I Keep Getting Hit on the Head By Investigators Falling Out Of the Sky!

WOW! This seriously was one of the best weeks of my mission so far!

Monday wasn't all that exciting, it was P-day, but we had the YSA (Young Single Adult) Christmas party, so part of our P-Day was setting up for all that. So you know. 

Tuesday was Christmas Eve. It was weird for me not to be going to the Christmas Eve breakfast and all that, but we did something AWESOME. All the Minot missionaries got together and we went caroling at one of the old folks home here in Minot for about an hour:

 The eight who went caroling

 It was so fun! Sister Jensen played the piano and the rest of us sang. The residents there loved it! They were smiling, some were singing along with us and some were constantly clapping. It was so cute. The elders' voices started going out like 20 minutes in, but they made it until the end. We moved around from lunch room to lunch room, and in one room Sister Jensen and I were the last to walk out, so we heard as we were walking out an older lady exclaim to her friend, "Did you see those cute men in suits? Mmm mmm!!" Haha oh man it was great! Elder Stewart blushed when we told him, but Elder Larsen took it as a compliment (those are the 2 elders we share the ward with). We went out to lunch with the sisters and then ended up going caroling with a bunch of families in the ward at another old folks home. It was fun there, too. We walked around and the people would come out of their rooms to hear us and they would request songs and sing them with us. It was great. From there, we went to Kaylee and Carl's, as they were having a Christmas party. We got to know a lot of their friends, some less actives, and some non-members. We went again to see the Christmas lights and it was super fun. After the party, we went home, made some Christmas treats and wrapped gifts for less-actives and our investigators (namely Joy to the World movies). 

Wednesday was CHRISTMAS DAY! We woke up at 5:15 so we could have a half hour for opening presents and a hour for breakfast (Sister Osburn and Sister Saunders came over). It was AWESOME! Thank you to everyone who sent cards and gifts! I loved all of them and they will all be very useful to me. :) Breakfast with the sisters made it feel more Christmas-y. We did studies as normal, visited a less-active and then went to a member's house where we got to Skype home!! It was so weird to see my family, kinda felt like a movie. But at the same time it was so cool. Definitely the best part of the day! I can't wait until Mother's Day when we get to do it again! Man, it seriously was the best! I love you, family! After Skyping and Christmas dinner, we went to Kaylee and Carl's again, this time to watch Christmas movies with them and share a Christmas message with them. It went great! We went from there to a less-active family in the ward who is Liberian. They were having a big party, and Liberian music was playing, people were dancing, everyone was talking very fast, meaning that we couldn't understand if they were speaking English or Liberian (and, there are 16 dialects of Liberian, so it's insane. They all sound the same to me...)It was fun. The food was very spicy, but I got to dish up my plate this time, so I just got a little. I think I ate 1 bite of this potato stuff and that was enough for me. We were able to share a Christmas message with them too. We then went across the street to an Active family who had their less-active kids there, so we again shared a Christmas message. By this point, it was around 8:00 at night, so we went back to our apartment and highlighted and marked up our new ward list. It was a great day! Much busier that we were expecting, which is AWESOME!! Totally one of my favorite Christmases yet. :)

Thursday was another great day, just like the rest of the week. We did weekly planning, and then had an appointment with Alisha, our new investigator we got last week. It was really well! She took in all of our commitments and set up a return appointment with us. We hope to get her on date this week when we meet with her. We also got to go over and visit Faye again. Her son was there, so we shared a message with them about New Years Resolutions and Faith and Humility and Trust and all of that good stuff and it went great! We were able to really touch her heart. We love Faye a lot. That night, after dinner, we were able to go visit a less-active, part member family and it went well. The non-member invited us in right then to give us Oreo truffles and hot apple cider. It was nice to be able to chat with her and get to know her a little more. Her less-active husband got home from work when we were there and so we got to share a message with them! We have a return appointment this week. 

Friday we were on exchanges, so I was with Sister Saunders in her area, which is the 3rd ward. We got to volunteer at the First Lutheran Soup kitchen, we went to district meeting (it's usually on Wednesdays but it was changed to Friday due to Christmas and skyping times and all that), which is always GREAT, and we got to try a few investigators and potentials. We were able to spend a lot of time tracting, which was nice because it was FORTY-THREE DEGREES POSITIVE! Snow was melting, and it was like spring. We weren't wearing coats. Ahh, it felt SO good! The first time we went tracting, we met Alex, who has building a snowman in his front yard. He;s around our age and we talked to him for 45 minutes. It was crazy. It didn't end up going anywhere, but it was a good discussion. After that, we went tracting in a different area and got to meet a lot of super nice people. We spent the rest of the day trying people, and it was fun! Sister Saunders is awesome. She's an Aggie, too, which just makes her that much cooler. Haha, but really though.

Saturday, we got to go to a baptism, we had our area call, we went out and tried a bunch of potentials and got 2 appointments this week from it, and we were able to meet with Karen again. We had a great discussion wit her and it was good. We were able to be bold with her, but we did so in a loving way. It was a great discussion with her. At dinner that night, we met a less-active, which is always great! And then we again got to meet with the less-active Liberian family. It was a miracle because we had made the goal to find 1 new investigator this past week, and we hadn't found them yet. At this appointment, we were able to meet her brother, and he wanted to learn more. We taught all 3 of them and then made a return appointment to meet with Vonny. We got the new investigator on our last appointment on Saturday night! The Lord hears us!

But the biggest miracle of them all came yesterday, on Sunday. Vonny ended up having to go somewhere, so we rescheduled the appointment, and at church, we were waiting for one investigator in particular, Alyssa, who we were supposed to teach right after church. Well, she wasn't there. I was so discouraged and was praying to know what to do, and I felt a lot of peace. I didn't understand that peace until we were in combined RS/EQ for 5th Sunday when I had the prompting th text Alyssa. I did, but there was no response. I then had the prompting to check to make sure her number was right in the phone, I did, and it was wrong. I texted the right number and she told us that her flight had been delayed and wasn't landing until the night. We made a appointment with her for this week. And right before church, the sisters gave us a referral for a guy who randomly showed up at church in their ward and wanted to be taught by missionaries. We went over last night after our dinner appointment to meet him, and he was an investigator in Dickinson before he moved here a month ago. His name is Jose, and he is super solid. He is so prepared and we made an appointment with him for tomorrow (we couldn't teach him then because we didn't have another girl with us). But we really feel like he could get baptized this transfer and we are so excited! The Lord blesses those who lose themselves in the work!!

I love you all! Get involved in missionary work! Do all you can to bring your friends and neighbors to the gospel! "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" (D&C 18:10, 15-16) I know that is true. It brings the most happiness we can have in this life! 

sister leslie.

Christmas Hats at the store

Our Holiday "mug" shot with Sisters Osburn and Saunders at Christmas breakfast

The family we had Christmas dinner with and used their Skype

Companionship exchange with Sister Saunders

Our little Christmas tree in our apartment

Our "Best Friends" necklaces we got for Christmas. 

Deck The Halls With...Wait, It's Christmas??

Yep, 2 days everyone! This is insane! I don't have a ton of time to write today, but here are some highlights of the week.

Well, we now have a new vehicle. His name is Mo. (Short for Mohonrimoriantcumer) He's a 2014 DODGE Grand Caravan. Yep. We're now driving around a Swagger Wagon. It's...awesome? Yeah, it works out. I'll send a picture next week. It's taking some getting used to, it doesn't do as good on the roads as Helaman did, but we're surviving. We also got to help Faye, an 86 year old potential investigator set up her Christmas tree. She's a doll. Also sending a picture of her next week. 

Wednesday, we got to meet the new Sisters in our zone. They're in Williston (ND). We also got Elders in Crosby (like 3 miles from the border to Canada). So, our Zone now has like 14 sets of missionaries, I think? A good amount. We are doing a YSA Christmas Party tonight and so all the Minot missionaries are doing a skit for it. We practiced on Wednesday. We will hopefully video it tonight so you can see it eventually. 

Thursday, we drove around a lot. We went to MSU and set up flyers for the YSA (Young Single Adult) Christmas Party, had to do weekly planning, and we also talked to a few families. We went to the Salvation Army to help out and it was fun. like it is every time. And in the 12 days of Christmas, we got a Nativity set! We officially have a Nativity set! BAM! (picture next week as well)

Friday we woke up early (5:45) and went to help at the Salvation Army distribution day to help people get their Christmas presents they applied for. It was cool to get to help them out. We spent most of our day there. We had a whole bunch of appointments, which is always nice. 

Saturday we got to go to a Cello recital of a YW in our ward. It was fun! (Don't worry, we got permission from President). We got a referral from a member there and also a daily contact with the cello teacher! BAM! We made most of our weekly goals!! WOOHOO!

Sunday was another great day. 

Today is cold. (-30), which is NOT fun and I am also out of time so I promise to write more next week! I love you all!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

sister leslie.

Are You Spirit-led or Guilt-driv​en?

Such a busy week! They all fly by and then I forget how much actually happens, until I have to write most of it to all of you lovely people. So, hang on to your seats and enjoy the ride!

Last Monday, after p-day ended, we were busy. We had a dinner appointment, and then 3 appointments within an hour and a half. Which is very busy, in case you didn't know. We were getting in, teaching, then moving on. We were so in sync and teaching simply, clear, and directly. There was no other option. 

Tuesday was another day full of adventure. Sister Jensen was sick for the morning, but we had Sister Osburn with us from 3rd Ward from Sunday night til Tuesday night because Sister Saunders went to Mission Leadership Training in Rapid City with the Zone Leaders. So we did companion study together. We went to the Salvation Army as normal, and got an appointment with someone there for a teaching appointment! We had it on Saturday and it went really well. We also got to have dinner with a member family in our ward and Michelle (Salvation Army)and her husband. It was nice. We taught the Restoration as a dinner message and it was powerful. They both totally felt the Spirit. PLUS, we got to meet a referral that night that a member had given us on Sunday! The power of members, people! It was awesome. We hope to meet with her this week. The only bad thing about MLC (Mission Leadership Conference) is they get back at midnight, and we get to wait up for them. So that's always fun to wake up the next morning. But somehow we always make it. :)

Wednesday wasn't too exciting. We got blizzards at Dairy Queen. We went through the drive thru, so we didn't get to talk to the workers really, but still. We're going back today again. #becauseit'snotcoldenoughoutside We spent most of the day getting ready for our information booth at MSU we had on Thursday. We had to get a sign made, and a whole bunch of stuff like that. We got to help our dinner appointment deck out her living room in the Christmas spirit. It is the most festive room I've ever seen. I might need a picture of it. 

Thursday, the highlight was the MSU booth. Not a whole ton of people came up and talked to us, but we did give a Book of Mormon to someone (actually, he like grabbed it and asked, "Can I have this?" and of course we said yes. The only thing we knew about Mormons was that Mitt Romney is one. Super nice guy. We practically taught him the Restoration right there. We teach the Restoration a lot. Which is GREAT!) We were also able to find a less-active member. He doesn't know any members up here, and so it was a blessing that he found us and could get info on the church times here and the address of the church. Sister Jensen and I ate lunch in the cafeteria with us (which was super weird, to be around college kids again. Brought back a lot of memories.), and he joined us. It was very cool. That night, we got to eat at the Bishop's home, which is always great, and then we got to go visit Danielle and Anthony again. It went really well. We get to go meet with them again tonight!

Friday was Zone Training Meeting. Ahh man, it's always awesome. I am so glad I got to hear this one. It was all about involving members more and all that, which is so nice to study on as a missionary. Towards the end, Elder Stewart shared an experience in which he asked an inspired question: "Are you spirit-led or guilt-driven?" It hit me at that time that I had been a guilt-driven missionary this past week. Ever since we got sick, Sister Jensen and I have been fighting the laziness bug. Because we have been in so much, we have gotten used to being in a lot, and haven't liked it. So on Friday, we recommitted ourselves to be diligent and exactly obedient. It's not easy to push yourself, but totally worth it. 

Saturday we met with the man from the Salvation Army. It went really well! We have another appointment with him next Saturday, and we'll see him a couple times this week before then. We had 2 members with us, both YSA age, so he knows he has friends. Member present lessons are always so powerful. So.....the news you have all been waiting for! Drumroll, please! Sister Jensen and I are....................................staying together! Woohoo! We are so excited for this next transfer and grateful for the great opportunity we have to continue to learn from each other. We have also started getting the 12 Days of Christmas from someone in the ward. Our ward takes care of us for sure! We have a few Minot Moms and Minot Grandmas. This holiday season, I have a family away from home! It's so great that the church does that. :) 

And yesterday, Sunday. It started off like a regular Sunday, with ward choir (we got put in because we are missionaries, haha) and coordination meeting with the Elders and our Ward Mission Leader. We ate lunch, and then had a decision to make: finish 12 Week training or go out and try people before church? We decided to go try people, and be diligent, and even though no one was home, we still felt good, knowing that we were trying to find people, we were working our hardest. And then, at church, something awesome happened. After Gospel Principles, we were waiting for Relief Society to start, (and here's the background. Last week, Zack and Alyssa came to church. Zack's a member, Alyssa's not. They're coworkers and Zack invited Alyssa to come to church, and she came. She liked it a lot, so she came with him again yesterday) and Zack walked up to us and asked simply "Alyssa wants to know more about the Church. Can you teach her?" Obviously, we said yes and tried not to run over to her too fast. We set up an appointment with her and talked to her a bit. This probably would have happened anyway, but I know that members and nonmembers can tell when we are being obedient, diligent missionaries. After our dinner appointment, we finished 12 Week Training. I am now finished with the training! Now, starting tomorrow, we will be going out at 10am! We will be real missionaries! This will be my first time and Sister Jensen's first time not doing 12 Week. How crazy! So cool! I am graduated! I am officially Yellow, no longer a "Greenie" WOOHOO! 

And I just want you all to know, today it is 30 degrees ABOVE 0 today! that is SEVENTY degrees warmer than it was last week! The sun actually is giving off heat and we are feeling it! The tender mercies of the Lord, everyone!

Because it is the Christmas season, I would love for you all to take a few minutes and watch a few Mormon Messages. These are some of my favorites that are so good to get us in the Christmas mood. Tell me which one is your favorite! 

--The Reason Behind Christmas

--Enduring Love

--Earthly Father, Heavenly Father

--The Christmas Spirit

And, because of the Christmas season, I extend to you the Christmas Challenge. Read the Christmas Story in Luke 2. Then, get some paper and pens. Write on that paper with a pen something you can do better in this next year that will 1) bring you closer to the Savior, and 2) will stretch you to more fully reach your potential. When you have it written down, give it to the Lord on Christmas, and then do it. You feel come to feel more joy and meaning in your life. Will you do this? I am doing the same thing and it is helping me continually build my faith and be a better person. When you do this, let me know how it goes! I'd love to hear. :)

I love you all and hope you are taking advantage of the wonderful opportunities this season has to offer! Get involved in missionary work! It will make you happy!

sister leslie. 

Another picture with me and Helaman (our nice, big truck)

 

I have now graduated from the 12 Week Program. I now have the force. 

 

A picture with Morgan, the "SISSER MISHIMARIES!!" Girl. We're her big sisters. So adorable.

 

We were reenacting the Nativity of sorts with Sister Osburn, and I guess I had had too much sugar. Or being inside a lot had gotten to me. I don't know. 

 

Sister Jensen, Sister Osburn, and I. Sister Jensen and I match perfectly, but didn't plan it at all!

In fact, we didn't notice we matched until the night time! We do it a lot, actually.

Our minds are synched together. That happens when you're always around a person. 

 

 

 

 

Now I Know What A Goldfish Looks Like

Okay, so random people haven't been staring at us all week, but it'll make sense. And let me tell you, a goldfish's life is really quite boring.

Last Monday, we had a big snowstorm here again. Winter is now officially here and will never leave. It's SO cold. But yeah. It snowed. Joy. While we were at the post office sending home our Christmas packages for our families, the man in front of us turned around and asked, "Are you Mormon?" We excitedly told him we were, to which he responded, "I hate Mormons. I HATE them." Both Sister Jensen and I were a bit in shock, trying to come up with what we were going to say while the whole Post Office froze and turned to see what we would respond when the man said, "Nah, just kidding. I'm LDS." Haha man it was terrifying! I had no idea what I was going to say! But it has got me thinking of what I would say in that situation. Sadly, it probably will happen sometime on the mission. Also on Monday, we had a sweet dinner appointment with a couple where both are active, but the husband is not a member. He's come most every week for 3 years now, and just isn't baptized. But we're working with him. He's super legit. He's in his 70s, and reminds me of a grandpa figure. So that's nice. I have a lot of Minot grandparents now. Everyone loves the missionaries! (Except for the Anti's, of course).

Tuesday I didn't feel very well, but we had a lot of great things happen. We got the information needed so we can set up a booth at MSU (Minot State University), the college here, and so we're going to be doing that on Thursday (hopefully it goes well!), and we got to meet with Eastman, Karen & Brian, and also Danielle &Anthony. It was a nice, full day! We had really great lesson experiences with all of them. It was super great.

Wednesday, I woke up sick. Headache, sore throat, and stuffy nose. Not fun at all. So I slept in that day, we went to Walmart to get me some more Emergen-C and stuff, went to District Meeting (which was AWESOME, but role playing not so much due to my head internally exploding), and then I slept most of the day. Being sick as a missionary is not very exciting at all. 

Once it hits -30 degrees, we are home bound unless we have a appointment, then we go to the appointment and promptly return home. (We also have to let our District Leader know when we leave and when we get back). So Thursday, Friday and Saturday we were home bound because it was between -30 and -40 degrees with windchill. Windchill is the killer. Thursday, we studied a lot, helped Sister Noel with things she needed to get done around her house (service is another thing we can do, and it works out great because we live with members!), and then we had our Relief Society Christmas EVening that night, which was great because it was so nice to get out of the house.

Let me also chime in that missionaries who have cars have a protocol when backing up. The driver obviously drives, and the passenger (which is me at this time), stands back outside the car and directs the car when it is safe to go. Let me just say that when it is -35 out there, backing the truck is awful. After 15 seconds, you're shivering and your nose hairs are already frozen. It's so cold. But anyways, so Friday it was -40. Again we were stuck in. We went to lunch with Sister Noel at a place similar to Blue Lemon, and it was super good. We also served her by helping her decorate her Christmas tree. It was fun. And we got to see the sun through the windows. Up in our apartment, the windows leak cold air, so they're always covered by curtains so keep the cold outside, so it's very dark up there always. Haha. Friday was better because we got to go help volunteer at the Salvation Army again, and we had a dinner appointment. (Oh yeah, and the highlight of Friday was that I could taste food again!) We were able to go teach the Mullikins and it went well. The next morning at our ward Christmas Party, Karen came even though Brian and the kids didn't. It was great! They're progressing!

Saturday was our Ward Christmas Breakfast. Michelle and Carson came from the Salvation Army, and they both really loved it a lot. They loved the people, the ambiance, and the joy that is there. At the end we gave them a church tour, and ended up teaching them the Restoration in the Chapel. Carson was really touched and asked for a Book of Mormon! We gladly gave it to him and committed him to read a chapter. We also gave Michelle a Book of Mormon. It was such a neat experience. Michelle has a son who is in the MSU String Quartet, and had a concert thing Saturday afternoon. Sister Jensen and I really felt like we needed to be there for it, so we could meet him and all that, but there were 3 songs being played that aren't Sacrament meeting approved. So we called President. He gave us permission, told us we obviously needed to go and that we "weren't just going so we could record those songs to listen to them in our apartment later", so we went. And it was awesome. No big anything amazing happened, but we did get to meet him, which was what we needed. He's had questions about the Church in the past, so this is the perfect opportunity. We have a dinner set up with Michelle, her son and husband with a member family tomorrow. It's going to be like the best thing ever! That night, we also got to go out to dinner with the Noels. We went out to eat, went to Starbucks for hot chocolate (I know, so rebellious of me! Getting the cops called on us, getting drinks at Starbucks....I'm more rebellious now than I was before my mission!), and then we went to the Christmas lights at Oak Park. They weren't really even comparable to Temple Square, the trees weren't lit, it was just like light displays, but it was as close as we can get here in Minot, so it was fun. 

Sunday (yesterday), was the first day that I actually felt mostly normal. Which is always a good thing. I can actually breathe now when I sleep! Woohoo! Choir practice was super fun, Church was Church-y, we had a lot of non-members there, potential investigators, and a few less-actives, too, so it was a good, solid Church time. Only 2 more weeks of 3pm church! The Christmas Devotional was awesome! It's interesting now that it's not the "First Presidency Christmas Devotional", but it was cool to hear from different people. Elder Nelson's talk was awesome. Christmas time is the best!! We also got to help yesterday in Mission Prep. It was so weird to be the missionary in that class, and not the one preparing for a mission. Time flies! But at the same time, I feel like I've been out 6 months already. So much happens every day.

I know it doesn't seem like being home bound was boring, but what I didn't include was the tons of time where we looked at each other and said, ".........Well, what else can we do?" ".......I don't know." "Oh, okay." ".........................." "...................................................................................." "Any ideas of what we could do?" ".............Nope." "Oh. Me either." "................................................................................." Yep. That's what a lot of it was. Poor goldfish. It's boring not having anything to do.

I love you all and am hoping that you are enjoying the warmth there because it is FREEZING here!! 

The Lord is great!

sister leslie.

Michelle at the Salvation Army.  We love her to death!

 

Mill Hollow (where I worked over the summer) dance move.  10 year olds are so weird!

 

I Must Have Chugged The Fountain Of Youth, Because Apparently I Still Look 14

First off, 24 days to Christmas! Let it begin!

 

Tuesday was great. We got up to Newburg again (The dinky town that has the "mall"), and were able to visit with a less-active there. We got to know her more and she actually works in Minot, so we're going to be able to see her more, which will be great. Also on that day, we got to talking with Michelle at the Salvation Army, asking what she believes and stuff, and we were able to give her a Plan of Salvation pamphlet that she could read so she knows what we believe in. The thought that there was a pre-mortal life or where she came from before this life had never occurred to her before. That was so unexpected and awesome to be able to share that with her. 

Wednesday wasn't that exciting. We had an awesome district meeting that talked about teaching for commitment on the doorstep and how the commitments are the same that we leave with people, regardless of how long we are teaching them. Whether it be 3 minutes or 45, we should still be committing them to read and pray about the Book of Mormon (depending on what lesson/approach you are using). Such a good district meeting. We had an appointment with Mandy again on Wednesday, but she ended up not showing up, which wasn't too surprising, but still disappointing. We just know this gospel will help her and are sad when she doesn't fully understand that. We're also going to try to get a story about us in the local newspaper, so that would be fun and exciting. We'd be famous! Ha,ha not really, but it would be super cool. We also got to go help at the Salvation Army for about an hour, too. We really love serving there. And this took us by surprise, but within like 3 hours of each other, 3 of our dinner appointments cancelled on us, so we ended up only having 1 dinner appointment for Thanksgiving. Which we were relieved, because we didn't know how we were going to eat 4 separate dinners. 

Thursday was Thanksgiving (#obvi), and it was a little different than the Thanksgivings I'm used to. We still woke up at 6:30 and did our regular morning routine, had lunch, did weekly planning like we do every Thursday, then went to our dinner appointment with a great family in the ward

 

 

It was so fun to be able to share that day with this super fun family, although I did miss my family and friends at home. How were Thanksgiving Games? I thought of you all playing Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride while eating clam dip and ruffles and all those yummy things. I was there in Spirit. But it was a cool experience to be able to share in another family's traditions. The mother of this family is convinced that I am 14. No joke. And she doesn't see me as a hashtagger. 

Friday, we got to go to Surrey, a neighboring city and go invite all the less-actives there to invite them to our ward Christmas party on Saturday. Should be a lot of fun. I hope a lot of people come. We got to teach Danielle and Anthony again and it was a good lesson. Not our best, but we did help them understand some more principles of the gospel, which is what we're here for, so it was great. They're funny, Danielle turned to us halfway in the lesson and professed, "You know, Sister Jinsin (that's her accent) has a face of pure innocence, and Sister Lezlie (accent again), your face just looks like a princess face." I don't really know what it means, but it was funny all the same. We also go to set up our Christmas tree and everything, just like I do at home! (Except this tree is fake, 2 feet tall and pre-lit). But, considering the circumstances, I think we did pretty good. We even made a Christmas countdown paper chain that is mighty fine. The Noel kids like to help us rip off a link each day.

Saturday we traveled all over. We went to Newburg again and visited that less-active and also tried to contact our referral we got, but she wasn't home. Next time. We were driven out there by a member who is super awesome. She took us out to lunch after to Big Time Bistro, which is a super good sandwich place, but, being a missionary, it was hard to concentrate. They planned it so every seat in the place could have a clear vision to a TV, and playing on those TVs were music videos from past and present music. Some of them were very inappropriate and it was a bit awkward, but what can you do? Grin and bear it, and stare at your food, your comp, or the member. Haha. #mishprobs We also made it to Surrey and Burlington, all before a baptism. We were movin' all over the place that day. We got a lot done, though. We had a lesson cancel on us, but not to fear! We will get in with them this week! 

And yesterday, Sunday, Danielle and Anthony were at church again, making it 4 times total and 3 times in a row, so they are now considered active! It is so cool to watch them progressing and building their testimonies and helping them understand the gospel more. We're having dinner with and teaching them on Tuesday--oh wow, that's tomorrow! Time flies when you're a missionary. Seriously. Before church, we went tracting in Surrey. A little background, we've been having problems with making goals for the day and then not pushing ourselves to get those. SO Saturday night, we decided we were going to make our goals happen. We put down that we wanted 2 daily contacts (where you pray with, leave a commitment to, or share a principle with someone you have never before seen or met), and as we went tracting, we only got to 12 homes, but we got 4 potential investigators and 9 daily contacts! Our daily contact goal for the week was 5! We blew it out of the water! It was such a testimony builder to me. The Lord is great. :)

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and really got the time to reflect on what you have to be grateful for. I would invite all of you to pray prayers of simply gratitude both individually and as a family for one week. As you reflect on only things you are grateful for and don't ask for anything, you are going to find that you have to look inside each day to find different things that you are grateful for. After the 2nd day, it will be harder because you've already gone through your grateful list. Look deep into each day and you will find small, and even large  blessings that otherwise may have been overlooked. I feel to promise that if you will do this, your families and relationships will be strengthened, and you will feel the love God has for you and every member of your family. I have seen the blessings of doing this in my life and know it will be a great experience. I would like each of you to comment on this blog post before next Monday at 9am MST and let me know your experience with it. I would love to hear! 

I am so grateful for my great family and friends, but especially for the Lord and all He has done for me. I am so glad I have the opportunity to be here on this mission right now, inviting others to come to Christ. I know that this is the true Gospel and the Lord loves each and every one of you. 

Until next week,

sister leslie.

 

Me with the adorable Eleanor (the youngest of the family that we live with)

 

Christmas Decorations in our apartment with snowflakes and everything