Hey hey hey!

This week was full of lots of ups and downs. Rose and Richard kept canceling on us and seem to be going down hill. I'm super bummed but still hopeful. Literally every single one of our appointments fell through this week which is a total bummer. It was just one thing after the other and by Thursday I was feelin kinda low BUT, like it always happens, something good came out of it. We found two new investigators! One of them we found while looking for a less active. We asked if she lived there and he said no so we just started talking to him instead. We gave our brief run down and then ended by asking if he wanted to learn more. to my total surprise he said yes! it took me be surprise and for a few seconds I didn't even know what to do. No one has ever actually said yes to me before haha. So, we taught him the Restoration right then and there and he liked it so we set up another appointment the next day. Unfortunately he wasn't home the next day, which was disappointing, but while we were walking away my comp was brave enough to go talk to his neighbor who was super busy running to her car to get somewhere. I didn't want to bother her but she said we could stop by the next day. I didn't think much of it but when we went back the next day she said that she wanted to learn more and was looking for a church for her family. How cool is that?! We are going back next in a couple of weeks when her schedule dies down so I'm feeling more hopeful. Oh also.....TERA IS GETTING BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!!! She finally got the approval from the first presidency and now all that is left is to pick a date with her on Wednesday. We also have to get it done soon because she is due to have her baby in less then a month haha.  She has waited so long and has been such a trooper with the whole process so I'm pretty dang excited for her. But yeah, lots of ups and downs this week but in the end it turned out pretty great. Opposition in all things, right?

I just got an email from my old comp and she told me that her first day there she fell off of her bike and fractured both radio discs(whatever that is) haha......no not haha..it really sucks for her and I'm sad she can't ride her bike but I thought it was kinda funny ....and on her first day too. She is doing good though. I also love my new companios. We have a blast together. She is the crazy outgoing one and I'm the quit, sensitive one, so we compliment each other quite well. We also have the same sense of humor and like to quote the exact same movie quotes so we find ways to jazz thiings up a bit.

I've been learning a lot about hope this week. On hard days that's really what you have to hold onto. Hope is very often misunderstood. Most people use the word hope in the context of something you wish might happen, but really, hope is an abiding trust that everything will work out and having a good attitude and trust while you wait for it to come, because you know that it actually will come. Preach my Gospel explains it a lot better haha. Out here when things don't always go so well you have to have hope that another door will open, and it always does. You have to hold on though until it does come and that isn't always easy. I would encourage you all to study about Hope this week. You'll be amazed of how much you will learn. Everything really does turn our though. God is truly aware of us.

Hey!

Hope all is well. Thanks so much for everyone who sent me pictures this week. It was better than Christmas opening my email today. Speaking of, yesterday was a holiday so all of the libraries were closed so we get to email today for a wee bit. Looks like everyone is having a blast!…..but don’t have too much fun without me haha..jk.

 

This week we had an amazing miracle. On Sunday Rose called us right before church and told us things just weren’t working out and that on Wednesday she went to a bible study at another church and she has decided to go there now so they wouldn’t be coming to church like they had promised. I of course was absolutely devastated but asked if we could go over the next day and talk about it. That whole day I just felt like breaking down and crying. When you work so hard for someone for so long you really come to love them and to have all of your hopes shattered like that was hard for me. I don’t think I’ve felt so low as I did on and off that day. But, just like the Lord always does, He gave me hope. At that moment I just had to trust Him that it would all be okay and eventually I was blessed with peace that everything would work out. Last night we went over and they expressed some valid concerns but we were able to work them out and they still want to continue meeting with us. I know it sounds kinda silly looking back on it all and I know that it happens all of the time but man, at that moment it just crashed me. I literally felt sick to my stomach. I know that the Lord gave me peace about it though and that whatever happens it will be for the best. All I can do is my best and that’s all that I’m expected to do.  I think for a second I felt the just slightest bit of what He must feel when one of His children goes astray. It was a humbling and faith building experience and I know that the Lord was looking out for us.

 

But anywho, this week was busy as always. My new companion is quite the character to say the least. She loves to be crazy haha. She keeps me from over stressing bless her heart. It’s weird because I find myself picking up so many habits of my trainer. Sister Coleman is really chill so I sometimes feel like I over compensate and have to be super busy to keep her going so that we can get things done, just like my trainer was with me haha. But I also need to learn to take more time to explain the ins and outs of everything so that she can help me more, so that will be my goal of this next week-let her be involved more. It’s just a balancing act sometimes. I have already learned so much from her though. I'm so blessed that I have someone who is so experienced to be my companion after training. My appreciation for my trainer has definitely grown this last month and I will be forever grateful for what she taught me even if it was hard to learn and understand in the moment. I still have a lot to learn from both her successes and mistakes and what a wonderful thing that is. 

We feel busy all of the time and yet it still feels like we aren't getting much done. At this point we need to work at working smarter, not harder ...well and harder but you get the point. The work is going good but flat lining a bit. We just need it to start going up more haha. I love it though. I've been so blessed that I've been able to keep busy with everything. Just having people to teach is an amazing blessing in and of itself. I've been learning so much too. The church is so true! Heavenly Father has given me strength beyond my own and I know that He is watching over me. 

Week 12

Bonjour famille!

Soooo....today I said goodbye to my trainer. Yep, she is outa here. I get to stay in Chino but she is going to the desert in a biking area! She wanted to lose weight so her prayers were answered haha, only it's stinken hot up there right now. My new comps name is Sister Colemen. She is a crack up to say the least. She only has two more transfers left so she will most likely “die” with me. It was actually really hard saying goodbye to Sister Schaffhauser but I know that this will be good for me. I have to really step up my game because at this point I’m the only one who knows who is who and what’s going on. No pressure haha. I’m very nervous but excited for what the future brings. I know that the Lord gave me this companion for a reason and that we both have a lot to learn from each other. She is a free spirit so we’ll see how it all goes haha. Elder Tate, my ward mate got transferred too, and Elder Lee gets to train. That means that all of us here, including the ward mission leader, are kinda new so we’ll have to figure things out together. It was weird because yesterday I got a little taste of how it is going to feel to go home while we were going to go say goodbye to all of the members yesterday. Yep,I’m not quite ready to go home yet. Time is going by way too fast and I still have too much to learn and do. It really is a once in a life time experience. You get to dedicate your whole self to serving the Lord and His people and along with it comes all of the amazing blessings.

This week was kinda rough as far as lessons and numbers go, but man, were we busy. We didn’t have time for anything really. On Thursday our whole zone went up to Mnt. Baldy and cleaned up a mudslide. It destroyed a couple of homes and buried every ones yards and houses, so we got to shovel everyone out. I think that my weight lifting is paying off haha, but I was super sore for the next three days. I even have some pretty rad blisters to prove it. It was super fun though. I loved going up in the mountains for a while. It made me homesick for Idaho and camping haha. It kinda through everything off because that was the day that we usually have most of our investigator lessons but it’s all good. We also had mission conference this last Saturday! Elder Nelson came and I got to shake his hand. There was an amazing spirit there and we were all excited to hear from an apostle. He talked about obedience and how we show our faith when we do our best every day to follow the guidelines that we’ve been given it opens the doors for greater blessings and success. It was cool because during the Q/A part of it he always answered it with a scripture. Yeah, he is pretty great to say the least. He’s like 90 years old and he just skipped up the stairs haha. I loved it. 

Oh, cool story. On Saturday we were super bummed when our investigators called us and said that they couldn’t go to the baptism, which meant that we couldn’t go either. So, we called everyone else we could think of and they either didn’t answer or couldn’t go. I was really sad because I knew how great that would have been for someone, but I had a feeling that it was for a reason. Well, about a half hour later when we would have been at the baptism a less active called us in tears and asked us to come over. We quickly jumped in our car and headed over and found her at the door waiting for us. She had had surgery a month ago and hasn't been able to do anything and has had to rely on her husband for everything so he hasn't gotten any sleep or nothin so she felt really bad and completely overwhelmed. So we had a nice little chat and calmed her down and then cleaned her whole house. To me it was evidence that God loves all of His children and He is very aware of us and our needs. I was just so happy that she knew that she could call us for anything like that! He also sends others to help answer our prayers. People tell us over and over again that even when they were the farthest away from God, He was still there right beside them helping them through their hardest times. He never gives up on us and there is nothing that we have done or will do that the Atonement doesn't cover. He loves us soooo much! Isn't that a wonderful thing to know?

Well, today is kinda crazy so I didn't have much time but I just wanted to let you all know that I am alive and well. I'm glad that you all had fun at Bear lake! Send me lots of pics okay. I will reply to everyone's emails asap I promise. Thanks again for all those that have written me. I appreciate it more than you could ever know.

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows

Cleaning after the mudslide

Week 11

Kia ora tatou! (that's Maori for hello.....I think)

This week has been kinda crazy. I still can't believe how crazy fast it's gone by. We didn't even buy groceries because we still haven't eaten any of our food from last week. We're out and about and people keep giving us stuff so we basically don't even have to buy food some times. Although, I make a mean green smoothie in the morning to start things off. 

Life is crazy as always. My brain hurts from too much thinking. By the end of the day you're so tired that you can't even remember what you did haha. Sometimes my brain likes to just turn off and take a break for awhile.....like right now.....no seriously, I can't remember what I was about to say. 

We had Zone Conference! It was only the mostist awesomist meeting since forever. Yes, we will be getting I pads. I heard it straight from the horses mouth.....I think it slipped out actuall-oops. We talked about the story of the Rich man in the Bible and how we need to sell all that we have and follow the Saviour. We need to ask our selves "what lack I yet?" and figure out what we need to do to change for the better. There are so many little insignificant things and sins that we hold onto that are keeping us from recieving so much more. As we give everything up for Him, He will refine us into what He trully wants us to be. It's a life-long process but each little step gets us closer and closer to our end goal. I also got to see my favorite sista missionary("Auzi cheeks" aka sister Wihongi) and my trainer got to see her trainer and then the person who trainered her trainer and so on. It was a 5 generational party! Mission Conference is coming up this week too. Elder Nelson is coming to announce the whole Ipad thing. It's crazy how much things will change but it's a good and needed change. It will force a lot of missionaries to be a lot more obedient because our schedules will be available to the public and they can track what we've done. Pretty crazy eh? I'm excited though. The Lord is trully hastening his work.

We had a baptism this last Saturday!!!! It was our ward-mate Elders' baptism, not ours, but a baptism none the less. One of our investigators came and she started crying! She felt the Spirit so strong. She is still waiting for approval but man when she gets that ok she is getting dunked! The best part is that we have 5 more this week! Four of which are from our ward. Our zone leaders brought an investigator to the baptism as well. She was going really strong but then went down hill. They were about to drop her but then after she came to the baptism she got it together and decided that this is what she really wanted! How great is that? It's kinda cool because this will be our ZL's last baptism before he leaves for home the next day. I think that we will have at least two of our inveestigators baptized next month. I'm kinda sad because I think that my trainer will probably get transfered this week so she may not get to be here for it all. She is pretty dang great and I'll be sad to see her go. She gave me a good foundation for the rest of my mission and I will be forever grateful for that.

I've been realizing more and more just how much of an influence we have on others. They never really tell us anything or how a lesson went so it's hard to know, but every once in awhile they'll make a comment about just how much they learn or grow from our visits and it makes it all worth it. It's the same with everyone, not just missionararies. You never know how much a compliment or smile just might make someones day. Commenting in church may spark a thought that completely changes someones perspective or inspires them. Ya never know! So go out there and make someones day.

This week was kinda hard mentally. I know I've probably said this before, but man, when you are a missionary all of your faults and weaknesses get put on a table for every one to see. It's humbling and really hard sometimes. When you live with someone 24/7 you find out just how many little things you need to change and sacrafice. The Lord refines you and challenges you more than you would sometimes like or care to admit, but through all of it, He makes you into who you need to be. He's making us all all into what He knows we can become. It's hard in the moment but looking back you're always so grateful for it. 

Well, I gotta go and save the world...jk...my time just ran out that's all. Know that I love you all. Sounds like every one is doing great and lovin life. Send me lots of pictures from all of your adventures! Thanks for all of the prayers and thoughts. It makes all of the difference knowing that my family is behind me every step of the way. 

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows

My First Companion

My Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and Cousins

How we cool down when we get home 

Mission Update: Week 10

Hello family! First off, I just wanted to thank Mom and everyone else for the amazing package I got yesterday. I was so excited! You all have me down  when it comes to what I like. Who else sends their missionary kifer grains, veggie wash and healthy protein bars? Oh and the family history book was definitely my favorite! Yeah, I was happ6y to say the least.

Anywho, this week has been pretty crazy. Our ward building got broken onto and vandalized on Thursday. They broke into the Clerks office, ripped everything up, then broke into the bishops and smashed his desk to pieces, wrote some nasty stuff on the desks, took a flag and Bible and had a bond fire in the gym and then to finish it all off, they went through almost the whole entire building with a fire extinguisher and had at it. Yeah, it was pretty crazy. We spent the whole day cleaning thick white powder off of everything. You never know how many nooks and crannies are in a building till you have to clean the whole thing haha. However, it could have been so so much worse so we are all very grateful for that.

 On a happier note, the rest of the week went great. We work all day everyday but didn't get in as many lessons as we would have hoped and only one investigator showed up to church. We did a lot of service projects this week though so that was good. Oh, and we also got a new investigator! He is Guillermo's son and he decided to take the lessons. His cousin, who is about ten, joined in the lesson that night and made my heart melt when he started crying. He said that whenever he is with their family he feels closer and closer to God. Mind=blown. The elders in our ward have been having great success too. All together we have around 10 set baptismal dates for August! Rose and Richard probably won't reach their baptismal date at this point because she can't go to church for a while because of her foot, but I feel peace that it will all turn out okay. They are very prepared. I really like my area, so hopefully I won't get transferred in a couple of weeks. I have a feeling that my trainer will, along with another Elder that's been here for over six months. I just want to be here to see everything we've worked so hard for become a reality. Everything is finally taking off, and I know it seems selfish, but I want to be here to see it all.

People here have a lot of health problems. I think about 5 people in our ward are getting surgery in the next couple of weeks. I've also heard of about 15 different cases of dimensha and all timers disease, along with cancer and several weight problems. I realized just how blessed our family has been throughout our lives with really good health. Besides a couple of minor accidents, we've never really dealt with anything major. Not only that, he has blessed us with such an amazing family. I'm so happy that none of us fight or hold grudges and that we all support one another. Ever day I deal with broken families and it makes me so so sad. This week I started a journal listing all of the little miracles in my life. I'd encourage you all to do the same. It really helps you to see just how much the Lord has taken care of us throughout the years. 

Well, I gotta go. I'm doing well, I've got some narly tan lines, and life is great. What more could you ask for? Let me know if there is anything anyone wants us to pray for. I know that might sound strange, but that's about the only help I can give you guys right now but it really works.

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows

Melting Heart

Sounds like Isaac's wedding was a blast. Ben and Jessy sent me a couple of pics. I started laughing really laud in the library when read about our family getting really competitive at croquet. That sounds about right. Hopefully we didn't scare Mindy's family too bad haha. I want to see the professional pics and video when they're done! You guys know how much I love that kinda stuff. I'm glad everything went good though. Sorry I couldn't be there guys but know that I'm where I need to be. 

This week went by super quick.....like always. Nothing super exciting to report other than how great my mission is. I seriously love getting to know so many amazing and generous people. My heart melts every day. They are so selfless and so willing to give their all. Lessons are going great too. All of our less actives and investigators are progressing really well. Our two new investigators were really sick this week but we have a lesson with them this week. 

On Saturday I went on exchanges with my Sister Training Leaders which was super fun. I stayed in my area this time though. That morning as we were walking out to the car all ready to go I chucked the keys to my temporary companion. She then stopped and asked what the heck they were for. I was like "Don't you drive?" She was like "No!" We both just busted out laughing so hard. None of us had been "green dotted" to drive. She was waiting for paper work and I still need to sign some stuff. So yeah, we went inside and called our comps on the phone. They got a kick out of it too. It's funny because the night before we both asked our comps if who we were exchanging with could drive and they both said yes. Long story short, we just walked to our next apt 6 miles away in 110 degree weather. We got a lot of honks and a couple of whistles from the Mexicans haha. We were quite the sight when we finally arrived-all sweaty and red. We had lunch with a recent convert and his wife that day too. When we got back to their house we helped Guillermo out with his family history so that he could take some names to the Temple that night. We also got his wife pretty excited about it too after we were able to connect her line with someone elses and several names popped up. Guillermo had an amazing experience at the temple and loved it so so much. He is this awesome short Mexican guy with the biggest heart. He loves the gospel and is still trying to get his wife to get baptized. It's meeting people like him that makes it all worth it. You see how much people change because of their love for God and desire to learn and live the gospel. It give me butterflies just thinking about it. The members take such good care of us too. The Nielson family has us over every couple of weeks and she always sends us home with things from here garden. Sarah, I have some seeds for you! This lady is a total hippie that has done a lot of research on what she wanted to plant in her garden. She paid really good money for all of her seeds so you can rest assured that they're really good. I'll send you some okay. They're also super hardy so they'll be able to survive your Vegas heat. 

I think one of the best things about being a missionary is getting to hear all of the amazing stories that people share with us. Whether it's their conversion stories or just little miracles throughout their lives. It reminds me that the Lord truly does bless those that follow Him. It's amazing how insignificant some things become when you're out here. I'm starting to really grasp what really matters most in life, and it's not money or possessions-it's family, God, and serving others. I've had some amazing examples to help me learn that. I'm not the least bit perfect at it but I know that I've grown. There's this one guy we're teaching form the Philippians who is just a crack up. You can hardly understand a word he says and it's hard for Him to communicate what He really means, which makes it really hard to discern what he does or doesn't understand, but man oh man, when He bears His testimony or says a prayer you know that he is definitely listening. He says some of thee funniest things ever. We told him on Wednesday that we were going to talk about service, but when we asked him what service was he went on to explain how when you're in a restaurant people serve you food and then yo have self service like at a gas station haha. Not quite what we were thinking of but close enough. He also gives us a little package of cookies or cupcakes whenever we leave. It's people like him that make me love it here.

Well, I gotta go. Know that I love you all so so much. It took being completely cut off from you guys to realize just how much I love and appreciate you all. Don't wait for something similar to happen before you realize it too. Make family you're number one priority!

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows

Update!

How was Isaac's wedding?! I don't even know what day it was...sniff...sniff. Hopefully, it went great. I'd love to hear about it if someone gets the chance. Where was it? Send me lots and lots of pics okay!

 This week has gone by crazy fast so idk if there's much to tell, but I'll try my best. Good news is.....................WE GOT TWO NEW BAPTISMAL DATES!!!! Hurray for miracles! It's Rose and her husband( I mentioned Rose last week) We taught them the restoration again, this time Richard was there, and they both accepted to get baptized on August 30th.I was so so excited. They're so prepared and they have such sweet hearts. She just had surgery so she hasn't been able to make it church yet but when they can I know they will. We have lunch again with them this week so we'll see how they're progressing. Our zone is getting a lot of new investigators too so every one is pretty pumped for the next couple of months. Oh, and it's my two month B-day today!  Time flies by, yet I look back and I feel like I've been out for like a year. Time is super weird here. 

Our ward is still doing great. I love the members so much. There's a Poly family in ward that we have a blast with whenever we go over. They're super funny and always invite us to their parties. The dad grew up New Zealand and he thinks that his dad might have known you dad. Who knows. His name is Bro Tuala-hsifuhefhehfuhihfzzlzlz(something along those lines). We have a dinner with members every night which is great because we get to help them with their missionary work. You all should invite the missionaries over more often emkay. Sam, you should go on splits with them too! You'll love it. I think one of the hardest things about this ward is helping people invite their friends and family to hear about the gospel. We've been trying to come up with new ideas to get investigators through members, but really, we can only do so much. In the end it's up to them to invite their friends. Missionary work can be a wee bit frustrating sometimes haha. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by how much we want to accomplish and how much I feel like I want to improve, but I know that if I work hard the Lord will bless us with what we need. There's so much potential in our area, it just needs a little push to get things really going. This area is actually extremely religious. Almost everyone has a church here because there's one on every corner. It gets competitive haha. Accept some like to play dirty and give out a lot of anti mormon stuff and tell everyone not to talk to us. That can be hard. Southern California is extremely diverse though. I think I've met someone from just about every country you could think of. It's super helpful having a comp that speaks Spanish too because we have a lot of Hispanics. The Elders area ​a lot of Asians so they're trying to learn some Chinese haha. It's all coming along though. 

​Well, sorry I didn't have much to say today. My brain is mush right now, so trying to remember anything is turning out to be quite the fiasco. I never know what I told who or where I wrote what so if I ever repeat or miss anything I apologize before hand haha. Know that I love you all and love hearing from you. I still haven't gotten a hand written letter my whole mission so the first one to send me one gets a prize! However, I love emails too! If you don't like emails send me pics.

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows

Awesome Sauce

Hey family,

What's everyone up to? How is life treating you? One tranfer down, a whole lot more to go. No, I didn't get transferred but my ward mate, Elder Escamilla, did. It was super sad but he's excited to move on. I was glad that I could stay though. I like it here and I've come too far to get transferred now haha. No way man. Guess what! Yolanda accepted a baptismal date!(Que hallelujah chorus) I've never been so excited in my life. She has been investigating for since early this year so to get a date  is a pretty big deal. Her husband got baptized not too long ago and she is so ready but she is still scared about disappointing her dad. Pray that all goes well. We are working with a lot of less-actives right now and a lot of people keep canceling, so out our teaching pool is a wee bit small, but this week all of that is going to change. Booyah. The last half of the year tends to have more baptisms so the next couple of months we should see things start to pick up. So many people are so so close and ready, they just need to keep a couple of commitments. We're at the last stretch with a few people so we'll see how this next transfer goes. We are super busy all the time but at the end of the day you don't have much to prove it. However, no effort is wasted and you never know the influence you might have had on someone. I still have a long way to go as far as teaching skills go, but there is no better feeling in the world then being in a lesson and having the spirit guide your words. Holy awesome. Yeah, it's pretty stinken great out here. Be jealous. Speaking of, Sam when are you going on you mission? You'll love it. 

I'm doing pretty good. I don't mind the work at all, but I do get kinda tired. Really, you just get so busy with everything that you forget that you're tired though. At night it really hits ya though haha. The hardest thing is just keeping up with everything. It can be spiritually exhausting as well. You love all of those you teach so you're constantly trying to figure out how to help them. I love it though. There is nothing that I'd rather be doing with my time. School, work, family and everything else can wait. This is my time to learn how to be the best person that I can be. It's boot camp for life! I get 24 hour training on problem solving, interaction, lesson teaching, getting along with others, relying on the Lord, humility, obedience, etc. etc. Your first comps is like the first child. They're the ones that you make all of the mistakes with but by the last one you finally start to figure it out haha. (idk if that makes sense or not) But, seriously, I've been so blessed. The Lord is definitely watching over me and I know that the lessons I'm learning will be such a blessing for the rest of my life.

But anyways, just wanted to let ya'll know I was doing good. Keep me updated!!!! Seriously, anything you send is like Christmas....but even better.  Know that I love you all and pray every night for ya. Keep being great!

Love ya lots,

Sister Prow

Funny moment of the week: My companion and I go out for a fast walk every other day as part of our exercise and there is always a lot of snails everywhere so we have to be careful not to step on them when we're walking. Well anyway, the other day my comp was in front of me and was pointing out a snail on the sidewalk to make sure I didn't step on it. In the process, she wasn't looking where she was going and and ended up stepping on one just as she tried to save me from stepping on one haha. I was too tired to laugh very hard though.

4th of July

Hey family!!!

How is good old Idaho/ Nevada/ Oregon/ Florida treating you? This week has had it's ups and downs but I'm happy to report that there were more ups than down. Always a good sign, right? 

We've had a lot of people fall through on us this week. The fourth of July isn't so great as a missionary because everyone is either out of town or too busy to talk to you. We even had an early 6pm curfew because of all the drunk drivers so we just did our weekly planning. Most of this week we spent tracting or visiting people instead of lessons and such, but it's all good because we found a few potentials and met some awesome people. On Saturday it was really hot and humid, so to put it nicely we were a pathetic sight. One guy felt really bad for us so he let us in and gave us some water. He was super nice but his wife was Buddhist so we didn't have much luck with him. But, overall it was a pretty good week. We also have a new investigator! Her name is Rose and she is just the cutest thing to walk this earth. I told you guys a little bit about her last time. She is a little older but she's always so happy to see us and just loves to talk and talk. She always says how much she loves us and how cute we are haha. Hopefully, she'll turn into a progressing investigator this week if she keeps her commitment. We have so many people in our area that are just one step away from baptism and are so ready, but for some reason or another just won't take that last little step. It's hard sometimes but I know that it will all work out. 

Transfers are this week so there is a super slight chance that I may not be in this area anymore. Sometimes they move trainees to another trainer half way through the 12 week training program thingy but I really doubt that they'll do that with me. The elders serving in our ward have been here for four transfers and I hear that Chino is the place that they banish you for long periods of time haha. We'll see what happens. I like it here so staying sounds pretty good. We have awesome zone leaders and really good elders in our ward so hopefully they'll stay in banishment for a bit longer. 

I'm doing pretty good as far as training( at least I think I am, maybe not haha) I've been able to develop some solid habits that I know will help me through the next couple of years. I'm still a bit rusty on a lot of things but I know that that will all come with time, practice, diligence, and a whole lota humility. It's amazing how much you learn from mistakes though, and believe me I've made my fair share of them so far. You have to learn to teach simply and powerfully, you're with a stranger you've never met 24/7 plus you have to do everything together including making decisions, you have to keep on schedule and be perfectly obedient.... and all without any sleep. Let's just say that there is still a lot to be learned about each. Mistakes are inevitable when learning something entirely new. I'm not going to lie and say that it's been easy, but I've had so many amazing moments that make it all worth it. If you're not tired than you're not doing it right haha.......I guess I must be doing it right;)  I've almost hit my two month mark which is crazy! The end seems like ages and ages away but it's all going by so fast. When you're working hard time goes by faster. 

It's been amazing to see just how much my Heavenly Father has blessed me. I've learned so much these last couple weeks and I know that I will continue to do so. He is is very aware of us and what we need. He loves us and wants only what's best for us. He is infinitely patient and infinitely loving. It's never too late to turn your life over to Him. That's why the Atonement is so amazing, because it allows us to be better every day and gives us the opportunity to get up whenever we may fall. Messing up doesn't disqualify you to practice anymore. He is always there with open arms and pure love. I've seen that many times while I've been out. Not only with me, but with those I've been able to teach. The gospel changes people and helps them to become better. Being a part of that has been such an amazing gift that could never be replaced. There is nothing better that I could be doing with my time right now and I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me. Know that I love you all! I've been so blessed with such an amazing family and I can't wait to hear from you all. Keep me updated haha.

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows

Wuz Up!

This week totally flew by. I seriously can't believe that it's P-day again. I'll try my best to say everything I want to in my short little couple of minutes haha.
 We had our four week meeting for all of the new missionaries and their trainers this last week. I got to see all of my MTC buddies and old comp so it was way fun. Turns out I wasn't the only one going through some crazy stuff haha. They all looked exhausted. I also got to go on exchanges on Saturday with the sister training leaders. It was super fun and really nice to get out of my area and learn some new things. Sister Shaw, the one I went out with, is from Treemonton(I have no idea if I spelled that right) Utah! We know a lot of the same people and everything. It was a pretty awesome connection. She is so cute and super sweet and I learned so much from her in just a day. It's nice to see a lot of different ways of doing things so that you can figure out what you like best.  I still have a lot to learn from my comp but it was nice getting some new ideas. Oh, cool story. When I was on exchanges we went to go see this guy named Robert. His roommate answered the door and said that he wasn't there so we just started talking to him about some of what we believe and invited him to church. He didn't seem that into it so I didn't think much of it. Well, last night the STL's called us and told me that he went to church and now he's a new investigator! Too bad he's not in my area haha but that's okay. This week was really busy but nothing much happened. You work so hard everyday and then when you add up the numbers for the week it looks like you did hardly anything. Key indicators don't show how hard you worked at all here. Because most of the lessons or conversations don't count as anything, so that kinda stinks. All of you RM's know what I'm talking about haha. 

You all should be very proud of me. Because English is my comp's second language, I have to talk really clear all of the time so I'm always super contentious of how I pronounce things now. I think the habit is sticking because I haven't heard a "what?" in quite awhile haha. It's like my own version of the gift of tongues. People always ask where I'm from though because they think I have an accent. I think sister Wihongi rubbed off on me or something.
 I'm happy to announce that I'm doing really good lately. Everything is really clicking and my comp and I are really getting along well. I've learned to appreciate her a lot more as time goes on. Having a lazy comp as a trainer would be miserable for me. I've been very blessed with several teaching opportunities since I've been here, which is pretty rare according to what I've been hearing lately in other places. Looking back, I know that the Lord has blessed me so much. He knew that I needed to be where I'm at and who I'm with. It's funny how we miss so many things in the moment, and then looking back you wonder how you could be so blind as to not realize things. In the mission you get more humbling experiences then you would sometimes care for, but when you learn to be grateful for them they turn into blessing instead of burdens. I've only been out for a little over 40 days, but I've learned so much. I know I have a very long way to go and still so much to learn  but I'm grateful for the many blessings that have come to me in such a short time. I thought I knew a lot about the scriptures before I came out......wrong. Turns out I haven't even scratched the surface, on anything really. But I know that all of the little choices I've made through out the years have really prepared me so much for a mission. My transition wasn't as hard as a lot of the people I know and all of those early morning seminary classes are starting to pay off. It's the little things that matter in the end. Anywho, so much to learn, so little time.

Thanks so much to all those who have sent me pics and emails. I really appreciate them so so much. They're the only thing familiar or comforting when you're out on a mission haha. I pray for you all every night and hope that all is well. Keep me updated haha. 

Second Email

Hey Family.....and whoever else reads this thing!

I'm so sorry about last weeks half letter. I had no idea that the computer at the library shuts off after an hour so I'm like just taking my time and it turns off..yeah no bueno. Anyway, I never got to finish it but I hope you enjoyed the half letter haha. So I'm just going to start where I left off.

So yeah, that first week was tough for me but at the same time I had so many amazing experiences. We are teaching a young mom who really wants to get baptized but because of a bunch of past things she has to get permission from the first presidency of the church. It's kind of taking forever which is hard because she is so ready and willing but she is being a total gem and sticken it out. She has been through more than you could ever imagine and yet she still managed to change her life around. Looking at her you would have never guessed that last year she was homeless. She is pregers and divorced but the coolest part is that she is having a girl and is due in October-just like Julia! We have been working with a lot of less-actives and have been hunting people down like crazy. They aren't there 95% of the time but when we do actually find people it turns out to be a great experience for everyone. Sometimes I feel like the church nazi because everyone always feels like they have to give us excuses as to why they aren't there, but really, we just wanted to stop by and see how they were doing haha. I feel bad sometimes that they think that but we are working on changing it. It's been really hard for me to see just how much people suffer.  We teach people with some pretty tough backgrounds I tell ya. All I can say is don't do drugs people! It will ruin your life and everyone around you. But on the other hand, it's amazing to see how the gospel can help people turn their life around and make them into some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet. It's been an eye opener, that's for sure.

 Our ward is pretty stinken great too. There are a lot of old people but they are all so nice. Lets just say that we never go hungry and never will haha. There is the funniest little old lady named grandma June( it's a requirement to call her grandma) that we always visit. She is the cutest thing to walk this earth. She's blind which is really hard on her, considering that she used to be an amazing artist and porcelain doll maker. She's made over 300! She reminds me a lot of Aunt Corolyne actually.But if ever you need a snack or you're having a sugar craving you know that you can always drop by her place. Our ward mission leader is amazing but unfortunately he leaves next month which is really too bad but I'm sure they'll get someone good.

 There are two sets of missionaries in our ward-us and a set of Elders. They are pretty great too. The work is slowly but surely progressing here in California. Oh btw, my area is Chino Hills if anyone was wondering. I also have a car......Hallelujah! My poor old comp got sent to the middle of no where-literally but my area is really nice. There is a huge Asian and Hispanic population so having a comp that speaks Spanish has been a life saver. She is pretty great too. We didn't click at first but as time has gone on I've learned to appreciate her a lot more. She works really hard and is exactly obedient. Yeah, you don't mess with her schedule, but she is the so sweet and loves being a missionary. I'm still trying to catch up with her haha. It was hard adjusting to her personality at first but I have come to really love her. She was born in Argentina but grew up in Spain, which is kind of awesome, not gonna lie. So I'm happy to report that all is well as far as my comp goes.

My area is amazingly gorgeous. The whole landscape is just hills and we have an amazing view of the mountains. My favorite part is that they have a farmers market with really cheap produce and international supplies! I was one happy camper when I found that place. I was bummed about not sending my email last week but as we were on our way to go and find a Sprouts we found that little gem. It will never replace Sprouts, but it came really close. My area reminds me a lot of Florida in all honesty. The houses, the people, the weather, everything.

I love the gospel so much! Missionary work isn't easy, but it's always worth it. The Lord has blessed me so much these last couple of weeks. I'm finally getting adjusted! It was hard at first but I can truly say that I love it. The gospel is true. I have some amazing stories that I can't wait to share with you all when I get home...in like forever, but I'll try to keep you updated

Well, the time has come. I have to go but know that I love you all. Send me lots of letters because you love me haha.

Love,

Sister Prows

First Field Email

Hey Familia!!!!

I have o much to tell you I don't even know where to begin! This week has been byond crazy....and scary... and hectic, but it's also been so amazing. 

We woke up bright and early(3:00 am) Tuesday to f\get to the bus on time. Our flight didn't leave for another like four hours but they had to drive us and all that jazz. I was feeling really sick the whole morning which was a bummer but I got over it. Btw I felt really bad that I wasn't able to call you all. I had to bumm a calling card off an elder just to talk to mom for a couple of minuetes. Long story short, a bunch of things happened and I wasn't able to call =( But just know that I love you all. We flew into Ontario where our mission President was waiting with his wife to pick us all up. We had a lovely day full of training and interviews. They took us all to the mission home for dinner and I dominated at uno and ping pong....actually I knind of cheated haha. Don't follow my example. It was so wierd knowing that we were actually there! It still feals like I'm not even here. We even got to go to bed an hour early that night!!!!!! Man did I need it. The next day everyone met at the mssion office/chapel for more training and comp swap. There were five of us new sisters and five trainers so we were guissing who would get who, only they made us wait until the end of the afternoon before we actually found out! What the who ha hey. When the time actually did come and they called my name the Pres said something about her being from Spain and me having to speak Spanish so I thought that they had changed my mission language. So then as I'm getting my stuff together to go give her a hug and meet her I say" Wait. am I really?"  and they Pres. is like" Really what" and I'm like "learning Spanish" and he like starts laughing. So no I'm not learning Spanish haha. So yeah, my comp is from Spain! Her name is Sister Schaffhouser-Mermoz, and no I could not for the life of me pronounce of remeber it for like two days. I just called her sister in hopes that she wouldn't notice haha. I know right, so smooth. She is really nice though. She keeps me in line and on time that's for sure haha.

So that evening we headed to Chino Hills(my area) and went straight to an appointment. Although, we showed up five minuetes early and my comp made me knock on my first doorm-Holy Scary......okay actually I lied, it wasn't scary haha. We just had a chat, she said she was catholic, we gave her a card and then went on our way. The end. Okay so you have to know that one of the only comforting things about that day was when I figured out that talking to people isn't scary haha. Once I got that over with everything was fine. The appointment went awesome (because she likes boats and I could actually talk to her about something I knew a few things about haha). I actually loved it in all honosty. I felt like an actual missionary!!!! Wahoo for confidence boosts. That night we had dinner with a family of redheads who just moved into town haha. It was fun and we left them with a nice challange and message. By the time everything was over, we had to head back home. We live with a member btw. She is single, a sheriff,  and loves her nick nacks but is really nice. That night was pretty tough for me. Reality of what I was there for set in 

She's Here!

Dear Prows Family,

Sister Prows is here and she is safe! How fun to have another Rexburg missionary with us! She stayed with us at the mission home the first night, but is now in her new area. You should hear from her on Monday.

Thank you for sharing her with us. She is delightful and will be a great missionary.

President and Sister Hobbs
CA Rancho Cucamonga Mission

Wuzz up!?

Hey family,

I'm not dead.....yet. Although if this whole no sleep thing keeps going on for much longer I just might be haha. I leave in less than 24 hours for the mission field! . It feels like I'm just going to be here forever so the thought of leaving is kind of freaking me out. I'm nervous, but I know it will all be fine.  

 This week has been......interesting/hard/amazing haha. Other than being exhausted 24/7 and falling asleep walking I'm doing really good. I've had a couple of hard days but overall I'm doing really well. I love my teachers to death, but apparently they don't love us back because all three of them either moved or got the flue. I think there is something going around in the teachers lounge or something hehe. Classes never cease to amaze. I love them so much, role plays and all. I feel so blessed though. I'm finding strength to do things I never knew I could do. Sometimes it gets tough but when I remember why I'm here it makes it all worth it. The Lord is truly mindful of all of us.

Memories of the week: So my companion went to go turn off the light one night and when she was trying to find her way back to the bed in the dark she tripped over her suitcase and face planted onto her bed. She wasn't hurt but it was stinken hilarious. Also our investigator kept falling asleep during our lesson haha. She was trying so hard to stay awake but it got the best of her. Sister Wihongi(she's the one from Australia) has taught us some pretty funny phrases. She says the most hilarious, random things all the time. Now whenever we need to go to the bathroom we just say that we "need to toilet". Our Elders also made up a rap that involved all of our names. So we have Sister Wihomgi, Coable, Rietz, and Prows. And this is what they came up with-" Wihungri so we went to get some Rietz crackers but instead went on the Prows for some peach Caubler" haha.(It sounded way funnier when they told us than in writing)

Well, I have to peace out and blow this taco stand, but I love you all. I must admit I don't think about you much haha but I stilll love ya.

Toodles,

-Sister Prows

Ps. To all you Canadian friends, I see Elder Meirhead all the time. I still haven't seen Elder Shafer, but hopefully I'll see him before I leave.

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JULIA IS HAVING A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so stinken excited when I found out.I think I scared my companion when I screamed in the cafeteria haha. I totally knew it was a girl. Why did anyone ever doubt me haha. 

Everyone stay by your phone tomorrow morning. I'm not exactly sure what time I'll call but it might be a bit early

hELLO!!!

Hey family!

Man oh man, where to start? First off, I'm doing awesome! I haven't even broke down crying yet haha. I'm not really feeling that overwhelmed at all in all honosty. People keep telling me it's okay to cry and have break downs but I'm just fine. Yes it's alot of work but nothing I can't handle. The only thing I need more of is sleep haha. I always feel like a zombie in the morning and don't look far from it. Classes are amazing and I love our teachers. They help us so much and I can tell that they really care. There are 14 of us headed to Rancho cucamonga on the 3rd and alot of them are in my district. Actually, every single person in my district is going to Rancho so it's pretty awesome. I also really like our zone. Everyone got a bad first impression but once we got to know them they were really coool. A couple of them are going to Winnipeg and instead cars they snowmobiles. I didn't believe them at first. We are going to the complete opposite. Apparently this is going to be a rally hot summer in RC so I'm trying to enjoy the AC while I can. 

Classes are going really good. We do lots of role plays but I've learned to love and appreciate them. Teaching is definitely something that you learn by making mistakes and lots of practice. I never knew how hard it was to explain the gospel simply so that eveyone can understand. It's so easy to just fire hose info at them and expect them to get it all. Our teachers are our pretend continuing investigators, so everyday they get into the role and we have to go teach them. We get our first semi-real investigator tonight so I'm crossing my fingers that it goes well. I'd say the hardest thing about the MTC is keeping the fire going. It's so easy when you're tired to just wonder off into your own little world, especially when you're in the classroom for over 11 hours a day. I've definitely had to challenge myself to do the best I can everyday. It feels like I'll be here forever but I know one day I'll have to go out and do it fa realz. Sometimes I just get stuck on what to study or say

 I love my companion Sister Rietz! She was up at BYUI too but we never saw each OTHER.. We were actually friends on facebook but she didn't remember haha. She saw me on the RC fb page for moms and added me but eventually forgot about it. There are two companionship of sisters all together in my district but we consider ourselves to be one big one. There is a sister from New Zealand who I adore to death.She is so sweet and super funny. I call her my little auzie cheeks haha. How I came up with that I will never know. I could listen to her talk all day and never get sick of it. She has lived in Australia for the last ten years or so in Brisbane so she has a good mix of both accents....not that they're much different. Sister Cauble is pretty dag awesome too. She is super nice and fun to be around. 

I have definitely had to rely on the Lord for all my strength and He hasn't disappointed. It's amazing how much I've been able to retain even though everything is crazy in classes. I've been so blessed with the Spirit and I can feel it guiding me. I want to work on not being so hard on myself when I mess up. I keep thinking that I have to be a perfect teacher and missionary right now but I know that not even God expects that of me. I've been doing better though and I'm getting really good at not letting it get me down. God is watching over me for sure.

 

Thank you everyone for the email and pics! I love them so much. I'm sorry I couldn't respond individually.

-Sister Prows

I'm Okay!

Hey mam and pappy,

I'm supposed to write you a quick note telling you that I'm okay. I love it here so far. My companion is amazing and so fun. I will have more time to write Monday but I just wanted to let you know all is well. I am really feeling the power of my calling and I'm surprised how much easier it is to learn and teach. Give my love to everyone.......and tell them to write me before Monday haha. I finally 

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows

This is her companion! I LOVE YOUR DAUGHTER! Thank you for raising such an amazing person! I learn so much from her everyday! Love you, (even though I don't know you.) -Sister Rietz (Ritz)