NYC and temple baptisms

Yeah!

That's such exciting news. After I didn't hear anything last week about Kirstin, I kept thinking.... "Goodness, I hope everything is ok." So I prayed for her even more. I'm glad it all went well. The pictures are adorable. Too bad I won't get to meet her for another 9 months or so.

Transfers are next week. We won't find out until Monday what will happen. But things have been going much better. We went to the temple today to do temple baptisms with Jackie. It was her first time since being baptized 2 months ago. She loved it and I took pictures, well of travel, since we had to take the train/subway down and we didn't even get lost, well maybe just a couple wrong turns, but nothing major. I've decided when I get transferred down to the city that it might be a little overwhelming at first, but I'm excited for it.

This week we also had mission conference. It was so good. They are always so inspirational as we try to do better each day. This week they talked a lot about accountability and how we are accountable to the Lord for what we do. Our area has been struggling a bit and I've been praying on what we need to do different. I had the idea... "talk to more people," but then I thought, "That's too simple and I do talk to people." So I kept praying about it... but of course I got nothing new. While at the mission conference, I finally realized that the revelation I needed I had already gotten... I just needed to talk to more people. And so that's what I have been trying to doing. Talking to more people. Today I talked to a lady from Mexico on the subway about families and left her a family proc. I hope she reads it, she was really nice and really sincere. Definitely ready to hear the gospel. She'll be baptized one day (Course, that's what I think of everyone).

We've been trying to get Maria and Jairo to the addiction recovery program, but it's been difficult. They always come up with last minute excuses. So this last Thursday we stopped by there house and they were in the middle of a major cleaning project. But Sis. Lakip was able to convince them that if we helped and got enough done that they would go. In the matter of 45 minutes we put a turned around house back together, had a babysitter for the kids, and had made them dinner. I think the Lord either slowed down the time (I won't kid that I was praying for that) or that he made it so we worked really, really, effeciently. But the went. Unfortunately, they didn't go to church this Sunday. I'm thinking we might have to drive over and have them follow us.... we shall see.

But we did have a couple come to a baptism. Mirian and Manuel came and saw a baptism. We actually met them in a hospital in Stamford while visiting another investigator (they are the in-laws). They are really nice. We extended a baptismal date to Mirian which she accepted, but Manuel wasn't home so we will be talking to them tomorrow. It's so exciting.

So, things are going well. I still have my rough days, but overall it's good.

Hey Dad, that's exciting about your job! Maybe you'll be coming to New York sometime... he he (j/k). The Lord does watch out for us, but he tests are diligence, faith, and patience. Oh man.... it's easy to look back and understand. That's why we write it down so that we can remember those experiences when once again our faith and patience are tried.

So, will you be moving soon? I still need to let the office know about the move in case they need to get a hold of you. I think they still have you on file as living in California... which I know that you aren't any more. And even more crucial... I can't mail you any letters! I had to send one to Kirstin. Hopefully she got it and sent it to you, but I'm sure things are pretty crazy around her house right now with McKeltie. Can you send me your address, phone number, and new ward and stake? I'd appreciate it lots.

Oh happy day for the Price family. I love and miss you lots, but I'm glad that I am here. Missions are definitely good things, even if it is hard at times. Love you lots and have a great summer in Utah.

Love,
Erin

de Connecticut

Hello Mother,

Well, I know I've been rather high emotion the last couple of times I've emailed. I guess I was looking for advice, support, something. Well, I was looking for some magical solution to solve my problems, but unfortunately, there isn't that magical solutions. It's diligence, trust in the Lord, and continually working on the small things.

All my life, I've seen my weaknesses and focusing on getting rid of them only to be discouraged when they never seemed to go away. This week I decided that I'm not expected to get rid of them. My part is to work diligently and let the grace of Jesus Christ lift me up. Relying wholly upon the Lord is one of the hardest things to do and yet the most rewarding. Being born again is a process because we give up our will portions at a time throughout our life as we understand and accept the Atonement of Christ. I can't say I understand it all, but it is a little more clearer to me.

Some lessons of life I've learned (besides the one above):

We must remember to see the tender mercies of the Lord. As we do we are blessed even more. The Book of Mormon begins saying the Nephi will show us the tender mercies the Lord gives to the faithful (1 Nephi 1:20). Then in Moroni 10:3-5 it admonishes to ponder the mercies of God in our hearts. The Book of Mormon begins and ends telling us to remember those tender mercies we receive everyday.

Then we need to remember to give thanks. Giving thanks is just as important as pleading with needs. We can't forget or brush over giving thanks to the Lord. I believe it is in D&C that says that in nothing is the Lord angry except when we forget to give thanks to him. (That's not a direct quote, you might want to look that up).

And I continue to learn these day by day. I still have fears and worries, but at the moment, they are a little more under control. Hopefully by the end of my mission they will be all gone.

But fun stories of the week. Sis. Lakip and I were going to drop up a Together Forever DVD that a lady had requested and I guess they don't use their front door very often because I walked straight into a spider web! It must have been newly woven because I didn't even see it  coming until it was too late. Sis. Lakip just laughed at me :), but I would have done the same thing if the roles had been reversed.

We also had to clean this week to get rid of bed bugs! That's right, the other sisters (Sis. Johanson and Stirling) had bed bugs and so the whole apartment had to be sprayed with this permethrin stuff and all our clothes bagged for washing. It smelled terrible, but it's what we do for a comfortable nights rest without having to worry if any critters are going to eat us alive. The sisters are now sleeping with the mattresses on the floor because we took apart their wooden bed (bed bugs hide there). I haven't been bitten yet (knock on wood).

Had a crazy event yesterday. There was a family preparing for baptism, but started avoiding us. We found out yesterday that the mother had done some illegal drugs and the father was kicking her out of the house and had called the police. I felt very uncomfortable because half the time I didn't know what they were saying, how do I respond when I don't know what they are saying? Sis. Lakip had to fill me in on things afterwards. Keep praying that I will be able to rely on the Lord because transfers are coming up and I don't think that I'll have my companion around to help with spanish. It's a scary thought, but I guess I knew it would happen some day.

And now that I have written another forever long letter. I will bid adieu. So glad the move went well. Don't worry about calling the office. Just send me your new address, phone number, email address (if it's different than this one) and what ward and stake you are in. I'm supposed to call the office anyway. Mom, Dad, and family--- I love you lots. Thanks for all you do and all your support. I have the best parents (and family) in the world.... no joke.

Love,
Erin

Oh man. Another week

Hello Family

Still, I continue to work. Our investigators have started to drop us. The dad is still interested in being baptized, but the wife won't talk to us. She is angry at the world. We pray for them, but still are not sure what to do.

We had Zone Conference this week. It was really good. Focused on teaching simply and with the spirit. And then today we had a dart war game. Went around the building shooting nerf darts through PVC pipes at each other. Senior companions vs. Junior companions. The Juniors won almost every time :).

We had a great lesson with a less-active family here. They stopped going to church pretty soon after they were baptized. We talked to them about remembering their baptismal feelings and about renewing their covenants. I don't know if they will come to church, but I believe it got them thinking more, and they felt the spirit.

We had a baptism this last Saturday in the ward. It was for an 8-year-old, but Sis. Lakip and I came about 15 minutes early to help out. Turns out no one had filled the font, which takes about 1 hour to fill if you want warm water, 30 minutes if you don't mind cold. So we called the Zone Leaders who had the keys and they rushed over to help. It was a pretty interesting baptism. So many things went awry, but all in all it was good. Just remember to get the font filled in time.

Hope all is well. I'm glad the move went well. I love you all and hope that you have fun in Utah! And is Jarom going to send me an invitation? I'd love to have one.

Love you lots,
Erin

Good, Good Times...

So.. honestly I am doing better. I've really been working on focusing this week and particpating more in Spanish. Yes, it still is a day to day struggle for me. And really putting all my heart into the work. I was talking to some sisters the other day and we were saying how easy it is to be outwardly obedient, but the real struggle is in controlling you mind and controlling you heart in really putting your whole heart in to the work. It didn't realize how much that would be a struggle, but I'm learnin. That's why the Lord doesn't say... "I require that you do this..." but instead he requires "the heart and a willing mind." And I continue to learn.

These past couple of days have been higher. We stopped by Maria and Jairo Jimenez. We were nervous that they were going to drop us because we hadn't heard from them in awhile despite are numerous calls and visits. But we stopped by yesterday and talked to Jairo. It turned into an impromptu lesson about tithing and word of wisdom, which he committed to live and told us he still wanted to be baptized on the 26th! We are so excited. The wife stills struggles with smoking, but she really wants to quit and we are working with her on that.

We also met with William Stimeberg yesterday. He's retired. We tracted into him about two weeks ago, but he went on vacation. It was so cool, he had so many questions. He knew a lot about the church history in general and was appalled by it.... perfect for the apostasy. He didn't believe in infant baptism and readily accepted the fact that God could call a prophet today. It was a good lesson. He told us that he would read the Book of Mormon and pray. We will be following up with him this week. He even told us how Elders had knocked on his door 20 years ago and he had let them in, but that even though they were nice they just brushed over the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith (which I can understand with the 7 discussions), which is what he thought was the most distinguishing factor. I'm praying that he will sincerely pray and feel the spirit.

Oh, I learned how to make empanadas yesterday. We went to the Vidal's house for lunch and she taught me. It was pretty good, but so greasy. And they kept feeding us. I'll be honest, I was sick by the end. Sisters can not eat as much as Elders can even though the members think it's the same. Sis. Lakip and I were both really sick by the end. Fortunately it wore off during the day.

Today was fun too because a group of elders and us sisters  went to a member's house in New Canaan, who has this huge house, and basketball/tennis court, trampoline and such. We played basketball, tennis, wiffle ball. So much fun. Elder Garcia was even teaching me how to skateboard... it was actually pretty cool. It ended with a game of ultimate frisbee... what fun. But it is so hot and humid here. You get all sweaty, but there is really nothing you can do about it.

Hope the move goes smoothly and that you have tons of fun. I hope you know that I still tell everyone that I am from California.... :) It will always be my hometown, but it will be fun to see all the changes when I come home. Still... that's a long time away so I won't think about it. Let me know the new address so that I can let the office know. Or maybe you should just call the office and let them know because I don't know all the information they need. Let me know if you would prefer to do that.

Love you lots. Keep me in your prayers and mailing list. ;) It helps a lot. I pray for you too.

Love,
Erin

P.S. I got the package... thank you so much. I'm all ready with my rain jacket now. You are amazing family. What more could a sister missionary want... love you.

I've seen lightning bugs!

Hello Family,

Guess what happened. We had a whole family come to church on Sunday. They came and said they enjoyed it. The mother and father have a baptismal date. Their daughters don't necessarily because they never come in when we teach. One is older and never home and the other always has friends over. But we are still working closely with them and are excited with how much the progress. We heard the father pray for the first time and it was so sweet. There isn't anything as tender as hearing someone pray with sincere intent for the first time. There was such a great feeling in the room and all of us felt it. We will be seeing them this week to talk to them more. There names are Maria and Jairo.

I also saw a lightning bug for the first time. It was amazing, just made my day. Do we not have them in California? Now I see them everywhere. I want to go catch some one night and put them in a jar, but alas I really don't have time for that. Maybe another time when I visit.

Oh, another cool thing. We had mission conference last Friday, but what was unusual was that the whole mission was meeting together instead of splitting it into two areas like they usually do, but they wouldn't tell us why. It wasn't until we arrived to a church in Manhattan that we found out. President Uchtdorf was coming to speak to us. It was amazing. He was on vacation in New York and wanted to speak to the missionaries here. He spoke for an hour and a half or so and it was amazing. The spirit was so strong and he said a lot of things that helped me out. It seems that I keep needing those constant reminders.

I am grateful for the words of counsel and comfort I have received in my setting apart, my blessings here, and in my patriarchal blessing. They keep me going because I see how they exactly relate to what I am struggling with. It doesn't make the struggle any easier, but it is a comfort that God knew and prepared me with counsel for when it came. I'm praying that everything will be resolved.

That's way cool about the job, Dad! I hope that you get it, but I know whatever happens will be the best for the family. He is watching out for you. I don't have the new address for Utah... will you send it to me. I'd appreciate it much. And also will you have a new email address and phone number. These are things I need to report to the office once you move. Also probably the new ward information.... maybe more, but I would have to ask.

Love you lots and pray for you. Thank you for your prayers and support. Don't get too exhausted moving all the stuff to Utah. Have fun.

Love,
Sis. Price