tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77565631195018789952024-03-18T21:20:26.517-07:00Everyone Knows Someone in ColoradoEven though I am not in Colorado anymore, I have come to love dearly the people there. You can come to know and love them too!Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-19262909412445988392015-03-03T17:40:00.000-08:002015-03-03T17:42:22.152-08:00Week 79 part B: 2/17/15And I'm Home!!!!!<br />
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The waiting.... <br />
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First Sight..... </div>
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All the hugs....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Surprise!)</td></tr>
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Meet the baby! </div>
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It's good to be home again :)<br />
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<br />Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-44114370619355336772015-02-16T11:42:00.001-08:002015-02-16T11:42:09.630-08:00Week 79: 2/16/15 Final Weekly Report<div dir="ltr">
<div>
February 16, 2015</div>
<div>
Longmont, CO</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over this past week I have hugged and said goodbye to more people than I
did when I left for my mission one and a half years ago. On Sunday I was given
the privilege to speak for a few minutes in Sacrament meeting, and I looked out
on a ward which I know far better than my own. They have invited me into their
homes, shared their stories of how they met and where they're from and how they
have applied the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives, and I love them more
than I thought that I could.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A lot of people have asked over the past week, "what was the best part of
your mission?" and "what was the most difficult?" so I thought I would answer
those questions for you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One highlight is almost impossible to identify, but I do believe in perfect
moments. There have been many perfect 'glowy' moments here in Colorado, and in
those wonderful 6 months I spent in Wyoming, particularly to see someone that I
love and care about so much feel the Spirit of the Lord and recognize his
personal love for them as an individual. There really is nothing more beautiful
than that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As for the most difficult, I know there have been personally trying days,
but most of those I don't remember. The tender mercies of the Lord truly are
over all those whom he has chosen and I didn't go through a single slump that he
did not lift me out of in a wonderful way which was appreciated in contrast to
the difficulty, but also made the troublesome things seem to fade into nothing.
What I do remember are the times when one of those people who has recognized the
peace and the hope and real change of the gospel in their life, turns away from
it. For one reason or another, the adversary intrudes and they decide to give
up the fight. However, because of Jesus Christ there is always hope for all of
us, so I don't regret a single thing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once, towards the beginning of my mission I had a crazy dream (did I tell
you about it?) I dreamed that I was in a giant auditorium, with many people that
I knew from home and from the ward I was serving in, when a man came up to me
and told me that I was going to be sent away because I didn't have a testimony.
I was so embarrassed for him to say that in front of all of those people! But I
also knew it wasn't true. I told him then, and I am a witness now that Jesus
Christ and Heavenly Father live. They are <em>real</em>. They have a love for
me which I cannot comprehend, it is so all-encompassing that every moment of my
life is important to them. My salvation and eternal progression are of utmost
importance to them and that is why Adam fell, that is why Jesus led a made a
sacrifice of himself, for me. I love them and I know that whatever it takes to
be with them and to be like them is worth it, regardless of what else must be
sacrificed. He gave everything for me and offers me everything if I want it,
and I do. That same promise is extended to everyone, through his grace.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even though tomorrow I will be taking off the nametag and not having a
companion (actually, today even I will be riding in a car with only two
Elders...awkward...) the work is not finished until the great Jehovah says the
work is done!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This seriously has been the best week! I couldn't have asked for a better
one to finish out on, but I'll tell you all the stories tomorrow ;) If hear you
anything about the crazy missionary carrying a plant in her purse at the
airport....that's probably me!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div>
</div>
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Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-15851836880552190502015-02-09T16:45:00.001-08:002015-03-03T17:43:55.110-08:00Week 78: 2/9/15<div dir="ltr">
<div>
February 9, 2015</div>
<div>
Longmont, CO</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are certain experiences which most missionaries have, but every
mission is different, so you really never know what might happen. Apparently
one of the experiences which I need to have, just barely got it snuck in here,
is to be in a trio! <b>Welcome to Longmont Sister Jensen!</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That is the pretend sign that we might have thought about making, but as
happens with such surprise transfers, it was a surprise ;) We found out
yesterday afternoon that someone was coming (just after we found out that we are
also moving this week) and when she arrived a few hours later we discovered who
it was! Super excited though, Sister Jensen was trained in the Capital Hill
ward in Cheyenne while I was in Corner Stone so I know she is great, the only
trouble is......</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't know who to look at during companion study!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But if that is our only problem (and it probably will be) then everything
will be dandy :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Backing up to the pre-crisis mode,
still-pretending-there-is-all-the-time-in-the-world part of the week:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We saw Z___! Seriously plans A-W fell through, so what did we do? Go with
the one more thing that came to mind. And what happened? We got to talk to our
investigator who has been MIA! He was going to be wrapping up some legal stuff
last week, after which his schedule should open up a lot so we get to talk to
him today and I am so excited!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Interesting that just last week in a Sunday School class there was a
discussion about how God doesn't do 'plan B'. It is always 'plan A' for him,
regardless of whether it is what we think should have been 'plan A'. So I find
that comforting as well when we have times that I think we are on 'plan W', He
has known what to do all the time and it was all part of the plan.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some sad news on the teenage investigator front, when you are still in high
school it is possible to be grounded for forever so then meeting with the
missionaries isn't an option either....but, B______ got to come to mutual
several times first, so now she knows the kids from the ward who go to her
school, and she has a Book of Mormon, so that is hopeful!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy news on the teenage investigator front, J____ has been reading in the
Book of Mormon and wants to come to church! There is a young man from the ward
who is in his class at school and so his family is going to bring J_____ to
church. In fact, they went over and met him all on their own, which I think is
super cool.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As per usual, we laughed a ton this week! Particularly at the YMCA while
painting with Miles when he called my companion evil (jokingly), reaffirmed that
I am a redhead (we have been trying to convince him for weeks that I am not) and
told us "Deception is cool". Really excited about that too because we are going
over to his house to see his wedding video and Sister Allen hasn't been able to
meet Rosa (his wife) yet. Should be great :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To end with, some great quotes on agency and our natural rebellion against
restriction of our agency:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"You're 'moving me'? What, am I a piano?" -Sister Moore</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"You can tell me what to do but not how or when to do it. You only get one
of the three." -Sister Griffin, quoting her husband</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week is going to be a blast!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PTk0KzpEZE8qaYQB3b9Hu8GfPiwjC_4YgE5a6N7-Mni3K70QXf582GUlveWXoegWy_dqwQHBq5xRpN4Txte_4yAik79yP9pQ0Vb6RxVga2XPHr_KocJ0arPfLlL5-OquxnqewnJvu_aY/s1600/Week+78+Valentines.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PTk0KzpEZE8qaYQB3b9Hu8GfPiwjC_4YgE5a6N7-Mni3K70QXf582GUlveWXoegWy_dqwQHBq5xRpN4Txte_4yAik79yP9pQ0Vb6RxVga2XPHr_KocJ0arPfLlL5-OquxnqewnJvu_aY/s1600/Week+78+Valentines.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Allen and I made each other Valentines ;)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63uD9YzLxaDGVtymAmmvPugRBavRjfr7-VLhrygbvZdiShoplJkv9f7jKvaNOQTYwMjszInoLSm6lkImbrRGnkeTGARzbSj5VclMLqzVV1DxoYv2Az34EdeMSGEJb7KFeDYWCvgYK5NUH/s1600/Week+78+Trio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63uD9YzLxaDGVtymAmmvPugRBavRjfr7-VLhrygbvZdiShoplJkv9f7jKvaNOQTYwMjszInoLSm6lkImbrRGnkeTGARzbSj5VclMLqzVV1DxoYv2Az34EdeMSGEJb7KFeDYWCvgYK5NUH/s1600/Week+78+Trio.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Allen, Sister DeFord, Sister Jensen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtXjDMY2sIUjaqToh3iyVwosnJaN2r_Cuc-DiYz7_FHlbJq6ZHU_zdhKXdGgvU7TL54FNLcCXhLt02Yt9EnjLM2vRq8poLvIw3FDuhh8hZLaLlxJ-8y2k68ohMYb1WkHmAzKyxGGLHNWW/s1600/Week+78+Snowman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtXjDMY2sIUjaqToh3iyVwosnJaN2r_Cuc-DiYz7_FHlbJq6ZHU_zdhKXdGgvU7TL54FNLcCXhLt02Yt9EnjLM2vRq8poLvIw3FDuhh8hZLaLlxJ-8y2k68ohMYb1WkHmAzKyxGGLHNWW/s1600/Week+78+Snowman.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random snowman we found (no we didn't build it, yes it made us think of the song
from Frozen which I know almost all of the words to thanks to Sister Allen)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioEXGDkroobe_jr_Sr0wF2MaaGBS3e-xL1EicbgHLx7yFQ_3NknL9ty6M2BpDxGHNMRxmlruOCz3eTaPxowMkrxESxoAE52Aco4I_BBQ9w6m9xdd-0xfQJln8ajPZBm__CpH6lOmGRU-S/s1600/Week+78+FroYo+Sis+Allen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioEXGDkroobe_jr_Sr0wF2MaaGBS3e-xL1EicbgHLx7yFQ_3NknL9ty6M2BpDxGHNMRxmlruOCz3eTaPxowMkrxESxoAE52Aco4I_BBQ9w6m9xdd-0xfQJln8ajPZBm__CpH6lOmGRU-S/s1600/Week+78+FroYo+Sis+Allen.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div dir="ltr">
<div>
Sister Allen had a dream after we went here that our whole zone went to Menchies
and President Brown was there and got up on the counter to say that all the
frozen yogurt was gluten and dairy free! Haha if only</div>
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KKytkmA6EIfVFUcd8TYECfmOf2uZch62iin-FPLVOeffbCvICa51TU7nwSq0XHmgfv8MDhLbdqUydEXhnD9AIx0jkDNCDtEtRWpjYe5gKrRnEAwNm7r9tw4eBdOY0spLyspVXKGOC_EC/s1600/Week+78+FroYo+Emily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KKytkmA6EIfVFUcd8TYECfmOf2uZch62iin-FPLVOeffbCvICa51TU7nwSq0XHmgfv8MDhLbdqUydEXhnD9AIx0jkDNCDtEtRWpjYe5gKrRnEAwNm7r9tw4eBdOY0spLyspVXKGOC_EC/s1600/Week+78+FroYo+Emily.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister DeFord at FroYo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4vi7rgubdzZqkJ0tB0n_1ihcd0-r_9_ImIdnq-51xz9PAA4zjcmavzVmfP4j_dK89Tqej_21_8RNUDQvq4mLhyphenhyphenrV0N99viPWAz1gKU4K02REySxsfAJ3_mfqgGYhEoDZxrfVX4GhQmoc/s1600/Week+78+Baptism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4vi7rgubdzZqkJ0tB0n_1ihcd0-r_9_ImIdnq-51xz9PAA4zjcmavzVmfP4j_dK89Tqej_21_8RNUDQvq4mLhyphenhyphenrV0N99viPWAz1gKU4K02REySxsfAJ3_mfqgGYhEoDZxrfVX4GhQmoc/s1600/Week+78+Baptism.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sweet little girl is being baptized on Saturday with her family in Utah.
Her family is active and everything, but they wanted her to take the missionary
lessons so she could be sure this is something that she personally wants to do.
It has been so fun to spend time with their family over the past couple of
months!</td></tr>
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Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-82736119893179357092015-02-03T07:49:00.002-08:002015-02-03T07:49:19.114-08:00Week 77: 2/2/15<div>
February 2, 2015</div>
<div>
Longmont, CO</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's the final countdown! Just saying, since I know my mom's countdown
calendar of "Fast Sundays until Emily Comes Home" ticked down to 0 yesterday.
Also, it seems crazy that this is almost the end, but I'm feeling ready for it,
which I never thought that I would. I love this work and being here and the
people and the calling and I am sure there will be many a day that I will want
to go back to the 'simpler' life of being on a mission, but there is a peace
that comes from having done what was required of you I think. And then you go
on.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For now though, I've got two more weeks! Woohoo!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To start off with, some excellently funny quotes from Brother Schroeder
yesterday. (Background for those who may not know: In the restored gospel of
Jesus Christ we have a practice of setting apart one Sunday in the month,
generally the first Sunday, as a day of fasting. Along with this,
testimonies are shared in our regular Sacrament meeting and donations are made
of the money which would have been spent on those skipped meals in order to
provide for people who are in want, as is proscribed in Isaiah 58 in the Old
Testament, see also <a href="http://www.mormon.org/faq">http://www.mormon.org/faq</a>)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, back to Brother Schroeder:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"When I went to Church for the first time 19 years ago it was a Fast and
Testimony meeting and I thought it was the strangest thing; but it's wonderful.
It's a wonderful kind of strange"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
and "It's kind of freaky processing your fast offerings, because it's like,
who is this person? And we never know your first names, but now I do!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In other news, last p-day after emailing I got my hair cut, well only some
of them, but I now have straight across bangs! So that is fun. Also, none of
our investigators came to Church even though we were pretty sure about a couple
of them, but several of the Less Active members who we are working with did!
All of the meetings were so good! I love Sundays and I love going to Church!
The recharge, the power, the Spirit, the Sacrament. It is all so beautiful, and
the same wherever you go so it is always like home :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week we had interviews with President Brown, which meant this was my
departing interview. Maybe that is part of why I am feeling a little more ready
for the end. From what we talked about, I was thinking about how there are a
lot of cliff-hangers in the stories of missionaries. We don't know the end of
someone's story. But Heavenly Father does! And he is involved in every aspect,
much more than the short span of us. Like Esther though, we may be put in a
position or in someone's path for just such a time as this, and get to make an
impact on their life which can change it's course forever. Someday we will get
to know those stories ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had a neat experience this week when we went to contact one potential
investigator named D__, he wasn't home, but we saw these two girls who we had
seen a couple of weeks before but hadn't talked to. So we talked to them this
time! As we were having a conversation together and gave them each a Book of
Mormon (good thing we both had one! It is harder to carry a lot of stuff when
we are walking) D__ actually came home. He came over to tell us he was pretty
busy that day and wouldn't be able to talk, but also told the girls that they
should listen to us because our message is good! That was a sweet thing,
especially for someone who has been so newly introduced to the gospel.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is not restriction on who the Spirit can touch or who or when
though. We had a first lesson with a boy named J_____ this week. He expressed
some of the fears that he has of the 'dark side' let's say, and how he wants to
know God better. We talked about what the Spirit feels like and how it brings
peace. He wasn't sure that he had felt that before. As we continued talking
though he paused and said, "you know that warm feeling you were talking about
earlier? I'm feeling some of that right now" It was beautiful, because he had
confirmed to him to know that he has a Heavenly Father who loves him. God knows
about his struggles and wants to help him and welcome him home. He wants the
same for each one of us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One last funny note, we were walking home one night and saw a guy walking
his two pitbulls the other direction on the other side of the street. As they
got closer the dogs started pulling towards us and their owner said, "My dogs
find you attractive!" .....Awkward pause, what is the proper response to such a
statement?...."And so do I by the way!" Haha since it was pretty dark and he
could probably only really see our shoes it was silly, but also
flattering.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you and hope you have a marvelously fantastical week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
p.s. pictures. New hair and what it looks like towards the end of a week
of walking when we get home at night ;)</div>
<div>
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Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-77846958484435172742015-01-27T10:14:00.002-08:002015-01-27T10:14:46.817-08:00Week 76: 1/26/15<div dir="ltr">
<div>
January 26, 2015</div>
<div>
Longmont, CO</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is this man in the ward who we have tried to meet many times over the
weeks which we have been here. No one ever answers the door. This week we were
determined though. We rand the doorbell, no answer. After a brief finger
warm-up I knocked very, VERY hard on the door. Another minute went past and he
answered! Apparently he can't hear the doorbell if he is anywhere but the front
room of the house, but if you knock really hard then it actually shakes the wall
and he can tell that you are there :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Luckily we had the Seyfis with us so we could go in and have a lesson which
was totally guided by the Spirit. It was great too, because we actually got to
say, 'hey, we are the missionaries, you know why we are here, we want to help
you come back to church and receive all of the blessings of the gospel, how do
you feel about that?' He isn't to the point where he is ready to come yet, but
small steps lead up to big things.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had exchanges this week and I went up to Berthoud with Sister
Tafengatoto :) Fun fact, I really enjoy saying people's full names when most
people just abbreviate it because it is long. Like when I was with Sister
Zvirzdin, or Sister von Niederhausern :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we had many awkward experiences this week, which is part of what led to
my resolution to not use the word 'awkward' this week. I'm trying to come up
with other ways to describe things :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of these experiences included going to talk to J____'s mom. We tracted
his house a week or so ago, he is probably about 14. Then we were walking down
the street and saw him again and he told us his mom was home and would like to
talk to us. So we went! Another guy answered the door, one of those
questionably aged people where he looked maybe too old to be in high school, but
maybe he was just big, but he wasn't old enough to be J____'s dad. So I asked
the question, as I thought through all of those things, "Is your....mom...home?
Sorry, I really can't tell how old you are!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"No, she's not, I'm 24" (said with a smile at least, phew!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Okay....are you J____'s brother?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"I don't know anybody named J____"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Alright then...we obviously have the wrong house, but anywho..."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We gave him a Book of Mormon and he said we could come back :) Totally
worth it!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, case in point that you never know who or when someone will be
receptive to the gospel: After leaving an appointment on Thursday, we saw some
people sitting outside their apartment, so of course we talked to them. They
weren't interested at all, but they were still nice. A few days later we were
walking down the same street and saw an older lady, a man, and two kids
unloading a moving van. Having had much practice moving, and looking for
opportunities to serve we offered to help!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Amazingly, they actually accepted. So we unloaded together and got to know
them a little bit. The older woman was actually one of the people we had met
before, helping her daughter move in to the apartment beneath hers. She wanted
to get us lunch to thank us for helping, and as we ate we were able to discuss
the gospel in a very normal way. We were able to also give her a Book of Mormon
which she now knows a little bit about so it isn't so strange. Such a sweet
family and I am so glad we got to talk with them!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Seriously, you just never know who needs a little more Jesus in their
life!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
p.s. So excited about the package from Heather who will be having a BOY!!
Sister Allen and Sister Seyfi are my witnesses that I knew it ;)</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWrry5AYnQeFbwtT8EY8Ca_sW3JATTAq_jNPBJGg1QtzZ8WHZ0pLIo7RC0bOLWWD46NHv159-NUFl1CRfmNrzxnSiGAqE7GcqIFHXbB0qXRQb9mE89zrJGFiDxDwL5V6UYXvho8FA0AJ1/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWrry5AYnQeFbwtT8EY8Ca_sW3JATTAq_jNPBJGg1QtzZ8WHZ0pLIo7RC0bOLWWD46NHv159-NUFl1CRfmNrzxnSiGAqE7GcqIFHXbB0qXRQb9mE89zrJGFiDxDwL5V6UYXvho8FA0AJ1/s1600/008.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estes Park Photo Shop</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWb1S5DqS3_2qeFjLf5TSAeIYqMXmMW5oZqrnP1jA03cfReLuFZ-Fs_mtjL7ND_fHRdJtHS43bspuwz7uvBCR6XVPmy7f9yFyHKn8E3azpJ0U7TQWFUhfEGqm1RohmrXh8bdYjmC9yhFiv/s1600/SAM_8371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWb1S5DqS3_2qeFjLf5TSAeIYqMXmMW5oZqrnP1jA03cfReLuFZ-Fs_mtjL7ND_fHRdJtHS43bspuwz7uvBCR6XVPmy7f9yFyHKn8E3azpJ0U7TQWFUhfEGqm1RohmrXh8bdYjmC9yhFiv/s1600/SAM_8371.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On exchanges in Berthoud with Sister
Tafengatoto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCGxRgzlNCQP2HciwBjAsgp9x12ZKsdm-YykLGvstFRrGy1PKZoENrqomg_F5A_U3rmAmEXUI6pHflFx4fmp4-ch4ny3K-x7tA_hrvW_BOX16w35nnmi_yQ0gvPHH7LXkvGyWPJVQThde/s1600/SAM_8379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCGxRgzlNCQP2HciwBjAsgp9x12ZKsdm-YykLGvstFRrGy1PKZoENrqomg_F5A_U3rmAmEXUI6pHflFx4fmp4-ch4ny3K-x7tA_hrvW_BOX16w35nnmi_yQ0gvPHH7LXkvGyWPJVQThde/s1600/SAM_8379.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister, Heather, is having a boy :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-56583548995891626492015-01-19T13:28:00.001-08:002015-01-19T13:28:45.728-08:00Week 75: 1/19/15<div dir="ltr">
<div>
Longmont, CO</div>
<div>
January 19, 2015</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When we saw the Hermanas on Sunday they asked how our week had been. Not
bad, we said, we only got asked out about three times, that is a record high for
my mission!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In completely unrelated news, a family that we ate dinner with this week
ordered pepper spray for us to carry around!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week I got to go to the temple with some of my favorite missionaries!
We had our departing temple trip early because the Denver temple is closed and
will be for the next month so I am so glad it was able to work out! There is
nothing like being able to feel the peace and the joy in that building. Not
because of the architecture, which is great and the beautiful design, but
because it is a place which is dedicated and consecrated to be the Lord's house
on the earth. I was reading in Doctrine and Covenants section 109, which is the
dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland temple, and these verses stand out:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span><span id="chunk210000">22 </span></span><span id="chunk210001">And
</span><span id="chunk210002">we </span><span id="chunk210003">ask </span><span id="chunk210004">thee, </span><span id="chunk210005">Holy </span><span id="chunk210006">Father, </span><span id="chunk210007">that </span><span id="chunk210008">thy </span><span id="chunk210009">servants </span><span id="chunk210010">may </span><span id="chunk210011">go </span><span id="chunk210012">forth </span><span id="chunk210013">from </span><span id="chunk210014">this </span><span id="chunk210015">house </span><span id="chunk210016">armed </span><span id="chunk210017">with </span><span id="chunk210018">thy </span><span id="chunk210019">power, </span><span id="chunk210020">and </span><span id="chunk210021">that </span><span id="chunk210022">thy </span><span id="chunk210023">name</span><span id="chunk210024">
may </span><span id="chunk210025">be </span><span id="chunk210026">upon </span><span id="chunk210027">them, </span><span id="chunk210028">and </span><span id="chunk210029">thy </span><span id="chunk210030">glory </span><span id="chunk210031">be </span><span id="chunk210032">round </span><span id="chunk210033">about </span><span id="chunk210034">them, </span><span id="chunk210035">and </span><span id="chunk210036">thine </span><span id="chunk210037">angels</span><span id="chunk210038"> have </span><span id="chunk210039">charge </span><span id="chunk210040">over </span><span id="chunk210041">them;</span>
<div id="para22">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="23"> </a><span><span id="chunk220000">23 </span></span><span id="chunk220001">And </span><span id="chunk220002">from </span><span id="chunk220003">this </span><span id="chunk220004">place </span><span id="chunk220005">they </span><span id="chunk220006">may </span><span id="chunk220007">bear </span><span id="chunk220008">exceedingly </span><span id="chunk220009">great </span><span id="chunk220010">and </span><span id="chunk220011">glorious </span><span id="chunk220012">tidings, </span><span id="chunk220013">in </span><span id="chunk220014">truth, </span><span id="chunk220015">unto </span><span id="chunk220016">the </span><span id="chunk220017">ends</span><span id="chunk220018"> of </span><span id="chunk220019">the </span><span id="chunk220020">earth, </span><span id="chunk220021">that </span><span id="chunk220022">they </span><span id="chunk220023">may </span><span id="chunk220024">know </span><span id="chunk220025">that </span><span id="chunk220026">this </span><span id="chunk220027">is </span><span id="chunk220028">thy </span><span id="chunk220029">work, </span><span id="chunk220030">and </span><span id="chunk220031">that </span><span id="chunk220032">thou </span><span id="chunk220033">hast </span><span id="chunk220034">put </span><span id="chunk220035">forth </span><span id="chunk220036">thy </span><span id="chunk220037">hand, </span><span id="chunk220038">to </span><span id="chunk220039">fulfil </span><span id="chunk220040">that </span><span id="chunk220041">which </span><span id="chunk220042">thou </span><span id="chunk220043">hast </span><span id="chunk220044">spoken </span><span id="chunk220045">by </span><span id="chunk220046">the </span><span id="chunk220047">mouths </span><span id="chunk220048">of </span><span id="chunk220049">the </span><span id="chunk220050">prophets, </span><span id="chunk220051">concerning </span><span id="chunk220052">the </span><span id="chunk220053">last </span><span id="chunk220054">days.</span></div>
<div id="para22">
<br /></div>
<span>This really is the work and hand of the Lord going out to all of the
earth, to tell all people of what they can gain a personal knowledge in order to
receive all of the blessings of God in their lives. Not only is this for
full-time missionaries to do though, everyone who has entered that sacred house
has been blessed with the responsibility to invite all to come unto
Christ.</span><br />
<br />
<span>On a lighter note, at lunch after the temple President and Sister Brown
were asking about our plans for after our missions, so I asked them about their
plans (they just passed their halfway mark on January 1st), lots of visiting
family and such for them :) Then I asked,</span><br />
<br />
<span>"President Brown, can I come to your homecoming?"</span><br />
<br />
<span>"Of course you can. Will you bring your husband?"</span><br />
<br />
<span>Touché President Brown. Well if I am married then I will and if I am
not married yet they will be invited to the wedding!</span><br />
<br />
<span>Have you ever been with someone when they see snow falling for the
first time in their life? That has been kind of a secret wish of mine and
Hermana Hansen, being from southern California, just happens to be one of those
people who had never seen it before. Her comment when it started to fall, "It's
all white and fluffy and not at all horrible like I thought it would be"
:)</span><br />
<br />
<span>There is a man named C______ who is visiting from Haiti and works
with Brother Seyfi who also had never experienced snow, he isn't much a fan of
the snow. The Seyfis have been doing their utmost to introduce C______ to the
gospel of Jesus Christ and send those missionaries in Haiti a golden referral.
If we can get one in time, we will be sending him back with a French Book of
Mormon.</span><br />
<br />
<span>More exciting news of the week! We got our commissary! Which means
that we have copies of the Book of Mormon again! It is rather uncomfortable to
walk around as a missionary without one of those to share, so I am happy not to
have to be doing that anymore :) Oh yes, and we are walking around again. We
made it through last week when we thought we were going to lose our car, but
Elder Holley picked it up after the temple trip so we are hoofing it
again.</span><br />
<br />
<span>This gives us the great privilege to talk to everyone though! Even all
sorts of people who are in their cars while we are on the sidewalk, whatever it
takes :) Seriously, we have had some great experiences as we simply invite
everyone who we see to experience the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ
more fully in their lives. That has made this week go quickly, despite the fact
that all of our investigators cancelled our teaching appointments.</span><br />
<br />
<span>However, B_______ did come to mutual! She is in high school and knows
a few LDS kids and discovered when she came to the activity (glow-in-the-dark
volleyball, so fun!) that she knows several more. This is something she is
really looking for in her life, even though her family isn't that in to church.
Though apparently her brother picked up and was reading some passages out of the
Book of Mormon we gave her :) This has been a week of youthful miracles I guess,
because we had a girl who is a senior and preparing to go on a mission come out
with us on Saturday night (what better thing to do on a Saturday?) and we were
able to get in to teach a 21 year-old less active sister who was baptized three
years ago and have a great lesson where she shared with us how she felt so happy
all of the time when she was going to church and reading her scriptures, and how
she wants that back.</span><br />
<br />
<span>I love this work. I love the temple. I love the gospel and the
decision which I am making to live to be with God forever. Sometimes people say
that we are brainwashed and that our Church makes us be something that we
aren't. That is a twist of the truth. The truth is that I want to be like my
Heavenly Father, and to do that I have to make some changes and some sacrifices,
but there is no part of this which I did not agree to fully and knowingly, both
in the premortal life and now, and there is nothing which I give up that would
make me as happy as I am through what I gain for doing so.</span><br />
<br />
<span>These are true principles that anyone can test and discover their
genuine nature personally, and I am so blessed to be here inviting others to do
just that.</span><br />
<br />
<span>I love you and hope you have such a great week!</span><br />
<br />
<span>love, Sister Emily DeFord</span><br />
<br />
<span>p.s. Just for fun, one last quote, from my dear companion, "I never
read the serving sizes on chocolate because they are always wrong"
:)</span><br />
<br />
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Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-68791147016843575252015-01-12T14:59:00.002-08:002015-01-12T14:59:37.705-08:00Week 74: 1/12/15<div>
January 12, 2015</div>
<div>
Longmont, CO</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div>
These pictures are really exciting to me so I am going to start with them.
This giraffe is in Loveland. It is right next to the road as you drive in from
Longmont. However, it is a divided highway so you don't see it as you are
leaving. This is important because I have driven past it so many times and
wanted to take a picture, but we are always on our way to something so we don't
stop, and coming home it is out of sight, out of mind. This week as we headed
home from our mission conference I finally got a picture! So yeah, another
mission bucket list item fulfilled ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The mission conference was because Elder Bednar came to visit. We weren't
sure at first if we would all get to meet with him, but they made it a
mission-wide conference, as long as the weather was good enough to get there.
At the beginning of the conference Elder Martino and Elder Christensen of the 70
both made a few remarks, then Elder Bednar began. He premised the rest of the
meeting with two things: first, we have this funny thing we do in the Church
where we take all of these notes, and then never use them. They are useless.
So we talked about keeping a 'small plates' type of record. Then, he mentioned
another game we play in the Church called "Guess what's in my head" and promised
that they would not play that game with us even once in the time that they were
there. Then he asked for things we had learned from studying the talks which
were assigned reading in preparation for the meeting. Many comments followed.
He changed the question a bit, many comments followed. When we had about an
hour left he invited us to ask him questions and commented, rightly so, that we
were in a room with only about 200 other people and an Apostle of the Lord, and
would probably never be in that small of a group with one ever again. Really,
Elder Bednar didn't teach us much, but he invited us to learn from the Spirit
which was far more powerful. He knows his role which is very similar to ours.
It is not to teach, except to the end that he can invite the Spirit to teach us
and invite us to act on the things which we have received. There are 15 men on
the earth who are prophets, seers, and revelators. And talking with one who is
in that calling was a wonderful experience. There are several things which I am
going to do because of what I learned and felt, that will reflectively make the
conference even more meaningful.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There were some really amazing learning experiences in other avenues this
week as well. Monday I was able to see part of the result and much of the
reason for my fast the previous Sunday. It had to do with F____, who we still
hadn't been able to reconnect with. We happened to be driving past his
apartment building that evening, and saw lights on in his window. We pulled
over immediately, got someone to let us in the building and ran up to knock on
the door. It was hard to say if my heart was beating so fast because of the
running or because of the anticipation and anxiety of not knowing what he would
say. Standing in front of his door, who happens to come up the stairs behind us
but F____! He greeted us very nonchalantly and invited us into his apartment
where we met his wife L___ who was in there with A_____! F_____ doesn't not like
us, but he lost his phone, he got a new one but didn't have our number because
it was in the old phone. So that was a major relief. And he had told L___
about meeting with us and she seemed positive about it! We still didn't get to
meet with them for a lesson this week and he didn't come to Church, but we are
really glad to know that he is doing well and still interested.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As we went to the C______'s house afterward, the road was pretty icy and
this is an exchange that Sister Allen and I had:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Watch out for the road!"</div>
<div>
"Nothing can get me down right now, not even the street!"<br />"Maybe not
emotionally, but physically it sure could!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were pretty stupendously happy!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another funny conversation this week, with a man we tracted into named
J_______, after we introduced ourselves:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"I don't have much time to talk right now"</div>
<div>
"Okay, well, have you ever heard of the Book of Mormon?"</div>
<div>
"I saw the musical"</div>
<div>
"Would you like to read the book?"</div>
<div>
"Sure!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I could not believe that actually worked! Since he didn't have time to
talk we invited him to read the introduction and testimonies at the beginning to
understand what it is, and asked if we could come back by another time to talk
about it. He agreed. We happened by a funny happenstance to get to see him
only a couple of days later in the park and he told us he had read the beginning
and started 1 Nephi! He was really liking it, and decided to set some time
aside to really focus on it and understand what was going on. The Lord sure
works in mysterious ways!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope you all have a great week full of the wonders of life! Love
you!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-67420447578438458072015-01-06T05:50:00.001-08:002015-01-06T05:50:34.950-08:00Week 73: New address
<div>
The mission office will be switching over to the new and permanent building on
January 14th. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So to send mail to me it will be:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div>
Colorado Fort Collins Mission</div>
<div>
500 Hillspire Drive</div>
<div>
Windsor, CO 80550</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-13367144201187912922015-01-05T15:31:00.001-08:002015-01-06T05:53:40.290-08:00Week 73: 1/5/2015<div dir="ltr">
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<div>
January 5, <b>2015</b></div>
<div>
Longmont, CO</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes I am distracted very easily. Like when I was writing the date in
my journal on January 1st, and was determined to write the year correctly, but
somewhere between the 'Jan-' and the '20-' part I got distracted from my goal
and did it wrong. Now that had made me even more determined to write it right
the rest of the time though!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First part of the news from the end of the week is (drum roll please!)
exactly what I expected to happen with transfers is happening! Every once in a
while I have an idea ;) Sister Allen and I are staying together for the next transfer! (sidenote: there
seems to be a possibility that Sister Allen's uncle Jeff and my uncle Don were
mission companions) Hermana Ferrell will be departing
from us to head to Boulder and train again, dear, brave, chosen Hermana Benny is
staying here to train a new missionary. They can use all of the prayers anyone
can spare, though I'm sure the Lord knows what he is doing and is prepared to
uphold them. Hermana Benny was called at a special time, where she would
<i>have</i> to train after her first transfer, the Lord doesn't call just
anyone to do that. We will continue having as much fun in the work as we can
handle!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Do you remember D______ from way back when? Well, due to the boundary
change she is no longer in the ward, but we get to work with her grown up
daughter N_____ now. She has had a rough life, but really is working on drawing
closer to God and relying on him and his plans for her. My favorite part of
talking with her this week though was when she told us about a job that she did,
which included a lot of heavy lifting and stuff like that. People would think
she was a sissy because she looked nice, but her response was, "Don't
underestimate my eyeliner." There is a girl after my own heart :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another funny quote of the week, by Sister Allen as we were talking about
the importance of baptism and the ways we want to help other people understand
that, though really this is a summation of how <i>not</i> to do it, "I think
we should terrify them first, then tell them how to not be peons on this earth
through baptism."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We went tracting this week, on New Year's day and I got into more houses
than I ever have in one tracting experience. However, most of them were just
nice people who felt bad for us in the cold and didn't want to talk about
anything related to the gospel with us. There was one really nice lady named
R____ who is 95! She lives on her own still and invited us in and gave us
cookies. Figuring it was too difficult to explain to her about Sister Allen's
food allergy, we each took a cookie and I ate both of them ;) I would take a
bite of mine, then when R____ wasn't looking Sister Allen would hand me a piece
of hers. Oh the things we do for our companions! She sent us home with a bag
of more of them that Brother Seyfi helped us out with :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I forgot to mention last week that my prophecy concerning Brother Baker
came true. He was our WML, he also had the same phone as us! Not many people
do. When I went up to Cheyenne our WML up there had the same phone, so
apparently this is a thing for the WML to have. I came back and Brother Baker
was still the WML, but then they switched over to smartphones and I said he
would have to be released, and last Sunday he was! That was unexpected, I was
just joking. Brother Dix is the new WML though which will be fun, I know him
pretty well because I lived at their house the last time I was here :) We had a
breakfast there on Saturday to talk about the missionary work and I think it
went quite well. He even got gluten-free oatmeal for my companion to
have!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last, and sort of least at this point, my birthday was this week! For the
first time that I can remember I did not wear a tiara on my birthday, but the
Merrills did have a birthday hat for me when we were at their house for dinner
;) And we got to have a party since we had to be home at 6:30pm. The Seyfis
were gone at a party, so I put on my giraffe pajamas, we baked cake, blew up
balloons (some of the glowy ones are still glowing!), popped some martinellis,
and were just settling down to watch The Testaments when the doorbell rang. I
jumped up, then let Sister Allen get the door herself because, well, giraffe
pajamas. It was the Gees! They were coming over to play games with us and the
Seyfis! So, giraffe pajamas and all I made an appearance ;) We had a fun
evening together, including poppers provided by my marvelous mama! It was a
good day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hopefully you have all also had wonderful starts to the new year of 2015
and don't forget to include Heavenly Father when you make goals, he may have
some ideas of what will help!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-24638003987432502582015-01-03T19:14:00.002-08:002015-01-03T19:14:29.850-08:00Week 72: 12/29/14<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
December 29, 2014</div>
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Longmont, CO</div>
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The funny thing about skyping is trying to remember what I already talked about/coming up with other things to talk about now/remembering that some of you weren't there for the skyping so I can talk about all of it anyway!</div>
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This was a great week! However there were a few sad moments. We had one of those experiences this week where we were walking to an appointment (we still have the car but we are walking as much as we can anyway) and we talked to someone on the street who was quite willing to talk at us, and pity us for our misguided belief in a higher power. I learned something neat thinking back on this experience and another similar one earlier in the week. In the Doctrine and Covenants we are promised that if we are doing missionary work then we won't be confounded before men. Sometimes it feels like I am though, when I literally have nothing to say to someone. There are things that I could say, and doctrines and testimony that might be brought up, but none of it feels right. I feel kind of confounded. However, I realized that sometimes the Spirit constrains us from speaking, when it isn't going to do any good. Instead of confounding, I would now call what I experience more of a stupor of thought. Not because the doctrine is wrong, but because the person I am speaking to is not willing to open their ears to hear and hearts to understand. I think not being confounded is more about not having your own testimony shaken than always having a comeback. In an interesting way, I find that my testimony is always strengthened by experiences like this. If not immediately, then as I ponder and search out the answers to questions they may have raised, I always learn.</div>
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Also, on the same walk to the same appointment, we saw another man outside shoveling his walk across the street. My companion and I looked and each other, nodded, and went across to talk to him. Just because one person wasn't friendly today, we can't let that scare us out of talking to someone else who may be (and in this case was) very friendly and willing to have a good conversation! He also gave us a referral to his artist friend down the street. </div>
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We seem to have a problem here, that we can't seem to keep a hold on too many investigators at once. You see, we have really been working on asking good questions and inspired questions, which can even happen in texting an investigator you haven't been able to contact for 3 weeks. Yay Z___ is back on the map! However, now F____ has disappeared. What can you do? Only all you can, luckily the Lord knows what is going on with him, and can help him out better than we can, though sometimes we get to be the tools.</div>
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Christmas was wonderfully fabulous! We got to do stockings with the Seyfis and the Hermanas in the morning, somehow Santa managed to pick my stocking up from home and drop it off there! I guess that is a perk of the Christmas Eve practice run at home. First breakfast of ice cream was delicious. Then breakfast at President Richards' house and getting schooled at pool. Awesome though because Sydney is preparing for a mission after high school, and they don't have sisters in her ward so we invited her to come out with us!</div>
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Back to the Seyfis for opening presents and watching How To Train Your Dragon 2 which I absolutely really loved. Also, how could I almost have forgotten to mention that Hermana Jarvis, who has been home for 8 months came and spent Christmas with us and it was so good to see her! Plus, this was living proof that there is life after the mission :)</div>
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First dinner and playing nertz with the Gablers was really fun, and watching my companion try to avoid the not as well done parts of her steak, when she's not that big a fan of meat anyway, was fun too. I am impressed with her skills ;)</div>
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The snow really fell while we were at the Gablers, but we still had no trouble getting to the Bartholomews to 'hangout' with our families! It was really exciting to get to see almost everyone, though the video cut out on their end part way through so I was invisible. Everybody is growing so much! And I got to see Eden walk, and Heather is pregnant and I am going to be there in June so I am super duper hugely excited about that. Peter and Dallas and Dolly were there so it was really fun. Adam's voice is changing and I think Michael's hair is even curlier than before, but maybe that is just his perpetual need for a haircut :)</div>
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I am so grateful for everyone who tried to make Christmas special and fun for us as missionaries, and I am incredibly grateful for the whole reason of it. Everything really comes back to Jesus Christ. As a mission we have been challenged to read the Book of Mormon and highlight every reference to Christ, his attributes, words, and doctrines. As I've been doing this the stories and distractions have faded into the background and I have been able to see even more how it is simply as it proclaims, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, and as President Hinckley promised, as we prayerfully read the Book of Mormon there comes "a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God." It's true.</div>
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love, Sister Emily DeFord<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJRsRJWTaW_S_bY01s-KvED5Cq2HnJHDIg4llUAUttWHmbay1TEyixV5rjjmNsmAwGHkkHOkTwo4s2AXgjTW0axi2hrt0UHqbcWu15Bvq1O9Jqg1EBn4Gb_Q_27sxMoF4aFZi488LTsdu/s1600/Week+72+Best+Xmas+Present.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJRsRJWTaW_S_bY01s-KvED5Cq2HnJHDIg4llUAUttWHmbay1TEyixV5rjjmNsmAwGHkkHOkTwo4s2AXgjTW0axi2hrt0UHqbcWu15Bvq1O9Jqg1EBn4Gb_Q_27sxMoF4aFZi488LTsdu/s1600/Week+72+Best+Xmas+Present.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Christmas Present Ever</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye to Selina</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello to Suzanne</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum! Jeweled Rice</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ISzeRh5vXYWx8is_ZM8-M2XvkeicZ6bdI4ZGqHgXhwZj3EoeeJC2rTLqFBkZgoctQXfZSvBami9LaRwr7PXOpjONU5AtgKHsOXGtLccLQCgEYUmdWAYwel6uU6qlRfSOxRONOnZ4I2O6/s1600/Week+72+Santa+Going+Green.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ISzeRh5vXYWx8is_ZM8-M2XvkeicZ6bdI4ZGqHgXhwZj3EoeeJC2rTLqFBkZgoctQXfZSvBami9LaRwr7PXOpjONU5AtgKHsOXGtLccLQCgEYUmdWAYwel6uU6qlRfSOxRONOnZ4I2O6/s1600/Week+72+Santa+Going+Green.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa's Going Green</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Elephant Gift Exchange WIN</td></tr>
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Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-74255839576910967822014-12-22T14:39:00.000-08:002014-12-22T14:39:13.710-08:00Week 71: 12/22/14<div>
December 22, 2014</div>
<div>
Longmont, CO</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...spent lots of time on other things today and I get to talk to my
family in <strong>3 DAYS!!!</strong></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So this is a picture email today, which means it will be in a couple of
parts (good luck family on the posting)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9jdWe04ujZCh8x28dVVEAqfX5im2vfAmxb4zM8JudMcfXXxMRIaVA9AF6FcZpQ6yyLixSlmhQRn-9gsKw7IayYEOLib9t_9cVI9p1wCC7hE0aLL-1jLueqm7ihf8RjV-IfmrHM4phsGA/s1600/Week+71+i.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9jdWe04ujZCh8x28dVVEAqfX5im2vfAmxb4zM8JudMcfXXxMRIaVA9AF6FcZpQ6yyLixSlmhQRn-9gsKw7IayYEOLib9t_9cVI9p1wCC7hE0aLL-1jLueqm7ihf8RjV-IfmrHM4phsGA/s1600/Week+71+i.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selina (Seyfi) Morse and her husband left today to go back to Utah, we will miss
them, it has been so super fun to get to know them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgsSV9EFVZNOzkCJZ2ylxrN0_Hg4Iwk4iYRlD607RZ3ETmm1_8TH0VpFp6-mnWOllXCw_4UeIxVTFkLplVHi9HJLESUsaf-zM3-OTbdofUSHiX-SklmAlP68ZcIrZOYjbBV3qcOlj7xi1/s1600/Week+71+g.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgsSV9EFVZNOzkCJZ2ylxrN0_Hg4Iwk4iYRlD607RZ3ETmm1_8TH0VpFp6-mnWOllXCw_4UeIxVTFkLplVHi9HJLESUsaf-zM3-OTbdofUSHiX-SklmAlP68ZcIrZOYjbBV3qcOlj7xi1/s1600/Week+71+g.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Grinch faces (pic1) from this way cool yard (pic 2). None of the lights
were on IN the house or we would have told the people how much we liked their
yard and given them a He is the Gift card!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrow56XrV1TdCscQk57p9ShW0TgcV1rryA9zQHQriX7fb6D13X_dEUgdnjoEA5aFlDadTIAmgevviqbEK58YQVDcn2lNFS_RqkC0d2VyobyNbNSWArf0SNqYdJ4TiZUbikZGVQTGXL8aAl/s1600/Week+71+h.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrow56XrV1TdCscQk57p9ShW0TgcV1rryA9zQHQriX7fb6D13X_dEUgdnjoEA5aFlDadTIAmgevviqbEK58YQVDcn2lNFS_RqkC0d2VyobyNbNSWArf0SNqYdJ4TiZUbikZGVQTGXL8aAl/s1600/Week+71+h.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ac62CgWl9XN_-wBt8a3oSdisMsX-el3NDL8WU8F4hO28fh4dWozvdTrQnxUZ7Oyp4HYQCuFvUCqFkwMJyq_TRwKluTCOMwpq97eVzpSE3MiRBecXA-lkKr600A7W7NN9R0F-iaOyiy9H/s1600/Week+71+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ac62CgWl9XN_-wBt8a3oSdisMsX-el3NDL8WU8F4hO28fh4dWozvdTrQnxUZ7Oyp4HYQCuFvUCqFkwMJyq_TRwKluTCOMwpq97eVzpSE3MiRBecXA-lkKr600A7W7NN9R0F-iaOyiy9H/s1600/Week+71+a.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Waite and I found this open car, and a giant cane, so we took a picture,
and lots of others ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eOSkbUwE55ss0aVSZ4Q6ipTxpu9dHbL82JOC7JwKqBvQtYawYxEuk3eZx_Yk1a_xxbc5EVxH21w7lDZO3wQkDpRBfvJAIdn7WMT62WVgrjJEjA9fgHAA4ofSdFewwexDnfQ5Y8wCOf-Z/s1600/Week+71+c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eOSkbUwE55ss0aVSZ4Q6ipTxpu9dHbL82JOC7JwKqBvQtYawYxEuk3eZx_Yk1a_xxbc5EVxH21w7lDZO3wQkDpRBfvJAIdn7WMT62WVgrjJEjA9fgHAA4ofSdFewwexDnfQ5Y8wCOf-Z/s1600/Week+71+c.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to lunch with the STLs and the hermanas because we didn't get to do
exchanges. It was delicious. We went after zone meeting, and as we were
leaving Chipotle who should be walking in but a bunch of Elders haha. They sat
at the same table we had.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GfCDTYeSZd1_8GWpEhbcpJoqw6yj7TCJCMa0my6szz59boScJ842Hl6QP4Hp4lXwMFshJHMQ1nEoLadrXNdmb9mJbu_UWgJndadYCv0YY3BA5jPjuVYMssUMJm9WfrufWi4h_4j9kg2c/s1600/Week+71+d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GfCDTYeSZd1_8GWpEhbcpJoqw6yj7TCJCMa0my6szz59boScJ842Hl6QP4Hp4lXwMFshJHMQ1nEoLadrXNdmb9mJbu_UWgJndadYCv0YY3BA5jPjuVYMssUMJm9WfrufWi4h_4j9kg2c/s1600/Week+71+d.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<div>
Sister Swain and I took a picture with our matching bags that we have both had
our whole missions ;) Also, she has the same coat, but wasn't wearing it that
day.</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXtwEnpsx4EgtRj-ah3fpTb0qmO48RvGGBA6l0rbO9GXMmVwnTXwQp3lqx6oCrBGtzic026UDWFotWWivww9AcfGfytvBgpxLM8b7giz0unzchSN5yZ8kNmTR71mUE8AbRX9RpQMbqqZd/s1600/Week+71+e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXtwEnpsx4EgtRj-ah3fpTb0qmO48RvGGBA6l0rbO9GXMmVwnTXwQp3lqx6oCrBGtzic026UDWFotWWivww9AcfGfytvBgpxLM8b7giz0unzchSN5yZ8kNmTR71mUE8AbRX9RpQMbqqZd/s1600/Week+71+e.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What did my companion say when we saw these Christmas decorations? "That's a big
Pooh!" I hesitated for a second, but had to laugh ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrby2bsbLjLXYcLSP83dvP7dJAR8fJNpk19K5xGdSKKZIqaSy5X-EqQFpgwjbkWyKRqYZs1p3uQF9YiANSmrJhd4jR5XC1tGcpoUMl29iMnq7ik41w-iUtzQPKhjWz3QvvAjwnsfnO95Km/s1600/Week+71+f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrby2bsbLjLXYcLSP83dvP7dJAR8fJNpk19K5xGdSKKZIqaSy5X-EqQFpgwjbkWyKRqYZs1p3uQF9YiANSmrJhd4jR5XC1tGcpoUMl29iMnq7ik41w-iUtzQPKhjWz3QvvAjwnsfnO95Km/s1600/Week+71+f.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Also, we have officially taken a car picture since we got a car!</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-71502449840367281112014-12-17T10:09:00.000-08:002014-12-17T10:09:05.385-08:00Week 70: 12/15/14<div>
December 15, 2014</div>
<div>
Longmont, CO</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
10 days until Christmas!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This has been a long-short week and I don't even know how there could
possibly be anything to say which I haven't told you about since I must have
emailed only a day or two ago....yet it's true, another week has gone.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had our Christmas devotional this week, and my good friend Sister Clark
was kind enough to remind me just before it started that this would be our last
zone conference and so we would be giving our 'departing testimonies'. Sheesh!
Since when did we get so old?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I talked about how at the beginning of my mission the flood happened, and
some of the 'older' and 'wiser' missionaries told me it was a bummer that
happened at the beginning of my mission, because the rest of it wouldn't be able
to live up to the beginning. Then I told them that I had learned for myself
that it was completely not true. In Jacob chapter 5 there is the allegory of
the olive tree, and at the end of it, after the last time of care and gathering,
the Lord of the vineyard blesses those who have worked with him and promises
that they will have joy with him in the fruit of his vineyard. That joy has
made the rest of my mission every bit as amazing as the first part.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, our zone leaders got us Christmas presents! Can you guess what they
are?</div>
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<div>
We had an interesting week in that all of our investigators rescheduled our
appointments with them at least once, so it didn't go quite as planned, but we
still has some amazing things happen! Such as our lesson with F____, where we
taught about the Plan of Salvation up through the atonement of Jesus Christ. It
was so fun as we read scriptures to see him so excited to read along and read
them again after we talked about it. When we invited him to be baptized and
suggested a day he said, "That's far away! What's today? That's like a
month!" He was so happy to accept and knows that is what he wants to do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, we learned that he walked, with A____ in a stroller, over a mile to
the Christmas party last week! As soon as we learned that, we told him F____,
we are getting you a ride for church! Seriously! I am so amazed that he was so
willing to do that though!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So he did come to church this Sunday. He sat with a family and we ended up
on the other side of the chapel, but he loved the whole thing and almost cried
during Sacrament meeting, and it was just all amazing. Even though we really
didn't get to spend any time with him during church because we were teaching
sunday school, the ward is amazing and F____ is amazing and I am so grateful to
be a part of this work and this gospel!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Backtracking to Saturday night, was the Longmont Parade of Lights! And we
went, but I was actually distracted from this super cool parade (I love
parades!) because the thing I was even more excited about was to give out the
cards for He is the Gift! We handed out so many and it was so happy to see
people be excited about a video and movement to share the real reason and spirit
of Christmas! If you haven't seen it yet, do it!</div>
<div>
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<div>
Ah, just asked Sister Allen if there was anything else that I should talk
about for this week (what would I do without a companion?) and she reminded me
of a couple of things! One, Nikki returned from her mission on Wednesday, and
we happened to be at the stake center when she came in to be released which was
one of the sweetest saddest happiest things that I have seen on my mission. She
came in and saw us and just said, "Sisters!" and ran over and gave us hugs. She
came with us on Friday night and got to talk to a couple of awesome potential
investigators and set appointments with them for the coming week that will be so
great!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Guess which part is me! We took some crazy pictures with The Seyfis last
night, and I have officially met all of them now :)</div>
<div>
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<div>
TMFWD: Christmas again!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-45654856080653257832014-12-08T15:15:00.002-08:002014-12-08T15:23:24.132-08:00Week 69: 12/8/14<div>
December 8, 2014</div>
<div>
Longmont, CO</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wowza what a week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Did I tell you that, last week, we had no investigators?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, sort of one and a half, but not really.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That is <i>not</i> the case at this point. Last week we got to teach a
man we had met just the night before. He has met all sorts of people in his
life who have been members of the Church, and even wrote a research paper on the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in high school, but none of the
people he has met have really been able to answer his questions. "They must not
have been paying attention" he said. So he is excited to read the Book of
Mormon he already has a strong belief that a person needs to know things for
themselves. And we are so grateful for the wonderful Suzanne who came to our
rescue several times that evening, including being our member present so we
could even meet with him. Plus, her comments were wonderful.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Elders did leave a couple of potential investigators for us to contact,
including one named F____ who is one of the sweetest guys I have met recently!
He also has known some Mormons throughout his life, and really wants to raise
his little son (18 months of adorableness who kissed my companion during the
lesson!) in a Church. He already had a Book of Mormon :) and he came to the
ward Christmas party we had on Saturday! Where he got to meet lots of people,
and get over that first hurdle of going into the church building.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Hermanas tracted into and taught the first lesson to a wonderful
English-speaking sister. Who then dropped them because she 'found another
church'. They went to attend a baptism in another ward and discovered their
lost investigator there, who's sister was being baptized! They established that
it was the same church and got to meet with her again :) So they invited us to
hand her off to the English speakers. She has quite a varied background in
religion, but is very sincere and puts a lot of emphasis on the fact that having
faith in Jesus Christ should change your life, so she is ready to go!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, had an interesting lesson with a woman who the Bishop met and
referred to the missionaries. The first part of it we got to know her better,
the second part of it she seemed to be testing us for some reason, the third
part of it we got to teach about the plan of salvation and it was
wonderful!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Plus, after some area book overhauling and ward list updating and so many
other tender mercies that I can't even count them, we had a phenomenal week! We
have gotten our exercise walking and getting rides when we needed them (J____did let us come visit him!) We jumped a fence once or twice for shortcuts and
the weather has been beautiful. We have met so many people simply by not
walking past them that there is no denying that Heavenly Father is putting them
in our path and us in their path.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Did I tell you about the last week when the guy drove slowly next to us
while asking questions about the church? Yep! Then he finally stopped so we
could give him a pamphlet and some other information. Totally fulfilled one of
my mission bucket list items of wanting to talk to someone through an open car
window :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now I have enjoyed some reminiscing this morning, and wanted to share a
quote from last year at this time:</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"A funny thing about missionaries. They hate getting sick. They will deny
being sick. And when someone finally forces them to stay home because they ARE
sick they are very grumpy about it. No, I'm not sick, but you hear these things
about missionaries. The cool part is really about the daughter of one of the
Spanish investigators. This girl is seven and she loves to go to church! You
may remember being around that age and even a little cold was just too much to
consider going to church sometimes. No. She cries and begs and <i>wants</i>
to go to church, sick or not. I want to be like her."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last year, I actually had been sick that weekend. This year my poor Sister
Allen got sick! But she at least got to go to Sacrament meeting, then took a
much needed nap :)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"Picture 6: Ward pajama party! I mean, Christmas party... :) the theme was
Christmas morning so we had breakfast for dinner and lots of fun! Though our
plans for matchmaking were disrupted, it was definitely a great ward
party!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well our theme for the party this year was The Polar Express, and adults
were encouraged to wear ugly sweaters for a contest. Brother Seyfi won the
contest, but I heard there was some bias in the judges ;) We mustn't let on that
I know though ;) I don't remember what our matchmaking was last year, but we had
breakfast again and two families that we invited came! So that was super duper
exciting. Plus we took pictures, below ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh, plus exchanges con las hermanas de Boulder were super wonderful and we
all happened to be coordinating!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
TMFWD: Christmas!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div>
</div>
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Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-48229809560598868282014-12-01T16:31:00.002-08:002014-12-01T16:31:49.219-08:00Week 68: 12/1/14<div dir="ltr">
December 1, 2014
<div>
Longmont, CO</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Michael is the winner! Though Longmont popped up on a couple of other
people's guesses, it was his first and only guess. Prize to be mailed shortly
:)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am back in the good old Ute Creek ward! It is a happy place to be for
the holidays and I really love my companion so even though it was a crazy
whirlwind first week I think it will be super good here. That promise about the
Holy Ghost bringing all things to our remembrance is one that I am super excited
about and grateful for because I have remembered most of the streets and such
and we haven't gotten lost yet!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The ward shrunk since the last time I was here, there was a boundary change
where the northern part was cut off so it is even smaller than before (which I
didn't realize until going up to Cheyenne how small the ward down here was,
geography-wise). So there are a few faces missing, but a few new ones have
moved in and that is happy! The size is also nice because my companion and I
are without a car for the time being. If any of you email me about not wanting
me to be out walking after dark I will not be amused, the entire ward has been
telling us about it and we had a very hard time having a lesson with J____ last
night (still going to church! Yes!) because he is also concerned about it.
Actually, when we tried to set up a weekly appointment with him he said, "Not
until you have a car." We got him to come around because we promised we would
get rides ;) Being swept in has been much easier since I have been here before,
and I know where not to walk after dark so I promise we will be safe, and if we
go to Jesse's house we will get a ride.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Already being up in Cheyenne feels like so long ago, but I really hope
those Elders are taking good care of the ward up there! Saying goodbye was
tough, but it's not forever so that is okay :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do you want to hear about my transfer day adventures? Here we go!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finished packing, picked up Sister Grammer's new phone and apartment
key.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Moved her stuff into the apartment, which didn't <i>stink</i> like boy, but
definitely smelled like boy</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dropped me off at the stake center to get on the transfer van</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Rode the transfer van to Laramie</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Waited a really long time because someone who was supposed to get on the
van wasn't there</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Rode the van down to Loveland</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Met Sister Allen!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Put some of our stuff in another set of Sisters' car who would be driving
us down to Longmont, they didn't have space for all of it so we had to leave
some in the Ute Creek Hermana's car for the next day</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Drove down to Longmont to the Seyfi's house!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Turns out we wouldn't be living at the Seyfi's house until Friday. Also
unknown where our phone and house key to the Roper's house was and unknown if we
had a car or not.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally figure all stuff out, get phone and area book and key.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay at Seyfi's house that night anyway :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Move to Roper's house Wednesday morning.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do a lot of walking and meet some great people! Re-meet some people from
before.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a crazy time :) It really has been great though and I cannot express
how amazing the Seyfi's in particular and the ward in general has been in
helping us out and just being welcoming!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Plus, all the walking has helped me sleep really, really well :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all a lot and am happy to be in December! 24 days until
Christmas!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
TMFWD: think pink!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div>
</div>
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Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-50283898426758265752014-11-24T11:46:00.001-08:002014-12-01T16:25:47.343-08:00Week 67: 11/24/14<div dir="ltr">
<div>
November 24, 2014</div>
<div>
Cheyenne, WY<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Well, I have told several of you individually that I am being transferred,
but unless I messed up, I didn't tell any of you where I am going ;) You will
have to guess, you have until next week when it is revealed on the Weekly
Report! The first person to email me a correct guess before I email next week
will get a prize!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I will tell you, Sister Grammer and I are being swept our of Corner Stone
ward, and Elders are sweeping in. They aren't going to have Elders and Sisters
share wards anymore, so Sister Grammer will be ward hopping to accommodate that
with her new STL companion. I am being released as a STL and will go back to
training with a sister who has been out for one transfer already. We are being
swept in to our new ward and I am super excited about it. Probably going to die
in my next area according to what President Brown told me.<span style="color: purple;"> <span style="color: red;">(Editor's Note: "Die" means be done with your mission and go home, she only has this transfer and one more before that exciting day!)</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So that is all you get ;)<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Saying goodbye to this ward so far has been tough. There are so many
amazing people here! It really is a close family, because the only people who
come to church are ones who work really hard to be there, and they all lift and
bless and help each other. Facebook friends and visiting after the mission for
sure!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I will really miss living with the Russells as well. Best missionary set
up ever! Plus, we get to talk to Carter basically every morning. Even Brutus
will be missed, as slobbery and smelly as he is :) Haha Brutus loves to sniff us
down after we get home from the animal shelter. It is funny, because he is
almost always outside in the front yard when we get home. So he sees us, barks
a lot, then runs up to the front door and asks to be let in so he can meet us at
the back door and sniff our shins while we try to get downstairs. This week, we
decided to race him, and we won! (To picture Brutus, imagine Charles from Space
Jam) Made it to the apartment just before he got down the stairs :)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We probably smelled especially delicious that day because we got to play
with ferrets at the animal shelter! So much fun! Wouldn't want to have one for
a pet, but they were pretty entertaining for an hour.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Also, we broke the car this week, but then we fixed it. Elder Holley
doesn't even know. We parked the car at the car wash last p-day so we could
vacuum it, and the wind took the door from my hand and bounced it open. So hard
that a spring popped out of the door and moved a different piece out of place.
Sister Grammer managed to find the spring, and we studied the other door to see
how it fit in the door. Managed to get the spring in the door, but couldn't
move the other piece back in place. Luckily, we were at the car wash, where
they have things like crowbars that the nice person behind the desk will let you
borrow. So we got it fixed and froze our fingers off because a very COLD wind
was blowing, and without the spring, we couldn't close the door. It is all okay
though, we thawed out again and went on with out day :)<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Well, we have a lunch appointment that we will be late to if I don't sign
off, but I will add a couple of pictures for you!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Happy Thanksgiving and happy guessing!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord<br />
<br /></div>
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Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-76729585284883100302014-11-22T09:27:00.001-08:002014-11-22T09:27:44.244-08:00Week 66: 11/17/14<div dir="ltr">
<div>
November 17, 2014</div>
<div>
Cheyenne, WY</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Forgot to tell you my favorite line from the Primary Program last week!
Carter, a 5 year old little boy, got up to the microphone and said loud and
clear, "Jesus Christ was crucified and I will be too!" Oh my! Who knew that
was part of the deal? After the gasps of his primary teachers he corrected
himself, "Jesus Christ was resurrected and I will be too!" Phew! That was a
close one ;)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We got to stop by and visit a family in the ward who we haven't met before
and they are instant favorites! They have two little kids, Walter and Alice,
who are almost 4 and almost 2, respectively. Walter is a little sweetheart.
His mom asked him, what you do at the castle (temple) and he responded
enthusiastically, "You take your princess there!" then he turned and looked at
me and said, "You're a princess!" Oh the cuteness ;) He knows he is a prince
too ;)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
You know, as missionaries we normally only tell the really good stories,
but we had a lesson this week that went horribly. About 10 minutes into it I
just wanted to leave. The Spirit wasn't really there, he just wanted to contend
every point that we brought up, nicely of course, but there was so much
confusion going on that it almost hurt. There was no way we were going to have
another appointment with him. After praying desperately for something to say,
there was one little pinprick of inspiration, "What are you hoping to get out of
reading the Book of Mormon?" (he is reading it, almost through the first two
books of it actually). Well he wants to know if it aligns with the Bible,
though if it does then he sees no purpose for it, and if it doesn't then why
should he trust it? These are things we have heard before. But then there was
another little spot of light. He said, "If it is the same, I would be very
curious as to why our churches are so different." There it was. That one
inspired question allowed the Spirit back in to chase away the darkness in the
room and illuminate the tiny change of heart which is taking place. It is small
for now, but he is beginning to have real intent to know for himself. We
will go back again and do what we can to help that tiny seed of faith to
grow.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
See? Missionaries only tell the good stories, I only told you about it
because it ended up being a really good one! But it was hard. Not only that
day, but in previous days there has been a lot of things going in to that tiny
little ray of sunshine. We tell the cool stories, but there is always such a
long preface that hardly ever do we bother to read it ;)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Lots of driving this week. We had MLC down in Fort Collins at the Trilby
building which is right across from the temple! So great! Another one of those
times when I am glad traffic wasn't bad, because when I saw the spire appear
over the houses I was so excited that it was kind of distracting ;) We had
dinner before the meeting, since it was in the evening this time, and Elder
Baxter sat right next to me! You know, he and his wife are really wonderful
people, with fun accents, but they are also very normal. I like that about
them. We received phenomenal training on Christlike leadership, from each
other, President Brown, and Elder Baxter. Another cool thing, Elder Baxter
isn't worried about having other people pipe in or learning even from 20ish year
old Elders and Sisters. He said the closing prayer and that was an experience
to remember.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The next day, we have a mission tour conference with Elder Baxter up here
in Cheyenne. Before the meeting began he asked to shake hands with everyone,
and asked that we all tell him our name, where we are from, and how long we have
been out. None of this sill 'a little over/under a year' stuff he said. I have
been using that, so I actually had to count months ;) Turns out, that was the
day of my 15 month mark! Good reminder though, that means it is time to write
to Sister Clark again, seems like I just did that....</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Directly after the conference we began an exchange with the Wheatland
sisters (last one of the transfer, yay!). I went up there with Sister Cardon
and we had a really wonderful evening. Actually, I got to meet the mom of a
sister in our ward who (the mom) has recently started taking the lessons! The
next morning someone told us that the freeway down to Cheyenne was
closed....luckily it opened again by the afternoon when we exchanged back!
Apparently they sometimes have to close the freeway for wind. Yeah,
crazy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Because of exchanges, I missed the lesson with P____, but he didn't miss
it! Sounds like it went super duper well. He told the sisters that the night
we met him, he and his friends had just been talking about religion and God and
stuff, and then up walk these two Mormon missionaries out of the dark :) Gotta
love that!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Have a superb week, and some blue TMFWD</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
p.s. Our Christmas devotional will be December 9,10, or 11 and we will be
able to get packages there which have been received at the office before then,
or they will forward things on as quickly as they can. Note: only USPS packages
can be forwarded. Also, mom remember transfers are this coming week and I may
be moving, and mail seems to take longer than expected sometimes.</div>
</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-17166486557521697962014-11-22T09:20:00.004-08:002014-11-22T09:32:15.162-08:00Week 65: 11/10/14<div dir="ltr">
<div>
November 10, 2014</div>
<div>
Winter Wonderland<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Dear DeFrods,<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Not infrequently as I type just enough of the email to send this to I mix
up our name and we get defrauded every week ;)<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So on the last Monday, previous to this Monday, as in the Monday when the
email last received from me was sent, after the sending of said email, we had a
crazy p-day. Just busy and crazy where you get to the end actually relieved for
p-day to be over so you can stop trying to get done all sorts of things that
just aren't going to all happen on the same day. Sometimes I like those p-days
because then I appreciate the rest of the week more ;)<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Anywho, that evening things were not working out exactly as planned (which
happens every day. In fact, there was one day on my mission that things
actually did go as planned and that was so surprising and noteworthy that it was
the only thing I wrote in my journal that day. "Today, surprisingly, everything
went as planned. Weird.") and we thought, hey, let's randomly text that guy who
we randomly met on the street two months ago and randomly texted us three weeks
ago. Yeah, let's text him and see if we can set up an appointment!<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So we did.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
And he texted us back.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Weird.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So we set up an appointment! Really phenomenal*, super excited and then he
didn't show up :( Turns out, he slept right through it, he just started working
nights and isn't used to it yet, but that is okay, we are rescheduling!<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Got to have exchanges with Sister Jarvis and we had quite a bit of fun.
When we went out to contact a potential investigator we ended up standing by the
street, talking to a man who had been loading things in his car. Then some
random guy drives up and stops next to us and starts telling us how he just
bought his car and he loves it so much because he is old school and he had a
newer car, but then saw this one in the lot and just had to have it. Neither
we, nor the man we were talking to, knew this guy. He was sure happy about his
car though! That is when you know you've made a good purchase, when you just
get happier about it the more you think about it, and finally you are so happy
that you have to tell the first people who you see or else you might burst. I
think that is what happened ;)<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
My companion is a really happy person. Seriously, she enjoys every aspect
of life, especially sleeping apparently ;) Speaking of being so happy that you
might burst, sometimes you just have to laugh to relieve the pressure of all the
happiness right? I was woken up one morning this week by my Sister Grammer
laughing so hard that she eventually woke herself up as well. Yep, she is so
happy that she was laughing in her sleep! Her thoughts on the situation, "I
think there have been very few times in my life when I have woken up so
jovial!"<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We had a really fun "Fabulous Friday" Relief Society activity this week.
Lots of people came, we did crafts, I learned how to make jalapeno jelly, and it
was overall a lot of good happy things!<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apparently the idea of making the jalapeno jelly came because Sister
Aguirre isn't super crafty, but had to come up with a craft to do at Fabulous
Friday. She <i>is</i> really good in the kitchen though. And she started
making it because then she uses it for homemade montecristo (sp?) sandwiches
which she made for us on Sunday and they were delicious! Then we helped her
bake three different kinds of cake that she was going to take to work today, and
tell everyone that the missionaries helped her make them ;)<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Have a happy week! TMFWD: black<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
*Phenomenal. A word used by a couple we had dinner with so much that it
was ridiculous ;) I have decided to use this word now in place of awesome, which
I say too much. So I am going to use the word phenomenal too much, but at least
it isn't the same overused word as everyone else overuses ;) Except the
Aitkens.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yrwLMdVocxRESjlxnbbC72Fso3JVEhLxkAT8GLRAb0B66325I_U9KgSgU7D6_GpJYdl3NSJykjnxFFprSB3Zvhg6SU3goZRzQlSI54_srdpcWtQSyr-HryQPT-TtpuBHuX-pilXiSzZN/s1600/Week+65+Baking+with+Sis+Aguirre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yrwLMdVocxRESjlxnbbC72Fso3JVEhLxkAT8GLRAb0B66325I_U9KgSgU7D6_GpJYdl3NSJykjnxFFprSB3Zvhg6SU3goZRzQlSI54_srdpcWtQSyr-HryQPT-TtpuBHuX-pilXiSzZN/s1600/Week+65+Baking+with+Sis+Aguirre.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking with Sister Aguirre!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXZoXcD_4AAGDIwfWF9K44WntjZh7JzidVlikwV1uPy9xjY5kBL9oEakGSHnpwv6P4RvcpRW5_X5SZXj2A39dLkrS4npUcgT-xYKyYwLBc9H2D7LoqQItFnXGpX9AYNZjgr8aD2OZ50LM/s1600/Week+65+Feasting+on+the+Scriptures.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXZoXcD_4AAGDIwfWF9K44WntjZh7JzidVlikwV1uPy9xjY5kBL9oEakGSHnpwv6P4RvcpRW5_X5SZXj2A39dLkrS4npUcgT-xYKyYwLBc9H2D7LoqQItFnXGpX9AYNZjgr8aD2OZ50LM/s1600/Week+65+Feasting+on+the+Scriptures.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feasting on the scriptures ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXdwp_OvD6HMr9CufG2PDHdNycXs9_4VchgdMGcssJRPn2ML4owdWTKOcS73sjr4g8qZryEOZ3g9uZsBRxIfFbz5OkJ3isyfbAYa-oV4yeRvPvpvOfIZnrEsVvj_NHto-EnSSJEGd99_k/s1600/Week+65+Looks+Like+Home.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXdwp_OvD6HMr9CufG2PDHdNycXs9_4VchgdMGcssJRPn2ML4owdWTKOcS73sjr4g8qZryEOZ3g9uZsBRxIfFbz5OkJ3isyfbAYa-oV4yeRvPvpvOfIZnrEsVvj_NHto-EnSSJEGd99_k/s1600/Week+65+Looks+Like+Home.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks just like home! Driving out to dinner in the country</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuiVdi_GDH6-bzRY6wLy6oj2fu4emTQASmuegbXihCa3gxLDXR_7ax6cAADYZOUUaAixxbxbpJcOT8AsJLfWkWpcQ4PzgXgfOsmyfrMurR4xjoM06Lj4tiKf4v7Eq78puQcPsrQJjqeqt/s1600/Week+65+Celebrating+Sis+Jarvis+11+month+mark+with+Sis+Atchley+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuiVdi_GDH6-bzRY6wLy6oj2fu4emTQASmuegbXihCa3gxLDXR_7ax6cAADYZOUUaAixxbxbpJcOT8AsJLfWkWpcQ4PzgXgfOsmyfrMurR4xjoM06Lj4tiKf4v7Eq78puQcPsrQJjqeqt/s1600/Week+65+Celebrating+Sis+Jarvis+11+month+mark+with+Sis+Atchley+.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Jarvis and I went to Sonic with Sister Atchley to celebrate Sister
Jarvis' 11 month mark :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E7ppoN5CTKlw5Y82c8J9vJzWGYA1IVKOIKphZRyg5XuNWutlOnYCKZNuGo79J7MeV0p7zZLFhkf9I2ZfzrZFiAS7fs7oF7WNVBCQID9Nb10nkf2RRTbRVKrExN1aRlJSA5PiPqzwDoz8/s1600/Week+65+Trough+Taco+Salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E7ppoN5CTKlw5Y82c8J9vJzWGYA1IVKOIKphZRyg5XuNWutlOnYCKZNuGo79J7MeV0p7zZLFhkf9I2ZfzrZFiAS7fs7oF7WNVBCQID9Nb10nkf2RRTbRVKrExN1aRlJSA5PiPqzwDoz8/s1600/Week+65+Trough+Taco+Salad.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Taco salad! Yum, trough night style</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iNLw-Zsyj-CYHjagg6JmNP47Ga1wq_zRWFYLTZkF1P6EoJZMDDmG50VNAzu0vrs0t2A38iAFu932utYnVg-0QnewMc6bnRDwPSxElxUS7pmRzHJNBSeceFLOJONUbncwigeN9IDRRAKu/s1600/Week+65+We+are+strange.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iNLw-Zsyj-CYHjagg6JmNP47Ga1wq_zRWFYLTZkF1P6EoJZMDDmG50VNAzu0vrs0t2A38iAFu932utYnVg-0QnewMc6bnRDwPSxElxUS7pmRzHJNBSeceFLOJONUbncwigeN9IDRRAKu/s1600/Week+65+We+are+strange.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are kind of strange :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-81806216265024851272014-11-04T12:07:00.001-08:002014-11-04T12:07:15.034-08:00Week 64: 11/3/14<div>
November 3, 2014</div>
<div>
Cheyenne, WY</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Did I write one of these last week? It seems so long and short ago
that I am just not sure. Some important things did happen this week
though!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We had a back-to-back exchange adventure where I got to be with Sister
Kertamus in her ward, and Sister Thatcher (greenie visa waiter for Bulgaria!) in
my own area. I love getting to know the other sisters and hearing about
the things that are going on in their lives and in their areas. The work
is definitely going forward in Cheyenne!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During our exchange on Wednesday evening we concluded our one week
experiment with the R_____/L___/A_____ household. We didn't get to read
quite every night, but it was pretty close. We read from Alma 36 and had a
really good discussion about it. Then we were able to ask about how the
last week had gone, and L___ in particular identified some really good things in
his life. So, they decided that they did want to continue meeting
(phew! Part of the point of this experiment was to see if they really had
a desire on their own, or were just too nice to tell us no). L___ is
seriously the best (not)investigator ever! He really listens and is good
at understanding the scriptural language and even applying it to himself.
This last Saturday actually, <em>he</em> used the word 'investigate' in relation
to himself :) I have no idea where he came up with it, but I don't even
care. He wants to find out answers for himself! Also, one of my
favorite moments with them was a night when R_____ was there (sometimes he is
gone working). R_____ has been LA for a long time and only recently got
back in contact with the Church. He tends to say some off the wall things
sometimes, but every once in a while there is a gem like, "Read that book, pray
about it." That's all there is to it ;)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We also went back to contact a potential investigator named J____ this
week, who we had a long conversation with quite a while ago. Based on how
our conversation went, even though it was friendly, we were really surprised
when he accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon. This week we showed up at
his door again and asked if he had read any of it. Yes! He invited
us in, but we didn't have another woman with us so we couldn't, so we pulled
some chairs outside and had a discussion on the porch :) It went really
well! And we have a return appointment!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
To maintain the balance of the universe however, that great lesson with
J____ was followed up by learning that V______ moved out of the ward. Just
to the other side of the highway though, and there are amazing sisters there who
will take good care of them for sure, so really, all of these are positive
things from the right perspective ;)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Took some pictures this week that I will send :)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
TMFWD: white!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ-uVkF71JE-7kP4gK7lDx_zgEMEagIkOzZgsVJBZa6f9Xv9L4FNXMy-VhQ-mTNWv11i_a3ePq8F4A42dI-NzpcnnEK_4UwPepS_4CPg_GydxUTdjqsiW8inQYBC-3lDx8hssAYC-JdKr/s1600/Week+64+Merrifield+Family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ-uVkF71JE-7kP4gK7lDx_zgEMEagIkOzZgsVJBZa6f9Xv9L4FNXMy-VhQ-mTNWv11i_a3ePq8F4A42dI-NzpcnnEK_4UwPepS_4CPg_GydxUTdjqsiW8inQYBC-3lDx8hssAYC-JdKr/s1600/Week+64+Merrifield+Family.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415131116541_3718">
The Merrifields! This is the family that I think best represents
Heather and Doug and Eden in my ward :)</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-awj4EuOlyKsFwoTCLFSjBFm35J2O8zqpmp_chw7nzxDTcHBoNLBYdkmolavZpLLuBRntp2cjuWbIbH_5S2ICEe7oq8CGIrEfU0AcwvooiFbxRdEMmKLW6S_VbsnY-TlMpMQho51ebX5/s1600/Week+64+Sis+Grammar+at+Halloween.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-awj4EuOlyKsFwoTCLFSjBFm35J2O8zqpmp_chw7nzxDTcHBoNLBYdkmolavZpLLuBRntp2cjuWbIbH_5S2ICEe7oq8CGIrEfU0AcwvooiFbxRdEMmKLW6S_VbsnY-TlMpMQho51ebX5/s1600/Week+64+Sis+Grammar+at+Halloween.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415131116541_3695">
Sister Grammer being boss at the game at the Halloween
party</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuaRUsizxMS0rs3UTUN_r2ck8mWfrINknHrhD9Ad_2BQK_mPlJakOGU7v-YHV5Ou20p6A6CWFH97DbHdD89P1SOYiF8qBCCfKlruHzN6wIA0Dh8ri8Ydt5PUlqkEgTCyp698XTkSs9182/s1600/Week+64+Carter+and+Sis+Russell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuaRUsizxMS0rs3UTUN_r2ck8mWfrINknHrhD9Ad_2BQK_mPlJakOGU7v-YHV5Ou20p6A6CWFH97DbHdD89P1SOYiF8qBCCfKlruHzN6wIA0Dh8ri8Ydt5PUlqkEgTCyp698XTkSs9182/s1600/Week+64+Carter+and+Sis+Russell.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415131116541_3703">
Sister Russell (who we live with) and Carter :) She is Little Miss Muffet
and he is her spider ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415131116541_3702">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkMVxWZbJXQItKwwwhbqvchxj_nQZyC_WywUk262YA5YJF7X6SZnMd1C53g_YaUEawyZ6TiZae459NJOMi6AikUqXopQJeWHOZJGIpviWgG_lWvQBmHSmqbBM6PTnji9orbLjB2BpVV5y/s1600/Week+64+Elders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkMVxWZbJXQItKwwwhbqvchxj_nQZyC_WywUk262YA5YJF7X6SZnMd1C53g_YaUEawyZ6TiZae459NJOMi6AikUqXopQJeWHOZJGIpviWgG_lWvQBmHSmqbBM6PTnji9orbLjB2BpVV5y/s1600/Week+64+Elders.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415131116541_4337">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415131116541_4340">
Love our Elders! They brought us popcorn again this week</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Vex1GAuPce0kW041PnaI_wkUNdK78qA0ID9foZ7-abJhdKSYT_W28m8PYg_9XRWujbTa6qELf40TdXLPWjxmtEp5YjG3OhOHehBSKA87saSfc3lNh2adK10_R7ytIbTZu1A3QTYek1hi/s1600/Week+64+Emily+at+Halloween.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Vex1GAuPce0kW041PnaI_wkUNdK78qA0ID9foZ7-abJhdKSYT_W28m8PYg_9XRWujbTa6qELf40TdXLPWjxmtEp5YjG3OhOHehBSKA87saSfc3lNh2adK10_R7ytIbTZu1A3QTYek1hi/s1600/Week+64+Emily+at+Halloween.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister DeFord not doing so hot at the game at the Halloween party ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xbm6LCx1UY5R-WXAJC5EQLvHOeBd5ofUo4A5JIeUBvieTctDnP2hOFoJlKI-8q5NKqLKpAiUK1cK4ebg8xVQHEWIsgAnkPUmbKaJh4fclSKFT8vPCMBz3e2Hoex1LOyPD4qfOXhzjUAY/s1600/Week+64+Halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xbm6LCx1UY5R-WXAJC5EQLvHOeBd5ofUo4A5JIeUBvieTctDnP2hOFoJlKI-8q5NKqLKpAiUK1cK4ebg8xVQHEWIsgAnkPUmbKaJh4fclSKFT8vPCMBz3e2Hoex1LOyPD4qfOXhzjUAY/s1600/Week+64+Halloween.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making faces at the Halloween party :) Can you tell what I was dressed up
as?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHB_AlxoP9f5rBtOB3FAaqrLlhyphenhyphenX5KoDPKisqDdiI-5e3WgvEK7nOIgAmOixfbBjjmrDj5BwfaWEbB_txgphDmkfxEB-Yj0s1J6ztVxVQbiMv1PNVxvLXIY6F-x9v7lQbklDqfU7_byAA/s1600/Week+64+Levis+beard+Cookie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHB_AlxoP9f5rBtOB3FAaqrLlhyphenhyphenX5KoDPKisqDdiI-5e3WgvEK7nOIgAmOixfbBjjmrDj5BwfaWEbB_txgphDmkfxEB-Yj0s1J6ztVxVQbiMv1PNVxvLXIY6F-x9v7lQbklDqfU7_byAA/s1600/Week+64+Levis+beard+Cookie.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cookie we decorated, with a beard, in honor of Levi's beard which he
shaved this week</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-73499433760236808252014-10-28T21:24:00.002-07:002014-10-28T21:24:30.863-07:00Week 63: 10/27/14<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33094">
October 27, 2014</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33098">
Cheyenne, WY</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33378">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33097">
We began an experiment this week with a household, that we are really
excited about and are hoping to try with another family in the coming
week. Sometimes people have a really hard time getting in to reading the
scriptures/praying regularly, and without those it is really hard to
progress. So Sister Grammer and I decided spur of the moment like to go to
the A_____/R_____/L___ house and simply tell them that we were going to come
over every day for a week and read a chapter in the scriptures with them.
Our visits would be short and that would be the whole point. (The idea of
this being that by implementing just one aspect of the gospel daily they will
begin to see a change from it and have a desire for more.) So far it has
been going pretty well!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33379">
Actually on one day we had a pretty long visit because we helped A_____ and
L___ make dog cookies for A_____'s work! That was really fun and gave us a
chance to talk about a lot of things, as well as read our chapter. L___
just moved in with R_____ and A_____ a month or so ago, and has just sat in
whenever we come over, it was really impressive when we asked him for a recap on
the chapter, how much he actually paid attention and followed what was going
on.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33380">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33406">
And yes, we did try a little bit of the dog cookie dough, just to see if it
was any good ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33405">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33404">
Speaking of brief lessons, that also allowed us to have a new investigator
this week! V_______ is someone who I have just started to love since we
met her last transfer on exchanges. She is also someone you can just see
is ready for the gospel. It is hard to schedule things with her, but since
we stopped by one morning with a plan for a short visit she let us in and we got
to set another appointment! She really wants to change her life and make
it better for her and her son.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33403">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33402">
Plus, members are amazing! It finally worked out to have Sister
C_____ come with us to D____' lesson and it went so well! They live in the
same apartment complex so had some common ground there (literally;) ) but also
discovered some other similarities. Sister C_____ is also a convert to the
Church so she was able to address some of D____' thoughts in a different way
than we could have!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33381">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33401">
At Church on Sunday our WML talked to the sisters briefly about missionary
work, and invited them to come out with us on some evening in the week. We
got a great response from it and I am excited to see what happens next :)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33382">
Sister Grammer and I played a fun game this morning that we heard about
from an RM. He called it 'contact', and it is a great way to test your
knowledge of the scriptures ;) Our modified for two players version goes like
this: One companion opens the scriptures to a random page and simply
begins to read. The other companion has to find where in the scriptures
she is reading from, and says 'contact!' when she gets there :) We had a lot of
fun with it!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33383">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33384">
I didn't take many pictures this week, but did have an exchange with Sister
Hebertson and she forgot her toothbrush so was using a finger ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33385">
</div>
<div>
Plus, Sister Grammer and I live in the bat cave ;) The scripture reference
makes it legit! (Hmm, my head is kind of in the way, but the reference is
Ether 13:13)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33400">
TMFWD: how's about some pink for the week?</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33388">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33389">
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33389">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMu4pN-4UCBnEDAGophGGPbX9CvHUP4cPKdLuYJMTKvqgYRYCXmeL0XoQZBd0aI8nXafUqVOyyUSGYhCJ60CfSM9VQpijYHIoRZcROiZjlp3nBlihR1oRQcVb0ZcFFL4fdJPRmWQ28U1J/s1600/SAM_7827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMu4pN-4UCBnEDAGophGGPbX9CvHUP4cPKdLuYJMTKvqgYRYCXmeL0XoQZBd0aI8nXafUqVOyyUSGYhCJ60CfSM9VQpijYHIoRZcROiZjlp3nBlihR1oRQcVb0ZcFFL4fdJPRmWQ28U1J/s1600/SAM_7827.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bat Cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimrgqzcLMlsrfA25G_qzBS_Xr60LTKnEfUMcpTAfVpQJfIl8hpk2bMozWFlGKIYXh4RuknrKUjA9HQ3p4ocPsOg3_Js-QrAyDuN23fvoypI5qmSefjWTDxOqN3TPGPA8r_Urote_NXPxe/s1600/SAM_7818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimrgqzcLMlsrfA25G_qzBS_Xr60LTKnEfUMcpTAfVpQJfIl8hpk2bMozWFlGKIYXh4RuknrKUjA9HQ3p4ocPsOg3_Js-QrAyDuN23fvoypI5qmSefjWTDxOqN3TPGPA8r_Urote_NXPxe/s1600/SAM_7818.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dental Hygiene</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_33389">
</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-40723720229046691522014-10-28T21:16:00.003-07:002014-10-28T21:18:07.409-07:00Week 62: 10/20/14<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10235">
October 20, 2014<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10236">
Cheyenne, WY<br />
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10232">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10230">
"You can still be weird, and clean" Sister Grammer :) Wise words of wisdom
there.<br />
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10231">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10229">
Missionaries: "What is the strait and narrow path?"</div>
<div>
9 year old who shall remain nameless: "It's like, the sprinkles on a
brownie!"</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10237">
.....what? Good save by the older sister who made that analogy work
;)<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10238">
So last Monday we had a really fun time making pancakes and defrosting the
freezer, Sister Grammer did the first while I attempted the second. I used
my blowdrying skills which I learned in the dorms, and then also added the new
element of simultaneously chopping at the ice with a knife. Do not try
this at home ;) I don't know if I can email GIFs, but I will try to send that
one! It did work though, and now we have much more room in our fridge
without all of the ice buildup in there!<br />
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10228">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10227">
I have also begun reading Preach My Gospel from the beginning as we were
challenged to do as a mission this transfer. I increased the difficulty
level though, because as I read I am also marking all of the scripture
references in my quad in Green pen, so I am doing PMGreen ;) It has been really
fun so far and I have found some super awesome scriptures that I didn't look at
before so it's worth it!<br />
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10226">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10178">
Want to hear about a rather uncomfortable experience I had at the animal
shelter this week? Well, Sister Grammer and I were just out doing our
thing, walking the dogs, when my dog decided he needed to leave me a
present. No problem, I brought a poop bag, so we are all good. But
then, as he is walking away from doing his business he gets a little cactus
stuck in his foot. So I am trying to keep him still so I can get the
cactus out, while not letting him wander away so I loose track of where the poop
pile is. He ends up shaking the cactus off so we're good, I go back to
picking up his mess. Little did I know that he had actually pooped on a
little cactus family so I reached my hand down and got a cactus in my thumb for
the trouble. Now the poop bag is pinned to my thumb and I can't pull it
out because I am holding a dog leash with the other hand so Sister Grammer has
to come rescue me, but our dogs don't really get along. Her trying to grab
on to a not pointy part of the cactus to pull it out of my thumb was kind of
like shooting a blow dart at a moving target while tubing on the river.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10239">
It's okay though. There were no casualties.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414555042048_10240">
We worked hard and laughed a lot this week. You know, laugh when you
are tired, laugh when you are sad, laugh when your companion does strange
things, laugh when the family you live with is home and the boys are playing
outside your room while you study ("So apparently, you want to be a hot dog."),
laugh when people don't answer the door and you are imagining all of the reasons
why, laugh at how awkward you make things sometimes, laugh because the extreme
awkwardness actually turned out to be a good thing (we failed to talk to someone
who walked past us while we were contacting a potential investigator in an
apartment complex. We felt really bad about it, so we went back and
knocked on the door that he went into, even though he told us that he didn't
live there. Actually ended up giving a Book of Mormon to his girlfriend's
mom, it was a really good conversation!), laugh when you do strange things,
laugh when planning takes way too long, laugh when Elders are strange, laugh
when Elders are really good missionaries and good to work with, laugh when you
are trying to remember the name of Batman's butler, but you can't think of it no
matter how hard you try, so eventually someone has to google it for you
(Alfred! How could we forget!), laugh when you wear the same outfit two
days in a row because you did service most of the first day so you only wore it
for like two hours and you aren't going to see any of the same people anyone so
who will know? (but, I just told you) and laugh when you just need to be happy
:)<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I hope you laugh a lot this week!<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
TMFWD shall be green, I am starting to be partial to that color ;) purple
is still my favorite though<br />
<br />
love, Sister Emily DeFord<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy-e5iJ5kKZj-5j8w1cdVMqWyWM9JKE4v7-tUk8r-xPM14WWEMil-P7irVPy1L-JsmM1gAhQxArdtChF_j7vSpGE_PgJjOJpOk-52ksz8TGcTgUBjv1AfOdrE4pTVnGYVnTmjuQlc6t8M/s1600/SAM_7780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy-e5iJ5kKZj-5j8w1cdVMqWyWM9JKE4v7-tUk8r-xPM14WWEMil-P7irVPy1L-JsmM1gAhQxArdtChF_j7vSpGE_PgJjOJpOk-52ksz8TGcTgUBjv1AfOdrE4pTVnGYVnTmjuQlc6t8M/s1600/SAM_7780.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-47391460668777970742014-10-16T21:10:00.000-07:002014-10-16T21:10:04.343-07:00Week 61:10/13/14<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3075">
October 13, 2014</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3078">
Cheyenne, WY</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3079">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3080">
Happy Birthday Dad!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3081">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3082">
Contrary to worries, the library is not closed for Columbus day even though
there is no school. The no school is for hunting season or
something...because I live in Cheyenne, WY, so we do stuff like that ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3083">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3084">
And...(drumroll please)...I will still be living in Cheyenne, WY for the
next 6 weeks! Plus I am not switching companions! Sister Grammer and
I are quite amused however that every sister companionship in these two zones
will be in the midst of training, except us, but we are the sister training
leaders so we still fit in ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3085">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3086">
Besides that, I am going to put some long-promised pictures in here and
tell you about something that Sister Grammer and I discussed at the beginning of
our companionship. We said we were going to work really really super
hard. In saying that, we also recognized that meant the transfer would
probably not be easy. All transfer long we have struggled to talk with
people, teach lessons, and have people keep appointments.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3096">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3087">
There have been really incredible and amazing and wonderful miracles as
well, but it has been hard. We have been trying to build up and strengthen
the work going on here. Starting just about this last week, we can finally
feel some momentum gathering and are so happy and excited for the upcoming
transfer. It still isn't going to be easy, as Elder Holland would say,
because salvation never was a cheap experience, but that's okay, the price is
already paid.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3088">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3089">
Love you all! Remember which way you face ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3090">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3091">
TMFWD shall be BROWN :)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3092">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1413515698293_3093">
love, Sister Emily DeFord<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO31N8dk5VDMuI8y1OKOj9Fdi4j18N2zGo2tZ8xKBgGFi417RuEQD2XSZFunyZSgLnhR3sljpfHEBbXxGijGC2br5yWCDdAn9L_2aGEWzOgCr_35b-IrkpTicmdRWv2wXom6hhQggaOj7/s1600/SAM_1795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO31N8dk5VDMuI8y1OKOj9Fdi4j18N2zGo2tZ8xKBgGFi417RuEQD2XSZFunyZSgLnhR3sljpfHEBbXxGijGC2br5yWCDdAn9L_2aGEWzOgCr_35b-IrkpTicmdRWv2wXom6hhQggaOj7/s1600/SAM_1795.JPG" height="82" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I have a super cool camera which allows me to chalk graffiti
in three places at once!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiB-lVJEusKtC2aaFssOK0yafK7_gHq524OUTVcZ3V24lkTr9efICA7IOt66QiAjyG5FLEdEgxT_54QolLw4ohKYALZH6EpyWrghxzPgGOn1HxSO5a2ZzUakT1Bfv9k8qpfk_63SM7rgl/s1600/SAM_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiB-lVJEusKtC2aaFssOK0yafK7_gHq524OUTVcZ3V24lkTr9efICA7IOt66QiAjyG5FLEdEgxT_54QolLw4ohKYALZH6EpyWrghxzPgGOn1HxSO5a2ZzUakT1Bfv9k8qpfk_63SM7rgl/s1600/SAM_1852.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AAAAAAHHHHH I am falling!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDOqQRhrns7O6OBctt1fPgwT0aCCMAwdy7HjN-sAlk3NocMpO5BQZrh30MwdFjuaRKhsU1eivobFqzmYfDVNiPxcsqmYATpkySf7qB2t-UaxcAlIc-0-FG1YMmXJBYUsn_86FkDUrCceX/s1600/SAM_1801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDOqQRhrns7O6OBctt1fPgwT0aCCMAwdy7HjN-sAlk3NocMpO5BQZrh30MwdFjuaRKhsU1eivobFqzmYfDVNiPxcsqmYATpkySf7qB2t-UaxcAlIc-0-FG1YMmXJBYUsn_86FkDUrCceX/s1600/SAM_1801.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awkward District Picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi124MvlMQ6rsPIlZBx1PunWfXmDFkNrdtQ-V3w7jZ5RRuqgBGqDoqpTosyjWwy6mRBbqWKsRdhIB4v4k6uq5LMnXOzH-lq3JBEMlZmZ5d7mQ_4PRvxaE7WmatLIUJuy6DQlC6aqPfV3QCV/s1600/SAM_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi124MvlMQ6rsPIlZBx1PunWfXmDFkNrdtQ-V3w7jZ5RRuqgBGqDoqpTosyjWwy6mRBbqWKsRdhIB4v4k6uq5LMnXOzH-lq3JBEMlZmZ5d7mQ_4PRvxaE7WmatLIUJuy6DQlC6aqPfV3QCV/s1600/SAM_1807.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Grammar in Stealth Mode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqNERXo79PVf7hGjcTaF1vNpTamb5KnmLmJQCVFSvuBFDLHYu2Q_zYWSxNzITgFUjwPta8TxsaC9qsIcjrVpt7JURlfDiPcKj8V_FMou7k8JE1uUkD4vlkWKTHEAtv60Wv6g-hV0AB-H8/s1600/SAM_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqNERXo79PVf7hGjcTaF1vNpTamb5KnmLmJQCVFSvuBFDLHYu2Q_zYWSxNzITgFUjwPta8TxsaC9qsIcjrVpt7JURlfDiPcKj8V_FMou7k8JE1uUkD4vlkWKTHEAtv60Wv6g-hV0AB-H8/s1600/SAM_1812.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily in Stealth Mode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-60753918758022189792014-10-07T07:47:00.003-07:002014-10-07T07:47:51.550-07:00Week 60: 10/6/14<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_4969" style="color: black; display: inline; font-family: "Calibri"; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_4968">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_4975">
October 6, 2014</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_4967">
Cheyenne, WY</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5126">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5127">
So I remembered a little bit late, and was reminded, that I did not explain
the quote which headed my last week's email. It did not appear on Google
because I am the one who said it ;) Sister Grammer and I were walking down the
street doing and talking about missionary things when I thought about how
strange some of the things we do are. Both as a missionary and in life
sometimes it feels awkward to do something because we experience the 'spotlight
effect' thinking that someone is watching all that we are doing. While it
is basically true that someone is always watching, it isn't continuously the
same someone so really these things shouldn't be awkward because in fact "nobody
knows the strangeness from beginning to end".</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5128">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5129">
This transfer has been one of meetings. In the first week we had a
mission conference with Elder Cook. In the second week we had a Mission
Leadership Council which was put off to then due to the mission
conference. In the third week we had Zone Conferences. In the fourth
week we had Zone meetings, which normally follow the week after MLC but was put
off due to Zone Conference. In the fifth week we came again to another
MLC. I think that is in part why the time has flown so quickly!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5130">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5131">
Happy to report however, that even with all of the much driving due to
various meetings and transfers, we only went 4 miles over the limit on our car
in the month of September. Hopefully October will be less of a nailbiting
month in that respect, even if it does have 31 days!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5132">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5133">
This week Sister Grammer and I had to squeeze in two exchanges (it was
almost three!) and we tried something very daring. For the first exchange,
Sister Grammer was in our area, we saw each other for a couple hours to get some
important things done at the end of the exchange and then began another one,
with me in our area. Luckily Sister Grammer keeps really good track of
everyone who we even try to visit, so I was able to know what had been done the
day before and not double contact people ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5134">
</div>
<div>
It was very fun to serve with Sister Hay again. For both of us this
is our fourth transfer in Cheyenne so this was our third exchange together, but
the first time in her area. For unknown reasons, on exchange days it seems
impossible to not have most everything fall through, but we did get to meet one
of their investigators who they had been really worried about since she is an
older lady who had been MIA for several days. Sister Hay is lots of fun
and has a really super good heart.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5135">
With Sister Budge here in Corner Stone ward we had some interesting
experiences. In the evening we had someone almost call the police on us
because he thought we were going through people's mailboxes. Actually, we
were looking for an address :) He turned out to be a very nice guy and even
tried to help us figure out where the house was that we were looking for!
The next morning we decided to try and talk to him in the daytime, and instead
were approached by and preached to for an hour and a half by an interesting
fellow who was concerned for our souls. He even said himself, "Well, we've
had a nice talk. Actually, you guys have had a nice listen." Which very
accurately sums up the experience.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5136">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5137">
Last but not least for notable events of the week, it was General
Conference! Even though the people who were going to watch with us at the
Merrifield's and Miller's homes fell through, we contained our sadness enough to
really really enjoy the whole thing. Then we were kind of happy when a
family brought dinner to us instead of going to their house so we could just sit
for a while and continue absorbing all the amazing things we learned.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5138">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5139">
It is incredible because every time I come with questions, they are
answered. In some way, shape or form, they always are.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5140">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5141">
A less notable, but very enjoyable experience was doing some chalking in a
pedestrian tunnel, with some questions of the soul and scriptures. Plus,
since my mom is really cool, we took some pictures of our work, made possible by
my new camera! More pictures will be coming now :)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5142">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5143">
TMFWD should it be orange because October has begun? Yes!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5144">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5145">
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412692661230_5145">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgP2hp6qRvdCLUhGCzWY-0AUq-Za2P9boVfXXlZpOP0WLNVoBnISuBGI8pb-m9MSbjoNdfctCxvjoc7C1pg-TlZGoQdXm8hH17CxlRku77jc2y5grUWbynKmi8yFQ7ub5172ahjz-fkXZ/s1600/DSCF7758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgP2hp6qRvdCLUhGCzWY-0AUq-Za2P9boVfXXlZpOP0WLNVoBnISuBGI8pb-m9MSbjoNdfctCxvjoc7C1pg-TlZGoQdXm8hH17CxlRku77jc2y5grUWbynKmi8yFQ7ub5172ahjz-fkXZ/s1600/DSCF7758.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">omparing the size of my femur with that of a dinosaur in the Wyoming
State Museum :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2KtqQZutWaAZjCXO5ilDNKmszOkjaigFaYSO-Odiw319qBfw38AyaUmX-ULTDnVhk4-S9lGXx4T_xfka9vmS2UZNuPaI5HG5Hp30tfZrEcTb6bUPqGoSjSa9J-rrUrTkCn-ukak_GvN8/s1600/DSCF7694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2KtqQZutWaAZjCXO5ilDNKmszOkjaigFaYSO-Odiw319qBfw38AyaUmX-ULTDnVhk4-S9lGXx4T_xfka9vmS2UZNuPaI5HG5Hp30tfZrEcTb6bUPqGoSjSa9J-rrUrTkCn-ukak_GvN8/s1600/DSCF7694.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me, Sister Grammer, Sister Waite, and I can't spell the last
sister's name, even phonetically, so Sister T at Zone conference.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdIs_MZYJ9H6ZLZuMXUhS_Q_m-0L6pnpAOIylGgAAxCwc7jVecXZdnF3PAf7xrrEPrGcZr2b4eFvvtj_qE2YgDtLFK-iEYYDEb2mjig33U8ZsOGk1CzLRaVkBSTgVzb8Gqu1Bd0YRVoXZ/s1600/DSCF7729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdIs_MZYJ9H6ZLZuMXUhS_Q_m-0L6pnpAOIylGgAAxCwc7jVecXZdnF3PAf7xrrEPrGcZr2b4eFvvtj_qE2YgDtLFK-iEYYDEb2mjig33U8ZsOGk1CzLRaVkBSTgVzb8Gqu1Bd0YRVoXZ/s1600/DSCF7729.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a beautiful bike riding day :) The helmet didn't even mess up my
curly hair!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm_3KhDZSaAkv-NZfyLXHewWQL3BTt_7_giXoX7AarbRd6sqClKpj4nU1th6xycSi_ljFWZzTgwD-i0bz1e3EORZGltKM9qXJ6O0L0VR0k3xrQ9kkNzdmB72ettwX9r5ApfGXzt5DTO6y/s1600/DSCF7743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm_3KhDZSaAkv-NZfyLXHewWQL3BTt_7_giXoX7AarbRd6sqClKpj4nU1th6xycSi_ljFWZzTgwD-i0bz1e3EORZGltKM9qXJ6O0L0VR0k3xrQ9kkNzdmB72ettwX9r5ApfGXzt5DTO6y/s1600/DSCF7743.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Grammer and I in front of the capital building here in
Cheyenne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOW7buUOz8TkLJ-yHSUFcsXSdmkuCV5PkgOfCOv2xePXyADD2T8KgtO8mAWYiVXPh5WAVQIlmUsZKJ4kKpRrjIZ_VtbFZL8NOe80uthrFZvut7fJvPGqGY1Y9vyihgyh8BYaEjPXrnqck/s1600/DSCF7750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOW7buUOz8TkLJ-yHSUFcsXSdmkuCV5PkgOfCOv2xePXyADD2T8KgtO8mAWYiVXPh5WAVQIlmUsZKJ4kKpRrjIZ_VtbFZL8NOe80uthrFZvut7fJvPGqGY1Y9vyihgyh8BYaEjPXrnqck/s1600/DSCF7750.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capital Building again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-36762375482229712552014-09-30T09:03:00.000-07:002014-09-30T09:03:03.319-07:00Week 59: 9/29/14<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5183" style="color: black; display: inline; font-family: "Calibri"; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
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<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5181">
September 29, 2014</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5186">
Cheyenne, WY</div>
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</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5188">
"...Nobody knows the strangeness from beginning to end"</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5189">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5190">
Would it be bad to only write about things from yesterday because they are
the easiest to remember and really cool things happened? Well, I guess
that is what we will start with and maybe bounce around :) (I admire all of you
wonderful people who can give me a rundown of the week from Monday to the end,
someday maybe I will be like you)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5191">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5192">
Mostly I am just REALLY excited about what happened on Sunday
(yesterday). We had set up a lesson with L___ who has been what I like to
call, a progressing potential investigator ;) We were going to meet at Brother
Jones' house which was a crazy idea that Sister Grammer had and we decided to
run with. First of all, he actually came! We were not stood up,
which I never really think is going to happen, but often try to prepare myself
emotionally for.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5193">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5194">
As we all sat down, I realized a slight problem. We had gathered 5
people in that room, the missionaries, Brother J____, Sister L____ (they are
siblings), and L___. 2 of the most longwinded people I know, and 2 of the
most opinionated people I know. Needless to say, the person (you can guess
at who) who fits both categories talked the most, the missionaries talked very
little. Still, some very excellent things came out in that meeting, and
L___ is still willing to meet with us again so I'm thinking it was a success
;)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
One of my favorite parts was when Sister L____ shared her testimony so
simply and straightforwardly. She spent a long time looking for the truth,
didn't find it until a few years ago and she is in her 70s now. Now that
she has finally got it, there is nothing which can dissuade her from it.
She knows her Heavenly Father and His love for her.</div>
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</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5196">
Other uber cool experience from yesterday. We went to try to meet the
family of a man, N__, who we met and gave a Book of Mormon to a few weeks
ago. It was evening time and there were only lights on upstairs in their
apartment, so we weren't sure if they would answer but we went for it
anyway. N__ answered almost immediately after we knocked and invited us
in! We were able to sit and talk with them about God and the gospel and
why we have the Book of Mormon. N__'s wife doesn't speak English, but we
promised to get a Spanish copy and they both are looking forward to reading
it. They are a sweet little family with two and a half kids (isn't that
what Brother Hales always talked about the average family size being, or was it
3 and a half?) who have only been involved with church and things like that in
the past couple of years, and so are eager to learn. We discussed also how
the only way they can really know about the things which we say are to pray and
ask God. That is the way to discern truth in a world where every is more
than happy to tell you their own opinion. One of my favorite things about
them is that they had questions, especially P_______. She sure isn't going
into anything blind, and I am so grateful for her thoughts and to be able to see
the things which she has pondered and already learned from the scriptures and
had confirmed through the Spirit.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5197">
Okay, I can't only talk about Sunday, because Saturday night was the
General Women's Broadcast and that was AMAZING! As well as the sweet
missionary experience we were able to have with Sister Webber at Subway which I
am sure was for her more than for us, but once again I am grateful to have
participated :)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5198">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5199">
It is very nice to sit and hear inspired messages, and also know that my
family is hearing the same messages. (okay, not the brothers and the dad,
because this was a women's meeting, but you know what I mean:) )</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5200">
This week also I went to the dentist and had the nicest hygienist
ever. Then I went and ate popcorn (good thing I didn't need fluoride!) and
watched "Meet the Mormons"! It was a fun movie and has convinced me that I
want to move to Costa Rica ;) Here in Cheyenne it will be coming out in the
theater October 10th and sticking around for a week. Is it going to
Tri-Cities at all? (Side note: N__ used to work in Hermiston and sometimes
in Kennewick! Woah, we probably passed each other on the street in the
pre-mission life or something;) ) The beginning was super funny and the rest was
pretty enjoyable. If you like I'm a Mormon videos then you will like the
movie ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5201">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5202">
The new Mormon Message about the to do list is really good as well and I
think one that most moms (nudge, mom) (nudge Heather;) ) should watch,
repeatedly. Of course, most moms are so full of doing what the Lord needs
them to get done that internet videos don't always fit in.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5206">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5207">
Love you all! TMFWD should be pink this week ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5203">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412092673255_5205">
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
</div>
</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-78397052262789723512014-09-23T18:56:00.001-07:002014-09-23T18:56:29.982-07:00Week 58: 9/22/14<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_2835">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_2834">
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_2833">
September 22, 2014</div>
</div>
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<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3015">
Cheyenne, WY</div>
</div>
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Today is one of those days when my fingers have just
forgotten how to type, so hopefully this all comes out in good English, but if
not, ask Heather what it says ;)</div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3022">
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<br /></div>
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<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3023">
Have I mentioned how much I love riding a bike to get
somewhere? Seriously, love it love it and not that I don't love my wards I
have served in, but why was I not put in a biking area? I should be
careful what I wish for though, winter is coming up ;)</div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3026">
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3027">
We had some excellent riding and teaching and testifying and
talking and learning and listening and loving this week. There are two
stories in particular which I would like to share though.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3030">
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3029">
On Wednesday we were on exchanges with the Eastridge
sisters. Sister Kertamus came here with me, and we talked about how she is
struggling with, but trying to improve on, talking with everyone who we come
across, wherever we are. So throughout the afternoon we worked on that and
as we walked past someone we wouldn't just walk past, but tried to talk with
them. It was a good experience, but I think it really prepared us for the
opportunity which we were given in the evening.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3032">
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3031">
As we were driving to a certain home we came up behind a car
which stopped at a green light. That was strange, but it turned out his
car had died. We looked for jumping cables in our car but didn't have any
and neither did he. So we decided we would pull off of the road and then
come back and push his car out of the way at least, then he could call someone
to pick him up. As we parked our car, he was able to actually let his roll
backwards down the slight hill, and turn it off of the road. So we really
did nothing to help him at all, but he was so grateful! And then we were
able to talk with him about being missionaries, and it turns out that he knew
some missionaries growing up, but at the time was not really able to learn about
what they had to say because his family was against it. However, now as an
adult he has a chance to consider it again and make his own decision! I am
so grateful for a Heavenly Father who knows His children so well and never loses
track of them but will bring them to exactly the right place that they need to
be, even with a broken down car.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal">
Next story. On Saturday we went to contact K____.
She happens to live in one of those houses where there is always someone
new. She wasn't feeling well that day, but instead we met C_____ and gave
him a Book of Mormon. Since we have been working on what to share
<em>after</em> giving someone a Book of Mormon, so they can really understand
what it is about and what it means for them, we were able to follow that up with
sharing with him the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, how it has been
taught through all ages to all people, and has been restored in its fullness
today. I'm not sure that he followed all of the things that we shared, but
he definitely felt the Spirit.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal">
Actually, we were talking about prophets like Noah, and we
asked C_____, how do you think you would have recognized Noah as a
prophet. He said he would have to go meet him and talk with him and the
Spirit would come from Noah to himself, letting him know that this was a prophet
of God and his message was true.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal">
So as C_____ had felt the Spirit so strong while we talked,
he wanted his brother to feel it also, so he invited us to come back the next
day and he would have his brother there to talk with us.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3034">
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3033">
On Sunday we shared with J____ what we had shared with
C_____, and were able to testify to them that exactly what C_____ had thought
about recognizing a prophet was true! Here was the Book of Mormon, the
fruits of the prophet Joseph Smith, and by reading, and praying, about this book
a person can feel the Spirit and know that it is of God and that God does call
prophets today, that there is one on Earth today named Thomas Monson. They
both agreed to take that action, and as they do so and it proves true, to be
baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of
God.</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3037">
This is truth and it does enliven and enrich our lives!
I just wanted to share those stories because these people are amazing, and they
are loved children of God who I have been blessed to meet at this time and share
this beautiful truth with. There is really nothing better
:)</div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3040">
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3042">
<div class="yiv9043817000MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411523526319_3041">
love, Sister Emily
DeFord</div>
</div>
</div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7756563119501878995.post-33617952018011233232014-09-17T15:49:00.003-07:002014-09-17T15:49:48.930-07:00Week 57: 9/15/14<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2593">
September 15, 2014</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2847">
Cheyenne, WY</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2848">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2850">
Happy Birthday Michael!! (Yesterday) Is 17! And Happy Birthday Heather! Who turned 24 <em>last</em>
year, contrary to my original calculations, and is now 25!! Ha I will
spoil all of the age secrets ;) Next up comes papa who will be a full
half century old!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2851">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2852">
This
week was great great great. We talked to gangsters, and bought bikes,
and rode bikes, and had snow, and shared the Restoration via hymns, and
ran into the Elders (actually, they ran into us) and looked for sloths,
and met neighbors! and amazing lessons and nailpolish from the Elders
and breakfast and football and much much more. But I will try to
elaborate on some of these ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2853">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2854">
One
8:30 at night (really, can be the best time or a very inconvenient
time, but we have found that as we plan and then work diligently though
our 8 o'clock plans often fall through, our time is not wasted) we left
someone's house and saw some people outside on the opposite corner.
They were going inside and out of the house, switching in and out of a
car, the way they were talking and acting they totally appeared to be
gangsters. So we talked about it, decided neither of us was getting a
"no, run away!" feeling, so we had better go and talk to them. When we
got over there, the car had left and two guys were left outside. One of
them waved us off, telling us he wasn't interested, but we asked if he
knew anyone who might be and the other guy said we could come over and
talk to him for a minute! It was awesome, Phil is actually looking into
churches right now so we gave him a pamphlet and the church address and
our number. Always talk to the gangsters!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2855">
So,
I mentioned I was thinking about buying a bike. Great way to contact
someone right? Well it was! Different than the one we thought of
before, we were driving down the street and saw these two nice bikes out
just calling to us. So we stopped and talked to D__. He actually
isn't interested, but we got to have a great conversation in the midst
of buying the bikes :) So it wasn't quite on a whim, because I was
thinking about it already, right?</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2856">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2857">
Then
it snowed the next day! And was very cold! And we had to learn how to
work the thermostat. Then it melted the next day and has been very
nice, so it is all good :)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2858">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2859">
So
then riding the bikes was super my favorite thing ever because we get
to talk to people all along the way and I just love it a lot! Plus, we
can put the bikes on our bike rack to take them more to the middle of
our area so we never have to ride up the big hill to our house which I
would not like to do. I am a wimp on big hills. Luckily, we don't have
too many of those ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2860">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2861">
We sang a hymn for every principle in the restoration lesson while cleaning windows at a less active's house ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2862">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2863">
These
new Elders in the ward really are getting out and working! Only
trouble is, when they show up at a house at which we are having a
lesson...we will get it all worked out! Then the Torrington Elders for
some reason had nailpolish in their commissary box so they distributed
it among the sisters at district meeting. One thing I never thought to
hear and Elder say, "Hey, we have some nailpolish for you!"</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2864">
</div>
<div>
We
were able to teach and preach and work this week with A_____, who came
to the church for a tour! And we read the Book of Mormon with :) and
with V______ who is continuing to progress and best of all, they are
progressing as a family which is the best that I could even hope for!
As well that we finally were able to have an appointment with J____ and
E_______ (the man who looked at Sister Christensen and I across the
parking lot and said that we glowed). He could still feel that same
Spirit as we talked, now to help him understand that he can have that
with him all of the time! It is called the gift of the Holy Ghost ;) or
the baptism of fire which follows the baptism of water, both
administered by proper authority.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So I am going to
keep floating (or riding;) ) through this week by the traction of the
load I choose! Hopefully the week is good for everyone at home who I
"knew in the pre-mission life" as well ;)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2872">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2871">
TMFWD stripes!</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2870">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2869">
love, Sister Emily DeFord</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2869">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1410993993815_2869">
p.s. I forgot that I have a totally awesome FHE idea for you. You should watch the Mormon Message "A Book of Mormon Story" :) </div>
Emily O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14799062006337937161noreply@blogger.com0