May 11, 2015

Hey everybody!!!

I can't tell if time has moved super fast or super slow. I can't keep track of the days anymore.

My MTC companion left may 4 so I was in a trio with my other roommates who also were coming to the OTM.

Monday and Tuesday were kind of slow because we didn't have our district leaders or anyone else to have class with. Our teacher came for class on Monday afternoon and the 4 of us started singing. After one line Sister Barton (our teacher) just started laughing at our lack of singing skills. It was hilarious. We didn't sing much after that. :)

We left the MTC at 4 am after waiting for some of the Elders in our mission to get on the bus. They never made the bus because they slept in. It was pretty funny even if the President didn't think so. We got to the mission home about 1 on Wednesday. President and Sister Shumway and the Assistants picked us up from the airport. It was such a long day. We hung out at the mission home, filled out papers, watched the video on safe driving. Nothing too exciting but it was good. They fed us amazing brisket and beans. Best meal of my life. We found out who our trainers were and what are we were going to. I am in Bolivar, MO. The ward boundaries are our boundaries so It is bigger than just Bolivar city. My trainer/companion is Sister Booms. She is pretty great! We are both new to the area. We left the mission home about  5:30 am Thursday and traveled to different transfer stops then waited for a ride from the members to our areas. We left the transfer point at 1 pm and got to our apartment. We live on the 3rd floor and the doors to the porch were wide open. We have found out that the wind blows them open, even when they are locked. We have had to shove our table in front of the doors so they stay closed. So far we have only had one tornado warning which is good.

After getting in the apartment, we go through the area book with everyones names and we find a post-it that says we have an appointment at 5. That's in like 3 hours. No bueno! We read through her sheet find out that she's been to church for a year, about 13/14 yrs old. and has had one previous lesson. We meet her at the church and start teaching her. She has also read the whole bible and is almost done with the Book of Mormon. She prayed about a baptism date and feels it should be this upcoming Saturday, so... we have a baptism on Saturday. It is great! She has such a strong testimony of the gospel and is just incredible.

We got a referral from a member in Stockton (not our area) and said his friend John wants to start taking the lessons with his family. His friend lives in Bolivar so we met with him on Saturday and he has like 6 grandkids (9-15yrs old probably) that he has adopted and they all want to be baptized. They start talking to us and tell us that their goal is to go to the temple so they can have an eternal family. They start talking about how long it's going to take to hear all the lessons and when they can be baptized. The dad is super great! He was just telling his kids that this is their decision and don't be afraid to ask questions on anything. The members who referred us to them were also there when we came over. They just kept bearing their testimony and are all so great. We meet with them on Wednesday for dinner and a lesson. They are an amazing family! I am excited to continue teaching them. It is going to be amazing.

We have just been focusing on meeting the members and the investigators. Our ward mission leader is absolutely amazing and keeps sending us names of people to visit. Everything is all new so I have definitely gotten homesick but through prayer and priesthood blessings it has been better. I am so thankful for Skype and the wonderful bishop for letting me use his computer and for feeding us dinner. We have an amazing ward. Always pray to know who to help and be supportive of the missionaries in your area. It makes everything so much better. Members are the key!

We went over to dinner at one of the members house's on Saturday and the Husband had bought us so many groceries. We have ramen, cup of noodles, and cookies for life. They are the sweetest couple. I love them.

Pray and read the book of Mormon every day. they are both miracles to have in your life. I couldn't be on mission without the love and guidance of my Heavenly Father. If you need help or guidance in you life, don't be afraid to ask. He will pour down the blessings! I am so thankful for all the love. I feel it every day. Being a missionary is so hard but it is possible through the help of our Savior. I love this gospel so much! It can bless us all.

Love you and miss you!

Sister Frederickson