Off to Carlsbad California!!!!

My new address:

Hermana Stacey Lythgoe

451 West Bobier Drive

Vista, CA 92083

August 14, 2012-- Tuesday


Oh gosh... where to even begin!! Maybe the fact that I forgot you guys were even alive until today! I have been so focused on the work that it has been crazy! It's a good thing. Leaving the MTC was the best day ever. I was worried that I was wasn't worried. I loved it so much (the MTC) and learned so much from it. The mission President introduced us new missionaries and he told everyone that I am fire and chainsaw certified! (Important Info.... )What in the world?! It was so embarrassing, see if I put that on papers again.

My companion reminds me of Sarah Haderlie, Laurie Lythgoe, and Janessa Roney (surprisingly). No one can compare to Janessa. We teach so many lessons a day, it is crazy! Contacting is my favorite part people are soooo good! I am shocked at how people just open up and share their deepest desires and feelings when you are a representative of the Lord, people need help.

So, a funny story that I will share with you:
We see this little old lady across the way, and I suggest to go over and talk to her, so we do. We passed her crossing the street and I said, "Hola, can we help you out?" Because she was carrying some bags. She yells, "Go to Heck...." But she really said the word! We looked at each other, kind of taken back, but then I just lost it and started cracking up, secretly of course. It was funny.

I have been called to teach the humble. It is amazing and it feels so right. The people here, oh my gosh, are so humble! We are not in the ritzy area of this mission. They are such poor people and just need to be loved first. I keep thinking to myself  "Of course I was suppose to come here to California so I could meet you," or "Of course I was suppose to come to this area."


August 21, 2012-- Tuesday


Preparation days are hard! It is a funny thing. They are probably the hardest days because we are not constantly teaching, so it is tough. This week we got in a car crash, no one was hurt. The lady we hit, she told us that everything happens for a reason and asked us for a quick prayer, she was a preacher of some religion. But when her husband came, he was beyond mad!

We set two baptismal dates this week, so exciting!! And, they came to church this Sunday.  I tried to bear my testimony during the lesson, I started in and was getting a little chocked up so I had to stop for a bit. Everyone thought that I was struggling with the language, so they moved on (dang it). Yesterday we had a Zone conference. It was so fun getting together with the other 20 missionaries and talk about how we can improve. It was all about Faith and how we can strengthen our Faith. President Cook is awesome! I can compare my life as a missionary to that of running a half marathon. I am learning how to mentally keep moving, it is so hard! But so good at the same time. Some days I feel like crying. I seriously feel like I did when I hit mile 11 in my races... exhausted... can't keep going... but somehow get through it and I am able to finish the day.

My companion and I sang "I know that my Redeemer Lives" at the Zone conference. Kind of nerve wracking, but definitely brought the spirit, I loved it!

Pictures in the MTC

Roommates in the MTC. (L-R) Hermana Garner, Hermana Adams, Me, and Hermana Whicker, my companion. This was my first day in the MTC and we are all going to the same mission.

                                       
                                            My district attending the temple in Provo, Utah.

Me and Sister Moon-- I ran the dirty dash with her before we entered the MTC. She is going to be serving in Washington, Spanish Speaking.

                                                        Missionaries serving the Lord.

Elder Nelson from Heber (the one standing to my left) and his companion is an Elder I met while I was in New Zealand last year.



July 17, 2012

I was sitting in sacrament meeting and lots of changes were being made. Everyone in my district now has a calling, except me. So I knew right when they called the last few in my district that I would be speaking that day in sacrament meeting.... I just knew it... and I was! This was my first talk in Spanish and it was great! 

I leave in three weeks and I am very excited! My companion is a bit nervous to get out there to California, but I can't help to just feel SOOOO excited! I'm ready to just do this!

July 24, 2012

I'm going to miss the TRC. I want to come and be an investigator when I get back, it is such a neat experience! Life is great! The MTC is the best place ever. It is not a jail like some people say, it's one of the closest places to Heaven in my eyes. 

On Sunday, I got called as Coordinating sister which they say is the closest thing to Relief Society President. It will be my responsibility to make sure the new sisters feel welcome and get them settled, it should be great! I also get to go to a lot more meetings now and I am glad. I love leadership opportunities, it forces me to be a better person.

July 31, 2012

My companion and I got chosen to demonstrate how to begin teaching in front of the new missionaries that come in on Wednesday. It's kind of a big deal actually! I remember going to it the day I got here. There are about 50 missionaries and the "Pro" missionaries (I felt they were Pro at the time) would come in and demonstrate with an investigator. I never thought that I would be that missionary who would now be demonstrating. It's quite an honor! There are 16 missionaries chosen, and me and my companion were two of those who were chosen.

Well I'm calling home in ONE WEEK!! We are leaving the MTC at 5 a.m. August 7th to head to the airport to fly out to California. I am very excited to hear your happy voices!!