18 Jan 2011

Well, first off, before I forget, I believe our p-day next week will be a Monday. Just a big FYI. So, now let's get into this letter. I'm hoping it will be packed with fun-filled action of the past week.

Last week, after emails, Sister Kendell and I went and got pedicures for her and my year marks. Since we didn't do anything for them, we wanted to do something together. And it was awesome! We tried to share the gospel with a Vietnamese Buddist. Very interesting. But, it was fun to try. Maybe we made a difference...who knows! But, we went over the the Englewood building to play with the elders and while we were there, I got my 'trunky call'. The call every missionary gets from the mission office asking them if their parents have moved, if they will have a valid driver's license and temple recommend, where their stake president lives and which airport is closest to their home. Yes, well, it's the dreaded call and I got it last week. I am scheduled to fly home on May 3rd. So that's when I will be coming. I can't believe that I only have 2 1/2 transfers left. Where has all the time gone? It's not supposed to be this close yet. After we started proselyting again, [woah, spelled wrong?] we had this AMAZING appointment with a lady named Juanita. She is the daughter of a member and is awesome! We extended the baptismal commitment to her and she accepted for the 29th of this month! YAY JUANITA!

Wednesday, I had a lovely exchange with Sister Spencer. It was really fun and I just laughed my butt off the whole entire time. She's kind of off the wall sometimes, but we had fun. She reminds me of a young Mary High...haha. You can imagine. But, she was hilarious and we got a lot of work done. It was great!

Thursday, we woke up to everything covered in ice. We had a zone conference up in Selah and we were all supposed to meet there to practice our song. Sister Kendell and I sang with the zone leaders in a lovely rendition of Our Savior's Love. It went really well, but anyways, jumping ahead of myself. We woke up and had to clean the car. Kind of hard when it's covered in ice. So, we try to do our best and then just start driving into town to a car wash. Well, I get the smart idea that since it's icy, I don't want to like slam on my brakes, so I decide to cut through the parking lot. Yeah, bad idea. It's all slanted and so we're over half way through the lot and I'm trying to put on my brakes...and nothing's happening. Yeah, I was just sliding on the ice and we're headed for the snow bank and curb. Sister Spencer's all, oh man, here it comes and we jumped the curb and got stuck. LAME! Because it's soooo slick outside and we can't push ourselves out and ...ahh man. So we call Brother Mitchell to see if he can come help us. But while we were waiting, a group of Mexicans came and pushed us out. I was really grateful for that. So, we get our car washed and the elders call and ask if we can come pick them up. At this point we're soooo late, but if we don't, they won't have a ride. So we go get them. And then we drive to Selah. And as we're driving there, we get stuck behind a semi. In my freshly washed car. UGH! Haha. But, whatever, it was fine and we didn't die, although we were extrememly late. But, better late than never. Zone Conference was AWESOME! Rocked my socks completely off. Loved it! All about the Spirit in conversion. Awesome! But, later that night, we tried to use what we had learned in a lesson with a member and her non member husband. And we had a really good lesson with him. He asked a lot of questions and he's opening up more and more. He believes that the church is true and it feels right to him. We've just got a few things to sort out and he will be golden!

Friday we had dinner with a less active and active his girlfriend. They're younger than both Sister Kendell and I, so it was really weird. But, good. We touched him and it's amazing to see his Spirit wanting to come back. He's becoming converted and it's great! We spent the whole day sinking in the mud, as it's getting warmer and warmer. Yikes! Our shoes were completely dirty and just...reallly muddy. Oh well. Haha, we also stopped at a lady in the ward's house. She's so funny. She lives by herself and the other week when we walked forever, we walked to her house. Well, she came home that night, didn't see any car tracks, but found our note and she just saw two sets of footprints. So she didn't know it was us, but she figured there were some prowlers in the neighborhood. So she calls all her neighbors telling them that there's prowlers and such. And she's freaking out and telling everyone. She finally is on the phone with Bro. Mitchell and he tells her that we walked there and it was us. Haha. So funny to hear that. But, lesson well learned.

Saturday, it was another day where we just walked about 10 miles all over Moxee. We walked and walked and walked. We stopped and some people were home, but it was fun. Really nice day for walking, other than the mud. But, great! It was all worth it at the end when we contacted 3 Mexicans working on a gate. And we shared with them a message about what we teach, gave them pass along cards, and went on our way. One of them called us yesterday, so it was worth walking...especially in the rain. We about died of laughter that night. Sister Kendell and I were soooo exhausted, everything was funny. So, it was great. And we just went to bed laughing. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard. It felt amazing! I just love her! Oh and the Mitchell also rescued a bird they let us see that night.

On Sunday, it was lots of church, as normal. We found out that we have 666 members in the Terrace Heights ward. Haha. We all thought it was funny in our meeting. But the only scary thing that happened was that one of our investigators had a seizure before church started. So, that was really scary. We had an appointment with her yesterday, and she just looks awful. Oh my gosh. But I'll talk about that more later. We also had this visiting teaching conference that was great! I love the ward we serve in!

Monday...we had a lesson with Heather. But she was just in bad shape. So we called Bishop to come over with one of his counselors and give her a blessing. He's a doctor, too, so it all works out. But we hope she gets better because she has her interview with President Greer on Sunday. We also lost our phone yesterday. We searched and searched Yakima for it and that made us late to most of our appointments. But, such is life and there's a reason for everything.

Well, that's all I have this week! I love you all so much and I'm thankful for all you do for me!

Con amor,

Hna. Pleshek

1-11-11

Happy Anniversary to you Mom and Dad!

This post will be really short this week, but I'd like to do it with pictures...at least the ones I have. We didn't quite have the eventful week we had last week [hospital visit, etc.], but we have put some people on date to be baptized at the end of the month and that's awesome.

One of the member's in the branch - their dog had puppies right before Christmas and we went over to their house to eat and I got to play with them. This one, I named after myself. Haha. Despite the fact that it's a boy. It's name is still Hna. Pleshek. Hna. Kendell got to hold one for a little bit too...but didn't for very long because of the allergic business and the fact that last week, the dogs weren't too fond of her. But her finger is better now! =)

The other day we went out walking. We were going to walk to a lady in the ward's house. The RS president asked if we would go see her and we never catch her home, so we decided to try and walk. After she wasn't home, we decided to walk to a ward missionary's house...which wasn't too far up the road...or so we thought. We ended up walking about 7 miles that day. And let me tell you, my feet and my legs sure were feeling it the next day.

Our RS president in the ward gave us these mafia coats...yeah. They're warm and made out of wool, but we feel like we're going to drown in them. It's okay though. I hid 2 children in them on Sunday. It was really funny. But I'm super grateful for the warm coat after the snow we got the other day and the snow we will get.

Yesterday, it was a less active's birthday. And his favorite movie is the Little Mermaid and so we made him a cake. It was the only thing he got for his birthday and after we surprised him with that, we sang some Little Mermaid songs to him. He told us we sang exactly like Ariel. Haha. It was awesome though. Hna. Kendell and I just had a BLAST making that cake and it was pretty good. It was all from scratch and it tasted pretty good.

We had a pretty productive night and week and it's just a blast being with Hna. Kendell. The work is moving and the members are great! I love being a missionary! I love you all and thanks for everything you do for me!!

Con amor,

Hna. Pleshek

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