Happy Birthday Mom!

                                   HEY! IT'S FEBRUARY already. My favorite month!! All about LOVE!!!

This week was GOOD. One of the best days happened earlier this week. I don't know why it was one of my favorite days on my mission, it just was!! This is what happened. Day in the life of a SISTER --> in the hood
We had two solid appointments set up with two media referrals where we taught them about the Restoration and about the Book Of Mormon. I just felt the spirit so much this day. I love when I can express sincere testimony and feel the spirit work through me. (My favorite part of missionary work) Both women were very
interested... later we taught a less active and we were so led by the spirit. I love the Holy Ghost.  It's awesome. It knows exactly what people need!! Always. I would say majority of people here just need love. They need to know there are people who are thinking of them at church & who love them. People here just need members, true friends, to keep them be accountable because us sister missionaries can't
do all the work. We would never be able to reach everyone in this city!!! It's so hard to reach people here. Whoever said missionary work here was easy was wrong!!! Most people I feel have just forgotten
about Gods love. Asking Kristina simple questions.... Like.... When was the last time you felt peace or joy... What does she think when she sees a picture of Jesus Christ holding his sheep... She couldn't even remember! HOW GREAT IS MY CALLING!!! After we had a dinner appointment. I had prayed earlier about what to share because of lack of planning. We felt inspired to share some of '"The First Great Commandment" by Elder Holland. When she read it I was shocked to see tears. We never know what people are going through. All we can do is pray to know! I love that Heavenly Father knows us and knows our
hearts -- I also am grateful he knows what we desire most in life. It seems that my righteous desires are always granted in God's unique way. Then after, we met with some of the Relief Society and worked with them about how to help this Ward.

I got to go back to Scarsdale this week for the new missionary meeting. I love going back to Scarsdale. Feels like home. My heart misses that place so much. Brought back some of my feelings at the beginning. The meeting was really powerful for me. So many feelings!! Sister Staley is awesome. She is willing to work hard and I appreciate her positivity.

Some random, but important updates! Marie-France had a heart attack this week. We have gone to see her a couple times this week. Yesterday she was able to eat as we were there, but still so weak. I've been so
worried for her, but it really is a miracle she is still with us. Which is weird because you know Briant-- I talked about, the big bouncer? He has suffered from a stroke recently as well. Scary. Got a priesthood blessing this week. Grateful for priesthood holders. Sandra & Daniel came to church again!! They have a baptismal date for Feb 20th! Media referrals. We have like 16. Yikes. People don't answer their phones!!! Ate a cookie at Lavains. They are SO good. A man gave us $20 on the street. He refused to take it back he said it was from God. Good people. We taught 2 young women on Sunday in young women's about Who we are.I am learning how life is full of midst of darkness, but to press forward through them! The more I'm in Harlem the more I love this
place.

This is truly the Lords work. Have a great week!!

Xoxo Sister McKell Vassau

Walked Through the Blizzard

I've heard that the blizzard here was the worst one in a real long
time. I thought it was so fun!! We looked out our window in the
morning thinking it wasn't that bad... We still had appointments, but
most ended up cancelling. So we decided to walk to our church on
Lenox. We live on 116th and Pleasant. So we walked though this wild
blizzard. No taxis or trains were running. I couldn't stop laughing
because we kept singing press forward saints and I was wondering what
the heck we were doing. I was also thinking my trainee doesn't like me
right now, but she was happy and couldn't see anything. :) we got to
the church and I had icicles on my hair. Hahahaha then we did some
planning and calls and wow it was a long day of not being able to talk
to people. Later we looked up a less active and her daughter Adriana
who has not been baptized because they don't come to church. They are
so funny. Sister Staley met the funniest people this week, but that is
just every day in Harlem. I felt bad about some of the people who
stopped us on the street. Such rude and Vulgar things sometimes come
from their mouths. There are like fiery darts thrown at ya here, but I
find my self singing hymns in my head so much which is way cool. One
man did stop us and give us $20 and he didn't look like he had twenty
dollars to give. He would not let us give it back. He was sooooo cute
to us. He said it was from God.

Another crazy thing is I got us lost on the first night we were
together in the subways station and I think we were in the Bronx for a
sec. but we made it back and talked to a man who didn't understand us
at all from Africa and invited him to church. The lesson learned was
Heavenly Father helps me so much. He loves me because now I know the
area SO WELL. Easy. Everyone needs to get lost before they figure
stuff out right???  Figure life out?? Sometimes. Haha in my case yes.

This week was a hard one. And rewarding. Sandra Perez relapsed this
past week and it is really frustrating to her when she does. For us,
yes, but we understand the healing power of the atonement. She is
still morning the loss of her mom at times. Well not that that was
good but it got the whole family to come to church FINALLY. Even after
a storm. She wanted to take the sacrament. Church was combined at 1:00
for an hour.  It began with a fire alarm... Haha We had prayed so much
for them to come and the talks were about faith and failure. The best
part is Dayron who has not been in on the lessons is going to start
meeting with the elders once a week. They need your prayers! They are
wonderful people and if I haven't talked about Daniel yet. He is
special. He gives these prayers that are so incredible. He has gifts
of the spirit.

We looked up media referrals and met super cool people from that. I
love them because they request mostly Bibles but some of them are so
open. I feel like a lot of people here are super open and switch
around churches.

New York is now just a slushy mess. At first we were climbing
mountains and now it's puddles. Thankfully I followed a prompting to
buy snow boots last week. Heavenly Father is near and humbly coming
to him gives you so much added spiritual strength!!! I know this!!! He walks with us!!!

Love. Sister Kell Vassau!

Families are Forever

I had really meaningful experiences this week I want to share with you back home!! 
My mind has been a lot with my grandma kimball this week. 
I went to a funeral service this week that was baptist. A woman in our ward who we went to sing to a few times, Mary Barnes, passed away and she was the only member in her family. Walking into the funeral service sister Sam and I knew this would be an interesting experience to say the least. A journal entry kind of night for the Mormons girls in the room. Right before I was informed that sweet grandma was not doing well and she had only but a little time with us. 
I held back tears through that prayer. 
The meeting was a whole lot of hallelujahs and in their words "a party" 
Gospel music was sang loudly (Harlem gospel music is famous) and even a hip hop praise dance solo then a few scriptures read in the bible. 
The room was so loud I could hardly hear my own thoughts!! Or any communication coming from a loving Heavenly Father. I love Harlem. I love the religions and I love that they praised God, in all different forms. They trust in God. Good people filled the room, which showed me what kind of person Mary was. The bishop and a few others also sat by us! It felt different than any funeral I have ever been to.
I left this burning love for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ!!! 


Monday came and I opened the Book of Mormon and read about the tree of life for someone named Moddestine, a recent convert. I love her!  I really love the people here in Harlem. They are special and sister Sam and I have been talking a lot about how Heavenly Father puts you with certain people at a time they need you. Everyone can do different things. I feel that sister Sam and I have been together for a couple people this transfer. Marie-France and the Perez family. I love that I can relate with others through my experiences. They have progressed so much in the time we've been together. Back to the scripture!! I read this on January 18th. 
1 Nephi 8: 12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.
My study was spent looking at my families Christmas cards ( ha I do not always do that) which stand on my desk. Arriving at the chapel I knew that Heavenly Father welcomed home his daughter on her birthday! A sweet reunion. Our district meeting was on faith and we all shared tear filled testimonies on our love for our Savior's atonement. I felt the hour was comfort. It was a sweet tender mercy to me. The atonement is very real. 
It is so real it brought my troubles heart peace this week. I went back to the scripture I read in the morning about how the gospel (the atonement) is the most desirable thing one could want in this life. It is for me. Families are what matter most. The gospel blesses families. The plan of salvation answers our questions. It brings us the most peace that only He can give us. I want my family to all share this love because that is what will keep US together for time and eternity. That is why I'm here. I know trials are here as part of mortality to bring us closer to Christ. 
My prayers are with my grandpa this week and all my aunt and uncles. 
There is no sweeter joy than clinging to the Atonement. 

I know grandma is learning and blessing others around her right now!! She was given so many gift & talents and she knew how to use them. She is probably sooooooo HAPPY. CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW HAPPY SHE IS:)  SO HAPPY!

             Selfies with Sister Sam. She is headed to New Rochelle. I am going to miss her! xo

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This is my new companion that I am training. Her name is Sister Stahley is from Idaho and is a dancer, also! 

Happy Holland Day!

What a special week in the New York New York north mission. I love my
mission. I love being in New York. It has it's difficult things, but
everywhere does, that's life! It's loud and there are so many people
it's difficult for me to open my mouth sometimes, but it is so cool to
step out of the temple grounds or walk down Lenox and MILLIONS!!! (7
millions I think) all need truth and light! I understand more every
day why missions are hard and take all your heart, might, mind, and
strength. Elder Holland said it perfectly!!
"What we obtain too easily we esteem too lightly."
"Why is it suppose to be easier for us than it was for Him,
Jesus Christ."

We had a special opportunity to have an apostle of God come talk to
only us this past week in the Lincoln Sq. Building. For me it was cool
to step off the 65th Station and see missionaries everywhere rushing
in with prepared hearts and minds!! I sat on the front row by Sister
Sam, Savannah, and Lauren and could see eye to eye Elder Holland
speaking of such sacred and eternal truths!! The room was so reverent.
he shook each of our hands because he could then see how we are doing.
Many things were said I could share, but I will share only some of the
things that were meaningful for me.

He spoke about how this is the last & final dispensation. The most
important work in the universe is the salvation of a human soul. He
talked about visions and knowing who we are. How we can NEVER GO BACK!
no matter how good things were, we believe in eternal progression.
What has stuck with me so much is how much love he just expressed to
us. Out of all the things, he said that the mot important thing he
would say is how "I do love you." How much he appreciates us for being
here.
I think that is exactly what Christ would say if he were here to teach us.
What was personal to me is when he talked about how those that love us
back home are praying their hearts out over us. How we have those
kinds of people. And I DO have those kinds of people. I have an
incredible family and a support group back who no matter what are
praying and thinking of me. That gives me so much strength knowing
that.. you all have no idea.
So "YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT to damage the image of a missionary!"
Mission changed. So many things!!! The feelings are hard to describe
in an email home.

I don't know what would have made my week any better than that! It was
a really awesome week for the work in Harlem. We were really busy
running from one thing to another.  I felt like we did so much
walking. My legs always hurts. Haha I feel like I'm still dancing
again but then I'm so inflexible it's amazing.. I did teach my
roommates how to do ballet this week. Almost graceful!

We found quiet a few people this week by our efforts to find and look
people up. I am convinced that when we plan somewhere to be and we
tell the lord there is always a reason why we are there. We looked up
a media referral where we actually came back at a later time and the
door next to her was a man who came out and asked us if we are from
Utah. He lived in Provo and went to UVU! He said he will come to
church. Things like that always happen!

We also had an awful experience this week when the spirit was not with
us. There is this woman who wanted to have an appointment with us who
has a really strong personality. As we sat down all she wanted to do
was show us her homework for bible study. We weren't able to share
anything nor could we without the spirit in the room then she goes and
turns on Son of God and practically forces us to watch parts of this
movie. We had to tell her we needed to go.
Something I love is how the spirit is so much stronger in what the
church puts out and not in what the world creates. It was amazing to
me how so clearly I can feel if certain people carry with them the
spirit. The spirit does not dwell in unholy places!!

I will be training a new missionary next transfer here in Harlem. What
a huge responsibility and an opportunity to stretch and love and work
hard,,, like STRETCH A LOT, and a lot!!!!

Thank you again for "praying your hearts out" for me. I am doing the
same for each of you. I love you all. I know this gospel is true and
life is not easy but it's so good and worth it to follow our Savior.

Love, Kell
Sister Vassau

Closer to Christ

Hola mi familia 

I went on a Spanish slip yesterday and I failed. I was honestly amazed I went though lessons without understanding a sliver. nothing! But we got fed the yummiest food! 

Let's see. This week the city got COLD. Finally, winter has come and I've been doubling up on everything!! 

As I have focused my studies more on the Restoration this week I have seen how each time we teach, Heavenly Father brings an increase of ability to teach it more clearly and understanding to my mind and to others. I love how God prepares people overtime with understanding when they really do pray, study, keep the commandments. We taught the Restoration to Marie-France again and this time things just clicked more for her after 6 months. 

Marie-France is amazing. She is from Haiti (like so many others here) and she is a happy and sassy woman. I love her. Her son Jivvy is the only one who comes to church with her right now. She stopped taking lessons for a while, but now wants us to actually come to her apartment. She also has been translating French for the YSA sisters. Another great thing is we have been trying to get this dad, Troy and son, Troy to come to church. (They remind me of the dad and son in pursuit of happiness. The mom left and Troy always takes Troy Jr to ChuckECheese.) :) they are sweet. They have come to church now 2 weeks in a row and enjoy it!! 

We had an APF where we asked everyone their New Years goals and "How will you come closer to Christ this year!" 

The bishop in this Ward is so awesome, younger man. He is so compassionate and Christ-like. He had us for dinner this week. They have almost 5 kids and live in this tiny little apartment. 

Talk about LOVE.

A couple things from this week that made us LOL.  We were warned by a true harlemite how God is justice and that we better be careful what we are teaching because she doesn't want us to turn into old ladies and say to her I told you Betty. She was pretty positive we worshiped Mormon. Another thing. One second I was with sister Sam right behind her hoping on the subway, next thing I know it she is on the subway I am not and doors CLOSE. Through the glass we looked at each other without being frantic and just laughed. Ahh it was awful and I was ALONE!!! I felt super uncomfortable being alone. Of course I said a prayer in my heart after waiting a while for the next one to come and the first person on that subway was an investigator name Vinny who looked at me very confused. Hahaha! Thankfully, he kept me company until I was back with Sister Sam. 

This has been my personal favorite scripture this week. Helaman 5:12-- So many things pulling for our attention. How can we stay focussed, pure, and happy without our Savior to look to every day. We have to build our foundation on Christ if we want to come out with strength and confidence in this crazy world we live in. One thing we can count on are our own mists of darkness. The points and moments I have felt darkness or sadness here I have been able to see the strength and depth of my testimony of Jesus Christ and the gospel. It only gets stronger when they come. That is what a mission has definitely done for me. I so am grateful for the Atonement!! I am grateful for daily repentance. For the chance to feel The power of Gods love in the moments I feel are the hardest. << 12 And now, my sons (daughter :) ), remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.>> 

There is someone really special coming to our mission this weekend. I will share more next week. I feel so privileged to be serving here at this time. 

Happy New Year 2016!

How cool is it that this whole year, twenty- sixteen I will be here in New York serving??

So, that means all my goals and plans can happen, will happen! No excuses!!! I have the Lord on my side. I know what's important to me is also important to God. What I sacrifice now will come as an expression to my Heavenly Father that I need his help with my goals. I have found that mastering goals is no easy task, but I also know that without them we could not become who our Heavenly Father knows we can be-- our fullest potential!! 

I know God has a plan (Moses 1:39) so we should have a plan too. 

Some of my goals: I want to gain as much knowledge as I can. 

I also want to strengthen my Faith in Christ daily and have my own experiences with Him! 

Christmas was really awesome. Thank you thank you for every little letter that came to me in the mail and all the packages from family, ward family and friends! So greatly appreciated!! They all filled my Christmas here with a little more joy. Skyping you guys was amazing! I loved that so much. The rest of my Christmas was great.

A couple things that happened this week...

We went to a funeral with an investigator named Briant at a Baptist church. Briant was found by the sisters and said if missionaries ever came knocking on his door he would get baptized. He is this huge man that is a family man with the most tender heart. Ah! I saw this big heart while talking with him at the funeral. He is a bouncer who kicks people out of bars and he told us if someone ever messes with us he will be there.  He is ready to make changes in his life starting with church at 11:00. He is so cool!!

One other thing I want to share, because it was one of the coolest things that has happened. We had made our goals this morning to find & pray for a prepared family.  Also, we have been getting an over flow of media referrals to contact here. They should be contacted within 24 hours, but many times don't have an apt. #. We traveled to contact this one and once we arrived there was no number. We looked at this big building and said we might as well try to find her.. Haha Show Our faith!? We were just laughing going up and pushed the level we felt and we said a prayer. We found this boy who wasn't interested but we asked him who he knows that would be. He pointed us to the 6th floor and that is where we found our family. A family of 7 and they are beautiful people!! I will definitely keep you updated on them. There was such a good feeling, then we asked her if she knew Mayra and she did!!!! Hahahaha we found Mayra's mom. 

Heavenly Father loves his children so much!

Happy New Year! We will be in by 7:00pm  because things could get a little crazy in the streets of Harlem. We'll be safe! Love you all! 

Love, Sister Vassau

Peace is Born

Christmas in Harlem, Yay! 

Christmas time here has been wonderful, so special! I will always remember this one. It could be my favorite one looking back. I am finding loads of joy from Christ-like service. I feel if Christ were here he would be doing similar things I am able to do, which reminds me of this quote we were given this week..... "YOU ARE THE SAVIOR'S HANDS" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"When I think of the Savior, I often picture Him with hands outstretched, reaching out to comfort, heal, bless, and love. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation. This is what He would be doing if he were living among us today. It is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Chirch of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  

As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirit grows stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more open to the whispering a of the Holy Spirit."  

Walking with the many humble and meek! I have seen so many tender mercies in the past two days it's insane. There is so much goodness that comes from sharing the gospel in Harlem

 For an APF we set up a tv inside our church on the corner of 128th & Lenox which played "A Savior is Born" (reminds me of the beautiful kids in Harlem), served hot chocolate, and gave out wrapped Book of Mormons, 1,0000 cards, ect. Even President came out for a little to do it with us. It was great! It was actually pretty successful. We did it by the city college earlier in the week, as well. We have been able to talk to so many people!! Our goal as a mission is to find 1,000 new investigators by the end of the year and to really push the initiative. On Sunday we walked down the streets of Harlem stopping people and showing them the video. We talked to about 10 people and found 4 new investigators. Haha it was crazy. We have seen a huge amount of miracles in our area from it. 

My favorite was walking home the other night.. We saw this tall boy who looked cool 

So we sped up to him and I asked him if he would watch this video. He said he would as he walked and then as I showed him I dropped all my cards... Hah OPS..!! He had to stop to watch it:):) 

We have also been singing hymns on subways. (Still small voice is still present on subways/ loud cities) although, it is much harder sometimes for me to feel it and recognize than before. Living in a distracting place can be hard. The spirit comes so quickly through hymns. Sister Sam studies music so her voice in angelic!!! My goodness!! The Christmas Devotional was the most powerful & beautiful thing ever and she helped put it together. 

Other thing. I finished the Book of Mormon this week. My goodness. I know it's true. 

I know because It hit me as a subtle feeling of peace. No man could have written it but one who was inspired of God. 

I know my Savior more personally by being his hands and mouth this season. This time to be with Him and serve him is no time I would replace. 

I am grateful he was born!!! 

I am so excited to see you via Skype! 

Christmas plans-- Skype I think around 1:00. Hopefully we will be back by then. We will be going to have a breakfast with the bishop who works in the Empire State Building. Seeing my family will be such a treat for me. Get ready!!!!

I love you all!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!! 

Sister Vassau