E-mail October 6, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 29, 2008

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

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

Friday I don't remember.

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 22, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 15, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

Lots of love,

Kelli

September 8, 2008 - Panama City Beach, Florida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

E-mail - September 2, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lots of love, Kelli

E-mail - August 30, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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