(Elizabeth sent us the following in a card for our anniversary and I thought I would share it.)
Hey Mom and Dad,
So far I have seen a million different types of families and relationships. Split homes, Partner home, loving homes, and never around homes. I see the way spouses treat each other and their children. Although this may sound cliche, I wanted to say that I am thankful for the way you love each other, care for each other, and uplift each other. It is inspiring to see. Thanks for getting married, I guess. :)
I love y'all so much. Thank you for choosing to keep and make sacred covenants. I love y'all so much.
I know that the church is true. I know that God only asks us to do what He knows we can accomplish. I know that families can be together forever. I know that I knew each of you before I came to earth. I know that parents set examples for their children. I know that being born under the covenant has brought miracles and undeserved blessings into my life. I know that each of you are children of a loving Heavenly Father who knows you by name. I know that we are each meant to have agency. I know that God is calling out to each of us to come unto Him and repent. I know that as you pray for missionary experiences, you can receive.
Mom and Dad; Dad and Mom, Thanks so much for the decisions you have made in your life. Thank you for what you have taught me and each of your children. I am so proud of you, Dad and Mom.
I love you Mom! I love you Dad!
Love,
Sister Elizabeth K McShane
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
9/24/12
Howdy Ya'll!
Your letters always make me laugh and cry at the same time. I love reading all of them.
Ok, So on Friday we had zone conference from 7:30 to 3:30 and then we left straight for El Paso! We met the sisters that we were staying the night with at about 8:30 at the stake center and went straight to their apartment for the night. They were way nice. We had 7 sisters with only one shower :) But it was way fun. Its great to meet new sisters. On Saturday, we all got up early and went to the stake center at 8:30AM. The mission pres. and his wife seated us all and then we spent until 9:15 listening to the men sing a song and then reading scriptures out loud. At 9:15, Elder Christoferson, Elder Wright and Elder Halstrom came in. They wanted to shake our hands! That was coool! It was so awesome to hear from them all. He taught us about the blessings that would come from serving a mission. He said that Serving a mission is like a tithe on the first 21 years of our life. Except that while on a mission we become more indebted to God, so it never really comes out fair :) he also said that this is the best place we can be for our families. And although things will not be perfect at home, this is the place where blessings will pore out on your family. It was awesome. It really helped to hear of the blessings that my families will receive while I am here. I really needed to hear about the mission being a tithe to the Lord that is really never paid off. It has given me more hope and determination as I pray to get through the week, day by day. I loved hearing about what every one's mother has taught them. I do not know why that is so important to me. But I have to focus on the reasons why I am here. Truth is, if I was here for myself, I would not be on a mission at all. I do this for God above all, and then for those I teach, for my family, my future family, and for everyone I will ever encounter. Serving a mission is not easy, but it is worth it. I tell myself that everyday. The talks from Saturday are in my heart and they keep me going. I want to share the gospel of Jesus Christ for more than baptismal numbers. I loved hearing about the "name" of Jesus Christ and the importance of it. I really am here for him and to bring others unto him.
It was every missionary in the mission. About 130-150 of us (27 sisters missionaries) It was so cool. I saw the other 4 who came with me from the mtc and others i knew from the plane. i loved being able to listen to everyone who spoke on Saturday.
of course I waved on I-10!!! Like a million times! I loved being back in Texas! It was also cool to look into Mexico! You could see Juarves. It was sooo cool! On the way back we decided to stop in Hatch at a place famous for green chili. We drove up and saw like 50 missionaries in line! It was crazy and not planned or coordinated at all! I got pics. that was so funny. I had a mango and red chili shake. yeah, i got half way through it and then gave it away it was strange.
Zone conference was amazing! you have NO idea what it means to us to have people willing to serve and prepare meals for us. It makes us so happy. I wish we could have had the members with missionaries out join us. That would have awesome. i learned so much from that conference. I am so excited to go out and use what I have learned. The best part was learning what I could do better. I hate being told to be better without anyone telling us how. This time, people told us how.
Because we had temple, pday, el paso trip, planning, we did not have very much proselyting time. Thursday night was sooo cool though. We had weekly planning all day, and then had so many appointments in the evening that we were running around like chickens with there heads chopped off driving cars. yeah, not a good image to put in mind. but we got it all done. Dinner plus 3 appointments. We have amazing people that we are teaching. I truly love being able to teach people in the rich, nice houses and then going to the trailers. I am so thankful for what I have. Its like being in a new world. Where everything that I had chosen not to see, what not around me. Ive always tried hard not to judge others. But now that is even more implemented when I see members who live around drugs and have had horrible things done to them and there families.
So guess what! Ragweed is horrible up here! Everyone is still sick off and on with allergies! But not me! I am sooooo blessed! I know that God is hearing both my prayers and yours!
Did I tell you about the scorpion? My comp and i were trying to unlock our apartment at night and we saw a small one right by her hand! it was crazy! We took pictures and killed it before it could get inside! The animals here are nutz@! i see wild bunnies everyday. at least those are cute. haha.
Mom! Every ones email told me to read yours first! WOW an IPAD! I see why ! I hate to break it to you, but Amberly likes Dad's better. but maybe that is a good thing for you. haha. Should i guess how long before dad or Trent tries to get something better") or maybe i should guess which one of them tries to beat it first! I'm so happy y'all had a great anniversary! sounds like so much fun! And Amberly, i am glad that you had fun too. You did SOOOO many crafts! that is awesome! Where are you going to put all of them! haha! Vicky and Ron sound so coool. I am so happy that members of the ward just keep surrounding y'all what a great area! It will be so cool to see how the ward splits. It sounds like it is going to be way complicated but hopefully super beneficial.
Dad- It is truly incredible the things that the Spirit can do. We are not the teachers at all. I am so happy that you had the opportunity to be an instrument and to be able to recognize it. you are truly an instrument in him hands more than you realize it. Everything that you do within our family, your callings, even when you help others and share the gospel. I am so happy for you and the experiences that You have and i love you so mu ch. Could you snail mail me some of your missionary experiences? It would mean a lot to me, especially now that I am in this whole new world. I bet the fam. would love them too.
Trent- i live on/by the Sandia Mountains in Placitas. I don't remember what Placitas means, but sandia is watermelon. Something about the mountain looking like a watermelon when the sun hits. yeah, i don't really understand that one. It's weird going down Calle Sandia (a street) cause its basically watermelon street. That does not make much sense to me, but oh well.
I have finally had some authentic Mexican burritos, but everything in New Mexico-ized because they put green chili in it. Maybe ill send you some eventually. idk
I LOVE YOU MOM DAD EYN TRENT AMBERLY! Y'all are all the best family ever! I think and pray for you every single day! You mean the world to me!
Your letters always make me laugh and cry at the same time. I love reading all of them.
Ok, So on Friday we had zone conference from 7:30 to 3:30 and then we left straight for El Paso! We met the sisters that we were staying the night with at about 8:30 at the stake center and went straight to their apartment for the night. They were way nice. We had 7 sisters with only one shower :) But it was way fun. Its great to meet new sisters. On Saturday, we all got up early and went to the stake center at 8:30AM. The mission pres. and his wife seated us all and then we spent until 9:15 listening to the men sing a song and then reading scriptures out loud. At 9:15, Elder Christoferson, Elder Wright and Elder Halstrom came in. They wanted to shake our hands! That was coool! It was so awesome to hear from them all. He taught us about the blessings that would come from serving a mission. He said that Serving a mission is like a tithe on the first 21 years of our life. Except that while on a mission we become more indebted to God, so it never really comes out fair :) he also said that this is the best place we can be for our families. And although things will not be perfect at home, this is the place where blessings will pore out on your family. It was awesome. It really helped to hear of the blessings that my families will receive while I am here. I really needed to hear about the mission being a tithe to the Lord that is really never paid off. It has given me more hope and determination as I pray to get through the week, day by day. I loved hearing about what every one's mother has taught them. I do not know why that is so important to me. But I have to focus on the reasons why I am here. Truth is, if I was here for myself, I would not be on a mission at all. I do this for God above all, and then for those I teach, for my family, my future family, and for everyone I will ever encounter. Serving a mission is not easy, but it is worth it. I tell myself that everyday. The talks from Saturday are in my heart and they keep me going. I want to share the gospel of Jesus Christ for more than baptismal numbers. I loved hearing about the "name" of Jesus Christ and the importance of it. I really am here for him and to bring others unto him.
It was every missionary in the mission. About 130-150 of us (27 sisters missionaries) It was so cool. I saw the other 4 who came with me from the mtc and others i knew from the plane. i loved being able to listen to everyone who spoke on Saturday.
of course I waved on I-10!!! Like a million times! I loved being back in Texas! It was also cool to look into Mexico! You could see Juarves. It was sooo cool! On the way back we decided to stop in Hatch at a place famous for green chili. We drove up and saw like 50 missionaries in line! It was crazy and not planned or coordinated at all! I got pics. that was so funny. I had a mango and red chili shake. yeah, i got half way through it and then gave it away it was strange.
Zone conference was amazing! you have NO idea what it means to us to have people willing to serve and prepare meals for us. It makes us so happy. I wish we could have had the members with missionaries out join us. That would have awesome. i learned so much from that conference. I am so excited to go out and use what I have learned. The best part was learning what I could do better. I hate being told to be better without anyone telling us how. This time, people told us how.
Because we had temple, pday, el paso trip, planning, we did not have very much proselyting time. Thursday night was sooo cool though. We had weekly planning all day, and then had so many appointments in the evening that we were running around like chickens with there heads chopped off driving cars. yeah, not a good image to put in mind. but we got it all done. Dinner plus 3 appointments. We have amazing people that we are teaching. I truly love being able to teach people in the rich, nice houses and then going to the trailers. I am so thankful for what I have. Its like being in a new world. Where everything that I had chosen not to see, what not around me. Ive always tried hard not to judge others. But now that is even more implemented when I see members who live around drugs and have had horrible things done to them and there families.
So guess what! Ragweed is horrible up here! Everyone is still sick off and on with allergies! But not me! I am sooooo blessed! I know that God is hearing both my prayers and yours!
Did I tell you about the scorpion? My comp and i were trying to unlock our apartment at night and we saw a small one right by her hand! it was crazy! We took pictures and killed it before it could get inside! The animals here are nutz@! i see wild bunnies everyday. at least those are cute. haha.
Mom! Every ones email told me to read yours first! WOW an IPAD! I see why ! I hate to break it to you, but Amberly likes Dad's better. but maybe that is a good thing for you. haha. Should i guess how long before dad or Trent tries to get something better") or maybe i should guess which one of them tries to beat it first! I'm so happy y'all had a great anniversary! sounds like so much fun! And Amberly, i am glad that you had fun too. You did SOOOO many crafts! that is awesome! Where are you going to put all of them! haha! Vicky and Ron sound so coool. I am so happy that members of the ward just keep surrounding y'all what a great area! It will be so cool to see how the ward splits. It sounds like it is going to be way complicated but hopefully super beneficial.
Dad- It is truly incredible the things that the Spirit can do. We are not the teachers at all. I am so happy that you had the opportunity to be an instrument and to be able to recognize it. you are truly an instrument in him hands more than you realize it. Everything that you do within our family, your callings, even when you help others and share the gospel. I am so happy for you and the experiences that You have and i love you so mu ch. Could you snail mail me some of your missionary experiences? It would mean a lot to me, especially now that I am in this whole new world. I bet the fam. would love them too.
Trent- i live on/by the Sandia Mountains in Placitas. I don't remember what Placitas means, but sandia is watermelon. Something about the mountain looking like a watermelon when the sun hits. yeah, i don't really understand that one. It's weird going down Calle Sandia (a street) cause its basically watermelon street. That does not make much sense to me, but oh well.
I have finally had some authentic Mexican burritos, but everything in New Mexico-ized because they put green chili in it. Maybe ill send you some eventually. idk
I LOVE YOU MOM DAD EYN TRENT AMBERLY! Y'all are all the best family ever! I think and pray for you every single day! You mean the world to me!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
9/18/2012
Hello my family!
I am so glad that you got all of the pictures I sent. Sorry there were not many, but I wanted to give you something. I will try to send the memory card next week.
So, on usual p-days, we got to the store, get lunch, and then go to the stake center to use the gym with all of the other missionaries in our stake and to write letters. It is really fun. It is a good way to blow off some steam.
So, we are super lucky that we have a cell phone. But it is on silent most of the time, for appointments. its nice to be able to need something right then and get it quickly. Only downfall is getting people to answer there phones! lol. It usually helps us get the work done, rather than hinder it.
I am sooooo excited to get to look down I-10. You can sure bet that I will be waving! :) It will be so nice to be in any part of Texas. I'd love to see the boarder, that would be sooo cool. (Elizabeth will be in El Paso to hear Elder D. Todd Christofferson on Friday Sept. 21 and 22)
I am so happy that we got to go to the temple this week. I love the spirit at the temple and I love everything that I get to learn. I was grateful for the members who volunteered on missionary Monday. It made me feel really good that there were members who desire so much for the missionaries and who love to serve us in this way. The Temple was beautiful and I am so excited to go back in 6 months. It was amazing to feel so much love from the savior and from Heavenly Father. The layout is exactly like the Houston temple. Even though the outsides don't look anything alike. It was nice knowing exactly where to go, because I had done it before :)
I know that in my last letter I told you that we had 2 to be baptized on the 20th. Well, that didn't happen. but what did occur was crazy cool. On Tuesday, my companion and I were talking about it and about how the less active dad would not even be able to be there at all and that was super disappointing. We had even talked to the Bishop a little about it. Tuesday afternoon, we got a phone call from the lady and her daughter saying that they were not sure if they were ready to be baptized, but that they wanted the Dad to be able to do it and to be there. They want to make it a family thing and they are all prepared and ready to come back to church together. It was awesome! I'm glad that this family has the chance to come back to church all together. Its even better.
I have been so surprised by how many people think that churches are here only to get free money off of. I have been shocked by the number of people who come to us and say "You follow Christ, right, so will you give me money?" It is so sad. But on a happier note, it is incredible to see how the church is truly for everyone. On one day, we taught someone who was angry and thought that the world was full of hateful people and then taught someone who thought that the world was full of hope and joy. Its incredible to watch the same spirit be able to touch the lives of all types of men and women. They truly can feel the love of Christ, because he has felt all of the pains and joys that each person in the world has. incredible.
Mom- You said that John Hilton was at Time Out for Women! That is the same person that was at my first EFY. He is so great! And his Cd's are amazing too! Oh, so, I was at the LDS book store looking for CDs but I didn't know what to get! because we can only listen to things that can be played in sacrament meeting. any way you could send me stuff eventually?
Oh, you will be soo happy. I have about half way through my journal! crazy! I cant believe how much i write. of course, idk if it is readable because I try to say so much in no time at all.
Mom and Dad! Happy Early Anniversary! I love Both of You! Married 22 Years! And Eternity more to go! :)
I LOVE YOU MOM< DAD< TRENT> EYN> AMBERLY SOOOOO MUCH! And I LOVE snail mail
I am so glad that you got all of the pictures I sent. Sorry there were not many, but I wanted to give you something. I will try to send the memory card next week.
So, on usual p-days, we got to the store, get lunch, and then go to the stake center to use the gym with all of the other missionaries in our stake and to write letters. It is really fun. It is a good way to blow off some steam.
So, we are super lucky that we have a cell phone. But it is on silent most of the time, for appointments. its nice to be able to need something right then and get it quickly. Only downfall is getting people to answer there phones! lol. It usually helps us get the work done, rather than hinder it.
I am sooooo excited to get to look down I-10. You can sure bet that I will be waving! :) It will be so nice to be in any part of Texas. I'd love to see the boarder, that would be sooo cool. (Elizabeth will be in El Paso to hear Elder D. Todd Christofferson on Friday Sept. 21 and 22)
I am so happy that we got to go to the temple this week. I love the spirit at the temple and I love everything that I get to learn. I was grateful for the members who volunteered on missionary Monday. It made me feel really good that there were members who desire so much for the missionaries and who love to serve us in this way. The Temple was beautiful and I am so excited to go back in 6 months. It was amazing to feel so much love from the savior and from Heavenly Father. The layout is exactly like the Houston temple. Even though the outsides don't look anything alike. It was nice knowing exactly where to go, because I had done it before :)
I know that in my last letter I told you that we had 2 to be baptized on the 20th. Well, that didn't happen. but what did occur was crazy cool. On Tuesday, my companion and I were talking about it and about how the less active dad would not even be able to be there at all and that was super disappointing. We had even talked to the Bishop a little about it. Tuesday afternoon, we got a phone call from the lady and her daughter saying that they were not sure if they were ready to be baptized, but that they wanted the Dad to be able to do it and to be there. They want to make it a family thing and they are all prepared and ready to come back to church together. It was awesome! I'm glad that this family has the chance to come back to church all together. Its even better.
I have been so surprised by how many people think that churches are here only to get free money off of. I have been shocked by the number of people who come to us and say "You follow Christ, right, so will you give me money?" It is so sad. But on a happier note, it is incredible to see how the church is truly for everyone. On one day, we taught someone who was angry and thought that the world was full of hateful people and then taught someone who thought that the world was full of hope and joy. Its incredible to watch the same spirit be able to touch the lives of all types of men and women. They truly can feel the love of Christ, because he has felt all of the pains and joys that each person in the world has. incredible.
Mom- You said that John Hilton was at Time Out for Women! That is the same person that was at my first EFY. He is so great! And his Cd's are amazing too! Oh, so, I was at the LDS book store looking for CDs but I didn't know what to get! because we can only listen to things that can be played in sacrament meeting. any way you could send me stuff eventually?
Oh, you will be soo happy. I have about half way through my journal! crazy! I cant believe how much i write. of course, idk if it is readable because I try to say so much in no time at all.
Mom and Dad! Happy Early Anniversary! I love Both of You! Married 22 Years! And Eternity more to go! :)
I LOVE YOU MOM< DAD< TRENT> EYN> AMBERLY SOOOOO MUCH! And I LOVE snail mail
Monday, September 17, 2012
Pictures and a letter
9/10/12
Dear Family,
Hola! From New Mexico. So, I just wanted to send y'all a few pictures of my life.
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The first two are my District in the MTC. We had the most amazing District!
Me in front of the Provo Temple
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Don't know why I am sending this one to you.. But it is me in my new home.
My Companion - Sister Lindsay, Payne Kent (age 9), Brother Kent (Baptized them), Trevon Kent (8), and me(Sister McShane)
This photo shows our personalities. Payne being a pain, Sister Lindsay scolding him lightly, his dad getting onto him, Treven in his own world and me, grimacing and wondering what have I've gotten myself into. Hahaha!!
Short letter included with pictures:
Do you realize that I have passed my 1 month marker! Wow!!
One of the hardest things we do is "drop" investigators. Its hard to watch people who could know, but don't want to know. Everyone here is either Catholic or "they believe all churches are true!" Both are difficult and interesting. Catholics like to say "I am Catholic. I already believe in Christ. I am saved. Goodbye." Whereas the others will say "We believe all churches worship the same God. We don't stick with one" They are hard because they don't believe only one Church to be true. In ways their mind is way too open.
It amazes me at the people I see - who I meet and teach. Its like I have always lived in one world and now I am seeing a new one. It can be very, very scary to see how others live each day.
I love all of you. I pray for each of you every night. You are all the best. I know that God loves each of us and that faith can produce miracles. Pray, read your scriptures and go to church.
Love, Sister McShane
Monday, September 10, 2012
9/10/12
It is awesome to get to hear from ya'll! On a side note, next week is missionary Monday at the temple so I will email everyone on Tuesday.
I am soooo glad Amberly had an awesome birthday. I love the pic i got! I cant believe that there are no under 10 now. crazy. I loved the 2 packages I got and the letters. They were awesome. Greenie.... lol. I loved the card and the picture of Aladdin! I now have an excuse to put up a Disney picture in my home. Keep sending those pages colored in. Everything made me so happy. Trent! I want a nap! lol! We get just enough sleep here to survive. I have never been so diligent to going to bed on time. ever. Great job everyone with your missionary moments. That makes me soo happy. Missionary work is my purpose now and I know what it means when we say we couldn't do it without the members. every little thing counts more than you could ever think.
Guess what! Payne Kent (age 9) Got baptized on Saturday!!!! Exciting! And I've got the perfect picture that really shows each of our expressions. Lets just say they (him and his brother) were not the easiest to teach whatsoever and I am glad we don't have to teach them the recent convert lessons :) The best part was their excitement and the look on their dads face.
Our next baptisms are on the 20th. They just started coming to church and the both felt welcomed :)
Now we have a new date for someone on the 29th. This one is a miracle! She has 2 boys (one lives with the dad) and is divorced bc of an abusive relationship. The sisters before me were teaching her nephew but hadn't really talked to her at all. On my first day here, she saw us and asked if we had any way to help her nephew with employment. We went over to check on her and she completely opened up to us about her past and her boys. she was crying. We shared a little bit about what we believe and in faith and we said a prayer with her and gave her a plan of salvation pamphlet. A few days latter, we had an appointment in the same apartments that was a no-show. So we decided to walk over to her place. She had just found out that she needed open heart surgery. We were able to give her comfort, teach her about God. She believed everything we said before we said it. the spirit was so strong. She told us things that she disagreed with in her church and knew that when we said she was right that she had found the right church. And then we both felt prompted that she needed a blessing. We went out to the car the get the phone numbers of the priesthood and a man walked up to us to talk. We got him name and number and referred him the the Spanish sisters. We also saw the no-show person who came up and said she was sorry bc she had been in the hospital but still wanted to meet with us sometime and come to church. when we got back to apt, and the woman did get her blessing the spirit was so strong. And her son wanted one to. We came back the next day and were able to set up a baptismal date. She said that after the blessing, her 10 yr old son was reading the bible suddenly. And he thanked his mom for letting him have that blessing too. it has been incredible everything with that family is still going good. I love them so much. She has soooo much faith. She shines now.
This week has been awesome! We have gotten a lot of work done in the Bernilillo ward. I have loved seeing the little miracles that occur each day. This week, the High Range ward had a youth conference of mini-missions. We each took two of the youth with us on a mini mission. beforehand, i was terrified. But with a million prayers and lots of faith, it was amazing! My companion and I were split only 2 weeks into my training. However, i was able to take the youth and visit a recent convert who had just received horrible news and a man that we ran into unexpectedly and who was interested in hearing what we had to say. It was amazing! i was able to show the youth what we do everyday as well as use what I have been trying to learn day by day. I know that all of the prayers said those few days saved me. I love the area and I love teaching. I am working on many things everyday including obedience, optimism, faith, and the courage to act upon my promptings as we teach.
There is a super sweet woman in the ward whose husband is not a member, so she cant have the missionaries over for dinner. so instead, she gives us each 10 dollars to take ourselves out each month.
It has been incredible to see so many people out here with so much faith. I love it so much. I miss all of you all of the time. i think of you everyday. Ya'll are all so special to me.
Love,
Sister Elizabeth McShane
I am soooo glad Amberly had an awesome birthday. I love the pic i got! I cant believe that there are no under 10 now. crazy. I loved the 2 packages I got and the letters. They were awesome. Greenie.... lol. I loved the card and the picture of Aladdin! I now have an excuse to put up a Disney picture in my home. Keep sending those pages colored in. Everything made me so happy. Trent! I want a nap! lol! We get just enough sleep here to survive. I have never been so diligent to going to bed on time. ever. Great job everyone with your missionary moments. That makes me soo happy. Missionary work is my purpose now and I know what it means when we say we couldn't do it without the members. every little thing counts more than you could ever think.
Guess what! Payne Kent (age 9) Got baptized on Saturday!!!! Exciting! And I've got the perfect picture that really shows each of our expressions. Lets just say they (him and his brother) were not the easiest to teach whatsoever and I am glad we don't have to teach them the recent convert lessons :) The best part was their excitement and the look on their dads face.
Our next baptisms are on the 20th. They just started coming to church and the both felt welcomed :)
Now we have a new date for someone on the 29th. This one is a miracle! She has 2 boys (one lives with the dad) and is divorced bc of an abusive relationship. The sisters before me were teaching her nephew but hadn't really talked to her at all. On my first day here, she saw us and asked if we had any way to help her nephew with employment. We went over to check on her and she completely opened up to us about her past and her boys. she was crying. We shared a little bit about what we believe and in faith and we said a prayer with her and gave her a plan of salvation pamphlet. A few days latter, we had an appointment in the same apartments that was a no-show. So we decided to walk over to her place. She had just found out that she needed open heart surgery. We were able to give her comfort, teach her about God. She believed everything we said before we said it. the spirit was so strong. She told us things that she disagreed with in her church and knew that when we said she was right that she had found the right church. And then we both felt prompted that she needed a blessing. We went out to the car the get the phone numbers of the priesthood and a man walked up to us to talk. We got him name and number and referred him the the Spanish sisters. We also saw the no-show person who came up and said she was sorry bc she had been in the hospital but still wanted to meet with us sometime and come to church. when we got back to apt, and the woman did get her blessing the spirit was so strong. And her son wanted one to. We came back the next day and were able to set up a baptismal date. She said that after the blessing, her 10 yr old son was reading the bible suddenly. And he thanked his mom for letting him have that blessing too. it has been incredible everything with that family is still going good. I love them so much. She has soooo much faith. She shines now.
This week has been awesome! We have gotten a lot of work done in the Bernilillo ward. I have loved seeing the little miracles that occur each day. This week, the High Range ward had a youth conference of mini-missions. We each took two of the youth with us on a mini mission. beforehand, i was terrified. But with a million prayers and lots of faith, it was amazing! My companion and I were split only 2 weeks into my training. However, i was able to take the youth and visit a recent convert who had just received horrible news and a man that we ran into unexpectedly and who was interested in hearing what we had to say. It was amazing! i was able to show the youth what we do everyday as well as use what I have been trying to learn day by day. I know that all of the prayers said those few days saved me. I love the area and I love teaching. I am working on many things everyday including obedience, optimism, faith, and the courage to act upon my promptings as we teach.
There is a super sweet woman in the ward whose husband is not a member, so she cant have the missionaries over for dinner. so instead, she gives us each 10 dollars to take ourselves out each month.
It has been incredible to see so many people out here with so much faith. I love it so much. I miss all of you all of the time. i think of you everyday. Ya'll are all so special to me.
Love,
Sister Elizabeth McShane
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Mission President Letter
Part of the letter:
Dear Brother and Sister McShane,
It was wonderful to meet Sister McShane as she arrived! We are grateful to have her as a full-time missionary in the New Mexico Albuquerque Mission.
We traveled to the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple on the way to the mission home. I had a personal interview with Sister McShane to get acquainted with her and to feel her spirit. We had a heart-warming testimony meeting in the evening. The next morning Sister McShane met her trainer. Sister McShane left with a smile and with great anticipation.
Enclosed is a picture of Sister McShane with Sister Miller and me, along with information regarding her new assignment. Next to our own family, our most important responsibility is to love, watch over and strengthen missionaries as they serve others. May the Lord bless you with peace that your missionary is well cared for as a true servant of the Lord.
With our Love,
President Wayne K. Miller
Mission President
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
(Our letters from Elizabeth came on Tuesday this week due to Labor day. They were not able to access computers at the library due to the holiday. Trent and I were fortunate to be able to send a few emails back and forth with her "live" while she was on the computer! It made the distance not seem so far for just a few minutes! She said she is doing amazing and absolutely loves it there!) Todays letter is lots of answers to questions we asked her in our letters. Enjoy!!
Look up pueblo styled homes in NM. they are awesome. To make it better, most homes have arched doorways inside. They are so cool bc they always remind me of home. I love seeing them around.
I can’t get use to all of the cigarette smoke i get every day. It’s overwhelming at times.
My companion is great and a lot like me oddly. She does not know what she is doing training
wise. But it’s a good thing too because it makes me push myself rather than
always having someone pushing me. She is very nice. Guess what she has been
sick most of the week! Hahaah I know it’s
the one thing everyone says would be horrible to happen, but it happened to me.
But it was ok. Found out it was really bad allergies. however, that means they
will never go away,. Apparently allergies here are HORRIBLE. but i haven’t had any at all. That is very
nice.
Music- we can only listen to stuff that is vocally and
instrumentally appropriate for sacrament meeting. We have a very low selection
of music to listen to. and we are looking for primary hymns. We go to the
temple 9-17 and I might stop at the bookstore for stuff. idk. Just depends.
Best experience of the week- We were tracking (we do a lot
of that) and it was my turn to speak at the house so i prayed real quick and
asked to feel Gods love for that door. And it came. Overwhelmingly. And when
she answered the door I just knew that God loves her. And I’m glad i did. She
was an old lady and thought we were very nice people. But she couldn’t believe
some of the stuff we taught. She had actually read true doctrine of ours
written by other people and threw in our face some of the things that are most
sacred to my heart. She had even burned the Book of Mormon. It was heart
breaking. But even though we were turned away, i knew that God loved her even
though she denies him. It was amazing and horrible all at the same time.
Oh, so our area includes huge homes and trailer parks. Large
diversity of incomes. My fav. place was
the the bad neighborhood in town. ha, that was fun. Its where all the drug trafficking
and other stuff goes on. I know you didn’t want to know that. But i am excited.
Look up pueblo styled homes in NM. they are awesome. To make it better, most homes have arched doorways inside. They are so cool bc they always remind me of home. I love seeing them around.
I can’t get use to all of the cigarette smoke i get every day. It’s overwhelming at times.
We have a baptism on sat. for a little 10 yr old.
I get to go to church from 7-4:30. Yes, that means I get to
go to 2 wards every Sunday!!!!! wowow that is a lot of church! I got so
fidgety. It will take a lot of getting used to.
The ward here is sooo nice. We only have a limited number of
miles every month so if you can , please let the missionaries know that if they
ever need a ride (biking or car missions) that you can give them one cause it
helps us out SOOOOOOO much. We also LOVE it when we get fed. but ALWAYS say
that you have pb and j as another
option. I love the families that really love the missionaries. We can tell and
we always stop at those homes for restroom breaks. this one family gives us
stuff every time we stop by for the restroom. Last week it was home made banana bread!!!! wow! Also please give
referrals!
Everyone here has a lap dag. It’s crazy! I can’t get away
from them Macy! But i have yet to find her type of dog. Haha! On the 22 we will
be in El Paso to hear from an apostle!!!! ahhh!
So exciting!!
The food here is awesome. But nothing Spanish yet. We get
fed like queens and it is the best part
of the day usually. i love to get to sit with members who do have testimonies
and the spirit in their homes. There is a huge difference
I LOVE ALL OF YOU! I gotta go!
Sister Elizabeth K McShane
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