Week 39 - Tracting and street contacting??

Wow! What a week. Sorry (not sorry) for the long email! Even if you don't read it, I would genuinely love to hear what you're up to!!

Covid update 

We got some big news! Last Monday, President Page called the entire mission together for a special announcement, and said that covid restrictions in Indiana have been lifted!! Missionaries now can eat in members homes, we don't have to wear masks or social distance, AND we can street contact, and even go tracting!!! (On a limited basis.) 

BUT, that only applies for Indiana. And we're in Michigan. The ONE companionship stuck in Michigan. 

  

So basically the entire mission is just having a party doing whatever the heck they want, while Sister Kinikini and I are banished out here in the boonies, trying not to be salty as we hear everyone's success stories of knocking doors and being able to talk to people face to face.

We feel discriminated. But, we did discover that there is a teeny tiny pocket of Indiana in our area, and it has like 5 houses. So we're going to go there and knock those 5 houses and we will baptize all of them.

Although we are still in covid land here, we do get to go to Indiana for meetings. We didn't have to wear masks for district council this week, and it was seriously the greatest thing ever!! I didn't fully appreciate before how nice it is to see people's faces. Everyone was smiling the whole time and giving each other fist bumps, but the best part, is that Sister Kinikini and I got a hug from Sister Page!! She technically wasn't supposed to, but she felt bad for us two.

Kyren is on Date!

So, a few weeks ago I mentioned how we got a call from some missionaries in Michigan city, saying that they have someone in our area who wants to be baptized! His name is Kyren, he has such a strong testimony and is super prepared. He wants to be baptized ASAP but it's kind of weird because we don't know any of his background or what he has been taught. But he has met with missionaries before, and has read the entire Book of Mormon! On Tuesday he told us that needed to be baptized this Sunday, and although I love the enthusiasm, we need to make sure he knows what he is committing to, and we need to clarify some things. (See screenshot) So we're just cruising through the lessons (which is a little repetitive for him) and he's on track to be baptized on June 26th! I'm just hoping he's already been taught the Word of Wisdom and Law of chastity lessons. 

Bible Bashing

We went over to Teresa's house the other day (our cute little recent convert friend) with the South Bend Elders. Her husband joined, and at first we were super excited but then he came in with like 3 Bibles and started bashing us. He asked us all sorts of questions like "How can you be an Elder if you don't have kids?" "Are we saved by grace or works?" and "Is there any evidence for your Mormon Bible?" We answered all of his questions respectfully, but he didn't actually seem that interested in what we were saying, he just wanted to disprove our beliefs. He wanted things proven to him. Although there is a lot of compelling evidence for the things we believe, the most powerful and confirming witness we receive comes from the Holy Spirit. I just testified to him that I know this church is true, and I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God not because it's been proved to me, but because there is such a joyful spirit that comes from it! (Matt 7:20) I've seen all the good that it has done for my life and others, and for me that's all the evidence I need! 

Mistakes

I've been making lots of mistakes lately. I don't know why, but I'm kind of forgetful, and sometimes Sister Kinikini gets a little annoyed haha. She's constantly reminding me of things. I forget names and appointments, I get distracted, I don't pay attention, I zone out as I'm being talked to, I fall asleep during Facebook funding, and I do dumb things like the other day, when I got a piece of chocolate stuck in the car air vent and it made a big mess. They are small innocent things, but I have been getting frustrated with myself because I'm trying the best I can, but I keep messing up over and over again. 

But I've learned that the atonement isn't just to fix our sins, but it's also to fix our mistakes! So I've started repenting for every little mistake I make. And guess what? It works! As I've been repenting every day, I've been better at remembering things, I make better choices, I'm more energized, and I have the spirit with me more strongly! It's just like magic. When we turn to God and use the atonement of Jesus Christ, He will amplify our efforts, and help us accomplish things that we can't do on our own. 

I know that there is power that comes from Christ's atonement. If you feel stuck, or frustrated because you keep falling back into the same old habits, turn to Christ! He will work miracles in your life, and fix things that you can't fix on your own.

So my challenge for you, is to repent every day! If you can't think of anything to repent of, ask God and he'll offer a few suggestions :)

Tchau tchau for now!

- Sister Wride

Week 38 - "You're a pretty lady."

Olá!

I hope you all are doing fantastic! This week was great! We've been staying super busy and I love it. 

The other day we went to the park to so some weekly planning, and we met some interesting people. This 80 year old man in a wheelchair rolled up to us and just started talking to us. (I feel like that's not normal, but it seems like as missionaries, this happens a lot..?) He kinda looked like that old man in Toy Story 2 who fixes woody's arm, but with a missing leg. He also had no teeth and he smelled like weed. Anyways, he rolls up and gets way too close and says "Hey, I've seen you missionaries before!" So we started up a conversation but then he started getting weird, saying "In the South, we love pretty ladies. I love all kinds of women: Black ladies, white ladies, short ladies..." Then he leans over to me and pats my arm and says "You're a pretty lady." 

Unfortunately my Flirt-To-Convert skills don't always work because we asked him if he wanted to strengthen his relationship with Christ, and he waved goodbye and rolled away. It was a funny experience though 

This week we also had an awesome lesson with Ashley! I briefly mentioned her before, but she's super cool! We started talking to her from Facebook a little while ago, and we've met with her a few times to go on walks, but they haven't been super productive because we've just been talking about random things, rather than having a structured lesson. 

This week we went on another long walk with her through the forest and it was so pretty!! (Pics attached, although they won't look as pretty as they do I'm real life.) For the first half of the walk we chatted about whatever, and it was super hard to try and turn the conversation into sharing the gospel. Then we started talking about our favorite books, and that's when we brought up the Book of Mormon! We gave it a solid review and told her how it goes along with the Bible, and explains truths that were lost, such as where we were before this life, why we're here and where we're going, which made her super interested. "So what does it say about before and after?" We gave her a brief rundown about the plan of Salvation and I could tell that the spirit was touching her. It was so cool! Afterwards we gave her a Book of Mormon and a plan of Salvation pamphlet, and she said she would read it! It was awesome. 

And it was so natural too! Sharing the gospel doesn't have to be a formal discussion, and you also don't have to wait to share the gospel until someone is fully ready to hear it. Just share what you love! It never hurts to send someone a scripture, say a prayer with a friend, or talk about what you learned at church. 

So, I challenge you to share your testimony this week! And let me know how it goes :) 

There were other interesting things that happened this week, but I won't bore you with them. I would love to hear what you all are up to though! Also, if anyone has pictures of the mountains, send them my way because I miss them. 

Tchau! 

- Sister Wride

Week 37 - TERESA'S BAPTISM

 Wow, what a great week!! We found 2 new people, we had like 20 lessons (which was probably a record breaker for me) and I had my first baptism!!! Also if you don't have time to read this email, I won't be too offended because it's hekkin long.

Brian

A few weeks ago we cold called a dude named Brian (the guy who sounds like the joker, if you remember him). Well we've been talking to him more, and we met with him today and we gave him a Book of Mormon!! He's a little crazy, and some of the things he says concern me just a little bit, but he's actually pretty cool! 

And I'm pretty sure meeting Brian was all planned out in the pre-existence, because today as he was flipping through the pages of the BOM I had major dejavoo. I'm 90% sure I had a dream of that exact moment, but I didn't remember until right then. 

Killer bees

The other day we were out in the boonies to drop off a Bible and when we knocked on the door, no one answered. After a few minutes we decided to try going around to the other door, but in our way was a swarm of giant bees! They were the size of my thumb, so fat I don't know how they could even fly. Sister Kinikini didn't want to end up like that one girl on Hunger Games, and we were about to give up and leave it in his mailbox, but I was determined. So I said a prayer, and walked right through that swarm of bees. Feeling like a hero, I knocked on the door and handed him the Bible. The guy didn't seem to care though. He didn't even notice the bees, nor was he impressed with my bravery. 

Park wedding 

This week we went to the riverfront park for weekly planning, and we got almost nothing done because of all the distractions. There were about 30 baby geese that surrounded us (we named all of them). Then a quinseñera party stopped by for a photo shoot. A few minutes later a prom group stopped right next to us to take pictures, and they were making out and stuff, it was gross. Then after that, we looked behind us and there was a wedding going on! (Pic attatched.) It was just funny because it all happened within 30 minutes of being there! 

Teresa's baptism

Last but not least, Teresa was baptized on Sunday!!! She is the cutest lady. So Teresa was found by the Spanish Elders in March and they taught her, put her on date, and right when they were going to baptize her, President said that she needed to be baptized in our ward instead of the Spanish ward, since she speaks English. So suddenly, the Elders had to pass her off to us, and it was crazy to pull everything  together so last minute.

We met with her and the Elders a few times, and man, Teresa sure is chatty! We had 3 lessons with her, and all 3 times they went almost 2 hours because she just has so much to say! We were lucky if we could squeeze in teaching a principle. I'm not sure how the Elders managed to teach her all of the lessons! 

It's cute though. She talks a lot about how she feels like God is leading her in life, and how she wants to serve others. She also mentioned that she drank coffee, and asked questions like "what's pre-mortal life?" Or "What is the priesthood again?" And then we got real worried because she might not know everything! We just assumed "Oh well, I guess we'll trust that the Elders know what they're doing."

We thought we were all squared away, and then Thursday comes around, and we find out she hasn't even been interviewed yet! Ahhh! For all we know, she could still be drinking coffee, or maybe her husband hasn't given her permission, and then we would have to push back the date. 

We got her interviewed the next day (which took 3 hours because she talked so much) and thankfully, she passed! 

So on Sunday we pulled together a last-minute program run almost entirely by us missionaries (they almost had me play the piano which would have been a disaster.) And Teresa was baptized! She is so sweet, I freaking love her. I am amazed at how much faith she has. She was very emotional and we all felt the spirit so strongly. It was definitely a highlight of my mission! 

I love this gospel so much. The blessings that come from it are so abundant, and seeing others benefit from this gospel is just the greatest thing ever. I love being a missionary!

Ate mais! 

- Sister Wride

1. Boonies

2. Teresa

3. We got tomato plants from a relief society activity! 

4. Wedding at the park

5. Baby geese

6. Post I made

7. Pretty trees ft. Sister Kinikini

Week 36 - Flirt to Convert

 Olá de novo! Espero que todos tenham uma ótima semana! 

Here are some highlights from this week: 

Yesterday we got a call from the missionaries in Michigan city, saying they have a friend for us in Niles who wants to be baptized!!! Such a cool miracle! I wish all baptisms came that easy. We're having a lesson with him tonight, so stay tuned!

My brother Hyrum got his mission call to San Diego, California!!! I got to join the zoom call with a bunch of family and friends and it was so fun!

Brazil update: I finally got to turn in my Visa!! 🇧🇷 It just has to process now, which will take a few months. I'm guessing I'll go sometime in August

Last week I mentioned a guy named Michael, who reached out wanting to BOM studies. Well it turns out that he's actually a member already, so now our hour and half long studies every week seem kinda pointless... He's a nice guy, and we love studying the scriptures with him, but I feel like there are better uses of our time

The other day we were sitting in a parking lot in when two guys in the car next to us called out to us and said "Hey! What's your name?" We said we're local missionaries and they're like "Cool! Hey, do you want to walk around?" So we got out of the car and talked a bit, their names are Mike and Mike. They were nice, and they might be interested in the gospel, but I think they have other intentions. We asked why they reached out to us and they said  

 "Because we saw a couple of fine a**es" 

Sister Kinikini was smart and cut the walk short before they led us to some dark alleyway, but we did get their numbers and we'll try calling them later.

#FlirtToConvert

Spiritual thought for the week: 

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed.

[The fact is] most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise…

“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.

The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride” 

(“Big Rock Candy Mountains,” Deseret News, 12 June 1973)

Sometimes life is disappointing. More often than not, our expectations aren't met, especially as a missionary.

But don't get discouraged! 

As President Nelson has taught, "The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives, and everything to do with the focus of our lives." 

So keep your focus on the Savior and his gospel! And find joy in the little things. When we do so, we can have joy regardless of what is happening, or what is not happening in our lives!

Also go listen to his talk here https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng

Have a great week! 

- Sister Wride

1. @ElderWride

2. The district 

3. Rat at the fire department (from last week)

4-5. Look at how tall this tree is!

6. Cute Hoosier houses by the river

7. Can you tell what this used to be?

8. I've been painting my notebook! Still a work it progress

9. My flower collection 

Week 35 - "I would do it all over again"

Olá tudo mundo!

This week was pretty slow tbh. We've been doing lots of finding, and let me tell you, there are a lot of people here who are not interested in hearing about the gospel. We've tried more "phone tracting" and it's actually giving me anxiety because there some mean people out there! We called this one Karen lady and before we could say anything, she yells "Take me off your list! NOW!!"

This other guy answered and said 

"Hey, have you heard of cupola?"

"What, sorry?"

"Cupola? You know her?"

"Hmm, I don't think so. Is she also a missionary?"

"Couple of @$#!& that's what you are." 

So yeah cold calling isn't going so great haha. We have yet to find a new person to teach from it. Except for this one dude named Brian, who sounds just like the Joker. We asked if he wanted to hear a message, and in a really creepy voice said "I would love to.." He also told us something about how he just got out of a mental health institution.  But he wants to talk about Jesus, so I guess I'll let you know how it goes!

This week, our cute friend Rat gave us a tour of the fire department, we fed ducks at the park with our friend Ashley, we had some member lessons, and we had this cool miracle where some guy named Michael joined our ward Facebook group, asking who the missionaries were, so he can do Book of Mormon studies with us! Also our friend Dianne, who the most prepared lady you will ever meet, has been sharing the gospel to her family and friends at work! She gave a Book of Mormon to her granddaughters, and brought them to church, which is just the coolest thing ever. 

Other than that, a lot of our friends aren't progressing super well. It's kinda sad to see that not everyone wants to hear about the gospel, especially when I know it will bless them so much! They're missing out! Most people are just content with there they're at right now, which is ok.. I'm pretty sure God doesn't necessarily care about how many members of the church there are. What He cares about, is how many people love Him, and are willing to let Him prevail in their life. This church is just here for anyone who is looking for something more! Other churches are good, and they help people come closer to Christ, but nothing else is quite like this one.

Another thought I really loved from Sister Heiby in the ward: 

Some of her friends that have left the church have asked her: "What if tomorrow you were to die, and you realize that your religion is false? What if one day you realize that Joseph Smith wasn't a prophet, the Book of Mormon is fake, and that you've been lied to? Wouldn't you regret being a member?"

Her response: "I would do it all over again!!"

And honestly, I would do it all over again too. Even if this church is false (which it isn't), it is definitely worth living! The Book of Mormon fills me with so much hope, the commandments have kept me safe, The prophets have given me so much understanding, and the church has strengthened my family so much! Even if it's not true, this gospel is the very best way to live!

If you can't see it yet, keep holding to the iron rod, and you'll get there :)

Love you all!

- Sister Wride

1. Missionary work then vs now

2. We have a rule where we can only send friend requests people of our same gender, to keep us safe from creepy dudes who are just looking for dates. But I guess that doesn't work anymore because even girls are hitting on us now!

3. The only kids we're allowed to hold

4. Ducks

5-7. The pictures don't do it justice. Also spot the swan!

8-9. Rita's kitten 

Week 34 - I saw Joseph and Hyrum

Olá! 

Here we are, it's Monday again. I still can't believe how fast the weeks go by! 

A few things this week:

- We went to the zoo for district Pday, (the llama picture is my new favorite thing) 

- We did service at a greenhouse and I don't know why, but playing in dirt was so fun!!

- Our friend Mathew is confusing the Spirit with feelings of romance (see the screenshot.) I swear this happens with every middle-aged dude we teach. Smh 

- We taught the restoration to our friend Sherry and she was really fascinated with the story of Joseph Smith

- I got my second Covid shot! 

- I sent a mega cringey "Dear John" letter

- We ran into a guy at the store who asked what church we go to, and asked for our number to get more info!

My highlight of this week was that I got to see my brothers Joseph and Hyrum!!! They were driving to Philadelphia to do summer sales, and they were passing through, so I got permission to see them!!! They also got to stop by and see Ethan, who is serving nextdoor in Illinois! It was so good to see them. We had a good talk and ate fudge and it was a good time. Don't tell my mission President, but I didn't follow covid rules and I gave them both a hug, and I took off my mask. #disobedientmissionary

This week, President asked us to try this new thing called "phone tracting", and it's basically cold calls, but instead of spamming people, we are trying to convert them  We pick a number from Area Book and pray to know what numbers to change, and then we call and say something like "Hi, it's the local missionaries, how are you doing? Do you want to hear a message?" Or we pretend we got the wrong number and say something like "Hi is this Billy? Oh sorry! We just got a request from Billy to call and pray with him. But is it ok if we pray with you?" 

We haven't found much success from phone tracting (yet!) But it's been kinda funny. I feel like one of those scammers that everyone hates... Oh well! This is missionary work now I guess. 

Also do you remember Ricky? He's the guy Sister Junot, Sister Steele and I taught in West Lafayette, and he's the most elect guy you'll ever meet. In January he got sent back to jail so we basically lost all contact. A few months ago he found our number again and called us from jail to check in, and we shipped a Book of Mormon to him, which he was super grateful for. It's just been super sad because we have had no way to contact him. Now there is a new set of Sisters in Lafayette, so I've just been praying that he's been doing ok. 

Well, I was looking at their Area Book record, and Ricky finally called them again!! He read the Book of Mormon front to back, and has already started it again!!! (Screenshot attached). He also found Saints, and is now reading that too, and he wants to meet with missionaries again! It made me so happy, I almost cried! God really is looking out for his children!!

I guess that's all for this week, but eu amo vocês!! Make sure you're reading your scriptures every day because those small things are so important!!

- Sister Wride