Building the Kingdom of God Brick By Brick

We were able to spend a lot of time in our area this week which was awesome!

Tuesday was definitely an adventure. I first must say that our car read 109 degrees that day, so it was hot to say the least. But we survived! And we saw so many miracles along the way. One miracle was when we were trying to visit a less active member. She unfortunately didn't answer, but we saw two men standing in the driveway of the house next door. We decided to go and give them a Because He Lives card and when we introduced ourselves, they told us that they were deaf. Sister Durrant became very excited because she took ASL classes in high school and actually wants to go to school to become an interpreter. So she started talking to them in sign language and we could feel the spirit so strongly. They both took a Book of Mormon and said that we could come back to visit them! We are so excited to see them again.

On Wednesday, we had zone conference. Zone conference is probably one of the best parts of being a missionary. It was amazing! This was the last zone conference with President and Sister Weston and they both talked to us a lot about change. Sister Weston told us that "As you build the kingdom of God, God is building you." And in order for him to do that, we have to be willing to change. I loved that because it can apply to not only missionaries, but to anyone in the church. As long as we are doing our best to strive to change and become better each day to build up God's Kingdom, He will bless us.

Saturday was kind of a strange day, but a great day! In the morning after Trail Center Training, we went with a few other sisters to Harold's Koffee House for breakfast. It's the cutest little diner right down the street from the Trail Center and the food was so good! Afterwards, we planned for next week and then we ended up going to a family reunion with Bob and Lucy. Don't worry, we didn't go to party. We were there to help Clara, a really good friend of Bob and Lucy's. We had gone to her house earlier in the week to help her clean for the reunion and she asked if we could come. She is so sweet! It reminded me a lot of our Nemelka family reunions with tons of food and games. Even though we were there to do dishes and help clean up, we still had a lot of fun!

Also, the College World Series for baseball started this weekend. Apparently that's a big deal. I wish I could say more about it, but I'm sure I'll be learning. It should make this next week pretty busy! I hope the rest of you have a great week. Love you all!

 Unfortunately, I wasn't lying.

 We found the coolest tree ever! World peace... for the children.

 Face masks for dayzzz.

We hit four months! Woot woot!

Bring on the Nebraska Summer

This week we kind of got a taste of what summer is going to be like. The humidity is already showing through, and it's only the beginning of June... There was actually a day where the pages of our Book of Mormon started wilting because it was so humid. Bring it on!

On Monday, most of the sisters from the Trail Center got together and we had a belated Memorial Day BBQ. We grilled up some hot dogs and hamburgers and even had a waffle ball tournament. It was junior companions against senior companions and naturally (no thanks to me), our team won. We also played badminton and volleyball and enjoyed the amazing weather that day!

On Tuesday, we were driving to a dinner appointment and we saw a woman petting a squirrel. Sister Durrant has been wanting to do that since she came out on her mission, so she had us pull over and ask "This might be a weird question, but we saw you petting a squirrel. Can we pet the squirrel?" We soon learned that the woman's name is Tess and she has been raising three little squirrels since they were babies. Welcome to Nebraska, I guess. Sister Durrant did not get to pet the squirrel because it ran up the tree, but we did give Tess a Because He Lives card and it gave us an excuse to come back. We're excited to see her again!

On Friday night, we had the opportunity to go to a women's devotional where we heard from Sisters Layton, Durham and Reeves who are a part of the General Primary, Young Womens and Relief Society Presidencies. They all gave such incredible talks. Something that Sister Durham told us was that she and her husband were sealed in the temple by President Spencer W. Kimball and she said that he told them something that is very simple, but very profound. He told them that "If you live the gospel, you will always be happy." I know that to be true and I have been able to see that more and more as I have been out on my mission. The gospel really does bring us so many blessings which result in happiness. It all makes sense!

Saturday was an adventure. To start off the day, we gave a tour to a group of 220 young adults. It was crazy but it was fun to meet so many people. Then we had the opportunity to go on a field trip! Sister Latey (the senior sister who works in the library here at the Trail Center) took us on a tour out to Iowa to see all of the church sites there. We went to see the Grand Encampment, Council Point, Taylor Pratt Hill and Hyde Park. Taylor Pratt Hill was the actual spot where the Mormon Battalion left from and it has such and incredible spirit about it. It amazes me the history that we have here in the Midwest. I learn something new every day!

This week was a great kick off to June and makes me so excited to see what is to come this

summer! I hope that everybody else had a good week. I love you all!

 Happy belated Memorial Day!

 My attempt at badminton. #epicfail

 Visiting the Mormon Trail equals photo op!

Because selfies at Hyde Park are pretty cool.

Change..Can't Live With It, Can't Live Without It.

It's June already? How did that happen? This last week of May was a good one.

On Monday, for Memorial Day, Bob and Lucy (the couple that we live with) took Sister Durrant and I to the zoo! We were a little worried at first because the weather here is so unpredictable, but it ended up being a beautiful day which was definitely a blessing. While we were at the zoo, we had a contest with one another to see who could recognize the most people while we were there. As the day went on, Lucy was definitely winning. She saw five people she knew and Sister Durrant and I weren't anywhere close to that number. But as we were leaving, we saw eight elders walking towards us. So, we ended up winning. Victory is sweet! Later that evening, we all met at the Trail Center to deep clean it and then we had a Memorial Day program. We sang The Star Spangled Banner and went up the cemetery to take a moment and remember the pioneers who gave so much for each of us. The Spirit was so strong and it was such an incredible experience to be able to sit in the cemetery and think about all of the sacrifices that the Saints made. It was such a good day!

Wednesday we had our last district meeting which consisted of donuts, chocolate milk and The Testaments. I definitely was not complaining. I'm going to miss having us all be together. It's crazy how close you get to the missionaries in your district. Why does change have to be so hard?

This week was transfers so we found out what the status was on Thursday. Drum roll please... I am staying here in Eagle Run! I was really excited about it because I just got to the area. So now I get another six weeks to do what the Lord needs me to do here.

Saturday, I got to meet our new sister, Sister Robertson. She is from England so obviously we're going to be best friends. I decided that I love British accents way too much and hers is adorable! So I am pretty excited to have here with us!

On Sunday, I gave my first talk in sacrament meeting since I have been a missionary. Why is it always so nerve-wracking to get up to that pulpit? But my talk went pretty well... I guess. I spoke on Elder Oak's talk from conference last October titled "Loving Others and Living with Differences". It's a great talk that talks about how important it is to love others and see them through Christ's eyes, even if they may have different views or beliefs. If there is one thing that I have learned out here is what a difference love makes in any situation or relationship. Love is what helps people feel understood and accepted and by showing others love, we can help them see how much our Heavenly Father loves us.

I hope the rest of you had a great week! I love you all!

Also, we will all miss you Elder Perry. Thank you for being such an incredible leader and teacher.

 Coolest chair ever. #amirite

 Gangsta succor swag.

 The goat thought my skirt was lunch.

 District selfie!

We try...

"Being a on a mission is like being on the front row of a miracle show!"

The start to this week was simply magical and the days that followed were even better. 

On Monday, Sister Young invited some of the Sisters to go to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch to celebrate her birthday and then we headed over to the mall. I ordered my chicken madeira and red velvet cheesecake and felt like I was home for a bit. It was amazing! And the mall... man. I love shopping way too much. It's a problem.

On Tuesday I went on exchanges with Sister Brower and, boy, did we see miracles. None of our appointments fell through and every person we tried answered their door. That never happens! So, personally, I was a bit shocked. But in the best possible way.

On Thursday, we never stopped! We went to appointment after appointment and saw miracle after miracle. One miracle was when one of our appointments fell through with a less active member. But because they cancelled, we were able to see another less active member and her granddaughter who is now a new investigator! Heavenly Father definitely knows what he's doing. Later in the day, we went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner (thanks, mom!). When we walked in, the girl at the front desk looked at us and asked, "Is that book good? Is that the play?" and pointed to the Book of Mormon that Sister Durrant was holding. We told her "No, this is the real thing!" The she said "Oh, well is it good?" We had a good laugh about it. And we enjoyed some great steak, so overall it was a great night!

Saturday and Sunday were insane! With school getting out and it being Memorial Day weekend, we had a lot of people come in who were traveling all over the place for an early summer vacation. We pretty much had tours one after another throughout the day which was tiring, but great! We love it when it's busy because we want people to see how awesome this place really is. Because, let's be real, I get to serve in the best mission on earth. (I know that every missionary says that. But that's just because that haven't been here.) Each day I walk into the Trail Center and just feel so blessed that I get to serve my Heavenly Father and Savior here. 

I hope that you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and I want to say Happy Birthday to my Grandma Cookie! I love you! Have a great rest of the week!

 Not ordering cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory is against the Word of Wisdom, right?

 The gang at lunch. So. Good.

 Because you have to try on hats at the mall.

 TEXAS ROADHOUSE! Goodness, I love that place.

We reached our 100 day mark! Yay us!

Christmas in May?

The weeks keep going by so quickly! Time really is such a different concept out here. 

On Monday, Sister Murphy and I decided to celebrate our "3 month anniversary" by watching Legacy. It's the only romance that I will be able to see for the next 15 months, so I was definitely ok with it. During the rest of the week, I learned how crazy May is here at the Trail Center. We have school tours with at least 50-100 kids come in almost every day. It really is so fun to be able to show kids around and help them learn more about Nebraska's history. But most of the time, they know more than I do! So that's kind of embarrassing. Oh, well.

So since we are only able to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Sister Durrant and I only have 3 CD's that we can listen to. There is one that is kind of weird and puts us to sleep which is not a good idea when we are driving. The other one we have listened to about 137 times (that is not an exaggeration). And the third is the Mo-Tab Christmas CD with David Archuleta that I brought from home. On Wednesday, we gave up and put in the Christmas CD. And it was the best decision we ever made. So yes, we are listening to Christmas music in May. #yomo (You Only Mission Once)

Friday was a day FULL of miracles! In the morning at the Trail Center, I was able to take the cutest little British man and his daughter and grandson on tour. He shared some very inspiring spiritual experiences with me and taught me a lot. Later that night when Sister Durrant and I were leaving after dinner, we closed the garage and, for some reason, the left side wouldn't close all of the way. We lifted it back up and saw that the hinges were completely broken. We had no idea what to do because Bob and Lucy were out of town for the weekend, and we are definitely not handy-men, so we were freaking out a little bit. As we stood there for a second, we saw a couple walking across the street and Sister Durrant asked if they could help us. We found out that they live down the street from us and their names are Blake and Kris. Blake ran home to get some tools and helped us be able to at least get the door closed all of the way. They were so nice! We ended up bringing them brownies on Saturday to thank them for helping us, and they ended up inviting us in and we totally had a lesson with them! It was awesome. The Lord works in such mysterious ways.

I can't wait to see what is the come in this next week. I hope the rest of you have a great one! I love you all!

 We got a new exhibit downstairs at the Trail Center. They are banners of Christ's life and they are GORGEOUS. 

 This is what happens when we have time after eating lunch: 15 minute naps.

 New discovery: I think I'm allergic to cats. But only my one eye?

 The Barlows are heading home to Utah. We will all miss you so much!

 Happy Birthday, Sister Young!

Sometimes, We Dress Up Like Pioneers.

This week was full of temple and friend visits, pioneers & my mama!!

On Monday, Sister Durrant and I went over to Boys Town with Lucy (we live with her and her husband, Bob). I didn't know anything about Boys Town before I went over there, so I was so excited to learn more about it. I was fascinated! It was interesting to see the history of the school and see why and how it came to be. It also made me grateful for the life that I have been given and that I have the opportunity to be out here serving and helping others. It also made me want to see the movie! Definitely on my list for when I get home. Also, Boys Town is the home of the world's largest ball of stamps. You bet I got a picture with that thing!

On Wednesday, we had Zone Training and Thursday I was able to have my first interview with President Weston. It went really well! We are all going to miss him so much and you could tell that he was sad as well. But he and Sister Weston will always hold a special place in our hearts. They are both amazing.

On Friday, everybody was mad at me. Not really, but it was only because I got to go to the temple again! Because I was emergency transferred, I was able to go to the temple with my old zone before I left, and then it was my new zone's turn this week. I got so lucky with that one! Heavenly Father definitely knows how to bless me. I absolutely love the temple and have the opportunity to partake of the spirit that is there. It is unlike anywhere else on earth. I would go every day if I could!

Story time: On Wednesday, I came into the Trail Center in the afternoon and the Sisters told me that somebody who knew me came in earlier that morning. They said they left a note for me and when I read it, it was from Tim Johnson! Oh, how I love the Johnson family. He said that he was here for work and stopped by. I was so sad to miss him! Then on Friday, I came into the Trail Center after the temple and received another note, but this time from Alexa. I missed her too! I was so upset. But hopefully I'll be able to catch them on their way home.

Saturday was Florence Days! AKA: the day when we got to dress up and pretend to be pioneers for a day. Pretty sure some people thought we were polygamists. Awkward, But we got to walk in the parade that they have and  pull handcarts. Afterwards, I was able to do a dance with some other Sisters during a little play that the Trail Center put on about the pioneers. It was such a fun day! I was exhausted by the end, though. Man, I am so out of shape!

Sunday was Mother's Day. Not only did we get muffins and juice in Relief Society, but also, I GOT TO TALK TO MY FAMILY! It was so so good to see them all. It felt so natural to see my parent's and sister's faces and talk with them. I miss them all so much but I am so happy to be here where the Lord needs me. After skyping with my parents and my little sis, Sister Durrant and I made dinner for Lucy. I feel so blessed to have her as my mission mom! She's the greatest. We then had family night with her and Bob and played a game of Tenzi which is a dice game that is SO FUN. Family, take note. You all would love it.  It was a busy week, but a great one nonetheless.

I hope that you all had a good week. Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there! I love you all! 

 Worlds Biggest Ball of Stamps selfie.

 ​"She's not heavy, she's my Sister!"

 The Omaha Zone! Goodness, they're cool.

 Sister Durrant didn't get the joke.

 To answer your question, no. Only the five of us on the left are sister wives.

JAZZ HANDS!

We're three months old! How did that happen??

We Be Ballin'

How is it even possible that I am going into my ninth week in the field? Time is going by so quickly! It's starting to freak me out a little bit.

Monday was one for the books. We began the day by going to Walmart and we actually ran into Sister Weston, our mission president's wife. She told us that seeing us was a miracle because she was over at Sam's Club earlier and was talking to the "girl who sells the pillows" and she said that she wanted to talk with missionaries! So Sister Weston asked if we would go over there and you can't really say "no" to Sister Weston, so we walked into Sam's Club looking for a girl selling pillows. Don't worry, we found her! But her boss was standing right next to her which made things really awkward. After her boss unsuccessfully tried selling us Bamboo pillows (which are actually really cool!), we tried to talk to Karissa about her chat with Sister Weston. But with her boss right there, I don't know how successful we were. We ended up giving (more like throwing) her a Book a Mormon with our phone number and we booked it out of there. It was just an awkward situation. We're just praying that she calls us back!

Later, we got together as Trail Center sisters and played a very competitive basketball game tournament. It was legit. We got shirts and everything! And even though I'm a wee bit vertically challenged, I actually had a lot of fun! I don't know if I have ever played a real game of basketball ever in my life, but I tried my best. And we ended up all having a blast together!

I spent the rest of the week trying to get to know the people here in my new area. I miss Kanesville dearly. The people there are so incredible. But Eagle Run has been good to me so far. I've been able to meet and get to know a lot of great people! One of them being Tatiana. She is a young woman who is a single mom and has three very young children. She has been investigating the church for a few years and is set for baptism on May 16. Last week, Sister Durrant was kind of worried that she might not want it enough. But that same day, Tatiana texted us and asked "Do you think I'm going to be ready to be baptized on May 16? Do you think that you could quiz me to make sure that I am ready?" Miracles! She has been working so hard this past week and I would say that she is totally ready. I am so excited for her!

This week we were also able to get ready for the Florence Days parade on May 9. Every year, the Sisters at the Trail Center dress up as pioneers and walk in the parade. So cool, right?! After the parade, we are going to be putting on a play about the pioneers and a few of us get to do a little dance number. I'm pretty pumped about it. It's going to be so much fun! Stay tuned for pictures of the event next week.

I hope the rest of you have a great rest of your week. I love you all!

 We know we're cool.

 When somebody had their name on their back, you don't mess.

 I was pretty excited when I found this. I love you Sister Slater!

We're weirdos. But we're the coolest weirdos you'll ever meet.