Welcome back

Well, I'm back from my mish. It's been an interesting transition to say in the least....it took me 3 days to watch a movie or the TV, 2 weeks to start reading books other than the approved missionary library, 3 weeks to be okay with going places alone, and 6 to realize I'm not going back...progress!!


Update: I'm working for Heidi's Heavenly Cookies...aka best job ever. I don't really know what my future holds--only that the Lord knows, and it's my job to find out. I never really was one for treasure-hunts, but here I am, trying to find my own.


I'm thinking of a couple ideas for next year, to keep it meaningful and more than just about me. I'm thinking a 366 days (leap year) of service and documenting it with my camera. That way I'm taking pictures, doing good things, and updating my blog (since this is easier to keep up than a journal...oopsies).



Aaaaaaaaand that's my life.

Excited for Christmas where I can see my brother and sister-in-law, and we get to hear from my missionary brother, Elder Justin Mack.



Life is good.

Last. Email. WHAT?!

Sooooooooooooo this won't end up being too long...I really don't have much to say. I've ended my mission strong. We taught 116 lessons this transfer and we were blessed with 2 baptisms. We worked so hard, and that was a blessing in and of itself. We went to the temple on Thursday for a departing trip and I prayed to know that Heavenly Father has accepted my service as a missionary, and I had the sweetest confirmation. Man. I really don't know what to even say in this email!!!!

Tuesday was rough--my last zone meeting. I cried (go figure) as myself and another Elder who goes home with me shared our testimonies of how our mission has effected our lives so tremenously. But it was a good day after that. In fact, that's how most of the days went this week. I cried every day a little bit since tuesday--not because I feel like I need to stay--I know my time is up. I served the Lord as He has asked me to. But it doesn't make it any less devastating to leave these people you have loved so much and to leave behind the calling of teaching children of God who don't know about the gospel. It's been amazing.

Friday I had my departing interview with President Black. A couple Elders that I'm friends with waited for my interview to be over and man did I come out looking like a crazy person. I cried the moment I entered President's office, and he asked me questions about my mission and what it has meant to me. I don't really remember what I said, but he said, "You truly understand what Elder Holland says when it comes to his mission, don't you?" I nodded in agreeance. In one of the talks I gave on Sunday (because I gave two) I told the single's ward with conviction that no young lady has nor ever will love her mission as much as I have. It's true. I don't think that is even possible. Well, except I'm sure that every RM sister says that, but I mean it :o).

Franki's baptism was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! I had an amazing surprise of Rachel Schwartz showing up to my baptism, too. It was amazing and weird to have both of my worlds combine for a moment--I was Jenn and Sister Mack all at once. It was good to see a piece of home. I love Rachel!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jeeeeez. That night we also burned some stuff to signify the end of my mission and another Elder's mission. It was awesome and I got some great video footage. Sunday was sad, gave 2 talks to prep me for my homecoming talk. Said bye to people...but the best part is that I can get on facebook tomorrow and add them all. Weird, eh?

I wanted to share one last scripture before my time is done. Its 2 Timothy 4: 2, 5-8 "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (5) But watch thou in all things, endure affliction, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (6) For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. (7) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

I'm thankful for the gospel. I'm thankful for my mission and the profound effect that it has had on me and the way I look at my salvation. I know what the Lord requires of me, and I look forward to a lifetime of trying to live up to what He needs. I love Him so much.

....well guys, I'll either see you soon or talk atcha soon. Weird.

love love love,

Sister Mack

Transfer 13, Week 6.........​......sad day.

Hooooray for amazingly spiritual sacrament meetings that you KNOW were sent straight from Heavenly Father to bless the lives of His Children--namely Papa Cobby!!! Okay, so Sunday was great. Well, the whole week was great, even with the 7 lesson cancellations we had, but we still managed to work hard. I don't know how I'm still moving, honestly. I'm emotionally exhausted most of the time, but it's sooooooooooo worth it. The worth of souls is great in the eyes of God. And so if it means losing sleep and working to the bone and just being tired all the time, I'm more than willing. I literally have felt no greater joy. The thing I most scared of is when President Ernst releases me. I'm only scared because I can imagine myself as he asks me to remove my name tag...I see it now--me throwing over a table and bursting out the door, running wild-eyed to the nearest door for me to knock on and to share my testimony of the powerful effect that the Gospel can have in the lives of all people who are willing to use it. Buuuut then I'm pretty sure the loony bin would come pick me up and I'd be done. Which reminds me of the time that Sister Woznow and I were waiting in a mental hospital for us to talk to one of our investigators and they were under lock down because a fight broke out, so she and I were waiting with some of the teens who were admitted and I just looked at her and said, "how did we end up here?" And we proceeded to come up with a scenerio of me in a mental hospital 30 years down the road, wearing a hideous mumu of sorts, a broken video tape in hand and a black piece of paper on my chest, going from room to room trying to pass out my "Book of Mormon."..............I'm thinking that the whole scenerio was funnier when it wasn't typed out. Oh well, I fwd these emails to Sister Woznow and she'll get a kick out of it at least!! Man, the stories I will have to share...

Anyway, back to Sunday. So in our YSA a girl gave her homecoming talk. It was so moving what she said, and how profoundly she spoke about her experiences as a missionary. It hit me then that in just a little bit, I'm going to be an RM. What?! I never thought I would say those letters coupled together that mean so much, "Oh me? Oh yeah, I served a mission...I'm an RM." Those two words simply do not justify the experiences I had over the past 18 months. RM (return missionary) is a simple phrase that represents so much. All of who I am I owe to my Savior and my mission. Every ounce. And so anyway, I speak in the YSA next Sunday. So we jet from our YSA after sacrament to get to our family ward. We see Franki (WHO IS BEING BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY!!!!!!) and my heart just flutters with excitement for him. He's so wonderful. I cannot wait to see him be baptized and confirmed and rejoin the fold of our Heavenly Father. And this is where the most amazing Sacrament meeting happened!!!! This young man gave his farewell and said how he was serving for himself and his older brother, who cannot go due to health restrictions. And then I sang "His Hands" per request of the Bishop. I had just sung it two days prior completely perfect, but yesterday I had a couple voice cracks. It was really weird. But then I was taught that its not always through the most intellectual vessels or perfect strands of music that our hearts are touched by the Spirit. I was thankful to be able to share my talent that Heavenly Father has given me. And then the lady who spoke after me was just fabulous. She talked about losing her husband to cancer 6 years ago and how she was left alone with 5 little kids to take care of. She talked about how Heavenly Father will ALWAYS answer our prayers--just not necessarily through the means that we desire. He's an amazing God. And Waymond (Papa Cobby) has been struggling so hard with that. And he realized yesterday that it's about work. He isn't doing his part, and therefore he cannot expect the answers--whether it's in the way he desires or not. He's come so far even since I've first met with him. Aaaaand then I was asked to speak in the family ward. So next Sunday I'll be giving 2 talks, and my comp and I are doing a fireside for the youth. Craaaaaaay-zaaaaaaay!!

I find myself looking at my nametag more often now than ever. I feel the light weight of it on my left collarbone and feel so blessed to wear a little plastic black rectangle that represents so much. In just 8 short days I'll be home, and my nametag won't reside on my shoulder anymore. I remember when Ryan Greenburg came home from his mission and he was talking to me and he was like, "I came home and everything looks the same. It's as if I wasn't even gone, like it was a dream. But I know it happened." I know that's how it's going to be for me, and though I may not wear my Savior's name on my shoulder anymore, I definitely have His name permanently on my heart, where it will always be.


I love you all so much and am so thankful for the support you've given to me over the past 18 months. I'll email once more before I go home, but it probably won't be anything too interesting because I'm sure I'll be in shock.

love love love,
sister mack


picture one: Me giving Sister Leilua a piggy back ride on the hike down at RedRock
picture two: Sister Dixon, myself, and Sister Woznow--my babies I was sooooo so sooooooooooo blessed to train!!!

Transfer 13 Week 5

Glory glory!!! Who doesn't just LOVE General Conference???? I certainly love it with all my heart might mind and strength!! President Monson was a hoot, too. Isn't it amazing how amazing all the people that are called to be the Lord's mouthpieces in these latter-days? I'm so thrilled for everything. I love life!!! It loved Sunday AM session the most. It was just down-right amazing. I am so thankful for the words that were shared. I had prayers answered for me and the folks we're teaching. Heavenly Father hears our prayers and answers them in His time, and most often through the voice or means of other people.

I'm also so excited because we set two people with baptism dates this week!!! Robert, our racquetball-playing fiend agreed to be baptized on November 19!!! The only sad this is that I definitely won't be here for it, but that's okay. It's not about me witnessing it, it's about him doing it and making that huge change in his life. He's hilarious. The lesson we had with him, Sister Knighton and I actually had to go on exchanges for it because we had 2 appointments for 6:45. So I went to Roberts. Can I just say how thankful I am for companions? It is literally exhausting to teach by yourself. I tried using the members who took me as often as possible, but in the end I had to clarify and teach all the principles. I am so glad that Heavenly Father is wise in sending us in companionships--I could have never lasted doing this on my own. And thank goodness for my constant companion, the Holy Ghost!!! He helped me to pick up on any clue that Robert gave to keep the lesson moving forward (namely because he likes to talk a LOT and go off on bizarre tangents). I am thankful for the opportunity that I have to learn to listen to every prompting, no matter how small. Anywho, the other baptism is for Frankie (14 years old) on OCTOBER 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I pray that everything works out becaues it'd be a dream come true to see him enter the waters of baptism while I'm here. They read and pray as a family, and the only concern was church attendance because they hadn't made it a habit. SO we gave them a bold-sauce talk and told them they had to commit, and they took it well and committed. SO EXCITED!!!!

Funny things? I may or may not have lost at least 5 brain cells this week? Why? Because our District Leader, Elder Fulbright, challenged my comp and I to a clean-off (since today is supposed to be a day of cleaning). So, me being who I am, we JUMPED at the opportunity for a good challenge. Somehow I found myself claiming the bathroom to clean (first mistake) and then discovered that it is very difficult to get rid of rust stains that have probably been there since the apartment's existance. So I probably did some bad moves as I mixed a couple chemicals...I also ended up hand-scrubbing the tile floor in the bathroom. I also decided it would be best to clean the shower with me in it...with the water on. So I took a shower with my clothes on, scrubbing everything in sight. Too bad for me that there is still some marks, but other than that our apartment looks great and smells like straight bleach. BAM!!!!!

Life is good. I should be seeing Jo (who I was teaching up in Reno) on Saturday, which would be amazing. She wants to see me one last time before I go, and she's flown down for a convention for work. I hope everything works out.


My most favorite thing said at conference was by...Elder Richardson I think. I'll just change it a bit:
My mission has been the best [18 months] for my life.

And I couldn't agree more.


love love love,
sister mack

oh, and September 30 was my official 18-month mark!! WEIRD!!!!!!

Transfer 13 Week 4

Glory glory halelujah!!! (week four?!?!?! HOLY NIGHT!!!)

Don't you just LOVE the Relief Society General Broadcast? Elder Uchtdorf's talk just blew me away. The forgetmenot flower story...OH MY GOSH. Y'all need to read it as soon as it comes out for us to read. In fact, here is the link to see stuff about it: http://lds.org/pages/general-rs-meeting-2011?lang=eng read it and have your heart touched. I was SO touched when he said that we are not forgotten. Not a single one of us. God knows us each, knows where we are, and is aware of what we're doing and going through. He's amazing. He's our Eternal Father. Embrace that knowledge.

TODAY WE HIKED AT REDROCK with all the Sisters. It was awesome hanging out with old companions and being with the Sisters (all of us). One of the Sisters and I jogged up every little bit, and then jogged down. It was awesome.

Our Single's Ward is awesome. First of all, tonight's FHE is rocket-powered pinewood derby racecars race. Second, Sunday Bishop had a very serious talk with all of us about missionary work and how it can go forward. It's kinda slow in the ward, and he's determined to pick it up. So he challenged us to get to know every single one of the members and he's challenging the members to know us and help us. I'm sad it's taken so long for this to happen, BUT I'm thankful that it's happened before I have left. So now everyone in the Single's ward is super friendly. A lot of them talk during sacrament meeting, so that's not too pleasing, but we're making steps. One of the folks suggested that we bear our testimony to everyone as they walk in. I wasn't too keen on the idea because I don't feel my testimony is something that should be thrown off-hand and made into a comic event, so both Sister Knighton and I bore our testimonies in the meeting. I haven't been moved to do so in a while, but I knew I was supposed to. I got up there and testified as so why we're here--taking President Uchtdorf's 4th "forget me not"--forget not the WHY of the gospel. Why do we go to church? Why do we read, pray, invite, work in our callings,etc. WHY? Because we love our Father. Because it's through prayer that we communicate with him. Because through the scriptures we can know His will for us. Because He loves us so deeply and dearly that He has provided the sacrament for us to renew our covenants, and then the other classes in church to help strengthen us and those around us. Why am I on my mission? Because I know my Savior lives. Just imagine for 3 minutes not knowing that. How heartbreaking. Not knowing that He lives, loves us, and we can be with Him and our Father again. Heavenly Father has entrusted us as members with the Gospel because He has faith that we will share it with those around us. Man. So blessed. It was a good meeting.

We got a new investigator this week. Robert. We taught him about the book of Mormon on Tuesday and he taught us racquetball on Wednesday. I ended up running into the wall and twisting my ankle, but alas, I will survive. I didn't take after my dad or grampa Mack in my racquetball skills. We also biked on Saturday. The only bike we could find for me was a beach cruiser, and that was sweet. Riding to the church (we did service ALL DAY and contacted people at a geneology jamboree) was easy because it was downhill. But then we went further downhill to a baptism of the Elder's, and then needed to bike back uphill. Well, on my 1 speed red beach cruiser I was a little nervous and asked to ride in front of sis Knighton so if I fell behind she'd know. So what happens? I somehow miraculously transform into the Hulk and beasted that hill (of course with legging on under my skirt) and beat Sister knighton pretty bad in biking. So bad in fact that I didn't realize she wasn't behind me until I turned onto the road where the church was. 2-3 minutes go by and as I was about to circle back she comes around the corner. She was impressed with my abilities to beast the hill. So we've decided to bike on Saturdays :o)

Well, this email is pretty long. I remember when I first came out I had super duper long emails. Now I consider this long. Oh yes, and Superbowl for missionaries is this weekend--GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!! So excited. SO thrilled. I love hearing from a modern, living Prophet the things our Father wants us to hear. AREN'T WE BLESSED!!!


I love you all, behave yourselves.

love love love,
sister mack

PS-MY "LITTLE SIS" RACHEL GOT HER MISSION CALL TO THE MESA ARIZONA TEMPLE VISITOR'S CENTER MISSION SPANISH SPEAKING!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so proud of her!!!

Transfer 13 Week 3

First things first.

JUSTIN GOT HIS MISSION CALL TO PHOENIX, AZ SPANISH SPEAKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No one could be prouder than me!!! I'm so excited for him. He reports November 9, meaning I get just under 3 weeks with him. I'm so thankful I'll get to see him, though, before he leaves. Holy smokes. I'm just so excited. Spanish!!! BUENOS DIAS, erryone!! That's just amazing. AH I'm so stoked. What a great experience missions are!!! I'm so excited for everything he's going to learn, and for the man he will become. That's legit. Man. So awesome. I'm so thankful!!! I haven't prayed for anyone harder than him on my mission, and I'm so thankful for the Lord working in his life.

Next thing--Josie was baptized!!! It was such a sweet experience. She was crying and just looked like the weight of the world was lifted. And it can be!!! I wish we would all effectively apply the Atonement of our Savior in our lives so that we could benefit from the healing powers it has. SO THANKFUL for my Savior. So thankful.

Not excited for Wednesday. You see, there's this lady that we visit who isn't active. Her house smells instantly of cat pee when you walk in (overwhelmingly so) and she's making us dinner. She also loves organic weird things, and my palat isn't that diverse. So she makes weird ginger root of carrot with a sprinkling of garlic skin stuff. Last time I feigned ill and didn't eat much, but I don't think I can fake it every time. Her desserts are good and normal, so I guess that'll be rewarding in and of itself. But she's feeding us, which is fortunate for us. Speaking of being fed...our single's ward mission leader SPOILED US ROTTEN on Saturday. He and his wife treated us to the Cheesecake factory. Legit it was one of the most delicious meals I've had on my mission. I had the dulce de leche cheesecake too and I'm pretty sure it had addictive drugs in it or something because it was just downright amazing. Holy moly. That same WML is also doing a tennis tournament for folks we're teaching/a farewell party for me on October 15. I laughed when I heard, but I'm pretty sure he won't make too big a deal over me leaving. He's such a great WML. He's working with Thaddeus.

Oh, this week it POURED!!! It was amazing. I also got to see a lady Sister Johnson and I were working with in South zone--JULIANNE STONE!!! She brought her darling baby and took us to lunch to Cafe Rio. she's so amazing. Babies are the perfect time to get someone to go back to church too, so I have high hopes for her.

So our investigators and jazz? Tempest and Chad are doing well. We need to get them to church is all, so then they can be baptized. They know it's true--they told us so this past week. Waymond is someone the missionaries have been working with for legit 5 years. He's like a yo-yo with progress, but he's working hard on developing faith and has finally started to pray for himself, little by little. He needs the church so badly, and wants it. He just has to do the necessary things to get there. The Ramseys are doing AWESOME!!! They're moving in November to a house, though. But I know their progress will still be good. They're such a great family and they read and study and write in their study journals we gave them ALL THE TIME!!! Our YSA investigators are doing well, Fiona especially. Heldder and Ashley are great--she would be baptized so quick...except she and Heldder need to a) get married or b) not live together. Bummmmmer. Oh well. They're hilarious and we always have a great time teaching them. AND we got a sweet new golden (hopefully) referral for this man who has had a lot of bad stuff happen to him lately, and he said he needs church to give him a purpose. He talked to me on the phone for a good 15 minutes and we're going to meet with him tomorrow.

LIFE IS GOOD!! I'm excited to play yoga ball (the game we invented last week). This time I'm going to brace my elbow because it's still sore from last week. Life is so good I'm so enthralled and I'm excited to work by brains out for 4 more weeks. It doesn't feel real, still. But that's okay. I guess if it felt too real I'd stop working. Or maybe I'd work harder? Idk. All I know is that I'm in this until the end.


be good, feed a missionary, talk to someone in the ward who doesn't look like they have friends.


love love love,
sister mack


PICTURES:
1- Sister Knighton, Josie, her great granddaughters (Jopi and Audrey), and me at Josie's baptism!!!
2- Me and Sophia, the Ramsey's 5-year-old daughter after a Spanish baptism I sang at.

Transfer 13 Week 2

"There can be miracles, when you believe. Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill. Who knows what miracles you can acheive? If you believe, somehow you will........"

That seems corny to type that out, but I'm jammin' to that song inside my mind right now. AND IT'S SO TRUE!!!!

Sooooooooo we're excited!!! Josie's baptism is this Saturday!!! She's such a darling old lady, so concerned about everything. And she's so excited. She broke down last week and cried about how stressed she's been lately because her daughter is homeless and there's nothing she could do except put it in the Lord's hands. She's such an example of faith and love. She truly is so kind. Everytime I think of her I think of how much Christ and Heavenly Father love and cherish her. She's legitamently amazing. And she feels she's still alive so she can bring her great-granddaughters into the gospel. Bless her soul. I also sang in church on Sunday and she came up to me and pointed at me, grinning, and said, "THAT is the song I want you to sing at my baptism." It was really sweet.

Thaddeus!! My heart is broken over him. He went from being 100% completely fully into the idea of baptism and changed completely in 12 hours. He doesn't want to give up smoking. He doesn't want to give up the ladies. He doesn't want to give up anything. He said, "God loves me no matter what." And we agreed with him, 100%. God is our Loving Heavenly Father who has giving us SOOO much. And all He asks is that we show our love back. How? John 14:15-- "If ye love me, keep my commandments." It just so happens that church attendance, prayer, scripture study, baptism, honoring our parents, amongst many others are little ways we can show our love. Thaddeus brought up him being bi-polar and that prohibiting his progress, and it really stumped me for a hot minute. I was thinking and praying, why would Heavenly Father put a burden on someone like being bi-polar or something else that would hinder their eternal progression when they're accountable? And then it hit me one day when we were at a lesson randomly--God (of course) would NEVER set any of us up to fail. He loves us far too much for that and aches to have us back in His arms. So he has provided things to help us to overcome these said obstacles. It is OUR CHOICE whether or not we use and implement these things. Thaddeus knows what's good for him. He knows what he needs to do. He is just choosing not to. And it hurts my heart because I can't make him do anything. I wonder how much our Heavenly Father hurts when we choose not to follow His plan, or choose not to obey. We have the blessings of heaven at our fingertips--all we have to do is reach out. But disobedience causes us to futher the distance between us and those blessings. Thank goodness there is repentance thanks to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

FRANKIE!!! He's doing AMAZING!!! He and his mom and sister read 11 chapters in 1 Nephi. He received an answer to his prayers and he KNOWS the church is true. We wanted to set him with a date last week, but it didn't work out that way. So this Friday we're setting him for October 8th. We also hope to set at least one more of our investigators for October 15. We have a couple in mind, but we have to pray more to make sure it's right. Chad agreed to take the lessons and he and his mom agreed to baptism!!! Their journey will be a little longer with financial bridges they have to cross in order to get to church on Sunday, but they are so genuine and sweet. I'm just beside myself with how lucky we are. Fiona we're also teaching now--she's from China!!! She has such a sweet way of asking questions and showing that she's listening. Maaaaaan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So lucky. She also agreed to baptism. In fact, I would say 6/10 of our investigators have agreed to baptism--so now it's just setting dates all around.

I love you all so much and am so thankful, again, for this time to learn and study the gospel. Last week I studied humility and was a little frightened to pray for it, but I did, and the Lord has provided opportunities to humble myself. I'm thankful for those experiences and I welcome more. Keep on keepin' on, y'all.


love love love,
sister mack

Transfer 13 Week 1

Hello everybody!!!

First things first: Sister Knighton and myself are together for another transfer!!! I'm the 3rd companion she'll "kill" (meaning she'll be with them when they go home) and I'm her longest companion she's had yet. Go me!!

I was doing a lot of reflecting over the past couple of days and realized how BLESSED we've been the past 6 weeks. Sister Knighton and I have put our hearts and souls out there and have been working so hard. Our investigator pool went from 4 to 10 in the past six weeks. HOW BLESSED ARE WE???? We are working so hard and pray for the guidance of the Spirit every day. I love this work. It's the best work in the world, legit. I am just so thankful!!!!!!!!

We got to have a new missionary stay the night with us last night. It was cool because she's my great-granddaughter according to mission geneology. That's exciting, eh? Who knew? She's a sweet girl from just outside New Orleans and she's got just a vivacious personality and just sincerely wants to work. That's the best. AH I'm so sorry I have to try to speed things up in this email, I have only a little time. Man.

So Thaddeus is up and down. Seriously, he is training me for my own children someday. Over the past 2 weeks I've lost near 2 hours of sleep every night over me worrying about him every night. I still have the 2 packs of cigarettes he gave me so he can stop smoking. Heavenly Father has put a lot of trials in his path, but Thaddeus is strong enough to survive them. He's really amazing.

We got to meet with Mark and Tempest--they're feeding us tonight, so that'll be fun. Got a 3 new investigators: Brenda (late 20s in the YSA), Josie (71 years-old), and Frankie (14 years-old). Frankie we committed to baptism and Josie has a baptism date of September 16. Everyone is so fun. We're so blessed. Frankie is so sweet and really has an earnest desire to learn. We hope tonight we can get Mark and Tempest's son, Chad, to agree to take the lessons. He's a sweet young man, too. AH we are just so blessed right now.

I am so thankful for the time to serve. It was amazing the past 2 days to reflect and see a lot of my fellow missionaries that have become my good friends. Some I don't know when I'll see again, others I know our paths will cross. It was especially good to see Sister Woznow--she's opening an area with another Sister--a Samoan branch!! She's excited and now has to have language study in Samoan. I also got to meet an Elder from Tahiti and it was nice talking to him about how much my grandparents loved serving there.

Holy. I'm so blessed. I've also been studying Christ-like attributes the past 2 weeks. This weeks attribute is humility. I'm excited to learn more about how I can become more like my Savior so that when I come home I'll be able to remain a tool in His hand in the lives of others because I have become more like Him and He can rely on me.

I love you all so much. Enjoy your week and share the gospel!!!

love love love,
sister mack

picture one: Recognize this guy??? Elder Spencer Wagner!!! He served in my home ward when I was in high school I believe!!! Our YSAs had a joint activity.
picture two: Me and Sister Woznow with a sign I made her and pringles I bought her. Good fun!!!

Transfer 12 Week 6

Oh holy night. Literally, every Saturday night for the past 4 weeks I've been like, "holy cazolli, Pday is so soon AGAIN. How does that happen so fast?" And here I am, again, writing an email. Legit I feel like I just did this yesterday. Holy holy!!!

Okay, so this week. WE ARE SO BLESSED!!!!! We had 3 nonmembers show up to our YSA ward, 2 who want to meet with us. We had an investigator that we didn't expect to show up SHOW UP at church!!!! Thaddeus is doing SO WELL and we're just so excited. Everyone in our wards are SO GOOD TO US!!!! So blessed. AH I can hardly stand it.

Thaddeus: MAN. Okay, so he was doing so well, and then on Thursday he texted us and said, "hey I need to tell you guys something." And I knew immediately he didn't want to be baptized. So my mind started churning as Sister Knighton called him. He said he didn't want to be baptized anymore but wanted to in the future or something. I felt that wasn't all, so I asked him if I could call him later that night when we were home and he agreed. So as we went through the rest of our evening, I was wondering what could have stopped him because legit he is SO gung-ho. And it hit me--he smoked. He had given up cigarettes the previous 3 days and he smoked again. So that night when I called him I asked him if he had smoked, and sheepishly he said he did. I AM SO THANKFUL THE LORD WILL TELL ME WHAT'S GOING ON SO I CAN HELP MY INVESTIGATORS!!!!!!!!!! I would have never thought of that on my own, Heavenly Father just plopped it in my head and it was awesome. MAN how I love the power of the Holy Ghost if we would just LISTEN!!!!!! So he still didn't want to be baptized when we were talking on the phone and so we hung up and we prayed hardcore for him before going to bed. The next day we showed up at his house and talked to him for a bit and BAM everything he was worried about came spilling out. What had happened was that he was talking to a lady who was inactive in our church and not living her life in a way she should be, so she started anti-ing him h-core and he had doubts. But we talked to him for about an hour and bore our souls to him. He was also afraid that we would leave from here and never talk to him again. I told him that was foolish. I am SO thankful to be serving in a place where I can easily keep in contact with my people. They are just that--my people and they will ALWAYS be my people. Thaddeus then invited us to dinner with his Gramma, who asked us for a book of Mormon and whom we want to start teaching. She's so great and needs the love the Gospel can give her.

Mark and Tempest--they came to church!!!!! I was like shocked when I saw them and legit threw them a little party. They need love so badly, and I'm more than willing to give it to them!!! Jeremy and Emily (Jeremy is an investigator and Emily is reactivating) are AMAZING too!!! They are just such tender spirits. I'm so thankful. And Bonnie--she's a potential investigator we've been doing service for--she NEEDS the gospel too, so badly!!! AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH I just have so many people to teach about the church--I'm SO thankful that they're here for these last 7 weeks!!!!!

1 transfer from today I'll be emailing my second to last email home. FREAK OUT!!! TIME IS FLYING SO FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would have never thought that it could move this fast. Why didn't anyone tell me that before I came out?! As a missionary we CANNOT waste a single moment--not a single one!!! We don't have time to waste. Man. MAN MAN MAN!!!!

Joey requested a funny story...but I can't think of any at this moment. So next email I'll try to remember something funny that happened. It'll be awesome.


I love you guys soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo friggin much. This church is so true. Get on your knees and find out for yourself.


love love love,
sister mack

Transfer 12 Week 5

"FOR THE LOVE OF BROWNIES!!"--our loverly investigator, Thaddeus.

Everyone. I have an announcement to make. I've been a FOOL!!!! I have been focusing on the thorns of mission life as opposed to looking at the beauty of the flower. HOW COULD I BE SO SILLY???? But alas, I've repented and moved on. Thank goodness!!! I'm so thrilled to be here. First things first:

Thaddeus: 20-year-old investigator of ours who is ridiculously hilarious. He says the strangest things, laughs louder than myself, but has a true blue desire to come to know our Savior, Jesus Christ. He prays more often than anyone else I know, reads his scriptures, and shares the gospel with everyone. All of his friends have ditched him because he doesn't want to drink or do drugs anymore, but he doesn't even let it phase him. He honestly is such a gem. He has been telling everyone that he has a baptism date of September 17, and we're excited because he really wants this more than even we want it for him. The only thing holding him back are his cigarettes. So, we have been trying to get him to give him some boosts or something, so my companion offered to make him brownies every week he doesn't smoke. And he said, "For the love of brownies, I'll quit!" Of course he was joking, but he was really being serious about us making him brownies. So alas, we are about to start our journey in making him brownies. But honestly, he is a true miracle. His gramma talked to us the other day while he was in his bedroom for a minute and told us how much he had changed. He's more patient, more loving, his reading has improved, amongst other things. This gospel is a gospel of miracles, and amazing things can happen if we live it to it's fulness.

Other miracles have happened too. We found Heldder and his girlfriend, Ashley. I had taught Heldder's sister the new member lessons and stuff in my first area oh so long ago, so we had the instant connection. He was baptized last summer but went inactive shortly after, and his girlfriend he lives with isn't a member. So we asked her if she'd like to learn and she agreed. They're both amazing and so sweet. They made us ribs last week at it was quite delicious. They're both culinary students. We also got in to another inactive man's door, and he and his poor wife had literally just lost a child. The day we called they were in the hospital, and he allowed us to come over because he knew we were an answer to his prayers. So after talking briefly of our Heavenly Father's plan of Salvation, we asked her if she'd e willing to learn more about the gospel, and she's all for it. His work schedule is going to be a little tough to work around, but I know it's meant to be. Heavenly Father has been preparing all of these people to hear about the gospel. How blessed am I to be here right now?????

I love this gospel. I'm so thankful for this time I have to work on Christ-like attributes that I need so desperately in my life. Man. So fortunate.

So last week? I think I mentioned going on a hike. Well, it turns out I'm allergic to Las Vegas dust--or at least the dust on Lone Mountain. So I got a rash that started just on my arms, but then spread to my legs. FINALLY the red is almost gone--but not after I had to take steroids and hard-core benedryl. It was funny because when I got the perscription for the steroids the lady was like, "these will cause you to be anxious and a little angry at times." SO TRUE!!! We left a lesson on Thursday night and I don't even know what I was mad at, but I ranted to my companion for like 15 minutes about how angry I was at nothing, throwing my hands in the air and being dramatic. Later we talked about how ridiculously hilarious that was because I had no cause to be angry. Good thing I have a patient and understanding companion.

We also had Zone Conference this past week. It was my last one, so I was asked to give a departing testimony. Uhh...well, let's just say I was a tad emotional. It was so embarrassing...I stood up there in silence for like 15 seconds, and then I was about to sob out loud, so instead I started talking (or yelling in all actuality), and said, "I'M AN UGLY CRIER AND I'M LOUD WOW THAT'S EMBARRASSING" and then there was a wimpered cry at the end too. And then I laughed, and everyone was laughing...and it was embarrassing. Not my finest moment, but I was able to pull it together and share my testimony. Time flies. I'm so fortunate to be here. I can't get over that.

Anywho, I love a scripture in James 1:22--it talked about how we need to be "doers of the word, not hearers only." or something. It made me reflect and apply that to being a doer of the word and not just a teacher. How can I better live my life in a way where people can receive a testimony of the things I say by watching me do the things I do? How can we all improve?


I love you guys. So much.

love love love,
Sister Mack

Transfer 12 Week 4

I am in transfer 12, right? Man, it's not fair. Time is going by too fast. Ugh....

Anyway!! I had some amazingly spiritual experiences this week. Monday ended kind of tough. We found out that part of our area was smaller than we realized, and 2 investigators that we were going to set with a date dropped us. Everything that could have hit me did, and I was at a loss. Usually I can stay strong and get to the end of the day and turn to my scriptures and pray and be better, but then my companion told me she wanted to give up too, that she had no idea what to do with the area and everything we seem to be trying is backfiring. So, we stop our nightly planning session and found ourselves on our knees. I prayed with all the intent of my heart I could muster, my companion's sniffles letting me know that she was just as emotional as I pled with Heavenly Father to show us the way. We can only give so much--everything. I've been learning to give up everything to Him--my pride included. I've learned that I've been too prideful, neglecting to thank my Father for things He's blessed me with. But after the prayer, I felt the greatest sense of peace. My companion was still upset, so I comforted her to the best of my ability before finishing up our planning session and hittin' the hay. The next day at Zone meeting she was a little cold towards some of the Elders, but I went through zone meeting searching for an answer to my prayers. I knew it was coming, so I had to be on alert. The Zone Leaders did a nice little training that involved an obstacle course and some other nice things, so we went along with it. But my answer came at the very end. President Hyer, in the Stake presidency, came to our meeting and took a couple minutes at the end. He was so humble as he stood before us. "I know how hard you are all working. And I know work isn't going the way that all of us would like it to go. What you do doesn't go unnoticed. The rewards may not come here, now, but they will be reaped in the years to come. We support you, and we love you, and we want to help." I couldn't help but tear up as my prayers were answered. The work I've been doing isn't going unnoticed. The boldness with which I have been speaking isn't in vain, and the doors I knock aren't being knocked just for fun. I'm here working my heart and soul out so I can help people. I do it because I know the joy that can come from the Gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Truth has been restored, and the healing powers we can find within are beyond our ability to fully comprehend. But it is where we find true joy. We contacted a man on the walk in to the library and he read my nametag and asked me if that's why I'm happy. I smiled and said, "There's nothing to be sad about when you're serving the Lord." There really isn't. I am so fortunate for this time. It breaks my heart that it's all going by so quickly. I don't know how it's already P-day again and I'm sitting here, writing another email home. I will not take a moment forgranted.

This gospel is the answer. It's the answer to any problem. I wish I had known this before my mission. I think I would have been spared some heartache. We can all use it--even if we feel that we already have it all.


I love you all so much. thanks for the letters of support and encouragement.

love love love,
sister mack

picture one: Vegas sunset :o)
picture two: We went hiking and we took a picture with the "minorities" in the mission--sisters (10 of us out of 170) and Spanish speaking Elders (30 of 170).

Transfer 12 Week 3

Holy night, y'all. Fun fun week full of lots of tracting, walking, laughing, singing, frustration, and joy!! This work is the greatest work there is, no matter what.

So first things first. Sister Knighton and I have a goal to tract our whole area in a transfer, which means we have to tract @ least 2 streets a day. So far we're falling behind a tad, so it may take us a transfer and 1/2, but that's okay--it'll be done. We have an appointment with Edgar, a man the Sisters found via tracting just before I got here, on Wednesday. I pray it goes well--we met him this past week and he seems super nice. Clearly he was made for the gospel :o). We have some potential investigators, the son of a less-active family that fed us this past week. They reminded me of Brother Tedjamulia, always putting more on my plate. When I was finished she would ask me if I wanted more, and I'd say, "oh no, thanks, it was delicious." And she would say, "what?! You didn't like my food? Please, please have more. It makes me happy when you eat more." So, my companion and I left feeling like a pair of baby balugas. I laughed when we got into the car and told Sister Knighton that Sister Russo reminded me so much of Brother Tedj. Oh the memories of growing up. Sometimes when I tell stories from college or high school I forget that I've been on a mission for a year, and then I realize that life has moved on. I think that'll be weird when I come home--folks having changed since I've been on my mission. Weird. But I've changed too, so it's okay. It's just so crazy how fast time has flown. I relate to Jacob when he says, "...I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream..." (Jacob 7: 26). My life truly has passed by so fast since I've been out here. He puts it perfectly. I wake up still sometimes and can't help but smile because I'm really doing this. I'm really putting my all into this. I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with an even stronger desire to be 110% obedient and diligent. I collapse into bed exhausted at night, sleep like a rock, and wake up at 6:15. Funny, I never thought 6:15 in the morning would ever again seem like a normal hour to me, but I can honestly and finally say that it's not difficult to wake up at 6:30. Sure, I'm still tired, but my mind is alert. I'm ready to go. It's awesome. It makes me sad that I can't serve 24 months, though. I would love to kill it for 8 more months.

To continue from last week:

3. We're not here for us to become who we want to be, but for us to become who the Lord needs us to be. I realize more and more every day that I'm here to help others. Each of us is. There are specific people placed in our lives for us to help find the light that the gospel brings. We as members of the church have the light and knowledge of the gospel--the true and living waters. I compare us to the stones that the Lord lit up for the Jaredites in Ether 6: 3--"And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness." It is our job to be that guiding light to those around us through the great waters of life. It's up to us to make our light brighter by doing the things the Lord wants us to do--including prayer and scripture study and attending church. We can all improve in all three of those things, even if we do them all the time.

I'll do a fourth next week since I'm running low on time.


I love you guys so much. I am so thankful for everything the Lord has given me. I'm excited to be here in Vegas and to do what the Lord needs me to do. I'm working hard, kicking butt to the end. I'm going out with a bang.


love love love,
sister mack


"smiling is my favorite"
-elf

Transfer 12 Week 2

Well y'all, I'm surviving the heat of Vegas. I forgot how exhausting it was to go tracting in the heat. WOOO baby it's awful!! We met some interesting people, an old hippy lady who invited us in for water and we ended up talking for about 20 minutes with her, then we tracted into a man who said he was waiting for us. I felt a little sketch about it, and with good reason. He talked our ear off for 30-40 minutes about how false the church was, blah blah blah, and it took everything inside of me not to laugh. He seemed genuinely concerned for our souls and told us to make sure we had a foundation and testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. So we bore testimony about how we know He is our personal Savior and told him that we were thankful for his concern. Man. Vegas!!! How I've missed thee...

OH!! Today we went to the temple (beautiful of course), and I SAW LEA GLENN!!!! She was a RC from my first area and it has been almost a YEAR since I've seen her!!! It was so incredible. Man. I love it.

So we have a couple good investigators. Jeremy is good, we'll be hopefully setting him with a date soon. Thaddeus has turned around and is doing well. But other than that, we don't have much work going on. President Black came to our disctrict meeting and told us a story about a pioneer young man carried his four-year old brother across the plains for 16 hours and arrived at camp, and collapsed, dead from exersion. So I've decided I'm going to collapse dead from working so hard as opposed to "dying" simply because my 18 months is up. I've been sent here to work, and to work hard. I plan on it. I ache for it. I'm so thankful for this opportunity.

Dad requested I do a "top 10 things I've learned on my mission" thing and so I thought I'd get started and do a couple every email session.

1. Jesus Christ is the head of this church. This is HIS work I'm doing. That really hit me the other day when everyone was pretty rude while we were tracting and all our appointments either cancelled or didn't show up. It would be discouraging except this isn't about me. I feel sad for the people because they don't understand what they're missing out on. I feel sad for the Savior who is trying to do everything He can to help us return to Him. He is putting people in our paths, thoughts, scriptures, friends, family--everything. Why don't we listen? Fear because the lifestyle changes that will have to happen? Because we're not sure what others will think or say about us? Fear is the opposite of faith, and perfect love casts out all fear. Pray. Just pray to know. I promise promise PROMISE He will answer. Jesus Christ leads and guides us today. His mouthpiece is Thomas S. Monson, and we would do well to listen and heed his counsel. If we follow the prophet, we are promised we will never be led astray. What an incredible blessing.

2. The fight in this life isn't with others--it's with ourselves. I love that because I have a hard time trusting others. I've learned to take the focus off of others and put it back on me. This is a journey that I'm making with my Savior. This is a battle against my natural man, against my natural desires. I can't rely on others reading their scriptures and others prayers on my behalf for my salvation. I must do those things, be an example to those around me, and move forward. I can't lift others higher than I am myself.


I love my mission. I love everything it's taught me. I'm so excited that Justin has put in his papers and made the choice to go. I am so thankful that the prayers have been heard and he has heeded the call of our Savior. He wants all of us to come unto Him, and be perfected in Him, and show others the way.

Who could use the light of your testimony this week?


love love love,
sister mack


picture 1: me with Meow Meow (or mr bigglesworth)
picture 2: Sis Knighton and me outside the Vegas temple :o)

Transfer 12 Week 1

HOLLA HOLLA HOLLA (my newest phrase)

Well family, it was bound to happen. After being seperated for 10 months, I've come back and joined Vegas once again for the rest of my mission. It was so hard to leave Reno. I truly put my heart and soul into that area. I love the people there so much and am so thankful for the love they so freely gave me. I have witnessed so many miracles, and made so many dear friends. I hope they all know that I'll be back, and this past weekend wasn't the last time they'll see Sister Mack. I love you guys so much, Reno folk. I really do.

Aaaaaaaand now on to Vegas!!! IT IS SO STINKIN HOT DOWN HERE!!! I almost forgot what it was like to be super hot....almost. My new companion is Sister Knighton, and she's from Colorado. She came out with my first greenie baby, Sister Dixon, so she's been out just about 6 months now. So crazy!!!!!! My new area covers one ward and a singles ward. The work here is apparently goin okay, but I'm looking forward to tracting my whole area in one transfer just so I can say I did it, and then getting the members a bit more involved. It was so awesome, though, coming down and seeing some of my most favorite people again. There are some missionaries that I haven't seen in a while, so it was awesome catching up briefly. The only thing I'm worried about is the Singles ward. How the heck do you serve in a singles ward???? How do you build up relationships of trust of whatevs?? Weird. I'm excited though. I'm serving in the same stake that President and Sister Black live in and that means that we'll be going out with Sister Black a lot. I'm DEFINITELY excited about that. She's such a hoot and a joy to be around.

Worries? The place we live in only has a swamp cooler that takes an hour to really do something. AKA it's SO hot when we get home. And it's been humid as well (it rained for 3 minutes today!!). But I can't complain because I'll be getting a sick tan for when I come home.


BEST THING EVER, GUYS!!! I had the AWESOME opportunity to go out to lunch with a convert of mine, KENNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's been almost a year since he's been baptized and 10 months since I've seen him!!! I also got to see my favorite person in the world, Sister Johnson. It was so nice to see them both, it felt like home. It hit me when I saw the two of them how indebted I am to the Lord for serving a mission. He has graciously brought so many amazing people into my life for me to know and these people will forever be in my life. I am so thankful. I'll attach some pictures.

we are so blessed, y'all. I can't get over it. I'm excited to be loading on the sunscreen, drinking 6 gallons of water a week, and pounding the pavement in order to spread the word of the Lord. It's so true. I cannot deny it. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what keeps me knocking on doors in 110 degree weather.


sorry this is short, next week I'll have more to say I'm sure.


love love love,
sister mack.

ps, Sister woznow and I went to a pioneer day picnic this past week and competed in a pie eating contest. We both lost....miserably. But here's a picture of us before hand!!!

Transfer 11 Week 6

Faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamily!!!

This could be my last week in Reno or it could be the first of the next 12 here. Who knows. I hope that doesn't sound trunky. I'm fully aware of when I go home, and I think that's a blessing from the Lord because I know my time is short and I want to work so hard. I've been feeling burnt out from the past three weeks because we've been kicking our own butts. The Lord has set forth high expectations for me and I will do everything in my power to reach them. Thank goodness there is repentance for moments when I fall short of the calling and lose my patience, lose faith, or lose energy. He is here to pick me up the SECOND I ask Him to. How great is my calling.

JACQUI'S BAPTISM!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I just tell you how blessed we've been here in Reno to find and teach such amazing people?? Jacqui's baptism was amazing. She looked beautiful, the spirit was perfect, and there was absolutely nothing I would change. She has her nonmember friend Jodi there who felt the spirit so strong. We've revamped the way we do baptisms in our mission--one person giving a combined talk on Baptism and the Holy Ghost followed by a special musical number, then the ordinance of baptism, a brief welcome to the ward, and then it's over. President Black wants the main focus to be the baptism, of course. Watching Jacqui go down into the water was amazing, and my breath was taken from me. It never gets old to see someone in white be baptized and follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. While she was getting ready we also did a new thing they're starting to encourage--the missionaries doing a brief lesson on something (Restoration, Book of Mormon, etc etc). I felt inspired to have us do it on the Holy Ghost, and boy was the Spirit there!!! I spoke directly to Jodi most of the time, who was listening with apt attention. We explained 1-Who the Holy Ghost is 2-What he does and 3-How we can recognize him. We then bore bold testimony. I told everyone there that the Holy Ghost was present because what Jacqui did is true and right. I felt the Spirit strong as I said, "I bear witness as a humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ that He lives." I felt it truly then. I know it. I know He lives. I know He lives more than anything else I know in life. He lives and He loves us. So much so in fact that He has restored His church on the earth today. It's here. It is here for our benefit. It is here for us to apply and use in our lives. The Atonement is here for us to repent. It is here for us to use in our lives. I simply cannot get over how fortunate we are.

Our other investigators are doing well. I can't complain except they're all getting baptized. Don't get me wrong, I feel so blessed that the Lord has sent choice people into our lives who want to follow the Savior. Now we just need to find more to replace the ones who are being baptized!! Chelsea was supposed to be baptized this coming weekend, but due to health reasons she won't be able to for a couple weeks. Bless her heart. Heavenly Father put her in our lives so we could help her feel of His love. She's such a sweet girl. She needs loves more than anyone else I've met. She's had a rough life, but that's why I'm so thankful for the Savior and His atonement. He can comfort her with exactness. How blessed are we to have that knowledge.

I love my mission. So much. Ugh, it breaks my heart to even think of being released. Poor President Ernst won't know what hit him when he releases me. I'm pretty sure he should have paramedics waiting just in case my heart stops beating. But that's still a ways off. I just wish time wouldn't fly so fast.

I love you all so much. Really.

love love love,
Sister Mack

Transfer 11 Week 5

Famawhamily!!

Great week. Holy, who am I kidding--every week is a great one when you're serving the Lord. I am just so fortunate to be out here. I remember when Julie and I were I think 14-15 we wanted to serve missions. That idea for me barely lasted a month and I didn't ever seriously consider it again until I knew I was meant to go, which was September 24, 2009. It was almost 10:00 and I knew. I remember the first thing I did was call Julie and tell her. Ha. Man. I knew more than anything else I had known to that point in my life that I was to serve the Lord. What an incredible feeling.

Another incredible feeling? Jacqui is getting baptized Saturday at 3:00!!! We are so excited for her. She just glows. All the members approached her on Sunday and congratulated her. She legit is just so wonderful. She is looking forward to this like no other. She's strong. She's praying and reading daily. She bore her testimony to our mission president's wife on Thursday. She's solid. She asked us the other day who would be taking her to temple prep class and to the temple. She has eternity in sight and knows the steps to make her family last forever. What an incredible blessing, to have our families forever!! I have my amazing parents and my brothers forever!! And thanks to temple sealings and marriages there, I also have my brother's wife in my forever family. Ties that death cannot break are made in the temple. BAM!!!!

Other awesome moments: My comp, our investigator Jo, and I were volunteers for the American Council of the Blind on Saturday. From 10:00-2:30 we picked up blind folks from the gate in the Reno airport and took them to get their baggage and took them to their shuttle that would be taking them to their hotel. Can I just say how fortunate all of us are with our abilities to see? I was escorting a scholarship student who was getting a teaching degree from Columbia (she already has a degree in psychology). She went blind in high school unexpectedly due to a virus and had been blind ever since (she's 24). She had such an amazing spirit about her. I, of course, asked her quesions about her adjustment and how she took it. She said it was hard, but everything worked out. I'm just amazed at how most of the folks I came in contact with were just lovely and had high spirits, even though they couldn't see. Their example is great.

We also had some awesome spiritual experiences in lessons. Sunday night was awesome. We had our "lesson plan" and at dinner, this awesome member was talking about the importance of the Holy Ghost and reemphasizing with us how we should make sure we're teaching our investigators how to listen to the spirit. We took mental notes and then jumped in the car and talked about switching up our lesson plan a bit encorperate what we had learned just then. That lesson was so spiritual. The member challenged us to be bold, and so I was. I straight up told the girl that when we would be teaching, she would feel the Spirit of the Lord testify to her because what we were teaching was true. We stopped the lesson and acknowledge the presence of the Holy Ghost on several occasions. We were worried initially about her, for her investigating for the wrong reasons, but man, now she knows. Baptism is something she wants, it's just her deciding when that will be.

I love Reno. Every single person (except the guy who was in the car ahead of me on the drive over here and would NOT go the speed limit). It still amazes me that I can love so many people so much, but I know Heavenly Father blesses me with that so I'll work hard and give up anything for my investigators. I'll give up anything for my family. I'll work for my salvation, and I'll work to help teach others how they can attain theirs.

This church is true. How could it not be? And I'm not just saying that. It makes more sense than anything else. Read the Book of Mormon daily and you too can know. Read and pray daily. That's all you need. The Book will speak for itself, and you too will receive a witness you can't deny. The only thing is deciding what you're going to do with it.

I love you all. Keep being awesome. I love this work more than anything and can't believe 15 months have flown by. Before I know it I'll be steppi airplane...ugh. I'll just work hard so I don't think of it. Feed a missionary.

love love love,
Sister Mack

1-me and my boo, Breckyn Curtis.
2-me and a dog chew toy some elders left us as a surprise on a stop sign by our house
3-me and the Chatterley's and Calvin.

Transfer 11 Week 4

Holy night, guys. Can I just tell you what an AMAZING WEEK we've had???? We worked ourselves to the bone, literally collapsing in exhaustion at the end of the day, only to wake up, still tired, with a day full of lessons. We humbled ourselves before the Lord this past week, gave up some vices, and BAM we were blessed. We went from averaging 11-13 lessons a week to 18!!! We would've had 19, but one cancelled last minute. This next week we have 2 new potential people to teach and a possibility of having 20+ lessons!!!!! HARD WORK PAYS OFF!!! Speaking of work...

We were at a sweet less-active lady's house this week, reading Alma 34, and the concept of work just hit my brain. Jeffrey R Holland said that salvation was not a cheap experience for Christ. Why should it be for us?? We have to WORK for our salvation--and work hard!! We have to do the seemingly little things, which aren't little at ALL!!! One of my Zone Leader's father said that any two good people in the best of circumstances can fail by not attending church, praying, and reading their scriptures. HOW TRUE!!! Our sweet Jacqui told us on Wednesday that she was having serious doubts. I was prompted to ask her how her scripture study was going, to which she answered "uhh...." and I replied, "that's the only answer I need!" She said that she had been reading since she had the doubts, and I asked her if she reading leading up to the doubts. Again, she said no. I told her that she will have doubts as long as she doesn't do what she's supposed to. I was pretty bold as well--one of her fears is going inactive once she gets baptized. I straight up told her that if she didn't live the commandments, she would. But as long as we're doing what we're supposed to, Satan will have less power over us. He only has the power we give him, and we give it to him by not reading the Book of Mormon and not being in communication with our Father in heaven. MAN!!! What a simple thing we're supposed to follow. How much smoother our lives would be if we all took time to read out of the Book of Mormon so we can more fully have the companionship of the Holy Ghost with us!!

Jacqui is downright amazing, though. We have some hurdles with her to jump, but God puts them there not to make us trip, but to challenge our strength and faith in Him. We can leap over them. We're here to guide her and help her, along with the spirit. I'm just so in love with this work and what it does for me. I've never been more exhausted emotionally and physically at the end of every day, yet when my head hits the pillow I'm smiling, excited for what the day ahead of me has.

Today in District Meeting we focused on the Atonement and the parts that justice and mercy play in that. Justice is the fact that we must answer to every deed we do on this earth, good or bad. Mercy is the fact that Christ has already paid the price if we choose to accept it. The atonement covers all things. Nothing could shock the Lord in the degree of sins. I've had the humbling experience of meeting so many different people from different walks of lives--lives you couldn't even imagine. And it's amazing what the gospel can do to heal each one of them. Prime examples are those we've been teaching here in Reno. Each one of the people we're teaching have problems, some way more severe than others. And yet they each find comfort and peace in the Atonement. Partially because every time we sin we distance ourselves from God just a little more, weakening our spirit. Folks who don't know about the gospel may not recognize the weight of the burden, but we all carry it. What burdens are we bearing now, not realizing it? Through the Atonement, though, we can have those burdens of sin removed. It's completely possible. It's so refreshing, too. How amazing is our Savior? He's paid the price for EVERYTHING!!! That way our Heavenly Father can have justice whilst we get the mercy. We are so lucky to have a loving Father and Savior.

I also got amazing letters this week, probably my favorites ever. My mom sent me letters that my dad had written as a missionary and that my grandparents had written as missionaries in Hawaii. Being able to read their excitement though it happened 23 and 31 years ago was incredible. I am so thankful for the example of those who have gone before me. I treasure those letters just as much as I treasure the Book of Mormon.


Y'all, this church is true. I can promise you that YOU can know. For yourself. You really can. And even if you think you already know, I challenge you to know again. Gain a witness all over again. Read the Book of Mormon and pray about it with a sincere heart. That's all you have to do. Read it, and God will tell you. You may just feel peace in your heart. You may get tingles, or feel warm. You may just feel love, or comfort. But you will know. I promise you.

I love you, each and every one of you.

Love love love,
Sister Mack

some pictures!!!

1- Reno Zone at Lake Tahoe
2- Me wearing fur boots and holding Gracie, the 20 lbs cat in Virginia Highlands
3- Fourth of July Parade Leaders with...Uncle Sam?

1- Reno Zone on top of some mountain in Stead
2- Us on some random couches in the middle of nowhere!!

Transfer 11 Week 3

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many things to write, but not enough time to write them all!!! I'll do my best.

We had a great week this week. Can I just start off with Calvin's baptism and how grateful I am to be a part of the greatest work in the entire world???? Legit. I'm so thankful for everything. I was a little stressed about the baptism, seeing as we were expecting SO many people (70 showed up). We arrived with the font FULL of cold, gross water. So, I pulled up my skirt a tad and entered the font to pull the plug. It took 30 minutes to get it mostly drained, and then we filled it back up. The little complications of baptisms!!! But as soon as I saw Calvin and Tanner Chatterley in their whites I just wanted to lose it. We have all worked SO hard for so long for this!! Calvin really is my miracle boy. I'm so proud of him. During the opening prayer my heart was filled with gratitude for being a part of this work. I struggled with controlling the tears as Connor, one of Calvin's friends, gave an amazing talk on Baptism, sharing the experience he had when we all watched the Joseph Smith movie back in March. And then as Calvin and Tanner entered the water, I was done. Tanner got emotional and in a humble voice, said the prayer and baptized Calvin. It was beautiful. Calvin came up and said, "Well, that was easy!" While they were getting ready again some of the youth went and bore testimonies that just ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! Honestly, this was the most spiritual baptism I've ever been to. All of our Reno baptisms have been amazing. Ben, Elizabeth, Calvin, and soon Jacqui. Jacqui came to Calvin's baptism and told us how excited she was for hers now. I'm so excited for her. This is the greatest work in the world, guys. Even better, for me, than being on stage. I'm so thankful for Heavenly Father's patient persistance with me. I love Him and my Savior. I know they live more than anything else. I have a knowledge.

Jacqui is doing AMAZING. I am in awe of her every day. She eats up the gospel and just wants to learn more and apply it in her life. We taught her the first 1/2 of the 10 commandments and finished it up for Gospel Principles class with Jo and I asked Jacqui to explain in her own words what the first 2 commandments meant. She totally took that to heart and explained with PERFECTNESS!!! She laughed when she looked at me because I had my "dork smile" as she called it (the one that takes up my whole face). I just can't help it!!! I HAVE TO SMILE!!! THIS IS THE GREATEST GIFT ANYONE COULD EVER RECEIVE AND I'M HELPING TO DELIVER IT FOR A LIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How could I NOT smile my "dork smile"????

On a more hilarious note, we met dear sweet Arthella this week. This 78 year old special lady is hilarious. We got a referral for her from our Zone Leaders, and on Tuesday we went and saw her. After meeting the "boys" (her 2 boy puppies), getting a tour of her house (should be on the TLC show "horders"), going through her backyard, hearing at least 17 times that she wanted to come to church, and renaming her dogs "Po" and "Jo" (for which she threw her arms around my neck and thanked me, because I came up with the silly names), we said we'd be back Thursday to help her get a ride to the Relief Society activity. Uh, little did we know that if you add sweet Arthella with about 25 beers, she ain't so sweet anymore. She left us a note at her house that was very difficult to read, we gave her a call to see what was going on. 13 minutes later I hung up the phone, laughing harder than I ever have in my entire life. She antied us and cussed us out, called us cowards, and I just can't even tell you the rest. This is definitely a mission story to be shared a laughed at. It's not nearly as funny without my drunk voice impression.

Anyway, I love this work. Oh, and I love Tahoe. We went there as a zone today and it was beautiful. I can't wait to come back next summer for some sealings and head up there, freezing cold water or not. I'll send some pictures.

I love you guys so much. So much. I love this work even more. I'm almost at 15 months, and time has just flown. I can't even believe it. Freaks me out. It's so great, though. This is the singlemost greatest decision that any young man or woman can ever receive. I love you guys. Feed a missionary.

love love love,
Sister Mack

Transfer 11 Week 2

Can I just start off with a little blurb about how amazing my dad is? Being that it was Father's day yesterday, I find it completely appropriate. My dad has always been a fine example to me. When the times got tough for my family, my dad got tougher. He prioritizes the gospel in his life and shares it with everyone. He truly takes to heart something that a member told us she said to an Elder in the MTC when he said he was worried about offending people. She said, "Why would they be offended?! I'm giving them the greatest gift they could ever have!!!" My dad has always been an example of scripture study and prayer. I'm thankful for him and glad that Heavenly Father allowed me to come down an be apart of my parents' family. They're both amazing.

This week was a little slower than normal, but still good. Our new District Leader was shocked when we read him our stats and I quickly followed them with "We had ~4 cancellations so we'll do better next week" and he was in shock. He said that we were doing amazing. Of course, you never let that go to your head because you're only doing as amazing as Heavenly Father blesses you to do. So I always have to keep that in mind. Always be humble because I'm not responsible for any of the work that's going on. Anyway, we got a couple new investigators and we're going to start having "group discussions" with all the teenagers we're teaching--so 4! They are all pretty excited and receptive to the idea of being taught together so it's "less awkward" to be taught on their own. Actually only one of them felt awkward, but we thought they'd all benefit from lessons taught together. We're super excited, too.

PAUL! Let me just tell you what a little miracle this guy is. When we met with him this past week he was a total GEM and you could see the change in his countenance!! So when he said, "oh, I've been reading the Book of Mormon" I KNEW it was true because the light in his eyes. Even though he has cancer and is struggling with being a single father, he STILL is sooooo eager to learn. I'm so thankful for little miracles like that. HE'S SOOO GREAT!! I'm so thankful for him. I wish I could show y'all a before and after picture. I also couldn't resist making the comment to him about how different he looked. He's just grown and changed and I'm so proud. He also said, "Please don't give up on me, ladies. I'm trying so hard and I really want to know." So we taught a lesson on faith by reading Ether 12 because he told us he wants nothing more than to know what we're teaching is true. He really felt a connection with Ether 12: 27 and was touched by that and decided to mark it right away. I'm so thrilled!!!!!!!!! AH I JUST LOVE RENO!!!!

Jo is also doing AMAZING!!! She is just so full of life and questions. Brian got sick this week, so we had to cancel. Jacqui also got really sick, so we went over there yesterday and made Morgan's dinner and cleaned her house for her while she was sitting on her couch wrapped up tight in a blanket. We got a couple members of the ward to come over and give her a beautiful blessing--and one of them happened to be a DOCTOR!! So he prescribed her medicine and called it in this morning. AND we got in contact with the relief society and they're going to bring her a couple meals today so she doesn't have to worry about it. Isn't our church just amazing? Me thinkest so.

I love absolutely everything I've learned this week. We had dinner with an older couple where we talked about the difference between knowing and believing. We just need to believe initially, and then we need to add faith to the mix. Belief + faith = knowledge. Our Heavenly Father will bless us for our determination to know. It just takes constant work. The "little" things. I also realized how important relationships are between parents and children in reading Elder Ballard's 2009 October General Conference talk. Read it, and apply. We can all improve. Heavenly Father put us in our specific families for a reason. We're here to strengthen each other ALL THE TIME!!! Family is the greatest!!!

I'm so thankful for this Gospel, for the joy it brings in my life. I'm thankful for my mission and how it's helped me recognize my potential and how I can achieve my salvation. I know God lives and He loves us. I know He's aware of what is going on in our lives DAILY. Everything is possible with God. He has a divine plan for each of us. Never forget that, and strive to share it with those around us who aren't as fortunate to know what we know.

I love you all so much. I hope you know that.

Love love love,
Sister Mack

Transfer 11 Week 1

BAM Transfer 11 is going to be the transfer of miracles.

First miracle? THAT I'M IN RENO AGAIN!!! 6 months at least will be spent here and I'm just plain ol' stoked. We got 3 new investigators this week, TONS of lessons, and just miracles happened left and right. GEEZ!!!

So our new investigators: Brian. We tracted into him on Thursday and he invited us back on Saturday morning. He asked us questions like, "why are there so many Christian churches?" "Did God give us free will for us to make our own choices?" "I don't think that our after life is just us sitting around...that's boring. What happens when we die?" etc etc. You can just imagine the excitement my comp and I were filled with as he asked each of these questions. We had another appt to get to, so I gave him the message of the restoration in 2 minutes, gave him a pamphlet, and scheduled a time next week where we can answer his questions. This is a grown man who has had these questions since he was 13!! How thankful I am that Heavenly Fater directed us to him.

Geneva: a 16-year-old girl who's super cute and a good friend of one of my favorite families, the Guthries. Yes, they are related to the pitcher for the baseball team the Oreals...or whatever. It's Bro Guthrie's younger brother. Anyway, back to Geneva. She played basketball with me once and we were on "team awesome" so we instantly became BFFs. That was like 2 transfers ago. And anyway, we were making cookies for service at the Guthries and Geneva was there and I was like, "Geneva, why don't you ever come to church?" and she looked at me and was like, "I don't know, but I want to come." And I was like, "BAM you're coming Sunday." And she was there. And then I asked her if we could teach her more (because she said she wanted to be a missionary and travel...haha) and she agreed!! There was a bit of confusion though and there were a TON of people there...but Geneva came up to me after and was like, "I wasn't nervous or anything with all those people, I just want you to know." She's such a sweet girl. I'm excited to see her grow.

Our other investigator is the son of a lady who hasn't been to church in YEARS. He's 9, and super precious, and his older brother (11) wants to learn too, but we didn't get to meet him because he was camping for the weekend when we went over. BAM.

Potentials for this next week? We have a couple--one being a child of an inactive couple who wants them to be baptized, so we are going to try to meet with them tonight or tomorrow. Hmm...yeah. Jo's doing amazing, Jacqui's great, Calvin's baptism got pushed back to the 25 and pushed back HOPEFULLY for the last time. One of our investigators has cancer again, bless his heart. So we're praying extra hard for him. Emily is sweet and came to a fireside last night. Geez, everyone is just doing amazing!!

Funnies of the week: So the Chatterleys' invited us over for lunch after church and we had quesadillas. Well, I decided I wanted hot salsa...don't ask me how it happened, but as I tried to open it (it was brand new) the thought came "I should just have Bro Chatt do it..." and then BAM I opened it, it bounced off the island I was standing at and shot across the kitchen before hitting a cupboard and then falling and shattering on the ground. Needless to say there was Salsa quite literally everywhere...even on Bro Chatt's white shirt, and he was sitting 3 feet behind me. I included a picture of the destruction.

I was also trying to share a spiritual thought after dinner by singing a song "How Can I be?" (youtube it). We happened to be outside and our Zone Leaders happened to be at the dinner as well...and as I was singing, quite literally a hawk got in a fight with two birds and they collided in the backyard , about 10 feet from where I was singing, before bolting away. So here I was, jamming, "How can I be forever? Like the promise to the three Nephites..I wanna be Samuel the Lama..what?" It was funny and awkward because I didn't know if I should continue or not. I just love this work. I love the ups and the downs. The ups remind you why you're here and the downs remind you who to rely on--the Lord. He knows what's going on. He knows how I work, how my comp works, and how everyone we're teaching works. He's just down right amazing.

I'm constantly in awe of the world and how it works, how people work. I'm thankful for the education I'm receiving here. I'm thankful for the righteous examples of missionaries that have gone before me--my dad, my grandpa, my friends. I'm thankful for the example of companions, of district leaders and zone leaders. Some of my favorite Elders have left this past transfer, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity I've had to know them, for their examples of diligence and working 'til the end.

I love this. I love y'all. This is the best work ever.

love love love,
Sister Mack

oh, and the other picture is of me with one of the Fisks' baby puppies!!!!

Transfer 10 Week 6

Holy holy, holy moly. First off, I just heard the "f" bomb at least 5 times in the past 3 minutes. And they're talking about smoking and fighting...and the mother is encouraging her son to fight this other guy. I'm shocked at the world. I am so thankful for the missionary life style where I'm away from the grossness of the world. Gross. Thank goodness for a gospel that teaches children manners and how we're supposed to treat each other!! But in the same breath I have to be careful not to judge. Everyone is a child of God with great potential. This gospel is made for absolutely everyone. No one is left out of Heavenly Father's great plan of Salvation.

So this week has been GREAT!!! Well, really, what week isn't great. I'm thoroughly impressed with the caliber of the people we're teaching. Honest to goodness this is the best I've been doing my whole mission. First off, we met with two folks that have been baptized since I've been here, Mike and Elizabeth and then Ben and Nancy Clark. THEY ARE ALL SO AMAZING!!! They love each other and have their eyes set on the best place in the world: the temple. I've already made commitments to be at Ben and Nancy's sealing in the SLC temple in April, and then Mike and Elizabeth's sealing in the Reno temple in May/June. I am so thrilled for them and their progress.

Calvin is doing great. We find out tonight if he'll be able to be baptized on Saturday. We've fasted for understanding and faith, and so no matter what happens we'll know it's what God wants done. We've just been so blessed with him being in our lives. I love him more than life. It's kinda scary how much you love these people. Jacqui is continuing to do AMAZING!! She recently received a Priesthood blessing for strength and faith with giving up coffee. It was an AMAZING experience because everything Brother Steimle said in the blessing just spoke straight to Jacqui's heart. She was wiping away tears throughout the whole thing, and I only knew that because I was busy writing her blessing down. God loves her so much. He had so much to say to her in the blessing and it was just wonderful. I am so thankful for the knowledge I have of the Priesthood power of God. Miracles are possible here on earth today still, through our faith and through the Priesthood. Her baptism date of July 16 is still a go, and she's really excited. We had an awesome lesson where we taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ (faith, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end) while making smoothies. It was delicious and Jacqui's friend, Kris, and her daughter Olivia literally ate it up. ...wow, that's a lame joke. But that's okay. Oh, speaking of Jacqui--week 1 of me with no chocolate has been a struggle, but I'm doing it!! After the first day I decided it was going to be too easy so I added soda to the mix. I have never wanted it more in my life, but alas, I'd do absolutely anything for Jacqui. Our other investigators are doing well too, progressing slowly but surely. We're thankful for the trust Heavenly Father has in us to share the gospel with His children He loves so much.

I absolutely love this work. I am obsessed with General Conference issues of the Ensign. I'm thankful we have our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, here on the earth TODAY. What a huge blessing it is to have that direct mouthpiece from the Lord? Why wouldn't we have a prophet now? Is is because we don't need one? Because He doesn't love us anymore? Or because He simply has lost the power? OF COURSE NOT!!! We need a Prophet who speaks to God more now than we ever have ever before. He could never stop loving us just like a parent could never stop loving their child. And it would be blasphemous to say He's lost the power.

God lives, He loves us, and He speaks to us now. Just open your ears to hear, and you'll know just as I know.

love love love,
Sister Mack