Sister Kelli Wilcox

She's Back!

2009-09-18T10:43:00.001-07:00

Beautiful flowers from Scott and Aselin and kids!
Smiley faces from Debbie Crosby!
Taylor
Whitney, Kelli, Mom
This is the Wilcox version of sign making without a computer!
Kelli with Maloney grandparents G.K. and Ann

She's Back!

2009-09-17T19:56:00.001-07:00

Sisters together again - Taylor, Kelli, Whitney
Grandma Maloney, Sister Kelli Wilcox, Grandma Wilcox
Sisters! Not much has changed - Whitney and Taylor called the sides of the car and Kelli got the hump.
Below - Kelli with Grandma and Grandpa Wilcox

She's Back!

2009-09-17T19:53:00.001-07:00

Mom and Dad reunited with Sister Wilcox!
Sister Wilcox and Dad
Sister Wilcox with Grandma and Grandpa Maloney
Sister Whitney and Sister Wilcox - Grandpa Maloney watching the reunion

Below - Kelli with Grandma and Grandpa Wilcox

She's Back!

2009-09-17T19:49:00.001-07:00

More Wilcox Grandparent hugging
Grandpa Wilcox and Kelli

Taylor and Kelli
Mom finished crying and gazing at Kelli

Below - Big hug for Mom and Keli

She's Back!

2009-09-17T19:43:00.001-07:00

Is it really you?
Zoom in on Julie's face - it is anticipation at its best!

Here she comes!
There she is!

Dad was at the top of the stairs and got the first hug

She's Back!

2009-09-17T19:38:00.001-07:00

Mom and Dad - waiting
Watching and waiting with Sign

Here come Grandma and Grandpa Maloney

Below - Wilcox Grandparents were already at the airport when we arrived

Florida is Crying With Me

2009-09-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

I am very very very wet. There needs to be some sort of punctuation in the middle of that sentence but I'm not sure where or what. Sister Hall and I took 4 boxes to the Post Office today for me to mail home so that my suit cases are not too heavy and it was down pouring. I look and feel like a drowned rat. Earlier today I burned some stuff and then threw the rest away as it began to rain, I still smell like camp fire.

I'm glad ya'll had fun with all those kids from your BYU Ward. It sounds like quite the party! Guess what? You never will, a member here gave me her son's phone number he lives up by 7 Peaks and is actually pretty cute. So I've almost got a date lined up. Yay me.

I emailed my friends and I'm hoping to meet up with them Friday or Saturday night but that is all I have planned so far.

So while I'm still a missionary on Thursday what do you want to do? I want to go to the Temple. We can watch the Joseph Smith movie and do the Visitors Center thing and I can do a bunch of Initiatories and an Endowment. Or if that is too much for those who are working really hard to not die we'll mozy on down to Provo and I can go to the Temple there. Just so long as I go I don't care all that much which Temple it winds up being. Oh I could go to the Draper one too! So many choices - I love Utah for that fact alone. One temple in the state of Florida is not enough.

So Sheila was able to work through the outside forces which I'll tell you about in person and is getting baptized Saturday. I made a bid for it being today but Elder Levacy-Sabin didn't think I was serious and completely ignored me. So I'll miss her baptism but I'll get odells of pictures so it will be OK.

We've been running around like chickens with our heads cut off all week. I have massive dark circles under my eyes and I can't hide them very well with make-up anymore. I've been waking up around 3 or 4 am everyday ready to get going and staying awake till 6:30 finally rolls around. I keep telling people I'm gonna sleep when I get home but now I'm not so sure I'll be able too. Lame much.

Friday we went up to Bristol to hear from Elder Gonzales of the 70. On the way there, Sister Hall and I got lost. Our directions were not so good - they told us to go right when we were actually supposed to go left. 14 miles later... we found it in the end, and pulled in just after President and Elder Gonzales so we got to shake his hand which was cool 'cause only three other people got to as well.

Tori's husband was in the hospital this week, they still don't know what is wrong with him but he seems to be doing OK - we spent about two hours with him yesterday.

We had a funeral for Elder Levacy-Sabin and myself, I laid on a table with a sheet over me and people said their "last words" to me. It was fun, Sister Hall got it all on tape so I'll be making a CD of it. Um, yeah that's the important stuff. I've still got lots of packing to do. See you soon!

Love,

Kelli

2009-09-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

Since yesterday was Labor Day we had to go work - I think I forgot to tell ya'll that. Oopps. Sorry. So happy late P-day!

Carmen Deedy came to the Story Telling Festival this year! She hasn't been in ages. I can't believe I missed her appearance. What was this years charm? My bracelet is getting full I might need to transfer it to a necklace. Hmmm we'll see. I knew that Nathan Fillion had a new show but I didn't know anything about it. I'm really excited. I was at a members house, gosh like 2 weeks ago, and saw a preview for Bones. I nearly died. I didn't even try to pretend I wasn't watching the commercial. Then it was over and I was normal again.

As for the 27th I have no idea. (That is the date for Kelli's Sacrament Meeting talk). I haven't managed to think past the BYU/FSU game on the 19th. Do I have to decide now? I don't even know how normal I'll be, I might be a crazy person! People may not want to come see the crazy lady that spent way too long in the south. I was listening to myself talk the other day, I have developed an odd accent that really only comes through on words with long "i" in them. Not to mention the "Yes, Sir." and "No Sirs." I'm about to get teased. Daggum.

Oh well - on with the my going ons of the week. We found out late Monday night that a Sister in the ward, Tori Piercy had an emergency appendectamy (totally guessed on the spelling) on Sunday. The RS of the ward really stepped up they had people there in the morning helping with the kids and then they brought in meals too. Sister Hall and I went to help clean and chat. It was good to see the ward be so united in a cause. It made my heart glad. We have another Sister, Mini Stewart who had two stints put in that we visited. She is so fiesty. It's fun.

We made Brother Gibbons a Auborn State Football cake to thank him for speaking at Laura's baptism - he had been really nervous about it. I baked the cake and made Sister Hall decorate it - we all know how artistic I am free hand :)

Saturday the PCB Elders had a baptism I went to go support them and surprise surprise it was Anita Shook! Sister Hartman and I had started teaching her a year ago and I got to be here to see her baptism. It was a wonderful experience.

We finally got Karen to go to church! We sat with Nick (her son) in Nursery for the two hours so his mom could be there. We'll probably have to do it again.

Sheila's Baptism has been postponed. She is ready but other outside forces are coming in to play and she doesn't want it to be tainted by these things. I'm sad that I'll miss it but I'm very proud of her for recognizing the importance of letting some things go before she makes a covenant with God.

That's all I've got to say about that. I love hearing from you - thank you for all the love that I feel coming from all directions. Have a blessed day.

Kelli

2009-08-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

Congrats Teil! Thanks for sending the photo you look fantastic. I look forward to seeing you in the next couple of months. Let me know what I can do to help (Kelli's cousin Teil got engaged)

Mom, you have and ewwy baggy! That's what we called them in the nursing home. (I have a tube draining my kidney - a little complication) Having a plan of action is good I'm glad you and the Dr know what your gonna do and how it's all gonna work out. Finally I get to help ya'll. It's been very frustrating being on the other side of the country knowing that I can't do a blessed thing for ya'll besides carry on and pray lots. While prayer does initiate miracles sometimes it's nice just to be there. Like dad was talking about when he was still in pain, lots of pain but when his wife was holding his hand he knew it was ok.

Sorry about all the confusion about my release date. President and I had talked about it when Short was still here but turns out the system didn't know when I entered the MTC making a mess of everything. Their dates were wrong so I knew it would all work out but I didn't know ya'll were sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear too. Sorry I would have told you more about it if I'd known the office got involved with you. (We received a letter saying Kelli would be home October 29th but it is September 17th!)

Aidea! Yeah! Yeah!! Yeah!!! I know I will always enjoy musicals. President Monson is "Show-aholic" I think it's perfectly acceptable for me to be as well. What I'll like as far as fashion is concerned that's a whole different ball game. I may need a fashion consultant, someone that can tell me whether or not I should be on "What-Not-To-Wear".

Moving on - my week was good.

In other news Laura's baptism was most excellent. We had a minor freak out when we couldn't get a hold of her the day before her scheduled date but all was well. She is very similar to Farah in that she completely turned her life around in just under two months. She is a different woman. It is such a blessing to be involved in that change.

Miss Sheila set a baptism date for Sept 12 the Saturday before I leave. She is good. She worked hard to gain a testimony and is now eager to build on the foundation she has. She is full of good questions and is going to be a power house for good. She's having a hard time with tithing she's a single mom and works as a teachers aid which doesn't pay well. What finally got her is when we told her that only full tithe payers are considered worthy to enter the Temple. She then committed to live the law. But dang it took a lot of prayer and the Holy Ghost testifying and the two of us testifying before we finally got there. That was a long lesson. 3 1/2 hrs - My brain hurt at the conclusion of it.

Yesterday we went over to my favorite part member family's house. Brother Jack isn't a member he's the one we went to the non-denominational church with a few weeks ago. We talked about what we had felt and learned there and how we can add to it. He knows that the church is true but he needs to take the baby steps there. He is happy learning about the Savior this way and he knows that he will be baptized and sealed to Andrea but he is going to do it on his time table. Little does he know that he's actually working on the Lords time table. I can't wait for him to get smacked up-side the head. It's gonna be fun.

Well that's me in a nut shell. I love you all very much and I'll see you soon!

Kelli

2009-08-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

Just know that I pray for ya'll every night and expect to see semi healthy people in 24 days. No exceptions.

Speaking of healthy. I was sick this week. I'm on the mend now I had a mild case of the flu but we were so busy I didn't have time to sleep it off. I just had to take lots of vitamins - drink lots of water and try not to touch anyone. I spent most of yesterday morning pulling dead skin off my nose cause I'd rubbed it raw. That was fun.

Tuesday we did service for a recently widowed woman whom we'll begin teaching this week. We've met everyday with Sheila and she is so much fun to teach she has a deep thirst for truth and doesn't just take our word for it. She is anxious to find out for herself. Which is impressive and frustrating. She knows that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon is God's word to us today but she wants to make sure that Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Wodruff, Lorenzo Snow and so on were all prophets too. I gave her a bunch of talks by President Monson and she is reading those and praying about him. What a kick in the pants she is.

Wednesday we had Zone Conference it was good. Then we had another lesson with Shelia then a lesson with Laura who by the way is getting baptized on Saturday. Yippie!

Thursday we planned to take our car in to get it fixed. I learned that no matter how confident an Elder sounds when talking about cars don't freak out when he thinks you have no brake fluid. Turns out it was so full that you couldn't see it jiggling around in there. Way to scare me to death Elder. Anyway we met with Sheila again then with Miss Laura and had dinner at a members

Friday we did service - I'm getting pretty good at covering books. We had a lesson cancel for which I was exceedingly grateful as I felt like death warmed over. I went to bed only to arise 2 hrs later and go to Sheilas and then Karen's. Turns out that Karen had never been told about modern day prophets - only Joseph Smith. And she's been investing for a year now - Sigh. Well now we know where we need to go from here.

Saturday we had 6 lessons back to back we came home at 8 and went to bed.

Sunday we had meetings, church, choir, a lesson with Alissa, then dinner with the Stewart's - Good times. It's been a busy week. All the days just blur together I'm finally feeling human again and could proabably use another 5 hours of sleep to let my body recover fully.

Love you!

Kelli

Tropical Storm

2009-08-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Elder Levacy-Sabin trying to convince me to touch the fish. It didn't work.

You had a football in your tummy mom? No wonder you couldn't loose that last bit of "fat" you just had a football tucked away in there. Will wonders never cease? (Mom here - I had a fibroid growing and had a total hysterectomy).

Well ya all didn't give me much to comment on so I guess I'll just tell you about my week.

Monday we went fishing out by a pier. The Elders told us to get cigar minnows - they bought hooks that were too big and we caught nothing. This fish just devoured the sides of the bait and left the hook alone. I was very bored and was repulsed by the ever present smell of fishy badness. I brought my cross stitch with me and mostly did that.

Tuesday we had District Meeting. A couple in the ward took us out to lunch it was a buffet and we ate way too much. Ugh! But we had no time to sleep it off we had lessons to teach. The rest of the day was spent running to appointments and making sure that members were going to be there too.

Wed we visited with less actives and had several lessons with investigators, we taught Laura the Word of Wisdom, then at 8 had a lesson with a less active. We went in planning to teach tithing but it felt very wrong so we did peace and hope instead. It was the first time I think he actually listened to what we had to say.

Thursday we planned then Sister Hall was sick so we stayed in. I don't remember what I did so I'm betting I slept too.

Friday we had service at the Library and spent the day going way out to the edge of our area to visit less active members. Our miles for the month are shot. But we got several good visits in.

Saturday we had 3 lessons back to back. We met with Miss Betty - her husband was there and was very hostile at first but calmed down and really started talking to us after a bit. We're meeting with him on Wed. We had Ashley (a male) come with us to Miss Laura's to give her a blessing to help her over come her addictions. Then we invited her to be baptized. She agreed! Her date is set for the 29th. The day after dad's b-day. We tracted after that.

Sunday we went to Northstar Church. It's a non-denominational church out here. We went with a part member family Jack and Andrea Beaudette. We have a great rapport with them and going with them really helped soften Jacks heart. It was a good experience. And the teachings were so close to Mormon doctrine it was almost frustrating. I was sitting there going, "Yes that's true! Let me add to that truth!" They have the basics but they could have so much more. We'll keep trucking on.

Sister Hall has been planning a fireside since we got here and it was supposed to be last night but we had a tropical storm pass through and it got canceled. It wasn't nearly as bad as people expected it to be. The one that I saw in Tallahassee last year was considerably worse. Ah well. Well you now are officially caught up on my week. I hope all is well with you and that recovery to all parties is on the horizon. I love you and pray for you often!

Kelli

Another Week Flies By

2009-08-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hey family!

This is going to be a very short letter. The Libray we usually go to is closed and we only get half an hour at the place we are at today. We had a good week - we worked hard, met all but one of our goals, and had good stuff happen.

I got to go to Priesthood on Sunday. We have fun size bags of M & M's for Missonary Moments and I hucked 'em at the men who shared the gospel with someone this week. It was weird sitting in there waiting for my turn to speak and being the only female in there knowing that I really don't belong - it was odd.

Um...I'm flustered the clock is blinking 11 min at me Ugh. OK I give up - I'm good, happy, and safe. I love you and keep wondering why you insist on doing huge medical procedures without me there to help. Ya bums! Ok love you! Bye.

Kelli

Hey All

2009-08-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

You are right - it is an absolute bummer that I can't renew my CNA because I did private care not with an agency or Nursing Home. Oh well it will work out as it's supposed to in the end. The front door looks amazing. My question is, what color is the garage door? I think I know the answer but who knows - miracles happen everyday.

Good luck getting ready for school TM and enjoy getting back to the grind stone dad. You still have 2 weeks of boredom ahead of you.

We had a fantastic week. We managed to meet all of our goals which is no small miracle. We have four progressing investigators - three of which are Golden - one I think is turning into an eternal investigator - we'll see what happens. Not much of this week stands out - we tracted lots, did service, rode our bikes and I discovered that having a car has made me lazy. We will be riding more often now 'cause I didn't like how hard that ride was.

Oh! One of the service things we did was help a member who's dad had come to visit and had felled a bunch of trees leaving the mess behind for them to clean up. Sound familiar to anyone? I just laughed the whole time - I felt like I was home again.

The investigator I told you about last week, Shiela, we had a three hour lesson with her on Wednesday - it was intense. We covered most of the hard stuff - unfortunately she will be out of town for two weeks. She is one of the most prepared people I've ever met. We are going to begin teaching a girl named Alissa - she is dating a member and is hilarious - I'm looking forward to it.

We did a 24 hour fast as a mission I got dehydrated and plummeted into a hypoglycemic low. We started at 12 on Saturday and were supposed to end at 12 on Sunday - but we didn't get out of church till 2:30. We tracked almost all day Saturday - after 5 hours I decided that water was going to be allowed in my fast so I didn't kill myself. Sunday - after all we had to do was done - it was about 6 p.m. before we were able to eat. I had enough but to keep Sis Hall from going mad with boredom we went to the church and she practiced casting with a fishing rod a member gave her I laid on the stage - it was enjoyable.

Oh and Rass was just made AP. I'm so proud of my little brother! Go him. Ok - that's it for me.

Peace and love.

Kelli

Great Week!

2009-07-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

We had a great week - we are finally into a groove that works for us. We're working well together and seeing many miracles. None of which are particularly amazing unless you are living our day to day life with us. I don't have much to report - Saturday the Stake had a big Activity in Bristol and we went with an investigator and ended up doing Karaoke. Both songs we tried were way too low for me and I was the bad voice in the group - it was embarassingly fun.

We "Heart Attacked" the Elders and Karen - one of our investigators. As a "Thank You" the Elders then bought glow sticks and we went to the church parking lot, cut them open and danced to Prince of Egypt - good times were had by all. An investigators boyfriend left her and took all her money with him, but she is still reading her Book of Mormon and came to an activity and to church. Now we don't have to get her married before we can baptize her so our job just got a little easier.

Sunday we had a wonderful surprise, a woman walked in, she's been studying the church on her own for quite some time (there is a boy involved) and she showed up at church on Sunday ready and willing to learn. Unfortunately she is not in our area so we'll meet with her this week and then we have to pass her to the Elders. But she is a single woman and she is only a mile out of our area so maybe we can keep her - we'll see what happens.

Dad, I will definitely pray for your vision to return to normal, yours and TM's are the only one in the family with naturally good eyes. But I'm not gonna lie, I really like the way you look in glasses.

Things with Sister Hall are going really well. Anyway that's my week. I'll talk to you later.

Love you!

Kelli

Onward and Upward

2009-07-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Our re-model of the bathroom
After Paint Ball
Before Paint Ball

Happy Birthday Grandma and Neil! I love you both!

All is well - I might change my motto from "It's All Good" to "All Is Well." I just had a very relaxing day on the bay - one of the members from the Panama City Ward is a caterer for a living - she had a bunch of left overs from a shin-dig that she did this weekend and gave us the extras. We had a picnic and threw water balloons. I am coming to find that the sound of the waves hitting the sand in a constant motion is soothing to one's soul - plus walking barefoot in the sand is better than getting a pedicure.

Reading your description of the house and all the extension cords brightened my day considerably. We are currently having a roach problem - a huge colony of them just hatched and we always keep the Raid handy. We had a brilliant companion inventory on Thursday. We noticed that there was a not small amount of roaches hanging out near the microwave. We noticed this as Sister Hall was cooking rice in the microwave for about 10 min. It was too hot in there for the Roaches to stay and several scurried out. We found two itty bitty ones in the clock on the microwave and couldn't get to them. I concluded that there must be more in there and we stuck a huge bowl full of water in the microwave and let it go for about 20 minutes. We each stood on the ready with a bottle of Raid in our hands screaming every time we saw one and then killing it with great flare and accuracy. We got around 15 roaches in that 20 minutes. The next day we found that some had hatched and there were little creepy crawlies all over the place. We killed around 40 then and put a Raid perimeter around the kitchen before going to bed. In the morning I swept up the dead ones that had thought they survived the day of mass killing but got caught in our traps that evening. There was one that was about 3 inches long EWWW! Anyway we are working really hard to keep the apartment really clean and making sure there is always Raid ready at hand. We found out from a member that Roaches love cardboard and we had a lot of it in our apartment - we threw it all away and are on our way to a Roach free zone. We may have to bomb the place one day - we'll see what happens. I totally blame the Elders for this - I'm just saying.

We were able to work really hard this week. We are starting to get into the groove of things and we are starting to feel confident-ish in how to do things here. Our numbers were OK - not great - but OK. But honestly I think this is the best week we've had here - the only place to go now is up.

The Winterton family (members here) are adopting a 2 year old boy who has no verbal communication as of yet and is missing an ear. They asked me to teach them some signs to help communicate with him. They will be getting him in about 2 weeks. He knows some signs but they are looking to teach him more. He's not really deaf just under developed making sign language a good launch board for him till he can master his verbal skills. I'm really excited - if you can't tell. Which reminds me - Thank you, thank you, thank you for renewing my CNA Certificate. I thought I'd have to take the test over and wait 3 weeks before I could get a job. Oh that takes a huge weight off my mind - you're wonderful - and so is Greg Wynn. Huzzah!

On Saturday the PCB Elders had a baptism with a girl I had worked with while I was on "The Beach". Sister Hall and I went - I saw a lot of people from the Branch out there - it was fun to walk down memory lane with them. Most of them asked me how much longer I had 'cause "You've been out forever!" Thank you - I know. Fifty-nine days to go - not that I'm counting or anything. One of the Elder told me how many weeks that was and freaked me out - it's coming way too soon. I don't know if I'm ready or if I've done all I need to - but I have 59 days to get it all done. Ready, set, go!

Congratulations on your increased mobility dad! Independence is just around the corner. I like your glasses you look very Clark Kent in them:)

Love ya'll!

Kelli

Paint Ball = Big Welt

2009-07-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Hey all. I'm glad to hear that your week was better. Thank you both for your letters of love and encouragement. I did get Nancy's classes letter. It was a delightful surprise.

I don't really know how to tell you about my week. I've done a huge emotional turn around in the last few days. I know when I was writing to you on Monday I sounded real down, that would be because I was. Well let me change that not down just not up? Let's go with I wasn't myself. I didn't really pull out of it till Friday. We had Zone Conference on Thursday - President gave me a blessing - a really sweet blessing but I don't remember a word of it. That's what happens when I don't write things down. After Zone Conference we really didn't have a moment to breath - we had three lessons back to back. We were very blessed in that all the lessons had a strong spirit present and it was good.

But I was still in my funk. Friday after lot's of prayer I was inspired with what to do. You should be getting it in the mail towards the end of the week. And I'm all better now. (Kelli sent me a recordable card with her voice saying "It's All Good". I told her I was in her room talking to Taylor and looking at the sign on her wall that says "It's All Good" and I wished she could call me and just say that on the answering machine. She also sent me an angel - It's a Willow Tree "Angel of Healing" - she really was inspired - it was just what I needed!)

Amber was baptized in Tally on Saturday. We had one of our investigators here in Lynn Haven at Church on Sunday. It's been a pleasant weekend.

Today we went paint balling out in the woods with a group of people. Most of whom I've never met but had a jolly good time. I'm also covered in welts presently - they are pretty impressive.

I realize this is a short letter. Sounds like things are on an upward trend for you all as well. Keep it up and I promise that next week I'll be more interesting.

Love you.

Kelli

Chat with Mom

2009-07-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

I just read dad's email it sounds like you have been crazy busy. Are you near a computer and have a few minutes to chat?

Hey Kelli - I just sent you an email - are you still there?

Yep I just finished the big email. Fourty people over at our house? Dang. Is the kitchen construction done?

Pretty much - one door had to be remade and it isn't here yet and two hinges aren't working right yet - then it will be done! We even cleaned the whole downstairs - their is still more dusting to do on windows and blinds

Look at you super woman! How are you really?

Don't worry about me - I'm tough! I'm a Maloney!!! To quote you - "It's all good". Tell me about you!!! That's what I want to hear about!

Oy me. Um, yeah it's all good :) I am a better woman because of this experience. And while without the Lord's patient insistence I would have never dreamed of serving a mission, I'm glad I'm here. So that's how I am. I have high highs, and low lows. But my faith is always just strong enough to get me through.

My Jewish daughter! Oy to you too! You get to experience all that we do here so I guess it doesn't matter where you are we just do our best! Taylor's faith is unwavering and she reminds me constantly that the Lord gives us only what we can handle - so I guess I just keep handling it!

Dad said to tell you he loves you!!! How is your new companion? What is going on?

My new comp is fine. We barley know each other but we get along really well. She was trained by Sister Hartman so we have that to fall back on in order to relate to each other. It's kind of comforting knowing that the Lord wants me here and as long as I do His will to the best of my ability He will help me do whatever it is He sent me here to do. Tell Dad I love him too - and I love you three.

I eat my gluten free oatmeal you sent me for breakfast everyday and feel great. I didn't read the warning till too late though. Apparently you are suppose to slowly integrate it into your diet 'cause there is so much fiber in it. It took me by surprise at first but it's all good now.

I've got to get going we have a lot left to do today. Love you! Talk to you next week.

2009-06-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

Me and Amber.

Tanya and Krissie with their Birthday gift to me. Swan Princess anyone?

Dying Siser Malcom's hair.

Me and Krissie.

2009-06-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

Tally District - I felt the need to be tall.

Me and Kacie.

This is my chair in Tally. I love my chair and I miss my chair. Sigh.

One of the many beautiful Southern homes I have seen in the last few days. So far it's my favorite.

It sounds like ya'll have had an awesome week. I thought Grandma's birthday wasn't till next week? I thought I had time! Where has the time gone?! I'll get her letter out to her today. Please tell her I'm sorry. I really thought her birthday was in July. I must be taking crazy pills. (Both Grandma's birthdays are in July - Grandma Maloney had an early party while Scott, Az and kids are here).

Speaking of, we arrived to our new apartment Wednesday and found that most of the food there was expired and moldy. Did I tell you I was whitewashing? Sister Hall and I whitewashed some Elders, you could tell that they had tried to clean up but their try and my try are two different things. It wasn't that bad, till we looked in the bathroom. It was a little scary in there. It's all good. We have grand plans to gut the place and paint it hot pink so that future Elders know that we were there. We be funny.

So you are not seeing things dad? I've been trying to tell you that for years. If you started seeing things my way all would become clear and you would know exactly where your salad bowl was :) Just kidding. We both know that I had to come around to your way of seeing things most of the time so now I have to wonder if I'll start missing the salad bowl too? (Since Michael's surgery he has a blind spot in his vision and didn't see his salad when served to him on Taylor's birthday).

I'm glad you had fun up at the Bevan cabin, I remember it well I can still smell it. Ugh. I'm further glad that it was you there and not me. (Maloney Family Reunion at the cabin in Tooele).

I'm fascinated by the re-framing of the negative comments made by dad's doctor. I know that that is something we've all been taught to do but it sounds like ya'll have been working on it for a while now and have improved in leaps and bounds. I look forward to catching up with ya'll.

Lynn Haven is different than anywhere else I've served. The people here love missionary work and do most of it themselves. I haven't had to twist anyone's arm to get their support or help. Most of it is done before I have a chance to ask for help. It is so different I don't quite know how to handle it. Lynn Haven is also the most Southern town I've ever served in so I'm getting more of the real southern culture.

It's nice being the newbies in town we get to play the "We're new" card a lot especially with less actives, so we get a fresh start with everyone. We have the extra added bonus of not just being new to the area but we are Sisters, they haven't seen Sisters in years and we're the new thing. It's all very exciting and a little overwhelming. I don't know what the Lord want's me to do here other than my best. And right now my best doesn't really feel adequate to the task ahead. Ay and wo is me.

So this next cruise of yours, while your gone can I go to Greece? I feel that my development as a well rounded, educated daughter of God is being hindered by my lack of experience in the old world. As responsible and loving parents you will feel a desire to help me expand my horizons and I feel that the best way to do that is to fulfill one of my greatest dreams. Will you let me go to Greece? I know that as you plan and prepare for this once in a lifetime opportunity that a Spirit and thirst for culture and education will come more fully into your lives benefiting you and your posterity in many great and abundant ways allowing you to no longer be uncultured swine but bright Sons and Daughters of a Loving Heavenly Father.

How's that for a commitment pattern?

Oh and when you find out more about this Jimmy person I want to hear about it. That will also help me in my development as a well rounded, educated daughter of God :)
(Michael told Kelli - "With God, all things are possible", Matthew 19:26. Did you know that this quote is the state motto of Ohio? In 1958, a nine year old named Jimmy Mastronado, went to Columbus, registered as a lobbyist, and was able to get the motto passed and signed by the Governor in 1959.)

Love you all very much. Peace! Kelli

Transfer to Lynn Haven Florida!

2009-06-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Big News! Big News!

I am getting transferred to Lynn Haven. It is a 1/2 hour drive from Panama City Beach - it's like I've been there before. I'm a little bummed, but I am ready to go do whatever it is that needs to be done. The Lord has prepared me in several ways to help me let go of my beloved Tally. Drama, drama, drama - nothing terrible, you have to expect a little madness in a Singles Ward but I've found that there is more madness in family wards than anywhere else. So that's the big news Number One.

Number Two is that Lauren, one of my dear friends out here, was baptized Saturday. It was wonderful - I'm so proud of her. I have pictures but the computer I'm at will not allow me to send them so I'll get 'em to you next week. Side note - my life will be completely different next week. Ahhh!

Big news Number Three is that Amanda (Dan's (Sparkels) friend) came to the baptism and really enjoyed it. She has been progressing in huge leaps and bounds it's been really cool to watch. But she is going home for the Summer tomorrow, and won't be back till August but I think it will be good. Amber is doing really well too. I'll see her tomorrow but she is going to PCB this weekend so I might see her then too.

I'm gonna miss campus. It's the only place I really feel like I know how to be a missionary - elsewhere it's different. And just as I figure things out in Lynn Haven I'll be on a plane home. I think it's a metaphor for life - get comfy and get something thrown at you so you grow again. Stupid perfect plan of happiness - you'd think He knew what He was doing or something.

I sent Taylor and Dad cards, but I didn't get them out till Wednesday so you probably won't get them till tomorrow. But know that I love you and was thinking about you yesterday. And I'll be thinking about Small One on Wednesday as well! Seventeen! I can't believe it - So big.

The kitchen looks great. I'm assuming you are going to put wood paneling on the fridge to match the rest of the kitchen 'cause now you can. I'm very excited to see the finished product. I'm also amazed at your adding to your own crazy life by moving offices! I know it will be fine and you'll save much mullah but dang, stress big time!

Dad, you sound much better, more like your normal self. It's nice. Look at you a grilling machine! OH that reminds me, I ate fish this week. It wasn't horrible but given the choice I wouldn't choose to do it again.

Well I have to get going we have 9 missionaries taking turns using 2 computers. Love you!

Kelli

Chat 5/15/09

2009-06-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

Mom? Are you there?

Kelli!!!! We just got back from the doc - are you still there?

Yep I'm here I just sent you a lot of pictures. What did the Dr say?

It was Dr. Abolnik the Infectious Disease doc - he thinks he is doing really well. And he actually is - today is a good day even with a trip to the doctor and Quizno's!

Yippee! I really can't think of anything to say. How sad is that?

Tell me about your new companion and the new 3rd comp - what are their names so I can look at their face in the picture?

My new companion is Sister Malcom. And the 3rd member of our companionship is Sister Goodsell. Sister Malcom and I got along really well the 12 days that we were together. She's a little crazy and is like a little 2 yr old when it's bedtime - she has a dozen different reasons why she should stay up and is so tired that she babbles incoherently then finally collapses into bed and is out within min. Sister Goodsell, I like her just fine.

What did you do for your bday? Planetarium or something else? I just gave dad a pain pill - earplugs and closed his door. Jessie the installer is here to finish up everything except the doors which bubbled up on the final coat and they have had to strip them and refinish them - they tell my Friday is my day of install - but we shall see....

We didn't do anything grand for my Birthday but the Elders all spoiled me wonderfully. I wanted to go to this giant wigwam but it is closed on Mondays. I told Elder Mahan that he was in charge of all birthday activities. Elder Eden made his special enchiladas, and a birthday cake. I'd made a cake too so we had plenty of that to go around. The TCC elders brought Ice Cream and we played card games and a board game that was rather lame. But all in all it was a nice relaxing day and I felt pampered. Oh I got the cards ya'll sent and I didn't have to talk to Ramon or whatever that guy Whitney was talking about to get it. We play all the cards on a daily basis and laugh muchly.

Did you get the Amazon order - I don't want to say what it is if you have not received it yet - and how about the socks?

Dan & Michelle ran the Utah Valley Marathon Sat - they and all the kids were going to spend the night but Dan got the flu - his kids had it earlier this week and we all decided dad didn't need that so they stayed home - they were exhausted - they ran the Ogden Marathon 2 weeks ago - Michele was 20 minutes slower than the Ogden and Dan walked from mile 18 on - he had been carbo loading for a week and lost 4 pounds throwing up Thursday night.

The granite is gorgeous - I will send pictures next week when we have doors too!!!!!

I got the oatmeal. Your right I did laugh. Do you have the granola bar recipe? That would be awesome. The socks are so nice. I feel like a new woman in them.

Blake Sutherland came home from his mission on your bday. He spoke in church yesterday - Taylor kept leaning over and telling me she had never heard him say this much. I talked to him after Sunday school and he even talked then!

I thought dad would be ok to leave home for 2 hours yesterday while I went to Sacrament and Sunday School - I came home and he was exhausted - he had a shower and couldn't find any pants - he searched the whole house for 40 minutes - even your room! I told him I hadn't done laundry for 2 weeks and they were probably on the floor in our room in a pile - he claims he checked there. He wanted to go buy some but I had taken his car. Mine was out of gas.

That man is so funny. I can't believe the lengths he goes to sometimes. Has it really been two years since Blake left? Ahhh! Oh what's this about Abby being engaged? Dad sent a two-sentence thing about it and said he'd tell me more but then more never came.

Do you feel good after you eat the oatmeal? I still add cottage cheese and frozen blueberry's to mine every morning.

I haven't tried it yet. It's way too hot to have it for breakfast. I'm waiting to make the bars. Thanks for the recipe.

I keep forgetting. FSU is playing at BYU two days after I get home. I want to go to the game decked out in all my FSU stuff and I have a lot. We should get tickets for everyone and go together. It would be a blast. Ok I'll probably take a book and read most of the time 'cause we all know how much I like football but I want to go support my team!

I am not sure about Abby - Kathy Marsden told me - James had told her - I talked to Jan Cannon yesterday mostly about dad and did we need any more meals - late last night I realized I should have asked her about Abby! Ahhh.

Did I tell you we have a working sink, dishwasher, garbage disposal and counters? I made lasagna yesterday to celebrate! I enjoyed every minute of cooking and cleaning - it has been 3 months since we lost use of the sink, garbage disposal, and dishwasher and 6 weeks since the kitchen was demolished. I have a metaphor going that says as the kitchen gets put back together - so does dad's head. With all the delays we have had I really have been getting quite upset because it is messing with my metaphor. Friday I installer was suppose to be here but they scheduled him somewhere else - I was not happy about it at all and even told them about my metaphor and that they were messing with my life! I have had gluten lately with the ward feeding us - we are on our own now and I will get back to normal. Dad is glad I am mad at the kitchen people and not him!

You didn’t' tell me about the plumbing but dad did. I know Taylor was thrilled to have her favorite meal.

We'll look into the tickets! Imagine you reading during a football game!
Ok this is Whitney... that last line was mom but now it's me!

Hey girl how's it going? I loved your letter it made me giggle. I was hopping that I would have a politely insistent man with an accent telling me the same thing over and over. We could have swapped stories then.

I’m so upset Ramon was not there to greet you! He and I had a few words..... and I think he won but I still felt pretty good at the end of it all

Good for you. He knows for sure what you thought of their stupid policy. Even if he was pretending to speak very poor English. I'm so excited to watch Twilight with you and Small one. It will be great fun. One of the Less Actives we've been working with gave me a huge Edward poster that I'm to chicken to hang up but I unroll every now and again to admire.

There is this Edward cardboard cut out down the street from me that the girls have put up in their window peaking out from behind a curtain.... it scares the crap out of me every time I go by it! cuz someone is totally watching me!!!! But yes... its a freaking awesome movie and then the next one will come out a few months later!!!! Oh gosh.... Jacobs’s abs.... you can’t think about them so I will for you.

You're so good to me Whit. Only you would selflessly think about Jacobs well-toned abs for your poor sister. Dan (Sparkles) he as that stand up of Edward too.

Well love I've got to get going. But have a great week. And be happy thinking about Jacob for me. Love you babe!

2009-06-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

This picture took four tries before we got the streamers in at the same time the picture was taken.

Sister Malcom wrapped me up in a birthday streamer.

Kelli blowing out the candles on the cake that Elder Eden made - it was yummy!

All the Sisters in the Mission. L-R back row: Stowers, Hartman, me, Hancock, Johns, Goodsell, Malcom, Hall. L-R front row: Wright, Wilcox, Palmer.

Kelli and Elder Mortinson the day Elder Bednar came to speak to them. She looks very tan!

(Kelli and I chatted on line today - I will organize it and get it posted later - Mom)

Happy Birthday Sister Wilcox!!!

2009-06-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your expressions of love and wishes of a Happy Day.

I'm not sure I understand the numbers on dad's midline shift. I see that they went down but not a lot - so I'm assuming it's good but I have no idea what on earth most of that means. (Michael's midline shift was 10mm the day we went to the ER and June 4th was 5mm. Anything over 5mm surgery is considered - yup - they did it!)

I'm very excited for your new TV dad. You've had the same one for many years. I suppose major surgery is excuse enough to get a new one :) Thank you so much for adding some money to my account. I've been a little worried about that. Not here but the return home, my grand plan was to go home, sleep, get a job. That's still the plan but I can buy nice clothes to get the job. After all we are to dress for success. In all likelihood I'll renew my CNA certificate and just get over myself.

Sister Malcom and I get along really well. We got a bit of a surprise yesterday morning. President called to tell us he was sending yet another Sister home and he was bringing Sister Goodsell to us.

I MEET ELDER BEDNAR! HE STARED INTO MY SOUL AND IT WAS GOOD. We got up at 4 am Saturday to drive to Pensacola - the opposite end of the mission to have a three hour training with Elder Bednar. I straightened my hair for the occasion. He asked us what we had learned from the reading he assigned us - I had a comment on that one. Then he opened it up for questions - we talked about getting out of the way of the Holy Ghost.

Oh - this computer is about to shut down - I'll see if I can start again somewhere else.

(She couldn't so this was a very short email!)

New Companion and Elder Bednar is Coming!

2009-06-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Wowzers. What a week - well two weeks really. Dad it was a little odd to get your letter with Taylor's punctuation or lack there of. Is it that hard to CAPITALIZE? I mean really - you'd think I was reading a text or something. Just kidding small one - you know I love you. And I'm very grateful for all the stuff your doing to help the old ones.

I didn't mean to freak out Becky, I didn't write anyone last week what with getting a new companion and all. (Kelli had written to Becky telling her that Michael might have a brain tumor and was in surgery that day - Becky came to the house to check on us and was very relieved after 10 days thinking the worst - We love you Becky!) That was intense. Friday the 22nd was Zone Conference, side note: that was a rough Conference. Everyone was testifying of how they found joy in the work and I was sitting there thinking, "Well, I would if I could but I can't, 'cause my companion is dying." Mom as you know I was having a rough week that week mainly 'cause I was going a little stir crazy with a touch of Cabin Fever and all the stuff with dad - but we talked about this on the phone. Anyway my interview with President consisted of him telling me that Sister Short was probably going to be leaving on Tuesday or Wednesday. And then letting me know that he and the Lord were aware of my desires to be working and were pleased with what I had to offer. Which really wasn't much - but it felt really good to hear that.

We found out Monday that she would be leaving at 5:30 am on Wed. So the frenzied packing and saying good-bye began. It was exhausting. At 2 o'clock on Tuesday President and Sister Summerhays drove up to our apt with Sister Malcom in tow. Sister Malcom was trained by Smithers in Crestview right before she came to Tally and has been in Crestview for 15 months. I thought a year on campus was a long time but 15 months is considerably longer. Anyway we have a lot in common and it is going to be a good companionship. She has been very helpful as I get back into the groove of being a missionary. I'd gotten very lazy with Short. It was very easy to do so since she slept most of the day. I get to get rid of some bad habits I picked up, like 3 hour naps. Sigh. Those were the days.

I love the pictures ya'll sent. In one of them dad looked like Craig - wonders never cease. The Meadow Wood party sounds all sorts of special- but I'm glad you continued to be my dad through it all. (Michael and three other members of our ward where in the same hospital at the same time.) I also noticed that you had your iphone on you in almost every single picture. What on earth was so important that you had to have your phone on you at all times? Are you crazy man? Speaking of crazy I only support the camping thing if mom does otherwise I am very opposed to it. It takes 6-8 weeks to recover from any surgery let alone a major one. I do not think that that will give you sufficient time to be better. You may be better than the ordinary man but even Superman dies. (Michael had hoped to go back packing with Bishop Hosskisson in early July but his picc line will still be in so he can't go).

As for your blessings I have seen many miracles with that. Mainly with Short. She'd have a fever and whoever was voicing the blessing, usually Rass, he'd say, "According to your faith, be healed." and then she was - it was great fun. Until she got her headaches and then the blessings changed to, "You have something to learn from this. So thank you for asking but no." Oh speaking of which I have officially asked for more blessings in the last 13 months than I have my whole life. Which isn't that many but it's an improvement. Go me.

I attached your thanks, along with mine, in my letter to President today, I know he will be grateful for the expression.

As for my birthday, it falls on a P-day which is very convenient. I have one of two plans. 1) go to the giant tepee and play with tomahawks and other old Native American war tools. 2) go up to the I-Max and watch an educational video. Both of which will be followed by carrot cake and cream cheese icing. No I haven't changed.

Today our P-day activity was to go play Tennis. I haven't done it since they forced us to in HS during gym. I hit the ball a few times but had to keep checking my racket to be sure there wasn't a huge gaping hole in the middle where I was trying to hit the ball. I think it (the hole) came and went to spite me. I have a lovely burn now and I'm grateful that I have an excuse to be in charge of next weeks activity and no one can argue with me 'cause I am the birthday girl.

I'm glad everyone is doing better and I've got a busy week ahead of me. Elder David A Bednar will be here on Saturday to give the missionaries a training. I'm very excited. And Sister Malcom and I have lots of new investigators to sift through this week. It's gonna be big - Epic even. Love you all! Have a blessed day full of peace and love.

Kelli

Sunday, May 17, 2009

2009-05-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

Kelli's dad, Michael, had surgery on Monday, May 18 to remove 22 cc of infection that had formed in his brain near the right thalamus. We called Kelli's Mission President, President Summerhays, and he allowed Kelli to call home and text us daily during this time.

Michael is doing better every day.

Wahoo!

2009-05-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

It's funny how I keep not re-learning but remembering things I know to be true. One of the favorite questions for missionaries to ask each other is, "Who were you before the mission?" My answer is usually along the lines of Anti-Social goth chick. I am no longer trapped by that person. The prison that we create for ourselves are formed on old beliefs that we "know" we can't change. The knowledge that we don't have to be that person is the beginning of freedom. Some think gratitude is the way I also think that repentance would be another one. I've been learning a lot about repentance and I'm finding what a miraculous gift that is. Repentance means simply to change. And when we express gratitude our perception changes or we repent and get a new start. Repentance has so much negative connotation associated with it and I find it to be one of the greatest blessings I could be given.

Any way how's that for a ramble?

So I was all excited about moving and having four Sisters together shake things up a bit but alas. President never called and Sister Short and I are still together with out even a new apartment - same old same old.

Well I told you about my week, we helped Tanya and Krissie move. Friday we went on campus there weren't many people there but I met up with 2 girls, Kelly and Christine - I pretty much gave them a watered down 1st lesson and after relating the 1st Vision Christine said she got goose bumps I told her it was the Spirit and she brushed it off saying she always gets em - but I knew better. Christine said she was happy being an uniformed Catholic but Kelly gave me her number I'll be calling her sometime this week. Yippie. Then we were at the Ronald McDonald House. Saturday we met with Farah and had a great lesson and answered a lot of her questions before heading home to work on our amazing Member Book. Sunday was a long day of church waiting to talk to y'all. That was my week. Hopefully this one will be better.

Love you! Kelli

2009-05-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

I will call ya'll around 2:30 your time. Oh it's so exciting!

Take Five at the Institute saved our numbers this week. We made a point to go to all 3 lunches and we had several investigators there. We were able to have many a lesson with a member present during that time. Thank heaven. We went tracking for about half an hour on Tuesday and got a new investigator. That was cool until she ditched us on Saturday for her return appointment - oh well.

Wednesday Sister Short went to the Doctor - she has a large lump on her collar bone that turns out to be a cyst - she's getting removed tomorrow. I'm very excited - I hope they let me in the room so I can watch. On Wednesday we went to a members house for dinner and her dog kept chewing on my bag - I let it go but was grossed out. Upon returning home I emptied my bag and threw it in the washer. I didn't check the outside pocket and accidentally sent the cell phone through the washing machine. We have a new phone now - the day and half without it were brutal.

Friday we helped the Elders move. My hands hurt a lot but I'm good now. Saturday I practiced the piano for several hours - Elder Merkley is singing in a few weeks and I get to accompany him. It's a very pretty song called My Soul Hungered.

Sunday we went to Elder Bednars Devotional talk - I really enjoyed it. I've been trying to figure out how I'm going to change some of my old habits when I return home and his talk gave me several ideas.

Today we played roller hockey, well by we I mean Krissie, the Elders and I while Sister Short and Carly sat on the sides and watched. That's all for me. If this letter is boring it's because my week was boring.

Love you all and talk to you on Sunday. Love Kelli

Monday, April 27, 2009

2009-04-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

Monday after we left the Ronald McDonald House we met up with the Elders and had yet another epic battle of Risk and I won again! I was shocked and amazed. To celebrate we made hats for everyone to take to the District Meeting the next day. Mine was a crown while everyone else had a hat that resembled a dunce hat - OK - they were supposed to be party hats but they still looked like dunce hats. Elder Eden labeled me: Supreme Overlord of the World - that was the title on my crown. Sister Short was: Keeper of the Magic Purple Backpack, Elder Mahan: Master Mahan (after Cain in the Bible) Elder Merkley: Rule Book Merkley, he loves that rule book. Elder Krisier was Sunshine, his piece was yellow it just seemed to fit. Elder Davis was The Beast. On Elder Eden's we wrote Dunce because he's the only one with enough confidence to think it was funny and "Kill Siam" was just to obvious. Elder Gwyther we really couldn't come up with anything good so it just said The Gwyth.

Tuesday morning and afternoon we spent ages trying to find an investigator that had given us a hard to find address - we found it eventually and she wasn't even home - lame.

Thursday we were down at TCC as usual and some guy tried to bash with us. It was almost funny - he was so confused - trying to figure out what on earth he was talking about took some effort. Eventually we gave up and started testifying up the wazoo but surprise surprise - this did not satisfy him and he left disappointed.

After Friday Forum we didn't go to the Ronald McDonald House 'cause we'd gone on Monday - it was so strange to have Friday afternoon to proselyte rather than do service. We along with the FSU and TCC Elders went to FSU and again used sidewalk chalk to draw the Plan of Salvation. Tanya and Krissie came with us and Tanya made excellent flowers and even a cute bee to go with 'em.

Saturday we (the missionaries) set up a game of Ultimate Frisbee for our investigators and the members - a lot of people came which means that someone had to get hurt - two someones in fact. Madisen rolled her ankle and Tanya had a body collision with Ben Pope. That was pretty ugly. Thankfully Tanya does not have a concussion but her TMJ is acting up. We tried to go visit Kiley she lives way the heck out there but she wasn't home.

Sunday after church we had dinner with a member I - peeled potatoes for Sister Bowcutt and did weekly planning.

Today we played volleyball with the Elders and lots of people from the ward. No one was hurt, well me but that's just 'cause I don't do volleyball well. My hands are none to happy with me right now. Sigh.

Well today is the beginning of Finals week at FSU

Love you all!

Kelli

2009-04-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

Monday after we left the Ronald McDonald House we met up with the Elders and had yet another epic battle of Risk and I won again! I was shocked and amazed. To celebrate we made hats for everyone to take to the District Meeting the next day. Mine was a crown while everyone else's resembled a dunce hat - OK - they were supposed to be party hats but they still looked like dunce hats. Elder Eden labeled me: Supreme Overlord of the World - that was the title on my crown. Sister Short was: Keeper of the Magic Purple Backpack, Elder Mahan: Master Mahan (after Cain in the Bible) Elder Merkley: Rule Book Merkley, he loves that rule book. Elder Krisier was Sunshine, his piece was yellow it just seemed to fit. Elder Davis was The Beast. On Elder Eden's we wrote Dunce because he's the only one with enough confidence to think it was funny and "Kill Siam" was just to obvious. Elder Gwyther we really couldn't come up with anything good so it just said The Gwyth.

Tuesday morning and afternoon we spent ages trying to find an investigator that had given us a hard to find address - we found it eventually and she wasn't even home - lame.

Thursday we were down at TCC as usual and some guy tried to bash with us. It was almost funny - he was so confused - trying to figure out what on earth he was talking about took some effort. Eventually we gave up and started testifying up the wazoo but surprise surprise - this did not satisfy him and he left disappointed.

After Friday Fourum we didn't go to the Ronald McDonald House 'cause we'd gone on Monday - it was so strange to have Friday afternoon to proselyte rather than do service. We along with the FSU and TCC Elders went to FSU and again used sidewalk chalk to draw the Plan of Salvation. Tanya and Krissie came with us and Tanya made excellent flowers and even a cute bee to go with 'em.

Saturday we (the missionaries) set up a game of Ultimate Frisbee for our investigators and the members - a lot of people came which means that someone had to get hurt. Two someones in fact. Madisen rolled her ankle and Tanya had a body collision with Ben Pope. That was pretty ugly. Thankfully Tanya does not have a concussion but her TMJ is acting up. We tried to go visit Kiley she lives way the heck out there but she wasn't home.

Sunday after church we had dinner with a member I - peeled potatoes for Sister Bowcutt and did weekly planning.

Today we played volleyball with the Elders and lots of people from the ward. No one was hurt, well me but that's just 'cause I don't do volleyball well. My hands are none to happy with me right now. Sigh.

Well today is the beginning of Finals week at FSU

Love you all!

Kelli

Snow? Really?

2009-04-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

I miss crazy Utah weather. Good old April snows - gotta love it. We heard about the Tea Party. Apparently at the Capitol here there were a few thousand people protesting - I was surprised because Tallahassee is so Liberal.

I'm glad y'all got to go to St. George - Taylor needs a break from school. And it's good to just go have fun. Guess what? I've actually heard of the "17 Again" movie - several girls in the ward were talking about it. Some have already seen it 3 times - oh boy.

And dad of course HP will save more money by flying you out and someone else in. Gosh you're supposed to be the math genius - the more you spend the more you have - or at least that is the attitude that so many people seem to take. If you can spend it you must have it. How's that for an explanation? That does seem lame - don't you have a great relationship with the people you work with in Utah? And they want you to try and transfer the relationship of trust to someone that doesn't even live in the state? That's like having an emergency transfer and having a golden investigator wonder where their missionary went.

As for my week - Monday after I'd finished writing y'all the weather turned nasty and it was pouring heavy rain. It cleared up for about 1/2 an hour and we and the FSU Elders made a dash for home - we played Phase 10. I somehow managed to pull out a win but it wasn't by much. At first I was losing - very badly in fact.

Tuesday - Elder Mahan called us early and asked us to explain to Elder Merkley that going out sick isn't a good idea. Sister Short took the lead and told him that we are called to teach and if we do not take care our selfs in order to be fully functional when we teach we are not fulfilling our calling. After he committed to stay in till he had lessons to go to - Sister Short heeded her own advice and went back to bed. We met with a less active and helped her get a blessing - she is doing much better now. In fact she came to Sacrament Meeting on Sunday - she hasn't been in about 4 months - so that was really good.

That evening we met with Erin. It had been nearly 2 months since we'd met with her last. She told us how some days she is sure it's true and then other days doubts plague her and she isn't even sure that the Bible or her Catholic beliefs are correct - let alone some 14 year old boy seeing God. We talked for a while and I finally asked her what she wants from life? She wants what we all want - Happiness. The Spirit was able to prompt me to change the way we will be teaching her from now on. We will be focusing on happiness. Tuesday night I had no idea how I was going to implement that idea, I just knew that that is what we were supposed to do. Then came Zone Conference and a flood of revelation just for Erin.

Wednesday at Zone Conference, President pulled me in for my interview before the meeting started. He asked what we were going to do with me the rest of my mission. To quote him, "You've been on campus forever!" He's right only 3 months of my mission were not on campus. I don't know if I want to leave. Campus is like home to me. He asked me what I thought of having another set of missionaries on FAMU. I think it would be great. Sister Short and I only make it up there once a week and it makes retaining investigators hard. President feels that many of the young African Americans want to follow in President Obama's foot steps and are disciplined to be able to keep commitments - he has a point. Anyway back to me - we also talked about my future education. I told him that math is the bain of my existence. He smiled and told me that I have learned how to rely on the Lord and He will help me pass my math classes, but that we'll talk more of that soon. I also asked him when I would be going home - either September or October. He said he didn't know - it might be sooner so that I could enroll in school again. And then again he said we will talk more about that in the future. So I'm wondering - is it the future yet?

During Sister Shorts interview President told her that her headaches were a blessing. She is in pain now to stave a greater pain down the road - neither of us really know what that means. After Zone Conference Carly and Krissie came with us and the Crawfordville Elders to Arby's - then we had a lesson with France. She requested a blessing and so the Elders and Marcus came and gave her one.

Thursday we had a great booth day at TCC. We found a new investigator, someone Sisters Scoresby and Stowers never followed up with. I met a gypsy. He was very well read and had read the Book of Mormon before - he wanted another one for his friend. We also meet a very strange girl who gave off bad vibes - she was kind of creepy. Later the Institute had an "Understanding Mormonism" seminar on FSU campus and three non-members came. It was good.

Sister Short was not doing very well Friday - we stayed in for a few hours before she dragged herself to Friday Forum 'cause we have two investigators that go every week and we wanted to have a brief meeting with them. After that we went to the Ronald McDonald House and Jacquline picked us up and we visited with a less active member. She seemed much happier than I've seen her in a while. She still didn't come to church on Sunday. I think that she subconsciously makes herself ill so that she can't come. I wonder if she notices that she is always sick Saturday and Sunday.

We then visited Cameron and Joe - they have a new puppy. We watched the Restoration with them and they seemed to enjoy it. Cameron made an interesting comment, she said something along the lines of being jealous of me for finding peace and knowing that I'm happy. She said she wants that too. Well yes she want's it but she's not willing to give anything up for it - happiness isn't free.

As we were leaving Cameron and Joe's ready to call it a night France called crying needing another blessing - we called the Elders Quorum President and waited for he and France to show up. We didn't leave the institute till 10:15 pm. It was good 'cause France needed us but it was hard - I was so tired.

Saturday we didn't get a break. The First Ward was having a Primary Activity that they wanted us to help with so we went to the church early to help set up and get the kids ready. Krissie and Carly came to help too - after the activity Carly requested a blessing 'cause she was nervous about having to speak in church the next day - she has great faith. She said that when the blessing began she felt peace. We stayed with her for a bit and watched that movie that G & G Wilcox sent me about Gordon B Hinckley. It was good.

Sunday Carly did a fantastic job speaking I was so proud of her. Totally cried through it but what else is new? After church we had a lesson with Amber - it was a good lesson and Sister Short asked her if she would be baptized - Amber cried and said she would - I was surprised - I was going to wait till next week but 'cause Shorts a rock star she knew she could do it then.

Mom I got your Easter package! The shirts fit great! I love the sleeves on the blue one! And the gluten free Pamela's package couldn't have come at a better time. My body is not happy with me. It's tired and wants to know when I will start taking better care of it - that will help immensely! I found some gluten free Honey Chex. It makes me very happy.

Well that's my week. Hope you have a great one this week. I love you all!

Kelli

Post Easter

2009-04-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

We did a lot of work this week with former investigators and less actives. One of the members we have been working with became insulted and stopped coming to church - we've been meeting with her weekly for ages. She will have a break through - we leave exhausted and happy - then the next week she's right back where she started. It's been exhausting and frustrating. Anyway she moved out of her apartment into a new one - two guys from the ward, the Elders, Krissie, Carly, Sister Short and I helped her move. It was really good - her heart was considerably softened.

Wednesday Sister Short had a major migraine and wasn't able to open her eyes without wanting to die/cry.

Thursday we were at TCC then we helped with preliminary packing for the move mentioned above - Krissie and Carly were there too. After packing we ordered Pizza and watched Legacy - that was what I did for my one year mark. No fire - the usual event at the one year mark is the burning of a skirt - but I like my skirts - I didn't want to burn any of them.

Friday Sister Shorts migraine came back with a vengeance - after suffering for a long time she asked the Elders for a blessing and the blessing pretty much said - Thank you for asking but no - you have something to learn and it's gonna hurt till you learn it. We have no idea what she needs to learn. We had a companion prayer later that night and I felt the spirit strongly but didn't really get a clear answer. Sister Short got out her Journal and so I got mine out too - I've been playing mad catch up with my journal hoping that as I write her pain will lesson. So far it hasn't - but my hands are now killing me. Maybe we both need to learn about pain - Ugh I hope not - I really don't like pain.

Saturday after helping with the move we made Easter Eggs with Carly and Krissie. I made a Peace egg - Sister Short made a Free the Birdies egg and that has a double meaning - it was jolly good fun.

Sunday was a much needed day. It was Fast Sunday and we had several former less actives that we've been working with go up and bear their testimonies and thank us or you know the Lord for being there really. It was really nice to see and hear. We had dinner with an engaged couple in the ward - it was yummy - I ate way to much. I named my food baby Wilbur - it was a real southern meal.

Today we played soccer with the Elders, Krissie, Madison and Carly. After the soccer game we took the eggs we'd made on Saturday and threw them at the Elders. Things are good with the new Elders.

Love you all!

Kelli

Pizza - Rain - Big Holes

2009-04-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

What a week this has been. It has been so chock full of stuff I am trying to figure out how to tell you about it. I guess the best place to start is at the beginning. Hum, Monday after I left you with a crummy email 'cause of the major lack of time we went to Chili's with Rass, Davis, Alex, Carly, and Krissie - Whitney was there too. It was a farewell to Rass. Carly and Krissie put together a most excellent going away package that included a My Little Pony Ring, Razzels, and Office Supplies.

Tuesday was our last District Meeting with Rass it was sad - Sister Short and I wore all black to show our mourning. And before you say it I really only wear all black in the winter - it's too hot to do it in the summer. Then Sister Short challenged Rass to a Pizza Eating Contest. We went to Stevie B's, a pizza buffet, and the challenge was on. Most everyone joined in, I kept score 'cause we all know how I get when I'm not at least moderately careful about the food I put in my body. So to save everyone from the wrath of Kelli I refrained. Most people dropped out between 10 and 15 slices - Short and Eden tied at 18 and Rass won with 19. Poor Eden, he was full after 3 slices but his pride was his down fall. He was sweating profusely and often got in the "Think" pose to try and keep his food down. Short chewed her last bite for a good 20 minutes before she was able to swallow it - I'm very glad I didn't join in. Uhh. Well after that Short and I, still none to happy that Rass was leaving, decided that since Rass is our little brother Short needed a "little Brother's Blessing" as opposed to a fathers blessing. It was actually of comfort and council but it all works out.

On the way to the Elders, (it was pouring rain) I fell in a big hole. Really big - like a man hole but not. It was full of water and I couldn't touch the bottom so I don't know how deep it actually was. Don't worry - Short took pictures so we can all laugh. After I got over the shock I started laughing and was soaking wet for the remainder of the evening till we got home and I could take a hot shower. I have a beautiful bruise blossoming on my shin.

So Wednesday we called Rass one last time to say good bye at 6:30 on the dot 'cause we're mean - we then got ready and President dropped a new Sister off to us at around 8 am - we now have two sets of Sisters serving in Tally. They are in the First Ward, but Sister Short and I still are over the whole Stake. I'm not sure how it is all going to work out but I'm sure it will. The new sisters name is Sister Palmer, she is a Timpview graduate from good old Provo and apparently knows me. I kind of lived in a bubble in High School so I didn't know her. Oops. So we toted Sister Palmer around with us all day while she waited for her trainer to come to Tally. It was fun.

Sister Short and I have both been working on opening our mouths more and have had many people talk with us - all the while it keeps raining. We had a service project to do with the wife of one of the Stake Presidency Counselors tying quilts - we spent a good 4 hours doing that. She gave us Wendy's - it was yummy. All those Family Reunions tying quilts paid off - she was so surprised at how quickly we were able to tie. What can I say? Go team. We met the new Elders - they have potential - we just need to break them in.

Thursday we planned to go the the booth at TCC like always but again it was pouring rain - which isn't that bad - but it was lightning and thundering too. We are advised to be indoors in those conditions. If you have a car you can work around it - but we don't - so we called nearly every member we could trying to find a way so we didn't just sit at our apartment all day. Finally someone told us, "We are on a Tornado and Flash Flood warning till 3 - I am not leaving my house and neither should you." We went back to bed - it was beautiful until we got a little bit of cabin fever - thankfully Friday was clear.

Friday we went to the Friday Forum and to the Ronald McDonald House. Later we had a lesson with Farah - she is a power house of faith - an absolute rock star.

Saturday - Conference was great! We went tracking afterwards and found 2 new investigators - we then helped a member clean her house.

Sunday we again went to Conference - Sunday really spoke to me. I really, really, really miss Temples. Rass gave us a talk called "Free the Birdies" - it's about temples - I highly recommend it.

Today we went bowling as a District - it was good to have the whole District together. We all get along famously - this will be a good bunch of chocolates. Well that's it for me. I love you all.

Kelli

2009-03-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Um - so I just lost the email that I was almost finished writing and I only have about 1/2 an hour left before it's time to go. Here we go.

I made witty and fun remarks on all the things you told me about but no longer have time to repeat it all. It is transfers on Wednesday - we are losing Rass and neither Short or I are all that happy about it. As to Rass's tie we printed out all the photo's we took of it and put them in a photo album to tell the story of the Ugly Tie. Rass loved the book but was none to happy with Elder Davis for entering into a Secret Combination with Short and I. Rass has become very much like a little brother and I will miss him a lot. Today Sister Short and I began writing a letter of recommendation for him to give to his future wife - it'll be great. So he's off to become a Zone Leader in some place called Pace - no idea where that is - and Sister Short and I stay here taking care of our investigators.

We had an awesome week but to get more details you'll have to read Sister Short's blog - Sorry! I'll send some photos. Sister Short learned a new trick and Rass learned it too!

Brief Highlights: We drew the plan of salvation on campus it looked great. Thursday it started to rain and didn't really stop till yesterday. It was great fun. Today we played Risk with the Elders and I dominated it was amazing.

Saturday - Alex was baptized! He has been an investigator since July and finally got dunked - it was a great day.

Sorry about the short letter but technology is not all it's cracked up to be sometimes.

Love you all, Kelli

Just Another Manic Monday

2009-03-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry I didn't send pictures on Friday - 1st pic is our Broom Hockey game 2nd-Davis in our ceiling 3rd-Rass in our attic 4th-Davis in our attic.

It's crazy that I've been out this long. Sister Summerhays commented on it last week at Zone Conference, "Oh my, you've been out 11 months!" Yes ma'am I have. I just got a email from Sherrie from PCB it is really nice to hear from her. It reminded me of all the things I've learned and how I've changed in the last 4 months or so. Let alone the last year.

As for my week it has flown by. Tuesday I went to go see Dr. Dunn, the Chiropractor, he has magic fingers. Wait did I tell you about broom hockey last week? I don't remember. Just in case I didn't - Monday we played broom hockey - my team won. We used some old brooms and someone's broom had a cockroach in it! It was dead but still eww. After that we had dinner with some members and a Family Home Evening. We played Apples to Apples and I taught the girls how to do a Utah bump in their hair. It was beautiful. Oh and I did get your package that evening the Elders dropped it by just in time for St. Patty's Day. Thank you! I loved that talk, Sis Short and I read it together for Companion Study.

Ok so back to Tuesday. After seeing Dr. Dunn we tracted for a while then had a lesson with an investigator followed by dinner at Kristen Hills house - she made a "green meal" we had green eggs and ham, green pancakes, waffles and milk. It was a jolly good time.

Wednesday we had Zone Conference. I'm turning in to such a softy. I've cried more in the last week than I have in a year. And it's all because of my interview with President. I've been really working on yielding my will to God's and submitting to His wisdom. And President opens up with talking about those two things and how he see's the change in me and how I'm on the path and all that. Then I broke down and we talked about some of the struggles I'm having with an Elder and all that icky stuff and I shared with him my epiphany that I just need to trust God, but that I didn't know how to show him in my weakness that I did. He then went into how Heavenly Father knows I trust Him and how I'm not trying to prove that to Him but to myself. We talked for a while and I cried and really haven't stopped since. Well that's not true but it feels like it since I haven't done this in a while. I don't sob but tears just sort of roll down my face out of pure joy. It's kind of lame.

Thursday we had the Booth at TCC and it was all sorts of fun, we took more pictures of Elder Rass's ugly tie - followed by dinner and lesson with Farah - that went well.

Friday Sis Short slept the morning and part of the afternoon away then we went to RMH followed by a lesson with Kiley and Cory.

Saturday was pretty boring - we planned and tracted and then we went to Wal-mart and printed out the pictures of Elder Rass's tie and started putting them in a little album. On Sunday we gave the tie to Elder Davis along with Sister Short's camera - he took pictures of the tie all around their apartment and this morning slipped us the camera and we printed the pictures. Elder Rass has been harassing us all day about his tie - little does he know that at this moment it is sitting in his closet waiting for him. Hee Hee Hee. We are so sneaky.

Well that's about it for me. I love you all. Have a great week.

Kelli

P.S. I forgot to tell you last week about the squirrels - we have a family of squirrels living in our attic - we've heard noises coming from up there on and off for quite some time now. One night it was particularly bad we thought we had a small rabid dog in our ceiling. We called the Elders and made them come over and save us. They climbed up in the attic (it smelled like pee) and found the hole they've been using to get in. We just have to talk to our landlord to get it cleared up.

P.P.S. from Mom - Sister Short also has a blog that her mom keeps up-to-date. Last week she said: "We were walking to a lesson when someone yelled out their window that we should be on What Not To Wear! We just about died laughing. We both commented on how we are rather shapeless in our clothing and it isn't even flattering. We felt validated and enjoyed the comment!"

Happy St. Patty's Day

2009-03-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Kelli & Carly at Carly's baptism.

Rass with his tie before we stole it.

Rass's ugly tie and Mr. Bear.

Kelli with Rass's tie at TCC.

Dear Family and Other People who read my Blog,

Hello and how are you? I'm sorry to hear Edna Browne passed away. I loved her so much, she radiated happiness when she was around. Mom, I'm glad that you got to talk to her.

I'm glad Taylor had fun at the dance. What a cutie. She actually went to the dance, I'm so proud. I never spent more than 1/2 an hour at the dance so more power to her for staying and teaching her date how to dance.

This week has been interesting. It was Spring Break here so we had an interesting time finding stuff to do. We had some service around the city. We went to TCC to help with the High School Brain Bowl. Turns out I'm smarter than I thought I was. I knew most of the answers (except the Math but that's a given) we also had a major miracle. Last summer when I was here with Sister Scoresby and Sister Benfield we were teaching a girl named Brandy, she loved what we were teaching but her dad was very against it, she lost her phone and got a new number and we lost contact. She was in one of the Brain Bowl groups I was helping with so I was able to talk to her. She said she was turning 18 in three months and would contact us then. Talk about a miracle.

Saturday we had an hour bike ride do more service, FSU Elders came with us, it was a tough ride. After I decided that I didn't have to keep up with the Elders it became much easier, but I didn't decide that till on the way back. Silly me. Anyway the service we did was for the Red Cross, we were helping set up for a big shindig for the rich and famous. It looked pretty cool by the time we were done if I do say so myself.

Carly was baptized this week. And tonight we are going over to her place to teach her, Krissie, and Tanya how to do the Utah bump. So my hair is currently straight so I can join in on the fun. What makes this a story is the fact that I told Elder Rass I wouldn't do my my hair straight again till after he left. Unfortunately, I like Carly more than my pride so...I will be teased a lot tonight. Oh well - it'll be worth it.

This morning we played broom hockey and got a lot of aggression out, it was very good for those of us that were there. (TCC wouldn't come the shmucks) My team won, I was appointed team captain I choose my team and we won. Go us.

Oh funny story. Elder Rass had a bunch of hideous ties and one particularly bad one is one that has red Peacocks and mauve roses on it. We stole it and are holding it ransom till he thinks of something that we would want to trade for it. In the mean time, we are taking the tie with us and taking pictures of it doing things its just not made to do. Then we torture him by showing him said pictures while he searches our stuff trying to find the thing. He's been so close before we thought we'd lost it a couple times but he still remains oblivious to its whereabouts.

So that was my week. We aren't at computers were the computer has easy access so I can't send pictures but I will do so on Friday. I love you all but I am out of time. Thanks for your letters, prayers and love they mean so much.

Love ya, Kelli

Video Surveillance

2009-03-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

The most exciting news of my week is that the security guys, Mike and Scott, from the United States Postal Service Intelligence came to our home to show us Video Surveillance of the kid that used Grandma and Grandpa Maloney's credit card. They had official brief cases with official looking seals and everything. No idea how they tracked it down, but they did and they even had the original receipt that he signed. He signed it Jeffery Baum but they think that's a fake name. He bought an ugly shirt that cost $48 something. I would have bought a better shirt for that much.

While they were here they asked us some questions and we showed them where we had found Sister Shorts torn letter. They asked us if we still had it, we did, they took it by the edge and are going to finger print it. I feel like I'm in a CSI show or something. It makes life exciting.

Well Elder Clasby has left us and and we have a newbie his name is Elder Davis and he isn't boring, I think we'll keep him for a little while. This week is spring break at FSU, TCC, and FAMU, so once again we have to get a little creative to find stuff to do. On Saturday we will be setting up chairs for some red cross thing we are very excited, three whole hours where we don't have to come up with something to do.

My vote was that Sister Short got sick all week and we would just have to stay in but the stinker up and got a blessing yesterday and has crazy faith and is all better now. So now we actually need to find work. I was kind of banking on her being sick. Oh well. No seriously, her blessing was amazing. Usually blessings start out something like, "Your Heavenly Father loves you." But Shorts said flat out, "I want you to know that I love you." It was powerful. She was given many promises and council that show how we can expect miracles. It was powerful. Rass gave the blessing and after it was over he kind of hid in the kitchen for a bit but told us that he had never felt the spirit so strongly in his life. Then in classic Rass style cracked a joke about how his kids are going to read his journal and see this Sister Short keep popping up and getting blessings - he's pretty sure they will think she's an invalid.

The TCC Elders have decided that the Booth is unproductive and shut it down- we said Um not so much. We took all their stuff including the portable DVD player that I got from President last summer and we are now in charge of the booth and the perks that come with it. Muwhahaha. Legacy here we come.

Dad/Taylor's bridge is amazing - cash prize! Does dad get half? I think he should. (Taylor's physics bridge held 1644 pounds - she placed 3rd)

An individual we have been struggling with has recently caused problems with the members here and continues to be generally difficult. But each time we really talk about it, it comes down to Sister Short, Elder Rassmusen and I and our attitudes towards that person. It really is up to us to be loving, patient and kind.

After having many deep thoughts with Sister Short I concluded that my not forgiving this person shows that I don't trust God. There is a long process as to how I got there but the point is the conclusion. So I had to let go and trust that God knew best and would take care of it and make it everyone's gain. Sometimes I wish that God was a respecter of persons - thankfully He's not. But that was my epiphany of the week. Sister Short had her own epiphany of what she needs to work on and now we have to take that knowledge and act - hard stuff. The Lord has cut me a break in giving me extra help in one of the things I've been praying about and has given me a different challenge to overcome now. Yippy Skippy.

Love you all!

Kelli

Monday, March 2, 2009

2009-03-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

Hello again. Long time no talkage. (Kelli received permission to call home on Saturday to find information about a stolen Visa card - it was a wonderful surprise). I loved the photo of everyone sitting at the table learning how to make blogs. (Mom and Dad are Ward Missionaries - we are to "Proclaim the Gospel Online". We had a meeting at our house with our fellow missionaries and helped them set up their own blogs). It was hilarious to see Bishop Johnson and Bishop Hoskisson sitting there all intent. It was good to see Ryan and Mary Lou. Mary Lou sent me a letter this week - I haven't written back yet but I will soon. Brother Cannon looks the same as always - I don't think he ages.

Thanks for the advice - Sister Short is all for videoing it - I am not - I'll just adjust as I can and see what happens. (Kelli told us she was experiencing calf pain after jogging - we asked Uncle Dan about it - he gave suggestions and mom suggested a video for him to analysis). I'm excited to get The Seventeen Points of the True Church. I love the list - this is the guys testimony right? That will be all kinds of fun - easy companion study that we can do in bed - always a plus.

I think I told you everything already - (She told us that President Summerhays is going to leave Sister Short as her companion in Tallahassee for the next two transfers - they are doing amazing things together)! I'm just thrilled about Cory's impending baptism it's going to be a hard road for him, he has a lot of habits to change but he has the spark and the desire to do it. And he also has Kiley's support - it'll be awesome. We took a bunch of pictures with the Elders on Saturday - but we are at lame computers where the computer is locked so we can't send them. We'll get 'em to you next week.

I love you all and I'm sorry I missed Whitney.

Kelli

Round of Applause!

2009-02-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! It has been a successful week all around. Dad finished his first website, which is beautiful, and mom finally got rid of the hideousness that is her old wallpaper. Frankly I'm shocked it took this long. I vaguely recall the day we moved in wallpaper was coming down - I was always waiting for the day you did it to your room. I can't believe you waited till I wasn't there to see it happen. The pictures help so thanks. Lose the chair rail! It has got to go. Free the room from the chains that have held it down for so many years, listen to its cries for freedom! So just out of curiosity is this going to be yet another never ending project or will it be done by the time I get home?

As for my week it was oodles of fun. We had lots of lessons on Monday and Tuesday but on Wednesday and Thursday Sister Short wasn't feeling so hot so we only got out of the house when we had a lesson. It was all good 'cause I got to read lots of the Book of Mormon - I'm almost finished - again! It will be my third time through as a missionary. Yeah me.

Thursday evening we meet again with Cameron and Joe, these are the investigators that made my head hurt last week. They still had lots of questions but we went in more prepared this time and were able to answer their questions better and without getting too deep. I really like them - they have lots of potential - but they didn't come to church yesterday - pout.

Friday was Zone Conference. President committed us to read/study from the Book of Mormon every day for the rest of our lives. It was a pretty easy commitment to make. I have many grand plans for study in the Book of Mormon when I have more time and can be more selfish in my studies.

Confession, I haven't written in my Journal in nearly two weeks it is daunting thinking about trying to catch up. If I had all the time in the world what would I do? Sleep, probably. Writing in my journal would probably take third or fourth place. So I guess I can't whine since I'm not going to do much about it other then bemoan the fact that I don't have enough time. Maybe if I whined less and wrote more it would solve my problems? OK that's about it for me. Good luck on the room and have a great week.

Love y'all - Kelli

A Most Excellent Week in Tallahassee Florida

2009-02-16T19:38:00.000-08:00

A most excellent week was had here in Tallahassee Florida - full of new and exciting things. One of my favorite Senior couples Elder and Sister Zabriskie went home Saturday, they live up on Canyon Road near Timpview High. We will chat when I get home.

Farah was Baptized on Friday and Confirmed Sunday. I have never felt the Spirit as strongly at a baptism as I did hers. Her friend Eddie who introduced her to the gospel performed the baptism. He has only been a member for a month and received the Aaronic Priesthood only 2 weeks ago. They both are young in life and the gospel but have a strong desire to learn and serve. Sister Short and I are hoping they fall madly in love and get sealed in the Temple a year from now. After she was baptized Sister Short and I ran to help her out of the font and we all hugged and they cried it was beautiful.

Another one of Farah's co-workers Confirmed her - Brother Prescott. Her blessing was so sweet - the thing that really stuck out to me was she was promised that no task would be to small for her. She has been through some crazy tough times and has not only survived but also thrived. It has been a great blessing to watch her grow. We will continue meeting with her and helping her study and understand the Book of Mormon.

President counseled us to teach her to mark the Book of Mormon in the same way he has been having us do it. Did I tell ya'll about that? Just in case I didn't we mark the commandment in one color then we mark the promised blessing in another. It has been fascinating studying the Book of Mormon this way - I've learned a lot - Alma 13 took on a completely different meaning. In the past I've always been bored with that chapter but this time I found prevalent meaning to my life in it.

Side note - last night we were at dinner with a member and he told us of a story he heard - if it's true or not is anyone's guess - Mormon legends and all - but the story is that some missionaries gave a new investigator 1 Nephi 3:7 to read but somewhere along the line the investigator got mixed up and read 3 Nephi 3:7 check out the difference - it's mighty funny.

Yes I did receive the big heart and the flowers. Thank you so much! When the heart came and I was trying to open it Sister Short said, "I hear candy!" I responded, "My mom would never send me candy." And low and behold my mom's body was taken over by aliens! Who are you and where is my mom?! I loved the Gluten Free Cookies, not only are they delicious but they made me smile. Taylor you did a most excellent job at making the hearts, Bravo.

Dad you make my heart glad - thank you so much for the flowers and the bear. When I opened it Sister Short commented on how cute Mom was, and while Mom is very cute, I knew they were from you. Thanks for taking care of me Dad! And also thank you for continuing to enable my teddy bear addiction - it's fun.

Grandma and Grandpa Wilcox sent me a Valentines gift too, lots of caramel popcorn and a hard cover Book of Mormon with Grandpa's testimony in it - I was close to tears - I haven't done that in a while. It was very cool.

I knew Benjamin and I were peas in a pod - neither of us seem to know what is going on - but I swear it's because no one told me - not 'cause I wasn't paying attention. I hope everything works out and Blackfoot is good to 'em.

Last night we spent a long time getting drilled by some of our new investigators - my head hurt after - but we answered their questions satisfactorily enough that we get to come back - Yippie. They had a lot of questions about how God and Science go together - it was fun but hard to keep from getting too deep. I think we mostly managed to walk the line.

Transfers are this week - President hasn't sent out his email yet telling us what's going to happen so...you never know.

Well I think that's it for me - if I find out anything interesting on transfers I will let y'all know. If I don't tell you anything than nothing interesting happened.

Chat with Mom

2009-02-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

Mom here - Kelli and I chatted through email yesterday - here as excerpts from our conversation.

I'm here finally are you still there? It's been a mad, mad day.

Yes!!! I'm here!

Hi mommy! What’s up? I learned something about myself. I've finally learned to find good in people - but I'm still flawed in that when I find the good I expect them to live up to the potential I see in them and when they don't - I have very little mercy. I'm working on it. We have had some problems with gossiping.

It just takes you back to those gossip lessons and the Mormon ad poster of all the junk on your hands doesn't it?

Yes ma'am.

You called me ma'am - you must be hanging out in the south!

I love saying ma'am and sir. I have every intention of doing everything in my power in helping my kids say that. Parents here call their kids sir and ma'am to teach them that that is what they should call other people. I will be implementing it into my home.

We have a client that is in ROTC - she calls me ma'am - it makes me feel old - but then again I guess I am! Do you remember that I'll be 50 in 11 days? Jenny's bday is tomorrow the 10th she will be 45 - sounds young doesn't it?

I remembered that you were turning 50 towards the end of February. I figured if I sent you your happy b-day email the Monday of the last week of February I'd have it covered. Thanks for the actual day reminder!

It's really nice to chat with you. Emails are fun but just don't cut it.

There is so much I want to study and do. I heard of a major that I might love. You can major in being a hostess. How cool is that. I could get a degree in how to throw awesome parties. Admittedly with the economy being a little sucky right now it might be hard to get people to pay me to plan their parties but I could also work at hotels and what not - I would have a blast doing that. No idea if they have that major at UVU or not. Also I still love ASL so...I'm going to be like you - 50 and no idea what I want to be when I grow up. Other than a goddess of course - but that's ages away.

A hostess? To me that sounds like a lot of work - but I figure I would be doing all the work like cleaning first so people could come - then figuring out what to fix (you know I like that part) and then cleaning up after ahhh! Is that a major at FSU?

Yes ma'am. One of the girls we talk to, Megan is majoring in it. I should call her and ask her more about it...hum. Anyway all I have to do is plan it - tell someone else how much it will cost and then disperse the money to the people that will come and clean after everyone leaves. My job would be to tell other people what to do. I'd be fantastic at it.

Today was awesome. President came down to interview Farrah for her Baptism and he was able to get across what Sister Short and I have been telling her for 7 weeks now, that Jesus Christ can heal all your wounds and after he has healed you he will make up to you all that you lack.

She was glowing today. She would sometimes beam for Sister Short and myself but today she glowed for a good hour. We took her home after the hour but I bet she continued to glow.

Oh that brought tears to my eyes! It's not as easy to do as it used to be.

We took Dan (Sparkles) and Amanda his friend with us to the Ronald McDonald house on Friday and had an awesome talk with them. We did the 1st lesson but not making it official like. It was very relaxed and the spirit was strong. Truly testifying of Christ, Heavenly Father and their love for all of us here on earth. We're going to be brave and invite them to Farrah's baptism on Friday. I really want them to come .

I love this Sparkles guy!

It is almost curfew for me I've got to go. I love you so much! Happy Valentines Day. Do something fabulous with dad.

Bubbles

2009-02-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

I miss Temples so much. But I am also spoiled to live in Utah and have a temple within five minutes from my house. The closest temple here is a four hour drive. Still I really really miss it. When we watched "Mountain of the Lord" they showed video of the inside of the Salt Lake Temple and I was going, "I've been there! I remember that!" Then I was sad that it was so far away. Oh well I'll get to go soon. The end of my mission keeps creeping nearer - in two months I will hit the year mark. Crazy no?

Well after I wrote y'all last week we had a lesson with Erin. We have been meeting with Erin a little over a month - she was raised Roman Catholic and was very devout until about 3 years ago. She has some Mormon friends growing up and noticed how happy they were. Before we started meeting with her she made sure we knew that she didn't like commitment and didn't want to embark on anything that would require much from her. We told her if she decided this wasn't for her she was free to go her way. But for someone who doesn't like commitments she sure can keep them. At this point she has read eight chapters out of the Book of Mormon which is quite a feat for only meeting once a week for five weeks. Anyway at our lesson last Monday we decided to let go of some of our fear and ask her what she thought of the Book of Mormon and invite her to church. She said that she was leaning towards believing that it is true. Which is HUGE progress compared to just a few weeks ago. Yet another testimonial that the Book of Mormon has the power to change lives. Erin is from Pittsburgh making her a die hard Steelers fan - we were very pleased to learn that they won the Super Bowl last night, it will put Erin in a fantastic mood for our lesson tonight! Yippie!

Oh yeah I read your talk mom, it was fantastic. (I gave a talk last week in Sacrament Meeting about how I use this blog as a missionary tool - we checked to see who has looked at it). People are reading about little old me in Ireland? I hope it's my husband. Got to keep the blood line! Just kidding - my relationships can only handle one Irish person and that person is me:)

Tuesday I finally met the preacher that comes to campus and tells everyone that they are going to hell. It was so much fun. Sister Short and I stood around the edges and people would come up to us and talk to us and ask us what we thought of his ravings - we kept repeating that Jesus loves all his children no matter what. We got three new investigators that day and gave out five Books of Mormon. It was fun. Furthermore, many of the people we talked to were my kind of people - I have found Buffy fanatics and Browncoats on FSU campus! One of the people we met is Dan aka Sparkles. He is hilarious. He had a stack of "Hello my name is.." stickers and was writing down the sins that Brother Mike called out passing them out to people who had been "Unfairly labeled". Thursday Brother Mike was out again and I got two stickers one said, "Latter Day Sinner", that's what Brother Mike calls us, and the other I requested it said, "Daughter of God". It was my favorite. Also on Thursday Sparkles was recommending people come talk to Sister Short and I 'cause we're really nice and know what's up. We have someone on campus referring us that isn't a member! Woot.

Wednesday someone had filled one of the fountains with bubbles and we played with 'em.

Friday we had a lesson with Farrah and she said the prayer out loud for the first time it was full of sincerity. She was really talking to her Heavenly Father. The spirit was so strong. She gets it! She is working to make herself better and change. Sunday she asked the Elders for a blessing - based on her blessing I think Heavenly Father likes her - a lot. Yeah that was pretty much my week - thank you all for your letters they make it easy to go on day to day. Love y'all!

Kelli

2009-01-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

(Mom here - Amanda and Tasha came over for dinner yesterday and Amanda told us Kelli had given her a "Saturday's Warrior" DVD for Christmas - She told her she had to watch it because people in Utah sing the songs. They were going to watch it after dinner). I talked to Amanda a little last night - she said "Saturdays Warrior" was silly, funny, and weird. I think you have to be raised on it to truly appreciate it.

So last week I told you that we were going to play football with the Elders - well we did and once again I have come to the conclusion - I really don't like football. It's not fun to watch, play or have 6 people try and explain the rules to you. Can't I just take the ball and run? Apparently not. But I stayed for a good three hours and ran up and down the field like an idiot to support Sister Short and the Elders - all of whom seem to enjoy it though I have no idea why. It had been rainy last Monday and it was fun to watch people slide through the mud. While talking to the Elders later that night they were teasing me about my dislike for the sport - they paid me a sweet complement, "We all look up to you...with a downward glance." Curse being short - but it's all good.

Tuesday we had Zone Conference. We talked about faith vs fear and how one can't be there in the presence of the other. Alma 58 took on new meaning after that. During my interview with President we both agreed that I'm doing good and that was about it.

The Senior couple that looks at Missonary's apartments visited us on Wednesday. We were taking our lunch break and napping - they sure scared us when they walked in. We'd had five lessons set up that day also, they all fell through. Sad day.

Thursday was spent at TCC and got a few new investigators - typical day.

Friday we met with Farah and had yet another great lesson with her. Spent the day with Kacie, a less active, at the Ronald McDonald house - it was all kinds of fun. Had a lesson with Jerika and Kalee, it was a good lesson. We were about to drop them from our teaching list but then they decided to be interested again so we'll hang on for a little bit longer and see what happens.

Saturday we did some Less Active visits - no one was home, so we planned - it always takes ages to do. Quote of the Day:

"Top of the Temple, Moroni speaking."

We had Ward Conference Sunday. We thought we were getting a new Bishop but alas no. We did get a new secound councilor - hopefully he will inspire some excitement for missionary work in the Bishopric.

That's me. Have a great week. Thank you for you letters! They make me happy.

Peace and Love,

Kelli

Monday January 19, 2009

2009-01-19T10:50:00.000-08:00

That Intel thing is fascinating - what a complicated mess all for someones ego. (This is her response to what Michael told her about Intel and HP) Sister Short and I solve the worlds problems on a regular basis and every time we do it boils down to obedience. So if that one person had been loving his neighbor and not trying to get personal gain all your problems would be solved. So once again obedience is the answer! You want world peace? Obedience will get it. I love solving the worlds problems - I'm getting pretty good. All you have to do is do what the Lord says and you'll be fine. Piece of cake, piece of crumb cake. (Name that movie)

Thanks for looking up the stretchy shoes mom, but really I'm fine I just need to whine a little then I'm all better. Tallahassee doesn't have sidewalks every where like most of Utah does - I'm not willing to risk my life on the streets riding my bike just to save my feet a little. And the whole stealing thing is another part of it- yes bike parts will be stolen if I leave it locked up somewhere and don't bother sending stuff to the Mission office, all they do is forward it to me and it all goes in the same mailbox.

As for my week it was awesome! Crazy busy but that's the way I like it. We set a Baptismal Date with Farrah! She is most likely going to be baptized Feb 13. But there is a big Valentines dance that night and she wants to looks snazzy for that and baptisms don't make for easy and fast clean up. Long story short, her baptism might be moved to another date but she is committed to be baptized. Yippee! We had so many lessons this week it makes my head spin to think about it. Teaching is what makes missionary work fun. The people make all the hard stuff worth it.

We were walking home from the Ronald McDonald House last Friday and one of our investigators saw us, flagged us down and gave us a ride home. It was really nice since it was super cold outside. We've been able to do a lot of less active work which involves lots of mapping, planning and praying but we've had several less actives coming to church lately, some of whom want to go over the lessons again and some of whom have friends with questions which I love.

We had two investigators at church on Sunday I think they liked it but they had to go right after it was over so we really didn't get to talk afterward. Ho Hum.

Today we are going to go play football with the Elders and some investigators which will be all kinds of good. Then Sister Short and I are going to watch "Mountain of the Lord" and eat ice cream. We've been craving a good chick flick and that's about as close as we can get.

Yeah that's about it. We didn't do much tracting so no interesting stories - oh wait - not true! We met this kid who's an atheist but he really wanted to talk. He was really nice and I asked him how he survived in the Bible belt - he was almost in tears as he talked about how hard it is. It made me sad, I told him to look for us on campus, we'd be his friends.

Well have a great week! I love you all!

Kelli

Monday, January 12, 2009

2009-01-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

Hey Family,

Good to hear from y'all! I spent all week whining about my feet. I thought I had them all broken in but no, apparently even really good calluses can't handle 6+ hours of walking and not turn into bloody messes - poor myself. I think the greatest souvenir that I bring home will be my feet - I will have scars on them for the rest of my life. That is if they ever manage to stay healed long enough to make scars:)

(I asked Kelli for examples of people not letting the missionaries come back because of anti-mormon things they have read on the internet - this is her answer). Yes I've got lots of stories like that. Saturday we were supposed to have a lesson with a girl named Tina, she sent us a text around 10 p.m. Friday and told us she wasn't interested anymore. I can only assume she did some research and found some anti stuff. Amanda, before she got baptized looked up some stuff so that she could know both sides - she had been to church enough to know it wasn't true and was ready to get dunked. Seth the guy that was supposed to get baptized last week - when he went home for Christmas vacation his brother anti-ed him. Kim from PCB did a lot of research before she decided to join - I'm sure she looked up anti as well. Generally people who have been to church don't fall for the anti stuff it's those that have only met with the missionaries that it causes problems with. I hope that helps. There are so many examples its hard to narrow it down.

I talked to Amanda last night she and Tasha were on the 2nd row at the Marriott Center to hear President Monson speak - she said she really liked it. I think I was more excited for her than she was.

Lets see now - I'll tell you about my comings and goings last week. Monday we played Roller Hockey with the Elders, they were nice and sometimes gave us the ball. We got off the rink after two games so they could beat each other up and we weren't in their way.

Tuesday was District meeting. We spent the afternoon on campus and around 7 we got a strange text from the FSU Elders, "We need your medical advice and duct tape." I was more than a little worried we hustled over to their place and they had busted their bedroom window open. They forgot the key and were trying to break into their apartment. Rasmussen got his arm all cut and gross. We helped 'em clean up the glass and watched as the two manly men put up cardboard, canvas and sheets on the hole in the wall with duct tape and push pins - silly boys.

Wednesday we went to FAMU - we are going to go once a week from now on - we got 3 new investigators it was really easy. That is the day my feet threw a fit and decided to blister everywhere.

Thursday we worked on Less Active stuff and had a lesson with a girl named Erin, she is super sweet and wants to learn but is afraid of commitment. We'll have to go slow with her.

Friday was my 9 month mark. I'm 1/2 way through! (It is a tradition to burn a pair of knee highs at your 6 month mark and a shirt half way through - Kelli missed the sock burning so she did both of them at this event). We went to Ronald McDonald House - I carried 20 really heavy bags up 3 flights of stairs and did general cleaning then wrote y'all. The Institute had game night and we got Farrah to go - we stayed with her for a while then left her on her own. She said she had a good time and I love that the ward was so warm and welcoming toward her.

Saturday we planned and went to TCC's baptism. It was kind of a mess. First the water wasn't high enough, the plug had come out or something, then Elder Lewis called her by her boyfriends last name. It wasn't exactly reverent after that.

Sunday was amazing. I have never seen so many people at church! We had lots of less actives there and between the 3 sets of missionaries we had 5 investigators there! It was very cool. After dinner we went tracting and I got to use some of my old tricks and some of dad's tools to talk to a Philosophy major. But the coolest part was when we first said hello he really didn't want to talk to us but I was prompted to ask him about a book he was reading and it lead to a good 20 min conversation. I haven't been able to use really big words in a while I'm a little rusty but the spirit helped and he seemed to really enjoy it. I know I did. He strongly reminded me of myself before the whole, isn't it not not true... so thanks dad! I saw my possible future if you hadn't intervened and I'm grateful that you did!

I love you all and hope all is well! Kelli

Friday, January 9, 2008

2009-01-09T19:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a mess last p-day was. We went with the Elders to play Roller Hockey, got back mid afternoon and purged our apartment of Christmas decorations and just purged in general. We had to empty out the vacuum twice we picked up so much dirt. We made it to go email around 5 and had an appointment at 6:30 so we went to the closest building on campus that only had a few computers - that saved us 20 minutes. Unfortunately I got the bad computer with a mouse that didn't work. I tried to use the arrows to move stuff around and did ok with that but it took so much more time than it normally should I barley had time to write anyone.

So let me tell you about last week. It's a whopper so here it goes.

Monday the 29th: We watched the Gorden B. Hinckley movie I got while writing thank you letters to people for stuff they sent. I really liked it, it was fun 'cause we were with the Elders and they were doing boy things and they slowly came over and starred mesmerized at the TV as the story progressed. Good times. We thought Seth (the boy that was supposed to get baptized) was back in town so we went to go visit him but no he was still in Lakeland - stinker.

Tuesday the 30th: We got a referral from an Investigator in Crawfordville. We had a lesson with her at 9:30 am right before our District meeting. Her name is Farrah, she is very sweet and I have very high hopes for her.

I had an epiphany on Tuesday - all the missionaries had been discussing our relationship with Heavenly Father, and we all had a different view of Him. But He doesn't change - He just shows different aspects of His Being to each of His individual children and their needs and understanding. Then I thought of President and how every single missionary out here loves President and he loves them. I concluded that the ability to communicate with Gods children with love and understanding is a Christlike attribute. To allow different parts of ones self to shine through with others is not hypocritical you are simply relating to them in a way and level that creates an environment of safety. So I have to work on yet another thing as I go through life.

Wednesday the 31st: We organized the Institute Library in a desperate attempt to have something to do. It looks good. We contacted at stores for many hours and went to a lesson that was HBH (Home but Hiding) - played Phase 10 with Sister Short till 10:35 (yes we're rebels) and went to bed.

Thursday the 1st: Happy New Year! We planned in the morning and went to FAMU to see what tracting opportunities there are up there.

Friday the 2nd: We had a lesson with Farrah or were supposed to anyway but after 20 minutes had passed and she hadn't come we called her - her mom wasn't being supportive - we had many hours of panic about that. But it all worked out 'cause we called her later that night and her mom answered and apologized. She said she didn't know that this was important to Farrah until it was too late and she had never seen her daughter so passionate about anything before and she invited us over to her home so she could hear about it too. How cool is that?

We were at the Ronald McDonald House too - we took down all the Christmas Decorations which was fun. Followed by dinner with members and the TCC Elders. The FSU Elders had an appointment.

Saturday the 3rd: Sister Short has very vivid nightmares - she yells and kicks in her sleep when she dreams and it doesn't make for restful sleep. So Saturday she asked the Elders for a blessing - she also had a cold. And they gave her a really sweet blessing. Elder Rasmussen gave the blessing - he commanded her to, "let go of the past", "be at peace", and to "be healed". He blessed her that the Holy Ghost would be with her at night to protect her mind as she slept. It was amazing. Sister Short said that as Elder Rasmussen said "be healed" she immediately felt fine. I love the Priesthood!

After that we had a lesson with yet another referral - she and her 4 cousins were there giving us 5 new investigators in one day! It was really cool. The referral is Jerika - her parents are taking the discussions in Jacksonville so she decided to try it out too and invited her cousins along as well. Miracle after Miracle! It isn't me and Sister Short doing all this. We couldn't do this alone.

Sunday the 4th: We had a meeting with President it was an experience. He made me District Leader for about 1/2 an hour but then gave it to Rasmussen. I guess I didn't do that well:) A few things that President said that made me really happy, "Never discredit the council of a woman", "If you are always right you are always wrong" and, "It's not worth it to be right." At the end of the meeting he gave almost a dedicatory prayer for our district and the campuses. He told us that when we were in unity we would see great success but if we weren't unified the work would reflect it.

Talked to Tasha and Amanda, listened to Whitney's voice mail and changed the settings on it so that I could "further the Lords work". She testified and promised blessings - I didn't doubt her word so I expect great things to come of that change. (Mom here - While Amanda and Tasha were here last week - Amanda called Kelli to ask her a question - she didn't answer so Whitney left her a message and advised her to change her message)

And Amanda tattled on you! My movies are not in alphabetical order! Shame on you! It will take me at least 20 min to fix that mess. That is a whole 20 min I could be spending time with you but no. I trusted you and you just let me down. Sigh.

Well now you are all caught up and I will write again on Monday!

I love you all so much and hope you have a blessed day! (That's a southern thing) Kelli

Monday, January 5, 2009

2009-01-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

(Mom here - we had Amanda and Sister Tasha Benfield for dinner Sunday. Amanda calls Kelli Willie - it was wonderful to have them and hear about Kelli and her adventures - Whitney's roommate Megan came also. Michael was surrounded by estrogen!)

I'm glad you had fun with Amanda and Tasha - I like them lots. I'm really sorry but I do not have time to write a long letter today. So what I'm going to do is go home and hand write a letter and get it in the mail tomorrow so you can know what I've been up to. Sister Short has a blog too - she wrote her family the details of our week and her mom will post it. Her blog address is similar to mine, www.sistershort.blogspot.com.

I'll be at the Ronald McDonald House on Friday and can write then - that will work. I'm so sorry but today kind of got away from us. I love you all very much and am so grateful for all you do!

All my love, Kelli

Monday, December 29, 2008

2008-12-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-22T21:09:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-20T20:37:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-15T19:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-29T16:24:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-17T19:57:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-03T18:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-04T22:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

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

E-mail July 28, 2008

2008-07-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Our apartment won't be ready till Aug 1 and we're not officially in there till the 10th - I don't know how the move is going to work. I think we'll have to enlist the AP's for help.

Yesterday was good, I played for hopefully the last time in Sacrament. We went to a members house for dinner. She had her grandmother drive from Chiplley - a good hour away - to come and make us dinner. What a nut - we had lots of fun and her grandma is a trip.

Tomorrow Benny goes to the Doctor - we think that this visit will determine if she stays or goes. If she goes I will miss her greatly.

I love you. Thank you so much for all the support you give me. All my love, Kelli

E-mail - July 26, 2008

2008-07-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

So you know how I said that President was going to open a new sister area? Yeah that's not going to happen anymore. President called us and told us he is sending Sister Scoresby to come stay with us in case Benny goes home. So no new area - and we get a new sister.

Thank you so much for picking up Amanda, she is such a huge part of my life right now that I was so excited to have you meet her. As for the trees, she was convinced that there were no trees in Utah since it is after all a desert. She didn't believe us 'till she got there. So I say ha! Yes my southern accent is deplorable (Amanda is trying to teach her how to speak southern - she said she starts out OK but ends up with a British accent) I avoid subjecting people to it as much as possible, but I practice now and then to see if I've made any improvement.

Our investigator isn't satisfied with our answers, we are still meeting with her because she has lots of questions, but she doesn't believe in modern prophets and she won't read the BofM. At this point my goal is to leave her with a good impression of Mormons so that years from now when her heart is more open she will take the opportunity to learn again.

Yesterday was Zone Conference - that was all kinds of fun. In my interview with President, he told me he could see my "sparks starting to flame up".

I'm on a Christmas kick. It's Christmas in July at our apartment - "The Forgotten Carols" being a favorite. Oh we are getting a new apartment. We signed the papers Monday and we start moving August 1st. I'm really excited for the move - it is out of the ghetto where we currently live and hopefully much quieter too.

This week was spent mostly on campus. We have two new people we are teaching so that's all kinds of fun. We're going bowling later today and then teaching after that. Yippie! Teaching is so much more fun than walking around.

Check out this website - www.buyjanellejewelry.com - the girl that makes this jewelry has a booth on both campuses. Janelle is awesome - she will be baptized one day. She has amazing faith and is deeply in tune with the Spirit. We teach her while she works her booth and we are great friends. I love her lots.

Yesterday I saw my first Stomp Competition. That was an experience to say the least. I really liked it. I have no rhythm and it is fun to watch those that do. It is also the first time in my life that I have been a minority - it was really cool to experience. I have some of the competitions on my camera - when I send my chip home you'll see it. I also ate at Hogwarts yesterday - one of the dining halls on FSU campus looks just like Hogwarts. It was fun - we muggles are now gaining admittance there.

I keep forgetting to tell you, last week when the heat was just too much we escaped into the History Bldg on Campus and low and behold there is a World History chart that covers the entire history of the Book of Mormon. It was amazing.

Anyway - that's me. Love you - Kelli

E-mail July 21, 2008

2008-07-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Transfers, it's still me and Benny on good 'ol FSU. We thought we would be getting a 3rd sister here, but President is opening a new Sister Area in Geneva instead of having another three-some. So now there are 6 sister areas.

Last week was spent pounding the pavement at FSU and TCC. We celebrated Elder Call's 23rd birthday and we got ties at the tie trade. I own 4 awesome ties now and I know one knot that I can do all by myself. Huzzah! It's the "Full Wilson" or "Double Winston" - something like that.

We will be teaching a 10 year old girl in the next couple of weeks. We're all sorts of excited about that. Her dad and step-mom are members, but her mother who has main custody is not. She spends the summer down here with her dad and decided she wanted to take the lessons to see if she wants to join. We are thrilled to plan lessons for her.

Question - Amanda is flying into Utah this Friday and needs a ride from the airport to Provo - can you pick her up? (I did! It was wonderful to meet her and hear about our Kelli! She calls her "Willy" cute huh? See picture of mom and Amanda.)

I played the piano again in Sacrament meeting yesterday - I'm getting better - mostly.

We are getting ready to move out of our apartment so much cleaning and packing is about to commence. Yippie! So that's me - keep writing - it makes my heart glad to hear from you!

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

E-mail - July 19, 2008

2008-07-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

We might get put in a threesome. There are an odd number of sisters and there is one more coming out Wednesday (transfers). Rumors have been running rampant about transfers. We find out for sure Monday - I'll let you know what happens to our district.

There are only 5 sister areas in the whole mission. There are 11 sisters out right now. I could go or I could stay - I kind of want to be here for when school starts again to see what that is like, but the transfers after this one are September 3rd so I don't know. I might make this transfer here, but I kind of doubt I'll still be here in September.

The 5 sister areas are Tallahassee, Crestview, Troy (Alabama), Panama City Beach, and Andalusia (Alabama). Troy and Andalusia are probably the back wood ones. (See Mission Map posted on May 3, 2008)

E-mail - July 14, 2008

2008-07-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Our meeting with Shaday (our African American investigator) went ok. We talked a lot about the whys and wherefores, but we weren't really able to avail her of her concerns. We gave her a talk we had printed off by Bruce R. McConkie, I hope she reads it. Her whole thing is that when Christ came he tore down all barriers of race (Ephesians 2:11-19) so how could a man called of God ie: Brigham Young claim that God would still segregate some of his children after he tore down all the barriers. She doesn't believe a man truly called of God would do that. I don't know how to start her reading and praying about the Book of Mormon yet. She wants to continue meeting with us so maybe . . .

One of the themes that President Summerhays emphasizes is "The Enabling Power of the Atonement". Eldner Bednar gives a great talk about this that really explains it well. The talk is called "In the Strength of the Lord" - I recommend reading it if you get the chance.

Anyway - I love you lots - keep writing, it makes my heart glad. All my love - Kelli

E-mail July 12, 2008

2008-07-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

I celebrated my 3 month mark in my head. At 6 months I burn some Knee highs, at 9 I burn a shirt, 12 a skirt, and at 18 I burn a whole outfit before coming home. I'll do the knee highs, but I don't know if I can bring myself to do the others. We'll see.

I appreciate the things you found for me earlier this week. We are meeting with this girl in about an hour and we'll see how it goes. We've been studying and preparing as best we can all week. As for the rest of my week...

Tuesday I had my first true southern food, fried okra, fried chicken, cheese broccoli, and banana pudding. It was very good, but I'll be OK not eating it again, I felt fat after we left and I really hadn't eaten that much. I was sure the grease was oozing through me and clogging my arteries as I sat there.

Wednesday we had dinner at a members - Amanda drove us - we got about three feet from the house before we realized that we had a flat. That was a fun adventure, changing the tire I mean. Benny has pictures, but I don't.

Thursday we were at TCC as per usual and taught the law of chastity to three different people - it was interesting. That seemed to be the topic of the day.

Friday, July 11, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. I was Saved. Two girls walked up to me and asked some religious questions and then asked if I'd like to learn more, seeing an opportunity I agreed. We have many similar belief's and they kept telling me that if I accepted Jesus Christ in my heart that I would be saved. So I did and now I'm saved. We talked a lot about Faith without Works being dead, and grace and so on. It was actually a good conversation, I left them with lots of reading material like pamphlets and who knows maybe something made sense to them.

Today Benny, Amanda and I went to the Flea Market. Benny bought a confederate flag for $2 - I just haven't been in the south long enough to appreciate it - but I did get a Jesus Saves t-shirt last week. I'm slowly being broken in. So that's me - I hope you are all safe and happy. Love you lots. Kelli

E-mail - July 7, 2008

2008-07-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

Amanda's Baptism was wonderful. Another ward had scheduled a baptism for the same time, we just started late and it all worked out fine. Sister Bowcut gave a talk on Baptism and the Holy Ghost. She had us sing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider", and then compared the Spider to Sin, the Rain to Baptism, and The Sun the Holy Ghost. It was lots of fun and the spirit was so strong. Elder Call Baptized her and Benny and I raced to the dressing room after it was over and we all hugged and cried together. It was a wonderful experience.

She was confirmed Sunday and just a few hours after her confirmation we had her out with us teaching new investigators. She has such a strong testimony and she was not afraid to speak up. Amanda had only had one lesson with Sister Benfield and Bardson before I got there. She was a self referral and looking for religion - She found it!

Taylor goes on her first date, what is with that? I really don't like the whole growing up without me there to see it thing. Oy! Side note - I just had the worlds most amazing stuffed mushrooms. I have never had anything so wonderful in my mouth. I have tasted Celestial food and Terrestial will never suffice again.

I love you lots - Kelli

E-mail - July 5, 2008

2008-07-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

Hello? Anybody there? Hello? I assume no one is as I didn't receive a letter today. Shame on you. Since I have an hour to write I'll tell you about my week and hope that you are safe.

Amanda was interviewed for baptism on Tuesday and passed with flying colors. She will be dunked today at 1 p.m. I will send pictures Monday. That day we went bowling - I bowled an impressive 70 which surprisingly enough wasn't the bottom score.

Wednesday I made the mistake of teaching the Elders how to play Narcalepsy and it has come back to bite me.

Thursday we had our booth at TCC which was all kinds of fun. The Ronald McDonald House called us in a panic and we had to find a ride up there so Tammy could make her Dr.'s appointment. We met up with Noly, an investigator, she doesn't have to work Sunday so we will be seeing her there.

Friday - Happy 4th everybody! We had breakfast with the Elders at a members home. He served it real southern style. Grits - which aren't that bad, bacon, sausage made of venison and Wild Boar, I choose not to partake of that particular bit of culture. All reports say that it tasted like play dough.

Later that day on campus we met a group of people and ended up having a good two hour conversation with them. One of the girls will be meeting with us again tomorrow to learn more. Keep your fingers crossed. We had a BBQ after that, lit off fireworks and all that good jazz. I made a small flower explosion, no where near as good as last years, I only had 6. Oh well - we still had a good time.

Well, I love you lots and hope to hear from you soon. 'Cause it's important to write Kelli letters:) Church is true, book is blue, and all that good stuff. Love, Kelli

E-mail - June 30, 2008

2008-06-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

This morning we went with the Zone to play Roller Hockey. I had a great time and actually got hold of the ball twice - yea me.

Sunday I had the dubious privilege of playing the piano in Sacrament meeting. I only had one mess up (I picked really easy hymns). We celebrated Melanie's Birthday - I made her a cake and we had a transformers Pinatta - I forgot my camera so no pictures. Sister Benfield and I had dinner with her High School Choir teacher and his family - small world huh? It was really fun - he has two kids under the age of 5. It was nice to be with a family.

Saturday morning the Ward had a free car wash and we (the missionaries) had Books of Mormon, invited people to look around the church and taught mini lessons. It was a good activity and it got the ward involved. One guy drove up, he didn't want his car washed but he gave us a bunch of certificates for free sandwiches at Chick-fil-a because we were doing such a great service. We went for lunch. After the car wash we went to Amanda's to help her move. Around 7 we went back to the Institute and played around the world with the Elders.

Friday we had Zone Conference. We watched the KBYU video on Bronco Mendenhall and the BYU Cougars - changing the culture of the team. The theme of our conference was to change the culture of our mission. It was a great meeting and the Elders really enjoyed the chance to watch some football. We got home about five - Amanda picked us up at six and we had dinner at the Institute and watched The Testament. She sort of liked it - her favorite movie is Zoolander - so The Testament is not her usual choice for entertainment.

Thursday we finally met Laura - she is a referral from President Summerhays. She is going to Med school here at FSU and has a crazy schedule. Trying to find time with her has been really difficult. Now we know what she looks like and she knows us. It was a very blase week. We work hard and are still waiting to see the fruits of our labors and trust that it will turn out.

The frog I sent you a picture of had been living outside our door for about 2 weeks, there was a massive storm Wednesday and we think he died. His name was Charming - we miss him. The day after the storm a bunch of mushrooms suddenly appeared - maybe that is where he died. The FSU track team won nationals so they lit the arrow on Chief Osceola and his horse Renegade. Chief Osceola was the last chief of the Seminoles - a Native American Tribe that was never defeated. We don't know where they are now and aren't sure how they were never defeated yet failed to live on.

I hope you are all happy - I love you so much - be safe! All my love - Kelli

E-mail June 21, 2008

2008-06-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, it sounds like things have been crazy busy for y'all this last week. TJ's getting married! Oy with the poodles! Taylor's almost 16, I don't think I like this whole growing up without me there to see it. But I'm glad that Whitney and Taylor continue the tradition of going to do fun things together. (They went to St. George for a get away at Gma & Gpa's condo and saw Les Miserables as Whitney's bday present for Taylor). I did get Whitney's DVD, I was highly amused by her dancing and proud of her singing. The Talent Show was a delightful surprise and so Whitney like. (Whitney did an Aretha Franklin & Princess Jasmine imitation both captured on video).

Dad, I loved your idea for my investigator - I feel that will be a very valuable tool for me to use. I made your cookies yesterday! They were very good considering I didn't have an electric mixer to use. I used a giant fork - Honey - I blew up the fork! That joke never gets old. (Whitney said that about the meat fork when she was unloading the silverware out of the dishwasher at about age 5) Anyway, just wanted to let you know that your legendary cookies continue even in Florida.

Last week I got the District into "Free to Choose". They have the opening song memorized and sing along with it. Mission entertainment, watcha gonna do. We're waiting to see if Ben's dad comes back. It's our own soap opera. Dan didn't do the voice on those did he? (These are filmstrips Dan did in high school based on Book of Mormon stories)

I have started writing down odd/funny things that people say - I will share some of them with you.

"I'm sweating like a whore in church." Elder Call

"Close your mouth, unless you're telling me you love me, then open it." Melanie Parker

"I love you and you love you - there's no one left to love me." Sister Benfield

"In this house we don't Skinny Dip. We Chunky Dip." Sister Benfield

I found these thoroughly amusing. Tuesday was Benny's birthday, after our work day was over we came home and threw confetti all over and it wasn't until after we were done that we realized that the vacuum was broken. We swept a lot of it up, but the floor still looks like a Jackson Pollock painting.

This week we didn't get to teach at all - Amanda is out of town and all our other investigators seemed to fall off the face of the planet. It was very much like my first two weeks here. Lots of walking, talking, great experiences but number wise it looks like we didn't do anything.

I love Dr. Dunn. He is teaching me how to align myself, I'm in and out in a few minutes and he is teaching me how to use pressure points to help alleviate the pain and numbness. The secretary at his office is a hoot - we are buttering her up and plan to give her a Book of Mormon when I'm done. Dr. Dunn has put me on a 3 week plan. I go 3 times a week for 3 weeks and at the end of that, as long as I continue the exercises and aligning myself, I will never have to go to a chiropractor again. I notice a huge difference in my hands. Dr. Dunn says soon I won't have to wear the hand braces to bed anymore. On Wednesday he is going to teach me more on how to adjust myself so when I get transferred I will be OK without a chiropractor in the near area.

Did I tell you we have 3 new Elders here? Well we do. Tab (a member) took us all out for ice cream on Benny's B-day and then yesterday we found a sewer tunnel that we all had to sit in and get pictures. There was a frog outside our apartment last night, we haven't seen any fireflies - lots of dragonflies and lizards and a never ending stream of love bugs. Those things are ugly!

Thank you so much for contacting the Wilson's for me - I've been worried about that.

I think that's everything, sorry if I forgot anything. I love you all and thanks for keeping me updated. The church is true, the book is blue, write Kelli letters and have a nice day.

Sister Kelli Wilcox

E-mail - June 16, 2008

2008-06-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I'm glad you got the card, I worried I had sent it too late. I hope you know how much I love you, it is impossible to express in words. Thank you for the pictures, they totally worked - I think Samuel and Benjamin grew again. Where is that rock that Grandma Wilcox always threatened us with? I demand a rock be placed on their heads so they stop growing! And Whitney, your dress is adorable!

I went to the Chiropractor today, he just did x-rays - I go again tomorrow to get adjusted. He dresses like a Hawaiian but is very much the southern gentleman. I'm excited to once again be pain free.

Yesterday we had 3 investigators promise to come to church - none of them showed but Lauren (a ward member) had invited two friends so we got to talk with them. So we had highs and lows. The Sacrament talks were all about fathers and I decided that it is beyond lame that we can call home on Mother's Day and not Father's Day - they both raised us.

Anyway, we have a lesson later today - please keep us in your prayers. This girl has been investigating the church for nearly a year and will not commit to baptism, we don't know why. Pray for her, and for us so we can help her find her way.

That's me - keep writing - it makes me happy to hear from y'all. Love, Kelli

E-mail - June 14, 2008

2008-06-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

I sent a card, it should come today, if not it will for sure be there Monday. I love you lots, and I can't begin to enumerate all the things that you do for me. I give you "Best Daddy Ever" award. Thanks for always being there, listening, making me see sense, and giving most excellent advice.

Thank you all so much for your letters, the tandem bike sounds like lots of fun. Of course all the junk in the garage is dad's, who is the pack rat? (Whitney doesn't count - all her junk stays in her room). I got to ride my bide yesterday, I nearly killed myself every time we came to a complete stop. When Elder Kussee put my bike together, he put the fender on too low on my bike seat which made it too high for me to get on and off properly. I was able to get some of it off, but I don't have the proper tools to fully take it off, luckily the Elders do. I'll get that fixed today.

I hope Taylor had a wonderful time at EFY, and I'm sure she is thrilled at the prospect of not starving to death at a later date thanks to being prepared. Go team. (We bought freeze dried food storage - that is what she is talking about).

Where is the DVD of Whitney singing? I want to see my sister rock the house. I don't play the piano better, I just play it louder - big difference.

Good luck Danny! I'm rooting for you.

Let's see, we sent Sister Smith home Wednesday night. It's been a little weird just the two of us, a line from "The Lion King" keeps going through my mind, "Our trio's down to two". Thursday Benny and I had a chat with President and Sister Summerhays. President gave Benny a blessing that basically said that she would finish her mission and that she would be healed in God's time.

Anyway, like I said we rode our bikes to do service - when we got back Benny was so sick she could barely move. She went to bed at 7 - I wrote in Books of Mormon, pamphlets, and pass along cards, cleaned, learned about church history, talked to the DL for awhile and finally it was time to go to bed. I've never been so happy to have 10:30 come around. I was bored.

So yea, that's me. Love you all lots and wish you a happy day. If you're having steak Sunday, eat an extra piece for me.

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

Kelli has a camera!

2008-06-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

Sister Smith and Sister Wilcox

Sisters Benny, Smithers, and me

District picture except for Sister Bowcutt - she was sick

E-mail - April 9, 2008

2008-06-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much! I love that the camera is red - it made my heart happy. I went to go pick it up on Saturday and the post office was closed. I had to wait till this morning to go get it - pout. I had an excellent B-day. Wakulla Springs was a lot of fun, we saw upwards of 6 Gators. Most were only a couple feet long - still young things, that doesn't mean they couldn't hurt you if they wanted. We were very safe inside a big old boat. We saw lots of birds and a really cool flower called a Spider Lily or something like that.

On the date of my birth we had the privilege of teaching Relief Society. It probably wasn't as good as Whitney's lesson, but considering we had two hours to prepare we did a fairly decent job. I made a carrot cake the night before (no I never change), it was a tough choice between spice cake and carrot cake. Since I had spice cake last year carrot won. I sang "The Birthday Song" so it really did feel like my birthday. I had an excellent debate with Elders Call and Wall about politics. They are on opposite sides of the political spectrum and I'm somewhere in between them. I'm also heartless and don't possess charity - they were both razzing me for that.

I don't know what I'm going to do when I leave Tally - it is a different mission here than anywhere else in Florida, especially on campus. It has a lot to do with the fact that I'm working with young single adults and not families. We still don't know what is going to happen to Benfield. Sister Summerhays called this morning and told Benfield to double her medication and call her tomorrow. I have no idea what is going to happen.

As for pictures I will get those in the mail Monday. This time will be very unorganized and there will be some pictures that don't make a lot of sense because I'm using Benny's and Smithers pictures and some are from their last area. In the future, I will make a list with a brief explanation of the pictures I send home.

Lance and Neal sent me huge amounts of Harry and David food. Since I can't get hold of either one of them will you thank them for me? My companions and the Elders are grateful for them too.

Teil and Mandrin sent me cards, Grandma 'Loney's card made me smile and I will be sure to use her gift. I just have to think of something I want.

We have a new investigator. Her name is Noly. She is ready, all her friends are Mormon and have served missions. She just needs to get dunked. Monica (another investigator, I forget who I've told you about and who I haven't) is harder to read. She is willing to learn and reads the Book of Mormon. But she hasn't really talked about her feelings, she's fine asking questions but we're having a hard time picking things to teach her 'cause we don't know what she needs. Amanda still is doing great and I will give her the home number.

Anyway I love you and the rest of the fam too. Love Kelli

E-mail June 7, 2008

2008-06-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

Parental Units,

I have received notices that my packages have arrived - I just have to go pick them up. I got the blown up posters of the pictures I colored - Smith and Benfield have determined that you are the coolest mom ever. I already knew that.

It's been a hard couple of days, Benfield (Benny) keeps getting worse, she has a hard time doing the work, yesterday we got half way to TCC before we had to turn back, she looked like walking death. I was sure I would have to carry her home. We called Sister Summerhays and she will call us at noon today with some decision - Benny may have to go home Thursday with Smith. If she does go, I have to take over the area. I've only been out 6 weeks and for a large amount of the time my Companions have been sick. It scares me, but I also know that I will have lots of help and I know I can count on some of the ward to help me.

Amanda is going to Utah July 25, she has a friend at BYU, I told her you would want to meet her. Smith will be there too, possibly Benny. Do you want me to give her your address and phone number? I think you'll love her - she is amazing. She has a 16 year old brother and lives with her aunt and uncle here in Tally - she keeps her spirits high and she loves the gospel. She bought a quad on line, she called us when it arrived and she carries it with her everywhere. She wants to be an interior decorator and has promised to help me decorate my home many years from now.

I was bragging about your cookies dad a while ago and I have been challenged to prove it, so if you could send me the recipe it would be helpful. I need to prove that my boasts are justified.

Monica is doing well, she has been reading the Book of Mormon but doesn't believe it yet. She is really taking the time to study it and she is opening up more to us. It makes it easier to teach when we know more of where she is coming from. We will have 3 investigators at church on Sunday, it's going to be busy.

I'm worried about how little work we have been doing because of illness. I know that God understands, but sometimes I feel like I'm wasting His time. I'm perfectly healthy - I can do it, but I have to sit and wait for my companions to feel well enough to go. I hope that I won't have some soul yelling at me during judgment that I didn't help them because I was too distracted taking care of my companions. I'm so grateful for all the things that I have learned, and that I can really trust in Heavenly Father to heal me and keep me healthy.

As for the good parts of my week, Tuesday we were at TCC teaching Monica and had a huge storm come up with thunder and lighting. Durffey and Call found us and took us to their apartment, we couldn't go inside, but they pulled out the couch for us to sit on sheltered under a cement patio.

Wednesday Benfield was really sick and we called around trying to find an Elder that was close by to give her a blessing - no one was close but Call and Hill biked up from TCC to our apartment to give her a blessing. It was a beautiful blessing and she as able to sleep that night. I was grateful for their sacrifice and their willingness to serve and help us.

Thursday again at TCC we had our booth up - we read the Book of Mormon with Monica and talked with her for a while. Later we celebrated Benny's 6th month mark by burning a pair of her knee highs.

Yesterday I already told you about - last night we had dinner with the Bowcutts and had a NERF war. I almost won! It was down to me and Durffey - he pulled some Mission Impossible move and I lost, but I was proud to have lasted as long as I did.

Today we are going to Wacolla Springs. Apparently this is where all the Gators live. Smith has yet to see one. The Bowcutts offered to take us - we get on a boat (commercial so it's within the rules) and take a 45 minute ride and look at all the Gators. I think it will be fun. Anyway thank you for all the birthday wishes and encouragement. Love you lots - Kellil

E-mail June 2, 2008

2008-06-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

I'm doing really well. Yesterday Amanda set a date to be baptized, she had a rough week, and we gave her things to read and taught her how to fast - we fasted with her and after church she came up to us and said she wanted to be baptized! I love this gospel and I love that God always answers prayers. He may not do it the way and when you want it, but in the end He always will.

This week we are stuffed full of appointments, it's going to be a busy but fulfilling week. I love you lots and look forward to hearing from you again. Kelli

E-mail May 31, 2008

2008-05-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

Wow - what an eventful couple of days, yet at the same time so dreary. Dad mentioned that it is raining a lot - here in Florida we get rain storms in the afternoon and its funny 'cause you can see the steam coming off the cement and sidewalks. The rain is warm and comes down straight - I'm use to rain going sideways. My little $3 umbrella is perfect, it fits in small spaces, covers me, and so far hasn't broken.

Let's see, I wrote Tuesday and right after writing to you we went out and I met Scott and Cass. Scott is a Deaf Student at FSU and Cass is his interpreter. I got to talk with them for awhile, I'm pretty rusty, but it was fun. Later Scott left and I talked with Cass for almost an hour. I told her about what I was doing here, asked her about the Deaf Community in Florida, apparently most of the deaf people congregate in Tampa and Miami, both are out of my mission boundaries - sigh. Cass gave me excellent advice on the state tests and getting into Sorenson.

Wednesday we had a 1/2 Mission Conference. One of the four men that compiled "Preach My Gospel" under the direction of the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency came and gave us good advice and told us some great stories about how certain things came together in the process of making and writing PMG. I also got to see Sister Hartman again - that was fun - she is really tan now. She is serving in Panama Beach and apparently doesn't use sun screen. I also saw Elder Hall, but didn't get to talk to him for very long. The other Elders from my MTC district are in the other 1/2 of the mission, so I didn't get to see them.

Thursday we went to TCC with Elders Call and Durfey and I got to finally teach my 1st First Lesson. It was a lot of fun 'cause the Elders were there too and the spirit was really strong. We have another appointment with her on Tuesday - keep your fingers crossed. For TNT (Thursday Night Thing) we went to play Putt-Putt (that's what we here in the South call miniature golf). I made 3 holes in one, I am oh so proud of me. I still lost by a lot however, because when I didn't get a hole in one it took me around 4-5 strokes to get the ball in the hole. While we were playing we had three investigators with us. We compared the gospel to putt-putt, it was a pretty impressive analogy if you ask me.

The post office is really close to our apartment so I can go pick up the package - no problem.

Tell Grandma 'Loney and Lisa thanks for their letters - it was wonderful to hear from them and tell Lisa that is exactly what it's like, I feel for her. If you want a good description of mission work in the South, talk to Lisa. She knows what it's all about.

The Church is true, the book is blue, write Kelli letters and have a nice day. All my love - Kell

E-mail May 27, 2008

2008-05-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for all the good advice and ideas on how to contact people. We went tracting on Sunday and found two new investigators. Tracting is much easier than contacting, they are already there and we don't have to try and stop them to talk to us. They will tell you within a few seconds if they're interested or not. Sister Smith wants to pick a word like rainbows that we have to insert somewhere in conversations to make us think harder. I think plenty hard, I don't need to add something else to my worries. The little stinker is going home in 15 days and wants to try everything she hasn't so far. Friday night we're going to Lake Ella and "Sing Tracting" which is when we walk around singing hymns and passing out pass along cards. She is making me spread my wings a bit, if I didn't love her I'd hate her.

Yesterday we went contacting at the mall again, it is so much easier to talk to the sales people than the customers, customers can get away, sales people are stuck. I got a coloring book for when we have 5 minutes of down time, I'm very excited. I also got a FSU shirt for only $10. I was proud of my savvy shopping skills. All 3 of us bought the same shirt, how cute are we? We had a BBQ later for investigators, I learned how to play chess - sort of - I can think two moves ahead, after that I get lost and confused. Ashad was patient with my mistakes. Ashad is from Iran, he's been in the US just over a year and speaks great English. He brings his dates to activities with the missionaries, we are teaching three of his past dates. He's not really interested in joining the church because of family traditions, but he wants his girlfriends to be Mormon. I'll take what I can get. We had a good long conversation with Elder Call - he is very genuine and a good guy. Elder Call told us that other day that he thought all Sisters were Elder seducing distractions, but he thinks that we're "Freaking "A" Missionaries".

These three freaking A missionaries have two lessons today, assuming that they don't cancel on us, but keeping faith, all will be well.

Are you still going to send me that DVD of Whitney singing? I can only watch it on P-day, but I'd still like it.

Sister Summerhays says I need a multi-vitamin since my companions are dying. She doesn't know that my body repeals illness.

Anyway, I love you all very much, thank you for all the love and support. Dad thanks for all the great advice, I'm printing it out so I can study it more. Taylor, have a great summer and enjoy the library, it's a peaceful place. Which cemetery in SLC did you go to? The one up by the U is amazing, it has huge monuments, made of all kinds of stone - I think it's the Mount of Olives Cemetery, if you're going to go look at graves that's the place to look. I haven't had time to really wander any cemetery's here, but I walked by two, someday I'll have to go check it out.

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

E-mail - May 24, 2008

2008-05-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hey - I will have some pictures in about 2 weeks, but not of the MTC. Before Sister Smith leaves for home we're going to make a trip to the grocery store and print off a bunch of pictures from here.

It's been a busy week but disappointing too. We had lots of appointments for lessons and every single one got canceled. Often we found that what we did instead was better, still I'm a little sad that I haven't been able to teach a real lesson yet. Just mini ones on the street. We met one girls who was being preached to very loudly by a very confused young man. He had mixed up the Old and New Testament and the Koran and had some crazy ideas. Sister Smith said that there are a lot of people like that in Alabama, we gave the girl, Keyon, a Book of Mormon and got her phone number - we'll call her next week to set up an appointment. We had Zone Conference yesterday, it was very spiritually uplifting and it wasn't until after it was over that I thought about asking about ways to improve contacting. We (Benfield, Smith and I) all struggle contacting. I've been tracting and that's a lot easier than contacting. We're out there pounding the pavement and people won't make eye contact with us. We stop people and ask about their clothes, jewelry and what not and then awkwardly transition into a message and invitation to come to an activity or church. Do you have any suggestions? It was still a good week and we had an amazing spirit when we did manage to get around the awkwardness and share a message. At Zone Conference someone quoted J. Golden Kimball, "The only way to get baptisms in the south is to wait for them to die and then do baptisms for the dead." Sometimes it feels like that.

We have one investigator, Amanda, she is - to quote Benfield - "Golden". She came to church one Sunday and a recent RM was giving his homecoming talk. After the meeting was over she turned around and said, "I want to go on a mission, I probably have to get baptized first though". We still have two more lessons to give her but she is ready and she loves the gospel and is eager to learn more.

That's me - if you have any advise or suggestions on how to approach, contact or talk to people I'd love to hear it. Love, Kelli

Email May 19, 2008

2008-05-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad Dad is feeling better, I've been worried about him. I don't miss yard work, but I do a bit here for service. I may not be in Utah working, but I sure am here! Yes I got the socks as well, I like them a lot so you can't have them back.

Thanks for keeping me up on the Nielsen's - I don't know many people that have the ultimate Prom experience, more often than not it's a let down. I don't have much to report on, we have 3 new investigators, I'm really excited abut that. Today we are going to paint a recent converts house, which will be lots of fun.

You sound like you are doing well, sorry about the oatmeal. I pray a lot about food and that it won't give me adverse affects. So far it is working. According to President Summerhays, it's the "enabling power of the Atonement" that gives us blessings after trials. I love the Atonement, we receive so much for so little. The things that Mary taught me are exactly what President teaches except on a more down to earth way. President makes it sound hard to get, but Marys way is, in my opinion, better. His way is all about power, Marys is about love. Love is easier for me to understand. Anyway - I've got to run. I love you lots, thanks for your love and support. You'll always be my favorite mommy! All my love, Kelli

Email - May 17, 2008

2008-05-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hello from the South,

Taylor you know Whitney so well that you picked the same outfit. I think it's marvelous that you know her that well. Don't worry about it, if nothing else it made me smile. I went to Hot Topic yesterday and got a $10 Gryffindor sweat shirt of which I am very proud. It gets really cold at night here.

I hope you had a happy birthday Whitney. It sounds like mom and dad made an impression on your roommates. I'm not sure what kind of impression, but an impression none the less.

I'm glad you got to spend a little time with the Wilcox relatives. Sydney will grow up to be a great young woman, I'm glad to hear that she works so hard taking care of her siblings. I hope they listen better than mine listened to me. Oldest siblings know best! (hint, hint, wink, wink)

I got the little toe sleeves and wore them all day yesterday. My feet were very happy and stylish. We had huge amounts of rain come in on us and while we waited it out in our apartment I drew on my toe sleeves. Sister Benfield and I ran out and played in the rain for awhile, we were soaked and standing in several inches of water and running around like mad people. Sister Smith got it on video, we told her she wasn't allowed to come outside 'cause she's still sick. Oh we took Benfield to the Dr.'s twice this week and so far we know that her "bilirubin is elevated" but we have no idea what that means. We're still waiting on the results from the ultrasound. Sister Smith goes home June 12th and we will miss her but she's ready to go. She's got plans and family. She will be attending BYU Idaho and I've been helping her pick her classes based on my remembrance of where the buildings are.

We've had two lessons so far this week and we have another one tonight. I'm really excited for this one. It's a girl the Elders found and I hope that she'll be there. Number wise it's been a better week and I did get copies of my journal and sent it to you, I just don't remember what day it was that I sent it. The only day that really stands out during the week is P-day, all the others are very similar. The days are long but the weeks are short, time seems to fly and crawl all at once.

Elder Cosby was transfered on Monday and we got a new Elder, Elder Call. Yeah - that's me. I love you all so much and love hearing from you.

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

Sister Kelli Wilcox

Day 34 - May 13, 2008 - Journal Entry

2008-05-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Whitney!

We had district meeting today, I met the new AP Elder Wright, or Brady Wright of Timpview who knows my Whitney. He was very excited and I promised to let Whitney know I saw him. I vote that if she has to get married, she should pick him.

Casey took us to the Drs. for Benfield & Smith. Casey and I waited for them in the waiting room for 2 hours to find out the Dr. didn't know what was wrong. He ordered more tests for Benfield and told Smith to wait and see. I read a talk by Elder Bednar about The Enabling Power of the Atonement and he defines my interpretation of life and the Atonement. Pretty much everything Mary taught me - It was very cool.

On campus a hawk was trying to get to a nest and the mom and dad mocking birds were on the attack which got a crowd around and we got to talk to a lot of people while watching this. Power to nature - helping God any which way.

Rachel had a farewell party (she's moving to AZ), we went to say we love her and good-bye. Rachel loves Indian food and Bolliwood - we sampled a little of the food and left before the movie. It saddened my heart, but I'll be on the look out for it after my mish and watch it then.

Day 33 - May 12, 2008 - Journal Entry

2008-05-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

Sister Benfield and Smith are dying on me. Sister Smith has a continuous, nasty cough and is unable to sleep at night. While Sister Benfield is in immense pain around her stomach and gall bladder. They spent the morning on the phone with Sister Summerhays and the doctors office getting appointments. Sister Smith got a prescription and we had Melanie pick us up and take us to Wal-Mart to fill the prescription. We then went back to campus and had lunch at Chili's, walked to the Library, emailed home - la de da.

For FHE we (the sisters) were in charge. We played 3 step or extreme dodge-ball. It was a lot of fun and we had several members come up to us to offer help - rides - whatever. We took it as a sign they they are starting to trust us.

Elder Cosby has left us and Elder Call has taken his place. Elder Wall is now DL and he asked me to give a 5 minute training on families and how they related to Lesson 3 in PMG. Then the zone leaders came by to give a 30 minute training on "The Enabling Power of the Atonement." I'm not really sure what that is, but Benfield gave me 3 talks to read on the subject, so I'm about to find out.