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