February 25, 2013

To the many amazing people reading this (and who write me back),

What a successful week! The weeks go by so quickly and the days are long. Write Sister Thompson a letter. At the end of each day I fall asleep the second I hit my pillow. It's actually a great feeling to know that I am working hard and am able to have no regrets at the end of each day. I love it! I love going and going and going.

The first of last week was filled with a lot of Goodbyes for Sister Randall. We were able to meet with the Welch family Tuesday night. It was wonderful. We decided to teach them about the Temple and Eternal Families and invite them to be sealed as a family March 2014. They were very excited and said they'd love to progress toward that. We then explained that they would need to be baptized a year before they could be sealed. "We have a baptismal service coming up on March 16th, will you prepare yourself to be baptized on that date?" They looked at a calendar and said they didn't have anything that day. Then Wade explained that he wasn't ready yet and that he needed time to pray and think about it. I know how great this will be for their family and I want it so much for them, but I can't rush anything. Write Sister Thompson a letter. It has to be on their time. We explained that we wanted them to pick a date and that we'd work toward that. I hope they can find their answer soon. :)

Wednesday I said goodbye to Sister Randall. It was a sad goodbye and a huge realization that Sisters West, Westover, and myself are now the senior sisters in the mission. AH! That's so weird. Write Sister Thompson! I think it's really starting to hit me just how soon I go home. I don't like it one bit. I feel like I finally got the hang of everything and sooner than later I'll have to leave it all behind. It's such a sad feeling. Anyway, enough about all that. So, one of the new sisters is from Spanish Fork!!! :) Her name is Sister Graham. I don't know her, she's 19! (she was 4 years younger than me in high school- which makes me feel super old.) She's really nice though. You should write Sister Thompson. I've attached a picture for you to see. Working with Sister Bunker is wonderful. We get along great!!! I really like her and she is super fun.

We've had a success start to our companionship. We were able to meet with our Investigators Robert and the Welch's. Plus, before our supper appointment on Thursday with the Courchesnes we decided to do some tracting in their neighborhood. It was awesome we met two people, Dale and Ken. Both of which invited us to come back in the next day or two. We met with Dale and his wife Helen on Friday and that lesson was awesome!!! Dale and Helen are so nice and Dale is really interested. He said the closing prayer and is excited to have us back and learn more. Two new investigators there! Hey, you should write Sister Thompson a letter before it's too late. Then, Saturday evening we met with Ken. He is kind of quiet, but said that he'd like to quit smoking. (He's in his late 20s or early 30s). Anyway, it was a good lesson... or so we thought. After leaving we got a text from Ken. He pretty much told us that he wasn't really interested. We asked him why he let us come back and he said, "Well, Sister Thompson I felt attraction to you and that was one of the reasons I invited you back. Plus, I like to give people the benefit of the doubt." Oh No!! What do you say to that?!?!? My reply, "Thanks for your honestly. We appreciate you letting us come back. We know the Gospel can really bless your life. We'd love to teach you more so you can find out for yourself. Plus, we want to help you quit smoking." Well, we text back and forth for a little bit, but we're still not sure how interested he is. We plan to go by sometime this week, hopefully it goes well. Oh boy! Write Sister Thompson- you know you want to.

Well, that's all I can think to say this week. Until next time.... WRITE ME!!!!!!

Sister Thompson and Sister Graham from Spanish Fork!!!

Love Always and Forever,
Sister Thompson

P.S. Attached Picture- Sister Thompson and Sister Graham from Spanish Fork!!!

February 18, 2013

Happy Family Day Everyone!

My last transfer call came today and my new companion is..... Sister Bunker! :) I'm really excited. It will be fun to work with her. We lived next door to each other when I was in Millwoods and so I already know her really well. She's awesome! So, this is the start of my last transfer. It's really weird to think that I'm one of the "Senior Sisters" in the mission now. Crazy!

Well, my last week with Sister Randall was fantastic. First off, Tuesday was the 43rd day of the year!!! Loved it!!! Wednesday we Heartattacked the Nickles in our Branch. While they were all at the church for Mutual and meetings we got into their house (don't worry we have free access) and left hearts everywhere. It was lots of fun.Thursday was Valentine's Day. We had District Meeting (always fun) and some members surprised us with a couple huge heart shaped cupcakes. YUM!!! They also had a really cool Scripture to go along with it that was as follows:

"For God so loVed the World

That he gAve

His onLy begotten Son

That whosoEver shall believe

iN Him shall

noT

perIsh, but have

everlastiNg

lifE." -John 3:16

Friday was a good day too. Our Branch had a Valentine's Bash. We were invited to help with the food. They had a lot of fun activities and a Dance. It was fun to be there with everyone. I really feel like I'm at home here in this branch. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. I love it and am sad that I can't serve here longer. Saturday was an amazing day! In the morning we met with our Investigator Travis. (He's 18). We planned to teach him the Word of Wisdom and the Stop Smoking program. Well, He shows up to the church with a coffee. How ironic hey? While waiting for our other members to show he ran outside to have a quick smoke. Again, super ironic. After finishing his cigarette he came back in and asked if he could turn on some music while we waited. We explained that as missionaries we don't listen to non-church music. He then began to tell us that his favorite song is "Smoke a little smoke. Drink a little drink." Sister Randall and I had to contain our laughter. Again, super ironic. As we started and began to explain what the Word of Wisdom was Travis said, "Oh this is kind of funny isn't it? Considering that I brought a coffee, smoked right before walking in, and told you about that song." We all chuckled. As we continued discussing the Word of Wisdom with him he explained that he's never really had a reason to quit and that he doesn't really see that he has much of a future. We then read the blessing listed in the pamphlet, "As you keep the Word of Wisdom, the delicate, sensitive, spiritual part of your nature will be prepared to receive guidance from God. Learn to listen to spiritual promptings and feelings. You will be warned of dangers and will be guided by the Holy Ghost. Your Wisdom and knowledge will increase. You will have greater peace of mind, increased self-control and a confident attitude toward life and the future." How cool was that? It said it right there. That took him off guard. It was EXACTLY what he needed to hear. We talked also about all the money he'd be saving by quiting. He explained that he thinks he probably spent close to $17,000 on cigarettes since he started smoking. $17,000!!!!That's crazy! We then went through the Stop Smoking program. As we were reading through the steps Travis randomly stood up and said, "One second, I'll be back. I have to do something." The rest of us looked at each other, a little confused as we waited. Next thing we know Travis walked back in and handed Brother Orr two packs of cigarettes, "Here, I need to do this." Joy overwhelmed me. I had to keep myself from crying with happiness. Not 30 seconds had gone by when Travis then said, "Wait, can I have them back. I need to do one more thing." Brother Orr gave him them back and Travis proceeded to crush them in his hands to break them in half. As he got to the second pack to crush them, to his surprise his debt card fell out. He had been looking for it for days. "Promised blessing fulfilled. We told you you'd save money by quiting smoking." :) Travis was elated. We were all so excited for him. Brother Orr then took his cigarettes and coffee and threw them in the dumbster. We gave him his needed supplies (grapefruit juice, cinnamon mouthwash, and a new toothbrush- courtesy of the travel toothbrush I got for Christmas ;) Thanks Lin! You're helping my investigator quit smoking.) Travis and everyone in the room all signed his certificate signifying that he is now officially a non-smoker. And then we took a picture which I've attached. It was amazing! The Spirit in that lesson was awesome. As we left that appointment I thought to myself, "Now, this is why I'm on a mission. To help people change their lives." What a great feeling that was!

 

 Sunday we had an unexpected surprise/ blessing. When we moved into our new apartment an older Sister in the ward, Sister Bondy, was moving into a Lodge and needed to downsize. She gave us most of her furniture and kitchen supplies. She left her vacuum and mop with a lady in her old building for us to pick up later. We decided to stop by and get it from her. She was super nice, invited us in and we chatted for at least a half hour. We brought up the Gospel, why we were serving as missionaries, what our church services were like, the Book of Mormon, etc. She was interested in learning more and after leaving her with a prayer we set up a time to come see her on Tuesday. New investigator! Woot! Woot! Her name is Doreen and she is super nice. It's interesting how the Lord puts us exactly where he wants us. Sometimes it takes borrowing a vacuum to a neighbor to share the Good News. :)

Well, I love you all! Until next week,

Sister Thompson

February 11, 2013

My Dearest Loved Ones,

Another week has come and gone hey. To be honest, this last week was quite busy and I don't remember any specific stories. Sister Randall and I did a lot of walking around and tracting (which I love- weird I know.) We talked to a lot of people and invited them to our Branch Valentine's Bash. :) Oh, currently it is a warm 10C outside today. I couldn't be more over joyed. Oh for sure! (I can't remember what that would be in Fahrenheit but believe me it's warm). :) I'm not even wearing a coat today- go figure hey!

Hmmm.... what else to say. My mind is all over the place today. It's Sister Randall's official last week of her mission. She's finishing strong. (which is a blessing so that I'm not trunky.) Oh and HAPPY 43RD DAY OF THE YEAR TOMORROW!!!! I hope it's a day of Dreams come true for y'all. (Sister Randall says y'all because she is from Texas and I have found myself saying it often too.) Anyway, Sister Randall and I got figuring and turns out that the 43rd day of the year (aka tomorrow) is 43 days until the day I go home. I'm sure that sounds super trunky of me to say, but if you know me you know I love the number 43 so figuring that out made me happy (not to go home, but just to know that the 43rd day of the year marks 43 days left. Coincidence? I think not!)

Okay, now onto more stories. So, we met with Robert this week and he is progressing so well. We taught him the Word of Wisdom and he accepted it no problem. We were also trying to get him a ride to church since his normal ride couldn't. Well, he hadn't heard from us yet so he took it upon himself to stop by Sister Kyle's (from the Branch and someone he knew before) work and ask her for a ride. How cool is that?! You know that your investigator is progressing when they do all they can to find a ride. Believe me that is more rare than you think. Also, Travis who we just started meeting with came to church. He is doing well. He had been kicked out of his house a few weeks ago and was living with a friend. Well, they decided to charge him an outrageous amount for one room so he started living out of his car. When we found out we had him meet with our Branch President and now he is staying with him. Which will be awesome because now he will have a great role model and a wonderful environment to live. We're planning on starting The Stop Smoking Program with him this week.

Well, I honestly can't think of much else to write. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoys the week. Hope to hear from y'all soon. ;) You only have 43 days to write me! ;) ha ha

We Street Contacted Superman. :) Did you know he resides in Drayton Valley?

Love Always,
Sister Thompson

February 4, 2013

To the many people I love,

Every week in Drayton Valley has been an adventure so far. This last week was no exception. In fact, I would venture to say that this week was a week of Miracles! Not to mention we moved into our new apartment finally. It's a beauty! I feel like I'm living in a palace. It's a two bedroom apartment and it has a kitchen and a shower that actually works :) We use our extra bedroom for our "Study". We finally feel like we're missionaries again and it's been a lot easier to get back into a routine.

The focus of my week however had to do with a 18 year old guy I mentioned 3 weeks ago. Below is a refresher of meeting him.

"Thursday we had a really neat experience. We went to lunch at Subway and as we we're waiting in line a guy in front of us [Dallin] said, "So, how long have you been on your missions?" This was a young guy we thought looked in his 20s. Turns out he is 18 and a less active member from BC who is working in the oil industry out here. He is super nice and offered to buy our lunch (first time that has ever happened to me as a missionary.) Anyway we talked to him at Subway for about an hour and he's thinking about coming back to church. He is amazing! I know we were meant to be there and run into him. It's great how much our Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives. We really connected with him and he really opened up to us."

Well, since then we have been trying to get a hold of him, but since he worked in the Oil industry it isn't the easiest. Wednesday night we got a text from him that was pretty exciting. "Hey Sisters! This is Dallin, I just want to let you both know that I am going to rejoin the church! I have prayed and I want to repent. I will attend church this Sunday in Drayton Valley so I will see you then :) " When I saw that I was elated. Well, the next day was a day full of Miracles. We met with our Investigator Robert in Evansburg. Our Relief Society President Sister Seely came with us. Evansburg is about 40 km from Drayton Valley. Now Alberta winters can be pretty bipolar. The day before -40C but Thursday turned out to be around 2C. This is a problem because it means the roads can get pretty icy. As we were headed back to Drayton (Sister Randall driving, Sister Seely in the back seat, and myself in the front seat) we saw a truck pulling a trailer, headed in the opposite direction of us, start to lose control. We were headed right for them (they were only about 50 feet away). As the trailer jackknifed, coming at us at perpendicular rather than parallel. I have to admit I was concerned but calm at the same time. I heard a voice very calmly and firm say, "Go into the ditch." Just then Sister Randall calmly turned off the road into the ditch (about 15 feet away from the truck). Later I asked Sister Randall if she heard that voice and she hadn't heard a voice, but felt impressed to head for the ditch. It was either the Spirit or Sister Seely, but either way it protected us. Hitting the snow almost felt like we were on Splash Mountain Canada Style. There was so much snow and boy did it go EVERYWHERE! The car finally stopped, everyone in our car safe and alive, we took a deep breath realizing that we could have died. We got out of the car to go check on everyone else. The snow was pretty deep (to the top of my boots). The way the car was situated I couldn't get out of my door and had to climb over the driver's seat. The truck that lost control was on the other side of the road about 15+ feet north of where we ended up. They were alive and we were alive. The road was quite icy. Everyone walking on the road was sliding all over the place. We waited about an hour for the tow truck. I got to sit in the back of an RCMP truck to fill out my report. It was all quite an adventure. After helping us out the Police hurried off to a roll over accident about 2 Kms up from us. Back on the road we drove past where the other vehicle rolled as we drove past my heart dropped. 'That's Dallin's truck' the thought came to me. Immediately I started praying that if that was Dallin, he'd be alright. We planned on calling him later that night to make sure he was alright. Just before we got into our last appointment our phone rang, it was Dallin! "Hey Sisters it's Dallin." "Hey Dallin, we've been thinking about you all day and were just about to call you. Is everything alright?" "No actually. I hit some black ice and rolled my truck. I was calling to see if I could get a ride to church on Sunday." It was Dallin! Turns out he spun out, rolled his truck and walked away from it without a scratch. I know this wasn't a coincidence. God definitely puts us in people's lives at the right time for a reason.

Thursday night, while trying to fall asleep, my mind reviewed what all had happened that day. I was certain of two things. One God puts us in people's lives for a reason and two we have angels watching over us. In the middle of the night I awoke to an impression, "Dallin is a prospective Elder!" I sat up in bed, overjoyed with the idea. As a branch we have a goal to help 5 prospective Elders receive the Melchezidek Priesthood by the end of February. I felt very impressed that Dallin would be one of them.

Sunday rolled around and Dallin came to church! We got him a ride with Brother and Sister Kyle. It was so exciting to see Dallin again. We hadn't seen him since we first met at Subway. Being Fast and Testimony meeting, Dallin was the first to get up and bear his testimony. It was amazing!!! He talked about his journey, meeting us sisters, and reading his scriptures for the first time in 2 years. He said, "Knowing the missionaries has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I know God is aware of me and loves me. I plan on turning my life around, going on a mission and get married in the temple." Later Dallin told us that we are angels God sent and that he will never forget us. He is so amazing!!! I'm so grateful that I've been a part of this miracle. Brother Bowie from the High Council bore his testimony and said, " We are seeing miracles in this branch." I agree! I know that's true! I love the work of the Lord!

Love Always,

Sister Thompson