Sent from my iPad
Monday, July 25, 2016
1.5 years, 18 months, 81 weeks, 565 days.
However you want to count it, it is the experience of a lifetime. It
is the experience of eternity. In that time period, more happens for
the spiritual welfare of a soul than anything else in this world can
offer. A mission has changed my life forever.
This post is long (very long), but good! Fair warning! [I mean it only
sums up the best 18 months of my life and this last week.]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This week in CTown:
We had a better week! We went on exchange with Shepherdsville and I
was there with Sister Bogardus. We had a blast, I just love her. She
is a hard worker and knows her purpose! She does everything she can to
please the Lord! I'm going to miss her dearly!
Later in the week we found some really cool investigators! They were
all set for baptism and excited too! We told them about the word of
wisdom and the next day they dropped us. It was a bummer but I know
that the Lord will use this experience to prepare them! They will be
ready at a later date!
Brother Dean and Sister Warford also came to church! They are doing
really well! I'm so excited to see how they continually progress! They
are still working towards their baptismal date! We weren't able to
meet with them this week due to scheduling conflicts, but hopefully
this coming week! We have a lot to teach them before their baptism!
A few nights this week a member, Suzannah, took us out for the night.
we saw so many awesome miracles with her! We were able to get into
houses we normally wouldn't have and we taught a bunch of lessons! It
was a tender mercy! I have a testimony if bringing members! It makes
everything so much better! :)
This past Saturday was transfer calls! Thankfully, president Brough
didn't sing to me when he told me I would be moving areas, again! He
kindly is kicking me out of the GKLM. It is a kind kick though, full
of love. Next area: Mission Viejo, California. Here is how the
conversation went:
Me: "good morning president Brough! How are you?"
PB: "I'm doing great! Well sister hannah, You're getting transferred again."
Me: "what? Again? Ok president. Where will I be going this time?"
PBROUGH: "I'm sending you to California and I'm even going to have you
pick your own companion. And it needs to be someone of the opposite
sex. It's called dating."
Me: "hahahahaha! Well president, give me a few days ok!!"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mosiah 18:30 reads: "And now it came to pass that all this was done in
Mormon, yea, by the waters of Mormon, in the forest that was near the
waters of Mormon; yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the
forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there
came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are
they, for they shall sing to his praise forever."
But this is how I read it today as I reflected on my mission:
"And now it came to pass that all this was done in [Kentucky &
Indiana], yea, by the waters of [the Ohio River and Lake Cumberland],
in the forest that was near [Richmond, Somerset, Winchester,
Louisville, Mt. Vernon & Charlestown]; yea, the place of [Kentucky &
Indiana], the waters of [the Ohio River and Lake Cumberland], the
forest of [Richmond, Somerset, Winchester, Louisville, Mt. Vernon &
Charlestown], how beautiful are they to the eyes of [Sister Hannah]
who there came to the knowledge of [her] Redeemer; yea, and how
blessed [is she], for [she] shall sing to his praise forever."
Kentucky and Indiana are my personal "waters of Mormon". Kentucky is
where I came to know my Savior. It is where I truly became converted
to the gospel of Jesus Christ. My mission is sacred ground. I have
seen and felt things that have so deeply imbedded the truthfulness of
this message that I can never deny that this is the fullness of the
gospel of Jesus Christ. I am eternally indebted to Heavenly Father for
the blessings I have received and the lessons I have learned from
serving in this capacity. This truly is once in an eternity. In each
area I served, there was a specific reason I was there and for that
duration of time. I learned lessons that no other place, person or
experience could have ever taught me. I wouldn't and will not trade
this for the world.
The greatest lesson I have learned is the importance of obedience and
why it is important. There is a promise given to us in the doctrine
and covenants that reads: "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in
heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings
are predicated-- And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by
obedience to that law upon which it is predicated," (D&C 130:20-21)
God is bound to bless us when we obey His laws. Simply, be obedient.
Just do it. There is no better way. It will most likely mean change,
which can be hard, but any blessing we receive has law that must be
followed to obtain it. The Brough's were a prime example for me. The
first year-ish if my mission we had formal transfer meetings. All the
missionaries who were being transferred would come in to Louisville.
We would gather in the chapel and president would read off who our new
companion would be. It was exciting and fun. You got to see all of
your friends. Then, the brethren came out with the tune up on how
transfer meetings were not authorized. President Brough talked to the
MLC about it and explained to us that sometimes the traditions of our
fathers are not correct. In order to be obedient, to gain the Lord's
trust and all of His intended blessings, we needed to heed to the
counsel of the brethren and stop transfer meetings immediately. So we
did. It was that easy. (Now the logistics of transfers from there on
out, we are still figuring it out.) Being obedient is key to a
successful life. The Lord's commandments keep us happy and safe. I
learned that I must hold myself accountable if I want to receive the
blessings. Obedience to God & His commandments brings peace in this
life and eternal salvation in the life to come!
Richmond taught me humility first and foremost. Not only was the
greenie Pride real and I had to rely on and learn from my incredible
trainer, sister Heiner, I also had to ask for rides (and help for
pretty much everything). Never have I relied so much on others for
everything I absolutely needed. I've always been able to take myself
places I needed to be (or mom and dad helped). The fact that I had to
ask for so much help was humbling. Biking made me a stronger and
better person! It helped me understand that I have to let others have
the opportunity to serve.
Sister Jones and I found success as we made our catch phrase "hearken
to it and DO IT!" The understanding I gained of obedience started
there. Sister Jones was incredibly obedient and we grew so much
together! It was with sister jones that I realized I had super scuffed
knees. (My skirt kept catching on my dry knees and I couldn't figure
out why) I didn't realize hitting the ground every morning and night
and multiple times during the day to pray would scuff em up. Not to
mention our carpet was ripped out one day because of black mold and we
were left to pray on concrete. HAHAHAAH good memories.
One of the most touching spiritual experiences from Richmond was my
second day in the mission field. Quite possibly the worst day of my
whole mission experience, hands down. It was frigid freezing. All day
everyone cancelled on us or just didn't show. Everyone we talked to
wasn't interested and was downright rude. I began to think "yeah, I
can't do this. I am not cut out for this. This isn't what I signed up
for." And then a member picked us up for dinner. That was the greatest
tender mercy of my life. The second we got into her car, the spirit
was so strong. When we walked into her house, it was even stronger. I
was overcome with love and peace from my Father in Heaven. It was at
that moment I realized that I would have hard days, but that God would
always be with me. I also realized how important it is to have the
spirit with me always and especially in my home. That dinner quite
possibly saved my mission.
Somerset taught me patience. Lots and lots of it. I had three new
companions. I follow up trained sister Crofoot, then trained sister
Starkey and immediately following her trained sister Schultz. I
cherish those five transfers, all 30 weeks of it. I learned patience
because my companions literally had no idea what they were doing at
first. Haha I had to be understanding and help them learn! had so
many experiences that taught me to take a deep breath and say
"everything will be ok! It's all good in the hood!" I grew a lot and
loved every second of it. The somerset branch is my family.
I met Billy here. He is my baptist friend that frustrates me. He knows
everything is true but is too stubborn to be baptized. One day it will
all click and he will roll right over to the church and beg to be
baptized. You better call me, ok billy?!
I also obtained the gift of Interpretation of tongues and translation.
I kid you not. Understanding eastern/southern Kentucky is a gift.
Youins, yuns. (Meaning you over there) No teeth, some teeth, fake
teeth + a thick country accent and trying to understand what they are
saying. Translating for my companions was always an adventure. The
looks I got from them was fantastic. I love southern Kentucky.
I had so many amazing experiences down there that I can't even contain
it to one. The whole 7.5 months was the spiritual experience!
Winchester taught me Spanish. Hahah jk but really. I now had the
responsibility of exchanging with multiple sisters and some of them
were Spanish speaking. It was incredible to go on a Spanish exchange
and not understand a word of what they were saying but to feel the
spirit so strongly. "Truth is a knowledge of things as they really
are, were, and will be. It does not change with conditions or time.
Truth is the same in every age and culture [and language]. God is the
source of all truth," (PMG pg 75). It was also incredible to see at
the end of the two transfers I was there to go on a Spanish exchange
and actually be able to understand everything that was being said in
Spanish.
In all reality, Winchester taught me that I didn't know what I was
doing for the first year of my mission! Haha. Sister Resendez and I
had an absolute blast as we crushed it over there. The greatest
spiritual experience was by far our Christmas cookie miracle, the
Johns family. One day when we didn't have anyone to teach we made a
ton of cookies and dropped them off to less actives. The Johns were on
our list. When we dropped them off they asked us to come back and
teach and baptize the youngest boys, Colton and Isaiah. In one months
time they were taught and "bapatized" as Isaiah says! The change I saw
in both the boys was miraculous. The family was reactivated! "True
doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the
doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of
behavior will improve behavior." (President Boyd K. Packer)
Louisville taught me how to love people who didn't necessarily love me
and get down to business. Quite frankly, I was a little bit bitter
about being ripped from Winchester. I didn't want to be there at
first. The ward wasn't welcoming and I felt like I had to prove myself
to the Ward and the Lord. It was like being in a whole new mission.
All city. So dense. A different way of doing missionary work. Sister
Holt and I mainly focused on brother Chad, sister Heather and the
Hutcherson gang. A few weeks after I left, sister Heather was
baptized! Sometimes we don't get to see the fruits of our labors, but
there are still fruits! They are just as rewarding!
Louisville also taught me that I have to adapt to whatever
circumstances the Lord throws at me! Little did I know I wouldn't be
finishing my mission there like I anticipated after arriving and that
I would have to adapt to another two areas. It was a great precursor!
Mount Vernon taught me that people are genuinely good and love
unconditionally. I had to suck up my pride and get over the fact that
I was in Indiana and just love the place and the people and the work
in a very small town. I was a little bit sad I had been uprooted from
Louisville. I had just started to love it! For the previous 15 months
I had been in Kentucky. My home. My favorite place. Adjusting to
Indiana was different. This sweet small town was incredible. The
branch was so loving and welcoming. I felt a little bit trapped at
times but when I got sister starkey because of the ET, things started
to pick up. It is amazing to me the blessings that come from two
companions united in obedience. We definitely had some hard weeks in
the work with no investigators but it was all worth it when the
blessings poured down.
It also taught me that the scripture 1 Nephi 16:2 is REAL!! My crazy
companion prior to sister starkey's et to mount Vernon definitely made
that apparent. There is always one. Always.
Charlestown taught me to be grateful for the knowledge and experience
I have gained over the course of my mission. Working with five brand
new missionaries was humbling. They all had such fire and zeal for the
work. They are so sincere and innocent still. They haven't seen much
in the field but their testimonies are strong! I was always so
grateful to come back after exchanges and see sister Windley! A
companion who is experienced makes me think "why am I so blessed to be
in this companionship, to have an experienced companion who knows what
to do and how to do it?" I would go back and do it all over again, be
in their position, IF I could take with me the knowledge I have now.
The trials and challenges have shaped me and molded me but I don't
know if I could do it again! C-town also taught me sincere love and
concern for those around me, especially my sick companion! I worked a
lot on love and charity while I was here. It was hard to be cooped up
but I know that it was all worth it to help sister Windley heal. She
has the greatest work ethic I have seen. She will literally work
herself to death! I had to teach her to take breaks! Haha!
The mega miracle of Charlestown was brother DiAundre. He was so
prepared and so ready to receive baptism. He wanted to serve a mission
just like us! Seeing someone completely change their life and come
closer to Christ is a huge blessing. It is simply incredible. It is
exciting to see how the gospel molds individuals. He ended up dropping
us due to circumstances out of him control, but I know he still wants
this and he keeps in contact with us. God works in mysterious ways!
Russell M. Nelson said it best: "The gospel of Jesus Christ is a
gospel of change!"
I love the GKLM! I am going to miss this with all of my heart. I am
going to miss wearing the Savior's name on my heart everyday. I am
going to miss being awkward when approaching people and asking them
about the Book of Mormon. I will deeply miss answering the phone
'Brough style'. (Hello! This is sister hannah serving in the
Charlestown area of the great Kentucky Louisville mission of the
United States of America, GOD BLESS IT!!") I'm going to miss the
humidity and the kindness of these people. I'm going to miss all of
the incredible examples that have been placed before me. I am going to
miss the raging baptists who anti me left and right. I am going to
miss the love I have felt from each and every place and person I have
served. I will miss the rolling hills of Kentucky and and the tree
tunnels of Indiana. I will miss the greenery that never gets old. I
will miss being called Sister Hannah. But most importantly, I will
miss being full time, set apart, representative of my Savior, Jesus
Christ.
Amidst all of the things I will miss, I know that God has so much more
in store for me. I can't be a missionary forever (sadly). The only
place to apply what I have learned is back home. It is time to start
applying!
Thank you for all your love and support that you have shown me the
whole time I have served as a missionary, it has meant the world! I
love you all and can't wait to see you in a few short days! (That is
absolutely crazy to say and hear.)
Stay rad,
Stay righteous!
For the last time,
So much love from the blessed GKLM (of the United States of America,
GOD BLESS IT),
❤️ Sister Hannah
Something incredible I heard recently:
"There are some things our Almighty, all knowing, all loving God has
never seen and never will see. He has never seen someone He can't
save. He has never seen someone He can't love. He has never seen
someone too far gone." God loves all of his children and can help each
one of us. Allow the Atonement to work in your life! :)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The promises of serving a mission are real.
Helaman 10:4
"Blessed art thou, [Sister Hannah], for those things which thou hast
done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the
word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast
not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought
my will, and to keep my commandments.5 And now, because thou hast done
this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever;"
3 Nephi 28:23
"And it came to pass that thus [Sister Hannah] did go forth among all
the people of [Kentucky & Indiana], and did preach the gospel of
Christ unto all people upon the face of the land; and [she was]
converted unto the Lord, and [was] united unto the church of Christ,
and thus the people of that generation were blessed, according to the
word of Jesus."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is the experience of eternity. In that time period, more happens for
the spiritual welfare of a soul than anything else in this world can
offer. A mission has changed my life forever.
This post is long (very long), but good! Fair warning! [I mean it only
sums up the best 18 months of my life and this last week.]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This week in CTown:
We had a better week! We went on exchange with Shepherdsville and I
was there with Sister Bogardus. We had a blast, I just love her. She
is a hard worker and knows her purpose! She does everything she can to
please the Lord! I'm going to miss her dearly!
Later in the week we found some really cool investigators! They were
all set for baptism and excited too! We told them about the word of
wisdom and the next day they dropped us. It was a bummer but I know
that the Lord will use this experience to prepare them! They will be
ready at a later date!
Brother Dean and Sister Warford also came to church! They are doing
really well! I'm so excited to see how they continually progress! They
are still working towards their baptismal date! We weren't able to
meet with them this week due to scheduling conflicts, but hopefully
this coming week! We have a lot to teach them before their baptism!
A few nights this week a member, Suzannah, took us out for the night.
we saw so many awesome miracles with her! We were able to get into
houses we normally wouldn't have and we taught a bunch of lessons! It
was a tender mercy! I have a testimony if bringing members! It makes
everything so much better! :)
This past Saturday was transfer calls! Thankfully, president Brough
didn't sing to me when he told me I would be moving areas, again! He
kindly is kicking me out of the GKLM. It is a kind kick though, full
of love. Next area: Mission Viejo, California. Here is how the
conversation went:
Me: "good morning president Brough! How are you?"
PB: "I'm doing great! Well sister hannah, You're getting transferred again."
Me: "what? Again? Ok president. Where will I be going this time?"
PBROUGH: "I'm sending you to California and I'm even going to have you
pick your own companion. And it needs to be someone of the opposite
sex. It's called dating."
Me: "hahahahaha! Well president, give me a few days ok!!"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mosiah 18:30 reads: "And now it came to pass that all this was done in
Mormon, yea, by the waters of Mormon, in the forest that was near the
waters of Mormon; yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the
forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there
came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are
they, for they shall sing to his praise forever."
But this is how I read it today as I reflected on my mission:
"And now it came to pass that all this was done in [Kentucky &
Indiana], yea, by the waters of [the Ohio River and Lake Cumberland],
in the forest that was near [Richmond, Somerset, Winchester,
Louisville, Mt. Vernon & Charlestown]; yea, the place of [Kentucky &
Indiana], the waters of [the Ohio River and Lake Cumberland], the
forest of [Richmond, Somerset, Winchester, Louisville, Mt. Vernon &
Charlestown], how beautiful are they to the eyes of [Sister Hannah]
who there came to the knowledge of [her] Redeemer; yea, and how
blessed [is she], for [she] shall sing to his praise forever."
Kentucky and Indiana are my personal "waters of Mormon". Kentucky is
where I came to know my Savior. It is where I truly became converted
to the gospel of Jesus Christ. My mission is sacred ground. I have
seen and felt things that have so deeply imbedded the truthfulness of
this message that I can never deny that this is the fullness of the
gospel of Jesus Christ. I am eternally indebted to Heavenly Father for
the blessings I have received and the lessons I have learned from
serving in this capacity. This truly is once in an eternity. In each
area I served, there was a specific reason I was there and for that
duration of time. I learned lessons that no other place, person or
experience could have ever taught me. I wouldn't and will not trade
this for the world.
The greatest lesson I have learned is the importance of obedience and
why it is important. There is a promise given to us in the doctrine
and covenants that reads: "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in
heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings
are predicated-- And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by
obedience to that law upon which it is predicated," (D&C 130:20-21)
God is bound to bless us when we obey His laws. Simply, be obedient.
Just do it. There is no better way. It will most likely mean change,
which can be hard, but any blessing we receive has law that must be
followed to obtain it. The Brough's were a prime example for me. The
first year-ish if my mission we had formal transfer meetings. All the
missionaries who were being transferred would come in to Louisville.
We would gather in the chapel and president would read off who our new
companion would be. It was exciting and fun. You got to see all of
your friends. Then, the brethren came out with the tune up on how
transfer meetings were not authorized. President Brough talked to the
MLC about it and explained to us that sometimes the traditions of our
fathers are not correct. In order to be obedient, to gain the Lord's
trust and all of His intended blessings, we needed to heed to the
counsel of the brethren and stop transfer meetings immediately. So we
did. It was that easy. (Now the logistics of transfers from there on
out, we are still figuring it out.) Being obedient is key to a
successful life. The Lord's commandments keep us happy and safe. I
learned that I must hold myself accountable if I want to receive the
blessings. Obedience to God & His commandments brings peace in this
life and eternal salvation in the life to come!
Richmond taught me humility first and foremost. Not only was the
greenie Pride real and I had to rely on and learn from my incredible
trainer, sister Heiner, I also had to ask for rides (and help for
pretty much everything). Never have I relied so much on others for
everything I absolutely needed. I've always been able to take myself
places I needed to be (or mom and dad helped). The fact that I had to
ask for so much help was humbling. Biking made me a stronger and
better person! It helped me understand that I have to let others have
the opportunity to serve.
Sister Jones and I found success as we made our catch phrase "hearken
to it and DO IT!" The understanding I gained of obedience started
there. Sister Jones was incredibly obedient and we grew so much
together! It was with sister jones that I realized I had super scuffed
knees. (My skirt kept catching on my dry knees and I couldn't figure
out why) I didn't realize hitting the ground every morning and night
and multiple times during the day to pray would scuff em up. Not to
mention our carpet was ripped out one day because of black mold and we
were left to pray on concrete. HAHAHAAH good memories.
One of the most touching spiritual experiences from Richmond was my
second day in the mission field. Quite possibly the worst day of my
whole mission experience, hands down. It was frigid freezing. All day
everyone cancelled on us or just didn't show. Everyone we talked to
wasn't interested and was downright rude. I began to think "yeah, I
can't do this. I am not cut out for this. This isn't what I signed up
for." And then a member picked us up for dinner. That was the greatest
tender mercy of my life. The second we got into her car, the spirit
was so strong. When we walked into her house, it was even stronger. I
was overcome with love and peace from my Father in Heaven. It was at
that moment I realized that I would have hard days, but that God would
always be with me. I also realized how important it is to have the
spirit with me always and especially in my home. That dinner quite
possibly saved my mission.
Somerset taught me patience. Lots and lots of it. I had three new
companions. I follow up trained sister Crofoot, then trained sister
Starkey and immediately following her trained sister Schultz. I
cherish those five transfers, all 30 weeks of it. I learned patience
because my companions literally had no idea what they were doing at
first. Haha I had to be understanding and help them learn! had so
many experiences that taught me to take a deep breath and say
"everything will be ok! It's all good in the hood!" I grew a lot and
loved every second of it. The somerset branch is my family.
I met Billy here. He is my baptist friend that frustrates me. He knows
everything is true but is too stubborn to be baptized. One day it will
all click and he will roll right over to the church and beg to be
baptized. You better call me, ok billy?!
I also obtained the gift of Interpretation of tongues and translation.
I kid you not. Understanding eastern/southern Kentucky is a gift.
Youins, yuns. (Meaning you over there) No teeth, some teeth, fake
teeth + a thick country accent and trying to understand what they are
saying. Translating for my companions was always an adventure. The
looks I got from them was fantastic. I love southern Kentucky.
I had so many amazing experiences down there that I can't even contain
it to one. The whole 7.5 months was the spiritual experience!
Winchester taught me Spanish. Hahah jk but really. I now had the
responsibility of exchanging with multiple sisters and some of them
were Spanish speaking. It was incredible to go on a Spanish exchange
and not understand a word of what they were saying but to feel the
spirit so strongly. "Truth is a knowledge of things as they really
are, were, and will be. It does not change with conditions or time.
Truth is the same in every age and culture [and language]. God is the
source of all truth," (PMG pg 75). It was also incredible to see at
the end of the two transfers I was there to go on a Spanish exchange
and actually be able to understand everything that was being said in
Spanish.
In all reality, Winchester taught me that I didn't know what I was
doing for the first year of my mission! Haha. Sister Resendez and I
had an absolute blast as we crushed it over there. The greatest
spiritual experience was by far our Christmas cookie miracle, the
Johns family. One day when we didn't have anyone to teach we made a
ton of cookies and dropped them off to less actives. The Johns were on
our list. When we dropped them off they asked us to come back and
teach and baptize the youngest boys, Colton and Isaiah. In one months
time they were taught and "bapatized" as Isaiah says! The change I saw
in both the boys was miraculous. The family was reactivated! "True
doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the
doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of
behavior will improve behavior." (President Boyd K. Packer)
Louisville taught me how to love people who didn't necessarily love me
and get down to business. Quite frankly, I was a little bit bitter
about being ripped from Winchester. I didn't want to be there at
first. The ward wasn't welcoming and I felt like I had to prove myself
to the Ward and the Lord. It was like being in a whole new mission.
All city. So dense. A different way of doing missionary work. Sister
Holt and I mainly focused on brother Chad, sister Heather and the
Hutcherson gang. A few weeks after I left, sister Heather was
baptized! Sometimes we don't get to see the fruits of our labors, but
there are still fruits! They are just as rewarding!
Louisville also taught me that I have to adapt to whatever
circumstances the Lord throws at me! Little did I know I wouldn't be
finishing my mission there like I anticipated after arriving and that
I would have to adapt to another two areas. It was a great precursor!
Mount Vernon taught me that people are genuinely good and love
unconditionally. I had to suck up my pride and get over the fact that
I was in Indiana and just love the place and the people and the work
in a very small town. I was a little bit sad I had been uprooted from
Louisville. I had just started to love it! For the previous 15 months
I had been in Kentucky. My home. My favorite place. Adjusting to
Indiana was different. This sweet small town was incredible. The
branch was so loving and welcoming. I felt a little bit trapped at
times but when I got sister starkey because of the ET, things started
to pick up. It is amazing to me the blessings that come from two
companions united in obedience. We definitely had some hard weeks in
the work with no investigators but it was all worth it when the
blessings poured down.
It also taught me that the scripture 1 Nephi 16:2 is REAL!! My crazy
companion prior to sister starkey's et to mount Vernon definitely made
that apparent. There is always one. Always.
Charlestown taught me to be grateful for the knowledge and experience
I have gained over the course of my mission. Working with five brand
new missionaries was humbling. They all had such fire and zeal for the
work. They are so sincere and innocent still. They haven't seen much
in the field but their testimonies are strong! I was always so
grateful to come back after exchanges and see sister Windley! A
companion who is experienced makes me think "why am I so blessed to be
in this companionship, to have an experienced companion who knows what
to do and how to do it?" I would go back and do it all over again, be
in their position, IF I could take with me the knowledge I have now.
The trials and challenges have shaped me and molded me but I don't
know if I could do it again! C-town also taught me sincere love and
concern for those around me, especially my sick companion! I worked a
lot on love and charity while I was here. It was hard to be cooped up
but I know that it was all worth it to help sister Windley heal. She
has the greatest work ethic I have seen. She will literally work
herself to death! I had to teach her to take breaks! Haha!
The mega miracle of Charlestown was brother DiAundre. He was so
prepared and so ready to receive baptism. He wanted to serve a mission
just like us! Seeing someone completely change their life and come
closer to Christ is a huge blessing. It is simply incredible. It is
exciting to see how the gospel molds individuals. He ended up dropping
us due to circumstances out of him control, but I know he still wants
this and he keeps in contact with us. God works in mysterious ways!
Russell M. Nelson said it best: "The gospel of Jesus Christ is a
gospel of change!"
I love the GKLM! I am going to miss this with all of my heart. I am
going to miss wearing the Savior's name on my heart everyday. I am
going to miss being awkward when approaching people and asking them
about the Book of Mormon. I will deeply miss answering the phone
'Brough style'. (Hello! This is sister hannah serving in the
Charlestown area of the great Kentucky Louisville mission of the
United States of America, GOD BLESS IT!!") I'm going to miss the
humidity and the kindness of these people. I'm going to miss all of
the incredible examples that have been placed before me. I am going to
miss the raging baptists who anti me left and right. I am going to
miss the love I have felt from each and every place and person I have
served. I will miss the rolling hills of Kentucky and and the tree
tunnels of Indiana. I will miss the greenery that never gets old. I
will miss being called Sister Hannah. But most importantly, I will
miss being full time, set apart, representative of my Savior, Jesus
Christ.
Amidst all of the things I will miss, I know that God has so much more
in store for me. I can't be a missionary forever (sadly). The only
place to apply what I have learned is back home. It is time to start
applying!
Thank you for all your love and support that you have shown me the
whole time I have served as a missionary, it has meant the world! I
love you all and can't wait to see you in a few short days! (That is
absolutely crazy to say and hear.)
Stay rad,
Stay righteous!
For the last time,
So much love from the blessed GKLM (of the United States of America,
GOD BLESS IT),
❤️ Sister Hannah
Something incredible I heard recently:
"There are some things our Almighty, all knowing, all loving God has
never seen and never will see. He has never seen someone He can't
save. He has never seen someone He can't love. He has never seen
someone too far gone." God loves all of his children and can help each
one of us. Allow the Atonement to work in your life! :)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The promises of serving a mission are real.
Helaman 10:4
"Blessed art thou, [Sister Hannah], for those things which thou hast
done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the
word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast
not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought
my will, and to keep my commandments.5 And now, because thou hast done
this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever;"
3 Nephi 28:23
"And it came to pass that thus [Sister Hannah] did go forth among all
the people of [Kentucky & Indiana], and did preach the gospel of
Christ unto all people upon the face of the land; and [she was]
converted unto the Lord, and [was] united unto the church of Christ,
and thus the people of that generation were blessed, according to the
word of Jesus."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, July 18, 2016
Pokemon takes over the world.
This week was pretty low key except for when president called.
President has asked me to extend a transfer. I accepted. He is short a
few sister training leaders so I am going to stay and help train a few
sisters and come home the week school starts. Just kidding! Sister
Windley put me up to this! I will definitely be home in 9 days. Wow.
That is crazy!
Not too much happened because sister Windley is still not feeling up
to par. We ended up going to urgent care because she looked like she
was about to pass out on me. Everything was normal with her, the
doctor just chewed her out for not eating right. The miracle of this
week has been since after that visit she hasn't felt awfully horrible
as she has the last few weeks! There is progress! Another testimony of
healthy eating! She doesn't like it too much but she sees that it is
helping her, I hope!
This new Pokemon game is taking over the world. We stopped on a shady
corner to check the area book and see where we needed to go and a guy
pulled his truck over and hollered "there is a *something something*
Pokemon up around the corner!" I quickly responded with a really
confused look and told him we were missionaries and not looking for
Pokemon. He was surprised but said we could come by and share more.
Score! Pokemon miracle! Haha!
This week I learned what a true sacrifice a mission is. As we sat in
gospel principles and had a lesson on sacrifice, it finally
internalized. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have had to
sacrifice. I have definitely seen the blessings of it! I know that as
we sacrifice, God will bless us abundantly with many many thing better
than we could ever imagine!
Sister Warford and Brother Dean are doing well! We didn't get to teach
them this week but they came to church after sacrament and loved it
again! Sister Warford was so happy and energetic the whole time! I am
so excited to see their continual progression!
Love y'all so much!
So much love from the blessed GKLM,
❤️ sister hannah
Ps: SEE YOU NEXT WEEK! Like with my own two little eyes!
Sent from my iPad
President has asked me to extend a transfer. I accepted. He is short a
few sister training leaders so I am going to stay and help train a few
sisters and come home the week school starts. Just kidding! Sister
Windley put me up to this! I will definitely be home in 9 days. Wow.
That is crazy!
Not too much happened because sister Windley is still not feeling up
to par. We ended up going to urgent care because she looked like she
was about to pass out on me. Everything was normal with her, the
doctor just chewed her out for not eating right. The miracle of this
week has been since after that visit she hasn't felt awfully horrible
as she has the last few weeks! There is progress! Another testimony of
healthy eating! She doesn't like it too much but she sees that it is
helping her, I hope!
This new Pokemon game is taking over the world. We stopped on a shady
corner to check the area book and see where we needed to go and a guy
pulled his truck over and hollered "there is a *something something*
Pokemon up around the corner!" I quickly responded with a really
confused look and told him we were missionaries and not looking for
Pokemon. He was surprised but said we could come by and share more.
Score! Pokemon miracle! Haha!
This week I learned what a true sacrifice a mission is. As we sat in
gospel principles and had a lesson on sacrifice, it finally
internalized. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have had to
sacrifice. I have definitely seen the blessings of it! I know that as
we sacrifice, God will bless us abundantly with many many thing better
than we could ever imagine!
Sister Warford and Brother Dean are doing well! We didn't get to teach
them this week but they came to church after sacrament and loved it
again! Sister Warford was so happy and energetic the whole time! I am
so excited to see their continual progression!
Love y'all so much!
So much love from the blessed GKLM,
❤️ sister hannah
Ps: SEE YOU NEXT WEEK! Like with my own two little eyes!
Sent from my iPad
Dying of 102 degree heat.
Sent from my iPad
Sometimes she doesn't like me when I take pictures.
Sent from my iPadI'm sure going to miss these country roads!
Monday, July 11, 2016
By Small and Simple means...
... Are great things brought to pass! The simple act of prayer brings
so many miracles and blessings!!
This week was simply miraculous. It started on the beautiful fast
Sunday of last week. I had specifically fasted for more opportunities
to teach here in Charlestown. We had been struggling to find the
chosen and elect here. God heard that prayer and answered quickly. On
Sunday during testimony meeting Suzannah gave us a referral as she
bore her testimony. A few hours later we found ourselves at the
Fielding home. Sister Windley received a blessing of healing and
president Fielding and Suzannah gave us four more referrals! Blessings
from the Lord! As we have been visiting these people throughout the
week we have seen some success! :) specifically with a cute woman
named Judy. She is busy this next week but wants us to call her in a
week or two.
On Thursday the blessings continued to flow as God continued to answer
my fast! We felt very strongly that we needed to be on maple drive. It
was cool because the night before when we were planning I felt like we
needed to go there. It kept sticking out on the map. It was our back
up plan but we had 15 minutes before an appointment and decided to go
there first. When we pulled up to maple drive, a member of the ward
pulled up right behind us! We hadn't seen brother Ronald in a few
weeks. It was a Tender mercy to run into him! He was waiting for some
friends and when they showed up we all started to talk. Christy and
Eugene were interested in what we were saying. Brother Ronald bore
powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon and families. By the time we
were done speaking Christy was asking for a ride to church! We had not
even taught the restoration yet! We set up an appointment for the
following day. When we came back for the appointment they were excited
and even sister warford's brother was there! He claimed he was there
to watch the children while they listened, but he stood in the doorway
and listened the whole time. When we asked them to be baptized,
brother Warford spoke up from the back doorway and wanted to be
baptized as well. It was rad! They also came to church on Sunday and
really enjoyed it. I'm so excited to see them progress! This gospel
changes lives!
Probably the most miraculous prayer that God and answered for me this
week was at MLC. President Brough was announcing future events and
told us that Augusts MLC will be at the eastern parkway building
because the missionary department will be evaluating it. Why? Because
it will be the MLC where they train on ONLINE PROSELYTING. AKA
FACEBOOK MISSIONARIES. We are one of five (says president Brough)
missions to be a trial mission for Facebook again. I miss it by one
week. Thank you Heavenly Father, so much, for hearing and answering
that prayer! I have prayed since the day I got my iPad that I would
miss it and I am. Woooo! God is good.
We also got to see DiAundre again this week! He is doing well! His
family has had some health struggles which have prevented us from
meeting with him, but he is still progressing! We just need to get him
to church! Pray that brother DiAundre makes it next week! He still
loves the Book of Mormon and knows it is true! He can't wait to be
baptized and hopefully one day serve a full time mission! The Lord has
been answering his prayers and has helped him get a job here recently!
Things are looking really up for him!
The Lord truly hears and answers our prayers. It may not be in our
timing, but His timing is always perfect. I am grateful for that
understanding and the knowledge that God does answer prayers! The
church is true, the book is blue!
So much love from the blessed GKLM,
Sister Hannah
Sent from my iPad
so many miracles and blessings!!
This week was simply miraculous. It started on the beautiful fast
Sunday of last week. I had specifically fasted for more opportunities
to teach here in Charlestown. We had been struggling to find the
chosen and elect here. God heard that prayer and answered quickly. On
Sunday during testimony meeting Suzannah gave us a referral as she
bore her testimony. A few hours later we found ourselves at the
Fielding home. Sister Windley received a blessing of healing and
president Fielding and Suzannah gave us four more referrals! Blessings
from the Lord! As we have been visiting these people throughout the
week we have seen some success! :) specifically with a cute woman
named Judy. She is busy this next week but wants us to call her in a
week or two.
On Thursday the blessings continued to flow as God continued to answer
my fast! We felt very strongly that we needed to be on maple drive. It
was cool because the night before when we were planning I felt like we
needed to go there. It kept sticking out on the map. It was our back
up plan but we had 15 minutes before an appointment and decided to go
there first. When we pulled up to maple drive, a member of the ward
pulled up right behind us! We hadn't seen brother Ronald in a few
weeks. It was a Tender mercy to run into him! He was waiting for some
friends and when they showed up we all started to talk. Christy and
Eugene were interested in what we were saying. Brother Ronald bore
powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon and families. By the time we
were done speaking Christy was asking for a ride to church! We had not
even taught the restoration yet! We set up an appointment for the
following day. When we came back for the appointment they were excited
and even sister warford's brother was there! He claimed he was there
to watch the children while they listened, but he stood in the doorway
and listened the whole time. When we asked them to be baptized,
brother Warford spoke up from the back doorway and wanted to be
baptized as well. It was rad! They also came to church on Sunday and
really enjoyed it. I'm so excited to see them progress! This gospel
changes lives!
Probably the most miraculous prayer that God and answered for me this
week was at MLC. President Brough was announcing future events and
told us that Augusts MLC will be at the eastern parkway building
because the missionary department will be evaluating it. Why? Because
it will be the MLC where they train on ONLINE PROSELYTING. AKA
FACEBOOK MISSIONARIES. We are one of five (says president Brough)
missions to be a trial mission for Facebook again. I miss it by one
week. Thank you Heavenly Father, so much, for hearing and answering
that prayer! I have prayed since the day I got my iPad that I would
miss it and I am. Woooo! God is good.
We also got to see DiAundre again this week! He is doing well! His
family has had some health struggles which have prevented us from
meeting with him, but he is still progressing! We just need to get him
to church! Pray that brother DiAundre makes it next week! He still
loves the Book of Mormon and knows it is true! He can't wait to be
baptized and hopefully one day serve a full time mission! The Lord has
been answering his prayers and has helped him get a job here recently!
Things are looking really up for him!
The Lord truly hears and answers our prayers. It may not be in our
timing, but His timing is always perfect. I am grateful for that
understanding and the knowledge that God does answer prayers! The
church is true, the book is blue!
So much love from the blessed GKLM,
Sister Hannah
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Personal Revelation
Personal Revelation is essential to the Lords work. This week I was
taught just how essential and why it is so important to have the
courage to act on the revelation you receive!
We conducted three awesome exchanges this week. First, I was in
Hanover with sister Johns! We had such an awesome day as we prayed for
people to be placed in our path! We met a cute young mom around 3 pm
and she told us to come by on Sunday because her fiancé and her were
looking into finding a church. A few hours later we felt the prompting
to go to s certain apartment complex and met her fiancé who also
wanted us to come back! I do not believe that it was a coincidence
that God placed both of them in our path that day! As we acted on the
revelation to go to the apartment complex we saw a miracle! We saw so
many more miracles that day in Hanover as we tripled the number of
people they regularly talk to in a day and taught a pick up lesson!
Rad!
The next exchange was a surprise for the sisters in Shepherdsville. We
didn't tell them we were coming, we just showed up. At first, they
were not too pleased with us, but it ended up being an awesome day. I
was with sister Bogardus and she taught me so much about humility. At
the end of the exchange she told me that she was grateful we came to
help boost their work. The area is kind of struggling, but they are on
their way up! We did a lot of service that day and taught a very
powerful lesson on the sacrament to a less active member. As we bore
our testimony of the sacrament and the cleansing power of it, she just
stared at us. She is thirsting for a knowledge of the truth. She
accepted an experiment to read and repent daily to see if the Book of
Mormon is true! True doctrine understood changes behaviors! We had no
idea what she needed to hear, but felt very strongly to share the
sacrament with her. I know that by following that prompting, this
sweet less active sister was able to feel the spirit and grow some
desire to experiment!
The final exchange was a surprise for us. Sister Windley and I had
planned an exchange with the English sisters but they had it written
down for another Day. It worked for us to do it next week so we just
left it. We started throwing around who we could exchange and felt
like we needed to exchange Salem. We both thought "it's too short of
notice and that's kind of crazy." So we brushed it off. After making a
few phone calls after district meeting we prayed and realized that we
needed to exchange them. The first thing that came to both of our
minds was "go tonight." But once again, we didn't speak up and brushed
it off. So we start talking about it and we both realized 'hey this is
the revelation you're receiving, you need to act on it.' So finally,
after three attempts, we finally got the courage to act on this
prompting. It worked out so perfectly. Literally everything fell into
place. I stayed here in Charlestown and had sister Schultz with me! We
saw some awesome miracles and were able to talk to so many people! :)
we had a super sweet lesson with brother DiAundre about fasting and he
said he wanted to fast for a firmer knowledge that the Book of Mormon
is true. He is progressing so well. I am so excited for him! He is
just so awesome! Seeing the change in him is incredible. The gospel
changes lives!
Joseph Smith said, "Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in
vain for anyone to minister without it" (History of the Church,
3:389). You will succeed in your work as you learn to receive and
follow personal revelation. Joseph Smith also taught that revelation
is vital for your daily work: "This is the principle on which the
government of heaven is conducted--by revelation adapted to the
circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed"
(History of the Church, 5:135). I know that this statement is so true!
It was made very apparent to me on Friday as we sought revelation for
exchanging sisters. I know that if we have the courage to act on those
promptings, the Lord will trust us more and He will give us even more
promptings to follow.
This gospel is true. It is the fullness of what Christ needs us to
have. I am so grateful to have this knowledge and to be able to share
it with everyone I meet. I know the Book of Mormon and the bible
together contain the fullness of the everlasting gospel. I know it, I
love it, I am so eternally grateful for it.
So much love from the blessed GKLM,
Sister Hannah
Sent from my iPad
taught just how essential and why it is so important to have the
courage to act on the revelation you receive!
We conducted three awesome exchanges this week. First, I was in
Hanover with sister Johns! We had such an awesome day as we prayed for
people to be placed in our path! We met a cute young mom around 3 pm
and she told us to come by on Sunday because her fiancé and her were
looking into finding a church. A few hours later we felt the prompting
to go to s certain apartment complex and met her fiancé who also
wanted us to come back! I do not believe that it was a coincidence
that God placed both of them in our path that day! As we acted on the
revelation to go to the apartment complex we saw a miracle! We saw so
many more miracles that day in Hanover as we tripled the number of
people they regularly talk to in a day and taught a pick up lesson!
Rad!
The next exchange was a surprise for the sisters in Shepherdsville. We
didn't tell them we were coming, we just showed up. At first, they
were not too pleased with us, but it ended up being an awesome day. I
was with sister Bogardus and she taught me so much about humility. At
the end of the exchange she told me that she was grateful we came to
help boost their work. The area is kind of struggling, but they are on
their way up! We did a lot of service that day and taught a very
powerful lesson on the sacrament to a less active member. As we bore
our testimony of the sacrament and the cleansing power of it, she just
stared at us. She is thirsting for a knowledge of the truth. She
accepted an experiment to read and repent daily to see if the Book of
Mormon is true! True doctrine understood changes behaviors! We had no
idea what she needed to hear, but felt very strongly to share the
sacrament with her. I know that by following that prompting, this
sweet less active sister was able to feel the spirit and grow some
desire to experiment!
The final exchange was a surprise for us. Sister Windley and I had
planned an exchange with the English sisters but they had it written
down for another Day. It worked for us to do it next week so we just
left it. We started throwing around who we could exchange and felt
like we needed to exchange Salem. We both thought "it's too short of
notice and that's kind of crazy." So we brushed it off. After making a
few phone calls after district meeting we prayed and realized that we
needed to exchange them. The first thing that came to both of our
minds was "go tonight." But once again, we didn't speak up and brushed
it off. So we start talking about it and we both realized 'hey this is
the revelation you're receiving, you need to act on it.' So finally,
after three attempts, we finally got the courage to act on this
prompting. It worked out so perfectly. Literally everything fell into
place. I stayed here in Charlestown and had sister Schultz with me! We
saw some awesome miracles and were able to talk to so many people! :)
we had a super sweet lesson with brother DiAundre about fasting and he
said he wanted to fast for a firmer knowledge that the Book of Mormon
is true. He is progressing so well. I am so excited for him! He is
just so awesome! Seeing the change in him is incredible. The gospel
changes lives!
Joseph Smith said, "Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in
vain for anyone to minister without it" (History of the Church,
3:389). You will succeed in your work as you learn to receive and
follow personal revelation. Joseph Smith also taught that revelation
is vital for your daily work: "This is the principle on which the
government of heaven is conducted--by revelation adapted to the
circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed"
(History of the Church, 5:135). I know that this statement is so true!
It was made very apparent to me on Friday as we sought revelation for
exchanging sisters. I know that if we have the courage to act on those
promptings, the Lord will trust us more and He will give us even more
promptings to follow.
This gospel is true. It is the fullness of what Christ needs us to
have. I am so grateful to have this knowledge and to be able to share
it with everyone I meet. I know the Book of Mormon and the bible
together contain the fullness of the everlasting gospel. I know it, I
love it, I am so eternally grateful for it.
So much love from the blessed GKLM,
Sister Hannah
Sent from my iPad
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