tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61758741087186400922024-02-20T21:29:33.525-08:00Blizzard in IdahoUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-85892218170911116722015-04-13T16:14:00.002-07:002015-04-13T16:14:23.953-07:00Well...Here we go!<span style="font-size: large;"><div>
</div>
</span><span style="font-size: large;"> I honestly never thought that I would get to this point in my mission! Where has the time gone? This time next week, I will be home and probably wearing jeans--CRAZY! Everyone keeps asking me how I feel, and I think it's a little bit of everything. Sad, excited, nervous, anxious, happy, overwhelmed, stressed, you name it! It has just been a roller coaster of a time these past few weeks trying to come to grips with what's going on. I'm so grateful for the prayers and support from you and from the wonderful people I get to serve with here. I definitely feel the love! </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> First, I want to talk about how much I absolutely LOVED General Conference. It was so amazing. It definitely strengthened my testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel and that our church really is led by apostles and prophets called by God! My favorite talk was given by Elder Pearson in the Sunday Afternoon session. He talked about enduring to the end and that "hang in there" is not a principle of the gospel. He reminded us to read the Book of Mormon "every day, every day, every day!" For those who remember, he told a story of being called as a mission president. His firm didn't appreciate his decision to leave, and questioned him as to when he made this commitment. He responded, "I made this decision as a 19-year-old boy, when I made sacred covenants with God in the temple to follow the Savior. I’ve built my entire life on those covenants, and I fully intend to keep them now." WOW. What power! His talk really struck me to the core. He also warned returned missionaries not to "do a swan dive back into Babylon..." I'm not sure if he was talking to me, but It sure is good advice! I'm so grateful to know that I can listen to and watch General Conference and receive so much truth that will enrich and bless my life.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> What a blessing it is to have a testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have really started to appreciate more how my testimony affects every part of my life. I thank my Father in Heaven for it everyday and for the opportunity He has given me to serve Him. This whole experience being on a mission has just given me so much. I honestly think that I've learned more about life, the gospel, and myself these past 18 months, than I have my whole life leading up to it! There is one quote that comes to mind. One of my Zone Leaders always used to tell us, "You can never fully grasp who you are, until you come to understand whose you are." I'm not sure if he came up with that or if he heard it somewhere else, but it has always stuck with me. I know that on my mission, I have come to more fully understand "whose" I am. I am a daughter of God. I am His servant and disciple. He loves me so much. Because of that knowledge and assurance I have gained, I now feel like I have a greater understanding of who I am. I am confident in myself, and I know what my potential is. I can rely on my Savior as I try to make the changes that are necessary.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I guess what I'm trying to say is that this mission has given me the tools, if you will, for the rest of my life. I haven't reached my potential--I haven't become really who the Lord wants me to become... but now I know how to work on it. I've learned really what repentance is all about, and I've prayed more fervently than I ever did before. I study the scriptures with the intent to receive revelation. These are all things that I was taught to do my whole life, but I guess I really had to experience them on a consistent basis to truly apply them. I needed experiences that would drag me to my knees almost daily for the support of my Savior. My mission has been the hardest thing that I've ever done. It's also been the most fun, enriching, learning, growing, tiring, uplifting, strengthening, best choice I've ever made.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love them so much. They are so forgiving and patient as I try to be my best self. I just want to make them proud. I know that God is aware of me. He knows how hard I have worked these past 18 months, and He knows my heart. I feel so close to Him. </span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love you all, too. I know that God has put each of you in my life to help me learn something. He is so gracious. I am so blessed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr50gc3xe4StoAJ_w4eXKcb-KHE7jVLZKy72YbCtiXc4KS5wMG-042b-WCeRpt12GvXQJPjlfCq61Gv5H_4RIejFPMqRaGaRQU7qR29xWEUOGZtXRc91-6CrmVBDB7VTACW2TBFMR-4KaL/s1600/boisem2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr50gc3xe4StoAJ_w4eXKcb-KHE7jVLZKy72YbCtiXc4KS5wMG-042b-WCeRpt12GvXQJPjlfCq61Gv5H_4RIejFPMqRaGaRQU7qR29xWEUOGZtXRc91-6CrmVBDB7VTACW2TBFMR-4KaL/s1600/boisem2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Exchanges with my home-girl!!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Eofv4LTB_TN5xjVNQ9sfO7NVsYsZaXK2t-SP2QJc0D0Q1LZNpPtcbIfAZ037SGaPKdD1_nm4tgKB0y_aED4iseKRUaep-s_JqmwrcwcpuQh14FDn2frYUZm0sjBmimYeiMwtYyTvlCF3/s1600/boisen1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Eofv4LTB_TN5xjVNQ9sfO7NVsYsZaXK2t-SP2QJc0D0Q1LZNpPtcbIfAZ037SGaPKdD1_nm4tgKB0y_aED4iseKRUaep-s_JqmwrcwcpuQh14FDn2frYUZm0sjBmimYeiMwtYyTvlCF3/s1600/boisen1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcoN2A0oiBXlCmk_vMey-9TcL5cKhRra_BOGQR4kFx4C0XB4EnqBHcaPD3A1XtgW6bbeXlPfl9QXB06ZlataYbPMJrVCjY2nYh7D-O3q7ppP8ZHFxTBfJwCKCPJAhhskwukjRWNoRarSK/s1600/boisen2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcoN2A0oiBXlCmk_vMey-9TcL5cKhRra_BOGQR4kFx4C0XB4EnqBHcaPD3A1XtgW6bbeXlPfl9QXB06ZlataYbPMJrVCjY2nYh7D-O3q7ppP8ZHFxTBfJwCKCPJAhhskwukjRWNoRarSK/s1600/boisen2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Elders being weird...nothing new here.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCqcB21dWxGrdtM27HTjj5VwAAUZ7LvUFgjfBbwFqDHGxvuTmXZS9AF4Kzf8JrPCMvsg34D_lLrnO9s1feMFh52W1-hsqw5BTfmGC96I5xhVC0a9j0jGZmdMGip2dzIbv6fnACbXbJgh2/s1600/boisen3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCqcB21dWxGrdtM27HTjj5VwAAUZ7LvUFgjfBbwFqDHGxvuTmXZS9AF4Kzf8JrPCMvsg34D_lLrnO9s1feMFh52W1-hsqw5BTfmGC96I5xhVC0a9j0jGZmdMGip2dzIbv6fnACbXbJgh2/s1600/boisen3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hiking Tablerock. It was so awesome!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgQTWhCGLAZj9GdhmkadgpFuyhbUxlaFe_0BSyZbs6lsnWuitxwTgopDJiPkQpvqp0uOjoYY2QwQiPATIYgz5RhUNH5OH_96Nz4z1f2KKfet3JrzbGSxvvV3rp8MRdaa5RA0PZ0Db6hAv/s1600/boisen4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgQTWhCGLAZj9GdhmkadgpFuyhbUxlaFe_0BSyZbs6lsnWuitxwTgopDJiPkQpvqp0uOjoYY2QwQiPATIYgz5RhUNH5OH_96Nz4z1f2KKfet3JrzbGSxvvV3rp8MRdaa5RA0PZ0Db6hAv/s1600/boisen4.JPG" height="104" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZPktgMg80GeBP2j_o4Y9h_Zvvo5d52HPHwpZyy5TyKlXZhKeUeiKOKPDGaIgbyCw2V26tSK5ybRrCEOlLyvpaIELPISYoxzJzK6n3jgL6hmcN0J1XMIs6grjaEjFYnQQH1ywfN_9Xz-5/s1600/boisen5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZPktgMg80GeBP2j_o4Y9h_Zvvo5d52HPHwpZyy5TyKlXZhKeUeiKOKPDGaIgbyCw2V26tSK5ybRrCEOlLyvpaIELPISYoxzJzK6n3jgL6hmcN0J1XMIs6grjaEjFYnQQH1ywfN_9Xz-5/s1600/boisen5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAezYMieJy4MWOhjuAG8kjVPF3SEUUr5jZiu7h-jwWzXb22s1DkDLLBXnyAQ_ohH-TbBWbqye5kQBHAXdbkd36mlOPl4cUIAYBc-6-MrXmEzeAzHfjwJkWeUgMzZ_qa5H8Tz6y6StZodFs/s1600/boisen6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAezYMieJy4MWOhjuAG8kjVPF3SEUUr5jZiu7h-jwWzXb22s1DkDLLBXnyAQ_ohH-TbBWbqye5kQBHAXdbkd36mlOPl4cUIAYBc-6-MrXmEzeAzHfjwJkWeUgMzZ_qa5H8Tz6y6StZodFs/s1600/boisen6.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsc1UhDIq0OxlfbTOYtbuJmOOkr7anb5zX6jfGnNvcJjTgH3el6yF9B5StmTuPhGh7JIGxNmK2ZCCjsoNMj0uYqqg03vesZSRddF0yhdg7WsrGnTG2bRQItEhZOwmOg6s6ZbFkB-o7EAn/s1600/boisen7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsc1UhDIq0OxlfbTOYtbuJmOOkr7anb5zX6jfGnNvcJjTgH3el6yF9B5StmTuPhGh7JIGxNmK2ZCCjsoNMj0uYqqg03vesZSRddF0yhdg7WsrGnTG2bRQItEhZOwmOg6s6ZbFkB-o7EAn/s1600/boisen7.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgkifg-FhOM1XhhtgdEPkYMcgdR9zNkGktlKonWDiXkIbAJ8o3A_vUpotedWCoAowGYa-GFxzp1OxJiqY4CAIfdE5-HcGpYq4tcLkjm5Dv65p-pW7kB6YTaAwDuWelmNyX_g7BpOHxXoo/s1600/boisen8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgkifg-FhOM1XhhtgdEPkYMcgdR9zNkGktlKonWDiXkIbAJ8o3A_vUpotedWCoAowGYa-GFxzp1OxJiqY4CAIfdE5-HcGpYq4tcLkjm5Dv65p-pW7kB6YTaAwDuWelmNyX_g7BpOHxXoo/s1600/boisen8.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1WkhePcWi4iLfHhSBlO4E-rOK4x2fPPBfykUb_bpo4TlghdRDTonkzo7bQh83XIAOLOk_DB7tLAIQ5qlndIUnZ91paTqFPMWgmUvjdhwxACPcbvB0xHhQyz5zglXJDfW8RTtCuaN5fMM/s1600/boisen9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1WkhePcWi4iLfHhSBlO4E-rOK4x2fPPBfykUb_bpo4TlghdRDTonkzo7bQh83XIAOLOk_DB7tLAIQ5qlndIUnZ91paTqFPMWgmUvjdhwxACPcbvB0xHhQyz5zglXJDfW8RTtCuaN5fMM/s1600/boisen9.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEIoRNUUIDAG_MZfyaKyaKenv1eBeXT_ZR-fbZhsDNWp5dcbauOvvHKsEkIUvuDy0PWc1nzyguiCCGl9DMGI4Jd2G_5dOGp9hnXb2fQkU7jdwUX_jSDeFHN4PcCG0qd6w-iWWNnVmXund/s1600/boisen10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEIoRNUUIDAG_MZfyaKyaKenv1eBeXT_ZR-fbZhsDNWp5dcbauOvvHKsEkIUvuDy0PWc1nzyguiCCGl9DMGI4Jd2G_5dOGp9hnXb2fQkU7jdwUX_jSDeFHN4PcCG0qd6w-iWWNnVmXund/s1600/boisen10.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28AQ6U02rs5ADGjq432tJjpjL7qsDVTt9pVVwMMNohkBjqUWDuNztOtB16kjWnbEQVxzr2ZtyIIPjqoM3MzPrrG-uTrIJploWxgsTnQHXf6hxk1vpTP45uSRrh_0NLEkixUJN9Y8aegYJ/s1600/boisen11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28AQ6U02rs5ADGjq432tJjpjL7qsDVTt9pVVwMMNohkBjqUWDuNztOtB16kjWnbEQVxzr2ZtyIIPjqoM3MzPrrG-uTrIJploWxgsTnQHXf6hxk1vpTP45uSRrh_0NLEkixUJN9Y8aegYJ/s1600/boisen11.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPscTsaFWT28h4SX1qkwZOdb2OObIrbzyxH8xqlh6FYQMrtHocHIRb_msExnL8M9rH4iZZ2izdokv0IHeK8SIzVwwWhrCF1Re-TWGVttCq_aD3yTUKOmcmhq57A8zybdtrZSZoY954Z1pt/s1600/boisen12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPscTsaFWT28h4SX1qkwZOdb2OObIrbzyxH8xqlh6FYQMrtHocHIRb_msExnL8M9rH4iZZ2izdokv0IHeK8SIzVwwWhrCF1Re-TWGVttCq_aD3yTUKOmcmhq57A8zybdtrZSZoY954Z1pt/s1600/boisen12.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHz-v9sAHcM35-WtbDRPGu_h5OWqxYiZXn8XADex7BJqTpuOou8wiWpXSq0LDhU3KoiCUFnPXeZwgPcOMPQm08JNlrTBY7SvEDzjxlZjQi7_wNLpbWIKXhYYYcb6ThPxOWR9OKxH4Mm_1C/s1600/boisen13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHz-v9sAHcM35-WtbDRPGu_h5OWqxYiZXn8XADex7BJqTpuOou8wiWpXSq0LDhU3KoiCUFnPXeZwgPcOMPQm08JNlrTBY7SvEDzjxlZjQi7_wNLpbWIKXhYYYcb6ThPxOWR9OKxH4Mm_1C/s1600/boisen13.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
April Fool's dinner!! Try to figure out what the food actually is....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU_-Xssgug8IfoMYQvjLSpR-aGKem3oMJvsw3w8KVSMxRdmvE__CBUwLZNgDSfWEMhzSfH-KhH48jbqv78blZNPbyF_8EOTM_8wMy0BV2BCcYLo1fM982byrRwtELWYSkBjb4-84NfOHP/s1600/boisen14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU_-Xssgug8IfoMYQvjLSpR-aGKem3oMJvsw3w8KVSMxRdmvE__CBUwLZNgDSfWEMhzSfH-KhH48jbqv78blZNPbyF_8EOTM_8wMy0BV2BCcYLo1fM982byrRwtELWYSkBjb4-84NfOHP/s1600/boisen14.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9TnTPLuuyX7K-xg2c-HayO0uviSOhKnq-tws7JkJcJpl-u-eh9PUhPebhLIwJkurBtwsbEVRpZjkzuGs3GVCbvQX02elZDcT4nPKrwdi32g9LempLU3uzbRAyxzc65mect_YoDm7aMKx/s1600/boisen15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9TnTPLuuyX7K-xg2c-HayO0uviSOhKnq-tws7JkJcJpl-u-eh9PUhPebhLIwJkurBtwsbEVRpZjkzuGs3GVCbvQX02elZDcT4nPKrwdi32g9LempLU3uzbRAyxzc65mect_YoDm7aMKx/s1600/boisen15.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sister Kingsolver and I had to do a training at a Special Sisters' Meeting about stress, and learning how to deal with it. We decided to do this crazy object lesson with eggs under a cement block! I might have to demonstrate it for you all when I get back!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkU1__1owQZKR_9IUibXP6LMzjUhaeZXQ5O9m5De9bTQkj3SvTW0wmmlh2kybRXlEasdY4_3a3U48XMPpXt2ND_oBuPOpulF159EZBOzy5hBJO006g8p4goPA5ak-Vjf0dJwEPvBnAuEA/s1600/boisen16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkU1__1owQZKR_9IUibXP6LMzjUhaeZXQ5O9m5De9bTQkj3SvTW0wmmlh2kybRXlEasdY4_3a3U48XMPpXt2ND_oBuPOpulF159EZBOzy5hBJO006g8p4goPA5ak-Vjf0dJwEPvBnAuEA/s1600/boisen16.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYngKAuZGvmH_7PgRpAkn7PldRWiStcULVUD2vIFmD3zGSBVy0UZSaR7uk4ye1nbO500oAvwBdUdFWYm07e_0cM8_TClsLGzvvlBMEIebMOE87yOrODU357fmMTg2MQiJnvzmHosze3Hj2/s1600/boisen17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYngKAuZGvmH_7PgRpAkn7PldRWiStcULVUD2vIFmD3zGSBVy0UZSaR7uk4ye1nbO500oAvwBdUdFWYm07e_0cM8_TClsLGzvvlBMEIebMOE87yOrODU357fmMTg2MQiJnvzmHosze3Hj2/s1600/boisen17.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Easter!! We woke up to a cute little basket from the Schroath's</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XgqlPN_VJabIx4gwlHRkBTaaD8ywknVDllJCChhoVUT_Nu6LWyysPlFiPdaEscZACwG4God3MrMGx7cDk56JjL6bfsb0nG4rBQopMS0gR9XmKaMhaU3tMDUaSkzwKLukfNkF0v_976iQ/s1600/boisen18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XgqlPN_VJabIx4gwlHRkBTaaD8ywknVDllJCChhoVUT_Nu6LWyysPlFiPdaEscZACwG4God3MrMGx7cDk56JjL6bfsb0nG4rBQopMS0gR9XmKaMhaU3tMDUaSkzwKLukfNkF0v_976iQ/s1600/boisen18.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More Elders being weird and taking selfies</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmehVGyKipZ8xYn4bHAHDv0gcDTiUlMcODFa5Owq_oRs8vxOwqjOuTOrmQEDjNusjtQHQPL9yzCrGzJgL6ipWlw1u7YdHrBt8q5WQjXVkLDg7kLiMr2_UyZTN7HmtiAaJedTlMwekBy0xK/s1600/boisen19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmehVGyKipZ8xYn4bHAHDv0gcDTiUlMcODFa5Owq_oRs8vxOwqjOuTOrmQEDjNusjtQHQPL9yzCrGzJgL6ipWlw1u7YdHrBt8q5WQjXVkLDg7kLiMr2_UyZTN7HmtiAaJedTlMwekBy0xK/s1600/boisen19.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Saying goodbye to people at the Sisters' Meeting!! Bitter-sweet.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_uCCjb2fp0VthDl1L5q_zQLE54_BqbZPcDczaHE9LZU_4YAhS-_9aBIv9Y4Wgm4F_y0-KcNX7IT1QW64wFrLURGz-v8Jpvn-RjiAEhYByxFsFn-drQ3Nl6t5NydpvFSNMIhmj5WJomri/s1600/boisen20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_uCCjb2fp0VthDl1L5q_zQLE54_BqbZPcDczaHE9LZU_4YAhS-_9aBIv9Y4Wgm4F_y0-KcNX7IT1QW64wFrLURGz-v8Jpvn-RjiAEhYByxFsFn-drQ3Nl6t5NydpvFSNMIhmj5WJomri/s1600/boisen20.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The flowers at the temple are gorgeous as always!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrbtuJfQWqSLSSWX1ek2ZIiJeNeZY3VvaiM1wRXWuRITXZdqUPaWeFZlzoGk7uwsMohR7WaY1b4fMZfrVPyntszRPlViWpLHqmSRzhkfKS7z16FIqJ4qLiy5Zr5AX2gNoZwlFi1Q2dEjO/s1600/boisen21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrbtuJfQWqSLSSWX1ek2ZIiJeNeZY3VvaiM1wRXWuRITXZdqUPaWeFZlzoGk7uwsMohR7WaY1b4fMZfrVPyntszRPlViWpLHqmSRzhkfKS7z16FIqJ4qLiy5Zr5AX2gNoZwlFi1Q2dEjO/s1600/boisen21.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On exchanges, we volunteered at the homeless shelter... I spend 20 minutes scraping boogers off the wall and felt very humbled.</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvuS_KQ90G5Pp8z95kr73Ha5xmW9smHH2zTIhtVNPnzosS8B7ChjVufgMSQOQj80miWaRgh7oUgLvr1z_-hJb7aN48rBvJUd4J1jhbBZPpZr9kud2PNRL8vCjXXWtIzZxwVHuPCTmIiPc/s1600/boisen22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvuS_KQ90G5Pp8z95kr73Ha5xmW9smHH2zTIhtVNPnzosS8B7ChjVufgMSQOQj80miWaRgh7oUgLvr1z_-hJb7aN48rBvJUd4J1jhbBZPpZr9kud2PNRL8vCjXXWtIzZxwVHuPCTmIiPc/s1600/boisen22.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
I love Sister Morris! I couldn't go through all of this without her! She goes home with me and has been a huge support :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHCEq713m8AUjviQLA8zpGcUjP75NgXnwWfID53WIg4YtUuC5jhv4KQliVEqEcIWCdeaCLzhF4VoG2XMAYY8bH6HyyebQn96oSQl-6KML-oiApx5JWx4y0uSWckv4IqfCnlwvLa1Ktzn6/s1600/boisen23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHCEq713m8AUjviQLA8zpGcUjP75NgXnwWfID53WIg4YtUuC5jhv4KQliVEqEcIWCdeaCLzhF4VoG2XMAYY8bH6HyyebQn96oSQl-6KML-oiApx5JWx4y0uSWckv4IqfCnlwvLa1Ktzn6/s1600/boisen23.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Departing temple trip with President and Sister Winder! It was so great.</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYGYGUM94tM-XHdw7MPM3KQU3zzDn8g5K-ThO6W7P6MkwdZJw_stBOvlk-ygwPMIOlkk4v0el88TKcujj9WrWMqXlW5mNpJqPH2o_vnZtKdIz8CevBKDXIMW3Ev_zXXgz6hal7a1wDzwK/s1600/boisen24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYGYGUM94tM-XHdw7MPM3KQU3zzDn8g5K-ThO6W7P6MkwdZJw_stBOvlk-ygwPMIOlkk4v0el88TKcujj9WrWMqXlW5mNpJqPH2o_vnZtKdIz8CevBKDXIMW3Ev_zXXgz6hal7a1wDzwK/s1600/boisen24.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the Sister Missionaries I came out with! I can't believe we made it!! I love them all so much.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><div>
BECAUSE HE LIVES..... </div>
<div>
Thank you all so much for your continued support and prayers! It's been another amazing week, here in the Idaho Boise Mission! I know Brooke already sent out the new Easter video, but if you haven't seen it already, it's amazing! If you saw last year's Easter video "Because of Him," it's pretty similar, but I love it! You can find the video (and a lot of other amazing stories & resources) at <a href="http://helives.mormon.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0072c6;">Helives.mormon.org</span></a> Go watch it! Then, share it! Everyone deserves to know what's possible because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. There are a lot of people in the world that don't know Him and even more who have forgotten what they once knew. It's our job to find them and help them remember. In answer to Sam's question, that is my favorite thing to do on my mission--especially recently! I love to help people understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ and everything that He did for us. It's the most important message that we have! Let's go share it!</div>
<div>
Thank you so much for everyone that asked me questions! It's so much easier to find things to talk about when I have some direction. There is just so much that happens in a week, that I have no idea where to start! I'm also going to see you all so soon. I know that I'm going to be telling you all these experiences and stories in just a few weeks, so sometimes it seems a little pointless to write a whole long email! I know that I need to, though, and that you love my emails just as much as I love yours. Nadine asked what my favorite month was (weather wise) in Boise. I actually have to say that it's probably this one!! March has been GORGEOUS, and it gets prettier everyday. Some people really don't like it because allergy season is starting, but I've never really had allergies, so I love it! I definitely think that my mission has helped me adjust to the cold, though. I still don't like it, but being a missionary forces you to be out working in it instead of hiding under my covers (which is what I used to do.)</div>
<div>
I hope everyone is as excited for General Conference as I am! It's going to be so great! We took a member of the YSA ward with us to teach an investigator, and when we invited her to General Conference, Sami (the member) told us the best idea ever. She talked about the story of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon, and how the people listened to the prophets in their tents. She said that it's been a tradition in her family that they set up a tent in the living room to watch the talks on TV! I thought that was genius! It think it should be a new family tradition, but we should make a huge blanket fort instead of the tent. Feedback? Yes? No? I'll probably do it by myself if no one wants to do it with me because I'm so excited.</div>
<div>
Right now is just an amazing time to be a missionary. We have Easter. We have this great video/initiative that was just launched. We have General Conference coming up. The weather is amazing. I love my companion. I love my area. I just feel that the Lord is blessing me so much at this last part of my mission. Some missionaries have a hard time working hard, focusing or continuing to be obedient toward the end of their mission, but I just have so many blessings!! I can't help but love the work because it's so much fun! It's so great to be a part of building the kingdom of God! Why wouldn't you want to sprint to the finish? That's what I've been trying to do, and with so many amazing things going on, I don't think it will be very hard. It's all possible Because He Lives!!</div>
<div>
I love you all so much, and I pray for you often. Thanks for everything you do for me!</div>
<div>
Sister Pratt </div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxpDaP6UJCfZBjjWxXP2R7GRj4ZOvnOWV1WkcbDcRGebI_C6nHcqT3RgOJms4Bz7ufIKy3LXlLM4KcessceD7SIixSQlfONkiwZLiCD66rFXb8gx8nTzbL4PKBFHR4eYLIeSJ6GwiDSEH/s1600/boisel1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxpDaP6UJCfZBjjWxXP2R7GRj4ZOvnOWV1WkcbDcRGebI_C6nHcqT3RgOJms4Bz7ufIKy3LXlLM4KcessceD7SIixSQlfONkiwZLiCD66rFXb8gx8nTzbL4PKBFHR4eYLIeSJ6GwiDSEH/s1600/boisel1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our GPS broke... so we had to buy this huge map to get around Boise. It gets pretty intense.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLK48_ie_EiSRpxnV-WuI3N_zpowS5YaWknl555wotdFoXRQVin0QSP3zNd7pWYwWcJoiZV-4u6yoCVK6Dmo9SfuPWD72LE7Q9vLtpC0apthB-ncML8vzE994YrUgvHOBDXAL_BtNwwyL/s1600/boisem1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLK48_ie_EiSRpxnV-WuI3N_zpowS5YaWknl555wotdFoXRQVin0QSP3zNd7pWYwWcJoiZV-4u6yoCVK6Dmo9SfuPWD72LE7Q9vLtpC0apthB-ncML8vzE994YrUgvHOBDXAL_BtNwwyL/s1600/boisem1.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-53572382872892324802015-03-29T19:50:00.002-07:002015-03-29T19:50:22.311-07:00A Month to Go<span style="font-size: large;">March 20</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mom! and Dad!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for the letter. At this point, I don't really mind talking about coming home. President Winder has counseled that I make detailed plans for after mission life. And I feel confident now that I'll be able to focus and work hard to the end!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I don't know if you've already made plans of where to stay. There are SO many people that I want to visit, but I'm starting to be OK with the fact that we might just have time for a handful of families. Do we know what days exactly we will be here? I can start setting up dinners and things like that over email and such. I just need to make sure that I have the right days that we'll be here. And how many days...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I got the glasses prescription! Now I'm just waiting for the glasses to be done. I think it will just be about $100 for them--$30 for the frames and $70 for the lenses. I'm pretty excited! And it will be something I will always have from Boise! Anyway I love you!!! Sister Pratt</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-80401317726464424922015-03-29T08:34:00.000-07:002015-03-29T08:34:01.640-07:00Dear MOM<span style="font-size: large;">March 23, 2015</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Mom,</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I really am loving the end of my mission--it is so much fun! I feel like I've finally gotten to the point where I kinda know what I'm doing... sort of. I'm excited to work hard and get as much done as I possibly can!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">One thing I have noticed, though, is that it's getting harder and harder to email home. I don't feel like I have much to say because I'm going to see you all soon! Part of me would rather not send an email at all rather than send a half-hearted, lame one. I've also been trying to take care of a lot of stuff like housing and classes, etc, which takes a lot of time. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, so I don't know if I'm going to send a mass email this week. Hopefully next week will be easier (but probably not because it's my fall classes registration day). It would really be helpful if I got questions to answer about how my week went, so I'm not just fishing my brain for something important to say. I just wanted to let you know that I'm still alive and why I didn't email. Maybe I will send a hand written letter that you can post on the blog. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Love you!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-65165416495785453352015-03-17T21:16:00.000-07:002015-03-17T21:16:14.690-07:00So Many Special Moments! <span style="font-size: large;"> There really isn't anything that I could say to recreate the experience that was this past weekend--you just had to be there! However, I am going to try by sharing a few major highlights. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Most of this week was spent preparing for the baptismal services that were coming up! This includes baptismal interviews, making programs, practicing songs/talks, and making pies. When we told Kelcy that she was going to be baptized on 3.14/15 (aka pi day), she automatically insisted that we make pies for the refreshments! Anyone who knows me well, know how much I love pie, so I wasn't about to disagree!! In total, the project took about 5 hours of baking, resulting in 4 normal sized pies, 2 dozen "hand pies" (they look like empanadas), and 3 dozen cupcake flower pies. Don't worry, I attached pictures. We thought there was no way we would eat them all, but more people showed up than we thought! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The baptismal service itself turned out to be pretty memorable! When Kelcy got in the font with Bishop Piscione, the water only came up to their knees! They tried to do the baptism, but the water was too shallow! (For those of you who aren't familiar with LDS baptisms, you have to be completely immersed in the water for it to "count.") So, she kneeled down in the water while the prayer was said again. The bishop leaned her back, but she still couldn't get all the way under. It started to be pretty comical, but she is such a good sport. The third time, she sat on her bum in the font, and he just laid her down under the water. When we were helping her get ready in the bathroom afterward, she said, "I think we had to do it 3 times because God wanted to make sure I was paying attention." She is just such an amazing example to me! After that, I sang the family favorite "For Me Alone," and Sister Kingsolver gave a wonderful talk about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. My favorite part was when Kelcy got up to share her testimony and thoughts. She just talked about how much she loved her Savior and the determination she has to hold to the iron rod for the rest of her life. I think she would be the best missionary! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> After that baptism, we had time to grab a quick lunch and go to the Thornton's baptism! (I feel like I'm serving in Brazil or something!!) It was so special and wonderful. Earlier in the week, we had asked/convinced the mom, Amy, if she would say the opening prayer. We knew that it would be a special experience for her and the kids. Well, the opening song was "Families can be Together Forever." She got up and said the prayer. It seemed very poignant. Here was this single mom of 3 kids with what seems to be the weight of the world on her shoulders. She's made this recent decision in her life to come back to church, and now, through the ordinance that was happening that day, she has a renewed hope that her family really can be together after this life. In her prayer she expressed gratitude that her kids were able to feel of the Spirit and make this important step in their lives. I think we all were holding back tears. I love that family so much!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, that's all I have time to share, but I hope some of these pictures will make up for it!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I love you all!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXXzMz6iM3CuaKEoIKVoY1vfw5MrKomODUc3YiGmCSnDA4xedVLpdrnirwpEviatvakHeazyXH_VKyBedkNMUc-phX7RaA4i27X5HTXB38fUnYflhKNUpJyIN2ZJpKZQrRYv_EtemiwZg/s1600/boisek1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXXzMz6iM3CuaKEoIKVoY1vfw5MrKomODUc3YiGmCSnDA4xedVLpdrnirwpEviatvakHeazyXH_VKyBedkNMUc-phX7RaA4i27X5HTXB38fUnYflhKNUpJyIN2ZJpKZQrRYv_EtemiwZg/s1600/boisek1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Emma and Hayden at their baptism</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnfs70h4eAjAiB-AHlBBEYrSxBqQqMkvxrJo5kAZDwAqFuFwlz1hfIsXrjmaNbGSJCLeNwtxzwfxdsACBN98nA6N92pDjBowrZIIfkY_rs2SZXOIVnZa8qB6H_qB5g6rLe4uBn5KBYd2M/s1600/boisek2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnfs70h4eAjAiB-AHlBBEYrSxBqQqMkvxrJo5kAZDwAqFuFwlz1hfIsXrjmaNbGSJCLeNwtxzwfxdsACBN98nA6N92pDjBowrZIIfkY_rs2SZXOIVnZa8qB6H_qB5g6rLe4uBn5KBYd2M/s1600/boisek2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The whole family! I love them!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKZzEyF4IyPEclvb1wX20Vc4xh6IM__I0QrDV5nSsLMh42mmW4cOm9v1uAVt2OsZZKi-lm6cvpbdM8XbjvYBnhkFgzISYAir4sbEsxjG40aXcCcnwIB4gm9JhAz5T7NzdOx8paqCoyCGK/s1600/boisek3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKZzEyF4IyPEclvb1wX20Vc4xh6IM__I0QrDV5nSsLMh42mmW4cOm9v1uAVt2OsZZKi-lm6cvpbdM8XbjvYBnhkFgzISYAir4sbEsxjG40aXcCcnwIB4gm9JhAz5T7NzdOx8paqCoyCGK/s1600/boisek3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The cute little flower pie things!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyUprPu18GeB0jeAHTEGPyWQi2LTW2taB-2WD-2WksLe0f3mgd1MZiNEC4ii-Csqm-akP864ChfsnU_vYvaDe7mJbMFHVTPU9qlrG-Im-6txyurJ3U4LcLyarH76jZfnUZfItC7b5kAI6/s1600/boisek4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyUprPu18GeB0jeAHTEGPyWQi2LTW2taB-2WD-2WksLe0f3mgd1MZiNEC4ii-Csqm-akP864ChfsnU_vYvaDe7mJbMFHVTPU9qlrG-Im-6txyurJ3U4LcLyarH76jZfnUZfItC7b5kAI6/s1600/boisek4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...and more pie!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ74Z4yV9dAFbcvhyCYW6B4V7_oKlWMWNr4oJF4DAb0BQL9Ygwg7lvgRx0sBpfPZJR7Q_yXvc-mPVXhWaibq1yt2RkYo3EOB8W1SKRdKTIE87YPcv20hKptTJPW3SQEAEAFaED1LkYghIS/s1600/boisek5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ74Z4yV9dAFbcvhyCYW6B4V7_oKlWMWNr4oJF4DAb0BQL9Ygwg7lvgRx0sBpfPZJR7Q_yXvc-mPVXhWaibq1yt2RkYo3EOB8W1SKRdKTIE87YPcv20hKptTJPW3SQEAEAFaED1LkYghIS/s1600/boisek5.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Making pies! Don't you love our aprons?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAohr7Tq8XHzfisw2_sV94feAxlamGD7YjSOqBBIrbthwUyBDz0bbjJVCnpE_8IDyBaD0MTP1Afq3Dwf3VwmPhfVMWF4NvehUuxuKlVO0UshguZE1t3KOtmK2Z3WMpRJ7yjlEaAAIlxNBq/s1600/boisek6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAohr7Tq8XHzfisw2_sV94feAxlamGD7YjSOqBBIrbthwUyBDz0bbjJVCnpE_8IDyBaD0MTP1Afq3Dwf3VwmPhfVMWF4NvehUuxuKlVO0UshguZE1t3KOtmK2Z3WMpRJ7yjlEaAAIlxNBq/s1600/boisek6.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kelcy at her baptism. She is so amazing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_UcZnyJIQN_XLR5wQw959hwMcZ8KDf0G2C8x1IeeX6qhwGYeEfTOHLoRiEJDbJ9sn-Q-i5dI-1l7Tdy-3joNMHtfR0yZsS8nV3gw8tQIeoICnjKDTtzeC3Kt_UUrdxi7AphvSg7W7I9L/s1600/boisek7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_UcZnyJIQN_XLR5wQw959hwMcZ8KDf0G2C8x1IeeX6qhwGYeEfTOHLoRiEJDbJ9sn-Q-i5dI-1l7Tdy-3joNMHtfR0yZsS8nV3gw8tQIeoICnjKDTtzeC3Kt_UUrdxi7AphvSg7W7I9L/s1600/boisek7.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
When we got to our District Meeting this week, the building was being cleaned! We had to meet outside, and consequently, we had a photo shoot :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7GaNm4Y9nc5w2V1tg9KMqiQFSzsIuR2A14ghvRwU1SvBtwlHoi-YtPiGx1DbTAhTihHsoySYyN82cXXPy7VKGNsleOnBdsrWZ2xd_Xsokydknbz4DNfInuZuISdEFDVxkvHjAwMAGyWc/s1600/boisek8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7GaNm4Y9nc5w2V1tg9KMqiQFSzsIuR2A14ghvRwU1SvBtwlHoi-YtPiGx1DbTAhTihHsoySYyN82cXXPy7VKGNsleOnBdsrWZ2xd_Xsokydknbz4DNfInuZuISdEFDVxkvHjAwMAGyWc/s1600/boisek8.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-60652280932222367462015-03-09T15:17:00.000-07:002015-03-09T15:17:50.100-07:00Crazy Week <span style="font-size: large;">Before I jump into my email, let me just map out how crazy this week was.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Monday=P-day</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday=Missionary Leadership Council (7 hour meeting)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday=exchanges</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thursday=Zone Meeting and Weekly Planning</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Friday=exchanges again</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday=Transfer calls (don't worry, we're both staying)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Looking at it like that may seem pretty stressful, but I think it was the perfect amount of pressure to help us really focus and work hard. It was a really good week! One big thing that happened was we introduced our investigator, Kelcy, to the other missionaries. In order to be baptized, she had to move out of her boyfriend's apartment... but the place that she found was out of our area. It was a pretty funny when we called the Elders to tell them they had a new investigator that was being baptized the next week. They were so excited to meet her! (She's pretty amazing). Anyway, so she has her interview tomorrow, and the service is scheduled for this coming Saturday. I'm a little nervous because she asked me to sing for it! I'm excited, but I don't really know what I'm doing yet.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Exchanges this week were so much fun, because I got to go with 2 of my favorite missionaries in the whole mission! On Wednesday, I was with Sister Morris! She was in the MTC with me over a year ago, and we had a blast catching up and swapping mission stories. She's an amazing missionary, and I just love to teach with her--it's so much fun! On Friday, I was companions again with Sister Venable! It's been 3 months since we served together, but I feel like it's been only a few weeks! It was just a party being together again. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, I don't have a whole lot else to say! Life is unbeatable :) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Important:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
So my pink glasses are broken, and I need a new pair. I found a really good deal with this place that gives missionaries discounts, but I need my glasses prescription! I don't think I need to go get a new eye exam, as long as you have a piece of paper with the numbers on it. So... email me back if you have that info! If not, I'll try to find a cheap place to get my eyes tested. <div>
LOVE YOU</div>
<div>
Sister Pratt </div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHrCY5yNlLUmTv8iw9NvA-WHZtKY2G6lZQ4iVvXWih5FuTqFSJP0j1Skj3i6Kg2FHDeXZjkLIbigLs0EdvsEb-n8G_gyecXFOck2c3KzJlKwzx1OxTXpAtX9dKDblCrX_4JTjjyk757KD/s1600/boisej1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHrCY5yNlLUmTv8iw9NvA-WHZtKY2G6lZQ4iVvXWih5FuTqFSJP0j1Skj3i6Kg2FHDeXZjkLIbigLs0EdvsEb-n8G_gyecXFOck2c3KzJlKwzx1OxTXpAtX9dKDblCrX_4JTjjyk757KD/s1600/boisej1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Look who I found! Sister Metcalf came back to visit :) It was good to see her again!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_4YfbqkEfP_eyboMSboZ0rBqiMqXhGkdXcUJw8J4LB6sNM2g1cAGShCXcjEJg9brC8IdrquVV8H2plttPxn4WG375GVGpObBm6j4t8P3ARbk7iokAIA2QlR0yTla1mJpnbMuB4M4o0w6/s1600/boisej2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_4YfbqkEfP_eyboMSboZ0rBqiMqXhGkdXcUJw8J4LB6sNM2g1cAGShCXcjEJg9brC8IdrquVV8H2plttPxn4WG375GVGpObBm6j4t8P3ARbk7iokAIA2QlR0yTla1mJpnbMuB4M4o0w6/s1600/boisej2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I debated whether or not to send this picture... but it accurately shows how dysfunctional our zone is!</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div>
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-17732948058913704792015-03-03T19:40:00.000-08:002015-03-03T19:40:31.584-08:00Loving Life!<span style="font-size: large;"><div dir="ltr">
March 2, 2015</div>
<div dir="ltr">
It's still so weird when I get to these emails and I don't remember anything that's happened in the past week. Our investigator, Kelcy is still progressing to her baptismal date in a couple weeks, and we are so excited for her! Every time she talks about her baptism, she just gets this huge smile on her face and starts beaming. She is so amazing. The sad thing is, she is moving out of our area today! She's just moving a few blocks away, but we will have to introduce her to the new missionaries this week. I know that she will be in good hands. It's crazy because she's already had 3 sets of missionaries teach her in the past 5 months! We are convinced that it is because everyone needs the opportunity to meet her and hear her testimony of the gospel. It is so inspiring every time I hear it! I love her so much. <div>
We're also still teaching the Thornton family, (single mom & 3 kids) and they are awesome! The two kids, Emma and Hayden, have decided to be baptized on March 14. They are so excited for it, and they just love the gospel. Every time we go to their house and we start visiting with their mom, the kids ask, "Is it time to start our lesson, yet? Can we start already? What's our lesson on today? etc." It's adorable. Sister Kingsolver and I have really grown to love that family so much. We are so proud of this decision they have made to be baptized, but more importantly, we know that Heavenly Father is even more proud of them!</div>
<div>
Well, we have a super busy day today! Sorry the email isn't longer, but hopefully the pictures will help :)</div>
<div>
Love you!</div>
<div>
Sister Pratt</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjmy1d1wpQV8Nh2bMn7Dsc0_jMx_5QAKnzHvQezlBO3Awp3e2Hqmx5-vrQa1s95pPkr9Pv9Qtt0eLpHVKRzRCeNw6hL2T3i-kZIACm4q9l867j5N95VZvrN94LUvQHZOEsf3iaL59w3T-/s1600/boisei1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjmy1d1wpQV8Nh2bMn7Dsc0_jMx_5QAKnzHvQezlBO3Awp3e2Hqmx5-vrQa1s95pPkr9Pv9Qtt0eLpHVKRzRCeNw6hL2T3i-kZIACm4q9l867j5N95VZvrN94LUvQHZOEsf3iaL59w3T-/s1600/boisei1.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Man from SnowyRiver!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X9Sm6tuPjNAVS-Vxs_jx2Q3UTqlzENuLmSpMtUd58G3q3ngkkZ70QQr4r8L5kIhSvUNAJv8MXTIRM7mEKKxp9GXVQG9LMahU74jRe5OFxzSoaDIE1jwYXgu9nYFpS-g3T1PkPkNb_zDA/s1600/boisei2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X9Sm6tuPjNAVS-Vxs_jx2Q3UTqlzENuLmSpMtUd58G3q3ngkkZ70QQr4r8L5kIhSvUNAJv8MXTIRM7mEKKxp9GXVQG9LMahU74jRe5OFxzSoaDIE1jwYXgu9nYFpS-g3T1PkPkNb_zDA/s1600/boisei2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok. This might take a little explanation... I went on exchanges with Sister Peckham. She is awesome, and half-way through our exchange, I found out that she is from Fountain Green, UT! That's where the Despains are from, and that's where Lamb Days is!!! When I told her that I knew what Lamb Days was, she got so excited!! We started going crazy talking about it. This is a picture of us with a program from last year's Lamb Day celebration that her family sent to her. CRAZY!</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<span><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div>
</span><div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> February 23, 2015</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> This week was so packed, I don't even know where to begin! On Wednesday, we went on exchanges, and I got to be back with Sister Capitan again!! Woo! I was gearing up for an adventure, and that's definitely what I got. Our first appointment of the day was with that lady from Nepal. We went to start teaching her English. We actually had a pretty good lesson with her, and when we were about to leave, she offered us something to drink. The language barrier is incredibly thick, so we just assumed she meant water or something. We accepted. We were sorely wrong. I cannot accurately describe what she gave us because none of the ingredients were even remotely familiar. What resulted tasted like some sort of spicy-curry-squash-tea-something. The best part of the story is when she brought us the mugs of drink, they were both about half-way full. I turned my back briefly to grab my planner, and when I came back, Sister Capitan looked at me and said simply, "I took the one with the least amount." I looked in the mug she left for me, and it was almost completely full!! That little stinker had poured most of her drink into mine! We had a good laugh about it. I wish I could somehow convey to you how gross it was. Even worse than the taste, though, was how it made us feel. When we left her house, we were waddling to the car, trying to hold ourselves together without vomiting. I could go into details, but it will be sufficient to say that we went home so Sister Capitan could spend 3 hours hurling in our bathroom. I didn't actually throw-up, which could be a good or a bad thing because I just continued to feel miserable for the next 2 days. PARTY!!!! </span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Beside that whole incident, the other main event of the week was Zone Conference! It was so amazing. It was also a little hard because I knew it would be my last one! No more Zone Conferences for Sister Pratt. They made me and everyone who's leaving with me give their departing testimonies (we call them "trunkimonies"). It was definitely a weird experience because I won't be leaving for another 2 months. It's almost like those awkward times when you see someone you know in a grocery store, have a conversation, and say goodbye... only to realize that you both have to go down the same aisle to buy bread. It's not really a goodbye, yet because you haven't left. Anyway, I hope you know what I'm talking about. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The work has been going pretty well, here! We've still been working a lot with our investigators to help them feel the Spirit and recognize their answers from God. It's a great work. I love it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a great week!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Find someone who needs help!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Share your testimony!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IO9CzIrsed2pdkma8uwxyM6E6B8MatvKm9bYbhnJgxzaZf1oeio53NU3p2pIdLLKH2Q7pFSaymBmnriLgRHEewSx_fzWU0wOBEB5qRDbSD0I1UkcMzPdtHPSW0ofpN0LGnNh_iRQzgFT/s1600/boiseh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IO9CzIrsed2pdkma8uwxyM6E6B8MatvKm9bYbhnJgxzaZf1oeio53NU3p2pIdLLKH2Q7pFSaymBmnriLgRHEewSx_fzWU0wOBEB5qRDbSD0I1UkcMzPdtHPSW0ofpN0LGnNh_iRQzgFT/s1600/boiseh1.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dinner with this RM named Melissa. She's awesome!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbkCXwrzpo52SYEtVKstMr6lLnhyphenhyphenROncO_NXzmJnjm217gb1QdOkIqfdKDLyM038QOMqPk8SFd8SADZPuA9tnDx0tFa2MYkU-AihIbqTErl9rZk1WWvjsK8JlN-dOFEuLPSu86qwwv15b/s1600/boiseh3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbkCXwrzpo52SYEtVKstMr6lLnhyphenhyphenROncO_NXzmJnjm217gb1QdOkIqfdKDLyM038QOMqPk8SFd8SADZPuA9tnDx0tFa2MYkU-AihIbqTErl9rZk1WWvjsK8JlN-dOFEuLPSu86qwwv15b/s1600/boiseh3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Exchanges with Sister Tauiliili!! I love her so much </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7nby13l10fGnGPQfr6fTeHTRbqxCA49LpiRjRqZbaamUgvLtfQpBDSBG3dPfVRh8LxyLu_xoOr7Cwt473t2rtMlF6mS87y34LnDMk-Vqjf9JQU1tU1v9OX6IuCQAbhgpzkXFbWtzjFvK/s1600/boiseh2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7nby13l10fGnGPQfr6fTeHTRbqxCA49LpiRjRqZbaamUgvLtfQpBDSBG3dPfVRh8LxyLu_xoOr7Cwt473t2rtMlF6mS87y34LnDMk-Vqjf9JQU1tU1v9OX6IuCQAbhgpzkXFbWtzjFvK/s1600/boiseh2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span><span style="color: #666666;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;">Feb 17, 2015</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> This will probably be one of those emails where it's purpose is just to tell you that I'm alive and that I love my mission and everything is going well! I don't really have a whole lot of time to write details. One crazy thing that happened, was that we found a Nepali lady to teach... but we don't know Nepali. We don't even know anyone who knows Nepali. It will be interesting. We had a visit with her this week, and we aren't sure how much she understood, but she knows that we're missionaries of Jesus Christ. That's probably the extent.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Our investigator that I wrote about last week (Kelcy) is still amazing! She has a baptismal date for March 14th! She is so excited, and we are, too. I just feel blessed to be able to teach her. She has so much real intent when she learns the gospel. Every time we teach her a new principle, she knows that she should act on it right away!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> We had another cool experience with someone we are teaching named Alex. For the first few lessons, he seemed interested, but we couldn't really tell what was going through his head. I guess we just didn't know how much he was really getting out of our lessons. One time we taught him, we read together part of Moroni 7, which talks about how we can determine good from bad. We committed him to finish the chapter and pray about it. When we went back the next time, he not only had reread the whole chapter, but he took notes on the whole thing! It blew us away. I didn't realize how much he really was interested and listening. We're excited to continue to teach him! </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, my time is up! I hope you're doing well. I love you.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictuEVgYfTang55sgJi3yRETSaJJdlPUVYRAbFeNvJsODlAgUH5_ofJVb5HUShAj8VDwW422FdRt5NVrx74PdKmzhnRJft1LE5oTFZhyDEN_srl6GalvIB0Fu1A1tLc2F-j8hAUNMqiAgQ/s1600/boiseg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictuEVgYfTang55sgJi3yRETSaJJdlPUVYRAbFeNvJsODlAgUH5_ofJVb5HUShAj8VDwW422FdRt5NVrx74PdKmzhnRJft1LE5oTFZhyDEN_srl6GalvIB0Fu1A1tLc2F-j8hAUNMqiAgQ/s1600/boiseg2.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Think "Man from Snowy River"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUebcEJoJLAYRh6aFUwTDHrDF0vdkL8GJraSe-mqFD80D2Vyg6sjq-7vasmdFocL1It48L_3X-Zjr-Osx2PrzuF3zizsjZ26F9q5ttMiIwcbFgTQC13byRiIDEq114Ie36Yxc1E6OKqOH/s1600/boiseg3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUebcEJoJLAYRh6aFUwTDHrDF0vdkL8GJraSe-mqFD80D2Vyg6sjq-7vasmdFocL1It48L_3X-Zjr-Osx2PrzuF3zizsjZ26F9q5ttMiIwcbFgTQC13byRiIDEq114Ie36Yxc1E6OKqOH/s1600/boiseg3.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Most of our district eating lunch at Tocano's. Party!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80QA5p3pifRCsGphQCk0zY04AMoATxy5gxNFljzn435uSgJPPhQSgupO9pYBs7_NhvOmFPdI8Wn3QnlHhJIzvuKGbDwtrNINb7Lu7DE-oSVO2QwFDUk56vZ6vImETCNKNOci17Kuaiyd9/s1600/boiseg1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80QA5p3pifRCsGphQCk0zY04AMoATxy5gxNFljzn435uSgJPPhQSgupO9pYBs7_NhvOmFPdI8Wn3QnlHhJIzvuKGbDwtrNINb7Lu7DE-oSVO2QwFDUk56vZ6vImETCNKNOci17Kuaiyd9/s1600/boiseg1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Look who came to visit!! Reunited and it feels so good</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;">Feb 9, 2015</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love being with Sister Kingsolver. With every transfer and new companion, there is usually an awkward first week or so when you are getting used to each others personalities and teaching styles before you can get some real work done. I feel like we totally skipped that because we've already been companions! It's been great. </span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> We have been finding people to teach left and right! When we added our numbers last night, Sister K and I both realized that we've found more investigators these past 2 weeks than any other time in our missions. We have both served in areas that need a lot of love and cultivating before the work comes. This area is different! We feel so blessed to be a part of it. One of the people that we found to teach this week was Kelcy in the YSA ward. She is AMAZING! She has been taught in a different area for the past couple months, but she just has so much faith and understanding of the gospel. Yesterday, she came to church, and she was answering more questions in Sunday School than anyone else! She did the same in Relief Society. She is just incredibly prepared. There are still a few things she needs to overcome, but I know that if she continues this relationship with her Savior, she will be able to overcome everything!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I decided this week that one of the saddest things is when someone thinks that they have sinned so much that they cannot be forgiven. If there is anyone reading this that believes that about themselves, know that it is false. Our Savior wants to forgive! He wants you to come to Him. He has His arms open to you, if you are willing to turn to Him. I know this is true. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> We had a recent convert this week who let us know that he feels this way. He doesn't want to come to church because he thinks he will "stain" it. We are trying so hard to reach out to him and let him know that he can always repent. That is the reason for us to be in this journey. That's why Jesus Christ came to earth--to allow us to repent and come unto Him. We will never make it on our own. Never. We can only make it with His help. And we <b><u>can</u></b> make it with His help. It's possible.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I love you!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-51782885962319605422015-02-05T07:51:00.000-08:002015-02-05T07:51:18.640-08:00Short Letter, Sorry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm going to take some time today to register for classes, so my letter might be very short.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I just wanted to warn you.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I love you!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I am so happy to be back with Sister Kingsolver as my companion. She is really amazing, and I love her! I just feel like we've been able to jump right into the work because we already know how to teach together and get along. It's been so fun! I love it! We also have been seeing a lot of success in our area and support from the members. </span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This week has only been a couple days long, but it already has been wonderful! Sister Kingsolver and I started teaching this family in the ward, and they are so sweet. It's a single mom who is coming back into activity and her 3 kids who haven't been baptized, yet. Sometimes, the kids were rowdy, but most of the time, they were interested in the message we had for them. The oldest girl, Emma, is especially excited to be a part of the church and the gospel. I'm so happy to have met them, and I can't wait to get to know them better! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hopefully, next week I will have more time to tell you about the other people we have started to teach!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love you all! I hope you are finding opportunities to be missionaries and help the Lord in this wonderful work.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. (February Challenge-I've heard that you should drink half your body weight in ounces everyday..... so if you were 100 lbs, you would drink 50 oz a day. )</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPglrI0jh7RO6Y592AF6eOEug7H2ZsyyfgB74xNZTNLpDDmhCyLDJ-TGiH6DFdPsK54iZetO5pBb5LG5LXEmTxMH6Bd_7_zx_Yn3kukixxRf1NeFWe1n0tUo_In6m1l6FULPp1CMhIHZUG/s1600/boiseE1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPglrI0jh7RO6Y592AF6eOEug7H2ZsyyfgB74xNZTNLpDDmhCyLDJ-TGiH6DFdPsK54iZetO5pBb5LG5LXEmTxMH6Bd_7_zx_Yn3kukixxRf1NeFWe1n0tUo_In6m1l6FULPp1CMhIHZUG/s1600/boiseE1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwCckbUCGmtV8uQji2JQ8rkPUNg26Uje3d0Yw88_uTGYBKppilQW8goHGGrvBJk8j5sQ2l_DrDeMGjOCWwPvFuqv7AK5qXnrjewATAbWGlx-KO7FZ4gK4ZfAqLTDM2MF4HW_Rg3pGoaWz/s1600/boiseE2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwCckbUCGmtV8uQji2JQ8rkPUNg26Uje3d0Yw88_uTGYBKppilQW8goHGGrvBJk8j5sQ2l_DrDeMGjOCWwPvFuqv7AK5qXnrjewATAbWGlx-KO7FZ4gK4ZfAqLTDM2MF4HW_Rg3pGoaWz/s1600/boiseE2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me and my new (old) companion</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6h4VC-EYGM77ZdxSbnRCabqWQ2T7gi_ynMwAOEFcVIgMbKsgx4HnGjR0NcBlg_ziQPAycd__vc_os8FOxRX1sptWVZZbx1YKrzIkjPyVHI3KLlgClYo70cqN0VZrwt-0ifJj4hDzTLe2t/s1600/BoiseE3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6h4VC-EYGM77ZdxSbnRCabqWQ2T7gi_ynMwAOEFcVIgMbKsgx4HnGjR0NcBlg_ziQPAycd__vc_os8FOxRX1sptWVZZbx1YKrzIkjPyVHI3KLlgClYo70cqN0VZrwt-0ifJj4hDzTLe2t/s1600/BoiseE3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlA17BpyWMLId5-augRQYGLE0mNCRzri7QMqD5Pg_ASgpHnIK4LfiqdogvCHSr-PxwFcmRYtCPIlIUFSqz424aJrdMbRdBhqSGcatNzqf9Jw5Fd59vjlb8lonS-SViRWiOlGUKt7GJEhT/s1600/BoiseE4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlA17BpyWMLId5-augRQYGLE0mNCRzri7QMqD5Pg_ASgpHnIK4LfiqdogvCHSr-PxwFcmRYtCPIlIUFSqz424aJrdMbRdBhqSGcatNzqf9Jw5Fd59vjlb8lonS-SViRWiOlGUKt7GJEhT/s1600/BoiseE4.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-55401889767918960982015-01-29T12:07:00.000-08:002015-01-29T12:07:08.183-08:00WOW!<span style="font-size: large;"> Wow. I really have no idea what to say. I feel like this has been the fullest week of my mission! Elder Russell M Nelson came to our mission to speak to us, and it was such an amazing experience. His wife also spoke, as well as Elder Alder and Elder Martino (of the 70) and their wives. I cannot even describe how wonderful I felt as I watched each of them testify of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. My hand was flying down the page as I tried to capture every word of what they said. I know that I didn't get everything, but I at least preserved a portion of the Spirit that I felt there. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> President Winder is an inspired man. He knew that we wouldn't be able to understand or digest everything that would be given to us at that meeting. He gave us counsel found in 3 Nephi 17:3. "Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again." We were asked that after the conference, we would leave and go straight to our apartments to have an hour of pondering and reflection. Then we had an hour of companion study where we talked about what we learned and how we can apply it to our missions. It really helped me to internalize everything that I heard, but I'm not sure how much of it I can really articulate. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> One of the things that stood out to me as Sister Nelson was speaking was a comment she made about a "pre-mortal dvd player." She said that if we could just see 10 minutes of who we were before this life, our problems would melt away. True peace and an ability to make the correct decisions come from increased understanding of who we truly are and who we can become. I found that interesting because I've always focused on having an "eternal perspective" by thinking about my potential in the life to come. I haven't ever concentrated on the other direction of eternity. I don't often let my divine nature and my knowledge of my pre-mortal character and decisions affect my life here. I know that is something that I can improve on.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I don't have time to tell you all of my impressions and thoughts throughout that meeting, but I can tell you that I have an unshakable witness that Elder Russell M. Nelson has been called by our Savior, Jesus Christ, to be a special witness of Him. I know that he is a prophet of God and that he can receive revelation for us. I know that by following the words of the Prophets and Apostles, we will grow closer to Christ and have the opportunity to improve the quality of our lives. I'm grateful for the lessons I learned this week, and I'm grateful for all of your continued support.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Love,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. The power trio got split up today! Sister Rogers is going back to her old area, and Sister Gummow is off to Eagle! My new companion is Sister Kingsolver!! (If that sounds familiar, it's because we were companions last July.) Crazy!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkskhW0nWkAe5U4OjeYRH-KqZFMjNGMieesUtRHhPy4tt39Z7DjdXOHk0-amq1SisDwVP-6sYQUVsVOWK2imqve4IUNQcZ87B7-ot8fNl7_b3ayPazekZsGQ6Vn_rrYWZuAua7g5TRaJT/s1600/BoiseD1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkskhW0nWkAe5U4OjeYRH-KqZFMjNGMieesUtRHhPy4tt39Z7DjdXOHk0-amq1SisDwVP-6sYQUVsVOWK2imqve4IUNQcZ87B7-ot8fNl7_b3ayPazekZsGQ6Vn_rrYWZuAua7g5TRaJT/s1600/BoiseD1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SIster Rogers is crazy about selfies...especially ones in the car!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_Dc6JXL6OpbAe3k6XCEO6lOqoG3FS4GdhzIPH-VyhaoZrEeOpEaWQioyIih96cIhOMkaVL1n76-aLMvZfprcztp18aU75NExWl9h4VwvI5uUwPP4L8EPJPOgkMDLTFIg8zWkCgfnOzea/s1600/BoiseD2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_Dc6JXL6OpbAe3k6XCEO6lOqoG3FS4GdhzIPH-VyhaoZrEeOpEaWQioyIih96cIhOMkaVL1n76-aLMvZfprcztp18aU75NExWl9h4VwvI5uUwPP4L8EPJPOgkMDLTFIg8zWkCgfnOzea/s1600/BoiseD2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We always had to take a nice one and a weird one.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFyVLjAHPOIPCvUGsqJrchVkLXRB_9TmwTRjniU2rFCX7q9fwFrGVie7viXwKhy6kiNKcUSNxRbWBIWERETfTUqzCS4ZBODwE0bNfyognkdeFbbMjkkm2w3_AAUgBZkX09-AAG_aLJTWW/s1600/BoiseD3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFyVLjAHPOIPCvUGsqJrchVkLXRB_9TmwTRjniU2rFCX7q9fwFrGVie7viXwKhy6kiNKcUSNxRbWBIWERETfTUqzCS4ZBODwE0bNfyognkdeFbbMjkkm2w3_AAUgBZkX09-AAG_aLJTWW/s1600/BoiseD3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Crazy Companions!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-qGYWi_oyEN4XqyLkYFoUllxiE3_PuBHhnwkrB-DLXoTF_1qMU0nYMSJXWepCgsEPD5s8yWb94TgMb-d4pXyyIT0RFVP2tatjzdPche7SWObY4yn-CcoiFmxfX1-EK71iHyqt2JKjBvW/s1600/BoiseD4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-qGYWi_oyEN4XqyLkYFoUllxiE3_PuBHhnwkrB-DLXoTF_1qMU0nYMSJXWepCgsEPD5s8yWb94TgMb-d4pXyyIT0RFVP2tatjzdPche7SWObY4yn-CcoiFmxfX1-EK71iHyqt2JKjBvW/s1600/BoiseD4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We made this nice old man a cake for his birthday</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwD4mydnAnJpHXOUk15EgSV-vD2MerPahkABPMamO9C2OyXiZ8_8YeHEAY-_vaQISKyR33pFeQd7AE-I8Sle-36KqbbypYedrqmsqaaGCRc0D5MvicwCm4z6wWJWbe1VF4eJs2m_5IjYB/s1600/BoiseD5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwD4mydnAnJpHXOUk15EgSV-vD2MerPahkABPMamO9C2OyXiZ8_8YeHEAY-_vaQISKyR33pFeQd7AE-I8Sle-36KqbbypYedrqmsqaaGCRc0D5MvicwCm4z6wWJWbe1VF4eJs2m_5IjYB/s1600/BoiseD5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is us with the Ward Mission Leader for the YSA ward right before an appointment. I know. Super professional :)</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAruhyphenhyphenT85VqujYhURm9AalyVvTP4nK4u0TS6GgiRyo00DnDhlx6Ww3t2aLepfY_DkyEcw60BI2wXTNP6X3YzGMYkqgdUUHHQKwIqFKUcSQWMFuoeck6MxK5mieRBhf9s63QXiHTIn599cp/s1600/BoiseD6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAruhyphenhyphenT85VqujYhURm9AalyVvTP4nK4u0TS6GgiRyo00DnDhlx6Ww3t2aLepfY_DkyEcw60BI2wXTNP6X3YzGMYkqgdUUHHQKwIqFKUcSQWMFuoeck6MxK5mieRBhf9s63QXiHTIn599cp/s1600/BoiseD6.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes Sister Rogers would surprise you with taking pictures just to make us look awkward.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JImDvtzIjaia3l_tylvy66-418-1Ecr93VIgXFipARGUyOsSGQZ48YIfW3b3ptb9kpI2Z1-YPS6C4LR1X69UchfEM6jLfs552jETPNdx1Zx_dmVvGx85PQe96hT2Nofn3QIldrEeICzL/s1600/BoiseD7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JImDvtzIjaia3l_tylvy66-418-1Ecr93VIgXFipARGUyOsSGQZ48YIfW3b3ptb9kpI2Z1-YPS6C4LR1X69UchfEM6jLfs552jETPNdx1Zx_dmVvGx85PQe96hT2Nofn3QIldrEeICzL/s1600/BoiseD7.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went to Texas Roadhouse as our "last hoorah" when we found out about transfers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuJnceKPXx1m8lXo1cQolLLal4E3eTF0peXrxijdLkHuoTrE7-CNnsD1CYOyypIHkNNIJtAg_FcxTFZjO3x7PWurTl3zCFA9bMfcSlr9ZzlL48tJS5nw_4xqp-DAcrWeMKqASxlLlmZy1/s1600/BoiseD8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuJnceKPXx1m8lXo1cQolLLal4E3eTF0peXrxijdLkHuoTrE7-CNnsD1CYOyypIHkNNIJtAg_FcxTFZjO3x7PWurTl3zCFA9bMfcSlr9ZzlL48tJS5nw_4xqp-DAcrWeMKqASxlLlmZy1/s1600/BoiseD8.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This morning, driving to the mission office with all of their luggage spilling out of the car!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-42261965844981820242015-01-20T18:09:00.003-08:002015-01-20T18:09:34.487-08:00Wow!! News!!<div class="c_ic_blueframe c_ic_bar" dir="ltr" id="icTmReadMessageContact29_bar" style="visibility: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm so sorry that I REALLY don't have any time today, but I forgot to tell you all that Elder Russell M. Nelson is coming to our mission on Saturday!! I'm so excited. I will tell you all more about it next week.</span></div>
<div class="c-ReadMessagePartBody" data-link="class{getClass:IsBodyExpanded}">
<div class="readMsgBody">
<div class="ExternalClass MsgBodyContainer" data-link="class{:~tag.cssClasses(PlainText, IsContentFiltered)}" id="bodyreadMessagePartBodyControl2668f">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Other than that, everything is great. I love being in a trio with Sister Gummow and Sister Rogers! They are just a party all the time. Sister Rogers is really trying to help us be healthier, and I love it! We decided to go off of sugar this week, and we just tossed all of the candy in our whole house. We've started running, too, in the mornings which feels so nice.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you all are doing so well. I love you and pray for you!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-56021210632997475622015-01-12T13:32:00.001-08:002015-01-12T13:32:16.662-08:00YAY!<div class="c_ic_blueframe c_ic_bar" dir="ltr" id="icTmReadMessageContact49_bar" style="visibility: inherit;">
</div>
<div class="c_clr">
</div>
<br />
<div class="ReadMsgHeaderDetail NoDisplay" data-link="class{getClass:((~tag.Expanded && IsBodyExpanded) || IsPrint) 'ReadMsgHeaderDetail'}">
<div class="ReadMsgHeaderContainer ClearBoth">
<div class="Gap">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="ReadMsgHeader TextSizeSmall t_mbgc t_atc">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr class="Header"><td class="ReadMsgHeaderCol1"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td><td><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr class="Header"><td class="ReadMsgHeaderCol1"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td><td><span style="font-size: large;"></span></td></tr>
<tr class="Header"><td class="ReadMsgHeaderCol1"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td><td><span style="font-size: large;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ok. SO much happened this week! This will probably be the longest email I've ever sent on my mission, so get ready. I don't even know if I will be able to fit it all in! I will try to just start from where I left off last week. As many of you may have inferred from my email, last week was a little rough. Honestly, it was actually probably one of the hardest weeks of my mission. On Monday, we tried to have a good attitude. We knew that the Lord was teaching us patience, so we just kept working. </span><br />
<div class="c-ReadMessagePartBody" data-link="class{getClass:IsBodyExpanded}">
<div class="ExternalClass MsgBodyContainer" data-link="class{:~tag.cssClasses(PlainText, IsContentFiltered)}" id="bodyreadMessagePartBodyControl2122f">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> On Tuesday, we had our Mission Leadership Council, which is really where everything started turning around. There is such a wonderful spirit there, and I love any opportunity to hear from President Winder. Our training was on finding people to teach (based off of ch 9 of Preach My Gospel). However, as President Winder was talking to us about different strategies and ideas we can use, Sister Gummow and I couldn't help but start to feel discouraged again about our area. We honestly felt like we had tried everything. Then, President Winder promised us that if we were diligent, we would be able to find a new investigator before our Zone Meetings on Friday. Sister Gummow and I both felt the power of that promise, and we knew we could do it. I know that President Winder is inspired and that he is called of God to lead this mission. He also promised us that this experience would change the rest of our missions. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> At that point, everyone in the meeting was asked to separate with their companions and find a place in the building to pray together. We ended up with the maintenance closet :) It was pretty much the only room left! We still were able to have an amazing experience, though, as we poured our hearts out to Heavenly Father and asked Him to help us, guide us, and soften the hearts of those we would meet during those next 2 days. It was truly amazing. It was then that we saw our first HUGE miracle! We checked the phone, and there was a voicemail from a member of our ward. When we listened to it, we started crying almost because she was calling to tell us that her friend wanted to take the missionary discussions!!! MIRACLE!! We were speechless. The friend couldn't meet until the next week, though, so we didn't get to count her officially as our "new investigator." However, it gave us the assurance that God knew us. He knew our area and the people we were working with. He had already been preparing people to hear our message. We left that meeting with the faith we needed to get through anything the world had to throw at us.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, MLC didn't end until about 5 pm on Tuesday night, and we already had appointments booked that night--no time for finding. We had faith, though, that we would continue to see miracles. Wednesday, we had planned to go on exchanges, so I was in our area with Sister Johnson (amazing missionary). We worked hard that day, but despite our diligence, we weren't able to find someone willing to hear from us. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> You can imagine how anxious Sister Gummow and I were Thursday morning when we got to our area, knowing that we only had 1 day to find our promised new investigator. We knew that the Lord would do His part. We just wanted to make sure that we were doing <u>everything</u> in our power to be where He needed us to be. We made a goal that we would pray every hour to know what Heavenly Father would have us do. Let me tell you, I have never worked so hard in my entire life. We saw miracle after miracle. We talked to so many people. We were bold and confident in ways that I had never seen myself capable of being. We began to see what President Winder said about our missions changing forever. Again, though, we went hours without having the opportunity to teach anyone. At around 4 pm, as we were walking into an appointment (about the only one we had all day), Sister Gummow turned to me and said, "I just realized that since the Lord is trying to teach us patience, we probably won't find anyone until around 8:50 at night." Although she was half joking, she actually turned out to be only 10 minutes off! That day was the biggest turning point for me in my mission. I can't even describe the feelings that we had throughout the day. When it was drawing close to the end of the night and we still had nothing, I usually would've gotten discouraged a little bit. However, I knew that when I got on my knees that night, I would be able to tell Heavenly Father that I did everything that I could. I could tell Him that I did everything that He asked of me. I decided that I wanted every day of the rest of my life to be just like that.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Anyway, fast-forward to 8:40 at night, and the day has pretty much gone the same. Insane amount of miracles and following the promptings of the Spirit, but we hadn't found anyone to teach! We were driving to an apartment complex to try another potential investigator when our bishop from the YSA ward called to tell us that someone had brought a non-member to sports night at the church and that she had agreed to meet with us! Sister Gummow almost started crying as I drove as quickly as I could to the church building. We got there, met Lisa and taught her about the Book of Mormon. It was amazing. We knew that God was watching over us and blessing us. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Friday, we had Zone Meeting which was also amazing! We had to direct the meeting for about 20 minutes, but it turned out OK. Wow. I'm running out of time! I'll make this short. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The rest of the week was SO GOOD! We went on exchanges on Sat, and we found another investigator yesterday! We were just reeiving so many blessings! We don't know what to do with them all! To top it all off, today we got Sister Rogers as a companion. It's a little bitter-sweet becasue her ompanion had to go home today to have surgery, but I'm excited to spend the next 2 weeks with a FloMo buddy. It's gonna be a party!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sorry this email turned into a novel :)</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;">Love you!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsmRn9m-5dSGVh8A7Ehnx-UP4AeBXPXVk-anrXbJifovaxSYliKiSrqkyqZJ5cdF3mfp8tFYMNbQmZk4FGJcYH9bcvmnSSTHIwNDnczGdBtJCltNUq0E6fgh-PyrkivRIWOZQIetBfjO0/s1600/BoiseC1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsmRn9m-5dSGVh8A7Ehnx-UP4AeBXPXVk-anrXbJifovaxSYliKiSrqkyqZJ5cdF3mfp8tFYMNbQmZk4FGJcYH9bcvmnSSTHIwNDnczGdBtJCltNUq0E6fgh-PyrkivRIWOZQIetBfjO0/s1600/BoiseC1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The average day. Gotta love the hair.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNKLuPEK3NAGTj4vju0gqnifSvJTooZSys7_SqzbUlR_Huiop3PQmrkeU3UyizoLyZtzDzmt_YEd48ZE_3_JroVx82sBcIJEgOypOH5-gZuoqbDk2R9GXxKaxlSc77f7pX7LuOdOnkAfU/s1600/BoiseC2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNKLuPEK3NAGTj4vju0gqnifSvJTooZSys7_SqzbUlR_Huiop3PQmrkeU3UyizoLyZtzDzmt_YEd48ZE_3_JroVx82sBcIJEgOypOH5-gZuoqbDk2R9GXxKaxlSc77f7pX7LuOdOnkAfU/s1600/BoiseC2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the family we spent Christmas with. They are awesome!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQJSnTDlo_fuiNMgXO8datgk_hI2kt2nCo25MKU2vWFXawRznMpCFO6tsMFN6IWIh9Pok6k8KfDuILBZ7j5qA7aV-gNjFYPrOwItrso0Si8JERSjP3enR7uxJfFwo-CbcwIuerHYcLU-H/s1600/BoiseC3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQJSnTDlo_fuiNMgXO8datgk_hI2kt2nCo25MKU2vWFXawRznMpCFO6tsMFN6IWIh9Pok6k8KfDuILBZ7j5qA7aV-gNjFYPrOwItrso0Si8JERSjP3enR7uxJfFwo-CbcwIuerHYcLU-H/s1600/BoiseC3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The family we live with was sick, so someone made this sign. I thought it was hilarious.</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6WK2L7HrfjAV3C63E75dshacs1MvwYT53eN5_Q8e3tpxHvFUUG2pn112LWrLxk_-2S93Mv29neXdLdg7-j43jc4gxRPwRah0Tm3BTVEZ3vKmrr4Ho1V6saMmOL55dBtaHzzt4F84SU8A/s1600/BoiseC4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6WK2L7HrfjAV3C63E75dshacs1MvwYT53eN5_Q8e3tpxHvFUUG2pn112LWrLxk_-2S93Mv29neXdLdg7-j43jc4gxRPwRah0Tm3BTVEZ3vKmrr4Ho1V6saMmOL55dBtaHzzt4F84SU8A/s1600/BoiseC4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sun on a super foggy day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkDzlq_4_4bnGcRwmtrdpthZhEy_wERaAVWgz5Lnwycyr6dqTYuZQiLUWsA9CFiwIrFfZDwDK4ZwRkk3aP4ekuB67gRkCgYGHYfc5b1LH42JK4rtsEMVDVWrUUmiY8EIot0ThCMxBSBtl/s1600/BoiseC5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkDzlq_4_4bnGcRwmtrdpthZhEy_wERaAVWgz5Lnwycyr6dqTYuZQiLUWsA9CFiwIrFfZDwDK4ZwRkk3aP4ekuB67gRkCgYGHYfc5b1LH42JK4rtsEMVDVWrUUmiY8EIot0ThCMxBSBtl/s1600/BoiseC5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok. There's this house that has the FUNNIEST Christmas decorations. They put half of their tree on the roof, so it looks like the tree just busted through the ceiling!</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOUK-CDYlIr7-lXBIdvElDIHF6zKEnQnalvp6IxkSIWgiimId6wanyrHmImlnIRYaXeMVE7tIB6CwhoTOQ25HdDTx181jmryEi7LWbOz9ZtMa3WZ_nU-D-CqFMcWchYLnJvqW1Rw-YwjP/s1600/BoiseC6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOUK-CDYlIr7-lXBIdvElDIHF6zKEnQnalvp6IxkSIWgiimId6wanyrHmImlnIRYaXeMVE7tIB6CwhoTOQ25HdDTx181jmryEi7LWbOz9ZtMa3WZ_nU-D-CqFMcWchYLnJvqW1Rw-YwjP/s1600/BoiseC6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sad Day.</div>
<div align="center" dir="ltr">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-7676983766442701902015-01-05T17:55:00.000-08:002015-01-05T17:55:22.367-08:00It's officially COLD! <span style="font-size: large;"> On Christmas Eve, it snowed, and I haven't seen the grass since then! Every time I think it will clear up, it starts snowing again. I'm starting to get pretty tired of it, but I can't complain! At least I have a car, right?</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This week was one of those weeks that makes you laugh and shake your head because EVERYTHING goes wrong. For the first couple days, I was getting stressed and a little discouraged. Then, I realized that the only way I was going to survive the week is if I looked on the bright side. There were honestly times when we were laughing because we knew that if we stopped, the tears would come in its place. I'm so grateful, though, for a companion that understands me. This trial would be much harder without her. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I don't want to go into all of the frustrating things that happened this week because honestly, I don't want to remember them. The main one that pushed me over the line was when I got a call from Sister Venable and Sister David this week, telling me that Emily's parents weren't letting her be baptized on Saturday. For those of you who don't remember, Emily was the teenage that I taught in Star that had Joseph Smith's account of the first vision memorized! She was so prepared, and everything was going smoothly until her parents thought she was rushing into things, and they cancelled the baptism. That, plus some other things that happened, put a damper in my week, to say the least.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I want you all to know, though, that I am growing and learning from this whole experience! I've decided that it's ok for me to go through trials as long as I get something out of them. Sister Gummow and I are working really hard to find out what it is that we do need to learn. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, I hope that you all are doing well and are staying warm!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I love you.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zS-XDbtAzzoxq3BO_3uu03lpxIkm8kqlTqvJyltg1XNmIlH3JUdhqFkt9dW1J-h2rxCq9MntGxx1IUS4BPPNF9uUwTDt6MqqTYOqNnFitaaHq5FnFeX5ODwXQbXe_3FHlOViLNhN8bYv/s1600/boiseB1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zS-XDbtAzzoxq3BO_3uu03lpxIkm8kqlTqvJyltg1XNmIlH3JUdhqFkt9dW1J-h2rxCq9MntGxx1IUS4BPPNF9uUwTDt6MqqTYOqNnFitaaHq5FnFeX5ODwXQbXe_3FHlOViLNhN8bYv/s1600/boiseB1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas! We matched!!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UVmZoYcaGideHQN9_oYf75DBkvWBowHVzU2-t-mJSE799y50kshOVkQZNlBSuJwUdbGiXJFXZ4Ifpr0kV3MQsG6XkBntS1Qnj8_5ySDAw7RBUR0cNyhrJne7uqVrEMLLpHqdM5cyg-pm/s1600/boiseB2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UVmZoYcaGideHQN9_oYf75DBkvWBowHVzU2-t-mJSE799y50kshOVkQZNlBSuJwUdbGiXJFXZ4Ifpr0kV3MQsG6XkBntS1Qnj8_5ySDAw7RBUR0cNyhrJne7uqVrEMLLpHqdM5cyg-pm/s1600/boiseB2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some belated Christmas decorations that we put up in our room. They are snowflakes that change color!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAPVKtb5_z1kdWlWXXTjiZx9fXmSdvKSNQGEzdigqm4KLm57H8GhEf98gBFD7DTDgtSfQlgf3ucU2eDNBKL5LLdPMujLQ07hDWSTPPZPUnzao619JZdPmue2E8Q5jWOxgwLnB0zTdaw_t/s1600/boiseB3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAPVKtb5_z1kdWlWXXTjiZx9fXmSdvKSNQGEzdigqm4KLm57H8GhEf98gBFD7DTDgtSfQlgf3ucU2eDNBKL5LLdPMujLQ07hDWSTPPZPUnzao619JZdPmue2E8Q5jWOxgwLnB0zTdaw_t/s1600/boiseB3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Exchanges! I got to be with Sister Schick :) It was way fun, but we ran out of miles, so we had to walk some. It was really cold.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found this in some store... It reminded me of those Birthday chairs we had. This would be the new and improved version</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eG6LL2UrL6z0fo1WVLeUF4s01_G4sRh7GbpD91kUCFGn_chjrqimq4uNIuqO7vm-YZqhrdlfFHcTVZ9lPH6S5DaCBZ5pfvspWEvHG4YRHOVje9IcQYtICR1mb3z5e7JXWHSHPS4q8Hdo/s1600/boiseB4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eG6LL2UrL6z0fo1WVLeUF4s01_G4sRh7GbpD91kUCFGn_chjrqimq4uNIuqO7vm-YZqhrdlfFHcTVZ9lPH6S5DaCBZ5pfvspWEvHG4YRHOVje9IcQYtICR1mb3z5e7JXWHSHPS4q8Hdo/s1600/boiseB4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-83136772786872367502014-12-23T07:11:00.002-08:002014-12-23T07:11:57.645-08:00Merry Christmas!<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm so excited to be able to talk to many of you in just a few days! It will be a special time. I feel like so much has happened this past week, so I will try to get through it all. If I don't, hopefully I'll be able to tell you about it over Skype!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> First of all, let me tell you about the area that I am in. We cover one family ward (Hobble Creek) and one ysa ward (Boise 3rd). They obviously are very different, and because Sister Gummow has only been in the area for one transfer, we are still trying to work out the kinks and adjust to the differences. Let me just tell you, though, that I love it already! And I love serving with Sister Gummow! She has taught me so much, and we laugh together all the time. I wish I had a picture to send you, but we forgot. Maybe next week.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> One cool thing that is happening in our area is that we have someone getting baptized this coming Saturday! It's kind of an interesting situation, though, because we didn't really teach him. He lives in Hobble Creek, and has been taking the missionary lessons for probably more than 4 years. He just wasn't ready. However, when he graduated and went to basic training for the Army, he grew so much spiritually and felt ready to take that leap of faith. He was taught by the missionaries on base, but wanted to be baptized here in his home ward where everyone he knows will be there to support him. It's going to be a really cool experience. We're excited to be there.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There was one funny story this week that happened in our missionary District Meeting. We were all just standing around doing a skill check, when a random lady walks into the room. She just said, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I just wanted to know about your church." It was crazy. You could see all the Elders eyes light up. It was a really cool experience, too, because we were able to take her on a tour of the church building, and she really just felt the Spirit. The Zone Leaders set up an appointment to go teach her. I'll let you know what happens if we get any updates.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Also, we've had mice in our house. It's kind of a long story that I've told too many times this week. Maybe I'll tell you about it later. It's just been funny to see my companion freak out any time she sees something move on the floor. Always a party!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I love you!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">See you soon!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFA5m_qIbo03LuEU5s8R4Et0NAMJ1shglLnKEk7tTTSXgIQxwW-wR2pTtTSc5zig2kDpCGPsW_NP_wphOnqHf7DvzefqjhCA4I7EllCU8chYOrIwWPbCP23_ln7mvwRzX6WIArkcgrq_gu/s1600/boiseA1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFA5m_qIbo03LuEU5s8R4Et0NAMJ1shglLnKEk7tTTSXgIQxwW-wR2pTtTSc5zig2kDpCGPsW_NP_wphOnqHf7DvzefqjhCA4I7EllCU8chYOrIwWPbCP23_ln7mvwRzX6WIArkcgrq_gu/s1600/boiseA1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
I only have one picture this week...... but it's a pretty cool one! It's been good to catch up with Sister Rogers--we are in the same zone!!</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-80219446064837676842014-12-15T18:47:00.000-08:002014-12-15T18:47:12.963-08:00Saying Goodbye to Star!<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Well, I don't have a lot of time today because I got transferred! It's kinda crazy. I've spent the past couple days packing my brains out and trying to say goodbye to as many people as possible. Now, I finally have stopped long enough to breathe, and I don't even know what to say! </span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I will now be serving in the Meridian North Stake with Sister Gummow (she's awesome.) It was sad leaving Sister Venable and all the great memories that I've made in Star, but I know that I will have fun in my new area, too. I've also been called to serve as a Sister Training Leader. I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm sure Sister Gummow will be able to show me the ropes. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that we go on exchanges more often. I will let you all know how it goes! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, to make up for the lack of email, I will try to send lots of pictures. :)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Love, </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FWHahcFv3Tx-VCa3vpVNVQd21i07YNXN3NbbPTd6dwgj5IcfvNeDvZfgKvHF1q36eiGRwJ-Scqq-5k16qB1eWfAlrlETXq6vItM0jNf3jzE9CSt_oK1aLg4LLNCoqsm0N8Vo13lG6rgJ/s1600/starp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FWHahcFv3Tx-VCa3vpVNVQd21i07YNXN3NbbPTd6dwgj5IcfvNeDvZfgKvHF1q36eiGRwJ-Scqq-5k16qB1eWfAlrlETXq6vItM0jNf3jzE9CSt_oK1aLg4LLNCoqsm0N8Vo13lG6rgJ/s1600/starp1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went to the Wood family's home for dinner and decorated Christmas cookies!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB-kOyoUO-VkEkN4i_PdGRdFH4PTmhXlXXGLfWrG-oj_uOaZzA8-9cMRMQVH-0J7Htxds-4U80tgT6h8WlSbiOrKzaK_Mvv0T-aT4GNrCQf-pqCJBH-uKPsB6yIsnGevZhgL8LuCPE01H/s1600/starp2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB-kOyoUO-VkEkN4i_PdGRdFH4PTmhXlXXGLfWrG-oj_uOaZzA8-9cMRMQVH-0J7Htxds-4U80tgT6h8WlSbiOrKzaK_Mvv0T-aT4GNrCQf-pqCJBH-uKPsB6yIsnGevZhgL8LuCPE01H/s1600/starp2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLM3jTIwoWGWtrOCzkwUH3N_aROExXdP4Ljz_esMKVtZFIJYw02xPpnv3sYuLSA57Kuy1vcDSrlziEClkVXncw2sK8fGnJlckBTUoBxzL5A0jttwgovHWU0GhmNIuxsWGOlmOhA3R4jdt/s1600/starp3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLM3jTIwoWGWtrOCzkwUH3N_aROExXdP4Ljz_esMKVtZFIJYw02xPpnv3sYuLSA57Kuy1vcDSrlziEClkVXncw2sK8fGnJlckBTUoBxzL5A0jttwgovHWU0GhmNIuxsWGOlmOhA3R4jdt/s1600/starp3.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Their daughter loved my name tag.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0HQ-aSeLEaUAMa03RXGiXgwikUGhe-HnTZAYIONJZY7e4C1EIphiPF2eJ7xfCij-rI3T3lHW0r4SU-92HX84wU4RPaZSFrwAn-DiK-asGlMYJbmhJZRxzL4FAdglAhzbu_OD9wij_HKe/s1600/starp4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0HQ-aSeLEaUAMa03RXGiXgwikUGhe-HnTZAYIONJZY7e4C1EIphiPF2eJ7xfCij-rI3T3lHW0r4SU-92HX84wU4RPaZSFrwAn-DiK-asGlMYJbmhJZRxzL4FAdglAhzbu_OD9wij_HKe/s1600/starp4.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Matching glasses</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRmuf_82S9fE2TtqB4D75JZ6nMRRj1Rh6Sxk49FDk7QnZcf1fX3ht32DqaX_Ot4m-rkgnaO6ANB72GP18fm38q6a5V2TyrxLU2z7W1oVcXy61NLhqa1ZdYTQgkMRy22QHaidH86fq3bFN/s1600/starp5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRmuf_82S9fE2TtqB4D75JZ6nMRRj1Rh6Sxk49FDk7QnZcf1fX3ht32DqaX_Ot4m-rkgnaO6ANB72GP18fm38q6a5V2TyrxLU2z7W1oVcXy61NLhqa1ZdYTQgkMRy22QHaidH86fq3bFN/s1600/starp5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Saying goodbye to the Robbins Family. I'm going to miss them.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQn_g7wKNb6LLxpTenP4A2erPx3Kcv8JxZQQEQwPfXbEPICChMCtruFtPPCaOzPGWex_2gLMUmqjOPipZCraaZr2ZOV-JCSclXR4my3BME1GxefTgV_mszFEbEjtWTOMgwnIrh5Sohn4I/s1600/starp6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQn_g7wKNb6LLxpTenP4A2erPx3Kcv8JxZQQEQwPfXbEPICChMCtruFtPPCaOzPGWex_2gLMUmqjOPipZCraaZr2ZOV-JCSclXR4my3BME1GxefTgV_mszFEbEjtWTOMgwnIrh5Sohn4I/s1600/starp6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">This lady's name is "Monday." It's great :) Anyway, she wanted a picture with us, so she just took a selfie in Relief Society!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEWak0y4G5EnpMJfx38CYTB9v3AJN0QWgFzRyZkzIf6MsbX06kbbYospGyN61aqguJQmvUybnAWDLj93T6Quthl8KC0A1O2dovXiZgZ0S_eHRtx-AAW56sjWB4klZ5Adrq-out18jnphT/s1600/starp7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEWak0y4G5EnpMJfx38CYTB9v3AJN0QWgFzRyZkzIf6MsbX06kbbYospGyN61aqguJQmvUybnAWDLj93T6Quthl8KC0A1O2dovXiZgZ0S_eHRtx-AAW56sjWB4klZ5Adrq-out18jnphT/s1600/starp7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Old Star Zone</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLR6M2nCVeipqiLK0jU7EV1rpdluVAhaL2AQ7PxhBpPfgsiLTxxkiiQ6m0kBt3L8BDqPi_O04_0394D_2mkv7H4UrmQOcCNjhLdLHXqeVQTTjar2jYM0LDfpVPiEPW6UmCv3Hh6m_V0mo2/s1600/starp8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLR6M2nCVeipqiLK0jU7EV1rpdluVAhaL2AQ7PxhBpPfgsiLTxxkiiQ6m0kBt3L8BDqPi_O04_0394D_2mkv7H4UrmQOcCNjhLdLHXqeVQTTjar2jYM0LDfpVPiEPW6UmCv3Hh6m_V0mo2/s1600/starp8.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Share the Gift!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-87204408247834064122014-12-12T07:57:00.000-08:002014-12-12T07:57:10.766-08:00I made a chameleon mad this week...<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Yeah, there isn't much to that story, but I did think it was something to write home about. We were visiting this family when they mentioned that they had a pet chameleon! I told them that I wanted to be a chameleon when I was little, and the boy immediately went to get him, so we could be introduced. Turns out, this particular pet and I didn't mesh too well, and he started swelling up with his mouth open wide (the way that creepy dinosaur does in Jurassic Park before he spits). It was actually a little scary.</span></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Another bit of news is that transfers are coming up this week! On Saturday we get the call. Everyone says that I will be leaving Star because I've been here for 4 transfers now, but I'm trying to prepare myself for whatever happens.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> We taught a lot of people this week that gave me some mixed emotions. We are teaching some people that are just super prepared and that soak everything up! We are teaching others that just can't seem to believe anything we say. I was thinking about that a lot, and someone's testimony yesterday in Sacrament Meeting basically summed up my thoughts. Brother King stood up and just bore a powerful witness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He also bore his testimony of the prophet, Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Then, he said this: "I choose to believe." Those words hit me so hard. It's a choice. If someone chooses to believe, there is nothing anyone can say to deter them from that. Likewise, if someone chooses not to believe, there is nothing anyone can say to help them. All we can do is try to bring the Spirit into their lives. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Anyway, that just really stood out to me. I want all of you to know that I choose to believe in Jesus Christ. I made that choice a long time ago, and I'm sticking to it! I love Him, and I'm grateful for this time of year when we can celebrate everything that He has done for us.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Love,</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">DECEMBER CHALLENGE- I did OK on the challenge last week! I only missed one day of using my word. </span></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This next week, my word will be fruition.... I kinda like it. It's fun to say! What has everyone else been using?</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVclsyoYjkeaiojNfzYyoF1GMt9DtBijah7pvw5AHKqSNsqaxdIm0H8AjQebWYQSJDglNkcDQKwsthChZkCdGT7HebC9FLYZIevs5IMXjW8hnpPiZq8NFqgDffJVA6XNNfPfINtafdB6a/s1600/staro1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVclsyoYjkeaiojNfzYyoF1GMt9DtBijah7pvw5AHKqSNsqaxdIm0H8AjQebWYQSJDglNkcDQKwsthChZkCdGT7HebC9FLYZIevs5IMXjW8hnpPiZq8NFqgDffJVA6XNNfPfINtafdB6a/s1600/staro1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We saw a gorgeous rainbow this week!</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-54322109862327760702014-12-01T21:35:00.002-08:002014-12-01T21:35:51.746-08:00Christmas is here! <span style="font-size: large;"> This week, I need your prayers on behalf of an Elder Hughes in this mission. He was hit by a drunk driver and is now in the hospital with some severe injuries, including several broken ribs and 3 cracked vertebrae. It is a miracle that he wasn't killed or paralyzed. He is recovering well from surgery, but could still use all the blessings he can get!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> On a considerably lighter note, the church has come out with a new Christmas video! From the sound of your emails, a lot of you have probably already seen it! It's called <u>He is the Gift</u>, and it can be found at </span><a href="http://christmas.mormon.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0072c6; font-size: large;">christmas.mormon.org</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. It's amazing! You should all go watch it right now if you haven't already. I love it so much. It talks about how Jesus Christ was the first gift given to us and how we can discover, embrace, and share the gift! It's interesting because I never really thought that our Savior was something we could necessarily "give" to others, but He is! As we share our testimonies and help others see His light, we can truly give them the best gift that we have ever received. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I know that this is one of the best times of the year to spread the gospel! So many people talk about the "Spirit of Christmas." Really, that is the Holy Spirit that guides us to learn more of Jesus Christ. As missionaries, we just try to help people feel that Spirit, so they can be led and directed. We are at a time of the year where people are already feeling it! It's amazing, and we have seen so many doors open that were previously closed to us. It's been a week of miracles in that regard. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I hope you all have a wonderful week with many opportunities to "Share the Gift!"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Love,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. We bought sparkling cider at Walmart the other day, and the cashier tried to card us. :) Good times.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_fTnKtumifFm_x9scggJc8o7sKEH-P29aRQo3eeqoX8Si2W4tiDJXtAXvklV06zsO7cVRwg9jv8o9t6wNHu4KFNMZKPN8tUJLx62_0RebqO76cnkQuxlbGakSPr2vHd-W9UBlBF2ix82/s1600/starn1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_fTnKtumifFm_x9scggJc8o7sKEH-P29aRQo3eeqoX8Si2W4tiDJXtAXvklV06zsO7cVRwg9jv8o9t6wNHu4KFNMZKPN8tUJLx62_0RebqO76cnkQuxlbGakSPr2vHd-W9UBlBF2ix82/s1600/starn1.JPG" height="184" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our District at the temple</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoeTyQQ0b0oagZjN9zzC2nwqyzUV1nLZZfv2awA08C9Pk7UTUaeG4P-VHaDVCV35_Srt2bzSWm9Nkn6THlaj-sq67HBMHHrogFEDPivF2V32go77b9jmZC5oaQXmk7A54eNs62wOit8J6/s1600/starn2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoeTyQQ0b0oagZjN9zzC2nwqyzUV1nLZZfv2awA08C9Pk7UTUaeG4P-VHaDVCV35_Srt2bzSWm9Nkn6THlaj-sq67HBMHHrogFEDPivF2V32go77b9jmZC5oaQXmk7A54eNs62wOit8J6/s1600/starn2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanksgiving Dinner</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJRepxW2PzXpFoA8Prqy4ovpwXqN5gDWqzmoGN7XIsUCbwV6NqBW-Vwd4xZ0MAzSpjAlGj70-fz-WweKWMmcRrjANx76N1Yf06NPPAOL2FJF6fgNlYmPrb52hNNg_JMetkVF_D0HuDSjv/s1600/starn3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJRepxW2PzXpFoA8Prqy4ovpwXqN5gDWqzmoGN7XIsUCbwV6NqBW-Vwd4xZ0MAzSpjAlGj70-fz-WweKWMmcRrjANx76N1Yf06NPPAOL2FJF6fgNlYmPrb52hNNg_JMetkVF_D0HuDSjv/s1600/starn3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sister V with her pie!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrR3AkkXl1XgeXSAgh1QQPBp2jCIusLTCYXVUmsAU7pimRVfdyVSyv0-NqzBWmUNJU1uYk_CGwzcuyUARHV0MG1ss9gbV-1HBQnTHYLbKlgVgO6INw5317Re4SSHXmja_yicEjfIDSmiq/s1600/starn4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrR3AkkXl1XgeXSAgh1QQPBp2jCIusLTCYXVUmsAU7pimRVfdyVSyv0-NqzBWmUNJU1uYk_CGwzcuyUARHV0MG1ss9gbV-1HBQnTHYLbKlgVgO6INw5317Re4SSHXmja_yicEjfIDSmiq/s1600/starn4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Felt like home!</div>
<div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-47827116813020209962014-12-01T21:27:00.001-08:002014-12-01T21:27:06.168-08:00December Challenge!<span style="font-size: large;">OK!! Listen up! </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So for the December challenge, I really wanted to try to pick something that people of all ages could participate in. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to pick one word that you don't know at the beginning of each week (aka: today). You need to learn the word, it's definition, etc., and use that word once a day in your normal conversations.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In case you're curious, the word that I chose this week is <u>susurrant</u>. It means whispering or murmuring. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Good luck! Have fun! Make up your own rules :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-35770834804354820742014-11-30T16:04:00.000-08:002014-11-30T16:04:02.260-08:00Thanksgiving!!! <span style="font-size: large;"> It will be a little short today. As I had informed Mom and Dad (and as I'm sure they relayed to most of you), we had our P-day delayed this week because today we got to go to the temple! It was amazing. As always. I just had the Spirit confirm to me that the Temple is a very sacred place and that by attending, we can grow closer to our Father in Heaven. I love it. I hope each of us that can attend will do so as much as possible. Never take it for granted! </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Anyway, how was everyone's Thanksgiving? Ours was amazing. We are so blessed to have wonderful and caring ward members that want to make sure we are taken care of. We actually lost count, but I think we had at least 8 families invite us over to share their meal/evening with them. We only got to 3.... the Henrie family, the Moomey family and the Wambolt family.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I think the most special visit was with the Moomey's. They have a son on a mission right now, so they wanted us to feel as much "at home" as possible. They asked us about our family traditions, and when I mentioned Mom's famous Lemon Meringue Pie, she went so far as to request Mom's specific recipe! It meant so much to me. It was a great day. I have <u>so much</u> to be grateful for! I can't even begin.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love you all so much!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_4Hcaor0tQAb8GYjH8hD0iT5Q4HHohZaXcT6KbEGeu97n-ksiFB4c2ua5xH47IO5GTtZHYFdFzf8GfxiMdsm8tHFuwaq4Hi2RJckE2u1OmX7M68u7EdJKtSD6zbHpFzFCm_y4QviTDTR/s1600/starm1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_4Hcaor0tQAb8GYjH8hD0iT5Q4HHohZaXcT6KbEGeu97n-ksiFB4c2ua5xH47IO5GTtZHYFdFzf8GfxiMdsm8tHFuwaq4Hi2RJckE2u1OmX7M68u7EdJKtSD6zbHpFzFCm_y4QviTDTR/s1600/starm1.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaROCp6fAm9BeYICqZ2ujH1nfynavUVn-jsSBAHMODGhzYT9VedzxmozRgUbQvVUKWH2_Uch_ks8-kI-O5AIV1J4qexw4peWGzwkb6e4S1I5Feh0el3bd76NzQYRrCUy25U0hjLBZf9AW/s1600/starm2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaROCp6fAm9BeYICqZ2ujH1nfynavUVn-jsSBAHMODGhzYT9VedzxmozRgUbQvVUKWH2_Uch_ks8-kI-O5AIV1J4qexw4peWGzwkb6e4S1I5Feh0el3bd76NzQYRrCUy25U0hjLBZf9AW/s1600/starm2.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A painting service project!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodiQA8fKE1qAaLtdwxO5He3rmPwtVqHGUh_QUTMWIp-1YRGXzebEttmTQ-hqlfh3B6DXkZ5a24e7TUtjegZHcMIVzmqzaQIzwcKoKHdLbDh74A_p9kWFWvL9Cnka1rjxC6D6IimhEUFds/s1600/starm4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodiQA8fKE1qAaLtdwxO5He3rmPwtVqHGUh_QUTMWIp-1YRGXzebEttmTQ-hqlfh3B6DXkZ5a24e7TUtjegZHcMIVzmqzaQIzwcKoKHdLbDh74A_p9kWFWvL9Cnka1rjxC6D6IimhEUFds/s1600/starm4.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!! LET IT SNOW!!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(11/17/14)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> That's basically the biggest part of this week. It snowed. Not just a little bit, but it was snowing for about 36 hours without stopping. Civilization here basically shut down. It was intense. Sister Venable and I almost died twice on the first day because I never learned how to drive in the snow, but we went to a parking lot to practice, so now I'm better. </span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> On the 2nd day of the snow, we got together as a district for lunch/a huge snowball fight. Somehow it ended up being Sister against Elders, which never works out well, especially when none of the Sisters can throw very well. It turned out to be target practice, with the Elders just pelting us over and over again. Fun times.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Also, this week, I got to go on exchanges with Sister Clegg in Eagle. It was super fun, and I loved meeting some of the people she was working with. <span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">We went to visit a crazy lady (I've met her before on exchanges) & she answered in her pajama pants. So naturally, my companion says, "I like your pajamas." She responds, "Thanks, I just peed my pants..." It was all I could take not to just bust up laughing. It was pretty hysterical!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Well, we don't have a whole lot of time today to email, so I'll just send you some of the pictures of the snow.... They should be able to give you a glimpse of what this week has been like. Also, it started snowing again this morning. Dang.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Have a great (warm) week!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91lVcxdSfeU0ywLm7CM8Q2ik1dObAaa7C19KKDQU7Ty20qz44D0uU5fYP8eh6Px0srMLt0S4rBg4m5xPxpqbpzMSNmitvLEf9y6f2sgXz7Ret4TGh2TRSJnYJqsEARrN5gfI37-_L46Qb/s1600/starm6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91lVcxdSfeU0ywLm7CM8Q2ik1dObAaa7C19KKDQU7Ty20qz44D0uU5fYP8eh6Px0srMLt0S4rBg4m5xPxpqbpzMSNmitvLEf9y6f2sgXz7Ret4TGh2TRSJnYJqsEARrN5gfI37-_L46Qb/s1600/starm6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn-A6z3059LHK2hnwoljpLLz6NgrTdN0gh94GPlvcOBsxLz4yMTU9b0_y89D7wUQCjo2cJLm0F5OxITPCKBVLAsjCdUTmML5z2Z9qi8eBbeowOfG83oBAX_Q_GsAWwLHnlQUJwgGbiVxk/s1600/starm5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn-A6z3059LHK2hnwoljpLLz6NgrTdN0gh94GPlvcOBsxLz4yMTU9b0_y89D7wUQCjo2cJLm0F5OxITPCKBVLAsjCdUTmML5z2Z9qi8eBbeowOfG83oBAX_Q_GsAWwLHnlQUJwgGbiVxk/s1600/starm5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span> </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-44405601450528698412014-11-10T20:40:00.002-08:002014-11-10T20:40:38.063-08:00Welcome to November! <span style="font-size: large;"> I never know what to say on these emails/blog posts! If I tried to even touch all the things that happened in the week...... well, I wouldn't have time. Let's just put it that way. Sometimes, I wonder what would be the most important thing to share. What should I talk about? What significance does my missionary service even have in your lives? Does it have any at all? Do I share teaching experiences? Information about investigators? Funny stories with my companion and members of the ward? Should I share thoughts and impressions that I've had or revelation I've received? Or do I just bear my testimony every week?</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I will try to be more prayerful as I think about how I should include you all as much as I can in this mission and the effect that it is having on my life. It is truly changing me, and I want to share that with you all.... I just don't know how. I don't know how to express the transforming power of the Atonement in my life that I experience in greater measure each day. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Lately, I have been reflecting upon repentance. As missionaries, we ask people to repent. We teach them of Jesus Christ and the way by which we can truly tap into the power of His sacrifice for us. That way is through sincere, consistent repentance--not just saying "sorry" when we mess up one time, but having an overwhelming desire to change forever. It's selecting ways in your life where you can continue to improve and progress. It's not becoming complacent when we think we are doing well. It is being painfully aware of our need for the Atonement and pleading with the Lord: "Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day?" (Alma 22:15). I know that our Savior is waiting, standing there for us to turn to Him.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I remember as a little kid, Mom trying to teach me Sign-Language. One of the only things that stuck with me was that the words "change" and "repent" are signed the same exact way, with the letter R replacing a fist. To repent, simply, means to change. Just because it's simple, though, doesn't mean it's easy. It was never meant to be easy. To quote Elder Holland, "Salvation is not a cheap experience." Jesus Christ came to make it possible. That through His grace we might be able to <u>change</u>. Change doesn't come without growth, and growth doesn't come with out some degree of pain or discomfort. The miracle of the Atonement is that we can do it! All we need to do is turn to Him and enlist His divine help. He will know the path we should take. He will know where our next step will be. He will even carry us when we feel that all of our strength is gone.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I hope to grow. I want to change. I don't want to be the same old me, but a transformed, renewed me. I know that I can do it only in and through our Savior, and I am excited for the journey! :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> God bless you all!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-11188722519499821362014-11-04T07:15:00.000-08:002014-11-04T07:15:18.007-08:00Transfer #10<span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully, Sister V and I haven't been transferred! Yay!! I am so happy to be staying in Star. I love the people here, and I know that I can still learn a lot from them. We're about the only ones that didn't get changed, though. We lost 5 members of the zone, including a Zone Leader and a District Leader and Sister Molbek! I'm going to miss her a lot.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This week has been pretty wonderful. I have just been loving every bit of missionary work--the finding, the teaching, the randomly walking around and talking to people in their front yards. We did a lot of that last one because of dropped appointments and people not being home, etc. It was actually really good, though! We found a couple people to teach that way, and taught some lessons. It was a fun time. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Our investigators are doing pretty well, and a lot of them are continuing to progress! One man we were teaching is actually in jail right now... so our lessons with him have been put on hold.... but other than that, things are going great!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> For Halloween, we had to be in our house by 6 pm, so Sister V and I decided to bake! We made onion soup for dinner, cookies, fudge, pie, etc. We went ALL out. It was so much fun! Then we watched the church movie Together Forever--you know, the super cheesy one with all the 80s music? Yeah, it was a good time! Then we went to bed an hour early. That's what I call a party!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The most wonderful thing that happened this week, though, was our Zone Conference! Elder Godoy of the Seventy came to our mission and gave us some amazing instruction. He taught us about developing Christlike attributes and about "becoming." Something that stood out to me was when he asked us, "Are you having challenges? I hope so!" Trials are those things that help us grow the most. So often, we think that struggling is a sign that we aren't as strong as we should be, but without the struggle, we wouldn't be strong at all! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The one thing that I got most out of his training was just his animation and love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Simply being around him made you excited about missionary work and sharing the gospel. He really just radiated love for our Savior. I have a lot of respect and admiration for him. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I hope your week is amazing and full of miracles!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofwolFdn6ajJKFzkj1D7a0mF0tA67kVTeedmuremfXm0-pUtHzDBJeHmEi5kZb_Drk38I-pkCFezHELpmJapTjk9y_GxBsle1KnpS_u6n6O7Gd4u5TLQzozjew0LCrz6YDiyc5WXNaXOv/s1600/starl1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofwolFdn6ajJKFzkj1D7a0mF0tA67kVTeedmuremfXm0-pUtHzDBJeHmEi5kZb_Drk38I-pkCFezHELpmJapTjk9y_GxBsle1KnpS_u6n6O7Gd4u5TLQzozjew0LCrz6YDiyc5WXNaXOv/s1600/starl1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We carved pumpkins!! Sister Venable did a scary one, and I experimented with "CTR"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9ilWdXxEZBzv9-1wCJYc-_PBFT99mdJI0m52Fz-ubARW-p0460hqWL6yABKXIi1o2cr3sy4aX2iHlf3wjkM0nZWA3_hhBvdV2BhEritjkntuagLf9OCTwzXKOHkqOUtUDIzy6tgt7V0K/s1600/starl3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9ilWdXxEZBzv9-1wCJYc-_PBFT99mdJI0m52Fz-ubARW-p0460hqWL6yABKXIi1o2cr3sy4aX2iHlf3wjkM0nZWA3_hhBvdV2BhEritjkntuagLf9OCTwzXKOHkqOUtUDIzy6tgt7V0K/s1600/starl3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdypcCKEKLsp7uUUawIcmYIWcA09TnyzPxjh2q2l_R3ZHxJI6S7tlJg1OHJ_q4ytdBhcEgEHAXQHpM7negTKLBN6e23rNMTOOEhG57OS6PEpia67Zq17cCbYrhfksgKSLUaUr-0yGsmn_G/s1600/starl4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdypcCKEKLsp7uUUawIcmYIWcA09TnyzPxjh2q2l_R3ZHxJI6S7tlJg1OHJ_q4ytdBhcEgEHAXQHpM7negTKLBN6e23rNMTOOEhG57OS6PEpia67Zq17cCbYrhfksgKSLUaUr-0yGsmn_G/s1600/starl4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We switched name tags for Halloween!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSg3beWosxX8Vn3XiGIZpczDDp8bIONB-n1FfivzR4hEQT7QquYZkBHPkrFH5i5x77vQ1gyL0OZcxCxRMKupSJiALC4xH2OKqZHmuFA4p7D-X_WWdDLhrzBoJGrT_RRZ0f8nkPCUf8oZ_p/s1600/starl5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSg3beWosxX8Vn3XiGIZpczDDp8bIONB-n1FfivzR4hEQT7QquYZkBHPkrFH5i5x77vQ1gyL0OZcxCxRMKupSJiALC4xH2OKqZHmuFA4p7D-X_WWdDLhrzBoJGrT_RRZ0f8nkPCUf8oZ_p/s1600/starl5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cutting onions makes me really sad, apparently...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaKzd-kT8qH2xN-7alLwSBRTLp6TMtF-CiayEtpamqeXryuD5RO1BHWOYiNJ1Uo6HNr9dBCZ1blzmxIq1Lz-eEISxgEZvG6uUdSV89ykJrH-1gqNYuhpfRMcxQf3MAhtL3q7mJfnv2qly/s1600/starl6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaKzd-kT8qH2xN-7alLwSBRTLp6TMtF-CiayEtpamqeXryuD5RO1BHWOYiNJ1Uo6HNr9dBCZ1blzmxIq1Lz-eEISxgEZvG6uUdSV89ykJrH-1gqNYuhpfRMcxQf3MAhtL3q7mJfnv2qly/s1600/starl6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our Open House at the church--we had a bounce house!! It was so cool and weird at the same time.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-19966891381470960852014-11-03T07:22:00.000-08:002014-11-03T07:22:20.397-08:00A Seed Planter For Life<span style="font-size: large;"> So after last week's tremendous outpouring of blessings and Spirit, Sister V and I almost expected a small decline in the area's general progression. I know that patterns happen, and rises/falls are characteristic of any work--especially missionary work! Naturally, I was bracing myself for the hard times to return. I was totally wrong.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This week kept going up, up, up! Our investigators have started to keep their commitments. Other members are inviting us over to teach their friends. Our less-active members are actually making appointments with us! It has been simply amazing to finally see this area begin to blossom and achieve the potential that I have always seen in it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> As I was reflecting on my mission, I realized that I have always been sort of the seed planter. In my first area in Meridian, I didn't see a single baptism or even a progressing investigator. Some transfers after I left, I heard that the area then had over 12 investigators, and I knew that my hard work contributed to that, even though I was not able to see the benefits first hand. In Boise, I was finding a lot. One of the wards hadn't had an investigator in over a year, and the work was rather slow. A few weeks after I was transferred, one of our investigators got baptized. It was the first baptism that ward has seen for over 3 years. The members are catching the "missionary bug," and the whole area is just booming. Again, though, I didn't see all the results of my hard work until I had gone.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This area is different, though. When I got here, we had no investigators, but I saw all the hard work and effort that previous missionaries had put into the wards. It had so much potential, and I have just been trying to tap into it! I feel like I am having the privilege of caring for other missionaries seeds--not quite harvesting, yet. That will come eventually--but helping the area grow to the potential that Elders and Sisters have seen in it for months and years. I am SO grateful for their hard work when they didn't see the results. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I know I will probably always be a seed planter when it comes to service and missionary work, probably for the rest of my life! But I have now begun to see that eventually, if you plant enough seeds, you will get the opportunity to care for seeds that other people have planted along their path. Then, after the planting, nurturing and growing, the harvest comes. However, just because you haven't harvested as much as the next person--or haven't harvested at all--doesn't mean you haven't been instrumental in the process. So don't be afraid to plant those seeds!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love you so much! Hope you have a blessed week :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-38939199702537026132014-10-21T13:51:00.000-07:002014-10-21T13:51:22.945-07:00The Struggle is Real!<span style="font-size: large;"> That has totally been the theme of this week for Sis Venable and I! We've been saying it constantly. At the beginning of the week, we had a promising few days ahead of us, filled with solid appointments and potential investigators. One by one they dropped us flat on our faces. During our weekly planning session, we didn't even know what to do! We had set all these goals and made these plans in faith, and then we had virtually no one to fulfill them. It was a pretty rough time. Thus, the theme of the week: The struggle is real!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> In the middle of all of this, I made an off-handed comment to Sister Venable that we must have been on the verge of some pretty great blessings for all this opposition we were getting. The week took a turn about half-way through, and because of our diligence and our persistence and a whole heap of help from the Lord, we ended up having more non-member lessons than I have seen in this area! It was truly a miracle. Then, to top it all off, one of our investigators that we've been working with made a huge step to come to church on Sunday. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I can't even describe the love that I feel right now--for my companion, for my investigators, for you and your support, and ESPECIALLY for my Savior and my Father in Heaven, who lift me and carry me when I need it the most.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I wanted to send this quote to you all from President Joseph Fielding Smith. It is from a letter that he sent to his family while he was serving a mission in England. I think it expresses my feelings at this point in my service.</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> "I know that the work I have been called to do is the work of God or I would not stay here one minute, no, I would not have left home. But I know that our happiness is dependent upon my faithfulness while I am here. I should be willing to do this much for the love of mankind when our Savior could suffer as He did for us. … I am in the hands of our Heavenly Father and he will watch over me and protect me if I do his will. And he will be with you while I am away and watch over you and protect you in all things."</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I love you so much!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Sister Pratt</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-3526012103672155982014-10-14T15:50:00.001-07:002014-10-14T15:50:37.091-07:00MEET THE MORMONS<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Alright. I don't have a whole lot of time, but the highlight of this week was TOTALLY getting to see a screening of the movie Meet the Mormons. It was So good, and I was laughing or crying for most of it. GO SEE IT! </span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Because of Columbus Day, yesterday, we don't have any time to share much about the week. I just want you all to know that I love this gospel and I love this work!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> One thing that happened that was kind of a big deal was my year mark in the mission. Honestly, it was kind of a hard day for me--so many emotions! I didn't know how to cope with the fact that I only have 6 months left of this phase of my life. I was also finding myself frustrated by the number of people that have used their agency to turn away from the light of our Savior. I kept thinking to myself that I was here to serve the people of Star, but they didn't want me. Why was I spending so much effort trying to help them when they didn't appreciate or even acknowledge my help? </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I had a change of heart during our Gospel Principles class on Sunday. It was about obedience, and the teacher made a point about the "Good, Better, Best" concept of obedience. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Good= You obey because you fear God. You feel a sense of duty or obligation</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Better= You obey to receive the promised blessings. You look for a reward from your service</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Best= You obey simply because you love God and want to serve Him forever.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I realized that I was at the "better" stage for my motivation. I was looking for the tangible reward (i.e. baptisms, lessons, etc.) I didn't necessarily want them for myself; I wanted them for others. However, it was still a focus in my mission. I'm still trying to work toward the "best" reason for serving, but I know that when I get there, it won't just be for my mission. It will be for my life. I know that as I struggle with my motivation to do anything else in the church, or if I feel that my other reasons for helping have become irrelevant, that I will be able to continue on with nothing more than a love for my Father in Heaven.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Thank you all again for your love, support, and prayers.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARr_mKE1ac_Y7T98bciwusGwYzu6QpmnI84ojjKptnQe2tks-ATI6Y5_PEiqNOKF2qgLe5Bht8yx4dqtFYn_aZC_JapBkLu5am16PfetZV4wpTonrqwz7C7fB5Ie3NQkyL__7p36qbfDN/s1600/stark1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARr_mKE1ac_Y7T98bciwusGwYzu6QpmnI84ojjKptnQe2tks-ATI6Y5_PEiqNOKF2qgLe5Bht8yx4dqtFYn_aZC_JapBkLu5am16PfetZV4wpTonrqwz7C7fB5Ie3NQkyL__7p36qbfDN/s1600/stark1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">Zone picture--I guess Elder Sessions decided to not be in the picture...... good job.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0SrfTLj97rLE8z-wY8KQwqOW5o-BqLAOItcL3AMeUM6BPRlQ1fHitPavdna1XjR7Kir0QPTQzEvfC04Frm49v2ntwTarLh5amfqLPTyo0I0Ci0EAPW4us6FU1ytnoqMOyMDZ6UrOJdgc/s1600/stark2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0SrfTLj97rLE8z-wY8KQwqOW5o-BqLAOItcL3AMeUM6BPRlQ1fHitPavdna1XjR7Kir0QPTQzEvfC04Frm49v2ntwTarLh5amfqLPTyo0I0Ci0EAPW4us6FU1ytnoqMOyMDZ6UrOJdgc/s1600/stark2.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">I got to have dinner with Aunt Sylvia again! It was so much fun, and she made red beans and rice for me :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;"> I loved it, and Sister Venable was also appreciating the southern cuisine </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-25281188215774998892014-10-07T19:09:00.001-07:002014-10-07T19:46:56.828-07:00Well, hello there!<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Well, this week has been amazing! Instead of having our district meeting in a regular church building, our district decided to take a hike! It was pretty crazy. I have no idea how they got it approved (maybe they didn't ask). Anyway, it turned out to be a wonderful experience! The training was on prayer and personal revelation, so the District Leader told us all to come with a question that we wanted to receive revelation about. During the meeting, we all split off in this clearing and just had personal prayers. It was so wonderful to feel the peace of nature and the Spirit. I learned a lot and was inspired by the testimonies that were shared afterward.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, the other amazing thing that happened this week was General Conference (obviously)!! I decided to take the Conference challenge and pray for a question to be answered. Well, I didn't really have a question, but there was something I wanted to hear. I was praying all last week to have someone testify of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I just wanted to feel the Spirit and power of their testimony. Well.... then Elder Anderson started speaking. It was a whole talk dedicated just to that! I was almost laughing because it was <u style="line-height: 21.29px;">exactly</u> what I had prayed for. It was almost ridiculous. I know that God hears my prayers, and that the Prophets and Apostles of our day receive their inspiration from Him. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> That's all for this week! Hope you're lovin life as much as I am!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-XVnciO1dY5hBm_4IHVVfXEB6OkyVgjps4ltvlBxWhMu-k7MLz7-CyrbAgym8RSt526te5fiLwxll_8ZB01hB1kvDtXbs7px1COrHvIqizpsiUjrpCgYaufI153I6RsHc9dJ9orrQ_Y1/s1600/starj1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-XVnciO1dY5hBm_4IHVVfXEB6OkyVgjps4ltvlBxWhMu-k7MLz7-CyrbAgym8RSt526te5fiLwxll_8ZB01hB1kvDtXbs7px1COrHvIqizpsiUjrpCgYaufI153I6RsHc9dJ9orrQ_Y1/s1600/starj1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 15px/21.29px Calibri, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The promised picture of the dress Mom sent me!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLZFVo6ozQbaK-kQ4rbeBJzisgfZa14ijzGrNgP514lAkZYw9b1lOomDopTWzxwl476dYV2lIHi9qBGyhzuZbpyDtKhgzb7VpbA7krc1H8u2U_ZCu3nnPd47hbPW31NNlkA0px6oonSQK/s1600/starj2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLZFVo6ozQbaK-kQ4rbeBJzisgfZa14ijzGrNgP514lAkZYw9b1lOomDopTWzxwl476dYV2lIHi9qBGyhzuZbpyDtKhgzb7VpbA7krc1H8u2U_ZCu3nnPd47hbPW31NNlkA0px6oonSQK/s1600/starj2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Halloween! This little girl was really fond of this terrifying mask.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">September 29, 2014</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Not Much To Say"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know you're all probably waiting to hear the news about my new companion! Her name is Sister V, and she is from Hammond, LA. She has the greatest accent, and I wish she would just talk all the time. I love her voice! The other crazy thing about her is that she isn't actually new.... I mean, she's new to Idaho, but she has already served in the Baton Rouge mission for 8 months as a service missionary. So... I'm not really training her at all. Haha, talk about pre-trained! She is such a hard worker, and we totally killed it this week.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> We are both SO tired right now because this morning we played nerf wars with our zone for like 2 hours. I'll just tell you about one funny thing that happened this week. Elder C ate a ghost pepper. You might not think that is funny... but it was HILARIOUS. A member in our ward grows them in his garden, and the Elder asked for one. When we gave it to him, his companion joked with him, "You should just eat it right now." He declined the first time, but without much pressure (seriously, we didn't even make him do it) he just popped it in his mouth. The effect was pretty bad, as you can imagine, but we were all laughing so hard! He was like sweating and crying and looking like he was gonna die. His companion texted us later, "Best. Day. Ever." It was a pretty memorable experience.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, I finally got all the pictures from the zoo trip! Enjoy.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Love,</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4dGPo7kn3WTNmHY-tgT4eVfHO3wpHLS03wYctyT7jyAiqAZTPs59dZ7YMDvNtTkhhOPqtcEErLhXLGkwR3ta6cdXbJTF5a7prd25c8Uzwbb1Z6CUcNtGSn1WwsnXigsH8TG7XIc6mEjf/s1600/stari1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4dGPo7kn3WTNmHY-tgT4eVfHO3wpHLS03wYctyT7jyAiqAZTPs59dZ7YMDvNtTkhhOPqtcEErLhXLGkwR3ta6cdXbJTF5a7prd25c8Uzwbb1Z6CUcNtGSn1WwsnXigsH8TG7XIc6mEjf/s1600/stari1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Saying Goodbye to Sister Chen</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxdDlmW5eKlavTyUiltlPYv9eeHo4h-fgQiDUclQmnUSb0qX-hZUSwpuq6IuT_hXkAMLms_0jaBawV7d0vEZok5bwtIA2jn2iOyspqYmbyNu_4mvVNHgmcnmkRgxqHcFVo12eDtBBw9Ga/s1600/stari2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxdDlmW5eKlavTyUiltlPYv9eeHo4h-fgQiDUclQmnUSb0qX-hZUSwpuq6IuT_hXkAMLms_0jaBawV7d0vEZok5bwtIA2jn2iOyspqYmbyNu_4mvVNHgmcnmkRgxqHcFVo12eDtBBw9Ga/s1600/stari2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jAGQ3mDR2TnSgP2YoZYjNCWl-JZ8rubETLms7rPPsim5yWO2vnYYqJma4GryyYXttPYjxk1O1GALbeyGS2PS4eElf3x6soK7bhPMBAZGnS2DQP2syiRd79WjnBtqMgd4HXXbANpzu6h8/s1600/stari3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jAGQ3mDR2TnSgP2YoZYjNCWl-JZ8rubETLms7rPPsim5yWO2vnYYqJma4GryyYXttPYjxk1O1GALbeyGS2PS4eElf3x6soK7bhPMBAZGnS2DQP2syiRd79WjnBtqMgd4HXXbANpzu6h8/s1600/stari3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dart Zone, it was so much fun, but I am going to sleep well tonight!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhDGo7qFoYNPfZL9pcYadYZ5W5DSS7u_MUbB8tvFkmjIBSsCGLQiO8U2S90T7lrTBI_rucXlzYEzCbkpLidF67IaiKcGOyBT5VGBWmDcmu3UNFEBsLhOG8hUV2wh5_gaDl8Q8566XWtKX/s1600/stari4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhDGo7qFoYNPfZL9pcYadYZ5W5DSS7u_MUbB8tvFkmjIBSsCGLQiO8U2S90T7lrTBI_rucXlzYEzCbkpLidF67IaiKcGOyBT5VGBWmDcmu3UNFEBsLhOG8hUV2wh5_gaDl8Q8566XWtKX/s1600/stari4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found my street!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvaalbCv0EF9_G7XmqB8c-5GQKQPHRxpA8Nwxz79Pu8PpH05wvWAHZkYiz4hSs2x9kWH9PMXN1W9jflBq1uwM6TCBzJ2vFMi4tpbOKGu559pPqCMeyWMxCVp7jukRL7Y1PXyoCVEFjkgJ/s1600/stari5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvaalbCv0EF9_G7XmqB8c-5GQKQPHRxpA8Nwxz79Pu8PpH05wvWAHZkYiz4hSs2x9kWH9PMXN1W9jflBq1uwM6TCBzJ2vFMi4tpbOKGu559pPqCMeyWMxCVp7jukRL7Y1PXyoCVEFjkgJ/s1600/stari5.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now for the zoo pictures!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvWCzuOCbsvK2GfhOrOon8DdgScWgWus_c800psGNlJ4rsUHVsf9voUTV3s3ReEq832iK45hm2ly1p1wxc4BtyCHM6H15o5tIubTbzeVxFRTk2O55JHIFgcV-1q063yVKLad4iKov0Ab6/s1600/stari6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvWCzuOCbsvK2GfhOrOon8DdgScWgWus_c800psGNlJ4rsUHVsf9voUTV3s3ReEq832iK45hm2ly1p1wxc4BtyCHM6H15o5tIubTbzeVxFRTk2O55JHIFgcV-1q063yVKLad4iKov0Ab6/s1600/stari6.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aren't we all so cute!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTP0Yf7lWA7QnME4Da0gq79QoZ9_9OeEEYuSZrhJr6eviIC9JY3uOl2UVr4JR4QhlsJ_MFVv-92tXIL5wLLMIZG9UxqlREAyO0bxoHo3gldrmf87jcmPmgf0hX0ajGviUbIFYO31q_jkH/s1600/stari7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTP0Yf7lWA7QnME4Da0gq79QoZ9_9OeEEYuSZrhJr6eviIC9JY3uOl2UVr4JR4QhlsJ_MFVv-92tXIL5wLLMIZG9UxqlREAyO0bxoHo3gldrmf87jcmPmgf0hX0ajGviUbIFYO31q_jkH/s1600/stari7.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
CONDORMAN! bababababududududubabbuhdada CONDORMAN!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTkjZ7xOWezirvgpTTSmfHGurRca0q8fYdx8ac0E9dMYcbPbqEVI8RA9nlD2kxEdB22hiTIJiZM6IDMoxW1XTfO7-2pzbVxCJDFCA-KgimU7ugJmIW4sZ20hC8ueIo-IsL575RbT29ljB/s1600/stari8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTkjZ7xOWezirvgpTTSmfHGurRca0q8fYdx8ac0E9dMYcbPbqEVI8RA9nlD2kxEdB22hiTIJiZM6IDMoxW1XTfO7-2pzbVxCJDFCA-KgimU7ugJmIW4sZ20hC8ueIo-IsL575RbT29ljB/s1600/stari8.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chillin' with the zebras</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGrN66DCY5zvCLSbUwofjdotj52F9eW0pTFxV88gVvYmzwGJMtZn4gUxGYAjG2s0Yf-DEoPYc94fwbmWupaE0sh18MevoHniRMNEDii9tOd4WtzkXWE8_CYtTsu2UyduozVN5xrh-0DLs/s1600/stari9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGrN66DCY5zvCLSbUwofjdotj52F9eW0pTFxV88gVvYmzwGJMtZn4gUxGYAjG2s0Yf-DEoPYc94fwbmWupaE0sh18MevoHniRMNEDii9tOd4WtzkXWE8_CYtTsu2UyduozVN5xrh-0DLs/s1600/stari9.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love all of my hermanas!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHIp2G18htVxZDcsSeLgHF8wLv8BrzVjc4KvcMXAaEyNOiFuv8id9OVr6uVTHZU6LEWMuATh4zwhD-qyusqFsJas2U02uf3eOvp6L7SzZ4AZwCrXLaMvkg8Sn1Vh3sn4FJozL1AGlCKNk/s1600/stari10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHIp2G18htVxZDcsSeLgHF8wLv8BrzVjc4KvcMXAaEyNOiFuv8id9OVr6uVTHZU6LEWMuATh4zwhD-qyusqFsJas2U02uf3eOvp6L7SzZ4AZwCrXLaMvkg8Sn1Vh3sn4FJozL1AGlCKNk/s1600/stari10.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm finally in my element- SAND</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3bsjHtiVVnC7RrZ5YAo5qfk-w3QEZ6iFEgvZXcpM4Vnk5rDztM9XH5yTmaGJC5uTD5I0IVijSGF2L2CFGDxj2zcSvFOEmDd1ayF923i3pe0X0-BWJfXU5VDtX7PbteTkg5CawDe59TDa/s1600/stari11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3bsjHtiVVnC7RrZ5YAo5qfk-w3QEZ6iFEgvZXcpM4Vnk5rDztM9XH5yTmaGJC5uTD5I0IVijSGF2L2CFGDxj2zcSvFOEmDd1ayF923i3pe0X0-BWJfXU5VDtX7PbteTkg5CawDe59TDa/s1600/stari11.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Check out these Pratt ears!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZw1EZ-FI8TwlzLf-DHNUAAvPyW3HXGc0n3uLKkiY8HJEPKLD1Dl4IBFbzMSZPmv_tWpX21JhyY-2nNzAJcjNEK54Fa3pmMHJfNh-P5kkupyx6ezAqoY9zhRrux8W6G2QAcICzGXUKGIj/s1600/stari12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZw1EZ-FI8TwlzLf-DHNUAAvPyW3HXGc0n3uLKkiY8HJEPKLD1Dl4IBFbzMSZPmv_tWpX21JhyY-2nNzAJcjNEK54Fa3pmMHJfNh-P5kkupyx6ezAqoY9zhRrux8W6G2QAcICzGXUKGIj/s1600/stari12.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dinosaurs? At the Zoo?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxHgVbvFR9FD8vEevRUsGgz68phHGabYi9dKKCy-4LwMFOMeCMW8DNOWnsgB5a4h74ukq4F5ihyU2Uvgm8Ef-nil2vCZTpQquR-wVBDLczjhVSFh9lD-VbGpE8o8dmBH51WaFluXUIH6F/s1600/stari13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxHgVbvFR9FD8vEevRUsGgz68phHGabYi9dKKCy-4LwMFOMeCMW8DNOWnsgB5a4h74ukq4F5ihyU2Uvgm8Ef-nil2vCZTpQquR-wVBDLczjhVSFh9lD-VbGpE8o8dmBH51WaFluXUIH6F/s1600/stari13.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My new companion and I!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJSdpxrUhRPe-9rZO5Jvga5e6H7wDFJJ-yu2FQjCn0926oS3R6NVQfmqUPoq8jxjlhzqicTSexmNS6WxWgdwMOdcv0CBC4xSmWdme4KBtrGA9PjVDTdAKpJyxWre-LXnfa0TMbAcpuGqu/s1600/stari14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJSdpxrUhRPe-9rZO5Jvga5e6H7wDFJJ-yu2FQjCn0926oS3R6NVQfmqUPoq8jxjlhzqicTSexmNS6WxWgdwMOdcv0CBC4xSmWdme4KBtrGA9PjVDTdAKpJyxWre-LXnfa0TMbAcpuGqu/s1600/stari14.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me falling asleep on my way home from Dart Warz. I was pooped!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.29px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-64305216761341314172014-09-22T14:41:00.001-07:002014-09-22T14:41:44.557-07:00You'll never guess...
<br />
<div class="c-ReadMessagePartBody" data-link="class{getClass:IsBodyExpanded}">
<div class="ClearBoth">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div class="readMsgBody">
<div class="ExternalClass MsgBodyContainer" data-link="class{:~tag.cssClasses(PlainText, IsContentFiltered)}" id="bodyreadMessagePartBodyControl2220f">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm training again! I don't have any idea why..... but I apparently need to learn something else that I didn't get the first time. Also, Sister R_____ is going to my last area in Boise East! It was such a crazy transfer call; we were screaming and jumping. I am going to miss her a lot, but I can't even be sad because she's going to the best area in the mission. I'm a little bit jealous actually.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Earlier this week we had a Sister's Training Meeting, which basically means that all of the sister missionaries in the mission get together for a conference at the Mission Office. It was SO good, and I learned so much. The theme was Priesthood, and we were trained by President and Sister Winder as well as Sister Christiansen (first counselor's wife--basically Mom's job). It was truly amazing, and my hand was flying down the page, trying to take notes on everything they were saying. My favorite thing was a parable by President Packer about the Keys of the Priesthood. I'll probably just attach it or put it at the end of this email.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, a lot else happened this week, but I'll just tell a really quick story involving a member of our ward. After a couple empty doors, Sister R_____ and I decided to stop by Sister T's house quickly to let her know about transfers before we headed off to a baptism that evening. Right when we were walking up to the house, though, she came flying out of the front door with tears in her eyes saying, "How did you know to come?" We held her for a few minutes before going inside. Apparently, she was just having the worst day of her life and was just about to start her pity party, when she looked out the window and saw us driving up! After talking for a while, Sister R_____ and I had the same thought.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Do you want to have a really spiritually uplifting experience? I know it's last minute, but we're on our way to a baptism right now, and if you're feeling spontaneous, we'll just hop in your car." She immediately agreed that it was exactly what she needed. Anyway, that was just a little miracle we had.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love you all so much! I will let you know next week who my companion is!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. This is the parable I was talking about. It's pretty long but SO worth it!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Once a man received as his inheritance two keys. The first key, he was told, would open a vault which he must protect at all cost. The second key was to a safe within the vault which contained a priceless treasure. He was to open this safe and freely use the precious things which were stored therein. He was warned that many would seek to rob him of his inheritance. He was promised that if he used the treasure worthily, it would be replenished and never be diminished, not in all eternity. He would be tested. If he used it to benefit others, his own blessings and joy would increase.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The man went alone to the vault. His first key opened the door. He tried to unlock the treasure with the other key, but he could not, for there were two locks on the safe. His key alone would not open it. No matter how he tried, he could not open it. He was puzzled. He had been given the keys. He knew the treasure was rightfully his. He had obeyed instructions, but he could not open the safe.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In due time, there came a woman into the vault. She, too, held a key. It was noticeably different from the key he held. Her key fit the other lock. It humbled him to learn that he could not obtain his rightful inheritance without her.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> They made a covenant that together they would open the treasure and, as instructed, he would watch over the vault and protect it; she would watch over the treasure. She was not concerned that, as guardian of the vault, he held two keys, for his full purpose was to see that she was safe as she watched over that which was most precious to them both. Together they opened the safe and partook of their inheritance. They rejoiced for, as promised, it replenished itself.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> With great joy they found that they could pass the treasure on to their children; each could receive a full measure, undiminished to the last generation.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Perhaps some few of their posterity would not find a companion who possessed the complementary key, or one worthy and willing to keep the covenants relating to the treasure. Nevertheless, if they kept the commandments, they would not be denied even the smallest blessing.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Because some tempted them to misuse their treasure, they were careful to teach their children about keys and covenants.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There came, in due time, among their posterity some few who were deceived or jealous or selfish because one was given two keys and another only one. “Why,” the selfish ones reasoned, “cannot the treasure be mine alone to use as I desire?”</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Some tried to reshape the key they had been given to resemble the other key. Perhaps, they thought, it would then fit both locks. And so it was that the safe was closed to them. Their reshaped keys were useless, and their inheritance was lost.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Those who received the treasure with gratitude and obeyed the laws concerning it knew joy without bounds through time and all eternity.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175874108718640092.post-48770412091048238662014-09-16T16:48:00.000-07:002014-09-16T16:48:15.440-07:00No Time<span style="font-size: large;"> I seriously don't have any time this week to email--sorry! We got to go to the temple today which was so amazing. It's my favorite thing to do! I'm just gonna send some pictures of that p-day activity we had a few weeks ago, and call it good. Love you all!!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Pratt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WMpthcO4uLpxtN-6P9YFJhSPWLAWcIePfGjAA1vRn2IdpSpPFo1sqs6Ao4NsS5dgN5z5TReAuREur5TAxIrHpnpHU4zaXhVEmflSvGDK-arHFLY6mBQTPAQfL-btw4AzABp_Ppo9Imnr/s1600/starh1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WMpthcO4uLpxtN-6P9YFJhSPWLAWcIePfGjAA1vRn2IdpSpPFo1sqs6Ao4NsS5dgN5z5TReAuREur5TAxIrHpnpHU4zaXhVEmflSvGDK-arHFLY6mBQTPAQfL-btw4AzABp_Ppo9Imnr/s1600/starh1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our zone at a correlation meeting</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMp49cNtzSKCej-W7oxRI6XleveeP_EMwctyQzhE-6w6sz0NFEComD75zSjDCIyhwSpcUAQTZi6SZ2x4ULclSB9_OvcWn7omLnNiqa4CXtx59c8TITRSyAhliN_dzzmscVbXpqR75OmM1/s1600/starh2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMp49cNtzSKCej-W7oxRI6XleveeP_EMwctyQzhE-6w6sz0NFEComD75zSjDCIyhwSpcUAQTZi6SZ2x4ULclSB9_OvcWn7omLnNiqa4CXtx59c8TITRSyAhliN_dzzmscVbXpqR75OmM1/s1600/starh2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our district at the temple today</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW5BO8ZWFOWkEWUb25StKD-aSYU_yxXpzTuFK5KsCy4BTdNi693Rx1OTCsjFKSROg_b9ARtk7g4Hzs7ycJyjn-lq84MDtazkj2-9zvgr8iH5m4MlMXSADsTMgadHSOlkGxGHdks5QVKlc/s1600/starh3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW5BO8ZWFOWkEWUb25StKD-aSYU_yxXpzTuFK5KsCy4BTdNi693Rx1OTCsjFKSROg_b9ARtk7g4Hzs7ycJyjn-lq84MDtazkj2-9zvgr8iH5m4MlMXSADsTMgadHSOlkGxGHdks5QVKlc/s1600/starh3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now for the fun ones. This was the tug of war I was trying to describe.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77aItgdSjxI4MrwtUilLdaphfXNZFXa4sR4h8d9uI51E0vnRq1lULXeVEMo36ORm5b564xAJ-uK92sD2-BLInL_9nHsSFNr7mSPcAIW-kmX-fkRwQRrZhIu53_99_3IXPOm9vBHo2ZGOt/s1600/starh4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77aItgdSjxI4MrwtUilLdaphfXNZFXa4sR4h8d9uI51E0vnRq1lULXeVEMo36ORm5b564xAJ-uK92sD2-BLInL_9nHsSFNr7mSPcAIW-kmX-fkRwQRrZhIu53_99_3IXPOm9vBHo2ZGOt/s1600/starh4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hermana Cole being dragged against her will.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJdNoNVaL1-Bpv0-Qcx0IY2cIsM6AUz5BmYzaO9V6-u57rMtECm73TGg1T2QvpUQKb-EIwo_qq7FJ6Zxzk7ZwJZ6Fb2xaEhDzN0HGMnDx4ErCFZ-jg7UKxYgKOenlHYTNfCbznlv7u7yq/s1600/starh5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJdNoNVaL1-Bpv0-Qcx0IY2cIsM6AUz5BmYzaO9V6-u57rMtECm73TGg1T2QvpUQKb-EIwo_qq7FJ6Zxzk7ZwJZ6Fb2xaEhDzN0HGMnDx4ErCFZ-jg7UKxYgKOenlHYTNfCbznlv7u7yq/s1600/starh5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I learned how to play lacrosse! (sort of) Notice what shirt I am wearing.....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_32HL1UZ-b9Fta0wMBVn5c0jVGT01JM849jS6HD2fYJoEfBZEkJGqJvauy-9kNWJHzGJGBSnIv2oBVLIItzo3bo_z77g_Ctu5ixoXx17wFwsZuFOaRwLPdrDotL82xWrpHxgqEQveNxuJ/s1600/starh6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_32HL1UZ-b9Fta0wMBVn5c0jVGT01JM849jS6HD2fYJoEfBZEkJGqJvauy-9kNWJHzGJGBSnIv2oBVLIItzo3bo_z77g_Ctu5ixoXx17wFwsZuFOaRwLPdrDotL82xWrpHxgqEQveNxuJ/s1600/starh6.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was so fun!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGdiLrJGQ20ZG8MjkDnd__rOJ0mfx4KyftTA5hi8BVvDZnd5BWOtN4UT5aRKljz_KEeQae-KOpovvU6v8NADd4KImpBugcBksnDVKiUjMOfAzfLgGLOyawAqADaLTIUdGN8EBDZTcTN8q/s1600/starh7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGdiLrJGQ20ZG8MjkDnd__rOJ0mfx4KyftTA5hi8BVvDZnd5BWOtN4UT5aRKljz_KEeQae-KOpovvU6v8NADd4KImpBugcBksnDVKiUjMOfAzfLgGLOyawAqADaLTIUdGN8EBDZTcTN8q/s1600/starh7.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They had a bunch of puppies!</div>
</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0