The Week of Being Tired

December 15, 2014

I was just really tired this week, short tempered, impatient, grumpy, and a butt. I never claim to be perfect. I'm grateful for all these experiences to teach me how to get through tough situations.

 

I'm also over-dramatic (only when I'm tired), so don't worry. I'm really fine. Christmas time is coming! I've received Christmas cards, pictures, and a present! I'm still waiting for my siblings to step up though. Come on folks. Go outside and take a picture and then email it to me. I want to see your faces.

 

Mom sent me a tangerine and I about wet myself with excitement. The peel was crisp and the juices quickly perfumed the air and it tasted SO GOOD! You should do that again Mom :)

 

We saw Wei and Yali again this week and we were talking about the Pre-mortal existence and how we can experience "deja vu" because we've met people before! Yali looked at me and said (in her broken English), "I knew you before. Party is the word I use!" I love her so much. I can see in her a face a yearning to change and to be "forgiven" and let go of the past. I believe she will be baptized before I leave this area. She feels it!

 

We had our atheist friend try to convert us to atheism and so we're not sure how to move forward because he made us watch an anti video and I'm never doing that again. It was absolutely terrible. And I view this family in very high esteem regard so I was quite surprised they showed us something so......vile, degrading, rude, and just dumb. They've gone on vacation for 3 weeks so we'll see what happens when they get back.

 

Jerry is the best! We've briefly chatted 2 times before but this week we were able to teach about how the Gospel has been restored and that there's a Prophet once more! He was leery because he's always been taught that no one can see God face-to-face (I wonder why?) but we asked if he had ever prayed about it. He's been reading the Book of Mormon, and he said, "You know, that's one thing I have NOT done. I haven't prayed about it." So we asked him to read the Testimonies at the beginning and pray about it and then give us an answer. I know he's wanting to follow God. I know what kind of answer he'll get.

 

Folks, I have a companion preparing to go home in February. She has not seen a single baptism during her mission. Prayers for miracles are what we need. There are people here waiting for us to find them. Help us by giving us some extra spiritual "umph" so we're not just "try"ing anymore :)

 

I want you all to know I miss you a whole dang lot. I'm being trunky. That doesn't help my moodiness. I need to be better. I'm going to be better. This Christmas season please send a letter or email to the missionaries you know. Even if you don't know them very well. Please. And if you need some ideas I have a missionary in mind you could hit up ;)

 

Crazy that I'll be able to some people's faces in just a few days. I don't know how it gets set up or what's going to happen. Mom will know and pass the word along. Just to be safe. Email me your Skype accounts and then maybe some Christmas miracle will happen :)

 

-Sister Packard

 

Best:

1. Christmas music :)

2. Chocolate Oranges.

3. Our zone is making a workout video.........it's gonna be great.

4. "He is the Gift" is the best missionary tool in the world. Not just for full time missionaries. It was created so members could have an easy method to do their missionary work!

 

He Is The Gift

Worst:

1. I'm a grumpy butt.

 

The Week of Becoming a Spanish Speaking Missionary!!!

December 3, 2014

From the Mom:

Several people have asked for this:

Sister Sarah Packard

1060 Madison View Drive APT 106

Forest, VA  24551

From the Missionary :)

So! It was Thanksgiving, we got food poisoning, I'm gonna speak Spanish, He is the Gift was launched, and miracles are coming.

 

Thanksgiving we had 3 "meals" and even though we really didn't eat that much it felt like we did.

 

We've been trying to walk a lot more and Saturday we walked for 3 1/2 hours and went to the gas station to treat ourselves. Delved into some beef jerky. Ate a few pieces then pulled out a softball of mold......we thought we were going to die.

We spent the rest of the day moaning and groaning and not feeling too good. Sunday we sang in Sacrament so we kept praying to get through that, then come what may. I lasted til about 5 o'clock when we were sitting at a members house. All white furniture and carpet. 

We got out of there fast and I spent the rest of the night sitting on the floor by the toilet. Went to bed at 8, didn't wake up til 8 (12 hours of sleep is wonderful) and then we both got blessings and spent the whole day Monday at home.

Once I finally think I've got my health figured out........man. But I hear I'm not the only cousin having health problems. I love you both. Life is hard. People are mean and hurtful, but God understands. And so do I :)

 

I'm going to be a Spanish speaking missionary before I come home! I've been reading from the Spanish Book of Mormon every night for 30 minutes. We got stocked up with Spanish Church material! My zone leaders are fluent and working on organizing a Spanish Branch. And the Assistants to the President told me the first Spanish speaking Sister we get I will be companions with. BOOM!

I'm praying for the gift of tongues. And of course once I started studying and praying for opportunities to use it, we haven't seen a single Spanish speaker..........

Heavenly Father is funny sometimes.

 

Have you seen "He is the Gift" yet?

If not, stop what you're doing and watch it!!!!!!!!!!

 http://www.mormon.org/christmas 

As missionaries we see how this is going to change lives! Especially being so close to a Baptist college. We have already seen attitudes and spirits change. We met a professor at Liberty who said she would share it with her classes.......

 

We also had some great teaching moments this week. The Spirit has been strong and wonderful. We found out how dumb we are though. We've been having lessons with members about missionary work and we always ask what they want from us.

One sister said, "I think it'd be awesome to have lessons in our home, but I don't know. Is that allowed?" ARE YOU KIDDING!?!?!?! That's all they want us to do! So if you haven't already, Tell the missionaries they can teach in your home. It will work.

Offer to have them over for Family Home Evening and let them know they can invite investigators. Be more involved. And for goodness sakes feed them. It's the Holidays. They're lonely enough. Please don't make them sit at their apartment alone.

Trust me, it's not fun.

 

I can't talk much about the investigators.   I know, it's so different from the last area. But lots of these people are very Baptist and involved with Liberty in some way. And don't want the association with the church on their record :) That will change though.

 

Sister Lopp is leaving me, a whole 10 minutes away! She's nervous but we've been having so much fun lately. Laughter seriously is the most important thing.

 

Hey guess what!!?!?!?!?! I'm 1/3 done with my mission! I'll be home in a year!!!!!! You miss me yet? :)

 

-Sister Packard

 

Best:

1. He is the Gift.

2. Chocolate oranges :)

3. New boots.

4. Laughter.

5. CHRISTMAS!

6. Dreams :)

7. Conference talks about family relationships. I can't get enough.

8. Starbucks doubly chocolately chip frappuchinos :)

9. I like, don't even sweat anymore!

 

Worst:

1. Gnats. EVERYWHERE in the apartment!

2. I think I'll always be cold for the rest of my life. And I'm starting to like it and get used to it.

The Week of a Tonsillectomy

November 24, 2014

So they're not out but they're coming out because they're going to have to come out. So the Mission Doctor said, "We've got one year to get you kissing sweet. Lets get started." 

I thought that was a little weird but I went with it :)

Life is good out here in Forest, VA. Transfers are next week so we'll find out if Sister Lopp is leaving or not. 

I feel fairly confident that I'm staying because I have a Doctors appointment..... :)

I feel like all of our investigators are slowly knowing truth. And one knows it, he just refuses to admit it. 

We've been working on being bold. And that's fun :) I like to be bold. 

And we've been focusing on how Christ responded to the situations we're in.

So I've been reading the Old Testament because everybody quotes stuff and I hate feeling lost. Oh my gosh. First of all, people who think they know the Bible don't. And what the crap happened in the Bible?

Please excuse my language. 

People can't believe Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ........but everything that happened in the Bible is real???? And so many people have been saying, "It's historically true.".......................

So is the Book of Mormon. So why can't people believe that? It's just been very interesting.

We went to Tree of Life Ministries and that was a PARTEY! No WONDER people think our church is boring. 

That church is pretty huge though. And they announced we were there. Sister Lopp turned and waved. She was like a Princess in a parade, it was so cute. But the sermon was really good. Except for when he put digs in about our church. But I don't think any else caught them. But we had MANY people come up to us afterwards asking about our church and we found some solid opportunities to share the gospel.

And that's pretty much it I guess. Sorry my letters are so lame now. You'll get over it though :)

IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Sister Packard

Best:

1. Being inspired throughout the day.

2. Priesthood blessings.

3. Ward members starting to love missionary work :)

Worst:

1. Holidays away from home.

2. My boots disintegrated......Walmart

The Week of Miracles and CHRISTMAS!

November 10, 2014

So this week was........exciting.

We've been teaching our neighbor and he told us in our most recent lesson that we're not Mormons, but we're true Christians. And that's a compliment. Did you know that a true Christian is someone who accepts Christ and then never sins after that, because if you do sin you were never a true Christian? And out of the 2 billion people who are "Christians" only like, 2 thousand, are "true Christians"? 

Well, folks, I sin every day.....sorry.....not a true Christian.  And he compared us to the group in Waco, TX that killed themselves because they believed Jesus told them too.  And then he told us that our next meeting will be an "apologetics" lesson where he gets to ask us anything he wants and we have to prove the answer with the Book of Mormon.........and I was like, "No. We're absolutely not doing that." So we're probably not going to be meeting with him again.

But it's interesting to see the different "arguments" and "proof" people have. Because as they get closer and closer to the truth their arguments against other points of doctrine are worse and worse.....It's kinda funny.

And it's interesting to see that nobody wants to pray about what we teach, they want us to PROVE it to them. No faith involved at all. In the "bible belt" where faith is EVERYTHING. We were also told this week that our faith wasn't good enough to get us into Heaven. This if for reals people.

I've been amazed with Sister Lopp this week with her strength. She had a moment where I saw how much she is really struggling and I felt like a dope for not catching on sooner. She's been here her whole mission! If I started out here I would be home by now, no joke what-so-ever. She's strong, but it's brutal and she is taking it hard. So prayers for my sweet companion would be lovely and appreciated. 

I prayed and received inspiration from the scriptures. Alma 15:16-18 and Alma 21:14-15. It might have been illegal as missionaries but we took an hour (I forced her) and we got orange juice and oreos, decorated our house for Christmas while blasting David Archuleta Christmas music, and then ate fried SPAM sandwiches. Made all the difference. As missionaries we can't teach or help others if we're "in prison". Certain needs must be met first personally before we can turn outward to help others.

We have an investigator who just switched to night shift and is really struggling with getting enough rest, and ultimately accepting the Gospel as truth. In a moment of spirituality I promised him that if he came to church he would adjust to his sleeping schedule immediately and have an overwhelming feeling and sense that the church is true......so he came! 

And again, we promised he would absolutely know by Wednesday that the church was true, and if he didn't, it's not true. So hopefully this gets out fast so everyone can pray for GLEN! Sister Lopp and I are fasting tomorrow for him. We know from Moroni that the faith of one can produce miracles in the lives of others. So please help add your faith for this miracle.

We got a text from a guy named Brandon asking who we were since he had the number in his phone. We told him who we were and asked if he wanted to learn and he said yes! So we met him this week and he's a real person who's really interested and we're excited to see progress. We asked him what he wants and he said, "To leave things behind in my past." What 18 year old wants to repent? We're stoked about him.

What else, oh yeah!

ARE YOU READY FOR MY CHRISTMAS LETTER?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Christmas music brings in a joy that nothing else can. So I have a special request. Will every single person who reads this send me your favorite Christmas CD's so I can have that music to feel the joy? I promise that I will send it back to you the following week. Especially in an area where it can be so hard to stay positive this will be crucial for Sister Lopp and I, or any other companion I get.

Now here's my Christmas list.
(As a missionary I've learned that no one will act unless you ask them too, so we learn to have no shame and just ask :)

-letters!

-go take a family photo, close up to your faces, with a real camera and email it to me or print it out and send it to me with your testimony written on the back, or just the picture.  EVERYONE. Not just family (though especially family), but everyone who sees these words!

-gift cards!!!!!! (so many stores here) TARGET, Walmart, Old Navy, Kohls, Loft, Chicos, Talbots, Chick-fil-a, Panera, Penelope, Rue 21, ETC, ETC.

-your favorite scripture and why

-anything else your heart so desires!

-"10s and 20s"  :)

Health-wise, my throat isn't hurting, though the sores are still there and kicking. My headaches have improved DRAMATICALLY!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying and fasting for me. It truly makes a difference. But now of course I'm getting Sister Lopp's cold......

-Sister Packard

Best:

1. Sleeping on the couch because of snoring and sniffling all night.

2. An investigator at church!

3. People just light their yards on fire to get rid of leaves. Everything is burning all the time. It makes me nervous, but then I remember it's too wet to catch on fire. It's just weird.

4. CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!!

5. A man at the library looking for a Book of Mormon when we're there......perfect.

Worst:

1. The nerve of some people

The Week of Halloween

November 3, 2014

I don't know if you knew this, but Halloween really isn't the best night for missionaries to be out and about at night. So what do you do at this time? You go "TEACH OR TREATING!" I still didn't know any members and we wanted to be safe. So we stole this idea from our Sister Training Leaders and ran with it. We made little hand outs with Alma 32:28 and challenged all the members we saw to read a "delicious" scripture for every piece of "delicious" candy they ate. It went pretty well and we were pretty proud of ourselves.

 

We got to meet Elder Renlund from the Seventy and he is awesome! We had our Mission Conference and there is just something really special about being in a room full of missionaries like that. Everything discussed were things I BADLY needed to hear! Lessons about positive attitudes and the blessings of the Spirit. Awesome. 

I ALSO got to see the Martins because they drove the Sisters up and that was just the highlight of the week. I love them so much.

 

Saturday we got to have interviews with President in the chapel of our church. That was really cool. I sat down and he said, 

"Sister Packard you are on fire! Do you feel on fire? You don't look on fire. Are you doing all right?" 

So I got to tell him about the headaches and sinuses and all the problems with that and he gave me this advice. "2 excedrine and a Coke." 

So I did! And it worked. I was hesitant because I really think Coke tastes disgusting and I kept thinking that I'm gonna have to tell people I drink Coke to get rid of my headaches and they're just gonna judge me and think I'm addicted to it so I get headaches when I haven't drunk it in a while and that's why it gets rid of my headaches. But I was obedient and saw the blessings. I also didn't sleep at all that night. I swear I could hear my insides rattling with energy.

 

But now that I've gotten that pretty under control of COURSE something else has to be wrong. I'm not entirely sure what it is yet but we're thinking tonsil stones? My throat was hurting and swollen so we grabbed a flashlight and found big open sores on the back of my throat that look like pockets. Nothing in them, but bleeding and gross looking. It looks like something from an alien movie or in the deep depths of the ocean. We're trying to figure out what the heck it is and how to make it go away. Hopefully it'll be quick and painless. I knew I should've gotten my tonsils removed before coming out......

 

We had a lesson last night that was crazy. We thought he would have standard questions about polygamy or something but we went straight for the deep doctrine. Where did God come from? Did he have a God? Did he live on an Earth like us? How is he endless and eternal if he had a starting point? Who is our "Grandfather" in the God sense. I just kinda sat there. I had no idea what to do. He's determined that knowing these things are essential to his Salvation. And my brain was hurting just trying to pretend I could find the answers even if I wanted to! 

People here are nuts. I'm too simple for Bible scholars who have everything memorized and are studying to be preachers for a living. BUT I'm here for a reason cuz that's what President told me. I just gotta find out the reason.

 

There's a couple here we're teaching and they are just the cutest things. They race horses and love the farm life. They love canning food and living down to earth. I LOVE THEM! But John challenged me to eat a pickled egg, and then a few other things. And I did. And it was gross. But I impressed him so that's good.

 

There's so much work to be done here. So many doors to be opened and we're trying to make the first crack. I've been countlessly promised miracles and finding those families that are READY. So I need more faith and prayers. Pray for me to have that faith? And thank you for the prayers and fasting on Sunday. I could feel the love :)

 

-Sister Packard

 

Best:

1. Elder Renlund's sure testimony.

2. Excedrine and a Coke!

3. I only had 1 jolly rancher on Halloween and only had 2 other pieces of candy all week! BOOM!

4. Christmas music :)

5. Writing my letter to Santa. It's coming next week people. Be excited.

6. People down South have the CUTEST decorations and I love getting ideas for the future.

 

Worst:

1. Tonsils.

2. My lack of knowledge of the Bible.

3. Not sleeping well lately.

4.  It's been very windy lately!

The Week of "A WHOLE NEW WORLD!!!"

A whole new world!!!! A new and interesting point of view. Everyone tells us no, and WHERE to go. And says we're only dreaming!

Lynchburg, VA! Home of Liberty University (Baptist college). Home of huge honka houses.

People here are LOADED. Everything is brand new. And it throws me off. I don't know how to teach these people! But I'm working on it.

Sister Lopp is lots of fun. Reminds me of Kylie Foote so we have quite a bit of fun ;) And she's really cute.

But it's always really hard to adjust. I've had more people here get in my face in these 3 days I've been here than the 4 1/2 months in Dublin. I don't know what to do. I just shut down. I can't argue. Cuz then I'll want to punch people, and that might not be the best way to "hasten the work". It's a good thing Sister Lopp is so excited and can find ways to end on a happy and good note with provoking people cuz I just want to say, "Have a nice day!" and walk merrily on my way. I'll figure it out. I don't really have a choice, because there's no avoiding it :)

Adjusting to anything new is weird and hard, but leaving is harder. The Martins drove us to Blacksburg and we got to hang out for a few hours waiting for the bus to come. We had so much fun and they spoiled me rotten with gifts. My favorite is the sign Dylan picked out for me :)

And then the bus came. And Dylan cried and cried, and I cried and cried. I love that kid like you wouldn't believe. That was just hard, and in retrospect, not the best idea for anyone.......too many tears. BUT I did leave. Eventually. I really didn't want to.

I miss my home in Radford Ward. I keep comparing everything to it. And I fear I always will! There's lots to be done here in Forest though. There are currently 3 wards and a branch in Lynchburg and they're pushing hard to be able to become a Stake. So that's our focus here. What can we do to turn this area into a booming Stake!

Thank you for all the ideas and support about the headaches. I found from some people that Lynchburg is the WORST place for allergies and sinus problems......so yeah. It's been real fun.

I don't really know what else to say..........I haven't been here very long.

-Sister Packard

Best:
1. Own closet and bathroom. SAWEET!
2. I'M SERVING WITH ELDER LOPEZ AGAIN!!!!!!
3. People in the other Ward know lots of family in Washington.
4. It can only go up from here.

Worst:
1. People get up in my personal bubble.
2. People complaining about money problems.......oh, they have no idea (yes I'm judging).
3. Most people talk properly here.....BORING! I've turned hick too soon :)
4. I miss my Dublin home and family members.

The Week of Tears :(

Oct 22, 2014

The feedback about my arranged marriages was........entertaining, but Nana's response certainly takes the cake! "I am glad you have such a variety of husbands to choose from; that always helps....."

Ugh it's so hard to say goodbye! I'm moving back here.......I WILL live in this Ward at some point.

This week has been CRAZY and I had my first experience with the Holy Ghost yelling at me. Wanna hear?

It was about 8:00 and pitch black. We've been really struggling finding good uses of time when our plans fall through, and it's so dark and not very safe. But we had the bright idea to go visit less-actives, perspective Elders, and part-member families. We started driving to a home and I thought out loud,

"It's probably not the best idea for us to be going this late to homes that we don't know anything about."

2 more minutes up the road we both get this feeling of absolute unsafe-ness. I don't even know how to describe it. We both hear

"TURN AROUND." 

So we look at each other and say,

"Let's not go there."

So we turned around and pulled over to talk about where we should go instead, and at the exact same time we both hear, 

"MOVE NOW." 

And that same crazy scared feeling came, so we started driving pretty fast. But it was only about 8:15 at that point so we headed towards an investigators house because we wanted to be good misisonaries. As we pull up we get that same feeling and this time it was, 

"GO HOME." 

So we got home, turned on all the lights, prayed, turned on happy music, and called President :)

I've never had an experience like that. And I will never forget it.
The Holy Ghost protects us from danger. We will never know what we were being protected from, but from the feeling I got I'm really glad we were :)

Everyone just makes me cry and not want to leave! I'm going to miss Juniper's baptism by 3 days!!! But that's ok.

Oh yeah! Wanna hear where I'm going?????? It's just a little different from Pulaski. I'm headed to one of the nicest areas in the mission. It's the nicest apartment in the mission. I'm headed to Forest, Virginia in Lynchburg! A nice rockin family ward. It's also right next to a Baptist college. So that'll be fun. I'll be serving with a missionary who came out right after me and supposedly we're very similar and should get along great.....that's always nice to hear.

But Dublin will always be dear to my heart. The Morgan's sent me off with a bonfire of course! And the Martin's came :) Cuz they love me too. And they're all best friends now :)

Kathy's brother Sammy is awesome!!!!!! We spent some time teaching him this past week and a half and he wants to be baptized! I'm sad I won't be able to be there for the rest of his teaching and growing, but I'm excited for them all. Kathy is jumping out of her seat every lesson and so excited to share what she knows :)

Michele and Joe sent me off with a bang. I GOT TO RAKE LEAVES FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE! And then the yard was full of leaves again 2 hours later (we drove by and checked). Everyone makes fun of me but it's not my fault! Leaves don't fall in California.

I also have been using and umbrella and wearing boots. Like a lot. It's COLD!

(Brother-in-law)   Spencer was in Blacksburg again and dropped off a goodie bag at our door :)

Which brings me to my next point. People. I love sweets, we all know that. I'm getting fat. I don't want to get fat and then with 6 months left be a standard missionary and have to think "6 months to sexy." It's a real thing. Missionaries starve themselves. Don't make me fat! No SWEETS! Please? We all know how I am. I can't just eat one and have moderation. I sit there and eat until I'm sick, then I eat a piece of bread or something, wait 15 minutes, then shove it in again. They're just so delicious......

But if anyone wants to send anything the address is

888 Oakwood Rd Suite 310, Charleston, WV 25314.

Anything sent there will get to me.

LOVE YOU ALL!

-Sister Packard

Best:
1. Kathy's deep fried oreos (it's a problem people).
2. First Saturday night session of Stake Conference EVER.
3. I'm pretty much all packed.
4. I lost my scriptures, but because of that a less-active gave me a brand new pair and I know that sounds weird, but it was big for him. His daughter told me later that I had to take them because she's never seen him care about anything like that so it's important.
5. I RAKED LEAVES.
6. Everyone in our zone except the Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders will be training brand new missionaries this next transfer. Because it's rocking and rolling here!

Worst:
1. I'm leaving Pulaski.
2. Kathy's driving me to the bus tomorrow and going to make me cry.
3. My head hurts....... :(

The Week of Arranged Marriages, and a Baptism!

October 13, 2014

It is cold and rainy and wonderful! The leaves changing is probably the coolest thing ever and just makes me that much more determined to live here one day (sorry Mom, but yes I want to live out here). I'm adjusting to the weather and the need for boots and a real winter/rain coat. You can't rock flats here. 

I finally got to have a Doctors appointment this past week and this is what I learned. I have the rockin Packard sinuses times 10. So my sinuses are just completely closed off and I'm getting headaches from that, which are turning into migraines. Solution? Nasal spray and allergy medication (I'm really cool like that). Results from said medication? HIVES. For the first time in my life. Miserable. I'll have to just accept the pain and get over it I guess because I'm obviously not meant to get better. I'll just be that missionary that's sick their whole mission.

Let's talk about people in Pulaski County shall we?

KATHY IS BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!! Oh she is just so excited! In the bathroom before going in the font she grabbed my face in her hands and pulled me close to say, "This is all because of you. Thank you thank you thank you thank you." And then she kissed me on the cheek. Ray and Dylan were just bawling (Ray because of joy, Dylan because he's not 8 and can't be baptized yet). 

Then she received the Holy Ghost yesterday during testimony meeting and Dylan had me go up with him to bear his testimony. 

"I'm so proud of my mom being baptized and that we know this is the true church, because it is! And if you don't know it? (looks at the crowd condescendingly)" 

He went on and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. I can't adequately express how close to the Spirit this child is. After teaching about temples he prayed that when he went with his mom and dad he would feel the arms of those who have died hugging him in the temple. I will cry when I can't go with them when they're sealed. But they promised to come when I get married so I guess I'll have to take what I can.

We're still working with Sandra and trying to help her understand the importance of being baptized by the proper authority, but the poor thing has been so sick we haven't seen her in a long time.

Bobbie Sue finally got a job! But of course it's a weekend job and we don't know when she'll be able to come to church again. We pray for her so often because she's already going inactive and we hate that! It's hard because it feels like we didn't do enough or aren't to keep her coming to church.

Michele has been very sick as well so we haven't been able to see her in a while, but Thursday was Jo's birthday so we're going over this week with his present and a treat.

Roxy came to church with sweet 2 week old Preston and we've visited with her several times this week. She is a wonderful mother and that sweet boy just kills me. I just sit with my face right next to him and use all my will power to not scoop him up and love on him. Scott is still working like crazy but we're hoping he'll move up in management soon or something will change so he can be coming to church again. 

Juniper is still set to be baptized the 25th! She's got one more lesson and she's ready to go. It just kills me because if I get transferred out it will be on the 23rd and I'll just miss it, and that would be hard.

All right, arranged marriages. I've got 2 offers from members in the Ward for their sons. One is 33 and working on his Masters. The other is 24 and comes with a dowry of a life-time supply of cheese slaw (spicy cheese dip deliciousness). Then they found out they both were offering their sons and the offers and incentives have gotten better and better each week. It's good to know they love me enough to want me in their family forever. I really do want to move back to this Ward. It's killing me to know I'm going to have to leave at some point.

I miss you all a whole lot! The Gospel is true. And sometimes I think the best part of being a missionary is being able to see how much it's the member's duty to do missionary work, and missionaries are just their to help them. NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. And I never realized that, or had any idea how to be an everyday missionary til being out here. It's amazing to see how much you really can do.

-Sister Packard

Best:

1. Teaching about Eternal families to a family who wants nothing more than to be Eternal!

2. Rain!

3. Chinese food. Enough for 6 people. For just Sister Wahlin and I :)

4. Red trees. They're wonderful.

Worst:

1. Migraines.

2. I'm always so cold!!! I used to always be the one giving off body heat and being too warm. Now my hands are always cold.

3. I might be leaving next week........

The Week of EXCITEMENT!

Oct 5, 2014

How cool was General Conference??!?!?!?!?!?!

But let's jump straight to the good stuff.

Good ole E.H. has moved to California to be with his older brothers. This is SOOOOOO good for him because they are stalwarts in the church and it will give him time to really focus on his testimony and growing stronger. He's changed so much in these 3 months I've known him and I really love that old guy. He gave me one of the most precious gifts I've ever received and I just bawled like a baby. He's gonna do great!

Kathy, Ray, and Dylan are doing WONDERFUL! Kathy is still on track to be baptized this Saturday! Ray has been working this week but Kathy teaches him everything we teach her and they are really connecting with members of the Ward! Dylan is best friends with the Morgan's kids now and it's been amazing to see the friendships growing. Kathy is my miracle baptism baby. We were teaching and she looks at me and says, "It's all your fault." I didn't quite know what to say and she kept going, "You broke down my wall. And now I'm here. It's all because of you." She cried, I cried, Ray cried (we cry a lot at their home). It's amazing to see the change in their lives. They absolutely trust everything they're taught. No questions, they just do it and are excited about it. They've been such a blessing and example of truly loving the Gospel.

Dominick is also doing really well and enjoying learning everything again with a new mindset. I don't know how long it will take him to be able to move forward and be baptized but I do see his testimony growing, and that's the important part. 

My lovely Juniper is progressing wonderfully. We're still planning on October 25th with her and she just gets cuter every day! Her knowledge always surprises me. I'm excited to have a lesson on temples and encourage her parents to start to really think about being sealed as a family. It's amazing to see how far they've come as well.

Being a missionary is pretty cool sometimes. Those are my top stories. Everything else is going pretty good. I got some major prescriptions from the mission doctor and it seems to be working pretty well. Hopefully this will get knocked out once and for all!

-Sister Packard

Best:

1. Dylan crushing Kathy's cigarettes.

2. 2 couples with great potential!

3. CONFERENCE PRAYERS WERE AMAZING!

4. Being able to hear people say, "There's a reason you're here."

Worst:

1. Always those emotional highs and lows.

The Week of Fall, Y'all

September 29, 2014

It's safe to say it is officially fall! Everyone's decorations are out! The weather is COOL! And the trees are starting to change!!!!!!! But lets get to the good stuff!

Kathy, Ray, and Dylan came to a Family Home Evening hosted by members of the Ward and absolutely LOVED it! Dylan and the members little boy became best buds and Kathy and the Mom connected better than we ever hoped. On Wednesday we taught them at their house and it was a PERFECT lesson. Dylan had a melt down (he has Aspergers but I don't know how to spell it) and it was just a rough day for him. But during the lesson we were able to help him calm down and he was very excited to say the closing prayer after we committed them to praying if the Book Of Mormon is true. It went like this:

 "We hope to know the Book Of Mormon is true. Well, of course it is! Because it talks about you and your friends!"

 We were ALL crying but especially Kathy. Ray was baptized at 14 and then never went back :) We saw them again Saturday afternoon because Dylan was sick and talked about the scriptures and we basically begged Kathy to come to the Women's Broadcast with us. She didn't take too much convincing (which is huge because she is SO protective of Dylan and normally won't leave his side). At the Broadcast she met up with Sister Morgan and a few other members she's really starting to get to know and love. 

After the Broadcast she came up to me and said, "I had this really weird moment. I flashed back to being a little girl and seeing commercials for a church I always wanted to join. And I realized I'm finally at that church. I'm so glad I'm where I always wanted to be." Sister Wahlin and I almost peed ourselves on the way home because we're so excited. 

Sunday they all came to church even though Dylan was feeling sick and just loved it. You can see it on Kathy's face. There's nothing she wants more than to be at church. The Morgans invited them over for dinner and to have a lesson last night and while the kids were playing we got to have some one on one time with Kathy and Ray and the Morgans. Kathy cried, Ray BAWLED, Sister Morgan cried, I cried, Sister Wahlin cried, and then Kathy agreed to be baptized October 11th. And then to top it all off she turned to Ray and said, "And then you can get your act together and baptize Dylan." WHO TAUGHT HER THAT!?!?! How awesome and prepared is she? Ray said the closing prayer with tears streaming down his face. Miracles. I love these people. We're teaching them again tonight.

We met a senile old woman who continuously told me how beautiful I am and then said we could borrow her cane if we ever need one. She also told us how so many people think they're going to heaven but they're not, because they don't wave or smile at her. So they're going to hell. We love Ethel.

Michele and Jo are doing great! WE FINISHED THE WALL!!!!!!! And it looks DANG good! I'll have to get pictures or something. She is loving the lessons. But in her mind she has already received the Holy Ghost so she doesn't understand why she needs to be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I think she just needs to get an answer about the Book of Mormon and then everything else will make sense. She came to the Women's Broadcast and LOVED it, and we're hoping to get her to watch at least one session of General Conference. Then she can have her answer about Prophet Thomas S. Monson and it will all be gravy from there. Jo won't admit it, but he loves the lessons and learning more. He PONDERS what we've taught all week and then asks us super legit and deep questions. 

Scott's wife had her baby like 30 minutes ago!!!!!! We're trying to keep up with him and be there for him. It'll be easier when they move to Pulaski by the end of October. 

Juniper and her family came to church for the 6th week in a row! Her Dad is preparing to be worthy to baptize her and her little sister. And they're so much more happy. It's so much fun to see them. Part-member families. That's really where it's at.

Let's talk about the Women's Broadcast. Wow. We had an ice-cream social before and the Young Women told me I'm the only cool missionary because I'm not perfect and I don't try to be. BOOM! I'm glad I'm not being the missionary I always hated growing up. And it was just amazing. And the songs that were sung.......wow. I think that's all I can say. It was humbling and exactly what I needed to be boosted and keep going.

The sinus infection battle has continued this week with being extremely drowsy and then in pain again. But luckily I'm surrounded by Doctors and Nurses who hooked me up with antibiotics and other drugs to drain me out. It's a struggle but we're pushing and fighting to keep going. There's too much to do to be sick or drowsy!

I got a blessing and it said that my sickness is nothing new to me, I'm just experiencing it in a different way than I have before.........that was interesting. Cuz I didn't know I had anything like this before!!! So I'm continuing to find the balance and keep from being sick, while Sister Wahlin is continuing to be patient with me and my many issues.

Everything's great here! I just hope I don't leave this next transfer in October! There's still so much to do here!!!!!!

-Sister Packard

Best:

1. Spirit of Elijah. It's strong.

2. We got to watch "Meet The Mormons" with President Salisbury!!!! It's pretty awesome.

3. Shopping for skirts at Goodwill. It really is the place to go.

4. Seeing the Gospel change lives.

Worst:

1. My cardigan got a hole.

2. I'm either drowsy (like super drowsy) or my head hurts (like super hurts).

3. Mom hasn't written me yet this week....... :(