March 25, 2013

Hi All,

This week was much better than last. I might go as far as saying the best week of my mission so far! It was just full of so many exciting things and the work in our area was on fire. It is so funny how things can change so much one week to the next or one day to the next or even one hour to the next. Since I was sick i was determined to make this last week really count since I was feeling good. We had neglected some people and I wanted to make sure that we got back on track and worked hard to get where we wanted to be. It is amazing how hard work pays off. It is not easy but the rewards and satisfaction that come is so worth it. I made a personal goal to work my very hardest and really truly give everything I have to the Lord and His cause. And results came.

We met with L almost every night this past week. After zone activity on Monday we headed over to teach her Lesson 1:The Restoration with our ward mission leader. We got there around 7 and the sun was just about down. We quichly realized that she didn't have a ceiling light and we were basically sitting in the dark. We used a hall light and flashlight to read. There is never a dull moment on the mission. The most amazing thing was the Spirit works the same in darkness or light. We were able to give the lesson in the same way we prapared regardless of how bright the room was. She was very receptive to the lesson and talked about a ward feeling she feels. We heled her understand that is the Spirit and to continue to recognize it as she reads and prays. We committed her to be baptized on April 7 (conference weekend I know craziness) and she accepted. We were able to teach her lessons 2 (the plan of salvation),3 (the gospel of Jesus Christ), the 10 commandments, and the law of chastity this week. She accepted every commitment we gave her. She said that Heavenly Father is helping her learn and she knows she is on the right path. In a prayer that she said closing one of our lessons she said "I know that you have opened a door for me to learn from these two sisters and I AM DEFINITELY GOING TO GO THROUGH THAT DOOR." It was music to our ears to hear her say that. She blows me away with her understanding of the gospel principles we teach her and her commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father has been preparing her for a long time. I can tell this because she is so ready and willing to change and learn. She asks us inspired questions just as we asked her. She has incredible faith. She has been such an example to me. She loves to serve others and is always looking for opportunities to help those that need it. Being new to California, coming to church has helped her find a place that she belongs where she can make friends. It has been an awesome experience to watch her progress. I can't wait to see her enter the waters of baptism and make sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father. I really can't think of anyone who is more ready and deserving of the gift of the Holy Ghost than L. We had the opportunity to go with her to a Temple tour on Saturday at Newport Beach Temple. She loved it. She said she felt that same warm feeling she feels when she prays, goes to church, and meets with us. She said as we were ouside on the temple grounds touring ' I'm not feeling warm from the sun but from the things they are saying'. The holy Ghost is witnessing the truthfulness of the gospel to her and she is recognizing it. It is an incredible thing to watch. I just love her so much. She was already talking about the opportunity she'll have after she is baptized to do the work for her parents, husband, and son that passed away. She listens and she internalizes everything. She is incredible.

We met with S a 17 year old referral from the Spanish elders twice this week and she is so interested in learning about the gospel. She has been attending young womens with a member of one of the other wards in our stake and wants to learn more. We taught her lesson 1 and 2 this week. As we taught her the Plan of Salvation we invited her friend to come as well. It was such a strength to have the friend bear her testimony and be there as a support. S has a lot of questions but she is willing to keep our commitments. We asked her to read a chapter from the Book of Mormon and pray about it. She accepted and turned to her friend immediately and asked if they could read it together the following day at lunch. She is amazing. Heavenly Father is putting elect people in our path. We have a lesson with her tomorrow and can't wait to hear her expereince of reading the Book of Mormon and praying to know if it's words are true and if Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. We expended a baptismal date for April 14th which she accepted. We are working toward preparing her to be ready for that day. She is very promising and I look forward to working with her more. I can say confidently that we will have two new converts by April 14th!!

The R family hasn't been to church in two weeks and we were unable to visit them on Thursday like usual because they got called into work. It is always scary when people fall off the map for a while. We are hopeful that we can meet with them this week and figure out what is going on and remotivate them. The C family who is less active came to church on Sunday and they said it always feels so good to be there and feel the Spirit. I heard from a ward member that Brother C said they would be seeing more of him and his family when he introduced himself in elders quorum.

We have a sisters lunch tomorrow that they nickname "Princess Party". It's where all the sister missionaries get together for lunch and training. It is a time when we can all meet and have fun being girls. We can feel of eachothers strength and learn from each other. I am so excited to be able to see the sisters I was with in the mtc. It has been awhile and it will be fun to catch up.

I am also going to exchanges again this week for two days with a Spanish sister. I am a little nervous since she is new to the mission and barely started training 2 weeks ago, not to mention  that I speak no Spanish and don't know her area at all. It will be interesting and we will work it out. One of those opportunities to learn and exercise faith I guess. Maybe I will experience the gift of tongues. you never know. I will definitely have her teach me some basics during language study. I am excited to go to a new area and see what it is like. I am hoping that the sister I am with is somewhat confident in her Spanish or it is going to be a very interesting couple days.

I got a letter from my Grandpa Kimball a couple weeks ago telling me that his sisters granddaughter was coming to the Anaheim California mission. I was so excited to meet her and figured I wouldn't have the chance before sisters lunch. She was at the temple tour and we both recognized each other right away and ran up and embraced. She has been struggling and I was so glad that I could be there and tell her that it's hard for everyone at the beginning. Who would ahve thought two second cousins would serve in the same mission and meet for the first time as sister missionaries. She is so cute and I am excited to get to know her better.

Life is good. I love being a missionary. I love dedicating all my time to bringing others unto Christ.

Remember how important being a member missionary truly is! Be a good example and look for opportunities to bear your testimony!

LOVE YOU ALL! Have a wonderful week!

Sister Kimball :)

March 18, 2013

Hi All,

 

This week was rough! I had no idea that ear infections could be so dang painful, not to mention physically drain you out. What started off as a little ear ache turned into intense pain that I never wish any of you have to expereince. So unfortunately, missionary work was a little lacking this week but we still had some amazing expereinces.

 

Tuesday I slept all day. And when I say all day I mean ALL day. I had no idea someone could sleep that much. Obviously, I needed it. I finally realized that I needed to get help and called Sister B. She told us to visit the St. Josephs Urgent Care. It was already 7pm by the time we were off the phone with her. The doctor was all the way in Orange which is about a 40 minute drive and it was dark. I was in no condition to drive. Sister N and I both decided that it was probably best to wait until morning which we did. Wednesday morning we got up and went first thing. We got lost getting there but eventually made our way. After waiting forever like you always do at the doctors office I was examined. The doctor told me that my ear was super swollen inside but my inner ear was okay, thank goodness. He asked if it was tender. Um tender is an understatement if I've ever heard one. It felt like there was 20 cotton balls stuck in my ear and someone had a little hammer and was pounding it. No fun. But I responded that it was very painful and he perscribed me antibiotics. I was low on patience since I didn't feel good and just wanted to pick up my medicine and get home. Sister N called for directions home and we were on our way. Little did we know we would be touring Southern California for the next hour and a half. The sister that gave us directions mixed up her easts and wests and we ended us passing through San Bernardino. We found an exit for a street that we knew and took it which lead us to Chino/Chino Hills. At this point I was frustrated and just wanted to end this aimless driving, so we stopped at a Stater Bros and asked for directions. The damage wasn't as bad as it could have been, thank goodness. We were about 30 minutes away from home. We were given GOOD directions and finally made it home. At the time not funny. Looking back it is one of those mission experiences I can laugh about now. I think in that whole process we visited (by accident) like 3 other missions. It was quite the unplanned adventure. The next day on Thursday the Elders in my district came and gave me a blessing. I had never met 2 of them since transfers. It was kind of unfortunate circumstances that brought us together but I was so greatful for their willingness to come and administer to me. I am glad that I have worthy prieshood holders so close by to help me in time of need. The Elder that gave the blessing said some things that I needed to hear and I felt so blessed. Heavenly Father was truly working through him. After the blessing we went out and did some work. We were able to work some on Wednesday as well. We met with a lot of less actives which was really nice. We have a lot of elderly people in our ward that can't make it church for various health reasons and we were able to visit with many of them. They all have such incredible personalities and have led such impressive lives. I love learning from them. It was nice to get work done but be in a comfortable environment where I could still continue to get better. We had dinner with the R family and taught them about the importance of family. I love them so much. Especially A their youngest. The food was delicious authentic mexican once again and their company was even better. By Saturday I was doing well. We dropped by L's to see if we could teach her but she had company. We invited her to church and she said she would be there. And she came! L is amazing. We have not done things in the normal order with her but that has not seemed to matter. She is so ready to hear the truth and accept Christ and follow Him. We were able to take her to a baptism to help her experience the Spirit and understand what a baptismal service is like. She liked it a lot and expressed that she wants to be baptized. We plan on preparing her to be baptized on April 7. We are excited to teach her. The ward members have been wonderful at fellowshipping her and giving her rides wherever she needs to go since she does not feel comfortable driving in California. She has been impressed by all the love she has been shown. She is elect and I love her dearly already. Even though we have not formally taught her yet she has shown us so much righteous desire. How incredible that someone can want to be baptized after just being to church a few times. We have a lot of holes to fill in but she is ready. She is a miracle. Everything that has happened with her has been a witness that this is the Lords work.

 

The week started off pretty rocky but ended so well. I am so grateful to be back in good health and start a new week off strong. We are meeting with Lynda tonight with the ward mission leader and his wife. It should be great. I am so thankful for the Lords help in all things. He is preparing people all over the world to be taught the gospel we just have to find them.

 

I hope you are all doing well. I send all my love from La Habra. And don't forget to remember Christ in this easter season. Preapre for conference by thinking of specific questions you need answers to. I know God will answer them as you pray and listen to the words of the prophets and others. The church is true. I know it and I love it. Everyone can know it for themselves too if they ask. How simple! What a blessing that we don't have to rely on anyone else we can know for ourselves. Heavenly Fathers plan is perfect.

 

I love you all.

 

Sister Kimball

Kris

March 11, 2013

Bonjour! 

This week has been full of a lot of anxiety and stress because transfers were coming up this past weekend. There is so much going on in our mission right now and everything was up in the air. It was a possibility that my trainer was going to be emergency transferred to an area that was left emtpy since a Sister had to leave unexpectedly. That would have meant that I would be training by myself in the middle of training. Then we were asked by the AP's in passing if we knew how to ride bikes. I couldn't lie and said yes. That made me paranoid that I was going to be on a bike and La Habra is not flat! There were all these thoughts running wild in my mind and I didn't know what was going to happen. Thursday night passed with no trainers call. And finally on Saturday all our worries were put to rest. I am staying in my area with my trainer in a car for the next transfer as planned since I am being trained in the 12 week program. It is hard to believe that I have completed my first transfer. It is sad to see Elders from my zone and district go but it is fun to welcome in new ones. I love meeting new people so much and being around other missionaries is a blast. Hopefully the new ones coming in will feel welcome and fit in quickly. I am so glad that I don't have to worry about change for another six weeks. 

In zone meeting this week they announced that the First Presidency has made it known to all mission presidents that effective now missionaries are free to email anyone with the limitation of elders within their mission. I am excited to be able to respond to letters quicker and stay in touch more regularly with more people. It is a little stressful since I already feel so rushed to write my regular emails. I'll apologize right now in advance for short responses. My email is kristin.kimball@myldsmail.net. Email me. I would love to hear from people! 

Back to missionary stuff! This week as far as finding and teaching people has been great. We met with the R family who is a less active family that has just started coming back to church and are working towards being sealed in the temple as a family. J the father struggles with tithing and we taught a lesson about it this week. We tried to focus on the fact that it like so many other things is a commandment and an act of faith on our part. It is a way that Heavenly Father tests our obedience and gives us blessings when we follow through. F is such a good example and has been faithfully paying her tithing for weeks now. We are hoping that J will gain a testimony of tithing through putting his trust in God and doing it even when he's not exactly sure why he's doing it. I love the R family so much. I want them to receive the blessings of the temple so much. They are incredible and so generous. They take such good care of us when we are with them. 

We found two new investigators this week. Both seem very promising. The Lord has been placing miracles in our path. E is 28 and a recovering alcoholic. She said she has been looking for religion and wants to make Christ the focus of her life. She is kind of a Jesus freak and we are trying to balance that out. She was receptive to everything we taught and committed to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. We extended a baptismal date for April 7 and she accepted that as well. I am so hopeful that she will receive an answer and progress. I am worried at the same time because she took forever for us to track down. She is busy and it is hard to keep tabs on her. Luckily we have her phone number now. We just hope that she will find time in her crazy schedule to continue to meet with us regularly so she can prepare for baptism. She was a referral from the Spanish Elders in our area.

We found L tracting one night. She told us that her father was a mormon. She said we were an answer to prayers and she had been looking for someone to teach her more about what we believe. She is a truth seeker. We invited her to church and she came. She was overwhelmed since it was her first time but loved it and had a very positive experience. She said she can't wait to learn more about the Savior. I am looking forward to working with her. We didn't have a chance to extend a baptismal date yet but will as soon as we can. I just feel so good about her. When we met her for the first time I was just filled with the Spirit in a way i haven't yet experienced and I could just tell that she was elect. She had been waiting for us. Heavenly Father truly put us in the right place at the right time. She had been living in Idaho and her neighbors were LDS. She said they were so kind and she could tell they were different and had something special. They had taught her a little about the gospel but her son moved her to California before she could learn much. He wanted to have her close by since she is getting older and lived alone. We found her at the best possible time. She is a miracle. I see the hand of the Lord in action. I see how this work is truly His. I am so honored to be an instrument for Him. 

Our other investigators continue on in their same hold ups. We are constant and continue to be there for them in any way that we can. It is so hard to watch others deny themselves of the truth. I wish I could just pray for them but at the same time I am thankful for agency. It will be a wonderful day when I see the true change the gospel can make for someone. I am looking forward to watching the whole process. It takes patience but each step is so fun. 

I am just so blessed to be a missionary. Life is hard and the work is rough but the blessings are countless. I am blessed every day with exactly what I need to move forward and make it to another day. I am changing and growing and becoming the person I know God wants me to be. 

I love you all! Keep the faith. Trust in the Lord. He will never fail you. Have that faith. 

Love,

Sister Kimball

March 4, 2013

Hello!

This has been a crazy week. I had my first interview with President B and my first exchange. I was so excited for the opportunity to meet with President B. I told him of the progress I have made and what an important role the Savior and Holy Ghost played and continue to play in helping me. The work of a missionary is hard and that is never going to stop being the case. It is the attitude and willingness of the missionary to work hard and be obedient that makes the difference. I know that I am doing the Lords work and I must do it His way to have success. I have been struggling with tracting at night when we have not set lessons. The streets are not lit very well and I am paranoid of being out in the dark in an area I don't know very well. President B said he doesn't want me to be scared. He got quiet for a minute and began to tear up as he told me that there a angels with me and my companion as we do His work. As long as we use good judgement we will be led to places that are safe and Heavenly Father will protect us. Hearing his say this helped me so much. It has not eliminated my fear but it has lessened it. I always pray for our safety and that I will feel comfortable and the Holy Ghost has been there and brought that comfort to my heart. It is amazing how being on a mission stretches me in more ways than I ever knew possible. I am learning things here that I never would have otherwise. President told me that he could already see a huge change in me and was glad that he didn't have to worry about me anymore. He said there are many missionaries in the mission struggling right now. He then said something that both excited me and scared me, he said, Sister Kimball in 8 months I see you being one of the strongest missionaries that I have here. I couldn't beleive he was saying that to me. It made me realize the kind of potential I have and what I want to live up to. I have a lot of growing to do. To close the interview he asked me to bear my testimony. It was a great experience to share with him what I know. That the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way that we can truly find happiness and be able to live with our families forever. The book of Mormon is the word of God. It is the answer to EVERY question or concern we might have. If we will read it and pray about it, the Lord will answer us. God the Father and His son Jesus Christ live and they love us infinitely. God calls prophets to help us and give us extra guidance, Joseph Smith being the first in this last dispensation. He restored the church that Christ established on the earth 2000 years ago. He translated the Book of Mormon. He was a true example of daring to stand alone. We have a prophet today, Thomas S. Monson. He receives inspiration for the members of the church and for the world. He is an inspired man of God. This is just the surface of what I know to be true but it is the foundation that matters. Once we have it we can strengthen and deepen our knowledge and conviction.

Exchanges were a lot of fun. I went to Placentia a town near by and stayed with Sister R. A red headed tomboy from Texas. We had a blast together. We had an appointment every hour of the day and were so busy. I loved it. Especially since Sister N and I are in the finding phase and tract a lot and don't have as many set lessons. She told me how impressed she was with me at the end of exchanges while we were doing a review of the day. She said i was an incredible missionary and she couldn't beleive I was just finishing up my first transfer. I think being 22 helps. I have more life expereince than a lot of the other girls. It was nice to work with another sister. We had amazing unity right off the bat which was nice. i was pretty scared for my fisrt exchange since I hate change but it was a wonderful expereince.

I have been focusing a lot on developing my Christlike attributes. The ones I have chosen to really work on are love and patience. I have prayed for opportunities to work on these and they have come and not always been easy. Whether I am working with a ward member or missionary, or my companion, or investigators. As a missionary you work with so many different people and you don't always get along. My goal has been to be kind and understanding. I never want to make someone else feel bad about themselves. I am here to build others up and be a representative of Jesus Christ.

Update on investigators: Our investigators are doing okay. Slow to progress. P was involved in a car accident this past week. He is fine but is dealing with finding a new car. We are hoping this is kind of a wake up call for him. We are eager to meet with him this week and get more details. A was sick this week and didn't make it to church. We taught her the 10 commandments this week and she committed to keep them. She is progressing beautifly. He parents are still unsure that she should be baptized since she is so young but we are moving ahead. She is 11 and has been attending young womens and really enjoyed it. She has made friends and become quite comfortable with the young women's president. Our bishop has expressed his concern and told us that he wants A to go to primary. He says he can not make exceptions for her since she is 11. We are terrified that A isn't going to understand. One of the things she likes most about church is young womens. We are afraid that she will stop being as interested if we tell her that from now on she has to go to young womens. We don't want to defy his council but we are more worried about our investogator. We're in kind of a hard place. It is hard to explain to an 11 year old that she can't do what she's been doing for the past 2 months because the bishop said so. We are trying our best to figure out a solution.

Anyways, we are doing our best to find people through tracting, street contacting, and MEMBERS!! It is hard but we are working at it and hopeful that we will find new people to teach that will progress and become investigators.

Time is running low. I feel like I am always rushed. Just know that I love you all. The gospel is true. Trust in the Lord.

p.s. Send dearelders to my mission office. I love hearing from people throughout the week and having a hard copy!

:) Sister Kimball