Best Advice EVER.

Aloha it's summer!

ALSO I'VE BEEN SERVING FOR SIX MONTHS

Thanks for the letters and gift card.  That will be fun to use next week. This week we are going on a bike ride down the W&OD with some Sisters from Leesburg. I think the W&OD is some huge Virginian accomplishment or something because everybody makes a big deal out of it. Probably because it is a sidewalk that lasts longer than ten feet. ;) oh Virginia.

Anyway it's really pretty and scenic with all the trees and etc...just pray I don't get tick infested and get lymes disease. NONE OF THAT.

Last week we fasted for W. and had an awesome lesson with his family. They speak mostly Spanish so W. actually taught the lesson to them.  The Restoration, and interpreted for us. When he said the closing prayer his mom bawled like a baby. It was a sweet experience. W. has come a long way. He used to not really believe in God.  He got really into anti. He even dropped the sisters for a time. But my companion felt she should invite M. (a cute girl) to the lessons.  No idea why(?) They started dating.  Now they are just the CUTEST THING EVER and he got baptized.  It has really influenced both of their families. When he was teaching his family it was so awesome. They came to the baptism and the confirmation. Super awesome people.  We are trying to get them hooked up with the Spanish sisters.

We went on exchanges this week with the sister training leaders. Sister Hansen  came to me. It was POURING RAIN. We totally thought if we just ran from our car to this familys house we would be solid. but no. oh no. you don't understand.






Rainstorms in Virginia are
NOT LIKE RAIN STORMS IN ST GEORGE, UTAH.
(Sister Hansen went to Dixie State University btw. so we are soul sistas)




Anyways.




Virginian rainstorms are a little bit like walking underneath waterfalls
in Niagara.
So needless to say, we got to the door and they ran and got towels.
It is whatever.
Super awkward.

We had a really cool lesson with a sister who hasn't been coming to church. We didn't really know her story but it ended up being really powerful and bold. So that is the beauty of exchanges. We got to know her really well. She just doesn't really have a testimony of the church. What it came down to was... she hadn't read the Book of Mormon. Parts of it yes.  But never read it all the way through.


I can't stress enough how vital this is to conversion! So many people grow up in these awesome families that teach the gospel but don't have a testimony because they don't feel they need it. They live off of mommy and daddy's money and LIFE IS GOOD. Why do they need the gospel? Right?

Wrong.

Read the Book of Mormon.  
Study it.  
Live it.
Learn of Christ. 
Trust me.  
You will need it.

Dad: 
What is your ward mission like?
Do we even have ward missions in Utah?
Who is the WML?
Who are the Ward Missionaries?
What do they do?
What is your ward mission plan?
How do you go about teaching and visiting less actives?
What kinds of invites do you give?
Get back to me on that thanks.


When I get back I totally want to get involved in the ward mission and make stuff happen. This stuff is muy importante.

We taught some Young Women this week. A lady called us because they only have Elders in their ward so we taught about the life of a missionary and taught them the Plan of Salvation.  




There ended up being a non member sister there so we got her information and referred it to the Elders. It was super cute because I asked her some questions and she told me she really, really wanted to be baptized and loved the church. I was like oh darling, we will get some Elders on that. Sometimes I wish I was still in a family ward!! I miss people aside from young single adults! I feel like I'm in high school again. 




It's super different.

I was reading in Matthew.  Well, I've been reading in Matthew because I'm in the New Testament in my own reading. And I have been reading all the parables Christ gave and about his earthly ministry. I read a verse in Matthew 14, super popular, when Peter is walking on the water and Christ says




"Be of good cheer, it is I. Be not afraid."




I think that verse needs to be plastered in the sky or something.  
So people will stop going crazy
and just get real. 
Ya know.
Focus on what Matters Most.
I like that scripture.

Becky Saxton emailed me last week. Shoot..it's not Saxton anymore...but ya know,,, that woman that I love that was my YW girls camp homie forever? She emailed me and I sent a big email to the girls for girls camp this year. Is Dad going to girls camp? Is Makenna?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TY!!!




I really loved his pictures he sent me they are way sick. I'm so proud! Who knew he had such a great photography talent ;) and bmxing...mostly impressed with the pictures ;) and bike stuff I guess.




Anyway, I hope you have a Great Day. I love you lots! Tell me all about your birthday! Are you gonna be what a Freshie this year?


Holla at you boy.

Also cool story. So I met this boy at the MTC named Andrew Allen and he told me I was going to his mission.  Where he is from anyway, and he had a referral for me if I ever served in his area. We exchanged emails, kinda forgot about him. Then all of the sudden I got an email from him and he said YOUR IN MY AREA (what?) So we looked him up in our ward directory and went and visited his mom because he said to ask her for referrals. I thought it would be awkward but as soon as she opened the door she was like

OH OH OH OH SISTER STUCKI OH OH!! COME IN!!!

okay (:

So she gave us some info on one of his friends.  
We will soon be contacting.
Pretty exciting.
cool story eh?

This weekend was W. baptism and it turned out soooo good! I guess I already mentioned it. I will send pictures. His girlfriend sung and her step dad baptized him and it was just perfect. He has come such a long way. He bore his testimony at the end and did fantastic. I love these people they are so awesome and I admire them so much! I'll send pictures of the baptism. Him and M. are adorable. And his family.




And my heart is just so full (:

Alrighty I'm really glad you are studying in Preach My Gospel.

I have a challenge for you guys!

I've been studying Christlike attributes in the back.

There is this Attribute activity on page 126. DO IT.

For family home evening

AND THEN

figure out which one you lack the most, and work on it.

I want reports on this.

Do the attribute activity honestly and write me a letter or tell me via mom what your working on. YES. the whole family. Because I want to help!


As we study Christlike attributes and work towards becoming more Christlike we can pray for help and we really can gain those attributes and become a more Christlike person.




Sooooo get back to me on that next week all of you got it??


I'll try to gather experiences and scriptures and references on your attribute and help you out as much as I can. It will be great, and I know it will bring more peace in our home.
or your home.
or the home.
whatever.


that place of residence that we live in together (:

Lastly I just want to send you this talk mom sent me because I feel like whoever is reading this blog page right now needs to hear it.  
It meant a lot to me and I love it.

Advice from Elder Busche

I want to share with you a vehicle, an instrument, 

that I developed some time ago for myself and for my family. 

It can assist us to reach our focus as we read the suggested 

vision of true discipleship as a Latter-day Saint. 

It helps when we, from time to time, ponder and seek 

identification with the following thoughts.

Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. 

The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.

When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.

In your life there have to be challenges. 

They will either bring you closer to God and therefore 

make you stronger, or they can destroy you.

But you make the decision of which road you take.

First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. 

If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. 

Don’t permit anything to detract you from this awareness.

You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed 

your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.

Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the 

perspective of your eternal hope. 

Light will flow into your soul.

Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.

God knows that you are not perfect.

As you suffer about your imperfections he will give you comfort 

and suggestions of where to improve. 

God knows better than you what you need. 

He always attempts to speak to you.

Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us—everything will fall into its place
.

Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear 

about the consequences of sin.

When you cannot love someone, look into that person’s eyes long enough 

to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him. 

Never judge anyone. 

When you accept this, you will be freed.

In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge help them to become their own judges.

If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, 

forgive and you will be free again.

Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. 

If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm.

On the road to salvation let questions arise but never doubts. 

If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts. 

Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words.

Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. 

Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.

Be not so much concerned about what you do, but what you do 

with all your heart, might, and strength. 

In thoroughness is satisfaction.

You want to be good and do good, that is commendable, 

but the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives 

is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost 

then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.

The pain of sacrifice last only on moment. 

It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.

Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. 

It helps you more than those you serve.

And finally, when you are compelled to give up something 

or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, 

know this is your lesson to be learned right now. 

But know also that as you are learning this lesson 

God wants to give you something better.

Thus, we prepare all the days of our lives, and, as we grow death loses its sting, hell loses its power, and we look forward to that day with anticipation of joy when He will come in his glory

 

I LOVE YOU ALL

Thanks for reading and supporting and sending me your love. 



I love hearing from everyone back at home
and learning of all your new adventures. 


  Write me this week! Be safe! Make good choices! 



I love you! Thanks for all you do!

Sister Madison Stucki
(via email June 2, 2014)

A Snowy Week...

in DC South...

Loading Reminders...

Family, 

a tragedy has happened....

We are in a HUGE hurry and I forgot my beloved notepad at home where I keep a detailed record of everything that went on in my week.

*DUN dun DUUUNNNNN*

So I apologize that you won't get a complete rundown of this past week considering my memory withholds approximately  2% of the information I gather throughout my days. So Mother, thanks for the items you sent.  

Thanks also to Kylie for the letter! I read it and just laughed. I miss you my home girl!!! The whole time I was just thinking "WHY did Troy and Becky move to Boise?  They ruined my childhood!" Just kidding. But really. I miss Kylie! Also I got letters from Spencer, Eli...mom...mom...very kind humans that read my blog (: 

Also I have this massive box sitting next to me that I just picked up and I don't really know who it's from or what is inside of it.  So stay tuned for next week ;) I'm thinking it's probably Tammy's 72 hour kit you told me about? I haven't opened it yet though so I'll let you know!!

Also I'm super bummed that you didn't get my missionary tag!!! Somebody probably stole it and they are faking my identity out there in the United States Postal Service....

  

Definitely try to locate.  It cost me mooolah.

So today we went to the temple and that is why we are running behind and I forgot all my stuff. Our dear friend Momma Thatcher took us to MARYLAND.  We went to a session and also did initiatory. It was...really pretty ;)  Seriously.  The DC temple is six stories tall and it is humongous and very expensive looking. So that was neat.  It was gorgeous.

This week it snowed.  So we got kind of locked down.  We couldn't drive our cars. It was super cold and it snowed tons. We spent a day doing service by shoveling people out of the snow. At the end of the day I happened to lose my name tag.  (ironic.  I know.) So we back tracked looking for it.  Kind of assuming we wouldn't find it in the snow. But I had this feeling to just look over in this random track of boot prints and low and behold - It was inside a boot hole in the snow!!! Crazy huh? I was super glad I found it considering I don't have another one at the moment. It was a neat little experience right there (: 

Also that was the day I made the video on my Facebook.  It's cute huh? (:

Hector's baptism was this week. It went awesome! There were some people at the church filming a video about new converts.  They were going to show at the Adult session of Stake Conference.  They ended up getting footage of Hector.  They also made an appointment with him to interview him and his family.  They are going to show it at Stake Conference to help inspire people. Sister Shcramm and I are in it! We are so proud of our little Hector! First day as a new member and already a little movie star inspiring people. (*tear*)   What a stud. He wore the tie you sent and he was super stoked about it because he doesn't have very many ties (:

This week was really sad because we had some awesome lessons and then got dropped. So....that was crushing. I think my hearts only been crushed one other time that bad. Sad huh? It was discouraging a little bit but...we are just going to keep working harder!

Yes a lot of the members come out on "splits" with us I guess you can call them. They just come with us because right now its SUPER important to get the members actively engaged in missionary work. We take girls out in Young Women's in both wards.  As well as the Relief Society sisters.  Which is awesome. We also have lessons at members homes with people.

I knew about the murderer in our area. Don't worry mom I watched enough 24, NCIS, The Following and Burn Notice to know the ropes. I was running around the neighborhoods with my pepper spray and a pen. Back against the wall at all times!!  So nobody could sneak up on me. 

My companion thought I was crazy. 

But when she found out he was holding hostages the next night she caught my drift. ugh. such a rookie.:)

No I was kidding about the boyfriend thing in Zone Sports. Lots of people actually have boyfriends / girlfriends out here.  I just don't want President to think it's an issue. BECAUSE it's NOT.  Right now lots of people are going home because of homesickness. LOTS of people. So he is getting uptight about Facebook and other such things. I obey all the rules!  So it shouldn't be a problem.  But sometimes that's an awkward thing to bring up because everybody always automatically assumes I'd be homesick. But I'm not.  and he's on a mission. and he's not.

Zone Sports was pretty fun. I've gotten to know a lot of the Missionaries better.  Finally! I'm not the newbie anymore which is nice. There was another transfer and we have several new people in our zone. After this transfer I'll be done training HALLELUJAH. Just kidding.  That means off into the real world of missionary work.

This week on Tuesday I have an exchange with a Sister but she's coming to My Area and I have to lead out. So wish me luck. I'll have to plan the day way good with addresses and stuff because I still don't know the area very well. I mean lets be honest I lived in St. George for nineteen years and still had to call you to find out how to get to some places.  ya know? no?  k.

No we didn't get in trouble with the police. Because they couldn't find us.......;) We left that up to the Mission Department to take care of! Fortunately. Yeah the guy is a crazy. Apparently he sits up in his trees with a gun because he's prejudice or something??   Idk. But we marked that as a NO contact house for safety precautions. He'll find Jesus eventually. ha ha. Well got that one marked off of the bucket list!

I love driving!! 

We switch off every day. I just had to sign some thing about driving rules. I READ IT. It's in my desk of things to read...somewhere..yeah anyways.

Dad, thanks!  The video was pretty sweet huh? I'm going to try to put one together of Hector's baptism.  ( if I have time). Hectors baptism was AWESOME. Yeah it is still pretty cold. I mean the weather is all over the place here but there is snow everywhere. We met some new people while shoveling and made appointments to go visit them.  They live around our neighborhood. 

I love you all.  Keep sending letters and lots of  love.  I'll send pictures via Facebook in a minute (:

love sister stucki

(via e-mail February 17, 2014)

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Where is the LOVE?

P-day in DC we visited a few museums...

Loading Reminders...

The Hope Diamond

Sebastien Bourdon "The Finding of Moses"

Family,

Monday:

Was a very chill P-reperation day.  I took a nap. (finally) We visited A. & M. who just got baptized. I taught A. some stuff on the guitar..a little bit. Ha. Some Tay Swift Stuff! We had a little Jam Sesh. #bondingmoment it was presh. Then we stopped by Bishops and finalized all the baptism papers and stuff...and visited the T. family!

Tuesday:

Was District Meeting. We had lunch with The District at Firehouse Subs.  I talked to Elder Black about Dylan.  So he should be adding him on Facebook and talking to him soon (:  Elder Black likes trucks.  I don't understand anything he says.  I was like Dude...talk to my brotha. So he's gonna do that. 

We had dinner at the O. house.  Which was fun. We also dropped some people. Which was sad.  They are going to have a baby soon and they are always so busy and are not progressing at all. We will probably stop by and see the baby later this month.  But as for teaching.. they just don't really do anything. There is only so much we can do.  

We met some new people... visited some families around here. There was a creepy dude standing outside our door at our apartment! So we made the Elders come scope it out and walk us to our door. haha. 

ELDERS. We are grateful for them sometimes:)

Wednesday:

We went "Finding" aka Tracting for FOUURURR HOUURRRSSS. 

Yeah enough said. 

There was still snow. 

It was cold. 

Never again. 

JUST KIDDING!

probably everyday for sixteen more months. :)

We taught N. again and invited her to a baptism this week.. she just needs to READ and PRAY and put forth some effort here!! SAME with lots of people its frustrating. We made lots of phone calls... L. answered her door and seemed interested and we talked to her forever. She is Catholic.  Her mother who is Catholic also. (very very strong Devout Catholic) was super sweet and gave us kisses on the cheek so that's a good sign. We taught her the Restoration.  She wants to take us to the Holy Trinity.  We are gonna take her to the Temple ;) Eventually. (:

Thursday:

Was Return and Report.  So basically you go and bash your companion.  So that was awkward. I just sat there. I'm not really one of those people. Who is into all that awkward stuff. I listened and learned.  But didn't say anything.  It's just weird. They do weird things out here sometimes. We checked a bunch of referrals.  Nobody seemed to be interested. We had dinner at the V. home.  Who are awesome and then taught H. who is ON DATE!  APPLAUSE. Pray for him. He is awesome.

We got canceled on by everybody else that night so that was no bueno. C. happened to answer her door.  We had a youth girl with us from another ward so we got a member present visit in. She was super cool and we taught some good stuff and she said she would read.

Friday:

We started COUCH QUOTES WHOOO. I'll send you a picture. Basically our old couch has this old sheet on it.  It's gross.  We started doodling on it and then we started writing all our favorite shut downs and funny lines.  It is quite hilarious.  If I do say so myself. Again, I'll send a picture soon. We were a little distracted during weekly planning..:/

I got no mail this week.  MAN literally. I got a letter from Elder Parkxfelt (goooo Fresno) and that is like it!!! WELL actually. Late Saturday night I ended up finally getting a letter from ELDER RHOTON. Which was very much appreciated. Other then that...NOTHIN. y'all have failed me this week. WHERE is the love? (Black Eyed Peas ref.) We went tracting again.  Visited L. again. and the S. family who are moving :( which is sad. We love K. & M. But they'll be taken care of in Richmond!

Saturday:

Was crazy.  We set super high goals and just went for it. We headed out to a Baptism super early with H. and the D. family in Gainsville.  It turned out way nice and they played a cello.  So I was stoked! Then we went and grabbed Little Caesar's and double timed it with Facebook / online proselyting for like five seconds.  

We picked up the H. girls and visited the R. family and answered their questions about... Life! Then we checked on C. from Ghana! We had a lesson with her and her kids! We asked them to come to church.  They should be coming next week! We checked on C. & E. and there was no answer.  We gave out a million pass along cards. We had a quick thirty minute dinner rice and soy sauce. 

Then we checked on A. There was some crazy dude freaking out, outside their house.  So we called a member and hung out at her house for a bit. Until he was gone. Then headed over to L. house.  She is awesome. She is super old and has a crazy life. When I say crazy I mean CRAZY. So we talked to her and shes not so into the church.  So we talked her into trying out Family History.  She said she would! 

We also checked on our friend K. and he has this massive dog. It's a bull dog and it's so crazy. You'll see videos. It's like a thousand lbs. and has no teeth. You're going to die. The things I do out here man. I hate dogs. I really do. BUT you should see the way I act with these things. MOM you would die. I like... touch them... and God has blessed me so I don't die of allergies. It is a miracle.

Sunday:

I woke up with a kink in my neck and it hurt! It turned into this massive knot it looks like I have a growth! So Sister T. rubbed icy hot all over it. hahaha. She is like my 2nd mom here? She is great. We love her! 

Also apparently it was Super Bowl last night because NOBODY wanted to answer their doors and let us in. lame lame lame. Where are your priorities people? Anyway. Church was good...the Young Women were talking about music or something and apparently all the girls we take on exchanges... Spilled the beans about my

JAM SONG.

It's a good song don't worry. ;) 

But it's a secret! 

AND they told everybody about it. 

Women I swear!

No.  Kidding. but hey...whatever it takes to be an example to those crazy teenagers am-i-right? 

no jk. I love this ward though.  They are great. I hope I don't get transferred for a while. I could chill in M. for a bit. Not live here forever. 
But you know. Teach the people and stuff. (:

So the other day at Return and Report one of the Elders asked me what I've learned thus far on my mission.  I was just like brain dead. So I felt dumb for not coming up with some intellectual answer or whatever. But the truth is I've learned so much already!! That I couldn't even put it all into words. Because I mean... it's like all this information is just shooting at me!

I've learned to deal with people.  I've learned to sacrifice.  I've learned to be selfless.  I've learned to serve.  I've learned to be independent.  I've learned to rely on God.  I've learned everyone has agency.  I've learned about discipline, rules, guidelines and commandments.  Commandments bless us! Not restrain us.  I've learned to love.  And more about loving.  I've learned that attitude determines Everything.  I've learned the importance of family.  I've learned about being a true, good friend. Among many more things I have learned the doctrine better and how it effects ME personally.

Something else that really stands out for me and I love is that in our church We focus on life after this life.  On happiness and families and love. We focus on the Resurrection of Christ rather than the Crucifixion.  Which is beautiful to me. It is interesting walking into other churches beautiful buildings and seeing it so focused on Christs death.  It is almost overwhelming and depressing.... and not to undermine what Christ did for us because that is important and it is huge!!! and it is amazing. 

When you walk into an LDS building whether it be a Church, a Seminary building or a Temple.  You're always going to feel that peace of knowing we will live again. Christ didn't just die and end at death...he is alive! He is with us and he has proven and shown us that we will live again also! That is amazing to me. When we see those pictures of Christ being risen...it means so much more! It's not a depressing, sad overloading feeling...it's a feeling of peace and comfort that we will live again.  We will get to greet our Savior after we have lived our lives and gave it our all!

So that is my soapbox for you today (:

I love you all.

I am expecting more letters this week? yeah? k good. 

Like I know I'm actually a missionary now but you can still pretend you love me. Send me so much mail it makes the other missionaries jealous!

one more thing...

#sisterculture

Its a thing.

Sisters show them Elders wassup.

LOVE YOU ALL BYE!

 Sister Stucki

(via email February 3, 2013)

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"If you choose it to be so"

Loading Reminders...

Mom - I will answer questions first.

I just don't really spend money. I had a little extra on my mission card because of the baggage things but it's like gone.  I ran out this month. I have a little bit of cash...I haven't really bought much. Just food. I bought a couple cute hoodies / sweaters from DC  and Virginia Tech. But yeah as for money... just trying not to spend so much! 

Music... could you send me a CD holder to put them all in.  I'll keep them for the future and send the cases home to take up less space?  That would be nice. Kinda a big one. It really depends on the person.  We can listen to whatever 'Brings you closer to Christ' which in my opinion is approved but others disagree. So whatever! 

Yeah the Insta comment is fine.  That is her thing.  As long as there isn't an actual picture of her! Mostly just be careful about what you post on the blog as far as personal stories go.

Mission conference.  Still no technology. A General Authority came and spoke.  That was cool! It was Elder Gifford Nielson? President spoke as well. Just about goals and such. 

It did snow again here.  Not as bad and it's not very cold today.  We couldn't drive but we didn't have to stay inside.  We went out and worked. 

The Beattys and the Thatchers are awesome! I love them. They are our go to families.  They always feed us and they are so nice and friendly and awesome!! Both of them love us so much. Like SOOO much. It's good. Oh yeah the piano video on Instagram and Facebook??  hahahaha. I don't think I can put it on MY Facebook but I'm glad they put it on (: Brother Beatty is a musical genius and he was like, "here lemme teach ya some stuff!"  So that happened.  Super Great. They are to cool. Glad you liked it! She was excited to post it for you (: Venesa's cousin?? I just know they are originally from STG and I know his niece that lives with them. She went to my High school. So yeah.  Small world.

I'm glad Dad is feeling better too.  I got the package with the blanket and stuff thank you!! 

I love the blanket!! Okay. So that's your response.  

Here's my weeks rundown...

Monday:

We went to DC. It was cool.  We checked out some museums the Metro was the best part though.  Soo.... that is that. OH OH OH... so we are in the 'War Zone' of one of the museum's, Right? Some dude...walks up behind me WHISPERS IN MY EAR 'What's so Civil about The Civil War?"

LIKE WHAT ARE YOU CRAZY???

So he was just creeping hard core.  Like following us! And I started talking to him awkwardly and told him I was a Missionary (as Sister Schramm is just cracking up) and he was like in complete disgust and told me he wasn't in the mood for being converted. OKAY YOU TALKED TO ME.  WHAT ARE YOU IN THE MOOD FOR HOMEBOY??  It was Super Creepy and Violating. Anyways, that was my DC Experience.  We met lots of Mormons and lots of people who asked us about Mormons so it was interesting.  And we had lots of fun!

Tuesday:

It snowed and there was ice.  We went to District meeting and ate at Olive Garden which was fun! We couldn't drive the rest of the day.  We still went out and worked.  We visited some closer people that live in our complex. It was cooolllddd.

Wednesday:

Was still snowy. We went tracting! We met lots of Awesome people.  We went on visits with a Ward Member and met with one of our ladies we've been trying to meet with forever. We cleared up a lot of questions about Cults and Polygamy and stuff.  The usual controversial stuff. We gave her a Book of Mormon.

Thursday:

Tracting again. BUT the Lord rewarded our finding efforts. We found J.!  From Costa Rica!  It was a Crazy experience because he told us in that FIRST little get together that he "felt the Spirit and saw the Light of Christ in our eyes"???  Like who is this guy right? He told us he wants to come to church and would be baptized. If he knew it was true! So we were Super Stoked. We also went to one of our less actives houses that night.  We met her son and he is now on date for baptism for February 21! He is Awesome! 

Friday:

We taught N. who again accepted a conditional baptismal invite. Really people just need to Actually Read and Pray.  Do their part. Which is frustrating.  But they'll get it.  We started talking about marriage and families and K. told me I look like I'll be a "Victoria Beckham" mom walking around in high heels all like 'aight kids lets go'  It was funny. I laughed?  Probably won't happen.  But it never hurts to dream right? ;)  Kidding.  I'm glad somebody thinks I dress halfway decent.  We have no time to get ready!! 

We also visited E.  who actually answered her door!! 

It was super cool because we haven't seen her forever and her brother R. was there. He told us how his wife was reading the Book of Mormon before she died. Crazy Stuff.  So we have another appointment with them. It will be good.  I feel it. They are awesome. They told us about how they heard gunshots the other night and we needed to be safe.  It was late at night so they all but ushered us out their back door and walked us to our car. Such nice people, right? ALSO super sketchy. That neighborhood is an interesting one. But we were so happy to have talked to them and found him!

Saturday:

Mission Conference and we also went to a baptism for Sister Schramms past investigator in Kingstown. We stopped by J. house but he wasn't able to make it to church Sunday because of family problems.  He had to head out to New York.. sadly.

Sunday:

WAS CRAZY we had a GREAT turn out at church.  The best this transfer! Lots of our investigators came including D. and the girls, some less actives and H.  It was WONDERFUL.  Quite a few didn't show though. We have to make a decision to drop some people this week if they don't keep commitments.  We realize we need to be spending our time with people who are willing and ready to repent and change.  It's rough.

We visited the Beattys last night and they made scones.  Which was awesome!! We haven't had those in ages. We also made that video and etc. They are awesome.

We stopped by to visit K. and challenged her and set up a new appointment with T. & S. to give them the First lesson.  Finally. 

It was a busy day.  Crazy stuff happened.

Now for a quick soap opera rant..............

*dun dun dun*

Today I read the article by Elder Holland. "The Miracle of a Mission"

BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. I love that man. He talked about lots of things.  But one that really stuck out to me was serving your Full Time. I've been seeing and hearing about lots of Missionaries coming home early...... which breaks my heart. 

He talks about how we are engaged in Saving the Human Soul.  Which is the Highest and Holiest Work in the Universe.  It is the thing that GOD HIMSELF said was His Work and His Glory. 18 MONTHS. NOT FIFTEEN, NOT ELEVEN, NOT SIX. 

He says to

start fast

run hard

and to the tape

you can rest later

I LOVE THAT!

He talks about struggles.  His struggles.  Even struggles of Past Prophets. And if the President of the church can struggle, we can struggle. 

Write in your journal and move on, Forget Yourself and Go to Work! 

He also told of an experience when somebody asked if he would die for the church. He said, "that's easy, that is the snap.  What God really needs is somebody who will live for the church. People who are willing to go the distance, in the race and get to the tape."

AH. Holland. That man. Gets me every time. That's huge. It's true. Missions are hard!

We struggle.  But we need people to get to the tape and rest later. I want to be one of those people. Finish strong ya know? I encourage all to do the same.  Mentally prepare yourself.  Get ready for this. 

It's a big deal.

My second shpeel here is personal.  BUT I feel like I can share a couple things. 

About a Patriarchal Blessing. USE IT!  Study it!  Remember it!

I went through mine the other day and I encourage future missionaries to do the same thing. 

1.) Find your catch phrase 

2.) Your Talents 

3.) Warnings 

4.) Motivation. 

 Find those things in Your Blessing and Remember them.  Strive to incorporate them in your Daily lives.

One thing that stuck out in mine was the phrase
"if you choose it to be so...''

It hit me like a ton of bricks. There are so many things that God can bless us with... 

"if we choose it to be so"

You can choose whether you want to be ready to accept responsibilities, leadership and experience.  It is our choice. I also pulled several 'talents' or things he has blessed me with from my blessing. I had to laugh because some of them.....just made me laugh BUT they are things I am going to work on because I know it is inspired by God.  My blessing goes on to give warnings and advice such as being cheerful, humble and prayerful.  Going forward with faith and confidence.  Not fearing. That is huge.

Go forward with faith and confidence in all that you do.

Accept everything cheerfully, humbly, prayerfully and without fear. 

That can apply to everyone and I love it.  It's true.

Also a bit of advice for the future missionary......

sticky. notes. I use them everywhere and for everything. In my scriptures.  In my journals.  In notes.  In letters home. In the front of my planner there is probably thirty sticky notes I peel out and use every single day. Invest in sticky notes.

I think you guys are all great and I love you all so much! Thanks for reading and keeping up with me and sending me lots of love and support and letters. It makes my day every time without fail!!! You guys are the greatest and I love to hear form you all. I'll send pictures via Facebook 

love sister stucki
(via email January 27, 2014)

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