Third Week Ninth Week! (8/5/13)

I got sick this week! Yay! How fun is that? lol Not really, it was pretty miserable. (A cold with a lingering sinus infection)  I do NOT like being sick as a missionary.  My poor companion had to deal with me and find places for me to stay when she doesn't know very many people and then we had to find people to go out with her.  Needless to say she got a lot of studying done and a lot of a scarf knitted.

But it was a hard week.  My brain just does not function well with being sick.  But once more the Lord in His patience and mercy has taught me a lot.  Once more I'm shown just a little bit how great this whole mission thing is.  I'm trying to internalize something that as been difficult for me to understand.  It's okay to disagree with others.  My truths don't need validation and if someone doesn't believe as I do, that doesn't make my truths or theirs any less real.  All I know is that someday, the things I've come to know for myself will be proven at the last day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ.

It's been a humbling experience, and it's a humbling companionship I'm in, but it's good for me, just as the Lord planned.  And as I grow and change I'm better able to serve the people I've been called to serve.

I just want all of you to know how grateful I am to have your support and patience.  I know that this Gospel is a Gospel of peace and hope and I know for myself that it is true.

I love you all and hope that life is treating you just as our loving Heavenly Father wills.

Love,
Sister Askren

Sister Elisabeth Askren
400 W Apache st
Farmington, NM 87401

Second Transfer! 8th Week! (7/29/13)

I don't have much time, just wanted to say I love you all SO MUCH and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord and show my love for Him and all of the wonderful people in my life by helping others come closer to their God.  I love the excuse to help people and love them and not judge them!  I can feel the awesome as it takes place.  Sister was sick most of this week so we kinda died, but we still got the highest number of lessons I've ever had!  It was amazing and I know that the Lord wants us to see in numbers and goals so then we can see His grander picture!  The Lord loves all of us and wants us all to enjoy this life, no matter what happens.  I hope you can all remember that and remember how amazing we can all become!   Laureena is awesome and we love them!  We see them every day so it's pretty fantastic! I have almost all the kids' names down!
I LOVE YOU ALL.

First Week of Second Transfer! 7th Week (7/22/2013)

Hi!!
Sister Pielstick (peel-stick like a sticker) is her name and she's awesome. It was hard to see Sister Stewart go but the day of it was all okay and I felt calm and happy to be moving forward. Her style is totally different, but I'm so excited for what she can teach me. I've already learned so much! I'm working to get my brain to think like a Preach My Gospel missionary and I think she's the one to help me get there. We reached our lesson goal and we didn't even work for three days because of transfers! Seriously, the blessings of striving for exact obedience and really implementing Preach My Gospel have changed SO MUCH about how I think about the work.
And I love this work more and more every day. Seriously, everyone. I LOVE THIS. So. Much. There is still so much to implement and to grow and reach and strive, but we are going to accomplish our goals. God is with us, why wouldn't He want us to teach so many of His children?
We have two new investigators and they both have baptismal dates for September! We met them in our first lesson together on Wednesday. They'd been taught before but had forgotten most of everything so we started with square one. They're Navajo and sisters- Laureena and Colleen. Laureena has seven children and Colleen has one and they live together in a single wide trailer with Laureena's husband (we don't know if it's a legal marriage, it might just be a Navajo one, but whatever we'll cross the bridge when we get to it, right?) and I think another sister or something. They're awesome and Laureena came to church!
Honestly, there are so many lessons this past week that just rocked. I'm trying to speak by the Spirit more and sometimes I get a little discouraged, but I know that's just Satan and I know I can get better with the Lord's help (and more role-plays).
And this work is SO TRUE. As I've been teaching more and more by the Spirit, my testimony is strengthened so much! I know God loves us. I know His truth is revealed through the prophets. I know that the Book of Mormon is convincing evidence that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph Smith was chosen by God to restore God's Kingdom on earth.

Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome.

Oh, and a centipede CRAWLED OUT OF THE SINK AFTER I HAD JUST SPIT MY TOOTHPASTE INTO IT. So gross. We sprayed it with bathroom cleaner because that's all we had on hand and it WOULDN'T DIE. So I used a fork to put it in a dust pan and we dumped it outside. BUT IT CAME OUT OF THE SINK. Needless to say that all drains will be plugged until they are needed.

Love you all. And if you send a package this next transfer, please send it priority or I won't get it until next transfer, which would stink. And I love you all.

Chrissy, I HEARD YOUR VOICE. It was so epic. Don't worry, I'll memorize Becky's phone number too so that doesn't happen again... But I heard you! it was awesome. Sorry if you were at work or something.

Jaden, can you forward this to Sister Stewart? I forgot to bring her email address.

oh and there are humming birds here! how cool is that?

Love you all,
Sister Askren

Sister Elisabeth Askren
400 W Apache st
Farmington, NM 87401

"It's crawling out of the sink, sister; it's crawling out of the sink"

[Editor's note: I tried to post pictures that were sent for this email, but there was something wrong with them.]

Last Week of the First Transfer! 6th Week (7/15/2013)

YOU ARE ALL AWESOME.

It was Sister's last week and so it's been up and down this whole time with me trying not to hate her for leaving and her trying not to hate life for leaving and just so many adjustments and last meetings for her and last lessons and SO many ward members trying to set her up with various people and showing her pictures on facebook (They looked up my blog, thank you so much Alyssa! It looks awesome) of return missionaries living where she'll be living and all this hullaballoo and I was just like "okay. This is stinky." Anyway, I got over it, she got over it and I didn't step on any centipedes this week. But I caught a horny toad!!! It was awesome I think I have a picture of it. These little girls who used to live in our house came by to play on the playset out back and showed us all the cool places to explore and it was great. Sister and I got husband points by walking in this crazy wind and rain that was just awesome. It wasn't for very long though and every time we try and walk to the other side of town some member drives up and offers a ride. Seriously, we can't walk two blocks without someone offering. It's kind of fantastic, though sometimes I worry at the hottness of my future husband because I'm not out there braving the elements and racking up points. (jkjk lol but I really do love walking and SO MANY PEOPLE fed us last week it was insane! and with all the food and all the rides I probably gained like seven pounds or something)

I forgot my planner from last week and since it's a transfer the planner I have with me doesn't include it so I really don't know what in the world happened last week besides the above mentioned. I met a lot of nice dogs this past week... The animals in general have just been awesome. And I met this crazy poodle something or other mix that was just a sweetheart.

We started teaching a crazy guy by the name of Don. He has really bad cancer and is a challenge to teach because he's a bit everywhere and crazy, but it's awesome to teach him and feel the Savior's love for him if not especially because he's so off his rocker.

I guess that's really what I've been learning the most about lately, the nature of God and how He loves all of us and thinks about us... I don't know, it's just soo interesting.

If you're into finding the talk, there's an awesome one called "Bread or Stones: Understanding the God We Pray to" by Michael Wilcox given at a byu-h devotional in two thousand... nine I think. It talks about why Heavenly Father doesn't answer our prayers the way we want Him to, but the way we need him to. We worship a fourth-watch God. He's so awesome and kind and loving and so fantastic.

In the Bible Dictionary there's the defenition of Faith and in there it says:
"To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone. The Lord has revealed himself and his perfect character, possessing in their fulness all the attributes of love, knowledge, justice, mercy, unchangeableness, power, and every other needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in him without reservation."

I really, trully believe this in my heart. Way down deep in the depths of my soul. The Lord has revealed Himself. He has all the attributes needed to enable our minds to place our whole trust in him nothing wavering. He didn't need to, He could have just been like "Hey, you, worship me, don't you know that I made you?" Instead He says, "... will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?" (3 Ne 9:13)
It's an offer, an example, a way out. He's given all this to us so that we can save ourselves, so that we can depend on Him and not lean on the arm of flesh. It is our choice that matters, no one elses. I am so so so grateful for the opportunity to declare this beautiful gospel to all the world, to learn to love others the way Christ loves all of us. I know He lives and I know He did all that the Father sent Him to do. He is my master and He has chosen me. I am filled with gratitude for this marvelous thing that is my mission. Thank you all so much for supporting me.

Love you all so much!!!

Love
Sister Askren

Sister Elisabeth Askren
400 W Apache St
Farmington, NM 87401

P.S.
Fam, I love you, thank you for updating me, don't worry about the purse, I'm getting it today or tomorrow ((Unless the one you picked is super adorable, cause I probably won't be finding a cute one here :P)). Or anything else really, except the pillow and blankies- my
companion is leaving and she's taking her blankets with her

P.P.S.
Roommates, did my driving record ever come? I kinda need it, if it didn't then let me know, I'll have to get someone to request it for me again or something. I LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL!

We had a tea party! Something I forgot to mention. Mama Lorenc is next to me, Grandma Fey (the awesome lady who did it all) is next to her, then Sister Stewart and then Cherri Parrish (an awesome lady with cancer who's not a member but has fanastic faith in God)

And the Horny toad!

The Thomas family! the boys are OBSESSED with wrestling- like the hilarious fake kind. The dad is an AWESOME cook. We had porkloin with sage and lemon zest and this broccoli salad with capers! Whatever those are.

Carol!! I love her. She's awesome and is working on getting her patriarchal blessing.

A TARDIS BLUE HOUSE. It was a member and they laughed at me, but I got a picture with their house!

Crazy week of craziness- Fifth Week (7/8/2013)

Hi!!!!
I love you all.
Also, last week was insane! Sister goes home next week and it's starting to affect things, but we hope to power through and end on a high note. We moved!! It's awesome. And tiny. And the "upstairs" isn't tall enough for us to stand in and we sleep there and Sister's been banging her head nearly every morning. The Fourth was kinda crazy, we did some planning and things and then we went to the town's little celebration and watched kids catching a chicken and the rooster from one of those games threw up on my purse and I tried not to freak out even though I was so grossed out and wondering if it got on the spout of my water bottle and so happy I had my purse closed else it would have gotten on my scriptures. Joy. I also had a dog pee on my hand and I STEPPED ON A CENTIPEDE. In our new house. With only a thin little no-show sock on. I freaked out, Sister was preoccupied in the bathroom and I was still gaining the courage to pick it up when she came out, grabbed it's still wriggling little body and flushed it. SO GROSS. It felt like a gummy worm under my foot. Kinda hilarious, I like telling that story.

Anyway, we left in the afternoon to go to zone conference about two-three hours away. Normally we go to someplace closer- flagstaff, but it just got swallowed by the phoenix mission so it's not allowed. Anyway, we went to the illustrious TUBA CITY which is not very illustrious but it is barely city like. We slept there and before we went to bed we lit little sparklers and messed around (aka stood outside in the church parking lot and tried to find all the used sparkler sticks we'd thrown when they'd been used. The sparklers took ten minutes to light! They were found in one of our apartments in the Sister Trainer Leader's area and no one knew how old they were) I left my awesome purple towel in that apartment... I may never see it again ;(

lol anyway, conference was epic and I learned a ton and it was so spiritual

Oh! I almost forgot, my foot is fine, dumb thing. I'm probably dehydrated and it'll act normal over time as I continue to push it to it's limit and then back off. I actually had a temperature of 99 degrees and they acted like it was normal and just said to drink more water :P I'm such a goose. But! Because we were in Winslow-about 20 miles away- we weren't out walking so we were saved from getting welts and bruises like others did when the hail storm came in. For fifteen minutes the rain and hail came down and tree limbs fell and people freaked out and we were fine! Safe and sound taking a picture on the corner in Winslow AZ like in that Eagles song or whatever famous band, one of those tourist things I wouldn't've done normally but did anyway, don't judge me lol.

But we were safe, and we didn't get hurt from the storm! Yay! Gardens have been trashed in town though, we don't really know how that'll affect the winter months, so many people here have gardens, but I don't know if they live off of them, it'll definitely affect they're budgets though. We're trying to help out as much as we can and hopefully tomorrow we can help with some irrigation at a farm. Most of the time we don't hear about service to do until it's already done and the townsfolk have already taken care of it.

I totally love this gospel. It's sister's last week like I said before, and we've just had this outpouring of love from people and I hope I can do as much good here as Sister has. We'll see I guess.

I love you all, stay safe!!!

-Sister Askren


P.S.
ESTEE ARTS IS ENGAGED I'm so sure most of you know already, but I'm so happy for her! She's so fantastic. And she has awesome colors planned. Everyone embarrass her and congratulate her noisily and preferably in public.

I love you all.

No seriously, I think about you guys and hope you're alright and pray for you and I just hope you guys are doing awesome. (When I'm not focused on the work of course lol)

If you don't email me or write me I assume that you've died. Even one word- "hi" is enough. Also, I don't know if all the email addresses work... so yeah could you all confirm it? And if you've written me, good. I love you. That's right, prove your love for me by writing me. hahahahaha jk jk Actually, I totally stunk at writing people on their missions, so it's cool. but can one of my sisters let me know through letter if Mom's alright? I haven't heard from her in two weeks.

Fourth of July! Fourth Week!! (7/1/2013)

I've been out over a month! Nearly a month in the field. The time has just flown by!

We went to a missionary getting set apart on Tuesday and that kid I told you about who we were trying to help read the Book of Mormon announced he'd be going on a mission! I question his motives, but that's probably me not having sufficient faith in people. He's made great progress and he's smiling a lot more and praying so it's awesome.

This week was kinda rough with the companionship as Sister and I will be leaving Jo City on the fifteenth (happy birthday becky!) and she's flying home on the seventeenth.

We've also had to drop two people this week because they haven't progressed since March. Hopefully we'll be able to visit them in a little while and try to help them again.

But we met a new woman who we might be able to teach! Her name's Christine (Don't worry chrissy, she looks nothing like you so I don't get confused). She's had some pretty intense trials, but she seems willing to change and gets a lot of comfort from the Lord already so hopefully she'll progress :D

The push for more referrals and more active member missionaries has had varying effects. The bishop of one ward is awesome, helping us keep busy and contact people who need to be contacted. I think the ward members will follow soon enough. Seriously, watch the broadcast. It said all those who were interested in Missionary work were to attend which is everyone! And I know you can find the little videos of it on youtube.

We're moving today! I'll still be in Joseph City, but on the other side of town. The location isn't the greatest since it's near the edge of town, but the house is clean and there aren't any bugs and there's a working dishwasher! It's the size of a tupperware, but it works! The upstairs "loft" has such a short ceiling you have to crouch and you can't put the bed on a frame so we'll see if they let us sleep there... but I hope they do! It looks cozy.

Tomorrow I get to go to the doctor to find out why my foot went numb those few times, yay! Don't worry, whatever it is, all I have to do is not walk too fast and nothing happens. I'm getting awesome abs though since it's like the only workout I can do that doesn't mess with my calves.

Fourth of July night we're driving out to Tuba City for Zone Conference the next day. I don't even know where it is on the map. Actually, for the first few weeks I didn't even know what state I was in since I drove into New Mexico and hadn't seen where Jo City was on the map. And it all looks the same so I just thought we were still in New Mexico. I got it down now, though.

Oh and yes, we were out walking when it was 104. Messa (sp?) got to 120, though. Which is gross and yet another reason why I hesitate to ever live in a big city. But we lived and I didn't even get sunburned. Though I am already low on sunscreen. I put on like three layers throughout the day. We get rides a lot though, because the ward members love us. Seriously, we're like celebrities here.

Anyway, I gotta get to cleaning and finish packing. Happy Fourth of July week! Have yummy food and please, someone go swimming for me!!! Every time we pass by sprinklers my comp has to hold me back. (That's an exaggeration, but not by much)

Love you all!!!!

Love,
Whatever you wanna call me. Sister Askren, Bitsy, Elisabeth

Third Week! Everywhere. (6/24/2013)

This week was insane. On Tuesday we had 5 appointments. All of them fell through. We walked all over town to some of the appointments and people forgot or rescheduled or just weren't home. We at least talked to some people and tried our best, but it was the first time I'd experienced something like that so it was kinda crazy. I LOVE WEDNESDAYS. Only one appointment dropped and we were able to schedule one in it's place, we taught 7 lessons! It's awesome. We met with the Ortegas for the first time- it was awesome. The husband is so spiritual. We walked out feeling so strong. I hope so much that he gets baptized. The church is EXACTLY what he's been looking for. His wife is a sweetie, too and I think she's closer to coming than he is. So many people promised they'd come to church and a few of them kept that promise! It was awesome. Including one husband who we've been trying to encourage that family for the past two weeks it was fantastic to see them there. And this one family and since she's been teaching them Sister never saw the whole family at church and they all came on Sunday and stayed! It was great. Their son who's eight just got baptized- he's not a convert baptism because of the age, but we've taught him a lot so it feels like he is. :D It was great, we talked at the baptism about... well, baptism. lol Oh, and on Saturday we did some tracting and got harrased (verbally no worries) for standing behind the church with the whole boy scout thing. Some people just don't understand things. It was so dumb. Sister and I just bore our testimonies and tried to leave. The old man followed us out though, ugh. It was dumb. Not dangerous or anything, just sad and annoying. We are all God's children and He loves all of us equally. I'll say it until I die. This church is led by God, who wants ALL of His children to return- not just a few. He loves us all so much! He wants all of us to come unto Him and recieve the Gospel and be a member of the church. Every single person.

Silly people.

Anyway.
I was running (jogging and walking) today and normally my calves tighten up and I stretch them and they hurt and my feet go all hot and tingly so this time I thought I'd just keep going until they stopped tightening up. No bueno. My foot went numb AS I was walking. Such a weird feeling. I stopped and let it wake up... so odd. Mama Lorenc who walks with me while Sister runs in the morning massaged it for me and it hurt so bad! Apparently the tendons in my calves are super tight so that's why my calves tighten up when I exercise. My tendons were so swollen when she massaged them so I'm gonna try and ice them. But we don't really know why my foot went numb... Crazy, huh?

Oh and yesterday Sister and I gave a talk at a farewell. That was kind cool. My talk was on obedience and how loving Heavenly Father is our motivation for obedience which helps us submit our will to the Father which helps us become true disciples of Christ.

OH MY GOODNESS THAT LEADER TRAINING THING LAST NIGHT WAS SO AWESOME.
If you haven't watched it or listened to it or read it then go and do so! It totally changed missionary work and how we fulfill our responsibilities as missionaries and members. Which is so nice! People don't like tracting anymore. People that ignore us or tell us bluntly that we should never come back are super nice to their member friends and are so much more susceptible to their efforts in bringing them to a knowledge of the truth. Of course, people will still reject the lessons and stuff... but we as missionaries won't have to weed out the people who won't listen. I know it's a lot of responsibility, but hey! We've all been baptized. We've all shown that we are willing to take upon us the name of Christ it's time we started acting like it! I know we can help this work to hasten!

Oh and you guys would die of... salivating? Hunger? Envy?.... something if you found out the wonderful food I get to eat out here in Jo City. Yesterday I had a guinea fowl... that was weird... but a few nights ago we had this amazing salad. So good! We get a LOT of salads out here- the members know Sister is a devout salad-eater. I'm cool with it as long as I get some delicious meat every once in a while. Which I did from Papa Lorenc. He brought me a fried chicken leg after my work out after Mama Lorenc massaged my calf (THAT HURT SO BAD. Oh, and you say their last name like lawrence).

Oh, Mom? Can you find me a cheap night gown like the one I got for you from my work in Jackson? Mine isn't long enough and doesn't have sleeves- not very covering enough.

Oh and I think some of the chicks in the mud swallow nest were pushed out :( I only see three at the most and there used to be six.... But the ones that are left are nearly fully feathered! And I saw an ugly/cute little baby pigeon thing! Papa Lorenc raises some funny named Far Eastern pigeon- so pretty when they're adults and tumbling in the air!

Love,
Sis. Askren

Mission address:
Sister Elisabeth Askren
400 West Apache St
Farmington, NM 87401

Shout outs:
Christine: I LOVE YOUR EMAILS. Seriously, I'm so happy for you! I'm so glad you figured out what stressed you out :D.
Becky: I kinda sorta talk about you and your amazing advice all the time, it's awesome
Joe Holt: Hey! how's school? You should come join the ranks- find your conviction! I want to go to your homecoming!
Daniel Butler: I love you!
Josef: You're awesome. Also, I wish we could go shooting!
Heidi: You're awesome! You'd love the food they feed me here, it's divine! I had homemade ice cream! And my comp makes the most delicious smoothies!
Estee: I love you! You'd love my companion, she runs and runs! She ran/jogged/walked for like three hours today. I wrote my email.
Mom: I ADORE YOU. You'd love the animals out here. And Mama Lorenc! I think you'd two get along so well! And Grandma Fey- she's awesome, you'd love her house.
Curty! : I have a picture of you! I think about you a lot. I hope you're doing alright!
Danny Wells: Hey missionary! you're awesome. I totally beat you to the email this week.
Brigham: HEY! You're so cool for doing this missionary thing AND learning a language. You're gonna rock this new member missionary stuff.
Chase Hessing: Thanks so much for your email! It's true! You are going to do great things! You're testimony is strong and you'll be a great disciple your whole life! Read that talk- the will of the father in all things by elder holland, it'll help.
Isaac: Isaac! you are going to be a great missionary! I hope school and whatever else you're doing is going well!
Alyssa Eatman: YOU ARE SO FANTASTIC. I learned so much from you!
Katherine Zieman: Dearie- You. Are. Awesome. Keep dancing!
Melanie Palsky: Seriously girl, I adore you. How are you???
Jayne!! Lovely! I adore you. How's Aspen lodge???
Joy! Hey!!! how's everything??
Miriam Jones: I had casava! So so so tasty. Also, smoothies are magic with frozen fruit and yogurt and real juice. and you can make this tasty drink with mint and lime with no sugar!

If I didn't mention you it's because you haven't written me and I've forgotten about you. Just kidding! I still love you, I just need to hurry off and write my mission president!

None of my pictures of my district/zone in the mtc came through :P But I do have a pic of the birds!

That's my fantastic trainer Sister Stewart from Sacramento

Second Week! Powerplant! (6/17/2013)

Hey Base 26! I need my driving record! If you could send that ASAP as
soon as it gets in, that'd be awesome! If you need stamps to send it
to me, let me know! And fam if you could send my pillow and blanket
that'd be awesome!
Kinchelo! You are amazing and I loved your letter so much! Oh Asian
stationary. What did it even say at the top? My friend Rachel Jones
is going to be a counselor, too! You're going to have so much fun.
Thank you so much for your diligence and prayers.

Awesome Activities:

The powerplant was so cool! We saw inside the boiler! Totally incredible.
This kid that they'd been teaching for two months before I got here
finally started reading the Book of Mormon. My comp and her old one
and Robert's friend had been trying the entire time to build up his
testimony so Robert and his friend could go on missions together and
then we just had this incredible lesson (we went over time and totally
blew our next app it was bad... but awesome...) and he finally saw how
important it was to read it. I was so humbled to be the one who
finally reached him. Such a huge blessing!
A less active woman who hadn't been doing anything spiritual when they
first started teaching her in March finally is coming to all three
parts of church and is reading and praying and all that good stuff!
This one lady who hadn't been going to church for years finally came
when we told her we'd sit next to her in Relief Society- how silly for
it to be that silly of a thing! And we said it as a side thing when we
were saying goodbye after this ridiculously long lesson!
This one awesome family they'd been re-activating into the church got
their temple recommends renewed! The mom lost her stinky job doing
something nasty and is so much happier!
We went on exchanges this last week and were able to double our
lessons that day! It was awesome.
And And!!! we found an eleven year old who's been wanting to get
baptized for a year and he AND his entire family went to church this
sunday!
As you can see. It's been awesome.

The Will of the Father in All Things. by Holland. Read it. It'll
change your life!

Seriously. I'm changing how I see things. Work is hard because we
have to prove that no matter what we will humbly kneel before the
alter of God, give everything- our vanity, our pride, our ambition,
bow our heads silently and walk away. (paraphrased, from the talk.
read it!)

So when I get up in the morning and we go for a run and I just want to
glare at everything... I kneel. Bow my head, and walk away. It's
awesome. Because I love Him. And nothing will ever change that.

I shrunk my shirt on accident, there are mud swallows outside my front
door and there are these crazy siren birds, I think they're called
grackles. They're all over town.

Love,
Sis. Askren

Mission address:
Sister Elisabeth Askren
400 West Apache St
Farmington, NM 87401

First Week in the Field! (6/10/2013)

I'm in the Field!!! Perfectly honest, I hate writing these emails. Like a lot. I get home sick every. single. time. I miss your wonderful faces and loving personalities.

Anyway.

I didn't get home sick at the MTC until I had that P-day where I emailed all you crazy people, but it went away and didn't come back until I was riding the bus out of Provo in the middle of the night. That was depressing lol.

My area is Joseph city! I have no idea the population, but the evelation is 5000 something. There's one gas station on the edge of town that we can't really get to because we don't have a car. The closest thing to a store is a laundry mat and a pizza place that's closed because the guy who runs it is the bishop of one of the wards here and he's in hawaii. On... Friday? Saturday? Saturday. It was one hundred degrees (I didn't get sunburned Mom) and it was the one day that week that Sister Stewart and I were able to tract. We met a sweet Pagan lady with two Irish wolfhounds (I know, I about died of happiness. She used to breed them and one of them she got from Scotland.) That was interesting. We talked for a bit. That same day we met an awesome old man who wanted to take us for a flight in his plane with a lady in town (against the handbook unfortunately). He was really sweet though, his wife died in May and he really misses her. the last lady we met that day was.... it was very sad to talk to her. Her life was one of the hardest I'd heard and it was continuing on in that way. She didn't want to change and come to church until her life settled down. It made me sad to think she didn't want to go to church so her spirit Could settle down.

About 70-80% of the members here are active- the rest we try to teach. Many of the rest are not interested and are going to stay that way for a long while. But Sister and I keep trying. It's all we can do. We teach about twenty, hour long lessons a week. The town itself is so small! Everyone knows nearly everyone else- or at least their distant relatives and everyone has a history. The Rez is just outside of town, but it's a small group here and although we teach a daughter and mother who live there, we don't know anyone else out there because it's a mile out and we can't make it out there in enough time. There are a few spots in our area like that- it's too far out for us to teach and we have to leave it up to the ward. No one knows where anyone lives-no one has mail boxes and everyone just lives in the one house that so and so lives near. Our conversations go like this:

"Do you know where the Johnstons live?"

"Which Johnstons?"

"Elllie and James?"

"Is that Grandma May's daughter?"

"No, it's her niece."

"Oh, they live next to the Williams."

"Who?"

"The ones with the big blue house next to the Jones's"

"The Johnstons live there?"

"No, next to that house"

"Oh!....Then where do the Smiths live?"

"Which Smiths?"

And so on and so forth. Most of the families have lived here since the seventies or eighties- anyone older who've lived here since they were born have children living other places or their siblings and their families live here.

If you're not poor watching tv and such then you're making your land as green as possible or taking care of the animals or something. Most people either work at the school, Holbrook, or the power plant (which we're getting a tour of today!) There are houses with horses on nearly every corner and every other house has a dog. Needless to say I say hello to all of them and Sister Stewart teases me for it.

She's awesome though, Sister Stewart, she's from Sacramento and she goes home the middle of July. I'll be step-trained (half of my training with one sister, half with another) when she goes. I'm learning tons from her and it's been a blast to try and adjust to this crazy thing called a mission.

This mission has taught me so much about how missionary work should correspond with a ward and how much responsiblity the ward really does have in helping us find and helping pick up those who won't listen to us.

I'll share a lesson Sister and I have been sharing at our dinner appointments (we get fed every night by the families in the wards)

There was a talk in the Priesthood Session of General Conference in April 2012 by Bishop Edgley. (I haven't been able to get my hands on it, so the details in the story might be off) It was about these people who were stuck in a POW camp in WWII and how volunteers dedicated all they had to rescuing those people. They pledged before God to not let one of those people suffer one moment more.

If a friend gets hurt, how quick are we to help them? If they need to go to the hospital what would you put aside to take them there? How much would you give to help them in their hour of need?

You know someone who is hurt. They are struggling. They have slipped in their faith and have done what all of us do- they have begun to doubt. Who are we to deny them strength? Who are we to deny them mercy? To deny them hope and faith and love?

You don't have to do anything more than share your testimony with them. Let them know where you gain strength, what has helped you through your times of struggle. Testify of the might of the Lord. Heavenly Father has been trying to get them to come back the moment they stepped off the path. He will be with you as you testify of His love.

Miscellaneous:
There are over 200 missionaries in my mission. Sisters are allowed on the reservations now, but only in very specific spots. (The Elders out on the Rez live in trailers on the church parking lots out there) Can someone scrounge around DI and find me a bigger leather bag? It still needs to be a purse, though- no messenger bags. (I need to fit in a water bottle, scriptures, PMG mini, copies of the BOM, food, and a folder or binder. And a phone) No biggy if not- Heavenly Father'll take care of it :D We can't drink the water here, it makes people sick for some mysterious reason unexplained to us silly sisters. I'M AT CHURCH FROM SEVEN AM UNTIL FOUR PM. Totally getting husband points. Oh, and to those from Gallup- it's one of the hardest areas in the mission, there are 3 companionships, and not even half of the members are active. You. Are. Awesome. for being from there and still strong. You rock. If you're not actually from there but a little way from it you're still fantastic. You're also fantastic if you're human... but whatev. Oh! the wind is my constant friend. It's awesome. Except for when it tries to compromise me. Or when it doesn't blow at all and it's like a sauna (a dry sauna). I live with a member lady- no trailer for us. Though sometimes I wonder if I'd prefer that instead lol.

I love you all and I gotta go, I forgot to write President! lol

Love,

Sister Askren

The first and last letter from the MTC

Bitsy's first post (well, letter that I have posted!) Sorry I didn't get it up sooner...been a crazy week! Please enjoy!
~Alyssa Eatman

I survived my first week!!!! I can't describe it. This is just so much more and so different than I expected. I thought at least some of it would be familiar, but there are so many things I thought I knew, that I was completely wrong about. One of the reasons why I came out here was I wanted to learn how to love people and boy did I receive that blessing. If I'm a representative of Christ and Christ gave His life in expression of God's love that what am I to do? Love everyone! It's been amazing to begin to learn what that means. There's still so much for me to learn and so much to understand, but I know I can do it. My faith has been changed. I hope all of you can feel my love for you!

This really is the best work out there and I'm learning so much that I can use in life after my mission. I leave for the field on Monday. (I know, one single Preperation Day in the MTC what a bummer!) If you want to send letters while I'm still here please use dearelder.com it should be free so long as you use it before Monday. We check the mail twice a day and your emails are printed out and given to us the day of so you can email me and I can write you back in letters. :D

I've had to have three skirts sent home because of the fit! They're very strict about how everything fits. I love it and hate it. lol

The devotionals were fantastic (I've seen two so far with Elder Zwick of the 70 and.... Elder Allen- super amazing man, was inspired to scrap his talk and go completely by the Spirit. Sure am glad he did, too. It was so uplifting and just what all of us needed)

My companion and I got off to a rough start (thanks to me :P ) But I finally wrapped my head around the right way of thinking and we're getting along a lot better. We're completely different in a lot of ways- she played softball for 11 years and did world competitions and she has 11 siblings. She's fantastic. We're not super close, but we can teach with the Spirit and plan with the Spirit and I'm happy with that.

I love it here so much! Ah! And we leave so soon! We only have three classes (in three hour blocks) and one day of field orientation- (basically a twelve hour class all day tomorrow) and Fast Sunday (no food!! yay...)

So. Much. Happy.
Love,
Sis. Askren

Mission address
Sister Askren
400 West Apache St
Farmington, NM 87401

P.S.

Extra! AKA Everything I forgot- minus the pictures, my companion Sister Jeppson is emailing them to me so I can forward them to you.
the food is amazing. Heavy, but amazing. I kind of pig out and have a real meal every time I go (breakfast, lunch, and dindin) and I haven't even glanced at my weight thanks to the beautiful lack of scales in the residence halls. So here's how this next part is going to work, I'll put your name and a little thing and then you'll forgive me if I haven't called you out by name. Just because I don't have a special something to say to you doesn't mean I don't think about you and appreciate your prayers and support! You're all amazing.

Melanie- I kept seeing someone with your exact hair it was so pretty! I loved loved loved loved your letter and I'm so happy you get to spend time with your family!! (Don't worry, if Mark and you don't work out I'll still love you when I get back! Also, OF COURSE IT'LL WORK OUT.)

Alyssa- Konichiya!! I know I spelled it wrong lol. I adore you. I always try to say hi to the Japan bound missionaries, thinking of you and your awesomeness. I hope work and school and social life is all going harmoniously!

Estee- Best friend ever!!!! How are you??? Don't worry, I know how horrid you are with letters, I understand if you won't write me... like ever. lol oh and can you give me brig's email? I forgot it

Katherine- You'd never last in my district at the MTC there's a companionship of the most adorable nineteen year olds I've ever met. And so spiritual it's fantastic! They're awesome- Elder Scoffield and Elder Meyers. They're totally going to throw it down in the field.

Joy- I've had so many mock investigators talking about how they feel a "happy feeling" when they watch Disney movies and wondering if it's the Holy Ghost! lol Disney is awesome! Families are forever! lol

Sachiyo- sorry, I never could spell it right! I hope your adjustment to the States is going well and you've been able to have fun and experience American culture!

Chanel- You're INCREDIBLE for doing this. I met the Mom of someone coming home in three weeks from your mission! She is from Provo, but I forgot her name :P Her mom teaches missionaries how to read the Book of Mormon better.

Becky- I loved your letter!!! It helped sooo much! Can you give me chrissy and josef's email? I never got that from them.

Mom- can you and/or Gram make me more of those awesome skirts? They're perfect, not too tight and long enough. Let me know if you need any measurements! And can you send me the characteristics of servant leaders that's taped to the steering wheel? If you want to keep it, it's no big deal, but can you send me a copy of it?

Kevin- hey!! you and your family are amazing!!! But did Jess want to get my emails? If not, it's cool.

Yes yes I know, scatterbrained am I. It's why I should've written out this letter before email you all. But I want to give another shout out to all the lovely people who wrote to me! (also, Alyssa, I don't mind if you put all this extra stuff on the blog. You're fantastic)

Miriam Amato, Miriam Jones, Mom, Becky, and Melanie Palsky thank you for the letters!!! It's so nice to get mail! Especially when there's a girl in my district who gets at least one a day! lol It's great to see everyone's face light up! I love you each and I'm so happy things are going well for you and you're pulling through!

Done with the shout out.

Oh! but if anyone has some time, can you write a dearelder to my whole district? some people never get mail. The people in my district are: Elder Scoffield, Elder Geillmann, Elder Meyers, Elder Tingey, Elder Botkin, Sister Smith, Sister Anderson, Sister Lewis, and Sister Jeppson (yes, we have two trios!)

If not, it's cool. Love you all!!!!