Monday, December 29, 2008

I didn't think I'd be able to write today 'cause we were supposed to help demolish a house but it didn't happen. I'm a little bummed out about it. Oh well.

Mainly we've been spending time with Amanda, Tash (Sister Benefield), & Heather (Sister Smith) getting them ready to go and packed up. Amanda and Tash are planning on seeing ya'll on Sunday.

Last night we took a generation photo. Heather is the Great Grandmother, Tash - Grandma, Me - Mom, Sister Short - baby. Or another way to look at it is: Sister Smith trained Sister Benfield, Sister Benfield trained Kelli and Kelli trained Sister Short.

Thank you so much for the gifts you sent. It made me feel all special. I figure you haven't gotten what I sent you yet but when it gets there will you let me know? Sorry I didn't get it out sooner, I hope you know that I love you even if it didn't get to you in time!

Ya, that's me. I love you all! Happy New Years! Kelli

Monday, December 22, 2008

Happy Christmas everyone!

I just read Presidents letter and he has asked that we wait to make our phone calls after 7. I will call between 8 and 8:30 pm which for you would be 6-6:30 pm. I hope that works. Sorry I didn't know there would be specifications from President.

That's great that Trek is being conditioned to love the University of Utah, not that I'm complaining 'cause I kind of love it too...I love in the Church History CD's that Whitney sent me Utah was considered an insult. Ooops.

Benny (Tasha) and Smithers (Heather) are coming out on Friday to help Amanda pack so I'll get to see them while we get Amanda ready for the wiles of Utah.

Grandma and Grandpa Wilcox sent me a package that I got Saturday that was fun. The little story inside was adorable and made me reminisce to many Christmases past.

We only have two more nights of caroling before we have to go tracting again. Lame. Christmas Eve we are having a little celebration for our investigators that have no where to go for Christmas - we did the shopping today and I hope it will be all kind of good.

Well that's it for me. Love ya'll. Kelli

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Your killing me smalls! Snow everyday? Curses! Curses I say. It has stayed above 80 the last couple of days and then on Thursday it was 95! We were tracting in it - I spent the whole time bemoaning Florida and it's freakish heat. It doesn't feel like Christmas. Oh well.

I did get the packages you sent! Thank you so much I love the pictures mom! And my Nativity is so pretty! Thank you for getting those for me! The tree looks great and so does the mantel, you silly people - you don't need my help! (We took pictures of Christmas at home and printed them poster size.)

I sent y'alls gift Wednesday so hopefully it will be there today or Monday. Maybe Tuesday but for sure before Christmas.

Confession - I broke down today - I was so bored I opened Whitney's gift and I'm so happy thanks Whit! I will listen to it for the next 5 days as I anticipate the rest of it. The writing on the package made me oh so happy. I was very careful not to rip it so I could treasure it.

As for what time I'll call - I don't know - what time are you going to the movie? I'll plan around that.

Well that's about it. Merry Christmas!

All my love,

Kelli

Monday, December 15, 2008

Our chat was all kinds of fun. (Mom here - Kelli and I were on line at the same time and chatted back and forth for about an hour on Saturday - it was very fun!) I love being able to bounce ideas off you and hear what you have to say about them. I did that lots when I was driving around with Jared. I'd think of something strange and call you or dad to see what you thought and to see if you could add something to it. I love that.

My neck is better it's still big but no longer noticeably so - unless you are me and are overly critical about my appearance.

I'm so jealous of the snow. We are on our bikes today and were sweating up a storm I wouldn't be opposed to some white fluffy goodness. It's still gets cold here but it's a wet cold that gets into your bones and doesn't go away no matter how many layers you have on.

There really isn't anything that I need - lots of stuff I want but it is useless to me on the mission. I am very excited for ya'll to get the Christmas presents I got you. I'm especially proud of the wrapping paper.

I'm glad to hear you made it in the Moab 1/2 Marathon dad - good luck - I'm all for you walking if you need to.

(Mom again - in our chat Kelli mentioned the trials she has experienced - I asked her about them - she said:) Mom, my mission is a trial in and of itself. It has tested my patience, diligence, charity, knowledge, hope, faith... the list goes on - if there is a way to stretch me or ask me to change it has been presented in one form or another. My mission has and will change me and the way that I live my life. Like President said - the Master is slowly breaking me in and he's doing it in ways that ensure I listen to Him. I cringe a little at the thought of how much farther I have to go. I'm still not the woman He needs me to be - someday I'll get there.

Anyway that's about it. We went caroling yesterday - we ran into a very drunk/high guy who wanted to sing with us - that was interesting.

Gotta go. Love ya'll. Kelli

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Amanda cut my hair and then straightened it!

We've had a crazy/great week. It's finals week here on FSU so we were afraid to go tracting and have some crazed student beat us. But we had many lessons and lots of service - all mixed in with drama. I kind of forgot how dramatic the Singles Ward is - but here I am in the midst of it.

Tuesday was lots of fun, we had 4 lessons back to back. Seth was one of those appointments and he is going strong. He's home for the break but we found the church for him at home so he can stay uplifted. One of our potentials seems to be ready to become a progressing. We helped her pack up her apartment yesterday and load it in her car. She is very sweet and seems to like us and the message we have to share so when she gets back I expect to see great things.

I've been having a sore throat for about 2 weeks now. One day this week I woke up and my neck was swollen to about 3 times its regular size. I looked like a chipmonk. I ignored it for about 3 hours before I broke and called Sis Summerhays to see if I could go to the doctor - I got quick permission - Sis Bowcutt took us. Turns out that I have Enlarged Lymph Nodes. Which means that there is nothing wrong with me. Lymph Nodes are the good guys and the doctor said that they were working extra hard to get rid of the bad guys and had gotten really big in the process.

And can I say that I'm not that sorry that you didn't get Wicked tickets? 'Cause if you had I would have had to use the enabling power of the Atonement to beat back the green eyed monster. And that's never fun.

I finished Christmas shopping this week I hope to get everything sent of to ya'll today.

I've been getting better at texting - we do it a lot on campus - I'm still slow but better than I have been in the past.

As for dad's sweater that Whitney wore to the ugly sweater party - which one did she take? She might well be justified - they were great in the 80's but now...well anyway. I'm sure it won't scar you for life dad - just a little bruise. You'll be better in no time.

That's it for me, I've got some fun pics to send your way.

Peace and Love to you all!

Kelli

The weekend was a little nuts on my end. Saturday after I wrote y'all we had a lesson - unfortunately she ditched us - but that's OK - we know where she lives and can find her again.

Amanda cut my hair - it looks very cute. She also straightened it for me - I have pictures but it will have to wait till Saturday for me to get them to you.

We had a baptism on Sunday that I was in charge of. It was kind of a mess - but the only one that knew it was a mess was me because it came off beautifully - in the end anyway.

Congrats to Drake for running that marathon - go you!!!

Well, that's about it. I'll write again soon.

Kelli

I loved the letters I got from the family gathering! It was fun to read and imagine the goings on of the fam. Benjaman's were my favorite, he drew 3 pictures just for me! I miss that kid, all of you really but I'm grateful for the time that I have to be here and get life experiences I couldn't get any other way.

Congratulations dad on surviving your trip to California.

Sounds like THF and home are the same - things break and need fixing, was it the fridge that wigged out on us last year? I don't remember.

I bought tangerines earlier in the week but they have seeds in them - the last one I ate had 23 seeds in it. It's kind of annoying but Costco is far, far away.

Caroling is all kinds of good. We've done it twice this week with varying success. The first night we got 3 new investigators the 2nd we didn't get any so who knows, we'll keep trying.

We've done lots of tracting and had several really good lessons - I look forward to meeting up with these people again. We spent lots of time praying about Seth (he was supposed to get baptized yesterday) by Thursday we still hadn't met him but got a hold of him at the last minute thanks to prayer. He is not ready to be dunked yet but has a new date in January. He is a good kid and has lots of potential. Melissa is getting baptized Sunday. She isn't one of our investigators but we get to plan the baptism.

Sister Short's mom sent her a little Christmas tree so now we have two trees at our place - we are oh so festive and the Christmas music just makes it that much better.

I'm going to send you pictures of our trees. Lucky you.

That's about it. I love you all and I love your emails and letters. It's great to hear from ya'll.

Kelli

Congrats on being King of the card game Scum mom! I'm glad ya'll had a great week full of fun.

Sister Short is 21 she is from Gilbert Arizona and she is wonderful. We work hard - have lots of fun while we work - and have similar ideas on how to go about things. She is very fond of making cookies and giving them to investigators. It's not a route I've ever tried - but I'm willing to give it a go.

As a district we are going to start going caroling on a regular basis especially when school gets out. Then after we sing we will share a message with whoever listened and then teach and baptize them. That's the grand plan anyway.

We decorated for Christmas after I wrote ya'll on Saturday. We have a small tree and a little nativity. I took a picture but forgot to bring the cord - I'll pass it on next week. Saturday we also went bowling, I got 4th out of 5th with a grand score of 74. Fifth place had a score of 24 so I didn't feel too bad about my score in comparison.

We have a baptism on Friday then another on Sunday. I have yet to meet either one of them but I will and it's gonna be fun planning those.

Peace and Love, Kelli

November 29, 2009

Pictures:  At the Dunns with Avonlea and Denita; at Sherry's me and Sister Hartman; me and Sister Short after day one of service together.

I loved the Thanksgiving day pictures! It's fun to see the whole fam together like that. That hike in Zion's National Park up to Angels landing looked like a killer I am very impressed in all who attended. Being back on campus for just 3 days I quickly found that sitting in a car for 2 transfers did not help me stay in shape. Sister Hartman and I exercised every morning but then we were in the car all day after that. I plan to be back up to par by the end of next week, then start improving.

I love that Sherrie called you. She asked us for all our parents info and when I called her on Tuesday to let her know that I had made it safe to Tally she said that she talked to you. Sherrie is investigating the church. She keeps telling us she felt she has been lead to us.

Transfers were crazy. Monday after I emailed ya'll we went home so I could start packing - I was running around like a crazy person trying to make everything fit and Sister Hartman was sitting back watching me. Then Sister Combs (the member we live next to) came running up the stairs and exclaimed, "You're both leaving?" we're like, no just Sister Wilcox is leaving, Sister Hartman is staying here. Sister Combs said, "I just got a call from the mission office saying that the apartment would be empty for a while but they still wanted it so to keep it open for the missionaries." We (Hartman and I) were very doubtful of this and called the Mission office ourselves. Turns out the Sister that Hartman was supposed to train has diabeties and will be staying at the MTC until they can get it under better control. So there was much shuffling going on. Hartman is now in Destin with Scooresby and Sister Stowers (the one with heart problems) Panama City Beach is closed for now - I am whitewashing (all the missionaries are new to the area) and training in Tally.

Monday was a nuttso day. Hartman and I were up till like 2 am trying to pack up the entire apartment - get it cleaned and ready for whoever will reopen Panama City Beach. Stressed is a relative term to what we actually felt.

Tuesday we drove to Crestview and I got in the car with President and went to all the transfer spots with him. I love that man, we spent a good part of the time making an anology between people and books. We got into Tally about 6 p.m. - met my trainee, Sister Short (no she's not actually short, about 6 ft) we are having a great time and working hard.

I laugh at all of you for not knowing where Christmas stuff goes, I knew you needed me! But I mean really - it's not that difficult - pick a spot and stick it on there - if you don't like it move it - it's easy. Sister Short and I are going to decorate our apartment this afternoon - it's gonna be awesome! By the way yes - I am in the same duplex, and I will hear no naysay about it. I picked that apartment because it had a washer and dryer in it. I save $20 a month by living there, it's quite and there are no visible drugs around. The first place I lived in Tally was its opposite.

For Thanksgiving we had District Meeting in the morning - went to campus for a few hours after that - then had dinner at a member of the Stake Presidency's house. I know his daughter, Alysee, from the singles ward and so I had someone to help catch me up on all the going ons of the ward. After leaving there we took some left overs to an investigators house who was staying here for the holiday but we forgot that he was a vegetarian and remembered just as he was opening the door. Oops, he said it was the thought that counted and he could eat the potatoes and stuffing.

As for my release date, sisters 18th month mark fall in the middle of transfers so you go home 3 weeks early or 3 weeks late. So I will be home September 17 or Oct 29, 2009.

Thank you so much for making me some CDs! Music is a wonderful blessing.

Today is the Florida State vs Florida University game. It's a home game. We had a lesson at 11 this morning - we figured it wouldn't get crazy till 2 in the afternoon (game starts at 3:30) we were wrong. There are people everywhere, our District Leader told us to go in early tonight 'cause it's going to be so insane.

It's so good to be back - the politics haven't changed but I've had several people call me and tell me how glad they are that I'm back. It made me feel good.

Well that's about it for me - I'm sending some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Love ya! Kelli

November 24, 2008

Guess what! You never will so I'll tell you...I'm going back to Tally! I'm going to be training and I'll be back on good ol' Florida State University. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. It was a huge shock. President called me Tuesday but we were in a lesson so we didn't answer - then we played phone tag for a day and 1/2 till finally he said - "I'll see you tomorrow at Zone Conference, we'll talk then". OK fine - but the curiosity was eating at me a little.

He pulled me in for our interview right before lunch and asked me how I was and if I wished to share anything with him. Putting off my curiosity - I talked with him about things I wanted to get his advice on. Anyway President then - with no lead in - bluntly asked how I would feel about going back to Tally and training. I think my jaw must have hit the floor! He told me a little about what is going on there and apparently it's going to be a slightly strange situation, Sister Scooresby and the other sister there are going to stay for a week while we "transition" then they are moving on to Destin to open it for Sisters.

The other sister in Tally (I don't know her name) has heart problems that are aggravated by stress so President is going to move slowly to try and help her. But I'm going walking into 5 baptism confirmation dates - two of which I know and three I don't - so it's good that they are sticking around for a bit as I find my footing there again.

Because of Turkey Day - transfers are a day early so that those that are going home will be there for Thanksgiving. So tomorrow I get on the transfer van and head back to the worlds greatest place. I can't wait! Sadly I will be spending the day packing not a fun p-day but whatever.

So in light of this news I know exactly what Sister Hartman will be doing Turkey Day however I don't really know what I will be doing. Since I write again on Saturday I'll let you know then what I did. I was talking with Sister Hartman and I jokingly said that I think that Mom had prayed me back to Tally so she could get two letters a week.

Oh - something else President and I talked about that I found amusing - he compared me to a spirited filly (horse) and he said that the Lord was a master trainer and that he was slowly breaking me in the proper way so that soon I could win races for him. If anyone besides President had used this analogy I might have been a little insulted but he's so loving that it was actually very sweet.

It's been kind of weird knowing so far ahead that I'm going to leave - I've had time to say good bye when usually you don't and it makes it all a little harder. But some good things have come from it. Last night we went to Sherries for dinner it was the first time we have been in her home and she really opened up to us, the reason we were invited was because I am going. My leaving kind of pushed her a little more than it would if I were staying - so that's a good thing. I get to be with Amanda - so that is another good thing - and apparently the Lord thinks I can help the people in Tally - so ... off I go.

I have another request, will you please burn a bunch of Christmas CD's for me? It's almost that time and I'm ready for some Christmas magic. I really want the Forgotten Carols and all the traditional stuff we have at home. Manheim Steam Roller, Barbara, Mariah, Celine, Josh, Clay... you know the good ones.

Oh and if you feel so inclined I really want the Prince of Egypt sound track.

I love you all! Have a great week, I'll write again soon. Saturday! Don't forget to write me please!

Love ya, Kelli

November 17, 2008

I hope I can make this week sound interesting. President Summerhays has been putting emphasis on goals, how to set realistic goals and then working to achieve them. This week we met most of our goals. I was very excited about that but man we worked our butts off to do it. I'm not so sure it was worth it.

Oh something I forgot to tell you last week, when we went over to teach Avonlea I heard some familiar tunes coming from the family room - I jumped up and ran over in time to see Firefly come on to the screen. I freaked out a little, who would have thought I'd find fellow Brown Coats way out here. The fact that I knew the show made her Dad like me a little more so - Joss Whedon will help me bring people into the church. There is good in most things.

Tuesday we had a lesson with Deborah, she is a referral from President, Sister Hartman has been trying to get hold of her for the past six months...we did it! Deborah lives in our area but will be going to a different Branch (we got the Stake Presidents approval) so we had the Relief Society President from the Branch that she will be attending come to the lesson. The two of them hit it off beautifully and I see good things happening. Unfortunately Deborah is yet another slow mover. She doesn’t like commitment and getting her to agree to a follow-up appointment was a diplomatic whirlpool. She is open and interested but it's gonna take a while.

We have been volunteering at a Ballet Studio to help them get ready for the Nutcracker. It was a lot of fun - I was having nostalgia while I hauled scenery and backdrops around. We also helped sew costumes what a trip down memory lane. One of the members here works at the Studio and her daughter is performing in the Nutcracker.

We have been preparing for a baptism this Saturday, it's for an eight-year-old so it doesn’t count toward our goals, but no one in the Branch knew how to get ready for a baptism so we got the job.

One of the miracles I witnessed this week was a huge answer to prayer. The member that we live with, Sister Combs is organizing a big group trip to see Twilight Friday night (notice the knife being twisted around in my heart) and she asked us who we knew that might want to come. We gave her a list of names and like 20 minutes later she came up to our apartment and started witnessing of the importance of sisterhood, Relief Society, Visiting Teaching and monthly activities. She said she had no idea how hungry some of these women were for interaction with other adults. We were like... Yes! Someone understands that all our work with less actives means nothing if they don't have a friend to rally around them. It made me so happy to see that she saw a need and now is ready and willing to fill it. I love it when good things like this happen.

Friday was hard. We won't talk about it.

Saturday we were so busy we didn't have time to take even a 10 minute lunch which is good, but I should have packed something to take on the go. So Saturday completely made up for Friday. We started working with Sydney, he is Lawrence (the Cajuns) brother - I love Sydney. He has a beautiful spirit and is excited and hungry for "the Lord's sweet word" I love it. The sucky days are always made up for ten fold by amazing days that make me want to be a missionary forever.

Sunday Kim was asked to give a 5-10 min talk about her conversion and testimony. She had us preview it the night before so we knew it would be fabulous - it was even better in church. While prepping her for it last week we told her about, Thankimonies, and Storymonies and defined a Testimony for her. She called us and told us she had had to re-write her whole talk 'cause it was a Prayerimony. So she did give a beautiful Testimony and we are so proud and happy for her.

Yes we have been hearing about the protests around the Temple and the white powder but we didn't get the memo till just now that it was a hoax.

I forgot the Sister Benfield stuff in my re-write didn't I? Oh boy - OK - so Tasha, (that's her first name) is now living in Utah and working. They don't really know what is wrong with her stomach - it still hurts sometimes so she's just having to deal with it. But the thing I wanted to tell you was that last week she and Heather (Smithers) went by the house to come visit ya'll but you weren’t there, they took pictures on the Utah shaped grass, I thought it was funny.

Thanks so much for sending the Ward Newsletter - it was lots of fun to read.

I've been trying to think about what I want or need for Christmas but I'm having a hard time coming up with anything. We were at Dillard's a little while ago and I saw that there are some animals that go with my Nativity now. That would be cool. You wouldn't need to send that to me just take a picture. Shirts would be nice too. I'm really bored with my wardrobe which is ironic 'cause in the past I haven't had as many clothes as I do now - go figure.

Well that's about it. I love you all very much and I love your letters. Keep it up!

Church is true. Book is blue. Write Kelli letters and have a nice day. Kelli

November 10, 2008

So I had just finished my letter to ya'll and the computer kicked me off just as I tried to send it and lost the stupid letter. Uh! Ok I'm calm - I'll try again.

So Obama, Amanda is a democrat and we were talking today and she said essentially that she didn't mind paying for other people that are bums because some people actually do need it. We had to agree to disagree.

As for the ladder everyone has commented on that. This week I helped with the electrical stuff, and put on the weather proofing paper - if something doesn't turn on or leaks it'll probably be my fault.

That's really cool that the kids from your BYU Wards write you dad, you have made a great impact on many of their lives. And to think that you're my dad, I know someone important! Because it all relates back to me:)

I loved the Sadies pictures, Taylor you look so pretty!

We are still teaching the RLDS family, I have high hopes for the wife but not so much for the hubby. He's pretty set in his ways.

This week we spent a lot of time tracting and doing some teaching. Meeting with members active and less active alike.

I have a few quotes to add to the list:

"Lead your heart, don't follow it."

"You never know your limits till you've exceeded them."

I don't know if I've told you about a man in our ward - he's a character - very rough but lots of fun. This week he was telling us a story about the missionaries that baptized him. He told us, "Those boys were so impressed with me, they had me talk to the Mission President." Sis Hartman and I had a hard time keeping a straight face. Elders are awful creative. Heaven love 'em.

I think I got all the important stuff on there. I love ya'll and I love your letters. I was kind of cranky today 'cause it took so long to get around to being able to email, it brightens my week hearing from you!

All my love, Kelli

E-mail - November 3, 2008

I'm sending a picture of me on a 24 foot ladder hammering. I was being productive and hammering at this height for nearly 3 hours. I almost had a panic attack but I made it without dying! The strange lump on my butt is the cell phone.

I am so glad I don't have to watch TV - I don't know how I would deal with all the political stuff - my guess is not well. I think I mentioned this already, but President Boyd K. Packer's Conference talk gave me hope. I got the impression, just like you said Dad, that things will/can go bad - but as long as we have worthy Priesthood holders upholding the Constitution we'll be OK - eventually. President Packer's talk is called "The Test" - I recommend looking it up and either read or watch it. If nothing else - we know that the Church will make it through.

On a lighter note - I loved your Halloween costumes - did the Ward have a party or did you following in my footsteps and have a big party at the house? I'm crazy in love with Whitney's costume! I have every intention of using it at some point in the future. (Michael was Ralphie and I was the leg lamp from "A Christmas Story" - Whitney was a "Gold Digger")

I loved Dr. Alexanders cycle - it reminded me of the Book of Mormon. I'm on my second run through of the Book of Mormon since I left and one of my notes is something like me imagining Heavenly Father's reaction to people's prayers - "You're in bondage AGAIN? Oh man *sigh* I'm coming." I'm funny sometimes.

(The following is the quote Kelli referred to)
Cycle of Democracy

A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover they can vote themselves largess from the public treasury.

From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising them the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.

The average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been 200 years. These nations have progressed through this sequence:

From bondage to spiritual faith;
from spiritual faith to great courage;
from courage to liberty;
from liberty to abundance;
from abundance to selfishness;
from selfishness to apathy;
from apathy to dependence;
from dependency back again into bondage.

Dr. Alexander Tytler

Anyway, this week was spent doing lots and lots of service, we painted, hammered, cleaned and volunteered at the Iron Man competition. The Iron Man was my favorite - we got free t-shirts - our job was to track the athletes for their families. They would come up to us and tell us the number of the person they were watching and we would look it up and tell them approximately where they were in the race and how fast they had done the laps. Dad, you did a half Iron Man right? Or was that a triathlon - what is the difference?

Mom - your Christmas tree is up already? You know that is tacky right? I bet you've got your lights on too. Congrats on losing the support hose - I assume you feel good and are pain free without them.

I was talking to Amanda this morning and was reminded of a quote I need to tell ya'll. We were talking to Kim and Haadi about Temples - Haadi is all kinds of curious - Kim didn't care that much she said "I'll see it when I see it." Then she went on and said, "If you've got Jesus sitting on a throne in there, I'm going to be mad." Oh I nearly died!

That's about it! I love ya'll - Kelli

P.S. I'll probably find out about the election from members, but tell me just in case.

E-Mail October 28, 2008

What a crazy week this has been. It's so good to hear from ya'll and to read your letters. I can sometimes imagine your voice as I read it and since it's all in my head I get surround sound.

I'm glad Grandpa liked the card and he's right I did give him that quarter and he should keep it.

I'm glad that mom's legs are getting better and that she has proved once again that she is Wonder Woman. After all no pain no gain. But the next appointment will be the last one right? While I'm glad that you're doing well I still don't like that you are in pain for any reason.

As for what we do on Halloween I don't know - I asked a few people and they said that last year President made everyone go home at 7 and stay home. I guess I'll get word before Friday what we're supposed to do. And Dad I love getting news updates from you! Don't you dare stop. I need to know what's going on out there.

I got the Absentee Ballot today and voted.

Following are the details of my week:

Monday I wrote ya'll then we had a lesson with Avonlea (my kindred spirit) I was teaching her "Endure to the End" and I was worried about how to teach the principle without being too pushy. If you remember she was baptized at eight and then her parents quit coming to church so she hasn't been since she was eight years old. Anyway for her lesson I played "The Iron Rod" on the piano and made everyone sing - then I did a dramatic demonstration of "clinging" to the Iron Rod and how it will bring us happiness. The Spirit was so strong and I know that it only went so well 'cause it wasn't my idea - it was the Spirit of Revelation with me while planning that lesson.

Tuesday nothing interesting happened.

Wednesday we volunteered at the Library - we had to check all the books and make sure they were in order according to the Dewey Decimal System. While doing that I found a few books to let Whitney and Taylor know about that I think might be good.

Once Upon a Marigold and Twice Upon a Marigold - by: Jean Ferris

Septimus Heap: Magyk/Septimus Heap: Flyte/Septimus Heap: Physik - by: Angie Sage

These are a series, obviously. So if you feel so inclined check 'em out and then let me know if they were any good :)

On Wed we also meet a Cajun. I'm very excited. We might teach him but I'm not sure yet. We then had a lesson with a family that are members of the RLDS Church or Community of Christ as they are called now. It was a really good meeting, we go again tomorrow. We asked President a little about how to go about teaching them and he recommended being bold. I'll let you know how it goes next week.

Thursday most of our appointments fell through - it was rather boring as we tried to get stuff done but people weren't being very cooperative.

Friday we had Zone Conference we talked about repentance being change and how when we truly repent we change. Explaining it now it's like well duh - but it was a very spiritual meeting full of love. In my interview with President we both were so full of love we sobbed through most of it. I love making President cry I cried too but hey that's not new.

The Branch had a Trunk or Treat party that evening we went over to Kim and Haadi's to make green macaroni and cheese. Sister Hartman and I dressed up as "Normal People" meaning we wore jeans and sweatshirts instead of skirts. There were two less active families there that we have been working with for awhile now and the Branch was so welcoming it was really nice to watch.

Saturday I helped build a house. I spent four hours hammering and helping frame this house. It was one of the families that had come to the party the night before and they came to church on Sunday. Power to service. My hands still hurt but oh well I'll recover.

Sunday Haadi received the Priesthood - his blessing was really cool it mentioned how he had "the blood of Israel running through his veins" and that he "would use his Priesthood as a source of peace and love in his home" very cool. I love watching peoples lives change as they accept and live the gospel. I really want to be here when Haadi gets his Patriarchal Blessing. I wonder what Tribe he's from - it'll be pretty cool.

Yesterday the reason I didn't write is that we had a meeting in Bristol with Elder Clate Mask someone in the Mission Department in Salt Lake City. We were there along with the Tally Zone so I got to see a lot of familiar faces.

After that we had another lesson with Avonlea - it was Follow the Prophet - since we had that meeting in the morning we had to prep for her lesson Sunday and I had the prompting to get the New Era and get her the Prophets message from it. I had Brother Combs print it out for me and it was perfect. I didn't know what the message was but the Lord did and he knew Avonlea needed it. I love the way the Spirit works and I love that I'm starting to understand its promptings.

Pretty cool week. I'll send some of the pictures from Trunk or Treat. Love Ya'll - Happy Halloween! Kelli

E-mail - October 20, 2008

The South has all kinds of spiders and bugs. These two spiders live outside our house. The yellow one has a cool web - the redish one is huge. The plank that it is on is 7 inches wide - this makes him about 5 or 6 inches!

A very blury and grainy district photo. Front row L-R Cosby, Me, Hartman, Sister & Elder Farr (of Farr Ice Cream), Halterman. Back row L-R Chapel, Russell, Cox, Arrington

I sent Grandpa 'Loney a card in the mail last week for his 80th birthday - it should be there now. I was very excited about this one 'cause I was able to record my voice on it. I thought it was pretty cool.

Thank you for the update on the rate of your hair growth mom, I'm a little disappointed that you don't resemble a monkey now. But I suppose that less pain was the goal not hairy monkey legs. I got the paper to sign for an absentee ballot and I sent that back to Utah - I haven't recieved an actual ballot yet.

How is Total Health and Fitness doing with all the financial woes of the world? We met with a less active this week that told us more about what's going on. Apparently Obama's ahead in the polls? Its funny 'cause here in PCB we only see McCain/Palin signs since I have no TV I assume he's doing well cause that's all I see here.

As for me - Hartman and I are still together - nothing in our district changed. We had a plentiful week culminating in 8 new investigators found. We have already dropped 3 of them but hey that's missionary work. We attribute this high to the Stake Fast held on Fast Sunday for missionary work. President Summerhays letter always has the weeks numbers on it for us to view - this week the whole mission found 207 new investigators. The most I've seen since coming out.

Played Volleyball with the Ward this week - I can serve but otherwise I'm not so good, but we scored most of our points while I was serving, still lost but hey I'll take what credit I can get.

I keep trying to think of something interesting to say but we spent all week tracking. That's all we did so nothing too exciting. I sent some pictures. Other wise... nope I've got nothing else to say.

Church is true, book is blue, write Kelli letters and have a nice day.

Kelli

E-mail - October 14, 2008

The days go really slowly but the weeks just fly by, months are erratic, either they are fast or slow. This month is fast. Transfers are tomorrow but as far as I can tell nothing is changing for me. It's good because I'm still learning my way around here and require Sis Hartman's assistance in knowing where people live.

I'm sorry this week has been so full of pain for both of you. But I'm glad that you are going to be better even if it takes some time to get there. (Mom had some leg veins worked on - I told her my circulation should get better and my hair might grow - dad had a tooth pulled). And you well know that I long to hear about the rate in which your hair grows. I'm tingling with anticipation as I await your report.

I did get the package - thank you so much. We devoured the CD's. We have been listening to the same few for the last 6 weeks - new stuff is heaven sent. We started the Susan Easton Black CD's Monday and really enjoy them. (Whitney is taking a Church History class and recorded each class). I got the charm on all by myself - I was very proud. (New charm for her Story-Telling Festival bracelet).

Since you're celebrating Grandpa's Birthday at Thanksgiving does that mean there won't be a family Halloween party? The branch is having a truck or treat on the 24th - I don't know if I'm allowed to dress up or not. But if I am - I'm going as the Iron Rod. I will write "The Iron Rod" (Hold me) and I'll just be in a tube of some kind. Is that not a brilliant idea or what?

I watched "The Testament" with Amanda right before she got baptized. I like it but its hard for me not to mock the actors 'cause mostly they're really bad. The spirit doesn't like my less than charitable thoughts which makes the movie less tear-jerking for me.

Ok, now dads questions, we do have a car but we get limited miles - so when we can we prefer to walk or ride our bikes. We see the Panama City, Lynn Haven, and Carmall Elders once a week at district meeting - so I'm not close to them like I was to the Elders in Tally. We do have a good pool of people we're teaching. We keep finding people that were baptized years ago and now we are trying to get them to come back to church. Most of them didn't know that there is a branch out here. We'll see how that goes. The Stake has really been focusing on missionary work - we had a Stake fast for it Sunday and we're looking forward to many miracles because of members faithfulness.

Speaking of which how is your other calling going? Sharing the gospel via internet, any good bites? Which reminds me, Casey the convert in Tally that came to UT for Conference? She called me Thursday begging forgiveness for not meeting ya'll but I assured her it was OK. Anyway the point is that she was introduced to the church via the internet. She was playing a online game called World of War Craft and she joined a group of mostly LDS people. The boy she went to visit this last week served his mission in the FTM and he encouraged her to find the missionaries on campus, so she came looking for us, and was baptized a month later. But the big news is that she is engaged. And the two of them will be sealed in the Manti Temple May 1st 2009. Pretty cool. I'm a little jealous, but I am so happy for her - she is the start of a generation of little Mormons.

We've been studying a lot about the Lords timing. In Sunday School Haadi asked us where we were 10 years ago, we could have saved him a lot of trouble, I told him he wasn't ready 10 years ago - he agreed with me. Crazy how it all works out - divine orchestration.

That's all I've got to say about that. The church is true, the book is blue, write Kelli letters and have a nice day.

Love, ya'll

Kelli

E-mail October 6, 2008

Hurray for Dan and Michelle! Way to reach your goal. (Dan & Michelle are Kelli's aunt and uncle who ran in the St. George Marathon just under 4 hours - in the rain). You all look very cold in the pictures. I'll try not to gloat as I tell you of the nice 80 degree weather I've been enjoying. I'm glad y'all enjoyed conference. I loved it as well. We went to watch it at the Branch House but there were only a few members there, most of them watch it online. Sherrie came by the church Sunday - we were so excited that she came but she only came to tell us she couldn't come. She works 60 hour weeks and is getting her MBA so I guess I'll give her a break. Honestly I'd rather she read the Book of Mormon than go to conference. Sigh. It will happen. And when it does it will be great.

This week we had many teaching appointments and they all ditched us. The worst ones are when you can hear them talking inside and they won't come to the door. Couldn't they tell us they really don't want us back? It would save us time and miles. Thursday we met a woman who insisted that we worshiped a man, we had blinders on, and we were in a cult. We shook her hand, thanked her for her time and walked away. It was easy to walk away but it was difficult to not think of arguments in my head and run them over and over again as I imagined reasoning with her.

Friday the only big thing that stuck out was that I got to pet a wolf! This guy had a she wolf on a leash and was taking her for a walk. We stopped and played with the wolf. It was so cool. Unfortunately I didn't remember my camera till they were around the corner. I PLAYED WITH A WOLF! I think I win the coolest person ever award. We also got to go on the Navy base - one of the members lives there and they were feeding us.

Saturday after conference we went around doing less active work and I got super sick. We came home about 8 - I spent a good 1/2 hour worshiping the porcelain toilet before going to bed. Sunday I was fine. I have no idea what happened, but I'm all kinds of good now so who knows.

I think my favorite conference talk was Pres Packer. You really had to find the hidden meaning to it. I liked the message, admittedly it took me awhile to get it but all's well that ends well. The prayer talk that you mentioned mom was by Bednar. He's pretty much the coolest thing since sliced bread. I wish I remembered who did the faith talk but he also talked about faith being an action.

Today we got two Baptisms and Confirmation Dates (BCDs) a married couple, Jermaine and Senika, they live way the heck out there, it is a good 45 min drive to get to their place very "over the river, and through the woods". Senika is pregnant, about 9 weeks along, they had met with the Elders before but then they moved so now we get em'. I'm excited for them. It will be good. They are preparing to get baptized the second weekend of November.

After we left their house we went to Sea Side which is where they filmed the Truman Show. It was cool, but way too pricey for poor kids like me.

I get to see Amanda this weekend. One of the members in Talley has a band and is coming to PCB and Amanda is coming to support him - so I get to see her!

I think the computer will co-operate this time so I'm sending baptism pictures from last week. Love ya, Kelli

September 29, 2008

I failed to bring my journal with me this week but I will do my best to remember what happened....After much thought and reflection I have come to the conclusion that I only remember from Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday - interesting - that is why I have a journal.

Well on Thursday we had Zone Conference. I had a wonderful interview with President Summerhays and we talked about being a brothers keeper. I feel relieved and more at peace after talking with him. I spent a while talking with Sister Summerhays, we got close in Tallahassee and I've missed talking to her - so that was nice. We met with Avonlea, (my kindred spirit), Sister Hartman is helping her with math - I read while they talked math.

Friday I don't remember.

Saturday was the baptism. We left the house early to go to the Stake Center to fill up the font and make programs. Everything went off without a hitch, well Jacob was late but he kept calling so we knew he was coming. We went to lunch at Applebee's - then we went back to the Stake Center for one of the Elders baptisms - then we went to the church to watch the Women's Session of Conference with Kim.

Sunday they all got Confirmed and I spent most of the day getting all the paper work filled out so they can have records made. We had a pot-luck at church and they got to socialize. Haadi is helping someone move on Tuesday - way to jump in with both feet! Last week he was in Louisiana with the Elders Quorum helping clean up the mess Gustoff left behind - he is going to be great in the church. We gave them all quads and Kim was telling us how Haadi had spent the better part of the afternoon on Sat learning the tabs on it. Cute!

We went tracting that evening and I gave away two Restoration pamphlets which is normal and fine except for the fact that I forgot that I had put our family Christmas photo in one of them 'cause the Elders wanted to see the fam and I didn't want the photo to get bent. Now either Leslie or Brandy has the picture and we're not meeting with either of them till later in the week. Sad.

Sounds like Annie's wedding was beautiful I look forward to getting some pictures. Taylor you look gorgeous in your dress! It is so you. I'm glad you had fun - that's the way dates should be.

Thanks for the update on the world around us Dad. On Thursday President talked about how thankful he was that everything seemed to be going to the dogs. He talked about how only humble people could usher in the 2nd coming and that we were being prepared for it. Even if it is 10-100 years from now - I'm not sure how comforted I am.

That's all I've got to say. Love ya, Kelli

September 22, 2008

Sister Hartman and I went to Coldwater Creek and traded the shirts in for a Medium. I found a beautiful shirt that I love there and traded two for one. I did really like the shirts you sent but this one attracted my attention in a big way. What can I say, I like expensive things. I took a picture for you and I will be wearing it again at the baptism so you will get an over load of this shirt.

I'm starting to get used to it here but I want to try the things that were successful in Tally and see if those same principles will work here.

I also sent a picture of a Dragon Fly that we found while out tracting. They are everywhere! I love them 'cause they eat things that want my blood.

As for my week - Monday after I wrote y'all, we had a lesson with a less-active 14 year old girl. We are kindred spirits. Her parents are both converts and soon after she was baptized they stopped coming to church - I'm not sure why. But we did a first lesson with her and we're going again tonight to do the 2nd. Then we had Family Home Evening for the singles - we played Sardines in the church - it was lots of fun.

Tuesday Kim called us and told us that Rianna, the baby of the family (17 months), had a 6 minute seizure the night before. We called around and got some of the men to come and give her a Priesthood Blessing - we did a pretty lengthy lesson on the Priesthood before they gave her the blessing. The blessing was cool - it promised recovery but talked mostly about what an example she will be to her family in the gospel and how she will be strong and faithful to it.

Wednesday we were on bikes - it was a normal missionary day nothing interesting.

Thursday we did weekly planning - it took forever! Then we met with some of the Branch leaders and set up a mission plan for the Branch which was supposed to be put into action yesterday but now has to wait till next week - Branch politics.

Friday we were at Miss Emma's. I took some pictures. Miss Emma likes to tell dirty jokes and is the best cook. We tracted for hours after that.

Saturday was spent tracting. With Kim, Haadi, and Jacob getting baptized we need to find some new investigators. I'll let you know if any of the people we found pan out.

Sunday I had to conduct the music. I really don't know how to do it. I felt like I was waving my arms around like an idiot but whatever. Last week at Stake Conference a member introduced us to his friend Heather - she is in her mid 60's I think. We talked before and after conference - I complimented her on her necklace. Yesterday Ashley called to tell me that Heather bought a necklace for me - we met with him to pick it up. It is very pretty - peoples' generosity astounds me. Heather has agreed to give us her phone number so I can call and thank her - we'll see if we can get her to church again.

Today we met for the 3rd time with Miss Sherrie. Her sister is a member in Colorado and her nephew is serving in the Arizona Mission. We were talking about the difference between fore-ordination and free agency and she started talking about how she felt like she was being led to something but she wasn't sure what yet. I nearly cried I was so happy - she's found it! She just needs to recognize it.

How's that for detail? I'll send a separate email with pictures. Thanks for writing it makes me happy. Kelli

September 15, 2008

Thanks for sending some shirts. I haven't received them yet so we'll see how well they fit when they get here. Sister Hartman and I do Missionary Work very differently but we are finding ways to compromise. We have found a much better balance this week and I am sure we will continue to work it out.

The family whose house we are staying above went to Disney World for the week and we got to do dog duty. Their dogs name is Opus and he is sweet and very obedient - it was really nice being able to walk him 3 times a day. We rode our bikes about every other day this week and my tan is amazing - plus exercies gets rid of all my stress knots.

President came down on Friday to interview Kim, Haadi, and Jacob. They had a great interview and are going to be baptised on the 27th. I don't remember if I told you about them or not. So in case I didn't - Haadi is from Iran. His family left when he was about 8 and he's now a US citizen but he was raised Muslim. Teaching him about God and Jesus Christ was a challenge according to Sis Hartman. I didn't know him before but now he has a light in his eyes that make me love him so much. Haadi and Kim have been married for about 11 years and have 3 kids - two adopted and one natural. Kim is the most charitable person I have ever met. She wants to save the world. Jacob got kicked out of his house and Kim took him into her home. Saturday we went over to their house and made sack lunches and dropped them outside some doors where very destitute people live. If she could she would feed the world.

We had Stake Conference yesterday and President spoke - he talked about meeting Kim and likened her to the Statue of Liberty, "Bring me your tired, your poor and your weary." He hit the nail on the head. That was pretty much my week.

I'm excited to see pictures of the den when its all finished. I love that both of you in separate emails call the chair in Dad's den "Taylor's chair". That's all I've got to say. I didn't take any pictures last week - I"ll try and get some this week.

Lots of love,

Kelli

September 8, 2008 - Panama City Beach, Florida

Well here I am in Panama City Beach - here after called PCB. We live in an apartment over a members garage. It's really nice - but it's strange having members so close. It is so different here - I was incredibly frustrated the first couple days here. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the work. Sister Hartman assures me that it was only last week and it will calm down and get more structured.

We have 3 baptisms set for the 27th - one of them is from Iran. He moved here when he was eight and grew up with no religious influence. His life has been a topsy-turvy mess until he met and married his wife. They have been married for 11 years and have 3 kids. They are awesome!

Munchkin (Taylor), I'm sorry I'm not there to watch Disney with you - I miss doing fun stuff like that with you. But hey you get to watch the new Little Mermaid and I don't - so pros and cons. P.S. if y'all haven't bought the new Little Mermaid please do so - then when I come home in a year I can watch it and it's not in the Disney vault for the next 10 or so years.

The only things I know about politics are what the members tell me. But I did see that US magazine you mentioned at the grocery store today. I didn't know if the daughter was actually pregnant or if that was vicious falsehoods. But because of McCains running mate I'm far more inclined to vote for him now. Very strategic move on his part.

No one here is worried about the hurricane but they are preparing to head up to Louisiana to help clean up the last one and get people out as this one comes through.

Oh the family that we live with/next to - whatever - the mom Jennifer is Gluten Intolerant - really badly. She has her own designated tray at church for the Sacrament that they only put her bread on. We had breakfast at their house Saturday and she made wonderful pancakes. They are from a company called Pamela's - she swears by them. She said you can get it online - go check it out.

Well I think that's it. I will send some pictures. I love you all and please keep writing it makes me all kinds of happy. Kelli

E-mail - September 2, 2008

I'm getting transferred! I'm so excited. I get to go to Panama City Beach and I'll serve with Sister Hartman again! (Kelli and Sister Hartman were companions at the MTC). (Click on the mission map under the date 5/3/08 - Tallahassee Florida - and you can see where she is being transferred). I am a little disappointed that I can't stay 'cause I'll miss the people and I fully expect three baptisms here in the next four or so months. I'm also a little nervous 'cause everyone I've talked to says how campus missionary work is so different from everywhere else. I may have to re-learn how to be a missionary. My p-days are now on Monday and no more emailing 2 times a week. Oh well - pros and cons to everything. I get on the "Transfer Van" tomorrow at 8 am and off I go. Yippie!

Taylor, your painting is beautiful! I am in awe of your amazingness! Keep it up girl! (See attached picture of Taylor's latest watercolor).

Dad, I have seen the 17 Points of the True Church before but I forgot the story behind it. I'm going to write them all down for future reference. The CD would be really cool. If you come across any other CD's - music or otherwise - send them my way. I only have one CD out here and I'm sick of it.

(Kelli sent home a memory card - it contained a video of a debate between two Elders about "The Catalyst" - we asked what it was - this is her answer). The Catalysts come from the dark abyss known as Elder Call's mind. It started with his idea on how to convert the entire campus in one day - complete with rabid dogs and killer bees. Also, one of the members here would come down on jets dressed up like the Savior. This then led to him cooking up ways to make the Second Coming happen a little faster, such as taking the Book of Revelations and helping the prophesies come to pass. The people that do this are called "The Catalysts". Needless to say the whole idea lasted about as much time as it took to cook it up - it was p-day - we were bored.

Yesterday the ward didn't have FHE so we and a couple of girls got together and did our own FHE. We did the story of Samuel and Lamanite and ended up having a huge marshmallow fight. Good times.

Yes - I have my charm bracelet here - please send the new Storytelling Festival charm my way.

Lots of love, Kelli

E-mail - August 30, 2008

I loved the magic trick! I don't know if I'll use it but who knows I might get desperate enough. Your birthday party looked like all kinds of fun (Michael turned 50 on Thursday!) I heard from Benny, but they still don't know anything. She went to a Gynecologist last week and is still waiting for those results.

The weather is humid - very humid. We probably won't get the storm till Tuesday if we get it. I love this hurricane's name - Gustoff. I've heard a lot about McCains running mate, everyone seems to like her so who knows.

Dad, I loved your speech about books - I totally agree. I miss my books. I've made it a personal goal to read the Missionary Library before coming home. I'm in the middle of Exodus right now and I'm on round two with the Book of Mormon. I've finished Our Heritage and I'm almost done with True to the Faith and Our Search for Happiness. I have a long way to go with Jesus the Christ - it is quite a brain teaser.

We have two progressing investigators now. Colleen and Lindsey. Colleen is a member referral and is doing great. Lindsey walked into the institue and said that she knows a lot of Mormons and she wants to learn about this church. We're real excited for that. There are two recent converts in the ward too that we get to teach. I love teaching - it is so much better than pounding pavement on campus.

I almost forgot - Casey, who is coming for conference, her almost boyfriend's mother was begging to have her stay at their house while in town. I told her ya'll wouldn't mind if she didn't stay over but she had to come meet you.

Elder Dial goes home Wednesday. We went to Chilies earlier this afternoon for his farewell dinner.

I did get the green juice and the shirts, but I have to return the shirts 'cause they're too casual. Thanks for looking for me - I really appreciate it.

Well, I gotta run - we're teaching a new member lesson in about half an hour. Love ya, Kelli

E-mail August 25, 2008

Yesterday was really cool. We had Stake Conference and they changed the Stake Presidency. Elder Johnson from the 70 came to oversee the change and spoke. He was full of enthusiasm and humor. He told us there was only one thing wrong with this stake and that is that there aren't enough people in it. He reminded the members that their duty is to find people and that the missionaries job is to teach them. President Summerhays spoke also and committed the new stake president to focus on missionary work. It was fun.

We had dinner with the Bowcutt family last night. It was lots of fun and a little crazy. We played Scum and had a jolly good time.

The red on our porch steps is not blood (I was just wondering - Mom) it is actually brick underneath the cement. The cement has chipped off and the brick shows through.

We have Zone Conference on Wednesday - Gotta run - Love ya, Kelli

Wet. Very Wet. Email- August 23, 2008

The title says it all. I am very wet. Yes we are in the midst of a tropical storm. Which means that it rains and rains and rains and the wind blows. It started raining Thursday night and has yet to stop. No one seems particularly worried. We got a text from the mission office yesterday telling us to "Drive Safe". That would be fine if we had a car.

I got your card and the night shirt from Disneyland - I was planning to take a picture of me in it but forgot. I'll get around to it soonish. I love the shirt, I've missed my big old shirts that I swiped from dad. I got the wedding invites too. Busy summer looks like.

We went to FAMU for the first time this week. I don't know what I was expecting, but it was a bit of a let down. Just a normal college campus with people. They were much nicer to us than people at FSU. Three of the people I talked to had several Books of Mormon at home, apparently we (missionaries) are so nice that they just like talking to us even though they have no intention of joining. While there we got invited to lunch at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. We figured why not? We had a good time and met lots of people. One in particular was Jean - he is from Haiti and speaks fluent English, French, and Spanish. He loves soccer and the ward has a soccer game every Friday - we got him a ride - I hope he had fun doing that.

Later that same day at FSU there was a big Christian Fellowship gathering - I saw a lot of people that I talk to on a regular basis there - I'm not going to lie - I was kind of frustrated to see no LDS students there. After pondering that night I went to talk to Br. Bowcutt. A large part of the reason we don't have the opportunity to teach much is that people have friends in their church groups and are not to willing to give that up for something new. I was hoping to integrate more LDS kids there so that they would have LDS friends and help make our teaching pool bigger. LDSSA, the student organization on campus, is not part of the Christian Fellowship. While talking to Br. Bowcutt he sensed my frustration and asked me if we worship the same God they do. I replied that yes we do - he pushed me to think deeper. They believe in one God who is 3 things all at once. We worship a God made of flesh and blood. That is why Mormons aren't considered Christian. I never knew why we weren't considered Christian, and now I do. But we came up with a new plan of action. School starts on Monday, and we have about two weeks after that to get people involved at the Institute, make friends there and then convert them. Yesterday we made fliers and Sister Bowcutt was mad that we couldn't use color on them, since we had to stay in all day because of the weather we sat and colored all the fliers. We're not finished yet, but we should get that done today.

I'm sending pictures of our place but the one I have of the inside I deleted 'cause it was really messy - I'll take another one and get it to you Monday. The other picture I'm sending is just for kicks and giggles. We were going to a dinner appointment and this guy on a bike was riding by us and his shorts were falling off - so I took a picture.

I think that's it. I love y'all. Thanks so much for all the love and support you give me. This is not an easy experience - but totally worth it.

Lots of love, Kelli

E-mail - August 18, 2008

I got your card the other day - it made me smile - thank you. So the sister missionary movie looks good? I'm afraid I've lost faith in most LDS movies - one of the Elders has the sound track to Sons of Provo, I don't know if you remember watching that, but it was really bad. The Best Two Years and The Other Side of Heaven are the only good ones I've seen. Let me know if I can find hope in LDS films again.

When I send those shirts home I will send a memory card with them. Amanda has all Benny's pictures on her computer so I want to get those as well.

Yesterday was a fun filled day. We went to two wards, we will be teaching a soon to be Sorority girl. Rush starts later this week, there is a rumor that the Tri Delts initiation involves the Elders, getting a tie or name tag or something like that. We also had two dinner appointments yesterday. It was my first time - I have been assured that it won't be the last. They were about two hours apart so it wasn't too bad. At the first one we played Go Fish for about an hour then left to our next one. We were teaching Mileena and they fed us. We did the Armour of God with her, and she may be able to stay - we'll see as time goes by.

Anyway - that's me. Thank you so much for all you do. Love you lots - Kelli

E-mail - August 16, 2008

Bible Study Group
Back row - Adrain, Blaire, Benny, Kelli, Janelle
Front row - Scorseby, Kathy, Shaday

Zone Picture
Back row - Russon, Holemo, Carroll, Christensen, Dial, Call, Young
Front row - Scoresby, Benny, Kelli (eye's closed) Costello, Smith

District Picture
Back row - Christensen, Russon, Dial, Call, Bowcutt
Front row - Scoresby, Benny, Kelli, Bowcut

Everyone is talking about Michael Phelps. Amanda was telling us after one of his races, where he broke his own world record, that he was upset because he had done it faster and better before. That kind of drive is amazing to me.

The Bowcutt's told us about the French and how the commentators were amazed that the US had won. Apparently you could hear the shock in their voices.

Dad, I have to say that your play by play was brilliant. I could hear it in my head and visualize it. Maybe you should change careers and commentate for sports. I'm just saying.

As for politics, I found a thing that has Obama's and McCain's platforms side by side so you could compare them. I read them both and was so mad that I had to throw the paper away. I've decided that I hope the worst one gets in so that after he ruins the country we will look and say, "Huh - I think the founding fathers had the way of it" and then go back to our roots. Would it be a Bush - Clinton thing if I voted for a 3rd party? Oh boy. This morning we were studying Hope and I found new meaning in Ether 12:4 "Wherefore, whoso believeith in God might with surety hope for a better world..." So conclusion, I believe and trust God. He has promised hope for a better world - I hope that the world he meant was the one we live in - not the one here to come.

Anyway - moving on ... this has been a very eventful week. Or maybe not really eventful. One big thing happened that changed the whole week. Benny went home on Wednesday. President called at about 12:30 on Tuesday and told her she was on a plane at 5:30 am Wednesday. She cried for a bit, but she ended up being more excited as the day went on. She missed Amanda's patriartical blessing. By the by - Amanda's blessing was all sorts of cool. Tuesday night we had our Bible study group and one of the girls had run into Janelle and the Elders at the park so Janelle was there to say goodbye to Benny. But the best part was when Janelle laid the smack down on the group for purposefully misinterpreting a passage in Hebrews. I was so proud.

I miss Benny lots, but now that she is gone Sister Scoresby is opening up lots more. Yesterday during comp study I couldn't get a word in edgewise - so it's going good.

I haven't received the Liquid Veggies or card, but if you sent the veggies to the mission office I probably won't get them till Zone conference. The card will probably be here today or Monday. It's fine to send stuff through the mail, we live in a cul-de-sac that is kind of cut off from the rest of the street so I'm not worried about that. I will make sure to get you a picture on Monday. I will definately get a measuring tape 'cause I'm dying for some new clothes. It's too hot to wear all the sweaters we bought and two of my shirts are long sleeved so I pretty much wear the same 4 shirts, well 3 now since one is busted, over and over again.

That's cool that Dan is meeting with a former Florida Tallahassee Missionary. Someday I will be one of those too.

Anyway that's about it - Love ya - Kelli

E-mail - August 11, 2008

Not much has happened since Saturday. We went to church - Mileena's parents forgot about our appointment so we got a ride with Melanie and did less active visits and tracting. Today the Bowcutts are feeding our entire district (about 15 missionaries) lunch - I love them very much but they are a little nuts!

I forgot to tell you - Amanda is trying to transfer to BYU. She is going to do Fall Semester here and apply in the Winter. The Institute Director here says he can pull a few strings for her especially since she is a recent convert. Amanda is also getting her Patriartical Blessing on Wednesday.

No - we don't get to watch the Olympics, but the members usually tell us a little about what is happening. Thank you for getting me my green juice - I'm so excited to get my souvenir - mail is the best thing ever.

If I send two of my shirts home can you fix them? One needs the zipper replaced or just to be sewn so there is no more need for the zipper and the other has a hole in the seam. I think that should be easy to fix. I could probably do it by hand but I don't really want to. Let me know if that is OK.

I love Whitney's henna tatto - it's in the same place I got mine - twins!

Have a great week and I look forward to hearing from y'all Saturday. Peace and Love, Kelli

E-mail - August 9, 2008

This week for me has been a little crazy. We moved on Tuesday and we're all sorts of excited about that. We are in a duplex that is really quiet which we love. The Elders helped us move and managed to break most of our furniture in the process - but it's OK - they had tape and they fixed it all up for us.

Update on Janelle - who is amazing - she had a lesson with the Elders and one of them started to bare his testimony and she stopped him in the middle of it and said, "You don't need to tell me this is Christ's Church, I already know!" Can you say amazing? Her husband is coming to the next lesson. I will keep you updated on the situation.

I had my first experience with the spirit practically yelling at me to talk to someone. We were up by the Library on campus and I felt/thought I should go up to the fountain. It was almost dinner time and I was ready to go so I thought - "Kelli you're being stupid - time to go." As we continued walking the feeling got stronger and stronger - it was the strangest thing I've ever felt in my entire life. So I drug everyone up to the fountain and I'm standing there going - "OK I'm here - now what?" I talked briefly to a girl reading Eclipse and figured it must have been an obedience lesson until Elder Call telephoned later that night and said that he had talked to this girl who said that she had just met some Mormon Missionaries and she gave him her name and phone number - so who knows. Maybe she wouldn't have if I hadn't gone up there. Mysteries of the world.

We went to FSU graduation this morning - it was long and boring but we were supporting Melanie and Casey. Anyway - I've have to go - I love you - Love Kelli

E-mail - August 4, 2008

The ward I am serving in - by the end of this month will have had 14 weddings this summer. Oy with the poodles!

I had the best day yesterday, we went to Mass with one of our investigators and that was interesting if nothing else. They had a baptism going on too. They don't sprinkle - they put your head over a basin and pour 3 cups full of water over you representing The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. I got to chant. I felt like I was in the The Sound of Music. After that we taught a lesson to a 10 year old girl. Her name is Mileena. She is so smart. She was asking questions about the Godhead and how Christ was both the Son of God and the Son of Mary. We did the first lesson and had a bunch of cups with different things that Christ's church had when he was on earth - then with the Great Apostasy we smashed the church and then with the restoration we built it back up again. Tomorrow we are going to play "The Plan of Salvations" it's like the game of life but at the end we go to the Celestial Kingdom and get a Burger King Crown.

Keep me updated - Love - Kelli

E-mail - August 2, 2008

I'm in a very democratic area, that stomp competition I went to last week was also a partial Obama celebration. We're really not allowed to talk politics but what we do is say that the church encourages us to read, learn and understand what is going on and vote according to our own conscience - a lot of people seem to like that.

We are teaching a girl named Brandy who has been raised baptist but hates it. We don't get many baptists so it's fun to see someone that sees all the flaws in it. But she still has the southern view of being Saved. I've been studying grace 'cause that's all these southerners talk about and they don't seem to understand that yes we are saved by grace but we can also fall from grace. It is one of the biggest challenges we face - that and the Trinity. Today we're meeting with our Inter-faith discussion group to go over the Articles of Faith and the Biblical scriptures behind them. It will be an interesting meeting.

The web address I gave you for jewelry - Janelle - has been reading the Book of Mormon. We have been buttering her up for weeks - this week she has read through the first 13 chapters of Nephi. She loved the tree of life and sees many of the parallels with the Bible. She also believes that Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ are separate beings which makes our job so much easier. She is married so her husband will be a huge deciding factor on how this progresses - I hope and pray that they will be able to be baptized together and then become an eternal family. Janelle is amazing - I love her with all my heart.

We will be moving whenever we get the AP's help. It's a little duplex and it has a washer and dryer so I am going to save a butt load of money on laundry! Interestingly enough it doesn't have a dish washer. I'm going to learn something new.

Funny news, we play "Squirrel Tag" on campus. It is something Elder Dial introduced and we have all failed. This Thursday Sister Scoresby tagged a squirrel. Elder Dial nearly wet his pants with excitement.

Casey, the girl who will be staying with y'all for the week of Conference - she is so excited. Her almost boyfriend has plans to introduce her to his entire family. It's fun to see her so excited. She thinks you are amazing and professes her love to me and you often.

Amanda is back, she will be taking us to the grocery store later and we get to hear all about her trip and see all the pictures.

I love you all and thanks for the letters - they make my heart glad! Kelli