4 Jan 2011

Well since my letter was lame last week, I figure I should write something awesome! =) I am once again back with Sister Kendell and we couldn't be more excited. The minute she got here, the miracles started happening. Everything went awesome.

Wednesday, we went and saw some on and off again investigators - Cecilia y Jose. They live in Terrace Heights and are church hopping. We had a good lesson with them, added Jose as a new investigator of ours, and just helped them understand more about the Restoration of the doctrine of Christ. It was really awesome to see them understand the need for the Restoration and all that. They were really great and we're working on getting them to church. They'll go to the others, but not to ours. Stinkin' Satan.

Thursday night, we just went forth and conquered. 2 new more investigators. This time for the English work. Matt - who was a referral from an awesome family, was taught about repentence. We extended the baptismal commitment, which he accepted. He just didn't set a date, so we will be working with him on that in the next appointment we have with him. He's just awesome. And later that night, we had dinner with a really nice family and the mom was like 'oh I'm coming out with you guys'. We were like...umm, what? We had no idea. So we had some plans cancel, which was NO coincidence. And we went and saw a lady named JoAnn. She's old and a smoker and we just went in and talked about Jesus Christ and how He's always here trying to gather His sheep. And we know He's trying to gather her in. Her smoking problem keeps her from coming to church because she feels she will be rejected. But, she said we were her angels and an answer to her prayers. She wants to get baptized. The only thing we need to work past is the smoking. And with the Lord, all things are possible. It was cool to see how perfectly our exchange fit with her. AWESOME!

Friday was pretty uneventful except for a lesson we had with a girl named Heather. She has been looking for a change and has come to church 3 times on her own. She's great and so prepared, but we both felt like we needed to extend the baptismal commitment. All these distractions came in and out of the room, and we didn't do it. After some good repentence on our part, we still know that this is something that can bless her life and will some day. Where she's staying, she hasn't been doing very good things, so she's going back to Las Vegas. Maybe Sister Kendell and I weren't the missionaries for her, but she'll still be blessed if she accepts the gospel in her life.

Sister Kendell and I welcomed the new year in in our beds. Sleeping. Call us party poopers, but we were pooped out. We finished our weekly planning that night, as we had to be in by 6:30. But all is well and I made some new year's resolutions for myself. And I'm going to stick to them.

Saturday, Sister Kendell wasn't feeling very good. She's been getting over this nasty bug of some sort. We don't know what's going on, but we went with the Mitchells later that night to visit some people. It was so great and I'm so grateful I live with members as awesome as the Mitchells. I want to be like Sister Mitchell when I get older. She's so great and just full of life, energy, and the gospel.

Sunday was filled with meetings and church. Awesome testimony meetings and such. Couldn't really ask to be in a better position right now. The Terrace Heights ward is great and so is the Spanish Branch. I love serving in both and feel soo blessed to be here at this time. Sunday, we just visited some less actives and tried to figure out more about the work we have to do in the ward. We visited with some families to try and get more information about some potential investigators. It's always nice to build member trust as they see your purpose here as a missionary.

Monday was...insane! We had a specialized training with the Greers and the Assistants. It was all about the doctrine of Christ and I loved it so much! I now more fully understand my purpose here as a missionary and I just love that the Lord has entrusted this to us. He blesses us so much and as we know who we are and our purpose, we can only make the lives of other better. After the training and lunch, we went and visited some people. We came back for dinner and ate a little. After, we decided to follow our plans and go out to contact these people. We knocked on the door and some guy [a roommate] answered. He had his big ugly wrinkled dog on the other side of the door. He picked him up and told us to come in, saying something about the dog being grumpy. Sister Kendell went over to pet him...you know. Make nice with the dog, and then he bit her. She didn't really say anything. We contacted the lady and walked out the door and Sister Kendell started to cry. She just kept telling me her hand hurt really bad. We got back in the car, turned on the light, and her hand was covered in blood. Well, the glove was. But, I took her back to the Mitchells and which Sister and Brother Mitchell were taking care of her, I called Sister Greer. Brother Mitchell gave her a blessing, but then we went to the hospital. The dog really got her and since she's really allergic...yeah. We went and spent our night in the ER. She's fine, but is out of a right hand for some time. So, I'm just helping my companion along and we're a good team. But, we had to cancel all of our appointments for that night. But, we're glad it wasn't worse. I'm not really letting her do anything because I don't want her to hurt herself. It's a fun game. =)

Sounds like your trip out west was awesome! I'm excited to see pictures from the wedding! I want to really bad! And pictures of Brody. I was going to ask about him this week, but you had already written me about it. I'm sure Nichola was a beautiful bride and I'm sad I couldn't be there, but I'm stoked to be there in the summer for the reception! =)

My new years resolutions have been blessing my life. They aren't anything like get married or go on 100 dates or anything like that. It's about me being a more obedient and better missionary. And I know as I do that, not only will I be blessed, but those around me. I've already seen it as I've tried to be more exactly obedient.

I love you and I'm thankful that you're my family and I have you in my life! I'm glad you're all well and safe and I just...I know the gospel is true. I know that we have the pure doctrine of Christ here on this earth and with that, we can know who we are and what we're doing here. We have purpose as we come to know that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father. I miss you all and I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to be a missionary!

Con amor,

Hna. Pleshek

28 Dec 2010

I'm staying in Yakima and I'm getting Sister Kendell back. That's it for transfers.

21 Dec 2010

Mom,

You're so lucky. I'm just going right down the line and your letter was 4th on my list, so you'll get to hear from me sooner! YAY! Well, let's see. I'm glad that you finally got snow. We get snow here and then it just melts the next day. Kind of frustrating, but you know what, that's okay. The less I have to deal with. But, we think the snow that we got a few days ago will be sticking around for Christmas. It's pretty scarce, but we'll have a White Christmas after all. I can't believe that it's Christmas this week. 4 days. I can't believe it! Where did all the time go? I remember last Christmas when I was in the MTC. Crazy how that works. But, such is life. President Greer told us yesterday that even when you stand on the runners of the tredmill, it still will pass and keep going. Analogy I'll tell you about later. It's great!

But, we had Christmas zone conference yesterday. It was awesome! We got to watch Toy Story 3! Oh man, SOOO funny. So sad. I cried. But, best movie I've watched in about a year. Haha. Nah, it was great though. We had all sorts of fun and I just loved being with the missionaries. It was a half zone conference and just so great. The Greers are great and I'm glad they're out here with us. The up and down side of it all was we had this snow storm come through yesterday and so the elder that was going to drive to the Tri-Cities is from South Carolina and I was just like yeah...you should let me drive. So I got us there safely and soundly. Relief! But, not that I was worried about his driving, but still. It felt better knowing that I was in control driving at a safe speed instead of crazy elders. Haha.

It sounds like you're having a blast at home...despite the fact that everyone is semi-sick. Eeks! Well, my companion is getting sick and I'm just considering it a miracle if I don't get sick. I've been so exposed, it's ridiculous! But, you know, I just might have that awesome of an immune system.

As for calling. The missionary department has allowed us to SKYPE for Christmas. So weather it's on gmail or the actual skype, I am looking forward to seeing everyone at home! And I'm thinking it'll be around noon-ish, my time. So 2 yours. But, I'll call in the day and let you know when for sure. Depending on Sister Salmon. Her family is 3 hours ahead of me, so I'm letting her go first and all that jazz. I'm excited beyond all belief! =)

And...let's see...what else. Oh, thanks for telling Adam who I am. I wouldn't like for him to now know his favorite aunt! =) But, I'm sure it'll all be fine when I get home. I'm super excited to see their little faces. That's probably been one of the biggest things that I miss...watching the kiddos grow and stuff. But, I sure do love hearing about them and their adventures.

Well, everything is going good here. Transfer calls are coming on Christmas, so hopefully I'll be able to let you know if I'm being transferred or not. We'll see. But, I love you all and I am super duper stoked to talk to you all in 4 days!!!!!

Love you!

Hna. Pleshek

14 Dec 2010

Well, I have had just a week. It's been nuts and I've been keeping busy. This letter will be short as I struggle to find things to talk about. I seriuosly don't know where the time goes. I write you and it seems the next day is just p-day and nothing happened. We have our usual district meetings and what not, but it just...it flies.

We got dumped on with snow the other day. It was lovely. It snowed all day long and the roads were terrible. But we survived. We also had cena de Navidad [Christmas dinner] where we all had to do a TON of cooking. It was a combined activity with the Terrace Heights ward and the people there from the Branch spent the whole night cooking pretty much. We had fajitas and it was AMAZING!!! I seriously want to be Mexican so I know how to cook all this amazing food. But, one day, maybe. Anyways, great party and awesome food and I had a blast!

I bought boots from Target, but I may take them back because they turn everything blue. My hands, my legs, the snow, everything. So I don't know what's up with that, but I'm thinking I'll take them back and just go look at Walmart or somewhere else. Who knows.

We're finding all sorts of success here in the area and the Lord is preparing people for us to teach. Some weeks are better than others, but it's all in the Lord's hands. He's great and I'm truly grateful to be His servant here in Washington.

We have our Christmas zone conference coming up on Monday. That will be really fun. I have to sing...? I don't know. Sister Salmon and I are singing a part in the song What Child is This? It'll be great because I love the song and even though I'm just average, I love to sing. I've realized a trend with my companions. They're either fantastic singers, or they can't carry a tune. Haha. Just a little side note.

I don't think my body still agrees with Yakima. My eating habits have been off lately and I hope they get back on because I miss eating breakfast. I seriously haven't been eating normally the last little while and it stinks. But whatever.

I love you and I'm grateful for all you do for me! Feliz Navidad muy pronto y ojala que todo este bien con ustedes. Les quiero mucho y estoy agradecida que tengo una familia maravillosa!

Con amor,

Hna. Pleshek

7 Dec 2010

Mom, you had a ton to say! That's awesome! This week seriously feels like it's gone and come so slow, yet so fast. I can't believe it. Each week it ticks down and woah. Anyways, this week has been crazy! We put someone on date. Her name is Maria Hernandez and she's sooo great! She's got a date for January and we've got some other people getting baptized in the English ward as well. We're going to have a white Christmas. And I was told the other day that one of my investigators in Vancouver is getting baptized on Christmas! How awesome is that? I love it!

So, I had no idea that you had put money in my account to buy boots. I'll look today and see what I can find. And if I can't find anything, I'll let you know, alright? Yes, the shirts are for my sisters...even though I don't know if Clare can fit in it. I'm planning on sending a picture with me in mine so then we can all be twinners. ! YAY! I'm super stoked!

I love hearing about all the miracles that are happening this week! And I love being a missionary and seeing all the progress that I can help people make to come closer to their Savior. I truly am grateful for the opportunity that I have. I'm so blessed and I've come to a huge realization of that this week. I'm so grateful for all the opportunities the Lord has blessed me with. And He really has. I'm learning more than I could ever do at home. I was looking at some notes that I took for the zone conference I went to when Elder Hafen was at home and something Sister Barrett said really stuck out to me this morning. She says that as we use the Atonement, our testimonies grow. And it's so true. I've learned more about the Atonement on my mission that I ever have before.

I really don't have a huge amount to say. My heart is just overflowing with gratitude and I am so thankful to you and Dad as my parents. You've taught me well and even though I've made mistakes, I always reflect on your words. I rehearse them, as the sons of Helaman would say. But, thank you. There are no words to express my thankfulness for all you've done for me! I love you more than words can say! And next week, hopefully I'll have more exciting things to talk about. Haha. I miss you all!

Con amor,

Hna. Pleshek

30 Nov 2010

Temple trip with the Kennewick Hermanas and the Mitchells!!

Jacobe's baptism

Winter has come to Yakima.

Dear Mom,

What a week it has been. Gone and come so fast, I can't even tell you. Well, we had Thanksgiving this week, which we spent with the Mitchells. It was fun and even though we were told not to drive our cars, Sister Salmon and I had a lot of fun. We ate...and ate...and I even got to nap. It was a beautiful thing and I sure am grateful for a whole lot of things.

We've been getting lots of snow. It's okay, because I am a professional. Haha. Just kidding. But for real. We got lectured at zone conference on defensive driving, so I was just all, I got it under control. Still, great advice. Oh, we had zone conference yesterday. It was all about how to begin teaching. It's part of the 8 new lessons the missionary department is rolling out ...well, already has started rolling out. They're pretty legit and make the work so much better. It's always awesome to have zone conferences. And the best part was, our zone had to do the special musical number, and so we sang If the Savior Stood Beside Me. The Greers and assistants told us that it was by far the best out of all the zone conferences they went to and they made us to it again at the end to end the conference.

We got to go to the temple today and that was amazing, as always. I sure do love the temple and I spent a lot of time thinking about my mission and the experiences I've had in the temple. I also thought about my first time in the temple and what a special experience that was. I'm excited to do sealings and more initiatories when I get home. For now, we just really do endowments. And that's great, but I am excited to do more and learn from those experiences, too.

It sounds like things have been going busy busy busy at home. Which is good. Oh and if you awnt to know, my address is 1902 Ekelman Rd. Yakima, WA 98901. So, yeah, just FYI.

I can't believe how fast the time is flying. Christmas is coming up and I'm already anticipating calling home to talk to all of you. I just...I honestly can't believe how fast it's going. I never thought I'd be at this point right now, but it's been a HUGE blessing and I wouldn't do it any other way.

We had a baptism on Sunday, too. It was awesome! I love baptisms and just am so excited to see the changes people make in their lives! Jacobe's baptism was awesome and he's such a cool kid!

Well, my time is short and I have a lesson to teach in 10-ish minutes. Plan of Salvation! WOOHOO! I love you all and thank you for all you do for me! I couldn't do this without you!

Love,

Hna. Pleshek

23 Nov 2010

MOM!!! I want to buy boots today!!! WE HAVE SNOW!

Well, I'm glad to hear that things are going well back home! And that everyone is staying warm despite the cold stuff that's happening. We just got some snow, too. It started snowing on Sunday night and hasn't really stopped since. Putting my Wisconsin driving skills to use, so it's all good. Especially with Sister Salmon. Being from Florida, she's a little concerned about the driving in the snow. Not too worry. I'm not the world's scariest driver and I still have a good head on me and I know not to go 80 when it's snowing really hard and there's ice all over.

That's unfortunate about Wayne. But, I guess we can only hope for the best and see what happens. I hope that the braces are helping Papa along. He's still pretty young and kicking. He'll be alright.

I honestly don't have a lot to say this week. With the transfers and stuff, it's just been nuts. We've been going going going and never having any time to stop. We're always busy and I think this transfer just might kill me. I'm so exhausted and I feel it all the time. I crash each night really early and then start worrying about something or other that's happening.

We had Antonio postpone his baptism until further notice. It's got to do with the law of chastity. We taught him that and then the next day, he told us he wanted to postpone it. So, we're dealing with that and he's still been prepared and is a good kid, as he told us he still will keep the word of wisdom. Just, a kid that's looking for something and he's really wanting a new start. So, I'm glad that he's taking this seriously and not just jumping in with his eyes closed. He knows what it all entails and he wants to be able to do all of it.

Umm, I really do want to buy some boots. Cause it's snowing and my shoes have holes in them and that's not okay with me. So, if we could work something out, that would be fantastic! =)

Thanksgiving will be at the Juarez's house. They're a really big family that's all getting together and it'll be fun. I'm looking forward to it. And we're going to the temple next week, so I'll be emailing a little later than normal. If that helps you with your writing, great.

Well, I love you and I miss you all! Be great!
Love,
Hna. Pleshek