Well we are working hard and seeing the results. We taught the most lessons out of our whole zone. That’s pretty neat to say when you’re a sister missionary. Sister Ryder and I always seem to notice how by being obedient we can feel the spirit stronger.
Easter was great we had Angela show up with her mom. Angela has some social problems ( and some more) so she stuck around us. She feels like the roles in the LDS are unfair. We prayed for her and wanted some of her underlining questions answered. As we were sitting there in Sunday school the lesson was on Family Responsibilities. It was perfect. She was really intrigued so we let her barrow the Gospel Principles book and went or the next day and she had read half of the book. She understands but feels like she is not suppose to raise a family under her disabilities. Her mom has some mental problems and doesn’t want her kid to turn out like her own family. It was sad and emotional with both Angela and Remy (sisters).
They both told us that we were so lucky to grow up in the circumstance of an organized family in the gospel. We had them read from the Strength of Youth pamphlet. We all disused how wonderful life would have been to have learned simple guild lines in their youth. Even as simple as using appropriate language or not smoking or drinking. I guess this just really made me think how incredible grateful I am for the choices that have been made and how blessed we are to have such wonderful siblings, parents, grandparents, great grandparents and so on and so forth. This gospel really does bless families and it all starts within the walls of our own homes. It reminds me of Nephi and how he was born of goodly parents and how I was born of goodly parents. Who taught me everything I needed to know to have eternal happiness, you diffidently did your responsibility. I am eternally grateful for you all. Man my heart is swelling with love for my family right now.
That reminds me that when Laura got baptized/confirmed she said her heart was warm but that she was cold. The other day in District meeting Elder Poulton was reading from 3 Nephi 11 and for some reason those scriptures as he was reading them hit me so hard that my whole chest was burning and the rest of my body was freezing cold. It was the strongest feeling of knowing that my Savior came and those people heard his voice. I felt so warm for the rest of the day. For anyone not to feel that confirmation of the Holy Ghost is unaware and should search with inside themselves to be aware. Cause not everyone has been confirmed with the gift of the Holy Ghost. But don’t you worry we are working on that.
Well on the other hand those same elders, left opened hidden cans of smelly sardines to rot in our apartment. Man it doesn’t feel like I’m severing with a whole bunch of teenager at all. At lunch as a district and I was the oldest one there. One of the Elder said I had a gray hair (which I don’t) and that I was old. Man I’m getting old and Fat. Oh don’t you even think for a second that just because I’m a missionary that I don’t care if I’m gaining weight and getting old, cause I still do.I love you all and appreciate all of you writing me
Love Sister Barrand
Thank you so much for the Easter Packages. I receive a lot of marshmallow bunnies, which blow up quiet nicely in the microwave. Oh and some great Matrix shampoo and conditioner (so thoughtful).
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Friday, April 06, 2007
Happy Easter!
Hey there
Man you two are so lucky to be able to work at the temple. Dad you’re a stinker! Elder Barrand still believes that you are injured! The only April’s fool that we got was the elders called sister Ryder in the morning and said the prophet had died. I t didn’t last to long sister Ryder caught on real quick. Yea so I had dinner over at the Wilson’s and their daughter Hillary starts talking about her missionary serving in Colorado, it’s Elder Elliot and I hope your taking care of him, cause her families is taking care of me. We had a great chat about mission experiences with her dad. And no they did not feed me any more squirrel. I know you should have seen me eat that squirrel, or even better yet watching one of the Elder’s not being able to eat the squirrel. At least I ate it and didn’t say anything about it to them.
Oh dad I told my comp about where you grew up and she said she goes shopping there she is from Kelowna, the Okanagan Valley. The only thing different about her is that she says “Beg” instead of “Bag” which I think I do also, “mum” instead of “Mom” and when we are driving says “turn right at the lights” instead of “ turn right at the light”. But beside that she is a great missionary and we have the same goals, so work goes very smoothly. The place is a lot bigger than Radford around 45,000 compared to Radford of 12 or 15 thousand. So I’m bound to find more here to accept this gospel. We are working with three sisters right now Remy 25, Angela 23, and Teresa 22. They are all making progress in their own little ways. They do have a 17-year-old sister that got baptized when she was 11. But these three sisters live pretty close to each other and have there own interesting lives. Angela read the BOM in two weeks and knows the book is true and know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Although we are working on helping her recognized the spirit she believe she not and Man or Woman but more of an “it”. She says her self that she is different than anyone that you will ever meet.
Well we prayed that Teresa would be ok after going into the hospital for over dosing and that she could make it to General conference the next day we walk into the church building and there Teresa is with mike a friend of hers ready to watch General Conference with us. I was amazing that she came. She really thought it was neat to hear how many members and temples were all around the world. She also enjoyed and agreed with all the talks like Richard G. Scott’s on Prayer and Jeffery R Holland’s on Tongues of an Angel.
I too enjoyed General Conference, it was even greater knowing that there was some that tried to end there life last night that was sitting next to me, that also was there enjoying the words of the Prophet and apostles. Wow what a powerful experience of deep sincere humble prayers. In all the talks I felt the warm comforting love of my Heavenly Father threw the spirit. It was a great way to spend some time with our investigator. Teresa later had on a smoking patch to quit smoking. Although it did not last long she knows she is able to do so. We read about Enos and how he prayed for his brethren, She didn’t understand why the Lamanites were continuing in wickedness. We shared with her we continue in sin today and that is why we need the atonement. She made the connection that the “lamanites” relay to us today and we all need to work on repentance. Just like Russell M. Nelson talked about a full repentance it’s a complete conversion.
And as for James E. Faust talked about the power of Forgiveness, we all need to listen and abide to these teaching because we know where they are coming from. Just wanted to let you all know how privilege we are that we all know that are Savior and Redeemer lives and we are able to celebrate not only on the Sabbath but every single day. Christ was resurrected. Who’s on the lord’s Side? I am! I hope you all have a wonderful Easter.
P.S. How did the bunny hopped into this glorious day anyways?
Love Sister BarrandO p.s. could you get me thoses adresses of the other missionaries?
p.p.s. I liked the cucumber talk, but all i could think about is how gross pickles were!!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Goodbye Radford
Hey There
I’m out of Radford!!! Can you believe it? Now I’m serving in Parkersburg West Virginia. New Address is 1107 32nd St Apt # 2 Parkersburg WV, 26101 with Sister Ryder from British Columbia Canada. I’m excited for this, we both just killed our other companions and are ready to put the petal to the metal and get some work done.
Just to let up know we sat down for dinner last night to mash potatoes, peas, 7 fried squirrels, and some squirrel gravy. Mmmmmm.? Well it wasn’t as bad as I thought but I probably will never eat it again. I kept looking down at the little piece of fried meat on these little bones. I think the biggest problem was the calf muscles of the poor little guy’s bones. I just got a little gross out when I thought of him jumping and climbing on things, so then I had to stop. I will tell you this. It kind of looked like the gross stuff that you pull out of a turkey and throw away but more bony and tasted like the dark meat of a turkey with no flavor. It’s kind of sick to hunt theses poor little creatures. I don’t think I will be requesting any more squirrel.
I hope Travis in Radford will be taken care of by the ELDERS. Yes that’s right I opened that area and closed Radford. He was Golden. We were sad to let him go. I had fasted for him on Sunday for everything to go smoothly. Fast and Testimony meeting perfect thye even included him in their testimonies and he was impressed. It was one of the best I been to. Sunday school was on the gift of the Holy Ghost, also great. He had some great probing question about being saved and we excitedly got into the plan of salvation. Before the lesson he did think he came from any where and that there was just heaven and hell. Oh boy did the spirit enlighten him. He now has a testimony of the plan of salvation, like pre earth life, the veil, spirit world, and the kingdoms of glory. He said he loves meeting with us cause he realizes more and more how he is becoming closer to Christ. And with out fail he tell us how organized our church is. He even wants to check out General Conference and hear the Prophets word. Which by the way I’m so excited that it is so close, I can’t wait. I know that prayers will be answered and everything that needs to be said will be felt by the spirit. Is that not amazing or what.I love you allSister Barrand
Thursday, March 22, 2007
For St. Patty's day we're blowing a bubble kiss to Catilin
Caitlin and Angel had to shave off their beautiful curly hair to not chatch lice again
A lady in the ward made me take a picture of this heart spud so she could sell it on ebay
Travis offered to help brother hill after we had taught him a lessonFamilies are Forever
Ok alright I was wondering when you were going to say something about my letter writing cause it can get pretty boring, I would think. Last night we went and delivered a Pizza to an investigator Sean Carvalho (Where do you think that last name is from?) We were driving over to his house, and my brilliant spectacular, fantastic, beautiful, smart, witty companion, Sister Young suggested that we take each take a piece of the pizza out of the box, and deliver it with a message that said, "Sean, what is missing in your life?" But as it turned out, we only took out one slice and wrote, "Sean, Hello! Guess What!? Your Favorite ;)Sisters got you a little something.. Look inside. What is missing?" (because we were working under pressure) He pulled up right as we were taking the slice of pizza. He came to the car, and we told him to open the box. He had a big grin on his face when he saw that there were only 7 slices of pizza instead of 8. It made him smile. Our purpose for doing this was so that he could feel the love of the Lord. However, we wish that we would have written this message instead, "Sean, we saw that your pizza was a little crispy. So tell us home slice, what is missing in your life? Could it be a piece of peace-A? Look inside! To find the missing peace come on Sunday. 900 Pendleton St. at 10:00. "
Well this trio has been a trip. We all can talk the investigators ears off. I believe lessons are only suppose to be at the most 45 minutes and some times we just go out of control and talk for three and a half hours just for one lesson!! We are working real hard to cut down the lessons. Poor Laura Hull she had to listens to us for that long. Although she’s incredible happy now cause she feels clean and all warm inside. Steak Conference was one of the best talks I’ve ever heard. President Samples talk about not taking offence; he said that he shared the same talk to another ward and renamed it “sit down, shut-up and shake it off.” It was funny talking to a member that clams to be atheist was offended that we call it THE church. It just made me realize more how it is THE church and how my heaven Father loves me and the its Jesus Christ’s church. It was the best turn out for the potluck after that, there is nothing like some good old southern cook’n. Just like you will always have a pan of green jello at a Mormon function there will always have Mac and cheese here. Oh I just had Corn beef and cabbage for the first time. Sister Campbell warned me that the corn beef is still pink after you cook it (she did eat it the first time cause she thought it wasn’t cooked).
We got our car back from the shop and we were driving and saw that a kid fell down off of his skateboard and spilled his drink. Don’t worry we got him a new Dr. Pepper and told him he should go to the steak dance. He said he was really a dancer (like most boys). Interviews were great I finally felt like president and I could talk for hours. He seemed more relaxed but did bring up something I could help him with and that was to be careful around the elders and let him know it there was any thing that was up. He said that not only the sisters wanted to serve with me. One of our investigators is praying about baptism, Robbie believes in Joseph Smith and the BOM but is not willing to change his life style. He did say “ I know the Church is true cause everyone that goes gets sucked in.” Travis on the other hand is progressing he is a thinker. He was fascinated that THE church is a worldwide church and that we would give up our lives (and love lives) to serve the lord. He said he wanted to do that but thinks he wouldn’t be able to give up so much. It made me feel so privileged to be severing the lord. And know that I did make the best choice. Shavon had us present Mormonism in her Counseling class. We basically sat around and taught this class of eleven the lessons and how they can counsel their LDS clients. Their feedback was good and not challenging. It was the neatest part when we talked about families and Shavon back us up.
She explained that when she went over to a Mormons house for the interview, that the family was unified and how they did everything as a family. I told the class how special my family is to me and how we had family prayer, scripture study, dinner, Sunday Dates, salsa Saturdays and Family Home Evening together. Truly I’m so grateful that I was blessed with such an amazing family how taught me all those wonderful lesson at such a young age. I told my companions that I will make sure I will teach my kids all these great lesson. It really is a testimony to me how it all start within the walls of our own homes. So thank you for being such a wonderful family.Dad and mom thanks for have a bone to pick with me. I will even enjoy them more.Can you do one thing for me and get the addresses of all the missionaries serving the whole steak like (Rachel and Rebecca Hill).
Love you allSister Barrand
Well this trio has been a trip. We all can talk the investigators ears off. I believe lessons are only suppose to be at the most 45 minutes and some times we just go out of control and talk for three and a half hours just for one lesson!! We are working real hard to cut down the lessons. Poor Laura Hull she had to listens to us for that long. Although she’s incredible happy now cause she feels clean and all warm inside. Steak Conference was one of the best talks I’ve ever heard. President Samples talk about not taking offence; he said that he shared the same talk to another ward and renamed it “sit down, shut-up and shake it off.” It was funny talking to a member that clams to be atheist was offended that we call it THE church. It just made me realize more how it is THE church and how my heaven Father loves me and the its Jesus Christ’s church. It was the best turn out for the potluck after that, there is nothing like some good old southern cook’n. Just like you will always have a pan of green jello at a Mormon function there will always have Mac and cheese here. Oh I just had Corn beef and cabbage for the first time. Sister Campbell warned me that the corn beef is still pink after you cook it (she did eat it the first time cause she thought it wasn’t cooked).
We got our car back from the shop and we were driving and saw that a kid fell down off of his skateboard and spilled his drink. Don’t worry we got him a new Dr. Pepper and told him he should go to the steak dance. He said he was really a dancer (like most boys). Interviews were great I finally felt like president and I could talk for hours. He seemed more relaxed but did bring up something I could help him with and that was to be careful around the elders and let him know it there was any thing that was up. He said that not only the sisters wanted to serve with me. One of our investigators is praying about baptism, Robbie believes in Joseph Smith and the BOM but is not willing to change his life style. He did say “ I know the Church is true cause everyone that goes gets sucked in.” Travis on the other hand is progressing he is a thinker. He was fascinated that THE church is a worldwide church and that we would give up our lives (and love lives) to serve the lord. He said he wanted to do that but thinks he wouldn’t be able to give up so much. It made me feel so privileged to be severing the lord. And know that I did make the best choice. Shavon had us present Mormonism in her Counseling class. We basically sat around and taught this class of eleven the lessons and how they can counsel their LDS clients. Their feedback was good and not challenging. It was the neatest part when we talked about families and Shavon back us up.
She explained that when she went over to a Mormons house for the interview, that the family was unified and how they did everything as a family. I told the class how special my family is to me and how we had family prayer, scripture study, dinner, Sunday Dates, salsa Saturdays and Family Home Evening together. Truly I’m so grateful that I was blessed with such an amazing family how taught me all those wonderful lesson at such a young age. I told my companions that I will make sure I will teach my kids all these great lesson. It really is a testimony to me how it all start within the walls of our own homes. So thank you for being such a wonderful family.Dad and mom thanks for have a bone to pick with me. I will even enjoy them more.Can you do one thing for me and get the addresses of all the missionaries serving the whole steak like (Rachel and Rebecca Hill).
Love you allSister Barrand
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Tomorrow
I‘ve been here in Radford for away now and had the feeling that I might be leaving this area next transfer.
A couple days later President Cowley called, he asked how I was doing,I said “good” He then added “well don’t worry we will get cha’ out of Radford soon, cause I don’t want you to become mayor”I replied back, “How did you know I was running for mayor?”He said laughing “because I know your personality!”So I don’t know if this is a good thing or not, but we will see.At Last Zone Conference I went up to President very seriously and said “I‘ve got this man I have been writing for about 13 weeks and he hasn’t written be back”President said “How old is this man?”“Well… he is …older.”“Is he romantic?”
I could hold it in any more and had to tell president that the man I was writing was him and I didn’t know if he was romantic or not. He laughed and pulled one on me. He asked me how my trip was after I had tripped over a bag, so we’re even now ..but who’s counting?!Well we have been praying and fasting about what we can do for Laura Hull. She was struggling in school because of getting sick and all stressed out over that, that it caused her to get even sicker. She prayed and decided to withdraw and go home to Prince George, (Richmond, Va). We helped her pack half of her stuff and she was off. She came up the next day to finish packing and have a baptism interview. I was rainy alright but that didn’t stop us. She called us on Sunday and was excited to tell us she had bore her testimony. In her testimony she said “If this is what the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost feels like, then I want to be baptized right now.” Her knees were shaking so much the bishop thought he was going to have to catch her. The Elders there in the Richmond Mission are going to be able to experience her getting baptized and confirmed, but we were so lucky to share this gospel with her, see her grow, and progress. She will be baptized tomorrow the 8th at 7.
A good thing about being baptized at her home in Richmond is that her mom would have a better chance of attending. Laura had a concern for her mom not wanting to attend; we fasted for Laura’s mom. When Laura got home to Richmond she found a note from her mom saying she didn’t know if she could plan on making it to her baptism. Laura on her own fasted about her mom’s attendance and when she came home from work, there she found another note saying she would attend. Fasting is such a powerful experience of faith and love. How can we not know that our Father in Heaven loves us. Laura is now planning to go out to Washington for general conference and pick out where she want to go to school with Sister Campbell. She wants a good up lifting life style and knows she can find it in a LDS environment. She’s thinking about BYUI and BYU. She is one of the strongest people I have seen. She is not timid about sharing the gospel with anyone. I’m so glad we were a part of her life. I know she will spread this gospel like wildfire.
I love you all,Sister Barrand
A couple days later President Cowley called, he asked how I was doing,I said “good” He then added “well don’t worry we will get cha’ out of Radford soon, cause I don’t want you to become mayor”I replied back, “How did you know I was running for mayor?”He said laughing “because I know your personality!”So I don’t know if this is a good thing or not, but we will see.At Last Zone Conference I went up to President very seriously and said “I‘ve got this man I have been writing for about 13 weeks and he hasn’t written be back”President said “How old is this man?”“Well… he is …older.”“Is he romantic?”
I could hold it in any more and had to tell president that the man I was writing was him and I didn’t know if he was romantic or not. He laughed and pulled one on me. He asked me how my trip was after I had tripped over a bag, so we’re even now ..but who’s counting?!Well we have been praying and fasting about what we can do for Laura Hull. She was struggling in school because of getting sick and all stressed out over that, that it caused her to get even sicker. She prayed and decided to withdraw and go home to Prince George, (Richmond, Va). We helped her pack half of her stuff and she was off. She came up the next day to finish packing and have a baptism interview. I was rainy alright but that didn’t stop us. She called us on Sunday and was excited to tell us she had bore her testimony. In her testimony she said “If this is what the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost feels like, then I want to be baptized right now.” Her knees were shaking so much the bishop thought he was going to have to catch her. The Elders there in the Richmond Mission are going to be able to experience her getting baptized and confirmed, but we were so lucky to share this gospel with her, see her grow, and progress. She will be baptized tomorrow the 8th at 7.
A good thing about being baptized at her home in Richmond is that her mom would have a better chance of attending. Laura had a concern for her mom not wanting to attend; we fasted for Laura’s mom. When Laura got home to Richmond she found a note from her mom saying she didn’t know if she could plan on making it to her baptism. Laura on her own fasted about her mom’s attendance and when she came home from work, there she found another note saying she would attend. Fasting is such a powerful experience of faith and love. How can we not know that our Father in Heaven loves us. Laura is now planning to go out to Washington for general conference and pick out where she want to go to school with Sister Campbell. She wants a good up lifting life style and knows she can find it in a LDS environment. She’s thinking about BYUI and BYU. She is one of the strongest people I have seen. She is not timid about sharing the gospel with anyone. I’m so glad we were a part of her life. I know she will spread this gospel like wildfire.
I love you all,Sister Barrand
Thursday, March 01, 2007
High Five
So you know how we ran into that deer and we gave some BOM's and DVDs away. Last Sunday Brother Hales came up to us and said he was working the same night that we had are little accident and Perry one of the officers came up to brother Hales( cause he knew he was LDS) later that week and said he was very impressed by us sisters, and was curious in the way we dress. Perry also told Brother Hale that he would be watching the DVDs. By small and simple things are great thing brought to pass. Alma 36:6.
We are still working with Laura making sure timing is right. She is coming along and making the right choices. We are proud of her.So the other week we had asked a Student to come teach with us. Tyler cancelled his plan to do so. He lives about 20 mins away. Our original plans got cancelled but Tyler still wanted to help out and had already made plan to come teach with us so we said that he could come down to Radford and we would find some people to go visit. I was having a hard time cause I felt bad to make him drive all the way down to knock on empty apartments. After we had ended that conversation, we started calling some less Active member that we could go visit, Sister Campbell added that we had a cookies for them also. In the back of my mind I was thinking we don't have time to make cookies, but remembered that she was prompted to by some marshmallows at the store. While whipping up some homemade rice crispy’s. Sister Campbell was a busy bee on the phone trying to figure how and where we are going to do this. A little bit later Laura called and needed a blessing. We wanted another priesthood holder so we called up Mitch a recent convert who’s never given a blessing before but was excited to take part. Sister Campbell called her ear off and we ended up with four of our fairly new investigators, two of our less active/recent converts, two strong members, three lovely sister missionaries and a pan of rice crispys. All there to participate in a priesthood blessing. The spirit was strong and we couldn't have done it with out faith and the guidance of the spirit. It was combobulated in like 30 minutes and taught them all the 10 commandments in sign language. and note that this is not the sign language that i learned from Celeste.
I am loving my companions. The other day when I was reading in Alma Chapter 31. I got to verse 36 that reads: "Now it came to pass that when Alma had said these words, that he clapped his hands upon all them who were with him. And behold, as he clapped his hands upon them, they were filled with the Holy Spirit". After I read that verse, I looked up at my Companion and said all excited "did you know that they gave High-fives in the Book of Mormon." I had written it in my study journal that it is cool to give high-fives. Excited to use the high-five method for awkward situations. This is no lie. I'm glad i had my companion there to point out footnote b, which reads "The laying on of hands", so I learned quickly what Alma was doing, how they received Holy Ghost, and not giving high fives, but just how we do it today. Now you see the importance of having a prophet, seer, and revelator who is given the keys to interpret the scriptures? If I were to organize a church without having the authority from God to do so, I would probably start a church that administers the Holy Ghost by giving high-fives. I will still continue to give high-five but, know that Alma wouldn't have given me a high-five just for good measures.
I love you allSister Barrand
We are still working with Laura making sure timing is right. She is coming along and making the right choices. We are proud of her.So the other week we had asked a Student to come teach with us. Tyler cancelled his plan to do so. He lives about 20 mins away. Our original plans got cancelled but Tyler still wanted to help out and had already made plan to come teach with us so we said that he could come down to Radford and we would find some people to go visit. I was having a hard time cause I felt bad to make him drive all the way down to knock on empty apartments. After we had ended that conversation, we started calling some less Active member that we could go visit, Sister Campbell added that we had a cookies for them also. In the back of my mind I was thinking we don't have time to make cookies, but remembered that she was prompted to by some marshmallows at the store. While whipping up some homemade rice crispy’s. Sister Campbell was a busy bee on the phone trying to figure how and where we are going to do this. A little bit later Laura called and needed a blessing. We wanted another priesthood holder so we called up Mitch a recent convert who’s never given a blessing before but was excited to take part. Sister Campbell called her ear off and we ended up with four of our fairly new investigators, two of our less active/recent converts, two strong members, three lovely sister missionaries and a pan of rice crispys. All there to participate in a priesthood blessing. The spirit was strong and we couldn't have done it with out faith and the guidance of the spirit. It was combobulated in like 30 minutes and taught them all the 10 commandments in sign language. and note that this is not the sign language that i learned from Celeste.
I am loving my companions. The other day when I was reading in Alma Chapter 31. I got to verse 36 that reads: "Now it came to pass that when Alma had said these words, that he clapped his hands upon all them who were with him. And behold, as he clapped his hands upon them, they were filled with the Holy Spirit". After I read that verse, I looked up at my Companion and said all excited "did you know that they gave High-fives in the Book of Mormon." I had written it in my study journal that it is cool to give high-fives. Excited to use the high-five method for awkward situations. This is no lie. I'm glad i had my companion there to point out footnote b, which reads "The laying on of hands", so I learned quickly what Alma was doing, how they received Holy Ghost, and not giving high fives, but just how we do it today. Now you see the importance of having a prophet, seer, and revelator who is given the keys to interpret the scriptures? If I were to organize a church without having the authority from God to do so, I would probably start a church that administers the Holy Ghost by giving high-fives. I will still continue to give high-five but, know that Alma wouldn't have given me a high-five just for good measures.
I love you allSister Barrand
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The Three......... Sister
Thursday our new companion, Sister Emily Young arrived in our 5th avenue apartment. Sister Young is from the Salt Lake area. We met with Samson and Zack. We covered lesson three: The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Surprisingly, we taught well together for a trio. We were bold with them, and laid it out as best as we could. However, they may be better taught individually. Perhaps it will help them so that they can better accept commitments, and keep them! Saturday Sister Young’s bed arrived! For the past couple nights, we have been sleep overs in the front room, with one on the couch. Party!!! J/k.
With permission, we have been able to support Shavon Earp, at her Basketball games. She is a classy player, so it’s neat to watch her. No matter what calls are made- her reactions are steady and becoming. She exemplifies many Christ-like attributes, making it even more of a joy to watch the game.Sunday we taught Sean Carvalho before church, and then he stayed for Sacrament meeting. To his surprise he didn’t plan on staying for as long as He did… but the speakers talked about specific topics that we had addressed prior to.Monday we met with Jason Dobbins, a RC/LA. We talked about strong foundations and how to build them. We also shared some parts of a talk given by Bishop Dallas B. Clark last year in Buena Vista, VA. The point was that we often have more gas in our tanks than we may think. It was than compared to how we actually have more testimony of principles than we sometimes realize. [This part of Bishop Clarks’ talk entitled, ‘Testimony’ he had adapted from a C.E.S. fireside.] I found it encouraging not only for Jason but for me too, because it helps us see more of what we are doing right, instead of how far we have left to go.
Tuesday we had another uplifting Zone Conference at the Stake Center in Pembroke. We talked about the tree of life and were we need to be.Nephi 8:11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof ; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.
I think of every time we get to share this sweet gospel I’m bringing someone else closer to partaking of that same sweet gospel. What a privilege I have to be out here right now and how much the lord trusts me with his children. It makes me just want to chuck the fruit to everyone coming along so they don’t have to go through the hard times but I know it’s the hard times that makes us stronger.
I love you all Sister Barrand"
With permission, we have been able to support Shavon Earp, at her Basketball games. She is a classy player, so it’s neat to watch her. No matter what calls are made- her reactions are steady and becoming. She exemplifies many Christ-like attributes, making it even more of a joy to watch the game.Sunday we taught Sean Carvalho before church, and then he stayed for Sacrament meeting. To his surprise he didn’t plan on staying for as long as He did… but the speakers talked about specific topics that we had addressed prior to.Monday we met with Jason Dobbins, a RC/LA. We talked about strong foundations and how to build them. We also shared some parts of a talk given by Bishop Dallas B. Clark last year in Buena Vista, VA. The point was that we often have more gas in our tanks than we may think. It was than compared to how we actually have more testimony of principles than we sometimes realize. [This part of Bishop Clarks’ talk entitled, ‘Testimony’ he had adapted from a C.E.S. fireside.] I found it encouraging not only for Jason but for me too, because it helps us see more of what we are doing right, instead of how far we have left to go.
Tuesday we had another uplifting Zone Conference at the Stake Center in Pembroke. We talked about the tree of life and were we need to be.Nephi 8:11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof ; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.
I think of every time we get to share this sweet gospel I’m bringing someone else closer to partaking of that same sweet gospel. What a privilege I have to be out here right now and how much the lord trusts me with his children. It makes me just want to chuck the fruit to everyone coming along so they don’t have to go through the hard times but I know it’s the hard times that makes us stronger.
I love you all Sister Barrand"
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Happy Valentines!!!!!
Love is in the Air and so is an ice storm. It’s a beautiful valentines day with every glistening tree branch covered in ice. I love you all. Thursday afternoon, we met with Laura, & her roommate, Darbey at the top of Muse hall, a 14-story dorm at Radford University. There we gave them manicures, and shared the wonderful message of the Restoration! A message that never gets old, because you can learn something new every time you share it! It is the best!That evening we ran into an unplanned service opportunity on our way out of our dinner appointment. We nearly passed it up, as we were on the move to get to the church for our regular Muay Thai class. Instead, we parked, and headed for the last of the groceries left in the minivan. It wasn’t much, but inside awaited a huge family! The hardest part was stopping to help. We have found that doing the harder thing is usually the better thing.
A highlight for Friday was meeting up with Jerry & Peggy Waddell, a couple that has been meeting with the missionaries for about two years. We invited them to join our army, the Army of God.;)Saturday was a special day, because we taught Samson and Zack again! It went really well, and of course they are also praying about baptism! Since Friday was Zack’s birthday, we brought along a birthday card that said, “We hope your birthday is the bomb! Emphasizing ‘bomb’- in which we added Book of Mormon Baby! Not only that, but we also included a little stick figure drawing of a kid doing a canon ball into the water! Hopefully, they caught on, & will both be fully submerging into the living waters soon. We have been meeting up at the Radford City Library, which is excellent because it’s somewhat quiet, and there are opportunities for referrals. One man listened to the whole lesson on Saturday, and just happened to be there again when we showed for our next appointment, Monday. Monday fell through with Zack and Samson, and there we were waiting. We ended up visiting with the man, (yes that one, dear Mr. Rowell) from Saturday. It turns out his sister is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and is currently residing in PRO-VO, Utah. He is in the Elders area.
The Sabbath was wonderful. Well as usual in the beginning we pray and stress about our investigators being there. Laura was sick again and went home to Richmond which is not in our mission and wasn’t able to make it to the new singles ward that we wanted her to get acquainted with, but it’s all good. The talks given were on the Sabbath and magnifying your calling. They speakers were inspired and our less active crew was very impressed to push forward. Summer Evans a young adult even showed up for the first time since I have been here. We know that the spirit had directed her to do so but the heart-a-tack that we left on her door for Valentines might of help. But who knows? Sometimes you have to do the harder thing cause it’s the best thing. We are rebels and skipped out on Sunday school. …to help a Sister, she is struggling with her non member husband that doesn’t even want to spend this life with her, a teenager granddaughter, and a daughter that is going through a divorce and dating a non member, that’s not allowing her to keep her commitments to the lord. That night we went over the ward list to make sure we knew of everyone. We had a couple people with only P.O.Box’s, Brother fisher explain how he went up to one of them and no one was home. We all pictured this grown man at the Post office knocking on P.O.Box 92 to see if anyone was home. We gave him a hard time about that one. He thought it was pretty funny as well.
We also stopped and talked to a young lady named Ashley at the Library, because we saw an unplanned service opportunity to help her stuff envelopes. It turns out she was just about finished, and she was sending out a little something for all forty something Churches in the area to put on their bulletins. We invited her to church, and she seemed excited about coming this Sunday."
We have an investigator Sean that received a BOM a while ago from us that we haven’t been able to get a hold of. We sought to find him at Wal-Mart where he works. We pulled up and what do you know there he is pushing the carts. We honked and to say hello. Sean apologized for not getting back to us because he dropped his phone in the toilet but then introduced us to his friend/ co-worker Devin Stanley. We made them sign their lives away with pen in our planner to meet with them. We also invited them to church. Devin said he would come and seem impressed. Sean said he would come next week and then invited us to go to a party with him. Sadly we declined the party. We found out that Devin just took the spot of Emmett (who came home to months shy of completing his mission to live with his girlfriend) What a blessing to have him move in the same apartment with the less active son of the bishop’s and a former investigator (Kevin). We know that we were suppose to meet Devin and he was suppose to take the spot of Emmett. Now Mike can grow stronger and Devin can help him by learning together. Devin was into the restoration and wanted to know more. He was excited to finally have some questions answered that he didn’t even bring up. He told us he felt good about everything and could see radiance about us. He explained how he doesn’t see the same morally as his friends do. We meet with Devin again and Mike had been encouraging him. Devin told us that he feels right about meeting with us and is intrigued about everything new. He kept saying, “A lot of decisions have to be made.” And he is exactly right we just pray that Devin will truly study and desire it out on his own and Mike can be a good example. We also stopped and talked to a young lady named Ashley at the Library, because we saw an unplanned service opportunity to help her stuff envelopes. It turns out she was just about finished, and she was sending out a little something for all forty something Churches in the area to put on their bulletins. We invited her to church, and she seemed excited about coming this Sunday.
There’s not going to be a lot of hot shower but it will all work out. Sad to say but our amazing District leader is leaving. Can’t wait to welcome sister Young into such a wonderful place at such a loving time of year. This Valentines show the pure love of Christ, which is charity. I love you all. Happy Valentines!!!Mom: Thanks so much for the package that was so loveing of you!!!Parents:I bet it feels so empty in that big old house of your now that all the kids are gone. But i know that you will love working in the Temple it will bring happiness into the home with out the smell clothes all over.Other:It was also great to hear from Elder Barrand he is amazing already!!Love Sister Barrand"
A highlight for Friday was meeting up with Jerry & Peggy Waddell, a couple that has been meeting with the missionaries for about two years. We invited them to join our army, the Army of God.;)Saturday was a special day, because we taught Samson and Zack again! It went really well, and of course they are also praying about baptism! Since Friday was Zack’s birthday, we brought along a birthday card that said, “We hope your birthday is the bomb! Emphasizing ‘bomb’- in which we added Book of Mormon Baby! Not only that, but we also included a little stick figure drawing of a kid doing a canon ball into the water! Hopefully, they caught on, & will both be fully submerging into the living waters soon. We have been meeting up at the Radford City Library, which is excellent because it’s somewhat quiet, and there are opportunities for referrals. One man listened to the whole lesson on Saturday, and just happened to be there again when we showed for our next appointment, Monday. Monday fell through with Zack and Samson, and there we were waiting. We ended up visiting with the man, (yes that one, dear Mr. Rowell) from Saturday. It turns out his sister is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and is currently residing in PRO-VO, Utah. He is in the Elders area.
The Sabbath was wonderful. Well as usual in the beginning we pray and stress about our investigators being there. Laura was sick again and went home to Richmond which is not in our mission and wasn’t able to make it to the new singles ward that we wanted her to get acquainted with, but it’s all good. The talks given were on the Sabbath and magnifying your calling. They speakers were inspired and our less active crew was very impressed to push forward. Summer Evans a young adult even showed up for the first time since I have been here. We know that the spirit had directed her to do so but the heart-a-tack that we left on her door for Valentines might of help. But who knows? Sometimes you have to do the harder thing cause it’s the best thing. We are rebels and skipped out on Sunday school. …to help a Sister, she is struggling with her non member husband that doesn’t even want to spend this life with her, a teenager granddaughter, and a daughter that is going through a divorce and dating a non member, that’s not allowing her to keep her commitments to the lord. That night we went over the ward list to make sure we knew of everyone. We had a couple people with only P.O.Box’s, Brother fisher explain how he went up to one of them and no one was home. We all pictured this grown man at the Post office knocking on P.O.Box 92 to see if anyone was home. We gave him a hard time about that one. He thought it was pretty funny as well.
We also stopped and talked to a young lady named Ashley at the Library, because we saw an unplanned service opportunity to help her stuff envelopes. It turns out she was just about finished, and she was sending out a little something for all forty something Churches in the area to put on their bulletins. We invited her to church, and she seemed excited about coming this Sunday."
We have an investigator Sean that received a BOM a while ago from us that we haven’t been able to get a hold of. We sought to find him at Wal-Mart where he works. We pulled up and what do you know there he is pushing the carts. We honked and to say hello. Sean apologized for not getting back to us because he dropped his phone in the toilet but then introduced us to his friend/ co-worker Devin Stanley. We made them sign their lives away with pen in our planner to meet with them. We also invited them to church. Devin said he would come and seem impressed. Sean said he would come next week and then invited us to go to a party with him. Sadly we declined the party. We found out that Devin just took the spot of Emmett (who came home to months shy of completing his mission to live with his girlfriend) What a blessing to have him move in the same apartment with the less active son of the bishop’s and a former investigator (Kevin). We know that we were suppose to meet Devin and he was suppose to take the spot of Emmett. Now Mike can grow stronger and Devin can help him by learning together. Devin was into the restoration and wanted to know more. He was excited to finally have some questions answered that he didn’t even bring up. He told us he felt good about everything and could see radiance about us. He explained how he doesn’t see the same morally as his friends do. We meet with Devin again and Mike had been encouraging him. Devin told us that he feels right about meeting with us and is intrigued about everything new. He kept saying, “A lot of decisions have to be made.” And he is exactly right we just pray that Devin will truly study and desire it out on his own and Mike can be a good example. We also stopped and talked to a young lady named Ashley at the Library, because we saw an unplanned service opportunity to help her stuff envelopes. It turns out she was just about finished, and she was sending out a little something for all forty something Churches in the area to put on their bulletins. We invited her to church, and she seemed excited about coming this Sunday.
There’s not going to be a lot of hot shower but it will all work out. Sad to say but our amazing District leader is leaving. Can’t wait to welcome sister Young into such a wonderful place at such a loving time of year. This Valentines show the pure love of Christ, which is charity. I love you all. Happy Valentines!!!Mom: Thanks so much for the package that was so loveing of you!!!Parents:I bet it feels so empty in that big old house of your now that all the kids are gone. But i know that you will love working in the Temple it will bring happiness into the home with out the smell clothes all over.Other:It was also great to hear from Elder Barrand he is amazing already!!Love Sister Barrand"
Friday, February 09, 2007
Oh boy
I love you all so much and do I have some news for you all. Our investigator Laura hull was set for Feb 10 & 11 to be Baptized and confirmed. We were worried about this date because it was so soon. She hadn’t talked to her mother yet and she had only been to the single’s ward once. We didn’t want her to feel like she had to wait until she could be baptized but we didn’t feel good about the date and neither did President Cowley.
We prayed and fasted that everything would work out. When we went to go finish up the commandments we asked her how she was feeling about the date she said “ oh I guess you haven’t heard but I was praying about the date and I just didn’t feel right about it but I was praying about the weekend of the 24 and it feels right.” Oh boy we were so happy to see the lord working out the rough spots and answering prays. Were so proud of Laura for praying it out, figuring it out on her own and coming to do the lords will. We would have had to tell her that she had to wait until she attended the singles ward more than once, even though she had been attending her home ward for about a year. She is Amazing. She is telling her boyfriend what to do. She has great questions and wears the scripture sock that we made for her. We are looking forward to hearing all about the baptism in two week cause we will not be able to leave our mission to go down to Richmond where she is from. She wanted to have the baptism close to her house so it will be easier for her mom to decide to come. Plus she knows that ward. It’s her day and we are just so happy that she is making the greatest choice ever!!
We are now teaching Samson and his best friend Zack. They were telling us about how we came to their lives at this time for a reason. It was so neat to hear that. We shared the Restoration! It went extremely well. They grasped the material. We really stressed the priesthood and how important it was to restore the full gospel and not try to put pieces here and there, they were devouring it. We invited them to be baptized, they said that they will read and pray. They were soaked everything up.My companion and I are helping out a young lady in our ward with her prom dress… We saw a dress at a little shop on Main. (Where people will bring in their old clothing to be sold, and then once it is sold, they will receive a portion of the sale.) Anyways, we went in there on one afternoon, near the beginning of the transfer. There was this one dress in particular that caught our eye. I would guess it was from the 1950’s. The fabric is a heavier material, and is a crème, with ultra thin, light gold stripes. They give it a slight shimmer, and it is gorgeous! It has a V-neck, with a fitted upper waist, followed with a princess skirt. It is a timeless piece, and we hope that it will fit Jane perfectly!Working on campus with the students has been a blast!
Laura is set for baptism on the 24th! She says she can’t stop smiling. Laura is an incredible friend and missionary to her roommate, Darbey. Darbey asks questions; Laura listens, and then finds her the answer! Darbey now has her own copy of The Book of Mormon! Accentuating the positive, and blessing others by our words of encouragement are key, in helping others come closer to the Savior.We told Laura in one of our lessons about President Hinckley, and his encouragement for us to smile. Elder Tauteoli, another amazing missionary shared the following scripture with us in a joint meeting with Miss Laura, it is in 2 Nephi 9:39. ...Remember to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal. It spells out S-M-I-L-E. See! I know that we can decide be a happy people today!Last night, because of the weather conditions, but Brother Cramer brought dinner over to our apartment instead of us trying to drive over in the ice, it wasn’t delivery it was brother Cramer!I am so grateful for the wonderful work! I am pleased to be a part of it, and I am grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! We are so blessed!
It’s the weirdest thing 5 months ago I would not put any spaghetti sauce on my noodles, dip my chips in salsa, drink soy milk, wear a jumper, or have nails longer then a millimeter on all ten fingers, blush and turn my head away from a kissing scene, not like loud rap music, decline dessert, want to study, want to read, want to be on time, and want to go to bed at 9:00. But it has happened…I’m officially weird!
I love you all
Sister Barrand
We prayed and fasted that everything would work out. When we went to go finish up the commandments we asked her how she was feeling about the date she said “ oh I guess you haven’t heard but I was praying about the date and I just didn’t feel right about it but I was praying about the weekend of the 24 and it feels right.” Oh boy we were so happy to see the lord working out the rough spots and answering prays. Were so proud of Laura for praying it out, figuring it out on her own and coming to do the lords will. We would have had to tell her that she had to wait until she attended the singles ward more than once, even though she had been attending her home ward for about a year. She is Amazing. She is telling her boyfriend what to do. She has great questions and wears the scripture sock that we made for her. We are looking forward to hearing all about the baptism in two week cause we will not be able to leave our mission to go down to Richmond where she is from. She wanted to have the baptism close to her house so it will be easier for her mom to decide to come. Plus she knows that ward. It’s her day and we are just so happy that she is making the greatest choice ever!!
We are now teaching Samson and his best friend Zack. They were telling us about how we came to their lives at this time for a reason. It was so neat to hear that. We shared the Restoration! It went extremely well. They grasped the material. We really stressed the priesthood and how important it was to restore the full gospel and not try to put pieces here and there, they were devouring it. We invited them to be baptized, they said that they will read and pray. They were soaked everything up.My companion and I are helping out a young lady in our ward with her prom dress… We saw a dress at a little shop on Main. (Where people will bring in their old clothing to be sold, and then once it is sold, they will receive a portion of the sale.) Anyways, we went in there on one afternoon, near the beginning of the transfer. There was this one dress in particular that caught our eye. I would guess it was from the 1950’s. The fabric is a heavier material, and is a crème, with ultra thin, light gold stripes. They give it a slight shimmer, and it is gorgeous! It has a V-neck, with a fitted upper waist, followed with a princess skirt. It is a timeless piece, and we hope that it will fit Jane perfectly!Working on campus with the students has been a blast!
Laura is set for baptism on the 24th! She says she can’t stop smiling. Laura is an incredible friend and missionary to her roommate, Darbey. Darbey asks questions; Laura listens, and then finds her the answer! Darbey now has her own copy of The Book of Mormon! Accentuating the positive, and blessing others by our words of encouragement are key, in helping others come closer to the Savior.We told Laura in one of our lessons about President Hinckley, and his encouragement for us to smile. Elder Tauteoli, another amazing missionary shared the following scripture with us in a joint meeting with Miss Laura, it is in 2 Nephi 9:39. ...Remember to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal. It spells out S-M-I-L-E. See! I know that we can decide be a happy people today!Last night, because of the weather conditions, but Brother Cramer brought dinner over to our apartment instead of us trying to drive over in the ice, it wasn’t delivery it was brother Cramer!I am so grateful for the wonderful work! I am pleased to be a part of it, and I am grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! We are so blessed!
It’s the weirdest thing 5 months ago I would not put any spaghetti sauce on my noodles, dip my chips in salsa, drink soy milk, wear a jumper, or have nails longer then a millimeter on all ten fingers, blush and turn my head away from a kissing scene, not like loud rap music, decline dessert, want to study, want to read, want to be on time, and want to go to bed at 9:00. But it has happened…I’m officially weird!
I love you all
Sister Barrand
Laura Hull
Exciting Obituaries at the Libaray
This is a highly well known Hookie ( A genderless bird) and you might take a gander at the jummper Sister Barrand is wearing.( who said she would never in her life wear such a thing) missions change ya!
2 new investigators that are pumped to pray about whether they should get baptized by the correct authority!!!! Samson and Zack
see ,hear, speak and smell no evil! I added that last one 
Me, Stephaine, Becky, and Titus. In this lesson Becky asked " what would it change if i believed in Joseph Smith? " if you could only imagine what we said afterwards.
Intense church taboo for district meeting. thanks to danica
first timer here for giving blood....16 mins to pump a pint, and they consider that slow...going going gone!Thursday, February 01, 2007
Oh Deer
Well well well. I Can’t believe it’s finally here my little bro and I out on Missions together just as we had always dreamed of. I always knew this day would come, where we could share this time together but be so far apart. He is going to love this work and you will be so surprised on how much he will learn and grow. He will be an amazing Elder Barrand.
It’s been crazy here. We went to Shavon’s basketball game. It was weird to here that loud music. She was an amazing basketball player, she was the team. After the game we met this retired religion teacher and one his old students (Brittany). Brittany had the light in her eyes; you could tell that she was doing something right. We have met with her three times since then and are continuing meeting with her. She takes us out to lunch with her. She has a lot of questions and is very open to learn more. She is a student at Radford University.
As we were driving to one of our dinner appointment when a big old buck ran out in front of us and made a big boo boo in the front. It was pretty neat to see how many people were willing to stop to make sure we were ok. The buck was down and couldn’t get back up. We prayed to thank our heavenly father that we were ok and let the buck go back to his family. As soon as we opened our eyes the buck ran off. The cop was about to give it a shot but the buck ran off before he could get to him. We handed out Books of Mormon and shared a message with everyone. At church Brother Hill came up to us and said. “You prayed for the deer? Do you know we eat road kill? Do you know that we would have had a full freezer by now?” He said it sarcastically but he totally meant every word. You know I’ve always wanted an excuse to say “Or Deer” if I ever ran into one, but this phrase did not cross my mind when all this was happening. Oh well better luck next time. The cop said they have deer accident every other day on that road. Sister Campbell has to climb over my seat to get to hers seat in a skirt cause her side door will not open. We called the president to let him know what was going on. He was sure glad that we were ok and he made sure that we did not climb in and out of the window.
We had an ice storm and Church was cancelled. It was frustrating because Shavon was planning on going to church with us for the first time. It was also important to me to take the sacrament. You realize what an incredible remembrance you receive when you partake of the sacrament, when you are not able to. We weren’t aloud to got out and work so we spend the day with the Zisette and worked what we could from their home.
Laura Hull is coming right along we taught her another lesson and set a baptism date for February 10. She is sad that her mom doesn’t want to go but she wants to do it anyways because she knows how important it truly is. We are praying and fasting for comfort in her heart weather her mom and dad come. But everything will work out. The lord only wants the best for her.
Sister Campbell keeps us reminded to accentuate the positive. She’s amazing and would go through anything for anyone. She is a great example to me of faith. I’m learning tons from her on how to become more charitable and personable. We also have fun as we are doing it. For the ward game night we dressed up as twinners. We said that we wanted to be like the elders, so the next day they wore the same ties so they could be like us. You have to find the joy in life in the simple things. For example we don’t have a lot of food but we get creative and try meals out from what we have. Like the fudge that sis Campbell made from hot Chocolate mix. (Mom you got to get this recipe) Or the cobbler for jam, canned peaches, cookie mix and granola bars. Or the other day we made a fabulous appetizer from asparagus and cheese. No recipes included. I’m thinking I’m going to go into cooking. j/k. Life is great here.
We just had President Interviews and I think I will be staying here in Radford for at least another two transfers. It’s all good to me because I love it here and I don’t know any better. Sister Campbell will be leaving me soon to go home in the end March. So we want to make this last little bit for her the best. We are working hard and receiving the blessings. You all are lucky to be able to go to the temple so often. There is a lot of important work to be done. I know you all are amazing examples. Keep up the wonderful work and keep helping the missionaries.
I love you all
Sister Barrand
It’s been crazy here. We went to Shavon’s basketball game. It was weird to here that loud music. She was an amazing basketball player, she was the team. After the game we met this retired religion teacher and one his old students (Brittany). Brittany had the light in her eyes; you could tell that she was doing something right. We have met with her three times since then and are continuing meeting with her. She takes us out to lunch with her. She has a lot of questions and is very open to learn more. She is a student at Radford University.
As we were driving to one of our dinner appointment when a big old buck ran out in front of us and made a big boo boo in the front. It was pretty neat to see how many people were willing to stop to make sure we were ok. The buck was down and couldn’t get back up. We prayed to thank our heavenly father that we were ok and let the buck go back to his family. As soon as we opened our eyes the buck ran off. The cop was about to give it a shot but the buck ran off before he could get to him. We handed out Books of Mormon and shared a message with everyone. At church Brother Hill came up to us and said. “You prayed for the deer? Do you know we eat road kill? Do you know that we would have had a full freezer by now?” He said it sarcastically but he totally meant every word. You know I’ve always wanted an excuse to say “Or Deer” if I ever ran into one, but this phrase did not cross my mind when all this was happening. Oh well better luck next time. The cop said they have deer accident every other day on that road. Sister Campbell has to climb over my seat to get to hers seat in a skirt cause her side door will not open. We called the president to let him know what was going on. He was sure glad that we were ok and he made sure that we did not climb in and out of the window.
We had an ice storm and Church was cancelled. It was frustrating because Shavon was planning on going to church with us for the first time. It was also important to me to take the sacrament. You realize what an incredible remembrance you receive when you partake of the sacrament, when you are not able to. We weren’t aloud to got out and work so we spend the day with the Zisette and worked what we could from their home.
Laura Hull is coming right along we taught her another lesson and set a baptism date for February 10. She is sad that her mom doesn’t want to go but she wants to do it anyways because she knows how important it truly is. We are praying and fasting for comfort in her heart weather her mom and dad come. But everything will work out. The lord only wants the best for her.
Sister Campbell keeps us reminded to accentuate the positive. She’s amazing and would go through anything for anyone. She is a great example to me of faith. I’m learning tons from her on how to become more charitable and personable. We also have fun as we are doing it. For the ward game night we dressed up as twinners. We said that we wanted to be like the elders, so the next day they wore the same ties so they could be like us. You have to find the joy in life in the simple things. For example we don’t have a lot of food but we get creative and try meals out from what we have. Like the fudge that sis Campbell made from hot Chocolate mix. (Mom you got to get this recipe) Or the cobbler for jam, canned peaches, cookie mix and granola bars. Or the other day we made a fabulous appetizer from asparagus and cheese. No recipes included. I’m thinking I’m going to go into cooking. j/k. Life is great here.
We just had President Interviews and I think I will be staying here in Radford for at least another two transfers. It’s all good to me because I love it here and I don’t know any better. Sister Campbell will be leaving me soon to go home in the end March. So we want to make this last little bit for her the best. We are working hard and receiving the blessings. You all are lucky to be able to go to the temple so often. There is a lot of important work to be done. I know you all are amazing examples. Keep up the wonderful work and keep helping the missionaries.
I love you all
Sister Barrand
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Hip Hip
Talofa Lava… that means hello in Samoan
Well this companionship is going great and we are making a lot of progress. We were to meet with the Stiltners that we found two months ago. Cute family. He almost didn’t let us in cause he thought we were trying to convert him and he was going to stick to his church. But we got in and talked about eternal families and the three kingdoms, cause he had always been wondering about good people that don’t get baptized. I have to let you know that Noah just walked into the library. Sorry that was random.Over dinner Sunday we kind of got into a heated discussion over dinner with sister Kirby’s nonmember husband. He talked about how he would hate to live for eternity with his family cause he can’t even stand them now. It was pretty sad to have their daughter who is a member also agreeing that she is suck with her x-husband cause she is getting out of a messy divorce.
On the Sunday Sister Montgomery taught our lesson in Relief Society. She is the most entertaining person to watch. Her lesson was on repentance. She said “Repentance is like your behind, just leave it behind.”Pam Saheem (old referral) was having a hard time and we were able to give her an Ensign and some up lifting articles to read.This week we got a hold of Shavon (she had ordered a BOM) She was kind of avoiding us for a while and not showing up for our appointments. However this week she said that she got the assignment for the semester to research Mormonism. So we will be giving her a whole bunch of great stuff and the rest of the lessons. Hip hip Hurray. We taught her lesson two and she said that she would pray about it. She is a big timer into the bible, like knows it back and forth. Shavon is on the Radford University Girls Basketball team. I think that we will be able to go support her this Saturday at one of her games. She is also coming to Thai Chi at the church this Thursday. We will be attending to learn some self-defense moves for scary men that look into our window and to let our investigator know that we are normal.We do service at the library and the Clothing bank. Entering obituaries data into the computer is great fun when we get to talk to all the people that sit by us and read the 1965’s jokes (they don’t make any sense, and not funny at all.)
I’m so proud of Don he is being such a member missionary and blessing other lives. I’m glad to here that things are going well there. I pray for you all everyday. There is a lady in the ward that served a mission and knows how much time doing your laundry take so in return I will do her hair. I can’t tell you how much I love this work and the people here. As I was studying in Alma on: change of heart. I was reminded of my freshman year in my Book of Mormon class when my teacher taught about “ Change of heart”. I had one of my own changes. I went to all my roommates and the girls above me and taught them. That was the greatest feeling. And know I get that feeling everyday where I can share this gospel and feel true happiness. I’m so lucky to have had such a wonderful family who were loving examples to me. You all have been so good to me and I am so privileged to be apart of this family.Alofa Atu….Love you
Sister Barrand
Well this companionship is going great and we are making a lot of progress. We were to meet with the Stiltners that we found two months ago. Cute family. He almost didn’t let us in cause he thought we were trying to convert him and he was going to stick to his church. But we got in and talked about eternal families and the three kingdoms, cause he had always been wondering about good people that don’t get baptized. I have to let you know that Noah just walked into the library. Sorry that was random.Over dinner Sunday we kind of got into a heated discussion over dinner with sister Kirby’s nonmember husband. He talked about how he would hate to live for eternity with his family cause he can’t even stand them now. It was pretty sad to have their daughter who is a member also agreeing that she is suck with her x-husband cause she is getting out of a messy divorce.
On the Sunday Sister Montgomery taught our lesson in Relief Society. She is the most entertaining person to watch. Her lesson was on repentance. She said “Repentance is like your behind, just leave it behind.”Pam Saheem (old referral) was having a hard time and we were able to give her an Ensign and some up lifting articles to read.This week we got a hold of Shavon (she had ordered a BOM) She was kind of avoiding us for a while and not showing up for our appointments. However this week she said that she got the assignment for the semester to research Mormonism. So we will be giving her a whole bunch of great stuff and the rest of the lessons. Hip hip Hurray. We taught her lesson two and she said that she would pray about it. She is a big timer into the bible, like knows it back and forth. Shavon is on the Radford University Girls Basketball team. I think that we will be able to go support her this Saturday at one of her games. She is also coming to Thai Chi at the church this Thursday. We will be attending to learn some self-defense moves for scary men that look into our window and to let our investigator know that we are normal.We do service at the library and the Clothing bank. Entering obituaries data into the computer is great fun when we get to talk to all the people that sit by us and read the 1965’s jokes (they don’t make any sense, and not funny at all.)
I’m so proud of Don he is being such a member missionary and blessing other lives. I’m glad to here that things are going well there. I pray for you all everyday. There is a lady in the ward that served a mission and knows how much time doing your laundry take so in return I will do her hair. I can’t tell you how much I love this work and the people here. As I was studying in Alma on: change of heart. I was reminded of my freshman year in my Book of Mormon class when my teacher taught about “ Change of heart”. I had one of my own changes. I went to all my roommates and the girls above me and taught them. That was the greatest feeling. And know I get that feeling everyday where I can share this gospel and feel true happiness. I’m so lucky to have had such a wonderful family who were loving examples to me. You all have been so good to me and I am so privileged to be apart of this family.Alofa Atu….Love you
Sister Barrand
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
