Happy St. Patty's Day

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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