sister Nettleton’s companion is in Cleveland replacing Sister Hooker.  I guess I will probably find out where I stand with Sister Nettleton.

Then we went and got Sister Arbon some medication.  She has got a really bad cold.  Poor girl!  She is a trooper though.

After the medication we went and visited Sister Shirley.  She is the first member I’ve met!  She is such a sweetheart!  Her husband just passed away about a month ago and so she is so sad and very lonely.  She writes poetry and is really good at it!  She read us a poem she wrote for her husband after he died.  It was so sweet!  I got very teary-eyed.  Sister Arbon and I decided that we would make a set appointment from now on to go and visit her weekly!

After lunch we drove to Monroe (which is about 20 minutes from us) to visit a lady named Amanda.  She lives in a big trailer park.  When we go there a lady from DFAX (which I’m 97% positive is like social services) was there.  Someone had reported Amanda and her husband saying that they weren’t taking care of their 2 little children properly.  It is a sad situation.  They are so poor and in order to help make ends meet they have a bunch of other people living with them.  The lady left and we read with Amanda the first chapter in the Book of Mormon.  She kept talking about how she wanted read Doctrine and Covenants first cause her friend who referred her to us has talked about it frequently.  I love all of the scriptures but the Book of Mormon just has what we need to teach as missionaries.  Most people know the Bible, the Book of Mormon covers the gospel in such simple understandable terms.  At the same time it teaches the very deepest doctrines. 

Then we went to see Carlos, who just got baptized last week.  He was playing video games when we came in.  I hate those things!!  Kids get hooked on them.  He was a cute kid and I’m sure he’s a lot more focused when he isn’t’ glued to the TV.  Most people are.  Technology is good but it really does interfere with interpersonal communication and relationships.

After visiting Carlos and talking with him about his baptism, we went and saw Sister Kakulani.  Her husband was from Hawaii.  She has 2 children out on missions right now.  Her daughter is in Paraguay and her son is in Italy.  Her husband passed away so it is just her.  I can’t imagine how hard that would be.  She was nice.

When we were finished visiting we went home and had dinner.  They forgot the dinner calendar, so meals don’t exist this week, which is fine. J  We had about an hour after dinner, so we went and visited the Pecks.  Brother Peck is working on getting back into the church.  His wife Villa, is from China and wants to be baptized.  I think Brother Peck really wants to baptize Villa.  He knows that he has a little ways to go so I don’t really know what will happen there.  Sister Arbon says they finally convinced Villa to be baptized now instead of waiting.  But I guess we’ll see what happens.

Once we got home we did our voice mail and introduced ourselves.  It took us 3 times to get it in!  We were laughing the whole time!  It was so much fun. J

May 16, 2014

Weekly Planning is always interesting the first few weeks in a new area.  Basically whoever has been there, gets to plan it all by themselves.  Today was no exception.  I’m slowly putting names with information, now I just need faces!  I’ll get there eventually. J  Sister Arbon is the sweetest she makes me feel loved and happy so that’s nice.

Poor Sister Arbon is so sick!  I feel so bad!  I feel like as a missionary your body takes on sickness about 10 times more drastically that the norm.  So after planning, she went and took a nap.  So I took the time to get caught up on stuff that had been piling up because of transfers.

Sister Arbon slept most of the day.  I felt so sad for her.  It is no fun to be a sick missionary.  When she woke up, we planned our gospel principles lesson and went and got the mail.  Four letters for me. J  One from Grandma (thanks for the monies!!  The letter was cute!  I loved it!)  One from Sister Alder, love her.  Another from Britt (with a Wendy’s gift card).  And finally one from Momma!  I like the promise of a Smitty’s breakfast. J

So that was our Friday.  Nothing too exciting at all.  Except for the letters!  Those were VERY exciting. J

May 17, 2014

We started our day off with visiting a less active, Sister Conchola.  She is from Germany and her husband is from Mexico.  She is 2 children, a 2 year old girl and a 3 month old boy.  Mostly she is just lonely and needs some friends.  Her husband works all the time and so she is just with the kids.  It’s not fun to be lonely.  That is one of the truths I have learned on my mission.  Father really did mean for us to be together and to love each other.  We ended up helping her fold her laundry.  And strangely enough that isn’t the first time I’ve done that while here in Georgia. 

Then we went tracting for a while before lunch.  Unfortunately, for us it’s the first weekend of the summer break, so out of the 15-20 houses we knocked on, we talked to 2 people. : /

After lunch, we went to visit Sister Swancey.  She is super sweet!  The whole time we were talking with her I was fighting to keep my eyes open!  It was SO dark in her house and I was SO tired!  She found out we didn’t’ have dinner, so she invited us back later to eat.

We left and went tracting for 3 hours, on top of the one we had done this morning.  Door after door either never opened, or we got it slammed in our face.  Oh boy!  And we both got sunburnt!  Seven contacts.  We only talked to 7 people today!  Out of 4 hours!  Kinda totally disappointing!!

There were members in the neighborhood, the Longs.  So we stopped by them.  Their 2 kids entertained us by having us do their flashcards for math.  Division has left my brain! J  Then they did some “magic tricks” for us. J  Haha!  It reminded me of being with Hannah while she does magic tricks.

We went back to Sister Swancey’s for dinner and then tried to visit some people.  I got my birthday letter Momma. J  It made me cry!  Dang I love you!!

May 18, 2014

Welcome to the Monroe ward!  The first Suday in a new ward is always an adventurous time.  Everyone is coming up to you, asking where you’re from, how long you’ve been out and telling you their names, along with their children.  It is a little overwhelming cuz you know you are never going to remember all of them.  It’s kinda hard core overload on the information.  Luckily I feel like I keep up kinda pretty well.

Our ward is the only ward that meets in our building and they STILL have it at 9!!  They are nuts!  So, because of that, we have meetings at 7:30 in the morning!  Ah well!

This ward is kinda a big melting pot.  We have a little bit of everything.  Brother Coe is our ward mission leader.  I really miss my Suwanee ward mission leader, Brother Pickett.  He is simply incredible.  I know I will never be a ward mission leader but if my husband is I want him to be like Brother Pickett. 

Church was good.  It’s interesting, no matter where you go the doctrine is the same.  It’s the people and personalities that make wards so different.  Each has their pluses and minuses.  Each is endearing in it’s own right. 

We sent home afterwards to eat, plan, and study.  Then we had a lesson with the Musgroves.  Andy (Brother Musgrove) grew up in the church.  Jamie (Sister Musgrove) and Kayla (a step daughter) are getting ready to be baptized.  They are all awesome.  Kayla is 11 and won’t talk . . . um like for real won’t talk.  She doesn’t say a word.  My and Sister Arbon’s goal is to get her to talk!  Two of Andy’s siblings, Sister Brown and Adam came over for the lesson.  It was the biggest hoot ever!  It felt a lot like when the Syndergaards get together.  Oh my!  I was lovin’ it!  It felt like I was home. J  Adam is the youngest, 30, and not married.  Such a nice guy.  He will totally find someone awesome someday. 

Love you all,

Mollo

My Epic 21st Birthday!!

May 5, 2014

I have heard more about this holiday out here than I ever have in my live!  Probably cause it's a holiday and missionaries love any holiday that they can get ☺ haha!

Last night Sister Hamilton called an asked if we wanted to meet up with them this morning for breakfast.  She had a doctor appointment in Canton and figured that since they were by us we should do something.  So we had Chick-fil-a for breakfast with them.  It's always a good time with Sister Hamilton!  Love that girl!

After breakfast we decided to go with them to e-mail cause the elders had the library first.  That way we wouldn't have to wait for them.  So we still got to e-mail in the morning.☺  After e-mailing we had planned to go bowling, but then the Woodstock sisters wanted to come, but they wanted to do it later.  Well, that didn't end up working for us because Sister Rowe and I had an early dinner appointment.  We ended up just going home after e-mailing.  We cleaned our apartment and car and did our laundry.  I dyed my hair back to dark brown.☺

Dinner was at the Kings.  We had Sister King's chicken pot pie that is delicious!  Anna and Sister Rowe have become fast friends.  So that is good.☺

We had an appointment with one of our less active/part member families, the Tenczas.  Sister Tencza is super sweet!  They have great kids!☺  We mostly chatted and got to know her better, so that was a fun ending to our night.

May 6, 2014

Today we had Zone Meeting.  I don't know why, but it was SO boring!  Oh man!  I was dying!  And so it seemed was everyone else when I looked around the gym.  I was looking around the gym and a lot of the elders and sisters looked like they were ready to fall asleep.  It wasn't a bad meeting.  I still learned a lot of stuff, it was just loooong!

After, Elder Henson and Elder Anderson started teasing me and making fun of my hair, the little punks!  It's a lot darker than it was before.  I think it threw them off . . . AND just about everyone and their dog kept saying I was getting an STL (Sister Training Leader) call on Monday.  That made me a little sick to my stomach cause I don't want to be an STL!!!  Love 'em but don't want to be one!  It just seems like a terrible burden.  So I'm really hopeful that it doesn't happen.

Since we were in Woodstock for Zone Meeting and the chiropractor is in Woodstock, we just made an appointment for afterwards.  I figured that since I'm most likely getting transferred and we had to go for Sister Rowe anyhow I might as well make an appointment.  Sister Rowe got her neck fixed and that was the most important, so she should be good for about 2 weeks until she needs to come again.  I feel so bad for her.  She gets these really NASTY headaches because of her neck.  Hopefully they will eventually get it figured out for her!!  I really love this girl and I don't like her to have pain like she does.

After that we came home, dropped off our stuff, and grabbed the mail.  Lucky me!☺  I had a package from y'all and 4 letters!  Sister Rowe wouldn't let me have my package.  She grabbed the medicine out for me but wouldn't let me look at the rest until Thursday.  Haha!  Funny Girl!  I just love her.

We had a few people on our list who were not coming to church.  We picked one and headed over.  When we pulled up, her whole family was outside loading up a moving van.  We talked to all of 'em for a bit and offered to help.  They said no, but it was good we got there when we did or we would have missed them.  At least now we have the info we need to transfer her records.

We then headed to another house on the list.  Her sister answered and she told us that Emily (her sister) had moved out a few months ago.  We had a good discussion with Elizabeth (the sister) and shared a message.  We also got the info to transfer Emily's records.

Then we had dinner with the Halls.  They just moved into our ward and I love them!  They are so awesome!  Their daughter is on a mission in Colorado Springs.  You should have gotten a pic of us from them.☺  I love when members do that cause I know how happy it makes you!!

My Sister Rowe and Me

Afterwards, we went tracting.  The first house we knocked on, a man answers the door.  I introduce myself and Sister Rowe.  He then smiles and tells us he is a member, but hasn't been active in 20 years.  His parents got divorced when he was a teenager and he didn't have a great support system, so he fell away.  He is divorced and remarried and has 2 children.  He asked where the church was and said he has thought a few times of going back.  I told him maybe this was his sign he needed to come back and that we need him.☺  We invited him to church and go his info.  He said he would talk to his wife about coming.  Oh!  I hope he comes!!  The gospel really does make life different and better for those willing to adhere to the teachings of our sweet Jesus.

So that was our little miracle of the night.  The rest of our evening tracting was good.  We met a lot of cool people and had a lot of fun!

May 7, 2014

It has been quite a day!  We went over to the Moran's this morning for a few hours and helped her get a room fixed up for a previous sister missionary from like 5 years ago who is moving in with them for a while. Mom, Sister Moran has THE COOLEST craft room EVER!!  It is painted robin egg blue and has everything you could ever imagine.  She has a quilting frame, 3 sewing machines, stacks of fabric, scrapbooking supplies, stamps of every kind a STICKER MAKER! (which I din't know existed, but it does, and I want one cause I LOVE stickers!!!)  It is such a cool room!  Ah!  I'm not gonna lie, I got a bit jealous and I felt like I had died and gone to craft heaven.  She even had a flat screen on the wall.  It was such a cool room!

After that, we came home and had lunch then went over to the Dustin's.  Sister Dustin has invited quite a few non-member friends over tomorrow night (SUPER AWESOME!☺) and we went to talk about a few of them since we've never met some of them.  The Dustins are so cute!  I just love 'em.☺  They take such good care of us!

Then we went to go find an inactive who had moved but we kinda knew where they lived, so we went to go find 'em.☺  We found them!  We had a long talk with his sister who turned out to be an inactive member too!  She was really nice.  Hopefully we can meet her brother soon!

Dinner was with Sister Judd and Katie and Lilly.  We attempted to teach Lilly the Plan of Salvation.  She kept asking why Jesus couldn't have been a girl.  It was a rough less. . . .☺

Sister Judd made chicken and rice and had the table decorated in birthday stuff.  It was really cute.☺  She made German chocolate cake too!!  It was yummy and transported me home a little bit because that is what you always make Daddy for his birthday Momma!  It was fun to get a little taste of home.

How very CUTE

are my girls?!?!

And Sister Judd too!

We finished our night by visiting a less active couple, the Brunsons.  Man!  Could they talk!  We said a prayer with them and then the talking began.  It was delightful and I couldn't help but giggle just a little bit.  Okay well, that didn't quite finish our night because we had a little bit of time to tract which we did.  Then we headed home.  On our way, we passed a car that had flipped on its side.  There were cops, and firetrucks all over.  It was pretty scary lookin'!

May 8, 2014

Ok, talk about an awesome birthday!!  So we woke up and I walked through the living room to go to my bathroom and turn on the lights.  When I came out, the lights were all off and Sister Rowe was sitting in the middle of the living room with a flashlight (my "spotlight"☺) and her camera yelling happy birthday over and over.  Haha!  I lover her!  She is such a cutie!

My Angel Sister Watkins!!!

We did our studies and when we were doing 12 week, we got a call. . . .  Who could it be!  SISTER WATKINS!!!!  Oh!  How I have missed that lady!!!  As we are talking, I hear her GPS say she is on 140.  WHAT?!?!  That is the road in front of our apartment!!  Then there is a knock on our door and I run to it and fling it open and trow my arm around her!!!  HA!!  What a fun surprise!!  She came with brownie pie and lots of hugs!  Really good hugs!  She took us to lunch at a little shop called the Sugar Pike Junction.  It was so cute!  The food was yummy but the company was better!!

We had an appointment with Billie and I asked Sister Watkins if she wanted to come with us.  Of course!!  We found out that our Billie has been in the  hospital for the last few weeks.  Which is why we haven't been able to get a hold of her.  It was so fun to be in the same room with 3 people who I love!  I felt like I was squished in between a bunch of spiritual giants!  It was just a happy, happy time!  Ah!  I just couldn't stop smiling!☺

It was hard to say good by to my Sister Watkins.  Oh!  What a happy, happy, surprise!!

Then we headed to the Braggs.  We got to paint!  Ah!  It was so fun.☺  Haha!  Woo!  Paintin' some stairs on my birthday.☺  It really was a fun time though.  I love hangin' with Sister Bragg!  She is so awesome!  Then cute Teá gave us some of those erasers that you can take apart and put back together.  She bought them at the book sale at her school.

Dinner was at the Dustins!!!  When we walked in, I got told to stay out of the dining room and kitchen.  So I hung out in the living room with my back to them.  Then I went out with cute Malia and Elaina and Allen and we went and jumped on the tramp.  The elders showed up for about 15 minutes, that made me happy because Elder Peña is really one of my favorites elders and a good friend.

We had so much fun!  They didn't get the gator back from the butcher in time but we still had hamburgers!  One of the best ways in the world to make me happy is feed me a good burger!  YUM!

The fun has arrived!!  

Love my Hickory Flat Peeps!

The only way to open presents is with a friend!!

Need a little help blowing!

Sister Rowe had Sister Dusting go get me the "Forget-me-not" statue from the Will Tree Collection cause she knows it is one of my all time favorite talks!  It was so sweet!

After the best time ever, we went tracting.  on the 1st house we knocked on (which was in a pretty sketch neighborhood) a bunch of guys answered the door covered in tattoos and piercings.  A guy on the couch had a bong he was smoking.  They were hitting on us hard core and invited us in, which we declined.  It was an unwelcome adventure.

All in all, I would chalk this day up to be an epic 21st birthday!☺  I have a FABULOUS companion to share it with, got a surprise visit from one of my favorite ladies in the world, had service with another one of my favorite ladies, and dinner with one of my favorite families on earth!  Yeah, I'm on lucky missionary!!☺

May 9th 2014

Sister Rowe told me in companionship inventory today that now that I'm 21 I'm a lot wiser.  Haha!  She's a funny one!☺  I love her!

We went on exchanges today.  Not fun.  One sister came with me here and Sister Rowe went with the other one to their area.  Okay, I DID NOT want to go on exchanges, cause it's probably our last week together.  I just want to be with Sister Rowe!  They were a little annoyed with us cause we told them we needed to switch back early tomorrow cause we have a lunch appointment with Bill.  Whatever.  They can be annoyed, because I care more about Bill and his feelings than theirs.  They will be okay no matter what happens.

So we switched and then went to go see one of our less actives, Sister Blakey.  This is the first time she has ever let us sisters come, so we were mainly trying to get to know her.  The whole time we were there the sister who was my companion for the day was nodding off or checking her watch!  Literally every 5 minutes she would look at her watch, super obviously and then she would yawn and practically fall asleep!  Let's just say I wan't too pleased,

After that we went tracting for 2 and a half hours, in the pouring rain.  My shoes were SOAKED so I just started walking in the super big puddles, not stepping around them.  It's not like I could get any wetter.  My companion for the day kept looking at me all appalled, but I didn't care.  At every door, she wouldn't let me chat with the people.  She would just butt in and start talking.  I usually like to compliment people or comment on their house or something to get it less awkward and tense.  There was no doubt that she didn't approve of that methodology.  I was so glad when it was finally time for dinner!

Dinner was with Sister Craig (she is hilarious and once had me dye her hair purple)  Again, my companion of the day spent her time literally checking her watch every 5 minutes.  Sister Craig is really lonely and likes to talk.  She really opened up during dinner, and even started crying.  And there she (my comp for the day) is checking her watch.  I just wanted to throw the stinking thing out the window!!  I offered to do the dishes and Sister Craig said yes.  So I did them and chatted with my sweet Sister Craig the whole time.

When we got to the car afterwards, my companion for the day looks at me and says, "I'm sorry dinner went long."  Then she looked at me like I should say sorry to her.  Instead I said, "I'm not.  Sister Craig is sweet and kind and fed us dinner.  She is lonely and needed to talk.  I enjoyed every minute that we were able to spend with her."  Side note. . . dinner was an hour and 10 minutes.  NOT long whatsoever.

Our last appointment of the night was at the Dustins.  Sister Dustin's old babysitter was there.  She is pretty open to the church.  Autumn was having a late over with some girls in the ward and a bunch of her non member friends.  When we walked in I got attacked with hugs from the girls.  And yes I got a look of disapproval.  It wasn't really a lesson environment, so we were left with a getting to know you opportunity!  All opportunities are good ones!

I talked with Jessica and got to know her.  She is really sweet!  As we were talking, the girls came and grabbed  us (me and Jessica that is - they were giving my companion for the day a wide birth) and brought us out to the deck.  They were playing the game where donuts were tied to strings and you had to eat it without hands.  So I played with them.  I know the non member girls though it was cool and it eased Jessica up some more.

The girls left to watch a movie and they settled down.  So then we sat and I gave a quote and talked about prayer.  Jessica gave her input and we discussed it as well.  After being there for about an hour and 15 minutes, we left.

Not much talking for the rest of the night.  I know she was frustrated with me.  I planned for tomorrow and she got ready for bed.  I feel like this day started out great with Sister Rowe and I planning, and it could have ended great to if my trade for the day weren't so grumpy and uptight!

May 10, 2014

This was really not a fun exchange for me.  That is sad because usually even though I always want my companion back I have a good time.  This time there wasn't a second that I didn't want my Sister Rowe back with me!

So it was pretty obvious that my companion on exchange for the day wanted to talk to me about last night because she didn't approve of how I handled things.  So I was just waiting for her to say something.  During companionship study she kind of went off about our purpose as missionaries and how most sisters don't know their purpose.  Then she says, "Missionary work is supposed to be fun, but missionaries aren't supposed to have fun."  That is word for word, not kidding.  It took everything I had not to retaliate.  Elder Ellis and his wife came to talk to our mission and Sister Ellis said, "Elders and Sisters, if you are not having fun on your mission , you aren't doing your mission right!"  I have decided I will stick with her advice and wisdom because I so agree with her.

It's so sad that my companion on exchange honestly believes what she said.  She then brought up last night and told me that she felt the whole day was inappropriate and a waste of time as our purpose was to find people to baptize.  My tongue hurt cause I was biting it so hard.  I was so mad at her.  I just did whatever I had to do to make it through the exchange.

I know my purpose!  I know why I'm here and that is my focus.  But I also know that "men are that they might have joy" and I know that the Lord sent ME on a mission, not a robot missionary.  I am obedient.  I work hard.  But I have fun doing it!

All I can do is pray that I never have a companion like her.  I had no idea it was possible to be more thankful and adoring of Sister Rowe!!  But I am!!  Oh, how I love her!!  When she came back I was close to tears because I was so mad and frustrated.  Being with her was like a balm that soothed this savage soul.  Thank you my sweet Sister Rowe just for being you!

My flowers from Bill

Then we met up with Bill.  When we got out of the car, he pulled out 2 bouquets of beautiful flowers! He had gotten me flower for my birthday and so that Sister Rowe didn't feel left out, he got her some too!  It was the first bouquet I have ever gotten!  Who would have thought the first bouquet of flowers I would ever get would be on my mission?!?  He also paid for our lunch.☺  He is so sweet.  We kinda adopted him as our grandpa her in Hickory Flat.☺

After lunch we went to Sister Judd's.  She fixed my dresses so that they weren't as low.  We also helped her with service.  We got all the wall paper off her cupboards and scrubbed off the paint.

Then we went with Sister Bond to visit some less active ladies in the ward.  I love that lady!  She is so stinkin' sweet!!  She truly loves the ladies in the ward!  She is amazing!

We went tracting after our visits.  We ran into some really mean people.  I will never be able to understand why people think it is okay to be SO mean.  It was pretty sad.

Then we went home for dinner.  My happiest part of the day?  Well, there are 2 parts.  The first happy is when Sister Rowe came back to me.  My second was lunch with Bill.  It is amazing how having a terrible situation can make an already fabulous situation even better!!

May 11, 2014

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOMMY!!  It twas quite a dandy day today!!  Sister Rowe is officially done with her training.  We finished it today.  At the end I looked at her and said, "Congratulations you are officially done being trained!"  She grinned, threw up her arms, and said, "Yea!  I don't feel any different!"  Haha!  She makes me laugh.  She has grown so much in the past 3 months and she has taught me SO very much!  I know that I too have grown so very much during my time with this amazing daughter of God.

Church was pretty good.  we sat by cute Emalee Makoski and the whole time she sat and drew us pictures.  It was cute.☺

After church, I grabbed families and took pictures.  I still have a few families that I want to take pics with but not too many that we will be running around with our heads cut off.

Me and Bill 

After church we went and saw Bill for the last time before his surgery.  When we got in the car, Sister Rowe looked at me and asked if I though Bill would make it through his surgery (it's his 3rd heart surgery).  I said, I thought so but if he didn't, he was prepared for the spirit world missionaries.  She said she felt like it ws the last time we would see him.  I really hope not.  I don't particularly want to deal again with the death of someone I love.  It's not a fun time.

Then we headed to the Kings for dinner and to skype!!  Oh man, it was fun to see y'alls faces!  I can't believe how old you kiddos look!  Man!  Oh man!!

Sister Rowe went after me.  Poor thing.  she wan't even sure she wanted to skype.  she came out with red eyes but a big smile.☺

It was a dandy Mother's Day.☺

♥
Mollo