An Incredible Week

I knew that when last week started off by meeting very interesting people in Wal-Mart, it was going to be a great one... and it was.

One reason was the fact that I was able to Skype my family on Christmas!!!!! And although it wasn't nearly for as long as I wanted it to be, it was one of the best Christmas gifts ever! I so look forward to seeing them again on Mother's Day. I love them!

Christmas day was good. :) We were able to feed some old folks in an Adult Family Home where several elderly people live. And we sang Christmas Carols with them and it was just really sweet. The cycle of life is incredible... seeing people heading towards the next life is humbling and hearing of their experiences is incredible.

So, I cut my finger this week... with a butter knife. It's possible.

And Sister Allen and I have had some scary experiences in the dark streets at night where we end up bolting into the car and locking the doors. Haha. I think it's just in our heads most of the time, but it's still scary. Haha!

We had an incredible lesson with a husband of a member in our ward. Selena was a member who hadn't been to church in a long time until earlier this year. Her husband Pat and her are completely in love and it's the cutest thing. He always calls her "my love" in the most genuine way, so you know by the time you leave their house that she is not just his wife, she is HIS LOVE. Haha. I have been corrected sometimes. ;P Anywho, we had our first lesson and he is feeling the Spirit so strong and everything we teach connects to his heart immediately. He will be baptized in on February 8th. He's working on changing his work schedule so that he can attend church on Sundays.

Last, but not least SAM WAS BAPTIZED, RECEIVED THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST, AND WAS CONFIRMED A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH THIS WEEK! :D

Sam is incredible! He has progressed sooo much and is blessing his family tremendously! It was amazing to see his desire fulfilled as he was baptized on Saturday. The room was full of everyone who loved and supported him, so big that we had to go to the chapel instead of just the room. Then on Sunday he was blessed to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. He is now excited to receive the Priesthood so he can bless pass the sacrament... something he has wanted to do since he came here. Miracles can happen with 14 year old boys.

Welp, transfers are already happening next week. :0 We'll see what happens this time. I really have no clue... but then again... I never do.

I hope everyone has an awesome day! And a great new year. Let's all make some New Year's Resolutions that we will remember and ones that actually matter in the long run... I really am going to try.

Matthew 6:19-21
19 Lay not up for yourselves ^atreasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves ^bbreak through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves ^atreasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor ^bsteal:
 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

OH! Here's a message I love about Fathers on earth and our Father in Heaven. It definitely puts a perspective on God's role in all of our everyday lives...even if we don't realize it. I seriously cry every time I see this. Bahaha!

http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=2119328537001

Until next time, I'll be doing it the Federal Way.

Love,

Sister Pearson :)

Merry Almost Christmas!!! :)

Hello all! :)

It's been quite the week.

We got snow!!!!! And much to my and Sister Allen's joy we had soaking wet, numb feet the entire day! Woohoo! I suppose it's not wise to wear boots with holes in them... but something had me laughing to the point of tears that day. We decided to knock on a few doors and Sister Allen was just having some difficulty walking and I didn't understand why... so I look down at her feet and it looks like she's wearing snow platform shoes. Apparently there is fuzz on the bottom of her shoes that the snow would get stuck to and build up, so by the time she had gone a few steps she had gigantic snowballs under her feet and her shoe would get stuck on the floor and I'd have to go get it. I can't describe it justly, but I was crying.

We were almost the reason a member's dog got hit by a car... luckily, it didn't. But that was the second dog I have chased on my mission so far. I assume it will not be the last.

We had the follow-up new missionary training meeting for Sister Allen this week and that was nice, we also had Zone Meeting (one bigger than a district) and we received training for our Zone Leaders. They are awesome missionaries and so are all the missionaries out here it's incredible.

One of the members bought some Electrode Muscle thing and I got to try that. It was pretty weird! I can't really describe it because I don't know what it is. You stick little wires on yourself and it like tenses up your muscles. It was sweet.

We had a pretty awesome experience talking to some man in his garage. It's so incredible helping other develop faith in Jesus Christ. When you see that spark in their eyes. You see hope. I wouldn't rather be doing anything in the world at this time in my life. Especially at this Christmas season. Being a missionary, we're stripped of the usual materialistic Christmas. It's not hectic and rushed and about buying presents or getting the best lights up in the neighborhood... we get to talk to people and help them remember or realize for the first time WHY we have Christmas. The Savior was born, lived, died and rose again for us, and because of Him, all wrongs can be made right.

For those of you who like music more watch this video depicting important events in the life of Jesus Christ:
http://www.mormonchannel.org/christmas-videos?v=2008190983001

The Nativity- For those of you who'd rather have words watch this video:
http://www.mormonchannel.org/bible-videos?v=2893093383001

I think those are both awesome videos perfect for the season. :)

I am really looking forward to Skyping with my family (even though it will only be for 40 minutes)! :) We will also be helping at an Adult Home on Christmas which will be awesome! :)

Also, today is the first latter day Prophet Joseph Smith's birthday. For those of you who may or may not know who he is or what he's done.. or may have heard from correct or incorrect sources. I invite you to discover from correct sources who he is. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we do not worship Joseph Smith. We worship Jesus Christ. God, being the father of our Spirits wants us to return to live with Him again. As you can see in the Bible, He had a pattern of teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Prophets (Amos 3:7). These prophets recieved revelation from God to direct and teach the people and held the Priesthood giving them the ability to perform . The people would follow them for a time, but then reject the prophet. God would withdraw that power to act in His name for a time until the people were ready and He would call another Prophet. Then we have Jesus Christ who came according to this pattern as well, but in addition to being a Prophet, He was the Savior that all the Prophets had been testifying would come. He created His church, bestowing the power to act in God's name to His apostles. He taught what we need to do in order to have peace in this life and return to live with God. When He and His apostles were killed, that power to act in God's name was no longer on the earth and Christ's doctrine was changed... being interpreted by man instead of being revelation from God. In 1820, Joseph Smith was confused as to which church was true... which church he should join. After reading in the bible, James 1:5... he decided to ask God. His experience goes as follows...

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2008-06-01-the-restoration?lang=eng

He was the one... through God, who (not reformed a church) but restored Christ's church and the powers to administer the ordinances (things like baptism) that we need. Anywho, you can probably learn more about it on Mormon.org.

But I've got to go so you all have an incredible Christmas. Spend time with your loved ones! :)

Love, Sister Pearson:)

'Tis the Season

Hello everyone! :)

I've realized I have extremely neglected to take note of some of the funny things that happened this week... oops. But I guess that's okay because I guess that just means there are more important things to be said!

Well, to my own dismay I have cried in two people's homes this week... don't worry it wasn't bad tears. But after I left the house I just thought "Seriously. That's embarrassing." But you just can't help it when you're feeling the Spirit I suppose. One lady said she really appreciates my "vulnerability." Hahaha! Yeahhh. Sometime you just really need to say things to people and when you say them you realize it's from God I guess. And then it just makes you... well, cry. Bahah!

Anywho. Besides my small waterworks much has happened this week.

Sam told us he wanted to be baptized! His baptism will be on December 28th! We are soooooooo excited for him! He's just an awesome 15-year-old kid. One of the nicest and most generous 15-year-olds I've ever met. Of course, he's pretty hilarious too so that helps. And his soon-to-be-parents are awesome too! Sam is ready and soooo excited to make this step in life. He wants to be cleansed from sin and take upon Him the name of Christ forever after. It will definitely be a sweat experience come the 28th. We are so happy for him.

I can't remember if I told you this already in my last email or not, BUT I got a pretty awesome question from someone the other week. One I will forever remember... we were at that little wedding ceremony and we were walking by and lady probably in her early 20's excitedly asked me "Are you a nun?!" I couldn't help but laugh just because I don't think I ever expected to be asked that. I told her I wasn't and explained a little bit. It was just great.

We had Elder Corbridge of the Quorum of the 70 come speak to us last week and that was an awesome experience. He talked to us about placing more focus on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, or Jesus Christ's suffering for our sins and over coming death that we might live with God again if we follow His gospel. That EVERYTHING we teach revolves around the Savior and how He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Pretty fitting around this time of the year I'd say.

We also had a little Christmas get together with half the mission the other night. We sang carols and did a white Elephant gift exchange where I got a Mexican been maraca thing. Pretty sweet. And I actually did end up singing and playing guitar to Silent Night. So it was pretty fun. :)

There is a man who I'd like to speak about a little bit. I won't say his name, but he is teaching me so much. His family is all active in the Church, but he hasn't been since he was a teenager. He's now 60. Between that time he had gotten into super heavy drugs. I guess he just hit a point in his life and told us he wants that spiritual aspect in his life. That thinking about everything going on in the world is just so scary and can take over him and worry him, but he wanted that peace in knowing that things really will work out. That we can have peace during times of unrest. And he has jumped back into the Gospel head first. I have watched him express his testimony of the Savior's forgiveness and witnessed him weeping as he listened to someone else's testimony. It is incredible to see how God is working with this man and helping him overcome his struggles and giving him the faith to act. These things are the things that make me realize how much I love being a missionary. Simply witnessing others changing their lives to become who God wants them to become. It is incredible!

Sooo, the other night we got out of the car to knock on someone's door and we started walking when Sister Allen stopped dead in her tracks. She said "Oh my gosh, do you see that dog there?" I replied "Huh? You mean that's not a fire hydrant?" Sure enough it was a huge husky-like dog that was not inclosed in a fence or anything... it looked a little ferocious. We ran back in the car.

Well, we have a little Christmas tree and a nativity in our apartment (thanks Mom) and are listening to different Christmas songs. And I LOVE IT!  At church the idea was presented to me that we should all try giving a gift to the Savior this Christmas. Let's all try it! Be a little nicer! Do something for someone else! I'm guessing you would know best what God wants you to do in your life at this time, so let's do it! :)

Hope you guys are all doing wonderful!

Until next time I'll be doing it the Federal Way!

Much love,

Sister Pearson :)

Left Overs

Hmmm. This week was weird. The freezing weather has finally hit. Chills you straight to the bone that's for sure. I most likely won't have any toes or fingers when I get back. And supposedly it's going to be a colder winter than usual... go figure. Haha. :) All is well though. It will be good.

We had a lesson with an investigator at the mission president's home and that was pretty awesome! We also had our Ward's Christmas party which was sweet and the Stake Nativity thing which was sweet too! Lot's of people came and got to feel the Christmas Spirit. We had to man an art walk of Christ's life. It was probably only several feet long, behind some curtains and it was different artwork of Christ's life from His birth to a tomb built at the end with His folded clothes on top of it representing His resurrection. The Spirit was so strong in that small section of the building. Christ lived and died for us and continues to live for us.

One good and bad thing about Ward parties are left-overs. We. Have. Tons. I don't know how they expect two Sisters to eat 39874234 pounds of mashed potatoes, turkey, and butter. But I guess they do. 'Tis the season.

We had our first power outage last Monday. I had to write some letters in the dark. Someone ran into a power line...

Sister Graney is letting me borrow her guitar for a little! :) It is wonderful. I think I'm going to do something at the mission Christmas get together thing this week... but I haven't practiced at all so we'll have to see. Also, a General Authority is coming to speak to our mission this week. Elder Corbridge. That's pretty exciting. :)

Although, the cold is pretty bitter and rejection abounds, I am 

witnessing the hand of the Lord in everyday. There really are miracles in everyday. As I teach people about the Savior and His Restored Gospel my testimony of it grows along with theirs. Life isn't easy and it wasn't meant to be. If the Savior of all mankind had to drink from the bitter cup, so must we. Even Him, being perfect endured torment, ridicule, and agony as He suffered the will of His Father. He showed us, like Elder Holland tells us, that salvation isn't cheap and it requires sacrifice. Whether it be time or resources or convenience, we will have to sacrifice for Jesus Christ and His work. As we sacrifice, we are blessed.

On that spiritual note, I hope all is well in the HD. I miss you all. And tomorrow marks 5 months out in the field! Time is still weird. 

Also, everyone go say hi to former Elder Hubler, now Dalton Hubler! He got back from his 2 year mission in Chile last week! :)

Happy December :)

Hmmm. The past several days have been pretty unique. Not like anything else since I've been on my mission... for multiple reasons, of which I'm not even completely sure... they just felt different.

One reason is probably because I've been hit with the responsibility of training a new missionary. Which is proving to be awesome. We will both learn so much from each other. :)

Another reason was simply the schedule. We had a Thanksgiving activity (I had never been to an activity where all the missionaries come together before) and we had our normal schedule switched up because Sister Allen was just getting into the field and we had to go to a new missionary meeting and do some of our Preparation Day things on a different day and whatnot, so it was a bit scrambled up... nevertheless, we are back on our feet and ready for the next 5 weeks of the transfer. :)

Because of the weirdness of the week, I forgot to take note of the things that happened so I'll just try to mention a few that I remember.

Well, a member answered there door with a handgun. That was interesting... Sister Allen said she's lucky she didn't see it or she would have ran... she's already a little apprehensive about all of the dogs around here.

Oh, Thanksgiving. We had an interesting Thanksgiving. The first part of the day we got together with half of the missionaries from the Federal Way mission and played basketball, volleyball, ping pong, board games, and had a little choir practice for the Christmas program that we are having on the 13th. That was pretty fun. :) And then the Graneys always put on a little Thanksgiving thing at the church for anyone who wants to come, so we went to that and it was nice. We later realized only a couple random people said they would feed us dessert and so we didn't really have a place to go for dinner. But the brother who said he wanted us to try his cheesecake made us some plates of food and sent us on our merry way.... then we had 3 hours of planning. Woop-woop. Happy Turkey Day. :) Hahaha!

I'm realizing now that I actually have to drive, that the darkness really gets me lost even with a GPS. Thank goodness for U turns and curbs that you can drive on. Haha:)

I told Sister Allen that she came at a unique and awesome time in the field. We were able to attend a small wedding of a couple that we are starting to teach. It was the couple that delivered their twins extremely early and lost one of them. Well, the surviving twin is now with them at home finally and he is ADORABLE! And they were married on Saturday and we are now teaching them tonight... at President Eaton's home! No pressure. Haha. :) No, it should be amazing. We have so much hope for this sweet couple. They are examples of how a little nugget baby can truly change people. God has definitely had His eye on them and has a lot in store for them.

So yesterday we walked up to a couple who was putting up Christmas lights. We said hi and walked up, started talking about their lights and then said "Oh, there's a Nativity even happ..."  "Don't hand that to us, we will reject it. We are Atheists." *door shuts* Hmmm. We were taken a little off guard with that one. Haha! It was a tad confusing, but all is well. They were nice.

It's supposedly going to snow today. We had to scrape our windows for the first time the other day. This is going to be good. Haha:)

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is enjoying this awesome time of year. :)

Love,

Sister Pearson :)

I am thankful for...

Well last week was pretty awesome. And both Sister Hopkins and I knew that that was probably a hint that something was about to change during transfers. We were right. My trusty companion of 12 weeks, Sister Hopkins has now moved to a new area in Federal Way. I remain here in Kent. To my surprise, I was also called to be a trainer to a brand new missionary. My hands are full and I would be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit overwhelmed.... BUT we all are going through our own refiner's fire. The fire is scary, but luckily we know that there is a good outcome in the end if we're trying our best.

Wow. So many things have happened in the past week I'm not sure I will be able to write about them all, but I will try.

We taught a woman who said her first vocal prayer. It was incredible.

We made Sam a cookie, guitar cake for his birthday. It was priceless.

We sang some hymns at an old folks home Sunday morning. It was awesome.

We got ushered into a house of only Chinese speaking people. It was hilarious.

The other day we were walking down a neighborhood street and there was a small group of Hispanic kids and man probably in his 20's with them. The kids called at us saying "We're Catholic!" And we walked up to them. The man was super excited and was trying to speak to us, but only knew Spanish. (I poorly attempted to communicate with him with my broken Freshman year Spanish skills.) With the help of the little boys translating, we found out he was in a missionary position for the Spanish branch in Enumclaw. He excitedly grabbed his phone and showed us pictures of him with three people that had been baptized recently. He was glowing. He had only been here I think 3 months. Him and his parents are the only members in his family and they are from Mexico. It was just awesome to see someone so excited about serving the Lord.

We also knocked on the door of a woman who told us she was almost baptized when she was in high school. She said she had been taught everything and had a testimony that it was true, but her mom wouldn't allow her. She had 6 months to wait until she was 18 and in that time lost her way and was never baptized. She seemed pretty excited when we talked to her, but now her husband isn't too keen about everything. So we just wait and pray that she will be able to do what she wanted so badly to do earlier in her life.

Awesome service experience:

We had just finished helping a man load some wood in his truck, but it only took about 30 minutes to do it. On our way home we passed a Lutheran church with some people who seemed to be digging in the dirt alongside it. We drove into the parking lot and asked if they wanted some help. They were thrilled. We helped them dig and fill holes to plant trees in for a couple hours. It was sweet. :)

This week is going to be somewhat weird. We've had transfers and then new missionary training meetings and then Thanksgiving and everything. It's wild. And come Saturday there will be a small wedding between a couple that we are hoping to be able to teach soon. They're baby just got home from the hospital today after being there for about a month. We are super excited for them.

My new companion is Sister Allen from Cedar City Utah. So far all of my companions have been from Utah. She is super sweet and I look forward to these next 6 weeks with her. I know she will teach me a lot.

Welp. I think miracles are in the forefront. I love you all and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I'll be doin' it the Federal Way.

Love,
Sister Pearson. :)

Washington finally feels like Washington

That's right. I believe this rain is here to stay... and from what people have been telling me, it's probably not going to leave until May or something. Ah, the beauties of the earth.

This past week has been pretty unique. We've actually had quite a few return appointments that are set up for this week, so hopefully some of them pan out. :)

We had a pretty awesome experience on Wednesday. On Tuesday, we had a lesson with a lady we've talked to here and there, but haven't really been able to catch that often. She has a 2 year old and so it's always a bit of a struggle trying to stay focused and keep the Spirit. We invited her to read the Introduction in the Book of Mormon and set up an appointment for the next day. We came back the next morning and she had a completely different countenance. She was glowing and welcomed us in immediately. She told us she read. She read the Intro, then the Witnesses, then kept going. She couldn't put it down. Asking her what she felt about it, she told us she wasn't a good reader and usually has to go between the book and a dictionary, but when she read it made sense. She told us after reading, the things we taught her previously made sense and that she felt so comfortable and safe as if she'd never be alone again. I couldn't stop smiling. It's incredible when you hear someone's own spiritual experience and possibly one of their first and you can see and feel the change that's taking place with them. It's moments like that that make being out here worth everything.

In addition to that, her little 2 year old made a discovery that left me pretty excited. He kept messing around with my watch and I honestly couldn't understand why he was so fascinated with it... turns out it glows in the dark and I didn't even know it. Sweet, sweet discovery.

Another awesome moment of the week was when a 14 year old boy who we're teaching us told us this story: I went to Wild Waves (the water park over here) with some girls over the summer and they offered to buy me some coffee. I told them "No thanks, I'm Mormon." and they said "Aw well that stinks." and I said "Sorry."  I just thought that was pretty hilarious and pretty strong of him. Made me laugh.

The other day we had a goal of singing on someone's doorstep. We finally had our chance and asked a guy if we could sing him a song. The man was holding a little Chihuahua-like dog in his hands who had been barking quite a bit during our conversation. We began to sing and the little dog started tilting its head back and forth to the tune of the song while bearing one of those little dog smiles that dogs get sometimes and I couldn't take it. Sister Hopkins and I started cracking up. It was just dancing perfectly to the tune and we just couldn't finish the song because we were laughing to hard. So we sang half a song and went merrily on our way. It was great.

On our lunch break we were able to go to Red Robins with two ladies in the ward and it was a sweet, sweet reunion.

I'm beginning to realize that I dislike football very, very much. People don't seem to answer their doors when their beloved Seahawks are on.

Our Zone started a new thing where everyday we'll pray for a specific companionship. We were the first ones to be prayed for and we had a bunch of miracles that day. It's awesome how real prayer is. Doesn't mean they're always answered in the way we want or in the time we'd like or that God's just going to magically handle all of our problems, but God really hears us and knows what's best for us. 

Welp, I'm getting my first haircut (just a trim) today. We hope to be able to serve in an old folks home coming up pretty soon and transfers are next week. Lots in store as usual. Hope all is well. Find something to be grateful for. Love you all!

Love,

Sister Pearson. :)

4 Months and Counting...

That's right brothers and sisters.... I've been out a whole 4 months, now just a measly 14 to go. Hahaha! Time sure flies. :P

SOMEONE LET US SERVE THEM FINALLY! Sister Hopkins and I got the pleasure of raking up leaves at Sister Morse's house the other day! We were SO excited! Most people don't take up our offer when we ask to do service for them... even though we truly absolutely 100% want to! (We get to wear jeans when we do service.) So that was nice. Then she showed us her husband's bee hives and gave us some full on organic honey from their bees. :) Can't beat that.

Man, I have a lot to look forward to on my mission, but also because I am serving a mission I have a lot to look forward to afterwards. Our Bishop invited us to go boating with him when we get back and the Moons offered to take us to Costa Rica! Ah, blessing from the Lord. It's true... no matter how much we try to serve God, He will always bless us even more. Our service will never amount to the things God gives us.

Somewhat embarrassing moment. Beginning a lesson with a family, I prayed for the family using what I though was their last name because that's what the records said... after, the wife asked, "What did you say was our last name?" I replied. Turns out that is her last name from her previous marriage. Her current husband was sitting right next to her. That made me feel good.

Low and behold, I have some grand news to share.... OUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL IS AGAIN FULLY FUNCTIONING! :) And we left the maintenance worker some cookies with a sticky note and he wrote back. :) That was fun.

For some reason, I seem to have adapted a bad and painful habit of getting excited and opening doors on my knees. I think I will have continually bruised knees for the next 14 months.

The work has been pretty hard the past several weeks, I'm not going to lie. But there are always blessings when we are serving the Lord. We have been a part of reactivating two members who had fallen away for some time and it is wonderful to see that happiness and hope restored to them. We also were able to find 4 new investigators this weekend! We have high hopes for the next couple weeks. :)

I have realized to every negative thing we have a choice of a positive or negative reaction. I am trying to acquire a habit of gratitude still and boy is it hard. I have to realize that God doesn't just give us something without some effort on our part. When we pray for gratitude He gives us opportunities to be grateful. When we pray for patience He gives us opportunities to be patient. It's really up to us if we get what we are asking for a lot of the time.

Well, I don't have too much else to say. :) I love you all and hope all is well.

I have also been SO excited to hear that Martin MacNeil has been officially charged guilty for the murder of my aunt Michele! I am sad that I wasn't there to hear it announced, but to all of my family I give a big hug. Heavenly Father heard all of our prayers and now we can all find a little more peace knowing justice has been served.

Until next time, I'll be doing it the Federal Way.

Much Love,

Sister Pearson. :)

Well Howdy!

Another week, another week, another week.

Well, I hope you all had a fun Halloween. We had to be in our apartment by 5:30, so it wasn't to festive of a holiday. Although, we did have ONE knock on the door. It was three little girls who in their squealing excitement decided I really looked like Hannah Montana. Don't think that one is ever going to die out... a member that just moved into the ward told me the same thing. Still counting the tallies on that one.

To our disappointment, our garbage disposal broke last Monday and maintenance hasn't come to fix it yet. It's smelly and gross, but I suppose we'll appreciate it a lot more once it is fixed. Also, we woke up to find a present on our porch from the neighborhood car that has been named Socks by former Sisters in the apartment. A cute little mouse... with its throat bit out. We still haven't moved it, I'm not sure why. But he's been there for days now. Maybe we'll try to get rid of him today.

The weather has been surprisingly pleasant over here, except for one day. It was super windy. Made me feel like I was at home. Only difference is you would hear big cracks and trees and branches would all be falling from the skies. The roads turned completely brown from all the old pine needles and stuff and then green on top from all of the branches. It was pretty sweet. A lot of the members' electricity went out.

Last night we had a fun little experience. It was 8:30 and we work until 9 everyday so wanting to use all of our time, we decided to go visit someone. We parked on the road and it was, as usual pitch black darkness. The driveway was a little longer than most and we made our way to the door. The lights were on in the home so we thought we might be in luck. We knocked. All the dogs went crazy in the house. No one answered. We look back over our shoulder and notice a truck going SUPER slow past our car. Frozen we thought of all the possibilities. Then the truck reversed back past our car again. There we were sitting on some stranger's porch who wasn't going to answer. The truck proceeded to pull into the tip of the driveway making it so if we were to walk back to our car we would be walking straight into its headlights. We didn't really have any other option than that, so we walked into the lights of the truck and a man was outside of it. He lived there apparently and was a little freaked out... I don't blame him. Seeing a car parked outside and two people's shadows on his porch. Anywho, he said, "You know you're cute, but seriously you can't be doing this. You can't go out at this time or after any of the Seahawk games okay? You just can't." We apologized and shook his hand. He wanted to know our first names, but we didn't give them. He said, "You need to loosen up." He told us he just went hunting and got some birds, so I asked if we could see them. He was kind of excited to show them off and they were pretty good birds. Then we said a prayer with him and right after his son who was in the house when we knocked came out and he made us say a prayer with him too and then he sent us on our way. Fun night.

So this week I tried being creative to talk to people and it didn't work out. We started talking to this guy who was cleaning his garage and I related it to how we have to clean out our lives sometimes, that's why we go to church. And his immediate response was, "Honestly, I don't care." He turned his back to us and walked away. Haha! Nice try Sister Pearson!

Yesterday Sister Hopkins almost lit our apartment on fire. She has been playing with this candle for weeks and it finally gave in and the glass started cracking. The flame was growing a little because throughout the weeks she had been throwing the matches into the candle. So I look over last night and see a huge flame go up into the air taller than he head and hear a little scream from her. She put water on it. Haha.

Yesterday, I got a slap in the face at church. The lesson was on gratitude. Seems simple enough doesn't it? Not really. I just realized how ungrateful I've been for the past couple weeks. A lot of the time we focus on things we don't have or that we're bad at... whether it be material things, personal characteristics, talents, etc. Or out in the mission for example, how many lessons we teach or whatever it may be. One of the things that was mentioned was that if we live our lives with gratitude we will be able to endure our adversities with a happier disposition... and eventually we will be able to be grateful for our challenges. Gratitude is being grateful for what you have now. Right now I am a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I am grateful to be. Gratitude is more than saying thank you... we show our gratitude through our actions. I just realized I really need to work on that more. Ah, life is a journey.

Random Fact:

(Don't know if this is really accurate, but someone told me it) This area, I don't know if was just Washington or this area in specific, is noted as the most unfriendly in the nation.... I think they mean the most reserved or something, but hey who knows. Hmmmm...

Either way miracles are happening. Whether their big or small. And God loves every single one of us. And I love you all too!

Until next time, I'll be doing it the Federal Way.

Love, Sister Pearson:)

P.S. For those of you who don't know too much about the LDS church or our beliefs I strongly suggest Our Search For Happiness by M. Russell Ballard or check out mormon.org  :) You can actually chat with missionaries online to ask any questions! :)

A Unique Weekend.

Well, this past week I haven't been taking note of things as much as I had been the previous weeks, so this email will probably be a little lacking. My apologies.

The Fiddler on the Roof happened Thursday through Saturday and all the missionaries were asked to be greeters and whatnot. So we spent quite a few hours at the church doing that. We were able to watch the play once, but sadly Sister Hopkins and I only were able to watch the first act. All was well though, we had to leave early to help set up for the ward Halloween Party so that's okay.

The Fiddler on the Roof was AMAZING! It is incredible the talents that people have. Sister Grover was the director/choreographer of the play and she did an awesome job! It's amazing how much service these people put into their work. Especially when you see that it's for nothing else, but service to the Lord and to bring happiness to everyone else! At the tail end of the people lining up to go inside to watch the play, a whole bus full of elderly folk were walking in and they were so happy! It was the cutest thing ever! It was an awesome weekend full of culture and fun for everyone who came. Pretty sweet.

The Halloween party was wonderful chaos as usual. The ward REALLY gets into it. Sister Hopkins and I judged the chili. My tongue is still recovering. I burnt it. Since we aren't allowed to go out on Halloween while we're on our missions, we thought we'd be clever and switch name tags at the party... turns out it wasn't a very clever costume. No one even noticed. Ah, it was worth a try at least.

Random thing about Washington:

PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT HOLIDAYS! Almost everyone has decorations out on their houses for Halloween and it's pretty awesome! I'm sending pictures of a few I was able to catch.

At dinner last night in a member's home, their son started crying because he was expecting someone else at the door... that was pretty depressing. BUT then he started crying when we left the house, so that made us feel a little better. :) Some people really do love us missionaries.

We were also able to have a special stake conference this Sunday where Elder Houlstrum from the Presidency of the 70 came and spoke. It is incredible to feel the love he has for each of us and the testimony he has of the Savior. I too know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. That He has felt everything I have felt, and has suffered for my sins, and is my perfect example. I serve Him and my Heavenly Father because I love them.

Also, Sam an awesome kid who is in the process of being adopted by a couple in the ward presented Sister Hopkins and I with gifts yesterday... SEATTLE SKYLINE SOCKS! They are awesome. :)

Thanks so much for all of your love and support!

Love, Sister Pearson:)

I was kissed by a Jewish man

Thought that headline might catch some attention. Don't worry too much... it wasn't my fault. On Friday we had

exchanges and we met an awesome Jewish man. He talked to us for quite a while and he side-hugged Sister Carlin and kissed her on the temple. (For those of you who don't know, as missionaries we have quite a few

rules... hugs from guys and kisses are definitely
prohibited.) She turned beet red. I was cracking up. Then he turned to me and I was done for. He did the same thing to me as he said, "Aw, you're feeling left out." Anyways, that's one of the interesting stories from this week. Never thought that would happen. Missions are definitely unique little experiences for many reasons.

ALSO, one night we decided to go stop by a member's home. It was probably seven something, so it was pretty dark. We were parked in the front of their house for a little bit because we ended up making a few calls. As we were about to get out we noticed a man and his son walking their dog. Not thinking anything of it we cheerfully said, "HELLO! HOW ARE YOU?" and he nicely replied and went on his way. We went up to the door and eventually some kids answered as they were on the phone saying. "Oh, it's the Sister missionaries." Turns out the kid called his neighbors because a suspicious car was parked in front of their house. I guess that puts some sense behind a man and his son walking their dog in the pitch dark night. Apparently there have been burglaries around the neighborhood and we were unknowingly putting everyone on edge. That kid was quite prepared though. We must have terrified them when we knocked.

Sister Hopkins and I have been given a Tender Mercy from the Lord and we didn't have to speak at the funeral. It's definitely a blessing because we hadn't even prepared yet and the funeral would have been today. The woman decided to do the service elsewhere.

Strong woman story. There is an elderly woman in our ward who is a rock. She married and had 4 children. Her husband had Huntington's disease and passed away. Her oldest daughter died from Leukemia at 21. Her older son passed away from Huntington's and now she is taking care of her other son who has Huntington's as well. She fulfills all of her callings in the church and still is always smiling and is as positive as it gets. It is incredible! What she says to that is, "Ya know, God has given me many challenges, but I have always had the Gospel to

hold on to and that's what keeps me going." I know it's true.

Another angry woman sternly rejected us the other day. After she pointed out her no soliciting sign she somewhat yelled, "I AM A BIBLE BELIEVING CHRISTIAN! HAVE A GOOD DAY!" *slam* I didn't even have time to say "Well that's awesome! So are we!" Hmm. At least she wished us a good day. :)

So on exchanges an amazing thing happened. We went to go meet a lady who called the Bishop of their ward asking for the missionaries to come over. It was probably one of the most spiritual experiences ever. The woman had obviously been through a rough life and later as we spoke with her she broke down in tears and told us that she had struggled with heavy drug addictions, been to rehab, had eating disorders, and attempted suicide twice. She told us that the ONLY thing that was able to keep her sober was when her LDS friend invited her to church. She had been taking lessons prior, but moved. Her friend who has also lived a rough life informed us about his time spent in jail. These people wanted to be clean. And as we sat with them you could just feel how much God loved them and how Christ loved them. And it's in moments like that when all the mistakes they made don't even matter because you know Christ has suffered for ALL of them and wants nothing more than to help them. You could see the hope that was in their eyes as they felt the Spirit. That beats everything. I hope I can see where they are lead to afterwards. Witnessing that was definitely a miracle!

Well, the work has still been rough. Rejections and cancelled appointments, but different miracles have definitely come forth from it. As we work hard, God will bless us... even if it's in ways we don't really expect or don't make sense. 

"Miracles: An important element in the work of Jesus Christ... Christianity is founded on the greatest of all miracles, the resurrection of our Lord. If that be admitted, other miracles ceases to be improbable... Miracles were and are a response to faith, and its best encouragement. They were never wrought without prayer, felt need, and faith... Miracles are a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If miracles ceases it is because faith has ceased."

That is from the Bible Dictionary. Miracles still happen and they are in response to our faith in Christ. That's what we have been working on. It's pretty awesome actually.

Soooo..... I can't think of too much else. Apparently this past September was the wettest, but this October is the driest so far... who knows. And ummm, I got lucky and we went to Jack in the Box the day they started to make their pumpkin shakes... another Tender Mercy. ;) Haha! And we have the chili cook-off AND Fiddler on the Roof this week! Should be good! Welp, that's all I got.

Love you all!

Love,

Sister Pearson :)

Three months and still alive

I'm sorry to say that this weeks email is probably going to be lacking. I either didn't take note of too many things throughout the week, or for some reason there just weren't too many things to take not of. Nonetheless, I shall write. :)

Like my subject says, I passed my three month mark on the 10th. I only have 15 months left! Ah! And this Thursday will be my 100th day out. Time really does fly.

Transfers are today. Both Sister Hopkins and I are staying here in Lake Sawyer. Nothing changed for us.

Well, a few unique things have actually happened this week. We had our first screaming lady and our first door slam.

We were knocking on a few doors one day... as usual. We knocked on a particular door and a creepy pig-squeal sounding dog started barking. Eh, happens all the time. Then, a baby started crying. Okay, not too unusual. Well an EXTREMELY perturbed woman quickly zips up the blinds of a small window next to the door and screams "WHAT?! YOU MADE MY DOG BARK! YOU MADE MY BABY CRY! WHAT?!?! WHAT DO YOU WANT?!?! GET AWAY! GO!" Slightly startled, we didn't even get much of a reply, but walked on to the next house. To shake ourselves from the terrifying woman we let out some nervous laughs before we knocked the next door. The friendly neighbor answered the door and we were having a conversation when the angry woman comes out of her house WITH her baby in her arms and begins screaming at us again, "YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY! MY BABY IS SICK!!! YOU WOKE HIM UP FROM A NAP! DID YOU NOT SEE THE NO SOLICITING SIGN?!?!" (everyone has those) We replied timidly, "Oh, we're not soliciting. We're missio..." "YOU'RE SOLICITING JESUS!!!!! CAN'T YOU JUST RESPECT PEOPLE!!! PRETTY SURE IT SAYS THAT IN THE BIBLE!!!" I muttered a "Sorry ma'am, we won't do it again." The nice neighbor was standing behind us the whole time and said to us "That was uncalled for. Don't let that bother you. I respect what you guys are doing." And then, out of my control... tears just started making their way down my face.I literally can't believe it! I felt so stupid! So we wished her a good day and that was that. Bahaha! It has been a rough couple of weeks, but I still do not know what I started crying. I think she had been up with that baby for a night or too, so we just prayed for her. Hope she's feeling better now. :)

Then yesterday we knocked on a door. Sister Hopkins started with "Hi, how are you?" The lady says, "Fine." I said "What was your name?" as I went to shake her hand and... BOOM! Haha! A clear slam... at least she didn't let us waste our time. :) Life is good,

A guy in the ward recently left to Napa Idaho for his mission, he is the only member in his family. His parents are awesome! We were visiting with them and they were telling us that the neighborhood FaceBook page had been talking about us the other day saying "DON'T ANSWER YOU DOORS! THOSE GIRLS ARE OUT THERE! WE DON'T KNOW WHO THEY ARE!" Apparently there have been people dressing up as missionaries and robbing people's houses and whatnot, so that makes sense why people don't answer their doors sometimes. I guess there will always be those people who ruin it for everyone else. I guess some members posted back letting them know that we were safe and we were actually real missionaries. Goodness, I didn't think I looked that intimidating. :P

Funny moment that had me laughing this week. We were planning on visiting some woman and I asked Sister Hopkins "What was the lady's name again?" and she replied with the utmost sincerity, "I'm prettttty sure it's Tina Fey." I was crying. I'm not sure if she knows who that is or not, but the lady's name was definitely not Tina Fey.

Missionary work has been kind of rough the past couple of weeks and we're praying for miracles. It's always nice to know you have an awesome ward to back you up. The members here are so supportive and loving it's incredible. Sister Christensen made us homemade Turkey Soup, the Graney's got me a little Seattle cup thing in case I was going to be transferred, and the Higgins are always a source of laughter. There are more of course; it's just amazing seeing so many different people all trying their best to serve God and follow Christ in any way they can.

Fun things to look forward to this month... we are going to be the judges of the ward Halloween Chili cook-off thing. We have an Apostle coming for a special stake conference. Fiddler on the Roof is going on and we are able to go and see it! And of course, finding and teaching people the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ! We are praying for miracles this transfer! :)

A young lady we met a few weeks ago had to deliver her babies early. She was having twins, but only one survived. They are planning on having a little funeral service next week. Bishop Despain asked us to speak at it... I didn't know he was actually serious... but apparently he is. So I'm counting on the Lord for this one. I have practically NEVER been to a funeral, have NO idea what it's like to lose someone I'm close to, and DON'T know what it's like to be a parent losing a child, BUT with God all things are possible, so I'm hoping I will be able to uplift and help these people.

Welp, all is well in Washington. Hope all is well at home.

Peace, love, and chicken grease.

Until next time, I'll be doin' it the Federal Way.

Love, Sister Pearson :)

Well, it happened...

I officially did not get a single letter from anyone this week; I am an official missionary. Didn't think I would reach this point so soon, but I am honored. Haha!

Well I'm starting with the random facts thing first because I didn't do any last week:

1. IT WAS THE RAINIEST SEPTEMBER IN HISTORY FOR WESTERN WASHINGTON!

...go figure. I'm thinking extreme weather follows me. Coldest winter in Provo, wettest September in Washington. Ah, it's precious really.

2. A tornado actually touched down somewhere around this side of Washington. Woot-woot!

3. Everyone has two doors. The screen door and the regular door. For someone who is knocking on doors half of the time, it can get irritating.

4. Hardly anyone has peep holes on their doors.

5. Apparently Sister Hopkins has seen them in Utah, but I have yet too see one in Cali so I'm putting it on here. Library-2-Go. It's a van library that rolls around and kids go in and get books. I thought that was pretty sweet.

Alright, I'm done. I can't think of anymore.

Well I'll begin by saying a lady in the ward made us some delicious enchiladas similar to my mom's so that was great.

Oh and I finally solved the mystery of the smell in the kitchen that has been haunting me since they day I got here in Lake Sawyer. Since the day I walked into the apartment, there was this rotten stench that would blow over me every now and then. It was in the kitchen. I searched multiple times a day for that smell. Sister Hopkins thought I was crazy, but I could not deny the smell I smelled. FINALLY, a few days ago. I was searching through the spices in the small cupboard above the stove and there it was... I reached for a plastic produce bag and pulled out a decent sized rotting garlic clove!!! It was horrendous. But the mystery has been solved and my senses were justified. I am happy to say our apartment has been garlic free for 6 days now.

We had the chance to make my mom's chocolate chip cookies and put them in a cute little basket and leave it on the Mission President's door. Funny lately we I think God has definitely been directing us to show up places and do little things for people just at the right times. President Eaton said he had an extremely long day and it was wonderful walking up to the door with that little gift there. Similar to that, there is a lady we talk to every now and then who we randomly felt we should see at like 8:00 PM one night (which over here feels and looks like midnight) and after knocking on her door and talking to her for a while, she told us "You know what. Today I was thinking the Sisters haven't stopped by in a while. They're gonna come today. I really needed you today." It is an amazing feeling knowing you are being directed to help other people just when they need it.

Sister Hopkins fell asleep while I was praying one morning. That was lovely and hilarious to open my eyes and find my little companion sound asleep. Funny thing is it was probably like 30 seconds. Haha. The mission wipes you out I guess.

I somehow managed to open the car door on my shin the other day. There is a delightful bruise as evidence.

We also witnessed an intense dog attack yesterday. Big dog attacked little dog. Big man-owner attacked big dog. It was quite the scene. They were rolling on the floor trying to rip the dog off.

Being a missionary is incredible! Yet, everyday you get your heart broken. Every time someone sets up an appointment with us and then fails to be there... heart break. Every time you know you can help someone, but they won't let you... heart break. Every time you extend a commitment to someone that they don't keep... heart break. It's like an emotional roller coaster hour by hour and day by day, but knowing I'm being an instrument in God's hands I would do it over again.

I have decided to find miracles in everyday. I am keeping a miracle journal where I just write out some of the daily miracles I am able to witness. Especially when things aren't exactly going our way, I think it's always a great thing to note the good. I listened to a General Conference talk given by President Deiter F. Uchtdorf, the other day and he said something along the lines of this "It's not a race, it's a journey; enjoy the moment. Sometimes in life, we are so focused on the finish line we forget to enjoy the journey... there is something in each day to embrace and cherish." I have decided to enjoy the journey. I will not look forward to the moment I get to hit the pillow at night. I will not look forward to the day I am going to go home. I want to find joy in the journey. Looking ahead is good to some extent, but not if it's preventing you from enjoying what you have right now.

Well it looks like my email is going to shut off!

Until next time I will be doing it the Federal Way!

Love, Sister Pearson  :)

P.S. GO WATCH GENERAL CONFERENCE. IT WAS AMAZING! 

Well. It is true.

Missions honestly warp your sense of time. The days feel like months and the weeks feel like days. I don't know how it works, but that's literally what it is. This transfer has been extremely slow, but terribly fast. I cannot believe that I am already at my 5th week here in Lake Sawyer. It just doesn't feel real.

The true Washington has revealed itself to me. No more sunshine or heat. Just rain, rain, and more rain. Cold rain. It's sometimes annoying, but doesn't bother me much really... not yet anyways. We'll see how I feel about it next year.

Some interesting things have happened this week. I love that about missions. Always interesting. It's awesome. Aside from the fact that we watched a spider spinning it's web at a doorstep, we witnessed a crow attacking a squirrel, and I made Sister Hopkins the first PB&J she's eaten since being on her mission (I don't know how that's possible. My first week I had PB&J for breakfast, lunch, and dinner multiple times), there are a couple other things I will remember.

We got out of our car to begin tracting... we've been doing A LOT of that lately. And I cat came to greet us. Turns out the cat liked us and decided to follow us for 30 minutes. It would go up to all of the doors and listen to the dogs sniffing on the other side. I accidentally shut it in a few of the screen doors. It was tripping me. I tried shooing it away, but Sister Hopkins couldn't resist. Sooo, we get to a door. And a soon as the door cracks open BOOM! Two dogs bolt threw the doors to attack the cat. Their frantic, shoeless owner was running behind them until she realized she needed shoes. I threw my bag and tried getting the dogs. I asked her if she would like me to pick the one up and bring it inside (somewhat expecting her to say no). She said yes. That thing was a lead ball. Surprisingly enough, she wasn't to upset. Although she did say "I knew I shouldn't have answered the door." Welp, that always makes you feel loved.

Another one. One house had a little mud room type thing in the front of it and we didn't know whether we should knock on that door or the actual door inside. I started going inside to knock on the actual door when the door swung open to reveal a lady inside. A voice in the background  yelled "WHO IS IT?!?!?!" And the woman looking at me yelled back at her "It's some WHITE lady!" I quickly left the mud room and we talked to the woman who was cooking dinner at 3 PM outside. Looks like I'm still the white girl here in Washington too.

It was Sister Hopkin's 5 month mark this week and she had never had a Jack in the Box taco. That was unacceptable, so I bought her some in celebration. Don't worry I got her some Cold Stone too.

One story I forgot to mention last week was about an awesome lady in the ward who had me and Sister Hopkins cracking up the whole time we were at dinner. She is from Poland. Went to school in England. Her friend from Peru was talking the missionary lessons, and being raised Catholic I believe, the Polish lady joined her friend to make sure she didn't join the Church. The Polish woman ended up getting baptized before her friend. Looks like her view turned around a bit. Anywho, she is a married woman with three kids and she's literally in love with Jacob Black. That is probably common and it wouldn't entertain me half as much with anyone else, but it is just so much funnier hearing her talk about him in her awesome accent. That night, her teenage son farted across the table while we were all eating and she said in her accent "Goo to yhour rhoom yew deesgustin vittle boy." It was great.

So we have been offering everyone we see to mow their lawns and help them in their yard and everything. I guess they honestly don't think girls in skirts can do much. Sad, sad, sad. Everyone underestimates us. Even after promising them that we are being serious they just laugh at us. Maybe someday they'll let us.

I was soooo happy I was able to attend Kayden's baptism from my last area on Saturday. Kayden was a 9 year old boy who has some form of Autism I believe. Maybe Asperger's..? I'm not sure. I just know he is a genius and he's incredible. He was so well behaved and wonderful that day and he definitely knew what he was doing. You could tell that he really wanted his sins washed away and he wanted to try to follow Christ. The first day I met him he told me how much God loved him because he saved him when he was born really sick.

Also, the Relief Society broadcast was on Saturday and it was amazing. Crazy to see all the Sister Missionaries in the choir. I saw two girls from BYU in it. One going to Texas, the other to Tahiti. Anywho, I absolutely loved hearing from President Monson. It's incredible to hear a Prophet of God. I know I haven't taken full advantage of it growing up because I never really took the time to think about it. Someone like Noah or Abraham or Moses speaking to us. Telling us, as they told the people of their time, things that we need to hear. Things to help us. President Monson talked about how God has an infinite love for each and everyone of us regardless of position, status, or personality. Which sounds cliche, but it is soooo true. It's the small things like that that are repeated over and over because we constantly need to be reminded. Ah, we are just so human sometimes. He also talked about prayer and how we should turn to prayer whenever we have feelings of doubt or discouragement or anything really.

I am so privileged to be out here serving the Lord. I seriously can't believe that I have 18 months to try to forget myself and love everyone else. There are amazing people in this world. I know that I'm doing what God wants me to be doing right now because I still love all these people who are slamming their doors on me. I even love whoever is sitting next to me here in the library who smells like old cheese and mold. :) Ah, life is wonderful.

Miss and love you all! 

Love,

Sister Pearson. :)