P Day at White Sands New Mexico

Sister McShane and Sister Tompkins at White Sands New Mexico


It's a HOT one!




Companions! I've loved Training her!


Yes, Its HOT outside today!

Hello Family!!!

Hello Family!!!

I am sooo happy to get to talk to you today. Yesterday was a lot of fun. We went out to white sands for the day but it was wayyyy tooooooo hot! and that was not so cool. But we still had a great time, and everyone used our sunscreen. Don't ask why, but Sister Tompkins and I have like 4 bottles at home. I'm not burned, she is slightly, and some of the elders are very pink, but we had a GREAT day. Since I'm talking about yesterday, I'll tell you a miracle that happened. So this month has been tight with money because I had to pay money for things to teach investigators and other stuff. But earlier in the month, when I was buying this stuff for the investigator to learn from, I was nervous about the money I had. I never like to use my money from home. But a scripture came to my mind of Christ sending the apostles to teach the gospel to the world without care for purse or script. Well, I bought the items and prayed I'd have enough. Yesterday, I checked out at Wal-Mart and the total was more than I had expected. But the card went through! Amazed, we got in the car and checked to see how much I had left. Turned out, that I now have exactly $0.01 left on my card!!!!! What a miracle and a blessing that heavenly Father helped me out! I know I could have put something I bought back, but Heavenly Father still helped me anyway.Wow

I want to tell you of another miracle (I'm telling you, I cant count or recollect how many we have had this last week!) So, do you remember when I told you about a man who was trying to decide to let his girlfriend move into a new house he is buying? Well, he didn't only tell her he'd decided no, he also invited her to a lesson and she is AMAZING!!!!! She shared a personal experience that seemed to shape everything. When we shared Joseph Smiths first vision, the spirit was so strong the best part was how she described what she felt. She said it sounded silly but she couldn't describe it. It was joy, beauty, happiness, awe, and ... many more. It was incredible to hear her words and to know and understand exactly what she was feeling! I loved being able to testify to her that it was The Holy Spirit testifying to her that the experience was true. you should see the way she touches the scriptures, it is like they are gold or something precious! I love her so much! I am only sad because she doesn't live in our area and we will probably have to let the Elders teach her :(

Last week at district meeting, Elder Kemp said the closing prayer and I had the impression on what to teach the 2 foster girls we visit. It was like nothing I've taught before but it was exactly what they needed. It was incredible how easily and completely it came into my mind. We started the lesson with Aspen in a bad mood. We had sis Tompkins write down some of the many blessings in life (then Aspen started talking! and opening up!) as we went around describing them. Then we talked about he many trials we face in life and wrote down those. Then we took the trials we have and wrote what we could learn from those trials. It was incredible! I know the girls were able to see that God loves them and that trials are meant to be for our good. Aspen has recently lost another family member and one of the trials were funerals. I decided to say what I have learned from funerals. I told her that I learned that God loves these people more than I do and that I need to turn them over to Him. When she asked what I meant, I said that I know how much I love these people and I know how much God loves me. I learned from funerals that God must love these people so much more than I love them, and that I just need to let him take care of them now. (I hope that makes sense) I know that the lesson was 100 percent inspired. I could not have ever done that on my own.

Something else interesting is that I will be a witness in a wedding this Friday. Remember the story about the girl I asked if she was pregnant? Well, they are having a private, small, wedding in the bishops office this Friday and they have invited us to come. Its hard to watch this couple and what they have gone through and chosen, but it is glorious to see how much they love the baby-to-be and what they are trying to do together. This family is truly going through a lot, but I love them so much.

Another man we are teaching I told you about last week is the man with the meth addiction and other past problems in his life. With him, I just wanted to tell you that he came to church on Sunday! At our appointment that night, he said that the he loved it and that the Spirit was so strong. It was so different from anything else. He said that he wished church could be everyday so that he could enjoy that feeling longer. How great it would be if we all felt the same way! Its sometimes really hard to be at church for us, especially when we have no investigators. It is easy to think, we could be out finding someone new to come to church, not here waiting for it to be over. But that's the thing, church is here for us to come closer to Christ. Even missionaries need it every single week. (And for me, I need it 2X a week :P) Its been amazing to learn so many great things. It is funny to watch Sister Tompkins readjust to a family ward from singles ward, especially Relief Society, but there is truly so much for us to learn, everywhere.

My companion and I are doing great, although I know that she is very nervous to train.  You really don't realize how much you rely on your companions until you are training someone brand new. This week, she is practicing her training on me. I know that she will do a great job. She is funny and I like it a lot because I get to be as stubborn as I want and get away with it :) But we both know it is just a role play so she can practice what to do and what she needs to know. She is a good missionary and an inspired person. I love her a lot. The only problem with the training role plays is that sometimes she will forget to do something or that we need something and ill just go grab it or tell her what she forgot if I just want it to get done. It is teaching me a lot about the way I've trained her and what I can do better at in the future. Ill be sad when we are not together. She is a lot of fun. I love the picture of when she decided to go bald just for the fun of it.

I am doing good. I think that it is really hard to not get stressed out on your mission because you feel like you, God, and mission president expect so much out of you. Where do you draw the line between impossible right now and I just need to stretch myself a little more? Fortunately, since being trained myself, a lot of these stresses have settled and only occasionally come up now and then. On Sunday, I received a blessing of comfort from our ward mission leader (aka, the Hawkman) and received a lot of council in it that has really blessed the last few days. In the blessing, I was told to look at the examples of the men and women who have gone through huge trials including Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail. This last few days, I've read D&C 121 and 122 and it has been amazing. I love how JS pleads with God in love and respect and how God's reply is equally loving in talking to his servant. It reminded me that God not only knows me, but he knows those who are not of God. I also like how JS is told that all of this is for his good, and that his days are numbered, but the wicked will end those days any sooner than God had already planned. How special is that? I know that Heavenly Father loves each of us and gives us everything to be for our good.

Dad: That is way exciting how all the airplane stuff is going. Do you feel like you are hitting your midlife crisis? :0 just teasing. and you are way crazy for bringing up my birthday. Don't  you know that that is like forever away! We were talking to an Elder we drove up with to White Sands and I was telling him about something that happened in 1997 when he stopped me and said "I was 6 then." I paused and said. "So was I" This Elder is just about to go home, and didn't realize how old he is I guess. You know you are old in the mission when you are the same age as a Sister. Just kidding. Although I have no idea how the end of may is here. that is an odd one. And I hope  you and Amberly have fun on your daddy daughter date. Those are always a lot of fun, if only for that reason alone Daddy-daughter. I love you dad!

Mom: I'm still excited for you in Relief Society. It will be so good for you and I have to admit that since you got the call that is where I've wanted to be. I figure, hey, this is my mom's lesson possibly too! and that always makes it more special for me. And that is awesome that y'all can get your own Elders soon. who knows, eventually you could have 2 sets in your ward. You should feed them Chocolate trifle for desert!!!!! mmmmm then send me the ingredients so I can make it tooo! I didn't know they were going to broadcast Sister Monson's funeral. That had to be so hard on the family, although also a comfort in that much love and support. Last conference it stood out to me about how me mentioned missing a Youth Cultural Temple thing because it was on her birthday and he wanted to spend that day with her. I'm sure that that is a day and a choice he will never regret or forget. And thank you for being kind to the Jehovah's Witnesses. Next time, maybe offer them a Book of Mormon or a card! They are always either very nice to us or very awkward and unsure as what to say. But then, I feel like that is how we are to them many times as well. (we as missionaries or LDS people in general) Good luck with your printer and quilt projects! And don't spoil that Macy mutt!!! I love you mom!

Trent!: Hey puppy, How was your birthday! Did you do anything or get anything fun? I know  you didn't get a permit, right. Dog's Dont Drive What did you do? And what are your summer plans? I keep having to check how old you and Amberly are now so that when people ask I don't have to think about it. How old are mom and dad now? I just remember old, but under 50 and that seems to work generically. but then, I'm old too. but not THAT old. I hope finals will go good for you. What books are you reading? And what songs are you playing in piano and orchestra? Music is the song of the heart, right?   I love  you puppy!

Amberly: Hey gal, you have an amazing wax photo and those mickey mouse cupcakes looked sooo good! Mickey mouse always leaves a good finishing touch right! :) I hope you are reading! I love books! The Book of Mormon is the best, but I love books of all kinds! You just have to find a really good one to get into. Sometimes, you just have to get past the 20 lame books to find the best ones. How is your room looking? You look very good in glasses and a lot older in them. What kinds of things do you like to do outside of the house? Getting to go play with friends all over is a lot of fun. I love you gal!

I LOVE YOU MOM DAD EYN TRENT AND AMBERLY!!!!

Happy 15th Birthday Trent!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRENT!!!!!!!!!!! 15! EVEN MORE A TEENAGER THAN YOU WERE YESTERDAY! YUCK

 

So, this week has been great! To start off with, I had the best dream ever! Brief Story, It started off with me getting a patriarchal blessing saying that I was meant to destroy Lord Voldemort, but I really didn't want to do it. But I was finally flown over to the Red carpet of I'm supposing a kind of Hogwarts, somehow destroyed him into little bits and flakes that were falling around me. I didnt think anyone would like me. Then I found out they did, but were in awe of me :) And then Elder Uctchdorf flew in on a Flying Motorcycle to take me back home! WOW! Awesome right! Had to share that story! I have had so many interesting dreams on my mission!

 

Something else amazing is that we reached the standard of excellence in finding new investigators!

Last night, we taught a lesson to someone that had been a referral from the elders. He has had a hard life including one of drugs, biking, prison, and so-so. he met with missionaries many years ago (he had married a member) but would not give up smoking. Now, he has a huge desire to get baptized and just change his life around. He has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and knows that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. He is just amazing! We are so blessed to get to teach him. I have been so blessed to be a part of teaching so many more people in this area, although we truly do need more.

 

Another Miracle came in contacting one of our investigators and setting up a return appointment. (The one that the husband slammed the door in our face the first time, but she is ready and prepared)  Well, we went inside for a few min. and the husband actually had a question for us. He said that he had studied religion a bit, and said that something that he believed was that we were all meant to be on this earth to grow and become like our father. He asked if we believed that we were meant to become like God in a sense! It was truly a miracle! This family has been so prepared to hear the gospel at this time. It was amazing to get to testify to him of the truth of God! wow!

 

Oh, something else fun that happened! Well, a few weeks ago we taught the law of chastity to an investigator who readily accepted it. we got out and got a text from our ward mission leader saying that Facebook said she and her boyfriend were pregnant... something they did not tell us. We taught her again and nothing was said, then on exchanges my companion heard nothing then, so this last week, we go in, ask how her prayers and reading is going, ask about the law of chastity, and then I say, "So, we were talking with a member and heard a rumor that might be going around, and we hate rumors so we just wanted to come right out and ask you about it. Are y'all pregnant?" Yeah, bold right! but I promise, it was not overbearing. Anyway, they admitted to it and we were actually able to have a strong lesson on how each of them (the member and the investigator) could repent and feel forgiveness for what they had done, so that they could learn from it, but also move past it. We also promised them blessings that they could receive from living the law of Chastity.  It was amazing!

 

I got to go! I love you puppy!!!!!!!!

 

Tips from one not 15

 

1! you are 15 sooooo old!!!!

2, Trust mom and dad! They are great
3. Make your relationships with Amberly, Eyn, and Me last forever in a positive way!

4. Count your blessings! Name them one by one!

5 love God, always turn to him.

6. I love you!

7. Prepare for temple!

8. Prepare for mission!

9 have faith love and charity

10 Learn more everyday

11 be happy!

12, 13 14 15 I LOVE YOU MORE

Don't know how I came up with so much to say! Happy day After Mother's Day!

Hi Family!

 

How are y'all? It seems like forever, doesn't it! But guess what! Dad just told me I should stay out even longer! What do y'all think of that? Except... Dad said something about me staying out so he can have more blessings.... hmmmmmmm.... :) Just teasing Daddy

 

Well, I wanted to tell y'all about one adventure we had this week. We were trying to get to a former investigator's home by using the GPS. Well, after a few detours we were finally able to get there, but beforehand, the GPS led us straight in the middle of a huge junkyard and it was awesome. I don't know why we had so much fun looking at all the dead cars and whatever, but we got a few pictures of it. The pictures are great because there you see a bunch of ugly cars with the most beautiful NM skyline in the background.

 

I am glad to say that I am feeling much better after being sick on Wednesday. That morning we had had interviews with President and Sister Miller and they had given us our "wedding present" If I thought that was interesting, imagine what the 18 year old boys who just came out must have thought about it. It was a cookbook that the Miller family had put together for each of us. They are very nice and have some great ideas in there. They kept talking about how we have to remember to add them on FB and email them after we get home. It was the funniest interview I've had with them yet.

 

Later that day, we had a text message from our zone leaders telling us that President Miller would be teaching a Mission prep class that night. Our stake President, President Robb invited all of the missionaries in the city to come at 8:30 for cake and as a surprise, since they are leaving so soon. It was really nice, and I think Sister Miller almost started to cry. IT was funny to see her face as she suddenly started to recognize the people coming in the room.

 

Something my family does know is that We had exchanges, and I was down with Sister Rios in El Paso- Spanish Speaking. (TEXAS)  While there, we saw miracles occur. One of which was when we went into a home and Sister Rios was teaching this new family about prayer and asking them if there was anything she could pray for them about. The entire time, I was able to understand What Sister Rios was teaching the new investigator. It truly was a gift from God and an answer to prayer since it was all in Spanish.

 

I am also very proud of Sister Tompkins. That Exchange was good for her and exactly what she needed to remember that she is a missionary and has been set apart in this calling. She has really stepped it up a lot and changed a lot since day 1. I love getting to serve with her and I am very fortunate to have a fun, good, companion to work with.

 

Sunday seemed very very long. All week, I had done a pretty good job of not being distracted with calling home on Sunday. But church from 9-3 was very very long. We both prepared 10 min. talks for mothers day, but after the first 2 speakers went we had 7 min. between us to speak. I think Sister Tompkins took 5 of those min. But that was all good. I bore my testimony about my mom and about how important and special it was for me to spend the day before entering the MTC with her in SLC/Provo. It was still very good. We did have people come up afterword's and tell us that we did a good job (although if that is because of the words we said or because we still got us out of sacrament meeting, I might never know) 

 

And Mother's day is one of the BEST days to cover 2 wards! One of our wards gave all of the woman plants and chocolate kisses. The other ward had a special RS program filled with fruit, chocolate, and cheesecake. It was way good!

 

Mom- I am very excited for you and your new calling, although I am very sad for Sister Skye, and I know that you will continue to help her with whatever she needs. I hope that you are able to work with the missionaries even closer now. I feel like in many ways you are trying to follow me around in what I am doing and learning. Knowing the Gospel principles are so important. and now I hope you will be able to work with some of the less active members of the ward as well as the active ones and feel a greater love for each of them. I know it will help you increase your Christ-like love for those around you. You are an amazing woman and an amazing mother. I love you very much. And RS should be as basic and simple as YW, just with more experience and wisdom mixed in. They are all immature kids on the inside :) - don't tell them I said that :)

 

I LOVE YOU ALL

Almost Hump Day

Hello Family!!!!!!

 

I am sooo excited that the missionaries get to teach FHE tonight! How awesome is that! I have some secret hopes on what they teach you. You are going to HAVE to tell us all about it. Its so funny how y'all are one of the families the missionaries know well now. I think about the families that we know very well and it makes me smile. Remember to be thinking about who you can share the gospel with! And how the missionaries can help you with that.

 

Wow, how in the world did everyone remember my hump day? Y'all must be counting or something? haha, But I have to admit I remembered it to. Can't believe it is almost here, especially when my companion is so new.

 

This last week has been a lot of fun. Oddly, I am very thankful for something that drove me crazy all week! The zone Leaders had forgotten to get new planners this transfer, so Sister Tompkins was using an extra one she had and I was left with nothing. At first I thought I was going to go crazy! No where to record numbers or know what was happening next or anything! ahhhhh! But a few days in to it, it was very nice. I was really able to focus on who we were going to see and thinking about where we needed to be. And then at the end of the week, we look back and realized that we had had a much better week (although few new investigators :( )

 

Oh, Must tell you this, I get to preach the gospel in TEXAS! From Friday night to Saturday night. We are going on exchanges in El Paso and I am sooo excited! And it will all be in Spanish! :) that will be an adventure. So I will get to be in Texas and then come back to NM to skype home. Don't ask how that works out.

 

This last week we did find one new investigator. And it was remarkable how it happened. A few weeks ago we had tried to contact a former investigator who said he was not interested. But we asked if he new anyone who might be and he referred us to his neighbors by saying he though missionaries had stopped by there before. So we went over and we found out that the family was already members and they said we could stop by some other time.  Found out the family was a less active part member family. This week, at the only perfect time, we went over there and taught the mom and two daughters the first lesson. It was great! The girls really want to learn more. It was also fun for me because Sister Tompkins does not know how to teach children and I am able to help her with that.

 

We also had another lesson with Less active family that I've mentioned before, the one that has little hope that there family will be able to be forever together. We taught them about the Restoration of the Gospel and shared the experience of Joseph Smith. At the end of the first vision we asked how they felt, it was remarkable because they felt hope. Hope there family can be together. It was amazing to see and to testify that if they started to change there lives now, they will be able to have that faith and hope in there hearts always.

 

Another miracle is that 3 of our less active members that we have been working with have begun to come back to church. One of which has already been given a small responsibility. It is just amazing to really see the change in them, how happy they are.

 

We also had President and Sister Miller come to church yesterday by surprise. It all went well, but you can bet that I bore a very strong testimony on missionary work :) but I would have anyway :) And on that note, You know how everyone complains that they have to give a talk every time they move into a new area, well, imagine being a missionary. You move into  many different new areas, right? Well, imagine that PLUS covering 2 wards. Yep, my companion and I are speaking in Dona Ana Ward on Sunday on honoring mothers. I am happy for the topic, and especially happy to talk about that before skyping home (if it was after I'd just cry the whole time) It will be good and I think extra special to all of the mothers who have ever had missionaries out. I am excited for it and will have to send mom a copy of it.

 

Last week we taught mutual, Friday teaching seminary, Friday to sat in Texas, Sunday give a talk, Sunday night talk with family. that's my week!

Hello Family!!!!!!

 

I am sooo excited that the missionaries get to teach FHE tonight! How awesome is that! I have some secret hopes on what they teach you. You are going to HAVE to tell us all about it. Its so funny how y'all are one of the families the missionaries know well now. I think about the families that we know very well and it makes me smile. Remember to be thinking about who you can share the gospel with! And how the missionaries can help you with that.

 

Wow, how in the world did everyone remember my hump day? Y'all must be counting or something? haha, But I have to admit I remembered it to. Can't believe it is almost here, especially when my companion is so new.

 

This last week has been a lot of fun. Oddly, I am very thankful for something that drove me crazy all week! The zone Leaders had forgotten to get new planners this transfer, so Sister Tompkins was using an extra one she had and I was left with nothing. At first I thought I was going to go crazy! No where to record numbers or know what was happening next or anything! ahhhhh! But a few days in to it, it was very nice. I was really able to focus on who we were going to see and thinking about where we needed to be. And then at the end of the week, we look back and realized that we had had a much better week (although few new investigators :( )

 

Oh, Must tell you this, I get to preach the gospel in TEXAS! From Friday night to Saturday night. We are going on exchanges in El Paso and I am sooo excited! And it will all be in Spanish! :) that will be an adventure. So I will get to be in Texas and then come back to NM to skype home. Don't ask how that works out.

 

This last week we did find one new investigator. And it was remarkable how it happened. A few weeks ago we had tried to contact a former investigator who said he was not interested. But we asked if he new anyone who might be and he referred us to his neighbors by saying he though missionaries had stopped by there before. So we went over and we found out that the family was already members and they said we could stop by some other time.  Found out the family was a less active part member family. This week, at the only perfect time, we went over there and taught the mom and two daughters the first lesson. It was great! The girls really want to learn more. It was also fun for me because Sister Tompkins does not know how to teach children and I am able to help her with that.

 

We also had another lesson with Less active family that I've mentioned before, the one that has little hope that there family will be able to be forever together. We taught them about the Restoration of the Gospel and shared the experience of Joesph Smith. At the end of the first vision we asked how they felt, it was remarkable because they felt hope. Hope there family can be together. It was amazing to see and to testify that if they started to change there lives now, they will be able to have that faith and hope in there hearts always.

 

Another miracle is that 3 of our less active members that we have been working with have begun to come back to church. One of which has already been given a small responsibility. It is just amazing to really see the change in them, how happy they are.

 

We also had President and Sister Miller come to church yesterday by surprise. It all went well, but you can bet that I bore a very strong testimony on missionary work :) but I would have anyway :) And on that note, You know how everyone complains that they have to give a talk every time they move into a new area, well, imagine being a missionary. You move into  many different new areas, right? Well, imagine that PLUS covering 2 wards. Yep, my companion and I are speaking in Dona Ana Ward on Sunday on honoring mothers. I am happy for the topic, and especially happy to talk about that before skyping home (if it was after I'd just cry the whole time) It will be good and I think extra special to all of the mothers who have ever had missionaries out. I am excited for it and will have to send mom a copy of it.

 

Last week we taught mutual, Friday teaching seminary, Friday to sat in Texas, Sunday give a talk, Sunday night talk with family. that's my week!