From Alex

Sorry about my last email. I was struggling thinking of something to write! haha This one will be better :) So we had a good weeek! A weird one for sure! It started with Tuesday. We had district meeting and then I emailed you. But after we emailed we went to elizabeths. She called us over and wanted us to talk to her daughter. Her daughter is really struggling. But I ended up talking to her and telling her we just wanted to be her friend. And she was really excited about that. But something happened. lol I accidently took elizabeths keys... She asked me to unlock her door I guess after I just put her keys in my bag out of habit. Totally an Alex thing to do. Normally this would be funny. and it was when I found them when we got home. BUT elizabeth is slightly parnoid.... So it ended up not being so good... Hopefully she will forget.

 

That night we had shoe shine. A lady was completely out of it. She didnt even have shoes on and she wanted her feet shined. She kept on looking at me. As we were leaving she asked to look at my mouth. She said YOU ARE MY DAUGHTER and then grabbed me and just hugged me and would not let go. I just patted her back and prayed that nothing would happen. But she did. It broke my heart though.

 

Wednesday I went to the temple for my 6 month mark. It was nice. I love the temple so much. Its amazing how wonderful you feel there. But after we walked out I felt the world. and it was kind of a shock for me. I had a hard time picking myself up.

 

Thursday we did service but I was Hermana Jensen.(the spanish sister) Because her comp was at the temple. We had a good day. We tried to find some spanish people but we couldnt find any. We had a good time :)

 

On friday I was in woodside. It was way needed. They have a balcony. I sat on it and did my studies. I MISS BEING OUTSIDE! hahaha I miss pondering. I was with Hermana Sanchez for sister exchanges. I now know what I am going to feel like when I go to brazil. haha I was in a spanish pool all day. I just sat there and smiled. I had no idea what in the world was going on. Everyone just kept on saying how cute and funny I was. Woodside is so nice. It is still in queens but it is right next to manhattan. SO that was cool!

Saturday we went and saw Isha and Raven. We showed them the last talk by pres uchtdorf in conference. it answered all of their questions! Hopefully she gets baptised soon.

 

Sunday was the best day by far! Church was good. We had a DA with an awesome family. The spanish ward had a family get baptised! And we sang at a different evengelical church! It was cool! That night we found a lady named sandra. 

Something I am working is prayer.

 

Here is a good quote

"First, you evaluate yourself. What am I? I am the circle. I am the hole in the doughnut. I would be nothing without the Lord. My breath, my brains, my hearing, my locomotion, my everything depends upon the Lord. That is the 1st step and then we pray, and we pray ofter and we will not get up from our knees until we have communticated. The line may be down; we nay have let it fall to pices, but I will not get up from my knees until I have established communication- if it takes all day long, you stay on your knees until your unhumbleness has dissipated, until you feel the humble spirit and realize, "I could die this minute if it were not for the Lord's good grace. I am dependent upon Him." Pres Kimball.

 

I sure love you guys so much.

 

sister powell

From Alex

I really dont have much to report this week. Except that facebook is the strangest thing and I feel so weird on it. hahaha 

Since I last emailed you not a lot has happened. I feel so much better which is a plus. I hate being sick. But other then that it has been a week full of lookups and trying to find part member families.

 

I dont think this is going to be a very long email but I want ya'll to know how much I love you! You are so amazing and the gospel is true :) I love being here on my mission serving those around me.

 

I know that God lives. He loves us so much. He has a wonderful plan for each of us and all we must do is trust in Him and know that He is there.

 

You are all amazing. I miss each one of you.

 

Sister Powell

From Alex

HELLO Family!! Sorry for the wait!! I had president interviews and then the next day we had mega zone conference!! WHOOP!! I can officially get on facebook. But I havent had the chance ye, the rules are super strict! BUT now I can teach anyone in the world through skype its super cool! So if you have any friends let me know on facebook :) I can teach them!

 

This week was quite the week. I love being a missionary :) But I was pretty sick this week... SO that stunk. haha But everyone gets sick. So thats okay!

 

We have been seeing so many miracles here in New York! I love being apart of it. I have seen the work here grow and the culture change. I love being here in Jamaica.

 

Funny story 1: a couple weeks ago we recieved a call from a lady who we thought was a member who we had a DA with. We told her we would be there and then we went. The whole time we thought we went to the right appt. BUT we called this lady thinking it was the member and she said that we missed her appt... OOPS! Wrong person! So we went to this ladies home thinking that it was a less active so the whole time we talked to her like she was. Yet when we left we figured out she wasnt a member at all! hahahaha

 

On tuesday we went a gave a bible to a super old lady named Elaine. She was a sweety. I love her :) Her daughter died a couple months ago :/ super sad. But she knows that through christ she can make it through this. That same day we had the coolest thing ever happen!!!! WE FOUND THE PROMISE LAND IN JAMAICA! It had nice people, pariotts! Reese Sticks! Everything! I loved it so much!

 

We have a new investigatore/former! Her name is Isha and she is soooo amazing! I love her so much! We talked about conference with her. After though I got super sick. Almost like asthma. I couldnt breathe. It was so weird because it has never happened to me before.

 

But the next day was general conference!! WHOOO!! I have a new found love for fearlessing. We have 5 new investigators because I invited people days before to hear the prophets voice! And they came! No one I have ever fearlessed has come to church before. It is so important to talk!

 

Conference was amazing. It was just what I needed. I loved two quotes "It doesnt matter where you serve, but how you serve." and also doubt your doubts before you doubt your fears :) SO perfect!!! These men and women really are called of God!

 

Cool story. We were walking home when I saw a lady sitting with a baby. I was just going to keep walking but then I was like why not? So I walked to here door and we ended up teaching her! She says shes never let anyone into her door before but she was just like why not also? haha Her name is Kiya.

 

We had president inverviews this week. I love president calderwood :) He is so amazing. He told me some grat advice. He said to Judge how God sees a successful missionary and not how we do. He made me read preach my gospel. It made me feel better :)

 

The next day we had zone conference about facebook. I saw Sister Sandberg!!!!!! YAYYYY!! Her little trainee is going to our mission as well! Sister Sandberg is from California where Syd is serving! I love that we are still here together. haha

 

I had another asthma attack thing in the middle of the mega zone conference. Can you say embarrassing? all the elders where like Sister Powell cant breathe!!! hahahah But I have it all figured out so dont you worry family! I have some acid problem thing... So acid has been in my wind pipe and it is making me feel like I am choking. Sounds nasty. hahahaha

 

But I love you all!! Ill see you on facebook this week!

OHHHH!! I got an email from President Hart! My mission president in Brazil :) He sent me the news letter! AND ALSO! They are doing a mission wide fast with the members and the missionaries for us visa waiters! So cool! Im going to join them and so is my zone!!

 

I know miracles will happen because of this. :)

 

Love you tons!

From Alex

We have a guy that raps about us everytime we pass by and that is what he says. haha

 

I love it here :) I love everything about New York City. I love that you can see God everywhere you go. There is so much proof that He lives! I see His hand in everything I do here. I love it.

 

We had an awesome week. I have been working on being extra obedient this transfer. So I have seen so many miracles! My only complaint is that I wish I never had to eat or sleep. It would make the work so much easier.

 

The thing about New York that I will never understand is how they set the city up. We very frequently get lost because the road system does not make sense. But that is okay because we always meet awesome people on the way! We went and tried to find a girl named Kiki, but we ended up not being able to find her. Yet we found this super awesome family! So it was all worth it :)

 

I finished the Book of Mormon again. I love it so much. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that it proves that He lives and that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. This time reading I am going to really disect it and go through the cross references. I have already learned so much doing that in this short amount of time.

 

We have been trying to find a lady named Larrisa Henderson. She was baptized a couple years ago but she was never confirmed so she needs to get baptized again. However, we can never get a hold of her. On the way to her though we met some awesome poeple who gave us their infos. We are doing fearless 10's. We have to talk to 10 people a day and invite them to church while sharing a short message with them. We have seen so many cool things by doing this.

 

I love my new district! They are seriously the best group of elders around. (random side note... Sorry this email is all over I am going through my journal. lol)

 

Saturday was an awesome day!! We had correlation and then I went on splits with the YSA Sisters. We went and did service at a 94 year old ladies home. Sister Millet and one of the YSA sisters taught a lesson to a younger girl. I loved the 94 year old named mary! She was so cool. She has an awesome story. She lived during World war Two and all the cool things after. I loved her!

 

That night we went to the General relief society broadcast. We took the subway to woodside. We met a guy from columbia on the way, He was cool. He wasnt really searching but he has a lot of friends that are mormon So maybe something will happen.

 

I loved the broadcast. President Monson spoke he said to just trust in the Lord. He knows the beginning from the end. So trust in His will.

 

I know that God has such an amazing plan for us. He knows what we need so that we can become who He and we wanted to be :)

I sure love you all.

 

Keep you eyes faced towards the future and remember that the best is yet to be :)

 

Sister Powell

 

ps. Elaine! A letter is on the way. :)

From Alex

MY NAME TAG IS LOST!! My first one ever is missing :( SO sad!!

 

But other then that I am fantastic :D

 

This week was a good week. It started with us doing former investigator lookups. (we took your idea kenze) We have chosen 5 people and we are basically stalking them. lol Yet not as extreme. We just show up at their home everyday and hope one of them is home.

 

This tuesday marked a new transfer!! Whoop! I am starting my fourth one. We have new spanish sisters! Which is so fun. And the spanish ward is so excited to get sisters! My new district is awesome. I am the last one left from my last district.

 

This week we found a less active family! I am pretty sure that we can get them back too. We also had an appt with 2 sisters who lost the church for a while but now want to learn more about it. We are seeing so many miracles here in Jamaica! I know so much is going to happen here. I love it :)

I love being apart of this work. I love my companions. They are seriously the best. I love that the Lord has a plan for us.

 

I read a really cool talk this week. It is called the Bitter Cup and the Bloody Baptism by Elder Holland. I love what he says about us being Baptized into the lords church. He says "When we were baptized we not only baptized into Christ's church, but into his life and his death and his resurrection, into all that he is and stands for in time and eternity." Life is hard! But it is supposed to be. We have to choose the best parts of life.

 

I am sorry this is so short! And random. We were late and only have 5 minutes left until Pday is over! LOVE YOU!

 

 

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From Sydney

I see dead people. Haha.

 

The other night, somehow I was almost falling asleep on my back, and I see someone crawl up the ladder of my bed. And I just freeze, and the person just like sits on the end of my bed and they start floating and hovering over me, I lift up my hand and IT GOES RIGHT THROUGH IT. And then I scream. Haha. And then I wake up completely. I hate being half asleep and dreaming like that. Or I'm just Latino. I swear, I'm not going crazy. But I might be stressed. Woowhoo!

 

So, other than having six senses, I have had a pretty interesting week. My companion has been extra grumpy, BECAUSE she has seriously been on her period for THREE WEEKS straight. I don't know about you, but I would be a little grumpy too. Haha. But it's been like walking on egg shells this week.

 

It didn't help that we visited like a billion people AND NO ONE was home. I like CAPATLIZING my letters. It's fun.

 

We visited and visited and visited and visited and drove and drove and walked and walked. Most of the lessons we had this week was from complete strangers on the street. I loved it though.

 

After doing this for three days, and not getting into anyones homes, Sister Funaki with her lovely mood just kinda snapped at me. I was so frustrated

 

with life that I might have just snapped back in a very loving manner. It actually was really loving. It's weird how my arguing skills have changed. Before my mission I would have yelled back and called her names, but I just spoke really calmly. It was que estrango. Aren't you proud of me parents, And I decided to be the bigger person after we sat in silence for a little bit, I apologized for not doing anything. And she apologized and admitted to the source of all frustration, and it was all good. We worked it out. It was actually kinda nice.

 

I had a Sister Powell the Third (Alex) experience in McDonalds. Since the Tongans like to give us so much money, Sister Funaki and I like to feed them McDonalds. So we go to McDonalds, and I gots to the use the restroom, so I do. I am sitting there and I here Sister Funaki start talking to this lady. And this lady is spilling her life story and saying she is going to the nut house tomorrow. I finish my buisness, and walk out. The lady is missing a lot of teeth and is wearing an adorable yellow dress. It's cute. She sees me and she is like "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen!" I was like, well doesn't she deserve McDonalds. So I by her some chicken. She asks if I am married while we are waiting in line, and I told her I was. I thought in this case it would be just fine to lie. And then I hand her her food and she just starts crying and she hugs me, and everyone in McDonalds is looking at me, and I 'm just like patting her back while hoping she doesn't hug me for too much longer. And then she let go. I am glad I made her night though.

 

I am officially welcomed into the Tongan program. THey just love when you try to speak Tongan. And you eat. I was in Ward Council, and the bishop never talks to me. But he did this week, and he asked me to pray! I was so happy, and at the end of the ward council he told me thank you. I just felt like skipping.

 

And then I had to play the piano for primary. Oh My Gosh. I thought I was going to die. They were running around yelling cuss words and not singing. The teachers were just sitting there not doing anything. After primary, Sister Funaki and I just wanted to crash and sleep.

 

At the end of the week, Sister Funaki and I met our goals. We passed out a whole lot of Book of Mormons, talked to everyone we saw, lessoned them, and invited people to change through following the example of Jesus Christ and being baptized by someone holding the proper authority of God. Some of them even said yes! They weren't Tongan so we had to give them up, but I like giving other missionaries people to teach. We made peoples days by praying with them, and we had fun. We might have struggled, and it might have been stressful, but what isn't stressful.

 

Our companionship might have only been strong enough to life the white board this week, but we perservered and we are ready for week six. Who knows what is going to happen next transfer, and I feel sick to my stomach, but I will go and do whatever the Lord wants me to do. I trust him and I love him! He is my best friend and I am so glad he is my other companion. It is because of Him we succeed.

 

You might here from me sooner than Monday, or you'll here from me Monday telling you about my fate. I love y'all so much!

 

Love,

Sister Powell

 

 

 

 

 

From Sydney

I am a horrible person sometimes.

Sister Funaki likes to drift off sometimes when we are praying or studying together. So when she does I just make my prayers like fifteen minutes long. I pray for anyone and everyone. And when I am saying what I learned during personal study I say the most randomest things: "Did you know that King David was an Alien and had the power to apparate! Harry Potter is real and is taking over the world! OMG Duck!"

And she doesn't react. It's so funny.

Okay, after that confession, a Jehovah's Witness man decided to contact us because I looked like a dead girlfriend he had in South America. Oh! And I am engaged now! Thanks Mom for the pearl ring. Man, men here are creeeeeeeeepyyyyyyy!

"Can I be your suger daddy?"

"No. Call the Elders."

Haha. Little toots.

Tongans are soooo nice and so giving! There is this lady named Sister Wolfgram who we were supposed to go to lunch with but she couldn't, and she just hands us 100 bucks! I don't know where they get it.

Tuesday was so fun. We had to go fix the radio on our car and they were so awesome. They treated us like royalty. They made us top priority so we could go back to work quickly. And they gave us chocolate. I love chocolate. And then we said goodbye to the Crawfords:( Elder Crawford was the one who picked me up from the airport. He is awesome and so is Sister Crawford.

And then we drove around, looking for people to teach. It was fun.

We had Zone Training Meeting last week too. My new Zone I am in is super fun and cute.

This week we also had a lesson with this woman named Sina and her irma. Her Irma was super interested. And I got to bear my testimony about the Bible and of course the Book of Mormon and how awesome they work together. I am grateful that I took the time before my mission to study the Bible. I love the Bible so much. It's true and so is the Book of Mormon. They both bring us closer to Christ. Have y'all ever read the introduction to the Bible and the Book of Mormon? Well if you haven't, you should:) And I am giving you an awesome opportunity to read it right now:)

Sister Funaki and I have been lessoning EVERYONE we come in contact with. And we have been inviting everyone to be baptized. And we have been giving out so many Book of Mormons, and we have fed so much homeless people (Thank you Tongan Program). It's cool how receptive people actually are. They listen, they may not want a Book of Mormon or to be baptized, but they like that we took the opportunity to get to know them and talk with them. People are just lonely, and they feel the Saviors love when someone just takes the opportunity to talk with them. And they love when you pray with them. The spirit is there, and it's cool when you get inspiration to ask everyday questions. I think if everyone just took the opportunity to just talk to at least one random person on the street everyday, no one would be lonely.

We went to this Relief Society Stake Fireside, and most of them were men. It was sooo funny. ANd then they all stood up to sing and there was only like three women (including the missionaries sitting down in the crowd. But they had good food.

So I think my taste buds are going wack. Haha. At the Relief Society thing they gave us Egg Sandwiches and I ate for breakfast: egg sandwiches and nutella. If felt so sick afterwards. And I was invited to Poly Day for Missionaries. So funny, all they did was play vollyball.

So that was my week! The church is true! God love you:) I love y'all too!

Love Sister Powell the Fourth.

From sydney

Well, I was going to bash all y'all for not sending me recipes. Haha. But could y'all send me some other recipes: Red Beans and Rice, Missippi Mud Pie, Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Etufee, e Gumbo? Hahaha.

 

So, Monday happened. I, Sister Powell, was so upsest that I didn't have a Jumbalaya Recipe. And then I have to be like super obedient. I asked EVERYONE IN THE WORLD online for a recipe. I even asked my nice Brother-in-law, Bradyn Fairclough to all who are confused who I am reffering to, to send me a recipe (Thanks Bradyn by the way:)) But at last, things weren't going my way. So I asked a random black man in front of me how to make stinking Jumbalaya. The spirit prompted me to the right direction. But after I made it, I figured out I should've cooked it WITH the rice. Hahahaha. I was like DUH! But at last, I made a type of Jumbalaya. Elder Clayton loved it so much. He bought me chocolate. Thanks Carrie and Kenzie, I will send him those:)

 

This week has been weird. I have been on splits in my second area. I have seen hundreds of people (more like twenty), all of which have said I am never getting my Visa. Ever. Hahaha. But my old Bishop has my back! He's praying for me.

 

I have been here a long time. I hit my sixth month mark! Crazy! I am so old now I officially have a year left in my mission.

 

Tuesday was interviews. I love President Watkins and Sister Watkins. They are the most giving and loving people. I really appreciate all they do. Their mission is so hard, but they have done so well. President Watkins, I think, made it his mission to provide me with a new wardrobe. At interviews, he gave me some shirts and a skirt. Which I LOVE. And then I went to Panda Express, and I got a fortune cookie that said, :"It would be wise for you at this time not to accept too much from others". And then on Friday, I recieve two HUGE packages from my Zone Leaders filled with clothes. I am like, "What do I do? I must follow Panda's advice!" But they were all so cute. I have so much clothes and they are all from Brooks Brothers. I never thought I would be so excited for clothes. The mission has changed me.

 

On Wednesday, we drove to the temple with some members. I loved the temple. I never wanted to leave. But I had to go back to the real world. Meh. Haha.

 

I love my mission. This week was a struggle finding people to teach. There isn't much of a teaching pull in the Tongan Program. But our members are so loving. They think I am sickly and feed me too much, but I know they do it because they love me.

 

Poly Day is coming up. I am so excited! I have waited for this day since Fuimaono. Of couse, I thought for sure that I would be in Brazil by the time it came. But obviously my visa is just waiting for Poly Day.

 

I have been trying to figure out what my purpose here in San Jose is. In the measure of success with numbers, I am failing as a missionary. But, I think I am here to help fix areas and companionships. I have been to so many areas that have had issues with the missionaries themselves. They have had rough times with the area, rules, or other missionaries. But I have felt such a deep love for them, and I love seeing them grow. It's probably reasonable to say, but I count my companions as my greatest success here in San Jose. All nine (or eleven including the MTC:)) are who I think about the most. I pray about them, and I love them so much. Sister Funaki is an amazing missionary. I am so lucky to be serving with her. We may have not been successful in the way that we report are numbers, but we have grown so much spiritually together. I have learned how to control my anger, and just love. Its ridiculous.

 

I wish I had more to tell you about my week (a man named Frank keeps calling me, but I ignore him. I am telling everyone that I have a boyfriend). But I think all I have to really share this email is my testimony. I loved general conference. A lot of my prayers were answered. It's amazing how inspired it is.

 

I know this church is true. I know it so much. I have realized, that I want to serve for this church always. Because it is the true church. It was the same church that was established by Jesus Christ. It has the same teachings, foundation, and leader. When I serve the church, I am serving Him. He is my best friend. I love Him, and I know Him. He lifts me up at my weakest moments. He died for all of us. I know that the temple is the place where we can be sealed (or married) to our families for time and eternity. I know that the Priesthood is real and poweful. I know that repentance is real. It works and it is liberating. Prayer is real. Heavenly Father loves us and listens to us. He recognizes our struggles, but he is shaping us. He sees us for who we are to become. He is our Father. We can turn to him for anything. I know that I am here in San Jose for a reason. I don't know when or if I will get my Visa, but I am on a mission. That's all I ever wanted to do. I am so grateful for all of you for helping me, supporting me, for loving me. I hope y'all know the church is true! Do missionary work.

 

My greatest regret that I have thought about over and over these past weeks is telling my friend in high school that she didn't need to invite the missionaries back. If my friend is reading my blog, I know that you do need to invite them back. The message they have is true. I am so sorry that I got scared. I hope you know that I love you!

 

I hope I never get scared anymore when it comes to preaching the gospel. It's true!

 

I love y'all so much. I hope you know that I am trying my hardest on my mission. I feel your prayers, and they support me. Read the Book of Mormon. Read the Bible! The Bible is amazing, and truly is the Word of God. Both help us know our savior more.

 

I love you!

 

Sister Powell

From Sydney

I have what I call, Tongan Food Poison Sickness. I blame the Fish Brain. Haha. No one eats the fish brain, and I go ahead and decide to chow down on it to be impressive. Disgusting. It tasted like...something that was disgusting. I have been up for 5 nights, all night, hanging out by the bathroom door. It's been terrible. But it solves all constipation problems if you catch my drift. But you sure don't want to smell it. Ha! Oh I am just soooo funny.

 

We have worked sooooo hard this week!

 

We have been lessoning everyone. We visited with this Hawiann Family that had this cute little old man, who just kept talking and talking. And he was so ashamed about his little morning scruff, he shaved right away. And he was so old, I don't think he knew he kept giving us referrals. He just kept giving them to us and giving them to us. Polynesians have a lot of family and friends.

 

So we visited his referrals. We visited Patricia, a little Mexican woman who was baptized in the Tongan ward a couple years ago, and married a Samoan. She had the CUTEST baby. She was so happy we were there.

 

We visited The Ve'es. They are a part member family who just loves families. What I love about Polynesians, is that they just value the importance of families so much. Brother Ve'e is so cool and just loves people. He isn't a member, but he knows it is true. He is so supportive of his wife, and it's so cool cause she went to the temple with out him. She isn't waiting for the blessings. I like her.

 

We visited this woman named Deseree, who loves this nasty juice. If someone makes me drink that juice one more time, I don't know what more poor stomach will do. It just might run away on me!

 

On Thursday, we had what we called "Sisters Retreat" all the Sisters got together, and basically had a girls camp. It was really fun. We had a makeup class, a little arts and craft class, a cooking class (I need recipes people!), a health class (good news everyone, I am not balding. It's a part. And yes, I asked), and we had talks, and study time. We had a study time, and then we had a clothes exchange. It was fun. I came out of that place with Hydrogen Proixcide (I am such a horrible speller. My word).

 

Then the rest of the week, we visited a ton of people who blend together and have the hardest names in the world! I have no idea how I am going to learn their names. But they are all so awesome. East Palo Alto is a fun place. This guy named Alex approached me on the streat while we were contacting. This is a classic contact and usually how it goes for me:

 

Alex (looking drugged up and not looking at the right place): How old are you?

Me (Thinking none your buisness but I am the servant of the Lord and have to be polite): I am twenty one

Alex: What is your name?

Me (Ha!): Sister Powell

Alex: My name is Alex.

Me: (Kay)

Alex: What are you?

Me (Evil Smile): I am a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (takes a deep breath. That is a word full)

Alex: Oh. What do they do?

Me (We invite others to come unto Christ by helping them recieve the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repetance, baptism, recieving the gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the end. Which is what I call "Enjoying to the End): We help people come closer to Jesus Christ.

Alex: Cool. Can I have your number?

Me (what's the Elders number again?): Uhhhh...Sister Funaki!

Alex: Here is my number. The bus is coming.

Me: Okay.

Alex: 55555555555. Call me in two days when my parole is over.

Me: Will do my friend.

 

And that is how contacting goes for me. I get a lot of numbers though. Yeah!

 

I have struggled this week with thinking nice thoughts. I think it is the lack of sleep. But I also think it is because Satan doesn't want missionaries to get along with their companion. So I have done the opposite of what I think, when I think something mean about Sister Funaki, out loud I say something nice. I compliment her so much, I think she is going to go crazy. Haha. I love her a lot. And it is funny the things that bother me, usually I have the same issues with myself. She is a great companion, and makes me work hard. She loves the work so much. I love the work too. I am so lucky to be on a mission. I love you all!

 

Love,

 

Sister Powell

 

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

From Sydney

My dear family and friends,

 

Let me take you to Tuesday-transfers day, a place I never thought I would see again. A place full of scared, weeping, and trembling servants of the Lord, and one extremely stressed Mission President. Its havock and not really that fun.

 

I walk in, as usual, and I see everyone I know (which is everyone when you have been in 5 different areas). Everyone wants to take a picture with me (I'm pop-u-lar! Actually that's a lie, I ask to take a picture with everyone and they are like "who is this crazy haired Sister?).

 

And I sit down next to my three companions, and I wait. And wait for my named to be called. Everyone is going up, the Sisters hug each other, the Elders do their awkward slap hug thing they do. Its too mushy. And then I get called and they say I am with Sister Funaki of the Pen Fifth Ward, and I am so confused. Cause I am like: Tongan? That's a Tongan sister. So I swear he didn't call my name. I stand up and just go in circles looking for my companion, and everyone just laughs at me. President makes his Pilot Program joke again. I don't like to remind him that he made that joke 4 areas ago.

 

So I find Sister Funaki in the front and I sit with her. And we wait for the end, and then they have to annouce their "Special Assignments". And Then they say my name: We are working with all the Polynesions. We are covering 7 wards. Yay! Ah. And then I hear my name again, and I learn that I have to drive. In California. In San Jose. On the interstate. For the first time in like 4 years. And I about pee in my pants. And I find out that I am living in my same apartment from before that is really tiny and birds poo on the car. I was so thrilled. Ha! I love my roommates: Sister Hall (companion 1) and Sister Raney. They are awesome.

 

Sister Funaki is so funny. Since we were trying to figure out what to do, we went to visit our Tongan Ward a lot. And Tongans are so funny. At first they did not like me. At all. But then I ate their food (every last bit) and then they loved me. I found out that that was probably a mistake because I HAVE EATEN SOOOOO MUCH! I am going on a diet. Meh.

 

Church was so funny. It was all in Tongan. Tongan is a fun language that makes no sense whatsoever. I am trying my hardest though. I can say a couple phrases:)

 

I am excited to work with 7 wards. We have to go to their Ward Councils, meet with their Ward Mission Leaders, and go to their Sacraments. And we get to visit like every member to try to get referels for any Polynesion. Its so cool.

 

This week was super good. I ate a dinner where a fish was looking right at me. It was good. The eyeballs we squishy;)

 

Everyone in the Tongan Ward is super friendly. There is a Tongan man named Frank Powell. We related to him?

 

I love y'all so much! Hopefully next time I have more to write to y'all. Not much happened except that I drive slower than an Asian Grandma, and I have gained twenty pounds, and I am learning Tongan. The Church is true!!!

 

Tau Toki Sio!

 

 

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PICTURES OF THE CUTEST MISSIONARIES AROUND

From Sydney (another transfer haha)

Malo e lelei! 

Guess what. We have permission to email our families to tell them where we are. I, Sister Powell, have been called to Los Altos Tongan Speaking. Hahahaahahahaha. My address is 3480 Granada Ave. #147 Santa Clara, California 95051. My old address:)

Love y'all! My companion is Sister Funanki and she is awesome:)

Tau Toki Sio!

Sister Powell

From Alex

 AM SO EXCITED ABOUT HARRY POTTER!! haha

 

I thought I'd start off with that!

 

But my week was so random. The most random week by far of my mission.

 

It started out with monday.

Simone- She was our investigator with a baptismal date. But the most tragic thing in the world happened. Anti. The Mormon church is super hated in New York but by far in Jamaica Queens. Everywhere you turn there is something Anti about us. Last week we got a text from a random number which happens a lot because of fearlesses. But it was just a text message basically saying bad things about our church so we ignored it. But Simone wasnt answering our calls so we put two and two together and realized it was her. So we went to her house with a member and she was just super angry. I felt the spirit so strong in the lesson, but something I have learned is that the spirit can not reach those that have contention in their heart. We all did what we had to do. But sadly Simone asked us never to come back again. The sad part is that her daughter loves has so much. I hope one day she can find the Gospel.

 

After that we were all pretty drained. Yet we kept on going! Wednesday though is where it gets exciting. President called me. AND GUESS WHAT!? I found out I was training :D I was super excited and nervous! My trainee was going to be a visa waiter as well! I was surprised though.

 

The next day I went to trainer meeting. I loved it :) The assistant to the president's are so amazing and gave such good advice! But President Calderwood is the best! He gave some awesome advice about strengthening your testimony. He started with choosing the one thing we are struggling with and then he gave us a system to study. He said to

 

pray-read-write

pray-read-write

pray.

 

We tell the Lord what we are struggling with and then we read eveything about the subject and then write down the testimony we want to have.

then we repeat. As we do this we will gain the testimony we want :D

Way awesome!!

 

Then Friday came. With another phone call from president. But he didnt answer so we waited and waited. And at 9:30 I get a calll that my little trainee got sick :( So she is spending her whole mission in Utah. I felt so bad for her!!! President said that I should be honored that God and him thought I was ready to train though. That made me feel good.

Saturday we hada concert in the Jamaica Food court. It was a way good experience! There was a little girl that was so interested so the mom is letting us come over! It made me happy :D

That night marlene was baptised. She has been investigating the church for a while! It was amazing.

 

Im staying in Jamaica this next transfer! Yay! But we are moving pads. Are new pad is so beautiful and has an elevator! YAY!!

 

Love you all so much! The Church is true. The book of mormon is the word of God.

 

Sister Powell

From Alex

What a week! I cant believe that I am on my last week of this transfer! So crazy!

 

First off I want to start out by saying... THE WORLD IS AN OPEN POOL! How cool is that? Starting next month we can teach anyone in the world! Including friends at home, our own less active family, basically anyone! How you might ask? Through Facebook, blogs, facetime, skype, googleplus, and IPADS. This is going to completely change everything! The world is now open. China is now open, Saudi, every place that was closed to us before. It is so crazy! I'm so excited to be apart of this work.

 

Besides that awesome miracle. We had a good week of visiting less actives. We also saw Shehara! She is so amazing and is going to the temple this week :) We also found a less active named Jane. She is so amazing! She has the strongest testimony of God's love.

 

We had an exchange this week. Sister Nestor and I went to the Island with Sister Chipman. I love the Island. It is so clean and beautiful. It smells in the city. hahaha But both the city and the Island have good points :) For instance, I can talk to anyone now. I have become fearless. haha I am surrounded by thousands of people alll day long. Its so cool!

 

That night on the Island (which is long island) We did a look up to find a guy named Tom. He was way awesome and I am pretty sure that he is going to join the church. On the way out to the car (i love cars) We found a lady named Gina. I just stopped everyone and started talking to her. She was so sad and wondered if we could give her a bible. We ended up giving her both a bible and a book of mormon. I know that this gospel can bless her life! I wish that everyone would just listen to our message. It would change their life.

 

That night I could not sleep. It was around one in the morning when Sister Chipman said, "Sister Powell I am having problems breathing.: I was so sad! So we called a Senior missionary and we went out and watched finding faith in christ until her breathing went back to normal. I realized something watching the movie. Jesus Christ is so amazing. He changed the world. I think it is so amazing that because He lived and died for us we can change! Our human nature can gradually change. We can be healed. Sometimes we lack the belief that we can change but God will help our unbelief. I know it. I know that he lives.

 

My week was awesome. I am excited for this coming up week.

 

You are all so amazing and remember that God loves you so much! Keep you eyes towards the future and enjoy where you are at :)

 

Sister Powell

From Alex

Where is my mission going? I want to extend. hahaha Serve a 2 year mission :) I would love that. anyway. The lIbrary was closed yesterday so nooo emailing :/

 

My last week started off amazing! We started with... ZONE CONFERENCE! Yayyy! I love my mission presidnet so so so much! He is such an inspired man.

 

My week was kinda random and for some reason I was bad at journaling this week. So my email is going to be kinda random also. lol

 

We did a lot with the young women this week. We have been asked to be their examples and of course we said yes. So they came to appts with us :) That was good. I want these girls to be so happy!

 

At a street sweep this week I talked to a woman whose son is a Bishop in Monroe, LA! So cool! Both of her grandsons served misions but she doesnt want to get baptised. Her son says tha tshe knows that the church is true but she just is stubborn. lol She even san us Joseph Smiths First Prayer.

 

We basicall had an awesome week! WE have an investigator! WHOOO! Who is getting baptised next week :D Yay for miracles! Her name is Simone. She was so ready to hear the gospel. We taught her the plan of Salvation and she just said "I know this is the plan that God set up for us." It was so amazing.

 

We also taught Elizabeth again this week. She almost didnt want us to come over because she felt guilty that she drank this week. But we told her no we are coming over. Sister Pierre came with us. She was so amazing! Members really are the key to this work.

 

Church was awesome! Both Simone and Elizabeth came. Elizabeth just had a glow about her! After church she called us and said she felt so peaceful and that she was so grateful for us. It made me so happy.

 

After Church we went and did lookups. And the FUNNIEST THING EVER HAPPENED! hahah We were walking beside this car that was backing up and the car ran over a sprite bottle and the bottle exploded like fountain and the sprite or whatever was in the bottle hit me full on. I just started yelling "IT HIT ME! IT HIT ME!" and the guy starting freaking out because he thought it hurt me. haha But he started laughting too. Im sure one day he will run into missionaries again and remember me and be baptised. lol

 

Labor day was good. We went to a ward BBQ. And also went to see Sister Tracy Davis. She is a lady who is not all there but adores me. It makes me smile. It was her birthday so we brought her a card. It made her day :)

 

This week I have been studying a lot about the Lords timing and His will.

I want my will to be God's will so bad. Sometimes the problem is that I cant see past now. And President Holland gave an awesome talk actually about that :)

 

I love this quote "THe work of devils and of darkness is never more certain to be defeated than when men and women, not finding it easy or pleasant but still determined to do the Father's will, look out upon their lives from which it may seem every trace of God has vanished, and asking why they have been so forsaken, still bow their heads and obey."

 

I dont know a lot of things. But I do know that God has the best plan for me. 

And that is all I need to know :)

 

I love you so much!!!

 

SIster Powell

From Alex

Hello Family! I love you so much! I love that we have the gospel :) Even though life isnt easy, I am so thankful for the life that comes with having the Gospel.

 

We had a miracle moment this week! We were doing look ups when Sister Nestor had a prompting to talk to a lady. Her name is Elizabeth and she is a member but less active. She has drinking problem and was so sad when we found her. But we prayed with her right there and went back the next day. We taught her and the spirit was so strong. She is so amazing and I know that she has the ability to do such great things.

 

Basically we had a week full of look ups and we actually got fed this week! WHOOO!!! 

BUT the best part of the week was I got to go to Manhattan!!! To the temple :) We went with the youth. It was so amazing, I love the Manhattan temple. It is so crazy outside and then you walk in and it is Heaven :) I am so glad that I had this experience!

 

Sunday I sat in the back row and I was so sad looking at my ward. Ive really come to understand how important the gospel is while being here in NYC and also how real saten is. But I know that the gospel can change lives and there are so many poeple waiting to here it! I love my Jamaica Queens :)

 

I love being here. I love my ward so much. I love my companions. I love the spirit and I love this church.

 

God lives, His hand is in every part of our lives. Sometimes we just dont see why.

 

His timing is everything.

 

I know it.

 

I decided that my mission idol is Enoch. He is so amazing and I want to be just like Him :)

 

I love you!!
Sister Powell

From Alex

My week was good! We had a good start with Zone Training :) I love my zone. After the meeting we went to Sister Ba's and I thought it was a pretty rough lesson because her kids were everywhere. But after we left she texted us and said thank you for coming and that she really felt the spirit! I really love how the spirit works. We also saw Sister Mohammed. I love her so much. But she makes me sad because I want her to change but she doesnt have a desire too :/ Maybe one day.

 

So crazzzyyyy story of the week! It started with melissa walking into the church. She is our new investigator :) She wants a new start to her life and she wants her son to grow up with strong morals. But because she came we were late to our appt with a former named Clarrisa. So we only met her and then she rescheduled. But as we were sitting at the bus stop a girls sat next to me and started groaning. I asked her if she was okay and she said no. We asked for her name and how old she was (Carrie and she was 16) and Sister Millett went to go have a closer look at her because the sun was in her eyes and as Sister Millett stood beside her, Carrie fainted on her and started having a seizure. So we had to call 911 and a preacher ran across the way and gave her a blessing and then ran away. And the ambulance came. And this is the other crazy part. WE KNEW THEM! We see them all over and they always ask if we are okay. But Carrie was taken away and that was the crazy story. But the cool thing was that if we had not been there carrie could have fallen and would have been there for a while. The Lord puts you where you need to be.

 

We had trainer/trainee meeting this week. I went because my companions had to go. My mission president is so amazing. His testimony is so strong. It makes mine stronger as well :) I am so blessed to be in this mission.

 

I love this gospel so much. I love that I have the knowledge that God is my loving Heavenly Father and that everything happens for my eternel benenfit.

 

I love you all so much!!

 

Quote :) "God will make the impossible things possible. He will answer our prayers, and will continue to guide us a long as we continue to obey Him."

FROM SYDNEY

This week was so good. Except for the fact that I might have had an emotional melt down because I think I am balding, and I might have received permission, because no one likes an emotional Sister Missionary, to go to the store not on a P-Day to by Vitamins for my hair. Hahahaa.

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Other than that, this week was awesome.

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The week started P-Day night, where Sister Tietjen and I successfully got in contact with a Referal named Tina. We had tried for weeks, but we always came to the house when she was showering. Meh. Haha. So I told Sister Tietjen that she should call Tina (I still hate making phone calls) and she did AND SHE ANSWERED THE PHONE! And she was super interested. After that phone call, we danced and danced to Pop Corn Popping. It was so phone. Sister Tietjen and I like to celebrate. It makes us extremely happy. We have made every day a celebration this week.

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Tuesday, nothing happened really. I have no recollection of Tuesday. Apparantly it was a good day. Yay.

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Wednesday, was AN AWESOME DAY! We were so blessed on Wednesday. We had District Meeting. I was fasting that day for Alex's Visa. During District Meeting I got a call from Sister Clayton (By the way I really need some Louisiana Recipes (Please)) who said she had something from Salt Lake for me. I about peed in my pants. Haha. It was my Criminal Record mabob and I needed to get fingerprints for it. Sister Clayton said she understands if I couldn't get it at the moment, but she said I should make it a priority. So I did. I went straight to the mission office where not only did I get the paper work, President gave me some new red shoes that I absoulutly love. Thank you President Watkins.

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I had to call one of President Watkins councilers (who new Mission Presidents had Councilers?) President Davis. We became best texting buddies, and he was the Chief of Police in San Jose. But he was out of town on Wednesday. But we went to a recent converts house name Ves, and we taught his Mom Pilar, who is senile as Potter, and just lovely. We had a good lesson.

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The next day, we got in contact with President Davis who informed me that no one does ink finger printing in California. California is a head of times and actually does this electronically. Lame. So he called people, and he got a hold of this place called E-Z Mail. The most sketch place in the world, but the only place in all of California that has ink. So I go and I mail that off. So now my fingerprints are in Salt Lake.



Thursday night was awesome. We visited with Tina for the first time, and she is so awesome. She cried the whole time, and wants to be closer to Heavenly Father. Her daughter reffered her. Her daughter found the gospel in Arizona, and is preparing to get married in the Temple. But it is her first marriage, and her mom really wants to be there. It's cool, because Tina's nephew joined the church and his wife and all his children, and he got to baptize Tina's daughter in Arizona. And everyone is there. So Tina really wanted a Priesthood blessing, and since everything has been working out for us this week, we got our Elders and Andrew Garrett who is preparing for his mission (we like to take the youth with us, they make us feel young and they are excited about everything), and we gave her a blessing (the Elders did) and it was so beautiful. It was awesome.



Oh! And Vina the Indian women, flew to Figi and grabbed her son by the ear and made him visit with the Missionaries in Figi. Hahahahahaa. OH bless Vina.

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Friday was Sister Tietjens birthday and was awesome. We were dropped off and we walked all day. We got in contact with this women named Kim Key, who hasn't had contact with the church since Salt Lake for fifteen years. She speaks Cambodian, and her husband made her become Buddhist. But she was so happy to see us. When we were leaving, she got up even though her legs hurt so bad, and she hugged us and she whispered in her broken English: "I like you." It made my heart happy.

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And then we walked and walked and walked and I had to pee so bad. I was going to die. We were about to go visit a less active when we decided to visit a former named Anna Moore. I had seen a woman walk by a lot while we were sitting thinking out our plan of action, but I didn't talk to her. So we were knocking on Anna Moore's door, when this woman walks up (who I have seen), and she ends up being Anna Moore. And she wasn't interested before, so we were about to walk away, but I needed to go potty. So we asked if we could use her restroom. So I am busy relieving myself, and Sister Tietjen is being good and talking about the gospel. And I walk out after washing my hands of course, and Anna Moore wants to pray with us. And we hold hands ina prayer circle and we pray and she loves us and we are invited back. Isn't timing wonderful:)

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Saturday was super fun. Weekly Planning! Love that thing. And it was transfer calls. And guess what. I am being transferred once again! Hahahahahahaha. I swear, there is nothing wrong with me.

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Sunday was fun because it was an outgoing fireside. I saw a lot of former investigators in my other areas, and I also say a lot of missionaries and ward members. I loved it. And I got to wear my new red shoes. I told President about you climbing the school building Alex. We are blaming your criminal past for the reason why I had to do Fingerprinting:)

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I love Alum Rock. My testimony was strengthened so much, and I have made best friends. I love Sister Tietjen, Sister Livingston, and Sister Weeks. They are like my Sisters. I have struggled a lot with feeling successful, but I have realized that I need to be in Alum Rock for a reason. I have grown so much. I have learned to love so much.



I struggled a little bit feeling worthy. A lot of things I did in the past kept coming back tobother me. I don't know if y'all remember me telling you about the MTC where I prayed because I thought I was going to be stuck, but I told the Lord I would be willing to do anything. And there I felt a great calm and peace, and I felt worthy. So I decided to pray again, and I felt like I wasn't getting an answer. All week I kept turning to D&C 6, and I have ignored it. But one day, after the umpteenth time, I decided to read it, and I finally got the answer to my prayer that I was seeking for all transfer.

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Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast ^ainquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.15Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy ^amind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been ^benlightened by the ^cSpirit of truth;
16Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that ^aknowest thy thoughts and the ^bintents of thy ^cheart.
17I tell thee these things as a witness unto thee葉hat the words or the work which thou hast been writing are ^atrue.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might ^aknowconcerning the truth of these things.
23Did I not speak ^apeace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater ^bwitness can you have than from God?
24And now, behold, you have received a ^awitness; for if I have ^btold you things which no man knoweth have you not received a witness?
32Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as ^atouching ^bone thing, behold, there will I be in the ^cmidst of them容ven so am I in the ^dmidst of you.
33^aFear not to do ^bgood, my sons, for whatsoever ye ^csow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow ^dgood ye shall also reap good for your^ereward.
34Therefore, fear not, little ^aflock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are ^bbuilt upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
35Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and ^asin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.
36^aLook unto me in every ^bthought; ^cdoubt not, fear not.
37^aBehold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the ^bnails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall ^cinherit the ^dkingdom of heaven. Amen.
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San Jose California is my greatest witness and miracle. This mission is amazing. I am so blessed and honored. I feel amazingly loved. I love the Lord and I love y'all! THE CHURCH IS TRUE!