Progress!

 June 29, 2015 

What is up?! Hope you all are as snazzy as ever. Life here in the Arabian desert is as great as ever. The people are still crazy and I'm still crazy for loving it. 

For the first time ever we went back to Nicole's and she wasn't falling apart! Hurray! She was actually calm and hopeful. Hopefully we will be able to get her into a house that another less active is renting out and she finally went back to court to get the money from her husband that he owed from not paying child support. Progress! I loved giving the lesson because I knew that her heart was more open to trusting God. God really is watching out for us all. 

We went and helped sister Lair work on the rental again. Man, I love that lady. She has gone through anything and everything but she is still so generous and kind. She is my definition of charity. I love doing service too. It always makes me so happy. It is a sure way to lift your spirits.

 Laura is also doing a lot better. She is recovering well and her kids even came to church yesterday. Progress! It was a tender little moment for me. We were all squished on a little pew, all comfy. It made me miss the good old days when that was all of us taking up the whole middle pew. They were so well behaved and the members were so good about welcoming them and involving them during classes. 

I went to a mission leadership training meeting this week. We talked about how to help those around us help themselves and how God works the same way. We don't pray for him to take away all of our challenges, but we pray for the strength to overcome them and change our circumstances. It was a great life lesson. I love little things like that. It was pretty great.

In all honesty that is the only thing I can think of that is worth mentioning. haha. We had some good exchanges but other than that it is just same old .....that, and I'm running out of time:D

Love ya lots!

-Sister Prows

Coyote's are nasty 

My Poor

Mansoon season, planet of the dogs, and transfer doctrine

June 22, 2015 

Ok. so last Monday I had this awesome email and right as I was about to send it but my computer turned off on me because I was out of time. Smooth, I know. So yeah, sorry about that. I know that I spoiled your most exciting event of the week;)

So first off, I gotta tell ya a crazy story! Are you ready for this awesomeness?! Let me hear a YEAH! Ok, so once upon a time in the blistering hot deserts of California there lived two missionaries. One day all of their appointments fell through and they were looking and looking but couldn't find anyone. So they decided to get out of the car and just walk to the next person on there list. Just as they were about 100 feet away the person that they were planning to go see pulled out the driveway. Just their luck eh. but wait! There's more! looking around and concluding that there was only like two houses on the whole street without a fence and a huge dog, Sister Prows randomly decided to go knock on a random door. Her comp cried out "Well that was random" and she smugly replied" Missionary work is random." So they walk up to the door and their two bull mastives the size of elephants start barking there minuscule brains out. We knocked our lucky 7 knocks, waited, waited some more, an ALAS! He opens......only the stinken dogs wouldn't stop barking so they had to yell at his face. So finally after a really awkward first few minute the dogs are finally quiet and they proceed to talk with him. Long story short, they ended up sitting down on the patio and teaching him and now he is an investigator who wants to be baptized! And then they lived happily ever after. Taduh!!!!!! Man, I should write a book. So yeah, moral of the story, follow the little thoughts and never give up too soon. You'll miss out on miracles. I swear though, dogs are taking over the world. (No offense Sarah;D) But man, they are taking over the world. I saw a sign the other day that said "My dogs aren't spoiled, I'm just well trained" ha! No kidding. Na, I'm just bitter because they mess things up all the time and they keep attacking us on our bikes haha. Anyway, now that I'm done with that rant........I will go off on another!

We had a crazy rain storm. If you all didn't know, Cali is in  major drought because the East coast is being mean and stealing all of our water, but the other day it rained like no ones business. There was literally rivers blocking all of the roads and main street was completely flooded. It's not like there are any storm drains so it was pretty crazy. It was funny though because my comp hates, and I mean hates, water so she was freaking out. She drove out of that thing so fast. haha. It was funny because we would drive a block to where it wasn't raining, wait 10 seconds and it would catch up. We did it over and over. We thought it was pretty amusing. You get desperate for entertainment out here if you can't tell. 

The weather here has been in the 100's every day besides that so no biking this week. We can barely make it to our car without passing out from heat stroke. Actually I'm just a sissy. But when it is super hot and you get into AC it is really hard not to get sleepy. We teach a lot of old people that talk for hours and their homes are always dark so I have this thing were the moment I walk in, all of the sudden I need to sleep. I don't of course but it takes everything in my willpower not to haha. I have to stare at them like a deer in the headlight or I'll fall asleep. They probably wonder why I make such weird facial expressions. haha. But I'm surviving. Just always super super tired. My comp went to the bathroom and by the time that she came out I was knocked out cold on the desk hehe. 

So, the work has been kinda slow and I always wondered why. I have an amazing comp and we both work really hard. That should equal lots of work, right? Well, in this area not so much. We haven't been able to meet with all of our investigators for awhile and we aren't having much luck finding. Sometimes I wondered if it was something that I was lacking or I wasn't working hard enough, but God has been teaching me an important lesson. I don't think that I would have grown nearly as much as I have if everything in my life was easy. I wouldn't have to strive to figure things out or improve at the rate I needed to. The hardest times are often the times where I learn the most about God. When I have to get down on my knees, study like no tomorrow and try with all my little might to improve my teaching skills. It was through hard times that I learned the root of my weaknesses and where I need to improve the most, but I also learned how to truly overcome those. He is teaching me hope, diligence and patience. I know that good things always come out of hard times. If God wanted me to convert thousands and get me into doors and make all of those other things happen He could, but H e wants to make sure that I'm converted as well and it is through those hard times, and the good, that I become that converted missionary. I know that I've said this before, but the missions really are for the missionaries more than anyone, but it is through serving and giving ourselves to others that we find that conversion. That's why all of the rules and guidelines are so important, because they keep us focused on others and not ourselves. I would never trade the mission for anything. I can honestly say that it was the best decision of my life

Just so you all know, I'm staying with my same comp in the same area. It will be great. We are going to make miracles happen and turn this area around. It's going to be epic!

Thanks so much for everything! 

lOVE ya lots.......and don't you forget it!

-Sister Prows

Our plan to visit that less active we quickly halted

I held a snake! It like choked me me to death 

We painted a tree for everyone to put their thumbprint on when they come for exchanges. 

I’m Officially Mexican

June 8, 2015 

Monday I learned that Hawaiian BBQ is really good. Tuesday, I did a training on the role of the Book of Mormon in drawing us closer to Christ. It was really nerve racking, as always, but I learned so much while I prepared it. I learned that the reason why it helps us so much is because we come to know his character, what he needs us to do, and the why of the gospel. Our trust in Him grows because we come to know Him more personally. We also taught Danny again. He has gotten into a lot of anti stuff so that has kinda halted his progression. Curse you google! But the Spirit keeps telling him to hear what we have to say so hopefully this week his hear t will be a bit more open to our message. 

We also saw sista Love. That poor lady has been through just about everything that you can think of. I swear, all of our less actives and investigators are going through a divorce or an abusive relationship of some sort. I had no idea that so many people went through things like that. That is one of the hardest parts for me at least-seeing people suffer and being powerless to do anything about it other than give them some hope and comfort. Sometimes I feel like giving those abusers a taste of their own medicine. There is plenty of desert out here so no one will ever know. right? haha, jk. But man, there is so much abuse in this world. We are so blessed to have the family that we have though. Good families are becoming more and more rare I feel. Satan is attacking our families so much thses days. That's why we have to put on our armor every day and do the simple things that help us make good decisions. 

On Thursday we went to old town Victorville for a service project. Turns out that they didn't have it that day so we went to go find this little whole in the wall Mexican place. I don't know if I've ever mentioned this or if anyone knows, but there is a huge homeless community down on the dried riverbed of the Mojave River. They all live in tents and shacks. So many of them have families and everything but no where to go, so they live there. People think that it's all their fault and if they really wanted it bad enough they could get out of it, but it's really not that simple. People get evicted and don't have the several hundred to move into a new home so they end up on the street. We know a sister who will end up in the same situation with her 4 kids if she can't find work soon. It makes me so sad to see that in our own country. I am very grateful for the church though, that gives so many people that needed support. It all reminds me to count my blessings and Fully develop an attitude of gratitude. 

On Wednesday I went on exchanges with the Hermanas from the Spanish ward. It was so fun. I was like a deer in the headlights to almost everything that was going on and to what in the world anyone was saying. Apparently I look like a Latina so people automatically start speaking Spanish. haha. My comp is obsessed with Mexican food and I have eaten so much of it lately that I think I'm turning into a Mexican. 

So funny story! I got my bike from the storage unit down in Rancho when we went to MLC. Man, we were so excited! I was all ready to go with my nerdy helmet and everything. We set out on our epic adventure across the hilly desert, destined for greatness and then............I popped a tire. haaa. About five minutes in I ran over something and didn't know what it was so I just kept on going. About 2 miles down the road we stopped at a stop sign and I heard a pppppssssssss. Dang it! So we walked home. And thus ended the biking adventures for the week. FAIL.

So yeah, I know that  told you at the beginning that this would be short but half way through I changed my mind and remembered all of the wonderful things that happened this week. No lie, I could go on forever but I'm scared that if my letters get too long that you'll give up on reading them....if you haven't already. haha. Love you all! 

Peace out!

Sister Prows

My first nap in 7 months, exchanges, more exchanges, boss planting skills, and trucks

June 1, 2015 

Man, This week was so fun. Yesterday I went to Phelan on exchanges with Sister Otuofi. She is from Tonga and just about the nicest person you'll ever meet. So I'll tell you a little something about Phelan. Picture this. No paved roads, all the houses are either super super nice or super super ghetto, no street signs, no people out and and more Joshua trees than you could ever count. Yep, that's Phelan. It was epic! And guess what! I drove a big ol' truck. Haa. It was like a really really bumby roller coaster. I was laughing the whole time because it was just so fun. Just picture two sister missionaries blowin through the desert with M tab blasting, catching air on every sand dune we blew over. haha. no not really, but in my little mind that's how I felt. We even drove like 15 miles to get to dinner. I think their driveway was about two miles long and they fed us Russian food. Yep, it was a good day. We decided that when I get home, I'm going to go to Tonga and visit her and she will show me how to climb a coconut tree and make Otii and Sapasui. See, that's the cool thing about serving a mission- you can travel the world and have someone to stay with wherever you go! 

I also went on exchanges with Sister West. I think we almost passed out from heat stroke but other than that it was a good day. I always learn so much from the Sisters! They are amazing and I'm so happy that I have the chance to get to know them.

On Monday the members that we had dinner with sent us home with blueberries and whipped cream. Bad idea! Never give whipped cream to missionaries. They go crazy. We decided to test out our mad skillz and see if we could catapult whipped cream and catch it in out mouths. The first try it totally went over my head and I almost face planted into our fence. FAIL. The second time it still went over my head only this time I tripped on a weed and totally biffed it in the dirt. DOUBLE FAIL. We both went inside covered in whipped cream, dirt and weeds. It was great.

On Thursday we did some more planting at Sqaush4friends. By the time I get home my thumbs will be permanently green. I'm so excited to start a garden someday. It's one of the only times during the week when we can get super dirty and wear pants so we take full advantage of it. We always leave dirty and smiling. 

Yesterday I woke up with a bad cold. I didn't even fall asleep during church! You all should be so proud of me. Nevertheless, by the time I got home my comp literally forced me to go to bed. I tried to escape but she wouldn't let me. So I eventually gave in and had the best 3 hours nap ever. I can't even remember the last time I took a nap in all honesty. 

So yeah, that was my week. We worked really hard I promise. I continue to learn so much every day from everyone we meet. We really do have the opportunity to bless peoples life every day. I love meeting so many wonderful people and their inspiring stories. I've realized that everyone in our lives will go through a lot trials but with them there are also so many miracles and blessings that help us all get through it. God is very aware of each and every one of us and He knows what we're going through. Everyone at some point in their lives will have their faith tested, but I know that as we rely on Him He will give us the strength to get through it.

I gotta go but I love you all!!!!! Thanks for all the love and support

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows

Big Ol’ Lizards, Bowling, and Blessings

May 26, 2015

Man, this week has felt like 3. I went on exchanges with my new favorite person, Sister Brown. She took my place in my last ward and she is doing great. I loved being in my old area! It was so fun to see all of my favorite people again. 

Monday, Sister Cromwell and I went bowling. It was epic and I discovered my mad skilz....not really but it was really fun. Oh and yesterday we caught a really huge lizard...ok it was only like 7 inches but it was still big. It was really fun but it almost jumped on me when it crawled out and for the first time ever my comp saw me freak out. haha. We felt pretty accomplished.
We were blessed with 2 new investigators this week! One is Daniel and the other is Mano. They are tough cookies but I love teaching them.

Darn! My time just ran out. I'll finish next week but know that I love you all! thanks for all of the support and encouragement. It means more than you could ever know!

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows

Cupcakes, Exchanges, and Really Big Desert Trees

May 18, 2015

This week was a blur. It went by way too fast. I can't believe that this transfer is already 1/3 of the way over. What the who ha hey. I  hit my year mark on Thursday! It's that crazy!?  I love being an STL though. I went on my first exchange on Saturday and I had no idea what I was doing but I survived. I stayed in my area and since I haven't been here that long it was kinda hard planning and whatnot but we managed to get along just fine. I love learning from all of the other Sisters. That night when we went to exchange back I saw that the other Sisters were still sitting in the car talking. Me being the horrible person that I am decided to get payback to my comp so I snuck up to their car and got right below the passenger window then I popped up and screamed. Oh my goodness gracious. I almost peed my pants laughing. I scared the heebie Geebies out of them and man did they scream bloody murder. They live in an extra sketchy part of Victorville so it made it even better. You should have seen their faces. haha.

We have a couple of Sisters way way out in the booonies over in Phelin. So we went and had lunch with them this week. It was fun being outside of the area in the middle of no where. 

I also made cupcakes for my old comp for her birthday so we took them to Zone Meeting. 

I can't really think of anything else other than missionary stuff. haha. We met some super cool people this week. I think that that is what I love most about my mission. You would be proud of me though, I contacted a guy on a horse and 4 hippies outside on their lawn. haha. It was great. 

Well, Love you all! Send me lots of pictures ok! 

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows

Double Baptisms and Best Mother’s Day Ever

May 11, 2015 

Man oh man, I loved talking to everyone yesterday! I'm glad to see that none of you have changed. haha. Still the same only crazy sarcastic family. Love you mom! 

This week was wonderful! I love my new area. It is going to be a challenging area but it will be good too. We have lots and lots of old people but they are all super genuine, down to earth, good people. The area has also been picking up and we have some good people that we are working with. This week flew by so so fast and it was really nice because we were able to stay really busy. It's nice, but at the same time it makes my mission go by way too fast.  I remember last year yesterday I was giving my mothers day/supposed to be farewell talk. Crazy how time fly......but at the same time I go through all of my areas and it feels like it was years ago.

I love being an STL so far. It finally hit me when we were going over the logistics of exchanges and whatnot. I realized that I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing! Hurray for cluelessness. I'm sure that it's going to get even better when we do exchanges on Saturday, then I'll really be clueless. It's all good though. God's got this. I get to give my first Zone Meeting training tomorrow so we'll see how that goes. It's on how our correct beliefs and self worth increase our effectiveness and actions as missionaries. If we believe that we can do it then by George we'll do it. We have this cool "control model" that we run a beliefs through to see if it is correct and to help us to change our incorrect beliefs about what we can do and how they really do affect us. It's going to be really fun showing everyone. I'm really nervous though. I also had my first MLC down in Rancho with all of the other zone leaders and stl's. I felt kinda weird and inadequate being there hehe but I loved everything the President taught us.

Saturday was Gilbert's baptism! Hurray! Woot woot! Booya! He is the first person that I have ever found taught and baptized. The Spirit was so strong at his baptism. Bro Moore, a really awesome recent convert baptized him. Santa Fe ward also found like 4 new investigators since I left. I'm so happy for them. One of them is Gilbert's friend! He is a super awesome missionary already. Aleece also got baptized later that day. She is a child of record but I still taught her since she doesn't have much background in the church. She is a cutie. We snuck in for the confirmation yesterday morning before ward council. He looked so happy. It's cool to be a part of something life changing like that and what an amazing blessing. I grew as well. I can't believe how good I feel and how seeing others happy makes me happy. You go through the ups and downs with them but in the end it all turns out. 

Throughout the week while we plan and whatnot we have been making little mothers day handouts. We cut out these cute little cone flowers and stick a chocolate kiss in it and attached it to a mothers day quote. I was really happy with how they turned out and we made a lot of really old ladies happy. haha. Old people have the best reactions.

I know that the Lord is aware of each and every one of us and that He is mindful of every little thing in our lives. He really does love us. ....and I love you too!

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows