I Love Babies!

Hi family and friends!! 

I can't believe it's already p-day! Here is my week. Elder Arnold came to our mission and told us all to repent. Haha Ya...the day was filled with trainings that were so amazing. It would take forever to explain what he said and how he is going to change our mission. A huge one was members being apart of this work and how sacrifice cultivates dedication. I loved when he talked about planning, there is so much time spent on planning in missionary work. He called it a revelatory experience. No one, not one of the people we see from day to day sees how much time is spent planning, praying, and thinking about THEM. It's all for them. That is why this is selfless work. He had us make specific plans for each of our investigators and it makes all the difference. It's really not about us -it's about the Lord and his work

There was a throw down in the projects this week and we got a front row seat in our car!! Ah hahahaha We were going to go look up some people and then we definitely decided not to because girls were running around everywhere yelling at each other and a woman had a bat. We were like, "No, thank you!" Some major contention happenin!!!! 

I can't wait to tell you a couple really amazing things that happened this week. Big tender mercies from the Lord.  Having Sister Eastman here has been so awesome because, 1.  She is my best friend. 2. she has people come to mind that she used to visit. One of those being, the Martinez family. This is so good!! So we go see the Martinez family and find them on a perfect night. Karla and her sweet daughter Monica have us sit down and we just talk and catch up with them. She is from Sao Paola, Brazil and her husband is from Mexico. They have two kids, who each are so sweet. They tell us to come back so we go back this week after our day long conference and applied everything we learned from Elder Arnold to help the Martinez family. It was incredible. Please pray for this sweet family! We feel so good about them. We are having two members bring them dinner this week because Karla just had surgery. 

We recently got a new bishopric in the Westchester 1st Ward. Each incredible men. The new Bishop read a scripture that hasn't left my mind since. It is 3 Nephi 5:13 and it says:

13.  Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among His people, that they might have everlasting life.

I am a disciple of Christ. Lord, what would you have me do? When we love our Savior, when we know him, when we are truly His disciple, we will do whatever it is he wants us to do and we may have to give up some things, like our pride or fears. Give it all to Him! Sometimes it's to open my mouth and sometimes it's to go where I feel not where I want. I want to be a disciple of Him to the end so there may be a lot of things Sister Vassau may have to give up. 

After the wonderful Sacrament on Sunday we pointed out a family that didn't look like everyone because of their street clothes. This family had 5 kids under the age of 10. The husband spoke Spanish and the mom English. As we sat down by them and talked with them, we quickly found out that they are not from our ward and not members. They do live in the area. She said that they drove past and felt like they should come to this church so they came. They came in the middle of the meeting. She hasn't been to church in a long time. With tears in her eyes she said I just love how happy I feel here. Sister Eastman and I are just dying inside. Who just shows up to church randomly and wants to meet with missionaries??? No one does!! That's a sweet tender mercy. 

This is the scripture we read at Conference! 

"Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."

This Gospel is so good. It's so true. I feel it as I share it. I know as we get it from our minds to our hearts it will become apart of who we are. I hope my family knows how I love this gospel and I love the promises of being with them for forever. That means everything to me and I am realizing more and more that is what matters most. Having that goal in my life has made all the difference to keep me on the path. Have a good week everyone and CTR! 

Love, Sister Vassau

Keep Shining that Bright Light Around!

Wow. What an incredible weekend filled with so many inspired topics. I loved this general conference! It was one I will never forget!! My first conference on my mission. My first conference watching it in a chapel with my cute companion. And my first time my eyes were glued to the screen. Oh and the first time I watched half the session on an iPad.. Haha I wish you could have seen us all (elders and sisters and a few others) all sitting with our eyes on the iPad. Thank goodness for iPads and thank goodness we got it figured out the second day. 

I am so grateful that God calls men in these days to do his work. WEAK and SIMPLE men. I loved hearing from the three new apostles, I loved their testimonies!!! How powerful was that!! I remember shaking Elder Rasband's hand this summer as I was leaving from the Yankees game. Loved the NYNYN shout out. (Side note, We are actually having Mervin B. Arnold come tomorrow for the day and we will all meet and hear from him and have some trainings.) Something I love about Thomas S Monson is he speaks with such a peace and calmness. Of course, because this is how the Holy Ghost works. It comes from within him. You know he is good and what comes from him is what God wants us to know. His simple topics of keeping the commandments and being a light to others through our example are what have made the biggest impression on me from conference. I just know he will keep pressing on, like we all should, even when he is getting of age and getting tired. There is no time to slow down because the Lord is hastening His work!! I'm serious. I turned to Sister Eastman the first day and told her that all my questions were answered by things said and feelings I had. That is how the Lord works. As we prayerfully and sincerely go to our Heavenly Father with our hearts and most inner questions and desires, he will answer us through the promptings of the spirit and through those he has called. I try my best to be an answer to someone's prayer each day.  There are days you do feel like you are and then times you feel your not because no one will talk to you, but you just got to keep going. I know that I could have a huge impact on someone's day if I follow the spirit. "The spirit is what matters most!"

So

We were told to GIRD OUR LOINS. 

Hurricane Walken was heading our way!! We pulled out the tights and the boots and everything I love. We were given two bright green coats this winter to keep us warm. Elsie and Linda's basement is filled with fancy vintage clothing, they wouldn't let us leave without them. They're amazing!

Anyways, the hurricane never came, but more beautiful Fall weather did!!

PUMPKIN IN THE AIR. What more could you ask for?

This week we had some interesting things happen and some really great things as well!

I'll start with the interesting. We got yelled at while tracting. Wish we could have talked to her! 

We say a prayer before going into our appointment with Shwazia  and we prayed for safety.. Not quiet sure why? I'm stoked for this lesson! But, we quickly found out. Her dad and cousin answered the door, which was great! They let us in and it was interesting from there on. One of the first times on my mission that I have experienced people trying to prove everything about our religion wrong with the bible and bizarre things.  It was not the best feeling just sitting there. These are times I can learn a lot from. So they had us write down the list of questions and they want us to come back Sunday. We feel good about Shwazia, so we will have to prayerfully decide what to do and maybe go back a few times before teaching her. I know the The Book of Mormon is so good and true. 

Sadly, Hillary dropped us. Oooouch it hurt

Some of the great things!! There was a baptism for a little Barlow girl in our ward, where I met the grandparents who were in our ward in Carlsbad. Sweet people. 

Well Cotton ended up coming and we sat down with him this week and talked to him about it and he said being baptized is something he wants to prepare for. It's great:)

We have been encouraged to be ward builders and start with the Youth! We have decided to do youth lessons in our ward, so meet with the young woman individually, teach them, kind of like they are an investigator and help build their testimonies of the things they know. It also helps them know what missionary work is all about. I'm looking forward to it! We did our first lesson with Victoria and their nanny Sarah and it went well! She played her beautiful harp for us, as well. 

I took us to the wrong address. I put in the GPS Edgewood instead of Edgepark. Well of course you did Kell, because we needed to go here!!! We found the most perfect mom who just had a baby for the Hermana's. Heavenly Father's helpin' a girl out, even when I mess up, which is often.

We sat down with thee lovely Meava in the rehab center again before she leaves. She has been there for a couple weeks now recovering from her surgery and we have visited her often. We have built such a good friendship with her and she really loves when we come see her. Member referrals!! They are good. We have had some really great lessons with her. 

Heavenly Father helped us see so many great people this week, people I know we were suppose to see. One of them was this great man who as we left yelled out;

"Keep shining that bright light around" -Edwin from White Plains 

It really stuck with me. I know people notice our light from within, the Light of Christ cannot be hid from our faces. It's what draws others to us!! 

So family & friends, who I love so much. Keep shining that bright light around!!!!

You ALL have it. Don't hide it or let it dim. I love the words to center our lives in Christ, I know that is the most important thing to focus on day in and day out. I know our Savior loves us. 

He knows how to succor and help us as we turn to Him. 

I pray for you all

Love, Sister McKell Vassau

Who is ready for CONFERENCE?

Hi family!!

How is everyone?

Happy October tomorrow!

A BIG & special happy Birthday to Ethan, E-dawg. Eth- thanks for making all of our lives better and happier & for your loving and fun spirit. You are going to kill it in football this year!

Also, to my sweet Grandpa who has the biggest heart and amazing wisdom. Thanks for showing our family how to love unconditionally & for raising kids who love the Gospel. 

We had a miracle happen. We hope it becomes an even bigger miracle! We have been cleaning out the area book, which has been awesome because we found a girl named Shawzia and looked her up! We have met with her twice and she is so great because she has so many good questions about life and the Book of Mormon vs the Bible. When people have questions it's so good, because they have a desire to know. 

We are still seeing Cotton often and he loves loves church!! It has become the highlight of his week, because he is by himself most the time. He especially loves the members that come up to him at church. He told us that he has seen a big difference in the Lanier Family since they have met with missionaries and been baptized. He says, "They just can't get enough of me!" haha!

These younger girls here in White Plains & their families neeeeed the Gospel. Just tryin' to show them the way. Learning to love to listen to people. Learning that listening is loving and loving is listening. Sometimes it's hard when you are distracted or when thoughts of your own slip in, but these people are so precious in God's eyes and why would I not completely listen to what they are saying because it is so important. They are so important!!  One of our AP's said to listen to those you teach like you are teaching your family.  Obviously my thoughts and love for my family might be a lot different, but to treat them this way.  It goes back to something said in Womens Conference... to love someone before you even know them. I felt this as we went and taught Hillary this week. Hillary is the younger girl who lives in the projects. I know and wish she could see now how much her life can change through the Atonement and how the Gospel will bring her life lasting happiness. Hillary tells us often about everything she goes through and the bad addictions she has developed. We had a powerful lesson on the Restoration with her and she started talking without us getting in a word to sitting back and listening to us as the Spirit helped us know exactly what Hillary needs. What is amazing about the Spirit is we can talk all we want and not get down to the point, however, when we LISTEN to them and try to discern their needs, the Spirit will tell us the very doctrine that they need to hear.  Hillary is so smart, I know she felt something and will continue to feel more of God in her life as she prays and reads. The hard thing is keeping these sweet girls to keep their commitments, because we can't make anyone do anything unless they have that desire in the first place. Hillary said the closing prayer and it was awesome! 

Saturday was Women's Conference, which was awesome because we went to the Smith's with all the girls!! It was their daughters and a couple of their friends, Sister Dunford & Taylor came, and then we invited two younger girls in our ward to come. We had dinner and then we went over to the church to watch it. A few of my favorite things said were:

-Always stay close to Heavenly Father. Study your scriptures. Keep your covenants and you will always be able to get through challenges. 

-God didn't design us to be sad. He created us to be happy! To have JOY! So if we trust him he will lead us along. 

-Fill your life with MEANINGFUL things 

-You not only need Him, he needs YOU!!

"The one thing that matters most is the heart of his Gospel. It is love, the pure love of Christ"

Give love freely!!

Most our dinner appointments this week we have asked people "If you could go back to your 20 year old self, what would you tell yourself?? Hahaha It's so interesting and I love all the good wisdom. So.. Here are some of them. I thought I'd share. Live in the moment. Push your body harder than you think you can (motivation for our morning runs). Do & study what you love. Surround yourself with sincere & good people. Go to the temple.

There's some Westchester 1st wisdom for ya 

The wonderful Bonnie Lassen and her husband, Gary were able to come stop by in Scarsdale and see me!!! 

Gary and Bonnie took us to a cute diner in the village right by the metro.

Our APF at WestChester Community College was so successful!! 

The awesome elder in our District, Elder Kuo actually was found on a college campus so it was all his idea. 

We were able to talk to so many people and got so many numbers of people for our whole Zone. It's different for me having so many people to talk to and trying to strike up a fast conversation... Sister Eastman is very good at that, but it's really fun because people don't care and if they do care then that will be the best thing ever! Something I think I will work on my whole mission. There were a few who seemed super interested.  One that stuck out to me was these two cute girls that we gave pamplets to. They were sitting down for a while, read them, watched us and then came and asked if they could have the Book of Mormon. They said the girl by them was talking badly about it, which really sparked their interest.  The one really wanted to read it. It's the small things that are the big things. That is something I try to remember in missionary work.  I thought it was such a good way to plant seeds and invite people to watch general conference. 

WHO'S EXCITED!!?? 

Here is a quote I like

President James E. Faust- “Does God love us less than those led by the ancient prophets? Do we need his guidance and instruction less? Reason suggests that this cannot be. Does he not care? Has he lost his voice? Has he gone on a permanent vacation? Does he sleep? The unreasonableness of each of these proposals is self-evident”

I know that there is a living prophet on this earth today, sweet Thomas S. Monson:) I know he is the mouth piece for God. We can all receive our own answers as we listen to him and the apostles. I invite you all to think about questions you may be wondering about or certain challenges you have and write them down. I haven't always been the best at listening and finding answers to my specific questions so I look forward to testing it out. I am so grateful that we are in good hands, the Lords hands, and He is the one who always answers our prayers.

SO MUCH LOVE, Sister Vassau

The Big Apple

What a fantastic week. I've been so happy. So happy:) It's so hard to write out how I'm feeling and the rich experiences I'm having. Words just don't do it. I'm convinced Sister Eastman and I are the same person, but different. We are twins my friends. We are sooo much a like and both really just want to be DILIGENT!!  I feel like we both just do things similar & it's great. That's when missionary work is so fun. She is one of the best people, so kind, so much fun, and has such a good energy. I love her so much. We got asked about 6 times this week if we're sisters!! I'll take it. 

This morning we went apple picking in the beautiful fields of Stuart's Farm with a couple cute families in our ward. We even picked up Lauren, our Mission President's daughter. I guess it's an east coast thing. We got a big thing of apples and the best donuts eva. Such sweet moms and their kids. SO MUCH FUN!! So I guess this week we will be making apple sauce,  apple pie,  apple cider, anything APPLE so if you have any recipes please send them over. 

We had a pretty crazy week. We have been so busy and I love the feeling of being exhausted at the end of the day. It seems like we have so much work to do! There are really good things happening here. So many golden people we have found that we love. We also had some really weird things happen this week that really showed us the Lord works in mysterious ways. But first, we actually tracked "Beyoncé's" house... We were laughing so hard. Hahaha! We just thought she needs the gospel too?? I think we were the first brave souls to do it... A man that was not Beyoncé answered the door and denied the BOM. We're convinced it's one of her cousins or something.... HA!  Okay so,   we went to go look up a potential investigator in this apartment building. She wasn't there so we knocked that floor and the floor down. We got to this one and there was a cute rug (things we notice) so Sister Eastman said, "This one will be a good one!" So this girl answers and immediately lets us in to sit down. She was so nice.  She was studying lots so she had sticky notes everyone in her house! Everywhere. She starts talking and said that last week she was praying really hard because she felt so lonely and then this week she got a call and someone proposed to her..so casual.. She's Muslim! Well she is thrilled and she'll get married in the next month. Anyway. She said that sister missionaries have met her before and she has talked with them about the similarities of our religions. There are actually many with the Muslim religion. They are very religious and devoted people. She is such an intelligent and interesting person. We introduced the Book of Mormon and told her what it is. She said she was going to read it and was quick to give us her skype account and phone number without us even asking for it. She said we can Skype each other and talk about it. We left her place and put her in the area book and her name was already in the area book!!!! Whaaat. Hahahaha Super cool. Out of all people in White Plains. Interesting! 

Another interesting thing was meeting with Tika in the morning and discovering that a less active we were going to ask her about had passed away a few days before. Not really sure the story. It was really strange how she told us.. As we went to go visit a potential investigator, Jaquai & Betsy, a car pulled up and he said he knew us. He told us Annie Bell, Tika's mother in law was his mom. That was so random we met him that day... Then we connected all the dots. On Sunday, we asked Annie Bell about her son and she said he was baptized as well. We gotta find out about his family!!! Oh yes. And Sunday was so good because our less active Lakeshia Brown we have been working with came to church for the blessing she received! She's having a baby in 2 weeks!!! Whaooo baby Jezoly. Cotton was at church, as well! We found so many of the people we planned to see & had a thought to see this week.  They were there.  What a big blessing! 

Couple fun things we did: 

-Service on Saturday morning-- breakfast on Ferris. We made chocolate chip pancakes for around 200 people. We are now great at making them, but it came with some trial and error. We were laughing so much.

-We went to a baptism on Saturday night for the Spanish branch because the Hermana's asked us to right before. Sister Eastman on the piano. She does not play the piano. We sang a musical number. Who woulda thought I would be singing so many musical numbers. Those expensive singing lessons when I was younger are really paying off!!! The spirit helped us sing beautifully, of course. 

-We went and checked out this community college that we are going to start spending time.  We got talking to this woman sitting by us as we waited. She told us when we left that she knows we meet people for a reason. I loved the atmosphere at the college! Discovering great ways to find people, especially as Fall comes around and General Conference is near. We have been handing out General Conference cards! 

It's amazing the change that can happen in your heart as you do all you can for the people in your specific area. You start really caring about them and wanting to do all you can to help them progress in the Gospel. I feel that change and it's only through the Savior. He makes that space in our heart's bigger. When we come unto Christ he helps us change our hearts. I was able to be in the President's home last night as they welcomed two new missionaries into the mission. We were also asked to stay for the testimony meeting. What a wonderful spirit was there. I just thought about myself in the short time I've been here. Growth! And instead of seeing things as a sacrifice, they are a huge blessing. Serving the Lord is such blessing. This work is amazing! I am so grateful for my testimony. It's the most important thing we can have. To KNOW. It's something I hold dear and that I am trying to share more freely. 

I love you guys!!!!

Have a fantastic week and BE DILIGENT IN ALL THINGS!! 

Love, Sister Vassau

Celebrating a Week of Surprises

It's been a week full of birthday miracles. We celebrated Sister Gardner's birthday all weekend with birthday cake and ice cream. Sister Gardner got sang to I think 6 times.

We got transfer calls and we did lots of missionary work!! President called us at night when it was pouring rain and we were driving on the Bronx River Parkway so we almost crashed because of excitement. I will be staying in Scarsdale and it's a big surprise who's coming in with me her last cycle on her mission. SISTER EASTMAN!!!!! Mom, she is the beautiful girl you told me about before my mission. Sister Eastman has served in Scarsdale before so she is actually coming back! She has been serving in South Manhattan as Sister Training Leader. We have been talking and we're practically twins. It's funny because some people in the area have told me I look like her and everyone just loves her. She grew up in Denver, Colorado then went to Lone Peak then to UVU for a year and wants to study graphic design as well. She has 9 siblings also and tried out for the tennis team in high school too. Hahaha Those are just a few things I have learned about her. She is awesome. So cool. I know she is going to strengthen this area once again with me and it will be such a great cycle. I'm so happy the Lord needs her here. Jessica, the recent convert loves Sister Eastman, so we have lunch with her today and we are going to surprise her soon. She will die!! Sister Gardner is going to New Rochelle, which is in our zone as Sister Training Leader with Sister Checketts. Shocker! So she will go on splits with me and get to come back to the Scars. Yay!! 

I know Heavenly Father knows exactly where He wants us and trusting in that gives me so much confidence.

I feel like a lot happened this week, but one that's harder to remember so forgive me for the lack of information. Word from the Lanier's is they are loving Utah and it's been raining lots. Good news everyone. FALL IS NEAR!! I can feel it in the air and it makes me so happy! Soup season. Sweater season. All things gooood. Being in Scarsdale for the Fall will be amazing. Sister Eastman keeps saying that this area is the best (her favorite), which I already knew, but I am just grateful to be able to serve in such a beautiful place with good people. 

I loved transfers today! The meeting was so spiritual once again. Some of the things said just confirmed to me the HE IS IN CHARGE. He really is. He knows all things, our Heavenly Father knows us, He knows what we can accomplish, what He can make of us if we allow HIM to. He has a plan for each of us. It's so important we listen to the voice of the Lord because it's real. We have to have faith, and a lot of times fear is what causes us to forget to just trust in him. There will be times when we will receive direct promptings and we follow them and things don't always work out, but Heavenly Father sees the reason for all things and the only one who sees the end. The end to a personal trial. There is just great things ahead for those of us who live the gospel. There is a whole bunch more happiness in store. Each step in this journey, my mission & just life in general are preparing us for what he has in store for us. HE HAS SO MUCH IN STORE because he loves us guys!! 

Isaiah 55: 8-9 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Our mission is doing a Book of Mormon challenge and trying to read it all together by December! I highly encourage all to jump on board and read it to feel the peace it brings. How much closer you will feel to our Savior as you read it every day! 

Love you guys! SO SO SO much. Sounds like football was the theme of the week. Football is cool, I guess! :)

LOVE, 

Sister Vassau 

The End of 12 Weeks!

This week was good! 

I usually try to write my emails in the order of how the week went, so here it is!

I'm finally into my last week of 12 Week Training & I can't believe it! It went by way fast. I have learned a lot, now pray for Sister Vassau and Sister Gardner with whatever happens next. I'm sure it will be whatever I need to learn and do. 

Our thought this week was religion in New York is like pizza places in New York. They are everywhere, every corner!! I don't know which place is the real deal. Everyone has their own religion for the most part and you'd be surprised how many people don't agree to hear a message. It's sad that it is usually the humble people and places that are more receptive. So we just go where we feel prompted, but this week we did a lot of look-ups just trying to clean out the area book because we have so many potentials. Trying to find the people that were once taught before and it seemed like it was hard to find anyone, but we still taught people and were able to serve!

The Lanier's went to the temple guys!! How awesome is that? They made it and we got to be there with them this night. It was so special. I will always remember that peace that I felt and also that I know they felt. They loved the temple. This day was actually pretty crazy getting there. We started off the day doing what we could so they could take a family name to the temple. We have been working on family history a lot with them and we finally figured it out and got them each a name. We drove down there with them so we could make it to the temple in time to meet Brother Barlow. We have been thinking about every other thing, so we didn't think or know to make reservations to do baptisms. We are just Utah girls. We found this out on the way there and were stressin!! The next time we could go was 6 that night in order for there to be enough ordinance workers. This was the only time they could do it together as a family before Miguel leaves so we made it happen!! We went to dinner before and it all worked out. Nothing was more important than getting them there as a family! That's what I felt when we were in the temple. That is where they needed to be. I definitely grew more of an appreciation for family history and temple ordinances, because I did one of Jeff's family members and he was SO thankful. It was so sweet. Hahahaha Jeff almost drowned again. He'll get it down. I want you all to meet them. They are so awesome. They are going to be in Utah this week!!!!! AH We made them a "Lanier Utah Bucket List" and at the top was Cafe Rio, then the temple, and some other okay things.. They are going to love it! We are teaching their cousin Cotton still and he has been coming to church each week! Cotton is a gooood man. His big smile rocks as well. We had a lesson with him that was so spiritual one night and good things happened.

We taught primary for 2 hours Sunday. Who knew it could be such a struggle teaching primary on fast Sunday with gold fish. I wanted gold fish so badly.

Zone meeting this week was all about how we can be more consecrated and obedient. Because "it's the small and simple things are great things come to pass." They asked three questions for each of us to write down. Why am I here? What did I give up? What lack I? Yes, as a missionary you give up a lot, but there is so much more to give Him everyday. We all lack and sometimes just don't have the desire to give up some things, but as we ask Him for the desire and try to be unconditionally obedient we will see his hand and he will bless us. Matthew 19:26

A consecrated missionary is a repenting missionary. If someone is falling off that iron rod, pull them back on it. If someone is sleeping through the fire drill (or alarm clock), get them up!! Pick people up when they fall because we all fall at times! 

This week I am grateful for the Atonement, for the power it has as we apply it personally to our lives. I have felt this overwhelming feeling of God's love for me these past few days and I just want to share with you how I know that through our Savior we can change and be strengthened where we are weak. I know He loves us. I want everyone to feel it so I encourage you if you don't feel that love to pray to feel it. I know he is near and that we can overcome anything with his help. I love you each so much. 

One last thing!! I found this and wanted to share it. 

“Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day if [we] choose to serve [God] this day.”

Always serve God first today and things will be better tomorrow!! 

Love, Sister Vassau

Cake Confusion and China Town

Well well well.. Guess what happened this week? 

Back to last week, it was late and we said a prayer in this project building about where to go. A little while later in the elevator (miracles happen in elevators) we met Luis. We went in his grandmother's apartmentt, thinking she was home and then rushed out after we found out she was not. Luis lives out of our area so we gave the zone leaders this man's address. They have met with him a couple times, he came to church, and he wants to get baptized!! How awesome it that? 

We had an APF, area proselyting focus, in White Plains this past weekend. We had some creative ways of showing that the Book of Mormon answers the questions of the soul. Sister Gardner and I worked on the corner, held up signs, and handed out lifesaver mints. We didn't see too much success, but handed out a good amount of BOM's and threw some in these 2 boys cars. Success

We went on another nature walk with the Lanier's!! It was this beautiful countryside, which then led to this forest. New York is just filled with trees & bugs. At one point on our walk we just stopped and imagined Joseph Smith's first vision. The whole walk was so peaceful. We also ran into the same Asian lady we had met and talked to when we went the first time!!! She's been to Salt Lake. It was crazy in the fact that she doesn't go there often!! We shared another message. Rebecca is the one who remembered her face so she must be someone who needs the gospel! We also met Hillary's mom that night and turns out her uncle is Mormon. It seems like the people we have met recently have a connection or have been contacted by someone who Is LDS. Like they say, it usually takes people 7 contacts before they join the church. 

This is so funny. At least it was at the time. Friday's at the old folks center we get to see the sweetest people and everything is very organized. They can be pretty stubborn about their food sometimes. So Madonna insisted on giving us some of her birthday cake, which she wasn't suppose to. She left it on the table for us after we finished what we were doing..only an older man took the cake.. Madonna goes and hunts down the old man with our cake and she yells, "GIVE ME BACK MY CAKE!!!!" Really loud so everyone hears. Sister Gardner gave it back to him and then the person in charge says he can't have it and then things got heated. He wanted this cake so bad, but it got blown out of proportion. Hahaha I was dying. We ended up taking the cake home and gave it to Peder.

This quote helped me this week. 

" If you will be faithful, you have nothing to fear from the journey, The Lord will take care of his Saints." M. Russel Ballard 

          ALSO this scripture 

Alma 26:27 

That chapter is SO good, but this verse is also great! I come back to it again and again What scripture helped you this week?? 

I had a split with Sasster Checketts this week. She is so awesome. We had some good laughs. Love her. We met this lady named Betsy who is a doll. She teared up talking about the people in her life and things she is going through. Her husband is diagnosed with cancer. She says we can come by any time and talk to her!! She will prepare tea for us, maybe even a pizza and we can bring friends. HA! What a nice & humble lady. Then, her son came out! He has talked to missionaries before. He works for the government and went off about all sorts of interesting things. At first I was like. "Oh no... we are going to hear it." Wow! He is so intelligent and a loving dad and person, once we got to know him more. Super respectful, full of questions for us.. The gift of tongues is real people!!! We talked about the Restoration. He said it would take him 90 days to read the Book of Mormon. He wanted to read it and would research all about Joseph Smith. We just warned him about things he would find on the Internet and to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it! He is going to so we'll see what happens. We also had a lesson over Skype. That was a new thing for me! It's so cool the ways we can share the gospel. ALL sorts of ways through technology. Getting creative and thinking out of the box is important as well & it's a lot of fun! 

I am working on just seeing people for who they really are, feeling their pains, and expressing love. I love the people of New York. I can't do it all sometimes. Sometimes teaching something can be challenging, but I can choose to have charity. It's a promise if you love the person, you will know what to say.  We read that out of faith, hope, and charity. Charity is the greatest. 1 Corinthians would have to be one of my favorite chapters. If we don't do things with charity, like serve a two year mission or 18 months, it won't do ourselves any good. We have to do all things with the right heart. Your heart's desires are so important! They are everything to God. All your good won't benefit you personally if you don't allow yourself to take on Christ's very nature. Here are some of my thoughts for the week. 

For P-day today we ended up in the China town church building singing songs with the cute Sisters for their visitors. We came at a good time because we ended up at Elder and Sister Goo's home afterwards. Fun fun adventures today. 

Everyone has to tell me their highs & lows from their first few weeks of school!! I'm expecting it. It's really hard for me to write back people individually so be patient with me!! 

Love you, 

Sister Vass-u 

(what my trainer thought my last name was before my arrival. Also, President Morgan thought and told Sister Gardner I was from Fresno California. It was all resolved quickly) hahaha 

Me with Sister Wang