November 24, 2014:Thank Goodness for P-Day

This week went by really fasttttt, and then really slowwwww. It was a drastic turn around in the middle of the week. So P-Days are always a blessing, because you know that you can start over again. 

Mariah and Dallas broke the news to us that they're moving back to Spokane no earlier than December 8. NOOOO!!! I hate to see people move just as they're setting a foundation in the gospel. But who knows, maybe this move could be good for them, and hopefully their ward in Spokane will really help their family out. We're going to try and visit them as much as possible until they leave and try and get them spiritually prepared and set.

Angel has been progressing really well. Matthew is gone now- and it's actually been pretty good for their relationship (at least, from my perspective). Before he left, she would always complain about him and, honestly, she was happy for him to leave... ouch. BUT! Now that he's gone, she's noticing all that he did for her and Victoria (the baby) and how much she really does love him. (Cute, right? Anywaysss...) We gave Angel a daily reading and prayer chart. It's made with short scriptures that she could read fast and gives boxes for her to check off when she's completed it. She's doing really well with it! I told her that I'd read it with her every day, and she's been having to get on ME about doing it! hahaha! Yes, I must confess, I DO read my scriptures... but sometimes I forget to read the scriptures that I'm supposed to read WITH HER. Haha! But she's been reading them and then we'll text back and forth about what we read and how we can apply it. It's been awesome!

We went on exchanges this week. (I think this is the 3rd time this transfer? Gosh. They must think we're trouble makers or something. haha) I stayed here in Parma with Sister Clegg, and Sister Miller went to New Plymouth with Sister Thomas. I LOVE EXCHANGES! It's always good when you have a little bit of a change in your day- either a new person to see, a new companion, or a new service project that you've never done before. And it's even BETTER when you can learn something from the companion you have that day. :) I was asked what big lesson I've learned on my mission and what scripture I would use to describe it, and for the longest time I couldn't answer that question! "You stumped me on that one," I told her. But that night I thought of it! Alma 29:13-17. We are all laboring in the same work!

Last Monday, we worked at the local food pantry- named The Sunshine Cupboard. They were giving out food especially for Thanksgiving, so they had an extra big crowd that day. That was awesome to help there! I love doing things like that. I love talking with the random people of the community. :) It was a great way for us to see the people from the community- people that may or may not have slammed the door in my face before hahahaha- and just LOVE THEM TO PIECES!!!

We had a great lesson with Elsie this week about her baptism. We went over the baptismal interview questions with her and she is just... amazing. She knows that the gospel, as a whole, is true. And she knows that since she's gotten the answer that the church is true that every little point of doctrine that we teach her is true. Looking forward to her baptism on December 13. :)

We met an awesome guy while contacting our referrals this week. His name is David. He's been going through a lot of health issues lately- but says that he really wants to hear about the gospel. (There really are people who are just prepared!!) He told us about how his son (who is now 40 years old) grew up with LDS kids, and now all of those LDS kids are successful and have great family lives. So he's seen the example that those LDS kids were to his son- and he wants to know more about what it is that makes their lives so great! But- the only down side- he's told us that as much as he wants to learn, his health problems are making it close to impossible for his brain to function. He says that it's getting worse and worse every day. (This guy was apparently a teacher and a really educated guy... And really high on the social latter.) But he's allowed us to keep visiting him. I just know that miracles will happen with this man.

Penny is doing really great as well. We visited her and just really had a heart to heart about how we all have trials within ourselves and within our families, but that we need to turn to Heavenly Father in prayer. We talked a lot about agency and how, yes, sometimes we want to take it away from people haha! But that we need to just continue to have hope that, one day, things will change.

Zone Conference was this week. Our district performed a musical number together and it turned out pretty good (thank goodness). We talked a lot about Thanksgiving and fasting- but we also talked a lot about becoming fearless. We need to be more like Captain Moroni and like Peter!

Just a few one liner thoughts from this week: 

Strengthen yourself so that you can strengthen others.
One of the most powerful comments that you can receive is when people tell you that they're praying for you.
A good mother teaches her children the importance of the gospel, even if they choose not to embrace it. 

Sister Gubler

SNOW! November 17th, 2014

I don't even know where to begin! 

Sister Miller and I were asked to do a musical number at our Thanksgiving zone conference on the 21st. But, I've already done one and Sister Miller's always participated in playing the piano for the conference. PLUS, let's be honest, no one likes to see the same people up there every single time. Soooo, we opened it up to our district! We'll be doing a district musical number. :) Should be good! Everyone was pretty excited for it, and thankful for the opportunity to share their talents. (Some of these missionaries have been hiding their lights under a bushel! haha)

Not to quote 17 Miracles, but... "The snow came- all at once." haha!

It snowed 9 inches over Thursday and Friday. It was crazy. It never stopped coming down. But weather never stops missionaries- at least, not these 2 missionaries! A couple people from the ward would call or text us saying, "Are you seriously driving around in this weather?! Stay home and off the roads!" And we would just respond with, "Weather doesn't stop missionary work! But thank you for your concern!" We need new investigators desperately- we were NOT taking a break because of some snow. Puh-lease. The snow actually worked to our advantage while knocking on doors. People would answer the door and look at us like we were crazy. Haha! One woman actually said, "You must be pretty dedicated if you're walking around in these temperatures!" (It was 5 degrees outside.) To which I responded, "Well, any chance we can get to talk to people about Jesus Christ, we take it. We love Him!" Now, she didn't become a new investigator or anything, but she was really touched by our comments and invitation to learn more about the gospel. 
But this snow is also making me feel like an old person- my body hurts. haha I'm just grateful that I've had a couple Rexburg winters under my belt. That's made everything easier.

We've contacted all but 6 of our 20 referrals this week... Still nothing. But I'm convinced that 1 of those referrals is someone waiting to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ! I'm sure of it!

I got a new camera this week. My old one just wasn't too great- although functional. Let me know if I should send it home. But, if not, I was thinking about sending it to one of the young men, serving in Wisconsin, whose family lives here. They don't have a lot of money, and their missionary doesn't have a camera. And, maybe it's just me, but I think that all missionaries need to be able to have pictures from their mission. I'll let you know what happens there though.

We have Elsie back on a baptismal date- set for December 13. She told us that she's been praying about whether the church is true and if she should get baptized into this church, and she just keeps feeling more and more reassured and calm about it. She said that she knows that it's true! YAY! She set her own baptismal date, so hopefully that will give her some motivation to work on getting ready. She hasn't come to church in about 2 months, so she needs to start doing that. (Terribly frustrating when they don't even have an excuse, they just don't come.) And we need to make sure that her testimony is solid on a few more principles. But she's definitely getting close.

The Lord really does put us in specific situations at specific times. Our schedule one day had just gotten completely turned around and messed up (as it always does), and we ended up knocking on Ribbon's door late in the day. We knew that she wasn't going to have much time- she had to get to work- but we just needed to get some information from her for her records. Well, she opens the door, sees us, and just starts to sob... She tells us about how she needs help. She's about to lose her job, her husband won't be home for 2 hours, she has to leave for work, there's no one to watch the kids, her babysitter cancelled, her family can't come because the roads are too icy, etc etc. I said, "Let me make a phone call," and excused myself, while Sister Miller talked to Ribbon further. It took about 20 minutes, but we found Ribbon a babysitter for her children until her husband would get home. 
Well, long story short, her husband isn't too partial to LDS people... so the babysitter wasn't needed after all. BUT! We were able to show Ribbon that we (the missionaries) and the members of the ward are there to help her at ALL TIMES. Just because she isn't active in the church, doesn't mean that the people don't love her and want to serve her. She was very touched by that. (Hooray! We touched a heart!)

As you'll be able to tell from my pictures, I wore my glasses for most of the week. I think I scratched my eye or something... I don't know. But my contacts hurt SO BAD when I take them out, not putting them in though. So, yeah. I don't know. But I'm wearing glasses until I figure it out or until it heals.

Sister Gubler

It was Sister Gibb's birthday yesterday (Sunday)- she's a missionary in our district, serving in the neighboring ward. So we heart attacked her door! YAY! Spy time! That was super fun. :) 

Yesterday was the Primary Program in our ward. Seriously the cutest thing ever! It's my favorite Sunday. :) 

Sister Gubler

 This is Brad. He's married to a less active member. They decided to make us... I don't even know how to describe it.
They put the picture on the glass and place tin foil around it to make a mirror looking thing. It was nice of them. We did it as a FHE.

 This is Penny- one of our investigators. She is the sweetest lady!

GOATS!

 Weird district picture. Totally describes us. 
(2 of the Elders are gone though... but they're always gone somewhere. haha)

 Snow!

Blessings of the Temple! November 10, 2014 letter

I've reached my halfway mark! WHOOP! 9 months to go, my friends. It's crazy how fast it's gone.

I was able to attend the temple on Thursday! YAY! After getting a call Wednesday afternoon at about 3pm, "Hey, Sister Gubler, are you ready for the temple trip tomorrow at noon?" WHAT?! TOMORROW?! haha! But going to the temple was the BEST DAY EVER. Of course, after not having attended in 9 months, I was worried and a bit anxious for the experience... but once I entered the doors, I felt that I had just been there and done a session yesterday! It was a confirmation to me that I'm living that way that I should be. As I sat in the temple, I couldn't help but reflect on my mission so far and think about all that's happened. I just kept having the overwhelming feeling that my life was going to be blessed after I get home. The Lord was proud of me- that I'm sure of. And my entire week has been different since being in the temple. I feel 100% better about my missionary work and about myself. I've been spiritually and physically rejuvenated! I'm ready to take on the next 9 months with full power and strength!  

Update on Angel and Matthew: Angel is still progressing well. For the last little bit, Matthew has been... not progressing. The hard part is that he comes from a difficult family life and has close to no religious background. He's knowledgable about religion, but doesn't really have any strong core beliefs. (Other than that there is a God- which is a GREAT start!) Well, being a young parent (only 18, was supposed to have graduated this year in 2015)... Matthew has been trying to search for a job. (Let me just add in here- it's so sad to see so many young people have to get married soooo young and unprepared for life because of one mistake.) Well, good news! Matthew was accepted in the Job Core in Nampa! Hopefully this will give him a good job afterwards- he hopes to join the Army. And, the bad part... He'll have to live in the dorms there for 8-12 months while he goes to school, while Angel is still living here in Parma. Talk about a rough situation! But she'll be able to visit him on the weekends and during visiting hours. (At least he's not too far away.) But for a young, young, young couple with a little baby... that could be a hard time. I have come to the conclusion that this will be a time that Angel really progresses in the gospel, or really digresses. We're praying that the ward will really fellowship her during this next year of her life. Matthew leaves on November 18th (yeah, short notice right?) so we've been going over and trying to visit them as much as possible before he leaves. Last night we watched "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration" with them and we've been reading scriptures with them often. Hopefully Matthew will progress as he is away.

At a Relief Society activity on Tuesday night, we made gratitude charts to hang on our fridges. (I must say, mine looks adorable. Not to brag or anything.) Honestly, I thought it was the cheesiest thing ever and I really didn't even want to make one.... (I'm lame.) But after putting it on the fridge, it's been SO GOOD for me to write down several things that I'm grateful for each day! I'm going to continue doing that- even past Thanksgiving.

This week, I've been learning more and more how to cope with people that flat out object the gospel. First it was an investigator, then it was a less active.... I've been reflecting a lot on Boyd K. Packer's talk "The Candle of the Lord", as well as David A. Bednar's talk "Seek Learning by Faith". In Bednar's talk, he talks about how the learner (investigator, less active, whoever) can only feel the witness of truth from the Holy Ghost if they allow it. And even if they feel it, they have to be the ones to act on the witness that they've received. No one can do it for them. Lately, we've had people saying to us, "Prove it to me! I don't believe it! You can't prove it, so it's not true!" And when you bear testimony to them, they take your testimony and throw it on the ground and stomp on it. They still say, "How can you know that?! You don't know that! Prove it!" President Packer addresses that topic with relating an encounter that he had with an Athiest man on a plane:

I (President Packer) said to the Athiest, "Let me ask you if you know what salt tastes like?"

"Of course I do," was his reply.

"When did you last taste salt?"

"I just had dinner on the plane."

"You just think you know what salt tastes like," I said.

He insisted, "I know what salt tastes like as well as I know anything."

"If I give you a cup of salt and a cup of sugar and let you taste them both, could you tell the salt from the sugar?"

"Now you are getting juvenile," was his reply. "Of course I could tell the difference. I know what salt tastes like. It is an every day experience. I know if as well as I know anything."

"Then," I said, "assuming that I have never tasted salt, explain to me just what it tastes like."

After some thought, he ventured, "Well-I-uh, it is not sweet, and it is not sour..."

"You've told me what it isn't, not what it is."

After several attempts, of course, he could not do it. He could not convey, in words alone, so ordinary an experience as tasting salt. I bore testimony to him once again and said, "I know there is a God. You ridiculed that testimony and said that if I did know, I would be able to tell you exactly how I know. My friend, spiritually speaking, I have tasted salt. I am no more able to convey this to you in words how this knowledge has come than you are to me what salt tastes like. But I say to you again, there is a God! He does live! And just because you don't know, don't try to tell me that I don't know, for I do!"

President Packer describes his experience perfectly. You can invite them to feel of the spirit- to know of truth- but if they don't have the desire to know, then they don't have to.

A funny moment that happened this week: We worked at the local Senior Center again and a lady walked up to Sister Miller and said, "Are you nuns?" Hahaha! S.Miller was kind and responded with, "No, we are missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We talk to people about Jesus Christ." But yeah... I guess it's not that funny... but it was funny at the time. hahaha

Our mission president has given us the challenge to challenge 2 people from our ward council to hand out a Book of Mormon in the month of November. So, we decided to step it up a notch and we extended the invitation to the entire ward council! Hopefully they will all take the challenge and will be able to share their experiences with us! We're excited for it!

We had stake conference this weekend. The Saturday evening session was centered on hastening the work (a missionaries favorite topic) and the Sunday session was a telecast to all of the stakes in Oregon. It was fabulous! The speakers were Kent F. Richards, Jean A Stevens, Neil L. Andersen, and Thomas S. Monson!!! Talk about a spiritual meeting!! 
Elder Richards talked about how we need to be children of light and how we need to have opposition so that we can know and love the good in life. Elder Richard's also said, "Trust the miracle that He had already sent the light and He is just waiting for us to act in faith." We also need to follow the pattern of prayer, humility, and obedience in order to always be protected spiritually.
(He also shared a story of how his family when and hiked up to the Y in Provo, had a devotional at the top, and sang "Choose the Right" for all of the young couples there at the top. hahahaha Funny.)
Sister Stevens talked about how God's purpose is to save each one of his children and how we are the search and rescue crew helping in the effort. (Once again tying in hastening the work.) She also said, "Little by little, love changes hearts. And little by little, God's work is accomplished with His divine help." Our efforts will have eternal significance.
Elder Andersen spoke on how we need to have FAITH, DILIGENCE, PATIENCE! (Repeated over 10 times during his talk, while holding up his fingers "1, 2, 3"- must've been important or something ;)) He talked about how the Lord doesn't always bless us immediately, making the joke, "The Lord doesn't balance his books in October". haha! (Maybe that won't make sense unless I told the whole story... but oh well.
President Monson told us that we need to awaken the desire to rescue and to save. If we don't try, then we don't DO. And if we don't DO, then why are we here? He talked about how if we don't magnify our callings, we will be held accountable! (Scary! but true!) And how we need to help others by 1. helping them see their eternal possibilities, 2. acting as the Savior would and loving all people, 3. knowing people can change and 4. using the language of the spirit.

I just want to close this letter by quoting my mission president, President Cannon... This is something he says to me EVERY. TIME. I have an interview/meeting with him.

"Anyone with a name like 'Molly Gubler' has got to be pretty fantastic!"

Amen. Amen to that.

Sister Gubler

Lessons from Joseph F. Smith. November 3, 2014 letter!

The lesson in Relief Society was on Joseph F. Smith this Sunday- focusing on missionary work. How I relate to President Smith! Apparently, on his mission, he didn't have the opportunity of really teaching or baptizing anyone. He described his missionary service as spending years away from his new wife, knocking doors, inviting people to learn about the gospel, but no one taking the opportunity. But he didn't let that drag him down! He didn't allow that to be a representation of who he was as a missionary. He knew he was doing his best. And then he later became a prophet! Can you imagine what would have happened if he viewed his mission as a "failure"? He was described as one that tilled the ground so that the seeds could be planted by someone else. I needed that lesson! Just because you don't have those obvious successes, doesn't mean that you're a terrible missionary. On Saturday, my companion and I were comparing our mission experiences. As we talked about the people that we had taught and the people that had been baptized, my companion went on and on (for what felt like forever) naming off people. And when it was my turn, I could count the number of people using only my 10 fingers. Better than Joseph F. Smith's experience, but still hard. Maybe I'm just considered one that is tilling the ground so that others can plant the seeds.

The only thing that's frustrating about that is when other missionaries ask you, "How many baptisms have you had?" And then you answer with "zero" or "one", and they look at you like, "Seriously? That's it? What is this Sister doing all day long? Does she even know what she's doing?" But they say out loud, "Oh, don't worry Sister! You'll get some!" Oh shush people! The numbers don't matter! I'm just fine with being a ground tiller!!!!

Sister Miller had another baptism in Nampa on Saturday... (I'm pretty sure this is, like, #5 since she's been here in Parma.) SO, ANYWAYS, I went on exchanges to New Plymouth again. This time we spent 8 HOURS splitting and stacking wood for a less active family. Seriously. 9-5pm. In the pouring rain. It was us and then 2 other sets of Elder's- and we split over 7 cords of wood... (that's what the guy said, not sure how much that actually is) But I am in SO MUCH PAIN. I felt like I was lifting weights for 8 hours. It is hard to describe the amount of our effort. And I didn't even take a picture. But we pretty much filled a whole garage full of wood. Yeah. We felt accomplished.

So, Halloween happened. All the missionaries went home early that night. Soooo... I just watched a Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert from 2002 (when the Olympics were at SLC) and the play that they did, "A Light to the World". And my companion sat in the other room cause she didn't want to watch it. hahaha Yeah. We had a good time. Safe to say, Halloween isn't my favorite holiday ever. So I was just grateful that I could get an extra hour or two of sleep that night. BUT! I DID dress up my Kenny the Koala- he turned into SUPER KENNY!

We've been contacting a lot of the referrals that we received from our tracting bltiz. So far, not much has come of it- other than awkward encounters. haha! But, yeah, I'll keep you posted if any new investigators start to come out of the wood work from it. :)

We've been visiting a less active whose name is Rory. She's never read The Book of Mormon. She said that it didn't make any sense, she didn't get anything out of it, and that there was no point. WELLLLLL. So, we challenged her to read one page every day. And at the end of each page, to write a summary of what she read on a sticky note. Every night before we go home, we follow up with her on what's she's read and explain things to her. As we've gone over, we've noticed that her entire countenance has changed! She understands what she reads and she applies it in her life! It's been amazing to watch how just reading one page from the scriptures each day can totally transform a person.

Oh man. I HAVE to tell you about a run-in I had last night with a ward member. (This experience pretty much describes my entire time here in Parma.)

Member: "Sisters! Who are you teaching?"
Me: "Do you remember Richard and Rocky and Elsie? We introduced them to you a while back."
Member: "uhhh....... Oh right! Them!" (yeah, he didn't remember.) "How are they progressing?"
Me: "They're doing good! The only thing that they're struggling with now is that they aren't coming to church."
Member: (looking at me funny) "That's a big thing though."
Me: "You're right. It is. They've met a lot of people from the ward. We're just trying to find someone that will really connect with them and stick."
Member: "So, you're telling me that we need to work better at doing missionary work?"
Me: (feeling bad for putting him on the spot) "The members are great at going over there with us! We just haven't found someone who's really clicked yet."
Member: "Have you tried giving them lessons in a member's home?"
Me: "No, we haven't! That's a great idea! Would you be willing to have them over for a lesson?"
Member (backpedaling): "Uhhhh.... Well.... I mean... I have young kids. I don't know...."
Me: "Well, that's perfect! Cause they have a 2 year old and a 7 year old!"
Member: (really wanted to end the conversation) "Well.... Ummm.... I'll have to see if I'm free.... You can just call me and I'll let you know."
Me: "Awesome."

Yeah. Pretty much describes Parma. They LOVE giving us suggestions, but they aren't really willing to do anything to help. #thestruggleisreal
When members assist in the missionary work, everything just goes better.

My halfway mark is on the 5th! I was totally planning on burning a skirt or something... but burning isn't allowed anymore. DANG IT. There goes my plans! haha! Maybe I'll just take the usual picture. (BORING)

The missionary work here is still the same. Inviting people to change, they don't do it, we feel sad, we visit them again and explain that they need to come to church/read scriptures/say prayers if they're going to progress, and then the cycle happens all over again. Fortunately, there are little changes that are happening. Goals are being created. People are starting to understand doctrines. People are praying when trials come. The gospel is bringing their families together. It's amazing to see. I just wish that THEY could see it for themselves!

Sister Gubler

Staying. October 27, 2014 letter!

Yup. I'm staying in Parma for ANOTHER transfer. This will mean that I'll have been in Parma, ID for 6 monthssssss. Long time for Sister Gubler. Long time. I've pretty much reached the conclusion that there's either a big lesson that I need to learn, or someone that I need to find, OR BOTH! Whatever it is, I hope I learn it/find them fast- cause I'm getting antsy being in one place for this long.... (Dad has raised a girl that constantly needs to move around and have change.)

But this transfer will be good, and probably go by quickly. There's a lot of things happening! Halloween, zone conference, temple trip/halfway mark, a TON of referrals to contact, Thanksgiving, zone meetings, and my birthday (the big 21). Woot woot. Lots o' stuff.

Oh, and Sister Miller is staying here with me.

We had a tracting blitz in our area on Saturday and received a total of 20 referrals! (THAT'S A LOT!) That should keep us busy for the first couple weeks of the transfer. And we're praying that we get some new investigators from it as well. :) From the sounds of it, it seems like there are some golden contacts in there. So, we're praying that something happens!

We helped at a funeral this week- making salads, setting up, putting the food out, making dessert, and cleaning up afterwards. Not too exciting. But it was good to do some service- the person that had passed away didn't really have many friends and/or family. So, we were the only help that the RS president had in making the food for about 20 people.

We had interviews with our mission president this week. Short as always, no longer than 3 minutes. But he asked the GREAT questions that the Sisters always love: How's your area? How are you getting along with your companion? <--- LOVE those questions! Not that I ever have anything to say, but IF I DID, the opportunity is there.

We had a very frustrating Missionary Correlation Meeting with our ward missionaries... One of our ward missionaries just flat out said (about some less actives), "I'm done visiting these people. I don't enjoy their company and they're not going to change. You can still see them, but I'm done with them." WHAAAAAAT?! Oh my goodness. It took everything in my power not to say anything. I tried to explain about how we just need to be patient and loving, that one day they may accept our invitation to come back. I then shared some examples of people from the ward that had been visited for 13+ years before they had come back- but they did! Well, this ward missionary was NOT hearing it. Telling us (S. Miller and I) that we needed to listen to the spirit more about when it came time to drop people. Excuuuuuse meeee? Man. That made me a little angry. (Okay, a "little" is not an accurate word. I was a LOT angry. I repented about that.) But it is just SO HARD to do missionary work when the members and the missionaries are not on the same team! Get your head in the game people! It's impossible to win if more than half of our players are just sitting out on the sidelines!

We volunteered at the community senior center again this week. I was given the responsibility to chop an entire 50 pound bag of onions. Boy, that was killer. But, my eyes didn't even water once. Woot!

The Spanish-speaking Elders over our area spoke in our sacrament meeting yesterday. They gave fabulous talks- and gave us shout outs all throughout (which was wonderful). One of the Elders actually stood up and said, "The Sisters actually quoted to us yesterday about how happy they are to be serving here. And I quote, 'We are so excited to be staying here in Parma- the best area in the mission- for another 6 weeks! We know that the Lord has placed us here for a reason and we couldn't be happier! ...And Elder Halverson and Elder Collet are the best Spanish-speaking missionaries in the mission! We're so happy that they're covering Parma with us!" Yeahhhhhh, okayyyyy. We did NOT say that. hahahaha But it's all good! At least it was a shout out, right? :)

Well... Not much else has happened. It was a rough week for me- emotionally. Can't really explain it. But I'm sure that it will get better soon. This week will be better.

Sister Gubler

Not much new. October 20, 2014 letter!

I'm a true farmer now! October 13, 2014 letter

Hellllllllloooo one and all!

I would just like to announce that: I RODE IN A COMBINE TODAY! (If that's even how you spell it... Awkward.) But they've been finishing up harvest around here and a member of the ward let us tag along. It was LEGIT. Pictures to follow. Amazing time. (The people here in Parma just laugh at me for my excitement- whatever. haha) I don't know if you'll be able to see me inside though... My companion was taking the pictures and she was pretty far away.

Soooo... I totally had hives all up and down my arms for 2 weeks. WEIRD. That's never happened before. It's safe to say that it was kinda freakin' me out. But they're gone now!!! So it's all good! Hopefully that doesn't happen again. (Sister Miller always blames our water... Kristey (from the ward) always claims that I have ebola. haha! Ebola is the answer to every symptom!)

Okay- so- you'd be amazed at how many people like to give marriage advice to us missionaries. Or try to set us up with people. (Happened once in Kuna, and this old non-member guy here is trying to set one of us up with his neighbor. haha!) Anywayssss... Some of the advice that they give us:

1. Don't marry negative people. They never change. And they only get more negative with age. 

2. Glue in your dentures- if you don't, you might end up biting your husband on the lips.

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I'll just leave you with those two. ;) Those are the safest. ;) Those have been some pretty interesting moments on my mission. 

We taught Elsie this week! She's amazing. She's expressed her desire to be baptized, but we're still trying to help her as she gains a stronger testimony of the gospel. We want to make sure that if she's baptized that she stays active! (There's always so many baptisms, but not a lot of retention. Hence why we do so much work with less actives in this area.) Hopefully she'll be set for baptism next month. Elsie also attended a Relief Society party that was on Friday night. It was soooo much fun! The ward members were great about introducing themselves to her and making her feel welcome. (As missionaries, we're always SO grateful when that happens! Our worst nightmare is that we'll bring an investigator to a party or to church and no one will say anything to them.)

We found a new potential investigatorrrrrr. Woot woot! Her name is Ribbon. She's the bomb. The first time that we visited her, she didn't let us in and just talked to her for a few minutes at the doorstep. The second time we went over (it was seriously a moment from The District 2) her daughter was outside so we said, "Winnie, hiiii!" and, well, we got in!! And it turns out that she spent some time growing up in Salmon! WHAT?! I asked her if she knew any Tolman's- sure enough, she was friends with Josh in high school! We sat and talked about Salmon for a longggg time. And she invited us to come back! Woot woot! Thank goodness for the Tolman family, right?! :D

We've been struggling with gaining member trust in this area since I first got here. It's been rough. I've spent the last 4.5 months doing service for the members, visiting them, giving FHE's and other lessons,  and trying to help them with their missionary work. It just feels like nothing is really working. Well, just recently, some Spanish speaking Elder's came to work in our area (one of which is related to me distantly- thought that was cool- but that's not important right now) and the members just LOVE them!!! They're getting referrals up the wazoo and they have a great chunk of investigators to teach! They've only been working in the area for 2 weeks!!! And they were asked to speak in our ward's sacrament meeting (which I still haven't been asked to do and it's been 4.5 months). Yeahhhh... I seriously wanted to PUNCH A WALL! (I think I've developed an anger problem on my mission... Aren't missions supposed to make you more rational?? I have a lot to work on. haha.) But it's frustrating when you've been here for so long and no matter how hard you try, how much you do, how nice you are... you still don't get the support that you need. It's definitely been a test of my patience. 

Well, I've come to the realization that (maybe, just maybe) the fruits of our labors will not be seen by our own eyes... but these other Elder's will reap the fruits of our labors. That made me feel a little better. After all, there will be some who sow and some who reap, but the reward for both is the same. This is not a competitive work. It's a team effort. 

We went tracting in a little town called Vale on Saturday. That was a BLAST! I have developed a LOVE for tracting! (Although, tracting in my own area is somewhat frightening... but I love tracting other missionaries areas.) We found them a new investigator- Kristen. Cool girl. She has friends that are LDS, so that was a quick ice breaker. :)Tracting is where all of the funny stories come from anyways. ;)

Welllllllllllllll, not much more to say. I'm afraid I've talked myself out. But there are pictures to come! And sorry if the pictures don't work this week- we came to the church to email instead of the library.

Sister Gubler