Saturday, November 27, 2010

We, Who Combat Trolls Like Pros

November 26, 2010

Happy Christmahanakwanzikuh!!!

Now that Thanksgiving is officially over, I hereby deem it acceptable to play Christmas music! I hope everyone enjoyed a day to focus on family & the wonderful lives we've been blessed with. We had a fantastic week here on Temple Square...

Friday: Zone Conference at 8:20 AM early -- but good & very much needed. I learned that I need to work on being brief. Story of my life. But guess where we had it??? Go on! Guess! You never will....and if you did I'd never know - so I'll tell ya! The Devereaux Mansion! It's a restored mansion from way back when -- right before the Taco Stand. It my friends, is pretty legit(the mansion...haven't ventured to the Taco Stand yet). We did 5,000 role plays or "real plays" as things are leaning towards nowadays which were only slightly painful because SOME people can't *pretend* -- which in my opinion parallels with not having a childhood. I got to talk with Sister Hansen (MTC) for a bit at the end. She is at Welfare Square this transfer & loves it! She recently "Dear John"-ed her guy back home...but she says she's never felt better! One of the reasons why I love her :) After our conference we had lunch in the basement of the JSMB --- pizza from President! Afterwards, we still had some time to kill, so we went up to Nauvoo Cafe & drank hot chocolate with Sisters Gilbert & Williams. So delicious! If you're coming to town for the lights, stop in at Nauvoo Cafe for their hot chocolate.

Choir practice went well & I did not feel like committing suicide. Which makes any day great, right? What else makes any day great? A package from home!!! I got a clean journal(JUST in time), a scarf, gloves, caramels & mints. Mom: I appreciate your effort to assist me in maintaining my figure :)

All of our appointments fell through. THIS does not make any day great. But what else helped was that I finally bought boots! Now my feet are toasty warm on the oh-so-cold & snowy days here in the beautiful Salt Lake City.

Saturday: We had another early meeting. Yay...lots of enthusiasm here. Safety training, FLEET information etc. but then things really got exciting. Are you sitting down? (Sure hope so, don't know too many normal people who stand up while they read stuff on a computer...) Ok, here it is. We went over the the Conference Center for a testimony meeting! We got to sit where all the important wives sit! In our little Sister missionary hearts we're all hoping to actually sit there one day, married to a General Authority or an Apostle or someone super important. In my mind I'm thinking "Heck! I wanna be the one sitting up there!" In all shades of humility :) And if you think it couldn't get better just you wait ["Henry Higgins just you wait!"] it gets better. In silence, we went backstage & up some crazytown stairs to the CHOIR SEATS! That's right. THE choir seats. I'm talking MOTAB kinda choir seats. If there were ever a thing to be legit -- it would be those seats. And no we didn't just stare at them, we got to for realsies SIT in them!!!!! I know!!!! And THEN (Oh stop it Sister Despain it just can't possibly get better?!?) we got to sing "Called to Serve" -- Temple Square style :) Now, for those of you who aren't privy to the gloriocity that is Temple Square styled Called To Serve --- it's ok. Maybe one day I'll grace you with a small rendition of how amazing this mission is. That's right, we have our own hymn :)

After conference Sister Garbett & I made a stop at Nauvoo Cafe for breakfast. I got an orange & a muffintop :) We were followed in later by none other than President & Sister Holmes along with the AP's [Sister Lamprecht & Sister Inoue]. They invited us over to their table -- which you can't decline, so we relocated! It was a very entertaining & historical breakfast. Or, at least it would have been if we didn't see President Holmes almost every single day. It was still great. President started talking about how they came out with seals for food because of some nut who decided it was a brilliant idea to poison food before it was even purchased & you'd never know even nowadays -- someone could inject something into a piece of fruit!!! ....right as I take a bite into a slice of my orange :)

I ran into Cailey & Stuart Morgan! It was so good to see them! I love seeing people I know, it's a nice reminder that the world doesn't stop just because I'm on a mission! We went to Kodiak Cookies for lunch with Williams & Gilbert(whom btw we just call "friends" now...because it takes way too long to call them by their names) and no you're not crazy I said Kodiak Cookies & yes all they sell are cookies & yes I said lunch. But get this, we didn't even have to pay for our unhealthiness! We went in right in front of the kindest soul in all of Salt Lake -- she bought each of us a cookie :) She's got a son on a mission -- MissionaryMoms are the best! She is officially a saint. I got the peanut butter chocolate cookie. Then we went back to work & I had an apple for lunch. We forgot to bring dinner...so we went to The Garden! (You guys sure know how to budget there in SLC) No worries! We ended up not paying for any of our outings!!! Yup! Someone paid for our dinner too!!! We split the club sandwich & saved the rest for lunch the next day. We had a bit of an adventure by trying the "fried pickles" --we thought they were going to be disgusting but you would not believe how good they are! Climbed my "Top 10 Foods" list super fast.

Quote of the day. Guest: "Do you have to be a model to get called to Temple Square?"

Sure, why not.

Sunday: Church went well! We heard from President Sepi & President Harman as a continuation of Zone Conference. Gratitude. Good topic for the upcoming week! I officially broke-in my boots! Sweet, huh? Break-in time: ONE day. Missions rock. My feet did not get soaked :) Despite their getting squashed during the rest of the day :(

We had one go-see the whole day. It was really good, even though he didn't refer. Paul has all-member kids & it sounds like they've been trying to teach him for the last few years but he's not ready right now. Around 3:00 we met up with a group coming out of the Singles Stake Conference. One guy who passed us was kind enough to point out exactly WHO was invited to that meeting. We're missionaries, we KNOW we're single - thanks for pointing that out buddy! So, we met up with this group who were all really nice. We talked with them for a bit, this one guy Preston digging himself deeper & deeper into the "let's insult the sister missionaries" whole, unintentionally. But it was all good - he gave us a friend to call! We got his number too so we can report back. As we went our separate ways he said "Call me!".....*insert ridiculously awkward silence that penetrated all of Temple Square, here* "About your friend - ya - we'll let you know how that goes!"

1st Quote of the day. Troller: "Wow! You guys combat trolls like a pro!"
2nd Quote of the day. Sister Gilbert during Chat: "Dang my life Alberto -- Immabouta fight you!" If only they knew what we were really like on the other side :)

Monday: I finished Sister Garbett's new pencil skirt! She loves it! It's super cute, approved & yet so fashionable!

We found Michael on Chat. He stays at home with his two kids, taking online classes & really wants to learn more about the church. He wants missionaries to come visit him in his area. I just love when that happens. We've got an appointment set up to teach him on Wednesday! We're so excited! Some formers emailed us back! We were excited to hear from them! Nothing has happened yet...but maybe something new will come up.

Tuesday: Surprise surprise who woulda guessed it. But turns out I am MUCH more enthusiastic on the days I exercise in the mornings! It's amazing! So I'm definitely going to be keeping up that habit. This week was rough because we had early mornings EVERY morning. So no exercising.

We role played during District Meeting...yes we love role playing, could you tell? I need to pause more. It's so hard to say what you want in short, powerful statements while making sure that you pause. It's complicated but not impossible. Huzzah for new goals.

I got a package....folder...manila envelope thingy from Sister Thomas! Inside was a tri-fold nativity!!! It's all set up on my desk :) Thank you so much! I love it! It also included a family update & Elder Thomas' letter from that week. I love knowing what everyone is up to, so nice being in the loop.

A blizzard was apparently coming our way, so we got sent home around 2:00 PM!!! And what do you do when you all of a sudden have hours of free time? That's right! You build a fort in the living room & take a nap in it! We brought sheets & blankets up to Gil/Wil's apartment & built a fort! It was down right amazing. A work of art. The 8th world wonder. The envy of the 2nd floor :) We made hot chocolate, cookies, smoothies, pizza & popcorn! [We're usually really healthy, I promise! Healthy food just doesn't make for a good blog update!] And what else do you have to do in a spectacular fort? Yup! Tell ghost stories :) Ahhhh!!!! I favored everyone with what I could remember out of Grandma & Pop's "Scary Stories" book [which, by the way was banned from certain school libraries due to graphic/scary pictures...in case....you were wondering that randomly...] and also with my own rendition of the incident at Acid Park in NC. Ooooooh!!!! hahahahaha I was telling "The Green Ribbon" and Sister Williams was about to check out. It was hilarious. Then we talked about.... You knew it was coming & yes, I confess -- we descended to such levels as to talk about b-o-y-s. So glad we did though, otherwise we would have had no quotes of the day! Sister Garbett was telling us about this one situation where she was trying to date two boys at once. We said it was kind of like that music video with the treadmills & each guy has a treadmill. So dating two guys is complicated. Then Sister Gilbert was talking about how when she was dating this guy, she actually had a crush on her best guy friend & how he really, really liked her. So that's where the following quotes come from.

1st Quote of the day. Sister Despain: "Too many treadmills!" Sister Gilbert: "Can't jog that fast!"
2nd Quote of the day. Sister Gilbert: "I wanna date him too! But we're at a Singles ward party -- I can't break up with my boyfriend NOW?!?!"

This whole time it was snowing outside! So around 8:00 PM we ran outside & made snow angels, threw some very powdery snowballs at other sisters' windows :) yes, we're those missionaries :) and we even had a roll-down-the-snow-covered-hill race between me & Sister Gilbert. We had a great day off.

Wednesday: I started a new journal! We had weekly planning, which went pretty quick seeing as how all of our investigators are either baptized or formers! So our goal is simple: FIND! We got trained on driving 12 Passenger Vans!!!! Why Ainsley? I mean...Sister Despain? Why not! We'll need them randomly throughout the mission & I figured I'd never get this chance again...I mean seriously, how many people drive those monsters anymore? We will! I even have a certificate :)

Our performances are coming up! First one is on Saturday for the kickoff concert in the Assembly Hall (no pressure, it's not like...historic or anything) so practices are getting more stressful. But we're improving! We have 12 songs. One is a capella & I play piano for four of the other eleven. We even have bells just like MOTAB! We will perform every Monday night of December in the North Visitors' Center.

The computers were down, so we tried calling potentials we've received [I realized that when I read "received" what goes through my mind is this: "I was so happy to receive (i before e except after c) your letter the other day." weird...huh?]. The one I could get a hold of didn't know who the person was who referred him. He was really nice & actually tried to place the name -- but to no avail. So it was a tricky job to explain my purpose & why this apparently not-so-close friend wanted him to have the missionaries visit. Whew! He ended up not referring but he was really nice and we had a wonderful conversation.

Because of the inclement weather we had to cancel our appointment with Michael. We got an email from some other sisters saying that he came online earlier asking for us. We checked our emails & he replied that he was fine with the time we had set up for our postponed appointment. We're glad he's legit.

So you know in "Jimmy Neutron" when the parents have been abducted by aliens & the kids go wild having all sorts of fun without their parents. And then they start to freak out because they see how much they need their parents and the one kid runs out of the house yelling, "I don't know how to make lunch!!!" Well, turns out that quote can be applied in more than one situation -- none of them having to do with food. Because I've been pulling that one out SO much lately & it's hilarious!

Thursday: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! We had computers from 10:00 to 11:30 so we emailed a spiritual message to most of our formers. Emphasizing how everything we have is because God loves us & is eager to bless us with more when we do what is right. It was cute. We changed into our casual clothes for lunch & a meeting, which was weird because we only see each other in jeans for service at Heritage Park! President told us last week we were going to Chuckarama, then he told us a stake was providing dinner & a talent show for us in Sandy. Then we got on the bus & he told us he had lied [which everyone already knew] he then informed us that he wasn't going to tell us where we were going. We ended up in Sandy at a place called Noah's. It was the coolest place ever! After looking through the rooms for all of 3.2 seconds we decided we were going to live there for the rest of our lives :) There was a theatre with the BEST chairs known to the laziest man on Earth, a pool table, a ping pong table, one arcade game...thingy hahaha I don't know what it's called, a table with Scrabble/Guesstures etc., a racquetball room! with a volleyball net, another huge movie screen in the pool/ping pong room & then a gigantoid room with tables & chairs & a stage for karaoke along with two very large overhead screens where we later projected Beauty & the Beast. So yes, we were well taken care of for Thanksgiving!!! In the first theatre mentioned, we watched Toy Story 3. It even had Sister Garbett crying -- and she doesn't cry! It was even more hilarious watching it the third time with a bunch of movie-deprived 20-something sister missionaries :) Best ever! We also watched 15 minutes of UP but we decided that playing games would be more entertaining.

Dinner was catered by Spiced Apple...or Pumpkin...or something like that! Apart from the ham-tasting what we think was turkey...? it was really good! Of course, NOTHING like being at home with family -- can I RE-emphasize the NOTHING part -- but it was still really great. The food was good, the company was interesting to say the least & Sister Gilbert singing "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" on karaoke made the night very memorable.

As we rode back to SLC the city lights in the window reflection mixed with the actual city I could see, looked just like Rexburg. Especially when we passed the Jordan River Temple -- then it looked JUST like Rexburg sitting outside my window! I miss school and I miss home. But I know that the work I'm doing here is eternally significant for me, my family & everyone I come in contact with here on Temple Square. This week I'm working on "Hope" as my Christlike Attribute. Part of being hopeful is patiently persevering -- oh how uncanny is the timing of certain things :)

The Lights come on tonight! We're excited! If you're coming -- bring potentials! We want everyone to have the BEST gift this Christmas season :)

Love you all & thanks for the letters!!!
Sister Ainsley Marie

P.S. It just now occurred to me that I've never included this in an update! I have had several sisters at different times, tell me that my humor reminds them of Kronk (Emperor's New Groove) or Johnny Bravo. Just to clarify -- they said my HUMOR not my intelligence level.

Happy Holidays!

Friday, November 19, 2010

"Ainsley!!!" ---- Oh wait...that's me!

Hi hi hi! I'm still alive, I'm still on a mission and YES I'm still me :)

Thursday: EAST HIGH was the bomb.com!!!! Yes we did (amazingly enough) make it to the oh-so-famous East High! What's amazing about it, is that these were the only directions we had to go off of: "We were on our way back from Heritage & it was on the left next to these ghetto apartments." A miracle indeed :) It was the funnest thing ever - we parked in their ridiculously small lack of a parking lot & automatically felt like we were in a movie! I know it sounds kinda stupid but the cafeteria looks just like the movie!!!!!!!! Who'da thunk? We found Troy's locker & I had to explain why that was so significant to Sisters Garbett & Williams -- Sister Gilbert followed my explanation with "I love you Sister Despain!" It's nice when someone appreciates the little things as much as you.

I drove! We got there & back in 5 different pieces...the four of us & the van :) No worries!

Friday: Choir practice didn't make me want to kill myself! In case I didn't mention it, the cosmos united and I have been volunteered to accompany the SisMishXmasChoir on four numbers. Yup. The two I can actually play have been changed to acapella. I'm serious. But the POINT is that now I can play Angels We Have Heard on High --when I couldn't just a week ago! Awesome, right?

President was out of town for a Mission President seminar....so he bought us pizza!!! He just loves us :) I took two minutes to soak in a few moments during the day. The trees, the flowers, the cool Utah breeze on Temple Square....so nice :) I love my "I'm a TMSQ SISTER MISSIONARY!??!?!?!?!" moments -- they're my favs!

I got a referral from RC calls! Yay! Sister Gilbert & I decided that we're going to be roommates back at BYU-I April of 2012. We're pretty stoked. And 100% focused :)

Saturday: Walking home we saw a horse-drawn carriage with a "Just Married" sign on the back. Sis Garbett: "That's gotta be like, $30!!! It's your wedding day, you could use that to get your nails done. Or on your hair!" Sister Despain: "Or on candy!?!?!?!" Sis Garbett:"I'm glad I can always count on you Sister Despain :)"

Alex Carroll was in the Family History center?!? In town for a bit....randomly ran into the great, the wonderful, the oh-so enthusiastic Sister Despain. Great way to end a road trip I think, don't you? We went to The Garden for lunch :) I got the Club sandwich. What's better than buying a meal that lasts you for 24 hrs??? Uhh....hmm...well....nothing comes to mind. So it must be the fact that I got 3 meals for the price of ONE!

Sunday: We passed a lady at the Cristus as she said to her friend, "Oh look at those cute Sisters!" We smiled :)

We took Pittsburgh native, Mark through the South Visitors Center. We showed him the construction of the Temple, the video about John Moyle who lost his leg but STILL managed to carve out "Holiness to The Lord -- House of the Lord". He's in Real Estate(great business right now, I'm sure) and isn't home much, so he didn't refer for more information. We were sad but we know that everyone will have the chance to hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We then dropped him off at the display to let him go through the super-cool-awesome-rad touch screen videos. So fun.

I ran into my MTC teacher Sister Metzger! She's still teaching, loving the MTC & doing great! We got to go to Music & the Spoken Word!!! Alex Boye's birthday was this week and his mother came all the way from Rwanda to surprise him!!!! She was there! Isn't that awesome!?!??

We took a family through God's Plan! The father(sorry I didn't get the name) knew Robert & Peggy Lee from their USU CES days! Small world!

I had a fantastic chat with a lady named Irene. She loved everything we talked about & agreed with it all. Her issue? Organized religion. Ya...sad day when that happens.

Sister Garbett was getting stressed out & was about to bust when we got home. So I stuck her HUGE box of junk on my bed & started sorting through it. I know, I'm a problem solver...tends to work though! We sorted through all her junk & figured out what she wanted, what was trash & what she wanted to give away. It was great! The room was so clean & everything was organized :) I'm a sucker for a super clean room...just...so...everyone knows....ya. Then she started complaining that I was just trying to kill her off faster! Hahahahahaha I didn't know what to do at that point. So we went to bed!

Monday: I got a bunch of letters! Totally made my day! Elder Lee, Mom, Elder Edwards, Elder Bake & Justin Borden all in ONE day! I LOVE MAIL :)

In case you were thinking,"Hmm...seems like there's not a lot of missionary work in this update?" It's because all 5,000 of our appointments fell through this week! Ya! I'm not even kidding, it's depressing. But we're still trying! We had to drop a lot of our formers because they weren't keeping their appointments so that kinda bummed us out. And then it doesn't help that we're struggling to find people to replace them. It'll all work out.

Sister Garbett spent a solid 5 minutes trying to persuade a teeny-tiny little mouse to stop running around & get up on the planters where its family lives. It was only mildly ridiculous but completely enjoyable :) Last comment of the day in the Tabernacle: "Are you two sisters?" "Ya!" "Oh, yes -- you look alike!" "hahaha oh...uhh...." We let it go.

Tuesday: I got up & decided to hop in the shower before the other Sisters could beat me to it. Before I actually got in though, I decided to check the time. I then proceeded to get dressed again & head back to bed. I figured 1:00 AM may not be the best time to shower :)

We went to Provo! What's that, Ainsley? Your mission doesn't cover Provo! I know! We took a bus down to Provo for the Carl Bloch & James Tissot art exhibition!!! Exciting, right!?! It was really neat! They borrowed a mess load of original Carl Bloch altar pieces from different cathedrals in Denmark. I definitely favored Bloch more than Tissot. Unfortunately for Tissot his attention to detail didn't outweigh his attention to very...unpleasant aspects of the Savior's last hours. But I still enjoyed it! We were waiting for our bus when someone shouted, "Ainsley!" What went through my mind, you might ask? "Ainsley...hmm nice name -- wait -- whoa! that's me! quick! look around who said that!??!" It was none other than THE Jessica Day!!! It was so good to see her! I don't even remember the last time we got to talk in person. She's doing GREAT & is so cute & married :) She highly recommend the whole marriage thing....I just might write that one down :)

We talked to Arizona Jessica, she is doing great! We discussed the importance of reading our scriptures EVERY day & had a very nice conversation with her. She's sweet, I miss calling her. We also got a hold of Florida Jessica! She is, of course, doing FANTASTIC!!! She was about to go into Institute but she talked to us for just a few minutes to inform us that her birth father(she's adopted) is getting baptized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know, right?!?!?!??! So exciting! She's already a missionary and she's only been a member for 2 weeks. We're so proud :)

We took a family of four through God's Plan. The little 2 year old got a little turned-around in the last room, but once it clicked that we were going to be staying in the "Kitchen" room, he was like "oooh!" and made his way up to the display *BAM* ....there's glass in front of the display :) hahahaha it was so funny! he got stunned for a second but was totally fine. His Dad then put him on the bench, at which point he decided he wanted to sit further back on the other bench that he thought it was connected to. It's not. DOWN he went -- head first onto the floor! It was amazing really! He, again was fine! But who knew God's Plan could be such a rough ride!

Sister Garbett had a black skirt that had an iron print on the back [ :D] that she was going to get rid of but I suggested that she let me hem it instead. So I did! She's worn it every day since :) [Only two days...no worries.] She was also going to pass on this brown Missionary Mall skirt to me but when I mentioned that I could make it into a just-below-the-knee pencil skirt -- she kinda changed her mind. I wonder why that would effect her opinion at all.....weird, huh? Hahaha so last night I played seamstress & fitted it to her, cut the hem & re-sewed the sides! We've got one more fitting session to go; after which I'll hem it & it should be done! She's going to wear it on the plane ride home :) She LOVES it! Thanks Mom for teaching me how to sew! Oh...by the way this is all being done sans sewing machine. I'm so proud.

Quote of the day: "Good it's you. Hi. Do you know how we can send a Book of Mormon to someone in jail???" ~ Sister Garbett

Wednesday: Weekly planning went quickly. Due to our extreme lack of investigators. No one answered their phone during our RC time & none of our almost-investigators picked up when we called. Choir practice went well though! We get to play BELLS! We're pretty stoked for that! Not too many people on the Square these days. Things slow down pretty much to a stop until the lights go on. That day is November 24 btw :) We took 8:00 dinner so we could spend some time with our friends Sisters Gilbert & Williams. I worked on Sister Garbett's skirt, Sister Gilbert made rice pudding & Garbett & Williams sang random songs :) It was great!

Thursday: I got in a bit of practice time on the piano. I'm making progress, so that's great. I got Court's announcement!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhh! So exciting! I also got a letter from the Lees! Always a good read. Very thought-provoking. Speaking of which, Brother Lee's book is helping Sister Garbett SO MUCH! It's great! I love it!

We're going to get Sister Garbett's hair cut later today, then we're headed to Cafe Rio with some bud-buds and THEN *drum roll* we're heading back home to make a FORT! Yup! That's right! A good old fashioned sheets-over-chairs/couches fort; under which we shall then write letters :)

I was watching a talk by Elder Holland where he said, "True love must include an idea of permanence." This is something we try to hammer into people we talk to on Chat, some just don't get why we have the values we do. This idea of permanence should permeate every aspect of our lives! Everything we do here has eternal significance! Don't let one moment pass you by! Enjoy it while you've got it ;)

Thanks for the letters! Have a fantastic week! Love you all!

Sister Ainsley Marie

Saturday, November 13, 2010

"You will attain the highest level of intelligence."

Hi Everyone! It's me, Sister Despain. Again...

Friday: I may or may not have made Sister Garbett do the acoustic demonstration while she's sick with her semi-raspy voice. She's never gonna let me live it down.

We met Regina at West Gate. She was here for the Chemical Engineers Of America conference. She's from Texas! We took her & Patty around and just after the first 5 minutes of our tour she said, "I'd really like to learn more about the beliefs of the church. I was raised Catholic but I'm pretty sure I'm going to change. So I've been researching & I'd like to learn all I can." It doesn't get easier than that :)

My very own mother sent my companion a postcard...and I got no mail that day. Bizarre sense of love going on here.

Saturday: Efrem will find out about his new job in a week. We're praying so hard for him to get it so he can move, go to church, be baptized & be amazing!!!! He's finished PMG so we sent him to the Gospel Principles manual online. We asked him to read Ch.38 & Ch.40 --- he said he'd finish the manual by the next time we call(in a week). Can I get an "Amen!"?

I got a BRAND NEW red cooking pot from the DI room! It still had the plastic wrap on it. SCORE! Sister Bateman asked me to accompany the Christmas Choir on a few songs...so I'm going to be stuck at the piano A LOT over the next month. We talked to two water color painters sitting on a flowerbed. Andrew & Kell. They were very nice, kinda interesting & only slightly awkward. Hahahaha but we invited them & had an even more awkward conversation after that & finally ended on a good note. Whew!

Sunday: Fast Sunday! We were early to church & I loved it. Before 11:00 am THREE people told us we were "lovely" or "beautiful" if that doesn't make your day - I don't quite know what will. We felt pretty great about ourselves...and really humble while we were at it.

We planned for an old man in a red windbreaker by the Assembly Hall (which was constructed in 1877...not 1888 -- not that I told someone that or anything). And as we passed the building, I looked back & saw an older guy in a read shirt & a red hat. Good enough for me! So we talked to him. He used to play baseball with Willy Mayes! Cool, huh? Apparently they lived in the same neighborhood as kids! He had a patch over his throat & one of those robotic-voice-makers...for people who had emphysema....stoma?...what part does a stoma play in this whole thing? Hmm...that would be helpful information. Never knew I used to google so much - until I couldn't!

We met Kate. She sings in MOTAB. She's famous & now we're friends. We are so popular - everyone wants to meet us! They come from far & wide because they hear how awesome we are & how hilarious and cute those TMSQ sisters are. It's a wonderful life.

The 12th Transfers & companions had a "Finish Strong" meeting. It was so necessary! Not that some certain people's companions have been getting trunky...or anything....but it was a great meeting! Sister Etienne said, "It's like my basketball coach used to say in the 4th quarter, 'Alright, this is your last chance. The whole game rides on this - the 4th quarter - lay it all out there.' and we worked our hardest in that last quarter because that's all we had left. And this is just like that. Now is that time."

Ever since then, we've been working like gangbusters to FIND FIND FIND!!!

Monday: Quote of the pre-7:00 morning? "I had a dream about Elder Uchtdorf!!!" hahahaha turns out she just met him...nothing cool like flying planes...sorry.

We got Chinese food at the food court! Now, this would generally not be an uber-exciting outing...except for the fact that I've never really ordered Chinese food at a restaurant! I KNOW! But Sister Garbett told me what to do & it all turned out alright! No one died & the food lasted two meals - always a good day. Oh, the awkward/funny/don't-even-know-what about this experience was this: As we walked into the food court "Stop & Stare" [One Republic] was playing, as we walked down the stairs and through the tables all 200 of the construction workers stopped....and stared at us! Rude! Didn't chyo mama eva teach you notta stayer? Guess not.

My fortune cookie: "You will attain the highest level of intelligence." Oooooooh!!!!!!

Garbett & I were in the AH paging when Sis' Gilbert & Williams came in. Garbett started role playing with them & accidentally said something that came off super inappropriate. Now picture this: four mature, respectable, fun-loving TMSQ Sister missionaries literally collapsing on the floor of the historic Assembly Hall. Ya.

We talked with Nate when he came out of seeing The Testaments. We had to intro another movie so we didn't have long to talk. As he went up the escalator he kept looking back - like he needed to talk more, like he needed help. I told Garbett what I thought & after we introduced the movie - we went looking for him. We found him & talked for 10 minutes or so. He said he's going through a rough time & a big event is coming up on Friday. He's got everyone praying for him & fasting for him. He was very vague. But he came to TMSQ to get away & to feel the spirit. We shared our testimonies & told him to enjoy the peace of Temple Square. I'm really glad we found him again and were able to talk with him.

Tuesday: We took a tour first thing! Six people from the Snowbird Resort. We balanced really well between pioneer stories, history, testifying & companions! No one referred because their boss said they were just their for business (and somehow eternal salvation doesn't apply to you because you're here on business???) but if someone wanted more information they could come back on personal time. Ok. Fine. We just thought we'd offer you eternal happiness -- whatever -- not a big deal.

Teaching training with President & the APs went well. I felt pumped to actually make calls! Amazing, right? It's been a struggle because no one picks up. At all. But guess what? TWO people picked up!!! They weren't interested...but they picked up!!! Who knew it really was all about faith & attitude???

We were going to bed, joking around & I slammed my head against the wall. It was slightly hilarious. Oh the little joys in life. Speaking of which - I decided I'm taking back my scale to Wal-mart & upgrading. "Is there anything wrong with it?" "The numbers keep going up?!?!?" hahahaha Ok, but seriously they don't -- I'm not gaining weight! -- I just discovered that I like seeing the digital numbers. Besides, you lean over to see the numbers & the needle goes up! Upgrade: Necessary.

Wednesday: I called Sarah Cook to report on a potential she gave me. He's allowing us to call & teach him more! Yay! And I forgot that it was just after 8:00 NC time & it was Wednesday i.e. Institute night. Jeff was standing RIGHT THERE next to her! Ahhhh! I wanted to talk to him SO badly but I knew I'd feel horrible afterwards if I did. So now I'm just super-duper excited for Christmas!!!

I talked to a referral that Becky Lou Pigg gave me the day before conference & she is going to meet with the missionaries!!! I had NO idea what to say to her at one point, so I was praying so hard to know what the heck to say to her. She asked me "What's it like, being on a mission?" And then I basically ended up pouring my heart out to her! I think I needed that answer more than she did. It was kind of like that "aha" moment that Elder Rogers has in The Best Two Years when he talks to Kyle & says "That's why I'm here. To bring you this message." And so I told her about how it's hard some days, but what makes it all worth it is the change you see in people. How you see the light come into their eyes, you can hear them change over the phone. Being that person who brings them so much good - makes it all worth it. My family has always been there to support me in everything I do. I know they support me in this. I told her that as she started meeting with the missionaries & going back to church, she would be able to find the best way to talk to her family about it. I then asked her if she would allow the missionaries to visit her, she accepted. And that was my first on-my-own RC phone call where the person accepted the local missionaries!!!

And it's those experiences that make it worth it.

I love you all, thank you so much for writing & keeping in touch. Thanks for being good examples to your friends & family. Stay strong. If you feel too far away to be brought back to the safety of the gospel -- know that no one is ever too far from the Savior. It's through Him that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. The message we have to share is not taking away from what anyone believes, it is only adding to the good they already have in their life. If there is anyone you know who could use a call from two wonderfully uplifting Sister missionaries please get in touch with my Mom for our phone number. We would love to call any non-members you know!

"Come, come ye Saints No toil or labor fear. But with joy wend your way." Our purpose in this life is to find happiness & the gospel is how we can do that. Continue to live it & love it. Share it with everyone because this gospel is for everyone. Don't be afraid -- God is on your side. And with Him all things are possible.

Love,
Sister Ainsley

Friday, November 5, 2010

The Day I Learned How to Breathe

Thursday November 4, 2010

Hello Everyone!

This week wasn't terribly hard or challenging or horrible (not that any ever are) but I am very pleased to have the chance to say "Happy P-day!"

From what I hear, sounds like all is well in all other parts of the world. Oh, except for Indonesia -- I heard there was an earthquake there with a 5.2 aftershock?!? [Courtesy of Brian the security guard, he filled me in on a few world-related things.] I was sorry to hear of Sis Barney passing away, but I know that she is in a better place & hope that the knowledge we have of the Plan of Happiness brings comfort to her family at this time. This aspect of the gospel is something we share a lot with guests here on the Square. It's amazing to watch someone come to understand that this might not be all there is! How blessed we are to know that we can live with God & loved ones again, after this life.

Thursday: After emailing we drove to Burlington to look for boots. Nothing. When we finally made it home again we had 2 hrs left in our Pday. No bueno. I wrote 1 letter & 2 postcards. Feel lucky you three!

Friday: I cleaned the tree we got from Sis Johnson - it looks very green & healthy...as healthy as a fake tree can :) And I think those researchers are right -- having a green plant in some way, shape or form DOES bring a healthier/happier energy into the room! I love it!

We called Jessica (AZ), she sounds so much better. Much more coherent. We explained more in detail how when we're baptized we go ALL the way under the water - don't know how the elders left that out, but we cleared it up, so we're good!

I found a typo in the newsroom for lds.org!!! who is in charge of these things?!? The quotation mark was in the wrong place. I love love love the "Lifelong Learning" page on mormon.org under Values (I think) so good! Right on - it's so true. What a wonderful principle to live by. I would strongly encourage everyone, especially students to read it. Keep the future in mind.

I had a Spanish chat! It went well. He served a mission in Colorado but is less active. I committed him to go back to church on Sunday. Hopefully he will. No way of knowing....

I realized today that I am & have been incredibly self-motivated. I love it. Other people are motivated by gifts & LOTS of positive feedback or special attention. I love that feeling you get when you know that YOU did something well & you're really proud of yourself. Life is much more simple when you are your motivation. I also realized at this point that my parents were always there - in my business - caring if I did well or not. I'm glad they did. I have accomplished so much because of their love & support.

Saturday: We called Jessica (FL) & checked in with her before her baptism on Sunday. She is SO golden! She is wonderfully on top of things. When we teach her, she understands everything & is definitely one of those "it all makes sense" investigators. Her life wasn't horrible before we met her, but she tells us she is much happier now. We can hear it in her voice.

Sister Garbett taught me how to breathe! Ok not quite - but she really did. She taught me how to breathe correctly for a better singing voice. We sing for comp study & it's amazing how alike our tones are - we almost sound like the same person. She said I have a more naturally clear voice than her and that if I work on my breathing I could make it stronger! So I'm practicing breathing :) She wants me to sing a duet with her for her sacrament meeting performance this transfer. Complete with a solo...I don't solo. We'll see! Maybe this will be a good growing experience.

We had ChatFinding this afternoon, to no avail. We shared the gospel as much as a person can with people who don't want to listen & only want to waste your time. It's so fun! Seriously - I think I am the only person who likes ChatFinding. What can I say? It makes me feel productive!

We got sent home at 6:00 -- because it was Halloween Eve...or something like that :)

Sunday: Happy Halloween! Sister Garbett gave her departing talk in church, it went really well. She practiced the night before & everything. Sister Emily Batemen (Washington) performed a vocal number -- it was so lovely. She has been trained well & makes it looks so easy! I love listening to her. We met on facebook before we came out, she knows Katherine Lyman! Small world. Oh, speaking of small world -- I ran into David & Makenzie Martinez's next door neighbor! What are the chances!?! It was down-right amazing.

Sisters Williams (Scotland) & Gilbert (NY) saw DAVID ARCHULETA! hahahaha yes we're 15 yrs old & we love it. He was by WestGate, waiting to cross the street - he turned around...wait for it....looked at them & then smiled AND waved!!! Crazy, right? They're best friends with him now. Bahahahaha it's amazing what small things amuse 200 Sister Missionaries. We're so easily entertained.

We got a return appointment with James (UK) from Chat! We're excited & we hope it actually goes through.

We took Lucio on a go-see today. He is a young Korean college student living here in Salt Lake with a host family. He is studying Law! He loved everything we taught him. When we pulled out The Book of Mormon & showed it to him he wanted to hold it & flip through page after page after page :) Sister Garbett told him that every verse has something significant for us in that time in our lives. She put her faith into action, picked a scripture on a page he had flipped to, read it & amazingly enough (and yet not so amazingly) it totally applied! It was perfect! He referred for missionaries but doesn't have a phone. So we emailed him & got his address. And get this -- he said he will go out tomorrow & buy a pre-paid cell phone so he can be easier to get in touch with for the missionaries!!! How come some people are just fantastic?

I passed the written driving test today! Look out Salt Lake: Sister Despain is about to be driving!!! AHHHH!!!! No but seriously - you might want to avoid the roads :) Totally kidding - my Dad taught me well - I know how to drive cautiously & defensively - we shouldn't be havin' no problems (insert Jamaican accent back there).

We had a 'Mission Meeting' for Halloween a.k.a. PARTY: TMSQ Style So we ate popcorn, drank soda (because it's soda not pop - Pop is the name of the coolest-of-the-cool father of your mother known to man!). We watched The Emma Story & The Errand of Angels. Both great movies. It was a fun night.

Monday: Today was good. I got a letter from Meg! Yay! ALL the way from Taiwan! She writes very optimistic & uplifting letters - just what I needed to hear.

We called Efrem (Ethiopia) and he is doing SO good! He has been studying PMG Ch.3-9 Ya I know! Crazy, huh? He's not even baptized yet! He's the greatest 24 yr old ever. We are always praying that he'll get one of those jobs closer to church -- so he can start the rest of his life!

While we were walking around the Square, we starting humming "Edelweiss" -- complete with harmony. It was the bomb.com :)

As we walked up to the Christus, the setting sun shone through the window. There were two people being contacted at the benches & it hit me again that I'm a sister missionary on TEMPLE SQUARE! I love those moments. It's the coolest feeling ever.

We met 21 yr old Tom in front of the Assembly Hall. He is a recently returned missionary from Chile. He lives in Kaysville & biked down to SLC. Ya -- that's right I said biked. He had these super-cool bike shoes that clicked into the pedals. Now that's legit. He said that going to the Temple every week after your mission helps you adjust. I'll keep that in mind.

Tuesday: We started doing Companionship prayer at 6:30 every morning! It's a great way to start our day (rhymes!), we're much more unified.

I'm not as "make it count - don't count down" as I'd like to be. I'm working on it. Some days are better than others. There are so many things that go into making a great day - it's amazing how complicated it is. Your mood, if you got to bed on time, if the Square is completely dead or not & if you want to kill your comp or not! jokes - we use "I feel" statements, so we never feel like killing each other :) Did I mention that I made it to Sister Garbett's Top 3 Companions list!?!??! Ya! I'm so proud. I get to inherit her super-cute silver flats! I'll send pics next transfer.

We had service at Heritage Park from 10-1, our job was to "de-Halloween" a cabin. I was like "Ok, that's cool - as long I don't have to do the creepy doll-parts & life-size puppets cabin! I'm good!" Guess which cabin we had do? Go on, guess. Yup -- the creepy doll-parts & life-size puppets one. Even in the daylight it was creepy! And it didn't help at all when Sister Fox (MA) found the CD player & turned on the creepy music with kids saying "Let's play hide & seek..." AHHHHH!!!! You kinda have to be there. I got used to the doll parts...but I refused to take down those puppets. I did a lot of sweeping. Oh my goodness, you would not believe how much dust, rocks, mulch etc was in there! There must have been some original 1800's dirt in there it was so amazingly dirty!

Jessica (FL) is a member now!!! We are so thrilled that we were blessed with this opportunity to be her guides through this spiritual journey. She is so amazing and now she has the knowledge of the fullness of the gospel to share with everyone! Her father said the missionaries could come & talk to him! We're pretty stoked. The members in her ward are simply ideal! Her first Sunday there these two brothers invited her to a baseball game! After that she was invited to Institute & FHE! She's got friends there in the ward and it's wonderful. We're so happy for her & know that this is a blessing not only to her but also to all those she will be an influence on in the future.

Did I mention, no I didn't -- I'm rooming with ALL 12th transfers!!! AHHH!!! They can all be trunky but I'm only a 2nd transfer (hahaha I love saying that - I'm a SECOND transfer - I'm a SECOND transfer - I'm a SEC -- ok I'm done) so I can't be trunky with them. They are Sister Droge (Germany) & Sister Quieroz (Brazil) they're great roommates, clean, non-obnoxious & with a love of The Best Two Years soundtrack :)

I PASSED MY ACTUAL DRIVING DRIVING TEST!!! I was so nervous the whole time, it's just 4 of us 20-something yr olds in the car - no police people - but oh man! My heart was going a mile-a-minute. Sometimes I cope with being that nervous by taking the focus off of me -- and being funny instead! Hahahaha so I was cracking jokes my whole test ;) It was hilarious -- I wasn't the only one laughing either -- some of you might know that a lot of the hysterically entertaining comments I make are purely for my own amusement....but I like to share it. So it was good. I passed, I had an interview with President, he reluctantly signed my form -- he said that he shivers every time he thinks about missionaries getting into cars, with good reason -- and then I was officially official! Yay!

I discovered that Sister Holmes'(mission president's wife) office sign is incorrect! It says: [Mission Presidents' Wife] which, unless there is another mission president that I don't know about -- is incorrect! What is it with people these days! Don't they proof ANYTHING!??!?!

Wednesday: I threw my pillow at Sister Garbett :) Her alarm went off for EVER! So I had no other options...I threw the pillow. She woke up - turned off her alarm - and all was right in the world. Great way to start, huh? So exciting! You're not even awake yet & *BAM* something hits you! She loved it.

We had historical training with President. I don't know everything, I'm telling ya that right now (insert Brian Regan voice back there). So it was very helpful! The Family Search Center in the JSMB is part of our campus now! It's so exciting!

In the Tabernacle we had a contact with a Mr. Jarvis who works in the medical field. He commented, "You both are incredibly attractive!" ....well....we're not gonna argue much on that point :) hahahaha He then asked us, "Are you really as wholesome as you seem?" Which I was incredibly pleased to be able to confidently reply, "Yes."

It was a defining moment for me. No one asks you straight up if you are as wholesome as you seem to be, so it's not something I've really thought about. But when that unexpected moment came -- I was filled with peace, knowing that I could honestly answer in the affirmative.

Turns out he was a member :) He told Sister Garbett to get her cough checked by the doctor because it could be more than a cold. She's been coughing for 2 days. ALL THE TIME. And I have not felt frustrated with it more than twice! I am quite frankly, amazed! Who knew I could be so patient?!?

We called Jessica (AZ) who is on date for this Saturday!!! Her aunt called her & told her off, telling Jessica her sins wouldn't go away. But we were pleased to hear that Jessica defended herself & her belief of the truthfulness of the gospel. She hasn't had the most positive family life, so we continue to pile on the love :) She knows she is a daughter of God. She knows that she is special & deserves the best. We were sorry to hear that the Elders have limited contact with her, so we continue to teach her in mini-lessons. We had to clarify that it's "baptism FOR the dead" as in 'in behalf of' ...not baptizing dead people. Ya...hahaha it was an interesting conversation.

------

Sister Sanders (AZ) came in during email time & told us that she & her comp Sis Bailey (Australia) saw the Prophet AND the 12 Apostles in the COB!!!!! How awesome is that!?!?!?!? ONLY here in Salt Lake City :) I have yet to see them in person, outside of Conference. We are set up for a very lazy, letter writing filled P-day. Our P-days have been insanely busy as of late, so we're actually going to take a break!

Exciting FYI: We're going to East High next P-day!!! Home of the Wildcats!!! We're pretty stoked. Not that we...like...High School Musical....or anything :)

Highlight of being a TMSQ sister missionary: The Dr.Seuss Flowers!!! I have absolutely no idea what they are actually called, but I have dubbed them "Dr.Seuss" flowers. There is only one flower that grows alone & it just pops right out of the ground! Mkay...that doesn't sound cool -- I'll send pics & hopefully you can see why they're called what they are! I love them!

Everything is going so well here on Temple Square. Sometimes I still can't believe that I'm a Sister Missionary on TMSQ! THE TMSQ! It's so exciting! I finally got how to say Hello in Korean...but I have no idea how to spell it -- Anihasio! Something like that :)

Thank you all for your letters & updates, it's so nice to receive mail! I've got all sorts of time to write letters today, I've got 14 people on my list....so hopefully some of you will hear from me soon! It's been another great week here on Temple Square, where the Dr.Seuss flowers brighten your day, the Christmas-light-putter-uppers start work in August and the incredibly attractive Sister Missionaries are as humble as ever & loving every moment.

Love you all,

Sister Ainsley Marie

The Day I Learned How to Breathe

Thursday November 4, 2010

Hello Everyone!

This week wasn't terribly hard or challenging or horrible (not that any ever are) but I am very pleased to have the chance to say "Happy P-day!"

From what I hear, sounds like all is well in all other parts of the world. Oh, except for Indonesia -- I heard there was an earthquake there with a 5.2 aftershock?!? [Courtesy of Brian the security guard, he filled me in on a few world-related things.] I was sorry to hear of Sis Barney passing away, but I know that she is in a better place & hope that the knowledge we have of the Plan of Happiness brings comfort to her family at this time. This aspect of the gospel is something we share a lot with guests here on the Square. It's amazing to watch someone come to understand that this might not be all there is! How blessed we are to know that we can live with God & loved ones again, after this life.

Thursday: After emailing we drove to Burlington to look for boots. Nothing. When we finally made it home again we had 2 hrs left in our Pday. No bueno. I wrote 1 letter & 2 postcards. Feel lucky you three!

Friday: I cleaned the tree we got from Sis Johnson - it looks very green & healthy...as healthy as a fake tree can :) And I think those researchers are right -- having a green plant in some way, shape or form DOES bring a healthier/happier energy into the room! I love it!

We called Jessica (AZ), she sounds so much better. Much more coherent. We explained more in detail how when we're baptized we go ALL the way under the water - don't know how the elders left that out, but we cleared it up, so we're good!

I found a typo in the newsroom for lds.org!!! who is in charge of these things?!? The quotation mark was in the wrong place. I love love love the "Lifelong Learning" page on mormon.org under Values (I think) so good! Right on - it's so true. What a wonderful principle to live by. I would strongly encourage everyone, especially students to read it. Keep the future in mind.

I had a Spanish chat! It went well. He served a mission in Colorado but is less active. I committed him to go back to church on Sunday. Hopefully he will. No way of knowing....

I realized today that I am & have been incredibly self-motivated. I love it. Other people are motivated by gifts & LOTS of positive feedback or special attention. I love that feeling you get when you know that YOU did something well & you're really proud of yourself. Life is much more simple when you are your motivation. I also realized at this point that my parents were always there - in my business - caring if I did well or not. I'm glad they did. I have accomplished so much because of their love & support.

Saturday: We called Jessica (FL) & checked in with her before her baptism on Sunday. She is SO golden! She is wonderfully on top of things. When we teach her, she understands everything & is definitely one of those "it all makes sense" investigators. Her life wasn't horrible before we met her, but she tells us she is much happier now. We can hear it in her voice.

Sister Garbett taught me how to breathe! Ok not quite - but she really did. She taught me how to breathe correctly for a better singing voice. We sing for comp study & it's amazing how alike our tones are - we almost sound like the same person. She said I have a more naturally clear voice than her and that if I work on my breathing I could make it stronger! So I'm practicing breathing :) She wants me to sing a duet with her for her sacrament meeting performance this transfer. Complete with a solo...I don't solo. We'll see! Maybe this will be a good growing experience.

We had ChatFinding this afternoon, to no avail. We shared the gospel as much as a person can with people who don't want to listen & only want to waste your time. It's so fun! Seriously - I think I am the only person who likes ChatFinding. What can I say? It makes me feel productive!

We got sent home at 6:00 -- because it was Halloween Eve...or something like that :)

Sunday: Happy Halloween! Sister Garbett gave her departing talk in church, it went really well. She practiced the night before & everything. Sister Emily Batemen (Washington) performed a vocal number -- it was so lovely. She has been trained well & makes it looks so easy! I love listening to her. We met on facebook before we came out, she knows Katherine Lyman! Small world. Oh, speaking of small world -- I ran into David & Makenzie Martinez's next door neighbor! What are the chances!?! It was down-right amazing.

Sisters Williams (Scotland) & Gilbert (NY) saw DAVID ARCHULETA! hahahaha yes we're 15 yrs old & we love it. He was by WestGate, waiting to cross the street - he turned around...wait for it....looked at them & then smiled AND waved!!! Crazy, right? They're best friends with him now. Bahahahaha it's amazing what small things amuse 200 Sister Missionaries. We're so easily entertained.

We got a return appointment with James (UK) from Chat! We're excited & we hope it actually goes through.

We took Lucio on a go-see today. He is a young Korean college student living here in Salt Lake with a host family. He is studying Law! He loved everything we taught him. When we pulled out The Book of Mormon & showed it to him he wanted to hold it & flip through page after page after page :) Sister Garbett told him that every verse has something significant for us in that time in our lives. She put her faith into action, picked a scripture on a page he had flipped to, read it & amazingly enough (and yet not so amazingly) it totally applied! It was perfect! He referred for missionaries but doesn't have a phone. So we emailed him & got his address. And get this -- he said he will go out tomorrow & buy a pre-paid cell phone so he can be easier to get in touch with for the missionaries!!! How come some people are just fantastic?

I passed the written driving test today! Look out Salt Lake: Sister Despain is about to be driving!!! AHHHH!!!! No but seriously - you might want to avoid the roads :) Totally kidding - my Dad taught me well - I know how to drive cautiously & defensively - we shouldn't be havin' no problems (insert Jamaican accent back there).

We had a 'Mission Meeting' for Halloween a.k.a. PARTY: TMSQ Style So we ate popcorn, drank soda (because it's soda not pop - Pop is the name of the coolest-of-the-cool father of your mother known to man!). We watched The Emma Story & The Errand of Angels. Both great movies. It was a fun night.

Monday: Today was good. I got a letter from Meg! Yay! ALL the way from Taiwan! She writes very optimistic & uplifting letters - just what I needed to hear.

We called Efrem (Ethiopia) and he is doing SO good! He has been studying PMG Ch.3-9 Ya I know! Crazy, huh? He's not even baptized yet! He's the greatest 24 yr old ever. We are always praying that he'll get one of those jobs closer to church -- so he can start the rest of his life!

While we were walking around the Square, we starting humming "Edelweiss" -- complete with harmony. It was the bomb.com :)

As we walked up to the Christus, the setting sun shone through the window. There were two people being contacted at the benches & it hit me again that I'm a sister missionary on TEMPLE SQUARE! I love those moments. It's the coolest feeling ever.

We met 21 yr old Tom in front of the Assembly Hall. He is a recently returned missionary from Chile. He lives in Kaysville & biked down to SLC. Ya -- that's right I said biked. He had these super-cool bike shoes that clicked into the pedals. Now that's legit. He said that going to the Temple every week after your mission helps you adjust. I'll keep that in mind.

Tuesday: We started doing Companionship prayer at 6:30 every morning! It's a great way to start our day (rhymes!), we're much more unified.

I'm not as "make it count - don't count down" as I'd like to be. I'm working on it. Some days are better than others. There are so many things that go into making a great day - it's amazing how complicated it is. Your mood, if you got to bed on time, if the Square is completely dead or not & if you want to kill your comp or not! jokes - we use "I feel" statements, so we never feel like killing each other :) Did I mention that I made it to Sister Garbett's Top 3 Companions list!?!??! Ya! I'm so proud. I get to inherit her super-cute silver flats! I'll send pics next transfer.

We had service at Heritage Park from 10-1, our job was to "de-Halloween" a cabin. I was like "Ok, that's cool - as long I don't have to do the creepy doll-parts & life-size puppets cabin! I'm good!" Guess which cabin we had do? Go on, guess. Yup -- the creepy doll-parts & life-size puppets one. Even in the daylight it was creepy! And it didn't help at all when Sister Fox (MA) found the CD player & turned on the creepy music with kids saying "Let's play hide & seek..." AHHHHH!!!! You kinda have to be there. I got used to the doll parts...but I refused to take down those puppets. I did a lot of sweeping. Oh my goodness, you would not believe how much dust, rocks, mulch etc was in there! There must have been some original 1800's dirt in there it was so amazingly dirty!

Jessica (FL) is a member now!!! We are so thrilled that we were blessed with this opportunity to be her guides through this spiritual journey. She is so amazing and now she has the knowledge of the fullness of the gospel to share with everyone! Her father said the missionaries could come & talk to him! We're pretty stoked. The members in her ward are simply ideal! Her first Sunday there these two brothers invited her to a baseball game! After that she was invited to Institute & FHE! She's got friends there in the ward and it's wonderful. We're so happy for her & know that this is a blessing not only to her but also to all those she will be an influence on in the future.

Did I mention, no I didn't -- I'm rooming with ALL 12th transfers!!! AHHH!!! They can all be trunky but I'm only a 2nd transfer (hahaha I love saying that - I'm a SECOND transfer - I'm a SECOND transfer - I'm a SEC -- ok I'm done) so I can't be trunky with them. They are Sister Droge (Germany) & Sister Quieroz (Brazil) they're great roommates, clean, non-obnoxious & with a love of The Best Two Years soundtrack :)

I PASSED MY ACTUAL DRIVING DRIVING TEST!!! I was so nervous the whole time, it's just 4 of us 20-something yr olds in the car - no police people - but oh man! My heart was going a mile-a-minute. Sometimes I cope with being that nervous by taking the focus off of me -- and being funny instead! Hahahaha so I was cracking jokes my whole test ;) It was hilarious -- I wasn't the only one laughing either -- some of you might know that a lot of the hysterically entertaining comments I make are purely for my own amusement....but I like to share it. So it was good. I passed, I had an interview with President, he reluctantly signed my form -- he said that he shivers every time he thinks about missionaries getting into cars, with good reason -- and then I was officially official! Yay!

I discovered that Sister Holmes'(mission president's wife) office sign is incorrect! It says: [Mission Presidents' Wife] which, unless there is another mission president that I don't know about -- is incorrect! What is it with people these days! Don't they proof ANYTHING!??!?!

Wednesday: I threw my pillow at Sister Garbett :) Her alarm went off for EVER! So I had no other options...I threw the pillow. She woke up - turned off her alarm - and all was right in the world. Great way to start, huh? So exciting! You're not even awake yet & *BAM* something hits you! She loved it.

We had historical training with President. I don't know everything, I'm telling ya that right now (insert Brian Regan voice back there). So it was very helpful! The Family Search Center in the JSMB is part of our campus now! It's so exciting!

In the Tabernacle we had a contact with a Mr. Jarvis who works in the medical field. He commented, "You both are incredibly attractive!" ....well....we're not gonna argue much on that point :) hahahaha He then asked us, "Are you really as wholesome as you seem?" Which I was incredibly pleased to be able to confidently reply, "Yes."

It was a defining moment for me. No one asks you straight up if you are as wholesome as you seem to be, so it's not something I've really thought about. But when that unexpected moment came -- I was filled with peace, knowing that I could honestly answer in the affirmative.

Turns out he was a member :) He told Sister Garbett to get her cough checked by the doctor because it could be more than a cold. She's been coughing for 2 days. ALL THE TIME. And I have not felt frustrated with it more than twice! I am quite frankly, amazed! Who knew I could be so patient?!?

We called Jessica (AZ) who is on date for this Saturday!!! Her aunt called her & told her off, telling Jessica her sins wouldn't go away. But we were pleased to hear that Jessica defended herself & her belief of the truthfulness of the gospel. She hasn't had the most positive family life, so we continue to pile on the love :) She knows she is a daughter of God. She knows that she is special & deserves the best. We were sorry to hear that the Elders have limited contact with her, so we continue to teach her in mini-lessons. We had to clarify that it's "baptism FOR the dead" as in 'in behalf of' ...not baptizing dead people. Ya...hahaha it was an interesting conversation.

------

Sister Sanders (AZ) came in during email time & told us that she & her comp Sis Bailey (Australia) saw the Prophet AND the 12 Apostles in the COB!!!!! How awesome is that!?!?!?!? ONLY here in Salt Lake City :) I have yet to see them in person, outside of Conference. We are set up for a very lazy, letter writing filled P-day. Our P-days have been insanely busy as of late, so we're actually going to take a break!

Exciting FYI: We're going to East High next P-day!!! Home of the Wildcats!!! We're pretty stoked. Not that we...like...High School Musical....or anything :)

Highlight of being a TMSQ sister missionary: The Dr.Seuss Flowers!!! I have absolutely no idea what they are actually called, but I have dubbed them "Dr.Seuss" flowers. There is only one flower that grows alone & it just pops right out of the ground! Mkay...that doesn't sound cool -- I'll send pics & hopefully you can see why they're called what they are! I love them!

Everything is going so well here on Temple Square. Sometimes I still can't believe that I'm a Sister Missionary on TMSQ! THE TMSQ! It's so exciting! I finally got how to say Hello in Korean...but I have no idea how to spell it -- Anihasio! Something like that :)

Thank you all for your letters & updates, it's so nice to receive mail! I've got all sorts of time to write letters today, I've got 14 people on my list....so hopefully some of you will hear from me soon! It's been another great week here on Temple Square, where the Dr.Seuss flowers brighten your day, the Christmas-light-putter-uppers start work in August and the incredibly attractive Sister Missionaries are as humble as ever & loving every moment.

Love you all,

Sister Ainsley Marie