BAPTISMS!!!!

Hi Hi Hi! (Sister Despain-glish)

I hope this update finds everyone safe, happy & warm! Goodness knows that here in Salt Lake the weather is in a mood – it really just needs to decide to either be winter or spring! According to the beautiful flowers coming up, it’ spring :)

This week was particularly wonderful. We were able to participate in the Monger family baptisms! And yes: baptismS There were EIGHT baptisms on Friday night and we got to be there for them! There’s absolutely nothing like baptisms while you’re on a mission! More on that later.

On Tuesday we had service at Heritage Park! This basically meaning that we breathed dirt for three hours :) But we also managed to clean and organize the old tithing office.

On Wednesday we participated in the Called to Serve program for the Young Men in the area. They come here and we basically motivate them to go on missions! Sister Wiesner (Switzerland) told us ahead of time that there were about 150 Young Men here for the program but I was still amazed when we walked in the theatre!!! 150 is a lot! They were all dressed up in their shirts & ties, looking so nice. Granted, some did slump over after they decided that a 3 minute musical presentation was just too much for their attention spans. It was awesome!

On Thursday I got a letter from Elena!!! I was very, very, very excited to have a picture! I then proceeded to show her off for the rest of the day :) “Do you want to see my sister?!?” Then I’d whip out the picture from my Book of Mormon, sisters are the best! Sad news for the day: We got a message from Sally saying that she decided to stay Catholic for now. She’s afraid of being the only one in her family. The Elders never came to see her, even when they set up an appointment. They also never returned her call. Black. List.

On Friday we had Zone Companionship Study & Breakfast, which was enjoyed by all. For whatever reason they found it necessary to have a “What I learned this transfer…” time. I learned that time is really short. I learned that communication IS the key! I really learned that everything is on the Lord’s time. I also learned the importance of making the most of what you’ve got. This transfer was my favorite – for sure. BAPTISMS: Sister Khadgi & I got to stand by the font (in the bathroom area) and watch everyone get baptized. I can hardly describe how wonderful it was to be there for that family. They are such a beautiful people. I talked with Elder Warczak afterwards and told him that when Nepal opens – I’m SO there for a Senior mission! The second best part of the night? I bore my testimony in Nepali :) Ya! I did! AND what’s better – they understood me! Vishwa (recent convert, performed one of the baptisms) told me afterwards, “I could feel the Spirit as you bore your testimony. Thank you.”
Being a missionary is THE BEST!

On Saturday we woke up to a beautiful snow-covered Salt Lake City – I love it. I’m STILL not tired of the snow! I got to Chat with Jessica 4 in Canada. She’s doing better; she’s recovering quickly and staying on top of school work. She had a misunderstanding with our belief on the Fall and so I was able to clear it up for her! She has a quad and the Gospel Principles manual and has been to church before. She’s committed to get in touch with the Elders again (it’s been 2 weeks) and she’s planning on going to church next week! She’s great.

On Sunday we got to go to MOTAB (again) for the departing Sisters. My favorite song was the Nella Fantasia…or something like that. It was gorgeous and the only song that has made me tear up in the last 6 months :) In Sacrament Meeting, Sister Brett reminded us that we should learn to laugh and not to lose faith. She has been a great friend and a wonderful example of a missionary. I ran into Elder Widenhouse in the NVC! I haven’t seen him since Christmas time and was hoping to see him again before too long. It’s nice knowing that I have friends in the area. I made some Castillian Hot Chocolate (oh yeeeaaaah :) for our apartment. Sister Oyarxabal (Mexico) said, “Thank you so much Sister, you mind me of drinking chocolate with my sister!” I’m so glad that hot chocolate goes farther than just being ridiculously delicious. Good memories.

This morning we had TRANSFER CONFERENCE!!! I know – can’t you believe it??? Another transfer has already come & gone! In case you haven’t kept up, Sister Khadgi is going home, which she is dealing very well with, by the way. So I knew things were going to change. The only thing I really wanted was to stay on the first floor of DA – because that’s the easiest place to run – you can just go out in the hall. BAM! So here’s the lowdown:
Companion: Sister Nelson (USA – CA, I think) Zone: Extended – Assignment: Guest Services!!! Apartment: SAME! I don’t have to move! I’m excited – even though this will be my 4th transfer in the same apartment. I’d rather not move & be able to run in the morning :)

This transfer has been absolutely wonderful. I’ve learned so much from being with Sister Khadgi. We came to be really good friends & I’m going to miss her a lot. She is a very sweet and humble person who will have a great effect on her country. She taught me to be more open, to really share what I feel, to like cooked lettuce and to prefer eating with my hands. I taught her that you can have FUN while you work, that it’s possible to not complain AND…to eat cookie dough and love it :)

Malai thaha chha yo church satya ho. [I know this church is true – Nepali]

Love,
Sister Despain

"Mironame Sista Despain hoh -- see I'm practically FROM Nepal!"

Hey![Finnish]

This week, as redundantly as ever, was fantastic! It was unbelievably hard and also insanely great! I had the hardest & best days I’ve had in a while. Some people change my life for the better & some people would ruin my day – if my testimony wasn’t so strong. Good thing it is!
Last P-day we had a Zone Activity! We were waiting for the Zone Leaders to show up when Sister Hirt said, “The floor is lava!” Next thing we knew, a handful of Sister Missionaries were jumping from couch to coffee table to pillows on the floor – trying not to die in the lava :0 After two minutes of climbing on the furniture, someone yelled, “What’s our goal?!?” “I don’t know!” Hahahaha – turns out goals are necessary for most things in life, even games!

On Tuesday I made cornbread muffins to go with my homemade chili! I know! Be amazed! I made chili – all on my lonesome. Quite frankly, I’m amazed myself! Even Sister Khadgi said it was delicious :) We had the blessing of finding out that the Elders in Canada contacted Audrey from Chat!

On Wednesday we had a less-than-bueno message on our phone. Remember oh-so-cool Ryan the Journalist? He called, thanking us for our call – sorry he missed it – and would appreciate our not calling him back. Turns out, he decided to go solo on his “finding God” endeavor. Bummed me out. But it’s all good because we found out that we exceeded the goals we set for this week! Whoooo!!! And if I actually followed or even liked baseball, this would be much cooler: I shook hands with the World Series MVP!!! I know!!! Okay, end of my enthusiasm on that topic. But what REALLY made my day was the Nepali tour we took that night! No I don’t understand a word but somehow I still manage to follow it! Elder Warczack & Elder Clerveaux came with a couple that we took around a few weeks ago – they’re baptized now! In addition, we also had a couple with their 7 year old daughter. I love Nepali people, they’re so sweet! I can’t even describe our tours, or the actually people it’s just so amazing! When the husband asked Sister Khadgi a question, she got half way through her answer when the other man’s wife and the member that always comes, started in on their own answers! So he had three teachers going all at once! In the end, their testimonies were strengthened and he decided that he wants to pay tithing! And the best is yet to come: Elder Warczak informed us of the baptism of the Monger family who we took around last transfer! WE’LL GET TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Thursday we had a wonderful tour with four middle to late aged men. They were very receptive and had wonderful questions as we went around. They had great answers and seemed to be very devoted in their respective faiths. We took them down to the Special Witnesses display and played Elder Holland’s video on the Atonement. I then added my testimony. The Spirit was so strong you could practically SEE it! Okay, maybe not – but still! None of them referred but as we finished at the Christus they said it was all very eye-opening and enlightening. Hopefully they’ll think about it when they go home :)

On Friday I met a man who changed my life. Brother Earl must be in his eighties. He is blind and has a prosthetic hand. We walked with him from the SVC to the NVC – because he wanted to see the Christus. Let me remind everyone that Brother Earl is blind. As we walk we find him to be a very light-hearted, optimistic man. Very young at heart, I guess you could say. He recited for us, a poem that was written about him by a friend. It talks of his misfortunes and his blessings, along with the ways that he has touched so many lives. He worked as a temple architect here in Salt Lake for years on end and now is a temple worker. After we played the Christus narration, he recited for us the entire section of scripture – part is left out in the narration. It was a blessing for me, which I really needed, to have a man in his situation have such a strong faith in Christ and an amazing sense of optimism in regards to his past and his very bright future. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to complain again :)

Not complaining – just informing – I got some weird hives-like rash on my hands & arms. I think I’m allergic to something?

On Saturday I went on exchanges with Sisters Wiesner (Switzerland) and Salinas (Argentina)- which was so awesome! We took a Spanish tour and then directly after, found a German tour! I LOVE LANGUAGE TOURS! There is something about the non-English speaking people…they’re just much more receptive. We then had one hour of Chat – which was fine, nothing amazing. At 4:00 we had MTC Contacting!!! My first time doing it, I was so nervous. For those of you who don’t know, which might be everyone – in the MTC when we’re training for Visitor Centers, you come to Temple Square and pair up with another Sister and get the real-live experience of it. There were only 3 coming though, really small – so Sister Khadgi & I were actually in a trio with Sister Mckee from Hawaii. She was fantastic! She’s super cute and very outgoing. She didn’t know the history but was willing to share doctrine and bear her testimony at the Christus. She’s going to the VC in Mesa – she’ll be half pros & half VC. Spanish speaking! No, I’m not jealous ;) As Sister K took the group’s picture in the Tabernacle, I asked Sister Mckee, “So, what do you think?” “You are amazing!!!” Oh to be in the MTC again & to see Temple Square from their eyes :) I told her that it comes with time, study, trust in the Lord, be yourself & everything else will fall in to place.

On Sunday I made a goal during Weekly Planning: Learn Nepali. So I have about 9 days…wish me luck! During RC time in the afternoon I had a way-too-long anti phone call that shook me up pretty good. I know, I should have handled it better and cut it short but I find that I still have trouble cutting people off like that. But it was good because I found out that we don’t need to call him back, he’s not searching to know for himself and that he’s not a very nice person. I mean, when they’re using the phrases, “I don’t mean to be a jerk…” and “I’m sorry to upset you…” and “Get a sense of humor…” --- you know where their heart really is. Lesson learned. Reminder for the day: “To be learned is good, if you hearken to the counsel of the Lord.” At desk that night I got two potentials from a wonderful member who referred his wife’s co-workers. Gotta love teamwork!

We visited the Temple this morning. It’s a very important reminder of the truth of this gospel. It has become a necessity for life. Going to the temple keeps you on the straight & narrow – don’t take it for granted! I know this church is true. No worries. I took two Spanish Chats this morning! Love it!

Missionary work is hard, fun, insane and 100% worth it! Time is so short – you’ve got to love every minute :) Sister Khadgi goes home in a week and it’s kind of becoming more “real”. We’re getting along great and work hard 24-7! Even in our dreams, we’re still contacting people! Hahahaha

Life doesn’t get much better!

Sister Despain JR

Happy Singles Awareness Day!

For our part, we’re glad that this holiday fell on our P-day! So many people still have not learned that just because you’re together – doesn’t mean you have to be attached at the hip. It’s weird how that memo still hasn’t made it out to everyone. I’d put it on a sign for the guests…but I’m not sure that would be approved. Dang it. This week here at Temple Square was fantastic & full of miracles!

Thanks to Grandma & Pop for sending me a completely, 100% totally NOT sugar-free Valentine’s Day package ;) I figured it would be unkind NOT to eat it…so I shared some candy & cookies and then proceeded to feel very loved as I ate the rest! Thanks Mom & Dad for sending me your package – I wore the scarf the very next day! The sugar-free Mint Patties you sent are the best brand…you’re so brilliant ;) Not that I expected anything less than brilliance from the Despain clan – LOVE YOU!

On Tuesday we had a wonderful Zone Conference where I learned that as missionaries we make up 0.0007% of the world population! Which means that yes, we have a lot of work to do & also that we are very special to be called to do the Lord’s work! We got in touch with Jessica 4 from two transfers ago! She’s still praying & reading her Book of Mormon – she is going to get in touch with the missionaries again. She is so prepared!

On Wednesday we were talking to David(Inbound-Tues) and all of a sudden his lights went out!?! So we’ll call back tomorrow. We met a man up at Christus who told us about his wonderful 8 year old missionary of a daughter who invited her friend to Activity days! Afterwards, she asked her, “Did you like it? Do you want to come to church?...so…do you know about the three Kingdoms?” So we offered to call the family for him! A few minutes later, he’s chasing us down the Square – turns out his wife texted him two more potentials :) We were writing the name down when we notice he has a huge gash on his hand! He grabs a tissue out of his pocket, finishes with the numbers & then rushes off to catch his flight home! * Miracle man!*

On Thursday we had a wonderful tour with a couple, probably in their sixties – Al & Jewel. It was a very open, heart-felt discussion. At the New Testament Paintings he asked me, “Have you ever wondered…why there are so many churches?” I wanted to laugh & just stare & ask him if it was a joke – but instead we taught all about Christ’s Earthly Ministry, The Apostasy, The First Vision & The Restoration! They didn’t refer, but it was one of the best conversations I’ve had with guests my entire mission.

On Friday we got in touch with Yedenadam from Uganda! We’ll call back on Sunday. At Gateway I saw a mother & daughter who reminded me of the American Girl “Look Alike” dolls. Weird!

On Saturday we had super fantastic tour! We finished up lunch at Nauvoo Café & walked in East Gate. There we met Ryan, who told us that he was in town writing a story – because he’s a journalist. I know!!! [Yes, I did end up asking him about schooling & work etc.] So we took him all over the Square & even over to the Conference Center. We walked around the roof garden and had a really good conversation about how life has become so busy that people don’t make time to think about God. We invited him afterwards, in the New Testament Gallery & he accepted! We’re sending him missionaries and we’re also going to call him! He’s a political writer in D.C. how legit is that? His last girlfriend was an Evangelical Christian – which got him thinking about God. So he wants to figure out what he believes. I’m stoked.

On Sunday we got in touch with a very enthusiastic Dylan! He has been praying & we committed him to read from the scriptures every day! Everything is really falling into place in his life. He’s applying for this awesome dance internship program in New York. It sounds perfect for him! Weekly planning went well, mostly because we had loads of people to plan for! Yay! We also had a very effective C.I. – I will be working on talking more openly & frequently [I know, who knew I didn’t talk enough???]. I’m also going to be working on double testifying before I invite! I love constant improvement. I talked with a guy who called Inbound, wondering about our standards. I pulled up the For Strength of Youth pamphlet online & read sections to him as my answers! When I taught him the principle of decide-before-you’re-even-in-that-situation, he said, “You’re fanTAStic!!!” Thank you Mom & Dad for raising me beyond right :)

This week especially, we have been able to see that the Lord is just waiting to bless us. As we are obedient He pours miracles into our lives. It’s such a privilege to be serving here as a missionary! I love it! There isn’t anything else I’d rather be doing! I know this church is true. Why else would I smile 24-7 and wear a skirt every day? Must be something special :)

It’s a challenge, a blessing & the craziest world ever!

Love,

Sister Despain JR

"Our time here is short; but if you use it wisely - it can change your life."

Konichiwa! Genke? (No idea how to spell in Japanese…sorry!)

Every day is a great day on Temple Square and this week was as always – great! But seriously, we made a lot of progress this week as a companionship & see the blessings that come from being unified!

On Tuesday the high was 16! Whoo! Chilly! Chilly…chilly chilly willy – the penguin. So we were a tad “frozden” but me and my sliver-lining self still managed to fall in love with the blue sky! Oh and on a side note: I have one year left. WORK WORK WORK!!!

On Wednesday we called Arthur, first thing in the morning. He’s a retired paralegal & taught religion at the University level. I was admittedly, afraid to call him because Sis Khadgi had been the only one to talk with him so far – so all I knew about him was from her. We called, talked and have a very good, productive and in-depth conversation about the First Article of Faith. It was intense – like a mental workout! I took Sis L (Niue) to the dentist in West Valley! Yay! We were gone from 11-3:30! They had to re-do a root canal and she’ll be going back for two others. They painted her tooth BLUE and that was pretty much worth it. OH and also, they lasered her gums back – so we got to wear these 80’s protecting goggles. Best. Dentist. Ever. Only the Assembly Hall was open from 2-5 on the Square because a VIP tour had mandated that the buildings be closed to the public for them. I’d make a smart alecky comment about how those particular people were not very Christian in requesting that…but I’ll move right along. So we froze outside for a few hours and actually ended up talking with a man who said the interview he had just had “could have gone better”. We shared some uplifting scriptures and wished him well. We know that as we trust the Lord & do our part – all will be well.

On Thursday I was extremely pleased to finally get in touch with Lenette, who is an old investigator of my friend Chans. I caught her in the middle of studying – so we’ll call back Tuesday! Sally is doing so good! She wants to be baptized but wants to feel more comfortable with how much she knows first. So we’ll ease her into more information while we patiently wait for her locals to contact her. Patiently.

On Friday we had Companionship Study with Zone Leader Salinas. We discussed our purpose as missionaries and how we can remind ourselves of that more frequently. It’s easy to forget that we’re representatives of Jesus Christ – on Chat. Something I’m working on. Speaking of Chat…this wonderful son of God was being less-than pleasant, going off on 100 year old misunderstandings and finished with “I hate Missouri.” My response? “Okay”. We talked with Arthur again! Whew! We discussed many aspect of the primitive church. We also talked about the different kinds of Greek love – SO glad I took that Shakespeare class in January. :)Dylan is doing SO GREAT! Finally he’s coming out of his down spiral “I just don’t know” and is starting to figure out what he wants to do with his life! Don still has not met with the missionaries…I’m slowly losing my patience. I’m about to hop on the next plane to Alabama & give those Elders a piece of my mind. But until that becomes an option – I’m praying for them. We got a Square referral! We’re so excited! She’s so ready & wants her family to be together forever! I love prepared people!

On Saturday we covered desk twice! I love desk. Contacting is a little more difficult when you’re at desk – but I really enjoy setting people up with tours & getting to know them in 2 minutes. I had an interesting conversation on Chat with Elliot, who is due for a sex change operation and he wanted to know if his friends/family were right in saying that it was going against God. We talked about gender being an inherent characteristic of who we are & that God created us after His image with certain purposes to fulfill in this life. I double-checked that he was planning on continuing his counseling. We talked with this guy “Brent” – finished our conversation – and got him a second time! It was really funny. I got a call from Christopher, requesting the Finding Faith in Christ DVD – he wants to share it with his homeless friend, Jeff. I got a referral on RC Friday afternoon – so we called her tonight! Her name is Moniqua and she lives in New York. She is 19 years old and because of past choices and circumstances has it really rough right now. She is excited to go to church tomorrow!

On Sunday we enjoyed a wonderful testimony meeting. “Our time here is short but if you use it wisely – it can change your life.” ~Sis P.(AZ) I love serving on Temple Square with such inspiring Sisters. We had a good session of weekly planning & had a great Comp Inventory! We’ve agreed that we need to talk more openly & frequently. It’s become a bit of a joke…but it’s good :) Two weeks ago I committed Logan to go to church and he went! Some of you may already know the story. But I was so happy to find a message in our Inbox that said he had gone!!! SO GLAD that he finally made the time to go and see it for himself. So we fasted Saturday dinner & Sunday breakfast. I had an apple for lunch…but I wasn’t hungry. So in 26 hours all I ate was an apple and the whole time – I wasn’t hungry. “Things are very fishy in Denmark, Kato.” Not sure what’s going on there but I haven’t been hungry since Saturday afternoon. Hopefully that’s not…bad.

This week I’ve worked to really “find my niche” in the mission. I’ve made an extra effort to fellowship the other Sisters – especially the 1st transfers. I’m basically trying to become who I was back home in the ward – converted into the mission scenario. Focusing on others always makes you feel good! So I’ve gone the extra mile to say hello to everyone, ask sincerely how they’re doing, praise good things I notice and to be a listening ear when they need someone to talk to :) It’s like being mother hen. Awesome. We usually get paid on Saturday in the third week…but we didn’t this week. I have no food & now no money which means no groceries! Yay! Things are gonna get really interesting here on Temple Square Despite the lack of food the church is still true! It’s a wonderful blessing to be a part of the gathering of Israel. I wake up in the morning at 5:40 to run & I’m so excited that I’m still a missionary! I love having an extra hour of study – no sacrifice is too big, the blessings given in return are eleventy billion times better!

Love,

Sis Despain Jr

P.S. D&C 88:124

"It's not short & it's not long...but it's worth it!"

Gooten Morgen!

I know it’s not morning, at least here it’s not – but that’s the greeting I learned this week from Sister Kleine from Germany! You pronounce the last ‘e’ – because she’s German :)

On Tuesday a man from Yugoslavia called in to request a Finding Faith in Christ DVD! He lives in Canada now, so it's not quite as cool as someone actually calling from Yugoslavia but STILL! Two sister missionaries came by, talked with him and left him with a pass along card. And that's how that wonderful event came to pass. The sisters will be coming back :) Yessss! The other man I talked to on RC was from Texas and had met two Elders in the library, with little time to spare. They talked for a few minutes and told him that if he was interested - to call this number & request a Book of Mormon. So he did! And now his local missionaries have his information and will be visiting shortly :) I love facilitating the salvation of others...from my chair!

On Wednesday I attempted to call a Square potential, Anna. I told her who I was, at which point she proceeded to remind me that I had called several times and she knew I wanted her money but that she has rent to pay & taxes etc. "Oh no, I don't want your money!" "Oh...okay." "[Joe] & [Jane] asked me to call to see if you would--" *click* yup...poor ancient money-sensitive Anna hung up on me! I just want to clarify that in the first message I left her, I let her know who I was, on whose behalf I was calling & that I wanted to share a message about Jesus Christ. Please note that money was never mentioned. We got a referral from Chat! Yedenadam from Uganda is interested in learning more about the church - we have an appointment with him tomorrow morning at 8:00!

On Thursday I did my hair in 10 minutes! “Wow...really...cool Sis Despain Jr.” No but seriously! I curled it ALL in 10 min! That's pretty impressive! I have a lot of hair! Anyways, I was proud. From personal study, I discovered that we need to review our plans for the day before we head out in the morning! I went on exchange with Sister Semedo from Angola for a few hours. She is a wonderful 1st transfer and is already very confident, calm and optimistic. I wanted to stick her in my pocket & take her home with me. Maybe one day we'll be companions!

On Friday I met a couple from Hillsborough, NC!!! They were very nice, Southern & Methodist. We found their closest chapel on mormon.org via the Family Search demo computers in the SVC. I know - we're so tech-savvy here on Temple Square :) I was greeting guests at the desk, this ancient man walks in - I welcome him & he replies, "My, you have a beautiful smile!" Apparently he has been here many times before so wasn't in need of any assistance -- but his compliment made me feel great :) My pager found it amusing to randomly reset itself for a few days on end...so I got it fixed! I can tell time!

On Saturday we had VAN MAINTENANCE!!!! We did not meet an apostle but we do have very clean cars :) The sun was so beautifully shining today - you just had to love it. As we approached the SVC a family came out, the father jokingly shielded his face with his hand, "Oh no! Missionaries!" We introduced ourselves and got to know them for a few minutes. We took them to God's Plan, which was a wonderful blessing. We have seen it so many times, it's not funny - so when the guests actually enjoy it, it's a wonderful reminder of how important this message really is. I called Cassie Martin’s referral and she referred for missionaries! I'm stoked. I love new investigators! We couldn't get in touch with Sally - our latest golden investigator. Our guess is that she had to stay late for work. We are excited to hear how church goes; her father said he would go with her!!! District Meeting again, was a little rocky. But I’m doing my best to be supportive and helpful.

On Sunday, Sister Ghao from Taiwan spoke about being focused on our missions. Forgetting ourselves & being totally immersed in the work. I really appreciated her talk; it's good motivation to hear a 12th transfer talk about staying focused. "It's not short and it's not long - but it's worth it." There has been a recent emphasis on being professional. I think we should have an example of a "professional" email sent out. My thought is that if we don't have an example, a template - how are the missionaries supposed to know that they're doing it right? Just as we have Christ as our example for life; we're not all men, or sons of carpenters, or teach in the temples etc. but he gave us a basic pattern to follow. That's what I'd like to do with this. We’ll see. Vincent from Alabama called in and wanted to thank the Church for doing what we did on Proposition 8. So thanks! Vincent really appreciates what you did. We had a very successful session of weekly planning that did NOT stress me out! We also managed to do half of Companionship Inventory! It’s amazing what a little CI can do for a companionship. We took a Nepali tour!!! I introduced myself & everything – and then stood by my companion and double testified with a smile :) The family of five is getting baptized on Saturday! After the tour we had Sisters Tarasevitch(NJ) & Brenan(Australia) take us on a role play tour. I came up with a new idea, have them meet us somewhere. So we were in the SVC & told them to come out to the Seagull Monument in two minutes. It was awesome! It made it MUCH more realistic! Sister Brenan has only been here for 1.5 weeks and is getting the hang of it! She’s great at the historical facts and shares what she can. She is very hard on herself though, so hopefully she’ll be able to find that “thing” that helps her feel comfortable, more like herself and ‘at home’ here on Temple Square.

The work is going great here on Temple Square! It’s exciting to be a part of this new phase in missionary work. I love being a modern pioneer! I love running in the morning. I love welcoming people to the Square. I wake up every day – excited to be a MISSIONARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love you all,

Sister Despain Jr.