Believing in the Everyday

Rushing Again.

2012-01-25T16:49:00.000-08:00

We went to the city today, got back a little late, and so this one is

going to be quick too. Sorry! But I hope you enjoyed the pictures

from last week. :]

Amazing people we're teaching right now:

Susan-came to church two weeks in a row, is reading the Book of Mormon every night, and is the most pure spirit I've ever met. She is so sweet! She's also a cat lady in every sense of the term. It makes me laugh.

Tracy-has the hardest life I've ever heard of. Everything wrong that could happen, has happened to her family. And that's a pretty scary thought with the way this world is. However, she LOVES the church, and is getting baptized!!! And so is her son, Anthony. He's 11 and loves church too, which equals automatically a choice spirit. How many 11 year olds do you know that love going to church?

Kathlyn-self-referral from festival of lights. She is 18 and it is an honor to be in her presence. She is one of the most spiritually mature people I've ever met, and during our first lesson with her, she kept saying, "Wow" and "That makes sense!" and "Another book! That's awesome!" Eeeee!!! I love being a missionary!!! She really is incredible and will be baptized for sure.

And we're teaching many more wonderful and prepared people. This area should have 20 baptisms next transfer. :]

Also, I wanted to share a conversation I had with Sister Wong on a very cold day.

Me: Do you think if I wore a ski mask people would take me seriously?

Sister Wong: What's a ski mask?

Me: It's like a hat that covers your face with two holes cut out for the eyes.

Sister Wong. Ohhhhh.......I think they'd take you very seriously.

Hahaha! I love her. I have had the best companions.

And I love you all as well! Stay true to what's eternal.

Love, Sister Welch

quick one...really quick actually

2012-01-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

So, I'm trying to be exactly obedient and I'm out of time to email.

But I'm really praying that you got all of those pictures this time.

They're just a little taste of the joys of being a missionary!

Susan's amazing.

Tracy's amazing.

Olga's amazing. (And yes, we met someone who's name is really Olga.)

I love being a missionary!!!!

Stay true to what's eternal.

Love, Sister Welch

Editors note: Katherine dutifully sent her email on Wednesday this week. The posting delay was the fault of the editor due time constraints, production issues and scheduling conflicts. I apologize for the delay. I hope you enjoy the movie.

Shorty

2012-01-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

Sorry this one is short. But you'll be glad when you see why.

Sheri is amazing. The last time we saw her, she told us she had bought some skirts because that's all she sees us wear, and she took off all of her nail polish because we never wear nail polish. She's incredible. Then, we asked her how she was doing with the "no smoking" and she just started crying. She said, "I stopped...And I stopped the coffee and tea and everything." We were ecstatic, of course, and I started crying to (of course) and when we asked her what it was that gave her the power she said, "I don't know. I just had the desire and the prayers strong enough to help me." The church is true.

Enjoy the pictures.

Stay true to what is eternal.

Love, Sister Welch

Bah!!!!! This computer is not working and I ran out of time. But know that I tried and will get them to you next week. Bah technology. I need Spencer.

Love you!

Festival of Lights: The End

2012-01-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

What a month! We had 90,000 visitors at the Visitors' Center during Festival and over 1000 of them accepted missionaries. I met people from over 50 countries, all of the sisters developed a real unity, and I could sleep for probably a year now. Wow. What a month. It was fun to see familiar faces too! Every couple of days I would run into someone I knew from school, or home, or just my past life. Teancum Light, the Wigrens, and so many others. It was weird to see my mission and home world collide, but normal at the same time. What fun.

Today's will be short and random. I love having time in the area. All of my investigators are moving out of my area. It snowed the past two days, but didn't stick. It's freezing! And now for a story from Sister Wong. We were role playing inviting Daniel (Young Single Adult, cynical, ex-Baptist, investigator) to church. It's fun to pretend to be him because I can use all of my polysyllabic vocabulary (wow, that sounded nerdy), but he reminds me of Dale a little bit, so it's fun for me.

Anyway, I was being Daniel, and a little difficult, and all of a sudden Sister Wong had this moment of inspiration where she said, I want to tell you a story. She said, pretend you are a father that lives in a world where there is this deadly disease. It's highly contagious, and everyone is going to get it and die a painful, horrific death. Of course, people are trying to find a cure, so doctors world-wide do frantic blood tests on every family. They test your family and discover that your son's DNA is pure and he has the only blood that can be used to make the antidote. You, the father, have to sign the papers to allow them to take his blood, and the portion where it would say the amount of blood needed is blank. You ask the doctor, "How much of my son's blood will you need?" The doctor looks down and is very quiet. "All of it," he says. "Your son is the only person who can save the whole world." As a father, this is the MOST difficult thing you have ever done, but your son agrees, and you watch as he is sacrificed to save the whole world. Now every Sunday, you watch as people celebrate Him while they take the sacrament and remember His body and His blood. You wish they would be more respectful, a little more quiet, and that more people would remember his sacrifice and come to church, but you are a patient, loving and perfect Father and are proud of the few who remember our Savior Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you, this "Daniel" had a very hard time not crying while she told me this story. It was powerful and I'm using it with all of my investigators now.

I love you all. Stay true to what is eternal.

-Sister Welch

Festival of Lights: Week Four

2011-12-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

I love you family!!!! I am so glad that I got to talk to you. Christmas was wonderful, and I guess I'm strange, but I wasn't homesick even a little bit. It just feels so right to be here, so how could I be? I hope that doesn't hurt your feelings, because I still love you with all my heart, and even more now that I'm a missionary. It was SO good to talk to you, and hear your voices. I felt like it hadn't even been 6 months (6 months?!) since I talked to you last, though. Time is so irrelevant as a missionary, and I've learned in a personal way that it really doesn't matter to the Lord either. As long as we do what's right, repent, and come to Him, that's all that matters.

So, the story this week includes a phone call, a man named Jagdish, and Christmas Eve. A couple of days before Christmas, we had a message on the Visitors' Center phone, but the man speaking had a heavy accent, so the senior elder at the desk couldn't understand him. He gave the phone to me, I took down the number, and called this gentleman back. He told me that he works all year and only has a couple of days off every year. Two of those days are Christmas Eve and Christmas. He said he had been to the Visitors' Center 10 years ago, but he remembered it, and he had family in town from India, so he wanted to bring them here. Of all the place he could have gone on Christmas Eve, he wanted to be here. So I told him that the Sister Missionaries were performing on the 24th, and then I told him that I'd be playing the piano for the program. (If you know me at all, you know that I really do not like to publicize when I'm performing, and that I really don't like the attention. I only said this because I felt like I needed to.) Anyway, he told me that he was coming for sure, and that he'd look for me.

Well, we finished the 7 o'clock performance and I looked for him afterwards. I even went up into the audience as they were leaving and asked a couple people if they'd called the VC a couple of days before. Everyone said no. After the second performance, I scanned the audience again and saw a Hindi family watching me. When I saw the Dad, he smiled and waved to me and I knew that I'd found him. It was one of those experiences where I recognized him even before I knew it was him. That hasn't ever happened before and it was interesting to me.

When I met them on the stairs, we just connected. He had a beautiful family, and there was a light about them. They were the type of people that I just want to stay in touch with. I think we needed to connect like that, in order for them to accept the missionaries, which they did. I have faith in them! Pray for their family.

Also, pray for Mr. Biles. He was this hilarious Dad I met who came to festival with his 9 year old, and who accepted missionaries. He kept distracting himself by telling me how frustrated he was that people would tell his daughter Santa wasn't real, but the look on his face is what was so funny. I want you to imagine this lurpy, 40-year old Dad, who keeps glancing around with a petrified look on his face that someone is going to overhear him admit that Santa isn't real. It happened about every two seconds. He made eye contact with me maybe twice between all of the glancing and checking to make sure no one was listening. I wonder what everyone else was thinking, but it doesn't really matter because it was sure funny me!

I love people and I love that I get to talk to so many of them. And I love the gospel.

Stay true to what's eternal.

Love, Sister Welch

Festival of Trees: Week Three

2011-12-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

What a week! I know I need to write so that the rest of the family and friends can have the stories, but right now, I just want to hold off until Christmas when I can actually tell them to you!

But here's one of my favorites. A few days ago, there was a special needs group that came in. There were 5 adults, all with disabilities, and two chaperons. The 5 with disabilities all seemed a little bit scared, and wary of the new place they were in, but Sister Gordon played the Christus narration for them, then came to get me to take them on a little tour. We talked about Christ's love for them, and how he knows each of them by name. It was interesting for me to say those words to them, after having said them so many times to so many others, but to feel like I was saying it for the first time. Every person in this little group, seemed to be listening a little better and feel a little more comfortable after we talked about our Savior.

We went into the international nativity exhibit next and one man with special needs was adamant about standing right next to me. His name was Earl, and he couldn't talk to tell me what he was feeling, but he just grabbed my hand and stood there with a huge grin on his face. He just needed to be close to someone. It was so simple, but beautiful for me to see how that was all it took to make him happy. It was the sweetest experience to be there with them, as each person found "another baby Jesus!" and as I saw their countenances change from frowns to smiles.

We walked around the rest of the Visitors' Center and talked about the Book of Mormon a little bit, then the group decided to watch a movie. I suggested Nora's Christmas Gift (about the woman who loses her vision), and set them up in a little theater. Susan, an older woman who wasn't able to speak, was sitting in the back. Throughout the tour, she'd made noises, but nothing coherent enough to understand as a word or sentence. As I was introducing the movie, I heard myself talking about the resurrection. It wasn't something I'd planned on, but as I was saying it, I realized that it was a message that everyone in that room definitely needed to hear. As I promised them that one day, each of them would have perfect bodies like our Savior, I was interrupted by a voice in the back which said clear-as-day, "Jesus?!" I looked to Susan, realizing that it was her who had asked the question, and answered, "Yes!" Then she looked surprised, but asked, "ME...?!" And I said, "Yes! Even you Susan." I watched quietly as the childlike disbelief in her face turned into pure joy and she just started to laugh. She was SO happy.

This is what the gospel does for people. It heals them. It touches their spirit because it's true!

I love you all. Stay true to what's eternal. Merry Christmas!

-Sister Welch

Festival of Lights: Week Two

2011-12-14T18:12:00.000-08:00

This week has gone by so fast! I can't believe that I'm already back at the library writing you again. This letter will be a little shorter than normal because we are on a time crunch today, and I just want to give a heads up to anyone expecting a hand-scribbled letter: I'll write you in January. I wish I had time to write as a Christmas present, but with Festival, it's just crazy.

I've learned a couple of things this week. Number 1. Being SUPER excited about festival, even if it is super exciting, is a turn-off. (...someone actually gave me the stink eye and told me I was nosey. Bahaha!) Number 2. People do not appreciate learning that they have to be baptized before they can go in the temple (even though I get the biggest kick out of telling them that.) Number 3. The Church is true! (My testimony of that is strengthened every day.)

Some of the best experiences I've had: A girl walked right up to me and asked me if we could just talk. I found out she was 18, investigating, and dating an RM. She was being taught by elders, and just needed a girl to talk to. When I'm so used to approaching people, it's always a tender mercy to have someone approach me.

The next night, I saw someone who looked like he was in his early 20's, looking at the temple plaques. He was fascinated, searching, and absolutely wanted to learn more. The temple had just drawn him in. He accepted missionaries in a heart-beat.

Then Jenny Oaks Baker came with her three girls, and the youngest (Sarah), who is 6 and plays the cello, decided that I was her new best friend and followed me around everywhere. I loved it!

I've also seen people who just need to know they're cared about and then they're absolutely ready for the missionaries. It's amazing how far a little love will go.

We also had our Christmas party, and watched Kung Fu Panda 2. It was hilarious to watch with missionaries. At one point, Po (the panda) is asking his goose father, "Where did I come from?" and almost everyone shouts "Plan of Salvation!" or "premortal life!" or something like that. Wow. Only on a mission. It just made it all the better.

Well, time to go. I love you all. Stay true to what's eternal.

-Sister Welch

Festival of Lights; Week One

2011-12-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

To start off with, I just want to tell you how incredible Sheri is! Before we could even ask her to come to church last week she said, "I want to go to church. I'm going to ask my boss for Sunday's off." So she asked her boss, and lost her job! There were other things involved, of course, but that was the type of thing they were waiting for to let her go. And instead of getting mad and blaming us, she took it as a sign that this is right for her. Oh happy day! She's amazing.

And now for two stories from Festival. The first one happened on Saturday. At the beginning of the evening I was thinking about numbers and about how many "Message of Love" I needed to get...even though I knew better. This is about the people and their eternal welfare, not numbers. But I'm human, and it's hard to make a connection, invite, strengthen their faith, really listen to them, keep focused, and help them want to share the gospel all in two minutes. And yes, sometimes I think too much, but Heavenly Father is good to me, and let me meet my goal so that when I met Erik, I could be prepared to be a true instrument.

Erik was in the house with his two little girls (about 6 and 3 years old) when I started talking to him. I know this was a Spirit-led conversation because I honestly cannot remember what I said. But I do remember that Erik started talking about the temple. He said he's come to the open house when we was four, and it had made such an impression on him, that he still remembered it. I asked him if he'd like to see pictures of the inside, and he looked surprised, a look of "Is that allowed?" but took no time to say "yes". I just glanced down at my watch and it just so happened to be time for me to go up to the front where the temple pictures were. That was a little tender mercy in this huge miracle.

So we went up to the front, and as we were walking up there, he mentioned that the temple is such a landmark for him, because he grew up next to it. He said it's such a crazy world we live in, that he wants his girls to have something to keep them grounded. I don't remember what I said or what we were talking about that would lead him to say that, but wow. He's a seeker. When we got to the front, we looked at the temple and the pictures. Erik's girls loved them, and he just looked like he was in awe.We talked about eternal families, and his six-year old told us she wants to be married in the temple. And, it gets better. He asked me who the man was on the top of the temple which just led perfectly into testifying of the Book of Mormon. I could not believe how smoothly this whole conversation was going! I mean, I could believe it, but a miracle, nonetheless. It just all fell into place. Heavenly Father knew he was ready. When I asked him if he wanted a Book of Mormon, he didn't even have time to respond. His six year old just yelled, "Yes!" We laughed and he said, "I think we need to take one, then." It was a beautiful experience for me and the perfect reminder I needed that this work is in the Lord's hands. He knows who he wants in this church, and we just get to be the instruments.

The next night, I was standing in front of the Christus when I heard someone say, "Sister Welch!" I turned around and there was a family standing there that I recognized. The Mom said, "So you remember us?" and I said, "Of course!" and gave her a huge hug. She looked so happy to be at the Visitors' Center and to see me that I was surprised for what she told me nest. She said she had some news, and pulled out her camera. Then she showed me this picture of an older woman in a wheel chair, and asked, "Do you remember her?" It was her mother-in-law that had come with them to the Visitors' Center a couple of months before, and she was one of those people that I will never forget. Everyone in the little family, (Mom, Dad, and two boys) were members, but the woman in the wheel chair (the Dad's mother) was not. When they were here before, I was able to take her on a little tour about the temple, and offered to send missionaries, to which she accepted. Then this sweet lady that had come back with her family to see me went on to say, "Well, she was baptized! And four days after her baptism, she passed away."

Oh my goodness. I didn't know how to respond, and all I told her was, "That just makes me want to cry!" as I felt my eyes start to water. Then tears started falling down her face and she said, "It's okay to cry. We cried a lot when she was gone, but mostly because we were so happy that she had been able to accept the gospel before she left."

I know that this is Heavenly Father's work. He knows who is prepared, and I am more grateful than I can even put into words that I get to be His servant. This is real joy. And this is what life is for: to learn, and serve, and live up to the glorious beings that he sees us as capable of becoming.

I love you all! Stay true to what you know is eternal.

-Sister Welch

Turkey Day and Almost Festival!!!!

2011-11-30T17:24:00.000-08:00

How was everyone's Thanksgiving?! I'll admit, it was weird being away from home, but I didn't even realize how much I missed it until I noticed that there weren't any croissants at our dinner! How dare they? But we had a wonderful dinner, even if it was missing the croissants. There were even some nonmembers there which made it even more of a feast for us. :]

Today I'm feeling like I have a very frazzled missionary brain, and so these thoughts may be less organized/have more typos than normal, so bear with me.

Sheri. She's amazing. She's searching, she wants to do what's right, and she'll commit to living the gospel before we even ask her. It's going to be tricky with only 8 hours in our area every week due to festival, but hopefully, hopefully we can keep teaching her and not give her over to the elders. Is that selfish? I just love teaching people who are prepared! (Well, I actually love teaching everyone. A challenge is good every once in a while too, but Sheri is just so great!) Anyway, we've taught her about the Restoration and half of the plan of salvation. That is the trickiest one to simplify. Pre-earth life and kingdoms are just so new to people that they always have lots of questions, which is great, but sometimes I think it would be easier if they just had the big picture, and then asked questions afterward, instead of getting caught up in how we were spirits before we came to earth, or whatever detail is new to them. Sheri does a great job of just taking it all in though, and her comprehension is great. We're just focusing on the feelings part with her more and more though, and have even started singing on doorsteps and during lessons to bring the spirit. It felt a little ridiculous at first, and sometimes I have to try really hard not to laugh when I realize, "Bah! I'm really singing a hymn to a stranger on their doorstep!" but I have a testimony of it. It brings the spirit like nothing else, and although I'd rather hide behind a piano, singing does seem to touch hearts in ways that the piano can't. So Sheri will be getting lots of hymns soon.

It was really neat to see how she was prepared, too. You know how they say a person has to have 4-9 contacts with the church before they'll listen to missionaries, well without even asking her, Sheri told us about every single way she came in contact with the church. First, her handicap brother was living with her, and the sisters taught him a couple of years ago. She'd never sit in, but was always aware and listening in. Then her friend made the comment at work one day, "Mormon's are the nicest people!" and then another of her coworkers joined the church and she saw his change. Then the elders offered to help her carry in groceries and referred her to us. Look at that. Exactly four contacts. And she even mentioned how she felt like those things prepared her to meet with us. It was so exciting. And it still is.

As for the rest of the week, I know we had divine help. The promise that angels will be round about us to bear us up is a real promise. I testify of that.

And Festival of Lights starts tonight! Tonight is Ambassador's Night, and a special guest (who is tall, and who Dad picked up from the Vegas airport one time, ahem ahem*) is coming to open up the festival with the Ambassador of Brazil. It should be incredible. And tomorrow is Diplomat Night, and then the next night we're open to the public. Free concerts every night, over half a million lights outside on the trees. It will be so much fun! I'm so blessed to be a part of this. There will be pictures and good stories coming soon!

I love you all.

-Sister Welch

*This is an church leader who's first name is Lee but he only uses the initial and his middle name, which he does use, is the male type of Turkey. His last name is a town in Utah north of Ogden and south of Brigham City. ;}

A little poem

2011-11-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

I always have to laugh when p-day rolls around, because without fail, the day before p-day is always INCREDIBLE. So I count it as a blessing because my faith is strengthened and my emails are happy. But I want you all to know that this is HARD work. And I can't even explain the word "hard." Anyone who has been a missionary understands, and anyone who will be a missionary one day will eventually understand too...but wow. A mission is everything and nothing like what I expected. And I love it.

As for the past week...where to begin. I LOVE personal study time. Did I already tell you that? I can't remember, but I've never had it until this transfer, due to my VC schedule, and it's the best. At the mission tour/zone conference, Sister Matsumori talked about how personal study is study by ourself, and not for ourself, and I can honestly say that I get so much more out of my studies when I'm studying for investigators. This past week I studied gratitude, because we were doing a family night with a less active and his two little kids. And I wasn't going to tell the whole story, but it's such a miracle, that I think I'm going to write it anyway.

Okay, so Mitch was someone we met our first night here. He lives in a basement apartment with his two kids (ages 5 and 3 I think), so we couldn't come in, but we asked if we could do a family night sometime soon. He said sure, and so we went on our way, and didn't think much of it. However, when we brought it up to Bishop, his eyes got really big and he said, "Really...?" Apparently, Mitch had not been receptive at all to people from church in the past, even the elders. His family (parents and siblings) is super active, live in Utah, and he left the church right before he got his mission call. It hurt my heart to hear that, thinking about how much he lost by that decision, but it made us even more determined to make this a good experience for him. So we decided to make it a Thanksgiving lesson (pretty appropriate, right?) and to read in Luke 17 about the 10 lepers. There is so much symbolism in that story, that it made it easy to connect with Mitch. The catch for this lesson though, was to find the right person to go with us. There are so many young couples his age in the ward, but that could be touchy, since he was just divorced, and he needed someone younger, but the only single youngish woman in the ward was busy. Then the thought came, "Call Jazmine." Now, Jazmine is also a less active, but she's 21, really outgoing, and was pretty open when we met her, so we thought, "Why not?" We called her, she said yes, and she came! It was truly inspired and perfect for everyone. We were laughing, and happy, and the spirit there was peaceful. And everything else had fallen into place, too. At the last minute, we found a picture of Jesus cleansing the lepers for the kids to color, grandma sent me crayons that we could give to the kids (which they loved, by the way), and Sister Wong had a treat that went perfect with the lesson. It all worked out so smoothly, and it may not sound like that big of a deal, but in the missionary world, when every other appointment cancels, when people aren't open with us, and when we just learn to deal with glitches in our plans, it was amazing to see everything fall into place. A miracle.

And other miracle: Sheri. I'll talk more about her next week because I'm out of time, but she was a referral that we taught last week and she's golden! Pray for her. She is just so prepared for this.

Also, I wanted to include a poem that helped me make it through one of those hard days when I was feeling insignificant, and not great enough for this work. It was quoted by President Monson, and I don't have the exact reference, but here it is:

Father, where shall I work today?

And my love flowed warm and free.

Then He pointed out a tiny spot

And said, "Tend that for me."

I answered quickly, "Oh no; not that!

Why, no one would ever see.

No matter how well my work was done;

Not that little place for me."

And the word He spoke, it was not stern;

He answered me tenderly:

"Ah, little one, search that heart of thine,

Art thou working for them or for me?

Nazareth was a little place,

And so was Galilee."

Beautiful, isn't it? I read it often and it's such a strength to me.

I love you all! I hope you're doing your missionary work at home. I know your lives will be blessed in every way as you share the gospel. That's my promise to you as a missionary.

Love, Sister Welch

Sister Wong

2011-11-16T18:52:00.000-08:00

My companion is a miracle worker. She is elect! I'm amazed with what I've learned from all of my companions, but Sister Wong has such a receptive and tender spirit. She was baptized five years ago, and has just kept doing the simple things like reading the Book of Mormon, and praying, and trying to do what's right, and now she's at such a spiritual level that I'm just motivated to be better when I'm in the same room with her. Everything she says is profound, and I always have to have my notebook close by when we're talking so that I can take notes. Example: I have still been trying to find a short/bold statement on the atonement. We were talking about it one morning and she said, "The atonement is what takes the burden away." Perfect! Simple, understandable, beautiful and true. I loved it. Then I learned that the two characters for the word gospel (don't ask me what the characters are...all I know how to say is "thank you" and "hi" and something Dad taught me, ha ha) anyway, the characters for the gospel mean happy message, or blessed music. So cool!! (Of course I loved the music one.) And the two characters for knowledge are "learn" and "ask". I thought that was perfect too. In order to know we have to learn and then ask. I'm using that. And I'm going to learn how to write it in Chinese. I'm learning a lot about Chinese, actually. There are nine tones, and if you say a word in the wrong tone, it can mean something completely different. Like instead of asking, "How's your Mom?" you could be saying, "How's your horse?" Also, "Mmm" mean yes, not that something is yummy. And so much more. I love it.

This past week has also been incredible. The elders left us with LOTS of investigators, so we've been trying to get up to pace with all of them. Last week was more organizational, meeting with the Bishop/ward mission leader, etc. And on Monday we taught three of the investigators and met with a couple less actives. Yesterday we were at the VC all day, and today we get to breathe for a little bit so we can go out rejuvenated tonight. It's BUSY, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The ward is great. There are probably 10 young couples from BYU, with a new baby that are all willing to go teaching with us. It's awesome. And the Dougalls, who work in the office, are in our ward. This ward uses the Perry process, and is so missionary minded. It's great, and I'm so grateful to be here.

It's amazing to see how we're prepared for some things too. We're teaching this woman from Jamaica, who only speaks Patois. (pat-wa?) I'm sure if I hadn't of taught Daneil, I wouldn't be able to understand a thing she said, but the gift of the interpretation of tongues is real, and we could all understand each other. Chinese, Jamaican, and American. It was amazing. AND I was able to bear my testimony in patois. (Here's my attempt to type it out.) Me know dat de Booka Momo eh de realting. (I know that the Book of Mormon is true.) Yep. I'm learning Chinese and Patois and Spanish and even English. My plan is to come home quadralingual. (Is that even a word?) Anway, it's been fun with all of these cultures. I've met people from over 30 different countries already.

So, about Audrey. We cried a little bit when she found out I was leaving and we had to say goodbye. Sister Withers scared me to death when she told me that one of the AP's suggested they drop her. But the Spirit told them no, so they didn't. Whew! Thank goodness. I was so sad to leave, but it was time. Sister Holt (the newbie) and Sister Withers will be great for her.

One last thing. I wish I had time to write about what I've been learning in my personal study (because I finally have personal study time!) but I don't. So, if you're interested in a good scripture study, look up the word "healing." I've learned that being cleansed from sin is really just being healed spiritually. So when we call people to repentance, we're really just asking them to be healed. It impressed me how much like the Savior we really are when we ask people to change, and be whole. And the scriptures in the Bible and Book of Mormon give such great light to that word! Sometimes I wish I could just study all day, but then I remember that's what I've been doing for the past 15 years of my life before my mission, so I'm glad I'm here. So, so glad I'm here.

I love you all!!! Thank you for the letters and support. They keep me going and mean a lot.

-Sister Welch

Quince Orchard!

2011-11-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

I got transferred!!!! We heard the call-out, and I'm white-washing (or taking over the Elder's area) with Sister Wong. She is the sister that Sister Withers trained. She's from Hong Kong, and just a sweetheart. It took me about 10 minutes, but I finally had the realization that I'm older! Which means I'm senior companion this transfer. Crazy. I'm not sure if I'm in shock, or just a passive person, but I'm not too stressed yet. Well...I guess it did take me an hour to get to sleep last night, but I know everything will be fine. I'll be working as hard as I can and the Savior will take care of the things I can't do. I'm looking forward to this transfer.

And Dad, I know you wanted to hear more on Sister Withers, so I'll have to bring my quote book next time and write down all of the Withers-isms. She is so stinking funny. She actually reminds me of Tegan a lot, so we get along great. The other day we were talking about one of the sisters that we were so impressed with and she says, "I love her, but she's one of those people who makes me feel like I'm not going to the Celestial Kingdom." Bahahaha! I just about died. And she always says funny things on the doorsteps so I'm laughing my head off when people open their doors. Probably a good thing so they can see that we're really happy people, but who knows. We just laugh a ton. She's a great singer too, so we have a good time in the car and when we sing during comp study. She's in charge of the next Night of Music and Inspiration, so it's been neat to see her coordinate all of that. She's a very calm person, and I'm a big worrier, so I've learned from her just to not worry so much about things and to trust Heavenly Father more. She's great. I'll try to remember the quote book next time, so that I can write down all of the funny things she says. Oh, and she's training again this transfer, so Olney will see miracles again. I'm so excited. I'm expecting Audrey to be baptized.

Speaking of Audrey, she and John went to Palmyra last weekend. She bought the Book of Mormon on CD and made him listen to it in the car all the way up to Palmyra, and back. So they're in Mosiah now. Haha, Audrey. They had a great time, they said. They went everywhere: Hill Cumorah, the temple, the Grandin Printing Press, the Sacred Grove, and the Smith Homes. John said he wanted to retire in the Smith Home; it was cozy. What a character. That's John for ya. They went to stake conference on Sunday too, and Elder Cardon, the visiting 70, left room in the program for "guest" speakers that he would call up from the audience. John was terrified it would be him, and almost left, but Audrey made sure they stayed for the whole thing. Those two are such a crack-up. We went and saw them Monday night, because I was pretty sure that I was leaving, but I told her she's invited to my wedding. I'm not sure if she caught on to the fact that it will be in the temple....(and I'm not sure if I'm even allowed to say that as a missionary)...but I hope she comes. I have faith that she will have gone through the temple by then.

Well, that's all I have time for. I need to go figure out how to get to my area, since neither of us know where we're going, or how to read a map. :] What an adventure! This will be fun. I love you all!!!

-Sister Welch

October 29: A day in the life (Saturday)

2011-11-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a little taste of what a day is like for me.

10:11 Taught a 13 year old from Norway on chat. His Mom is addicted to marijuana, and his Dad left when he was 6. He wanted to know why God wasn't answering his prayers.

11:29 Did a little "excited" dance because the VC started putting Christmas trees up. Bah!

2:28 Finished an hour long tour with a non-member couple that wanted to know about the Word of Wisdom. I thought they were members, then realized later that they weren't, went back to talk to them, and the husband came up to me and asked, "So, why can't I drink coffee?" They were very open and honest about their feelings and struggles with this (since they were investigating and their son was a member), so we watched the Wolfords "I'm a Mormon" commercial, and talked about Chris' testimony on the "about me" portion of his profile. They really opened up, and I got their phone number so that we could stay in touch.

3:58 Showed Sister Olsen the present Uncle Vedel sent me. I was so touched by his thoughtfulness that I needed to share it with someone. I'll treasure that medallion.

4:46 Bore my testimony of the Savior and Joseph Smith to a Hindu man. After our lesson he told us that he believes in the Book of Mormon,and in Joseph Smith...he almost accepted a baptismal commitment.

5:58 Froze in the snow.

6:23 Figured out an arrangement of Our Savior's Love/I Believe in Christ. I realized I can play Our Savior's Love while singing I Believe in Christ, so cool! (This was during dinner time. We ate at the church.)

7:10 Met some atheists. They were grumpy.

8:06 Thought, "What would Jesus do?" for the millionth time today.

8:45 Laughed really hard at Sister Withers. She can be so funny. She definitely succeeded in making the quote book again.

8:52 Got a letter from Dad!

10:13 Finished writing this and realized that there are still a million more things I want to include.

My testimony was strengthened this week. Fasting is a true principle, Messages of Love (referral cards) work, and faith is real! Too many stories to tell.

I love you all!

-Sister Welch

From the publisher

These pictures are from The Washington DC North Blog

Rundown on Prophets

2011-10-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

This week has been another roller-coaster. Sister Withers and I have been praying harder and fasting more often (not too often, don't worry Mom) to find people ready for us to teach. And it's worked. I have such a stronger testimony of fasting and prayer now. It's amazing to see how quickly these blessings flow in. We had 7 appointments set up for this week (starting on Sunday), and we're getting more every day. Miracles, miracles. One day when I'm home, I'll tell you all of them, because there just isn't enough time here! But the two highlights:

On Thursday last week, a couple came into the Visitors' Center while it was very slow. I played the Christus narration for them, and as I came up to talk to them afterwords, there were tears streaming down the woman's face. Usually people are more subdued, or peaceful after listening, but rarely is anyone brought to tears. I needed to see that and have that reminder. It IS powerful to sit at the feet of the Christus, while hearing a voice speak the words that He spoke. He is real! I feel it and know it the longer that I'm here. It's such an indescribable blessing to see His hand in the life of so many of His children, really, in all our lives! I can't even put this conviction into words, other than to say it simply that He is real and that He KNOWS us and loves us.

The other experience I wanted to share happened yesterday. Another slow day at the VC, but there were some Elders coming in with their investigator and they wanted the "rundown on prophets" before they watched the Joseph Smith movie. They said it was going to be casual, and to not worry about planning some elaborate tour, so I took a minute to think about what I would do/say, and then went off to do something else until they got to the VC. I was not expecting what happened. I took everyone (elders, investigator, senior couple that came with them) to the back of the VC where the Prophet's Kiosk is. We talked about what a prophet is and what he does and why we need one so badly today. Then I asked one of the elders to bear his testimony of President Monson. He took a minute to think, then bore such a powerful, heartfelt witness that he KNEW President Monson was a prophet. The Senior couple had even been able to shake his hand and bore their own witness. The Spirit that entered this "casual, run-down on prophets" tour was amazing. The President Monson kiosk was close, so we watched his testimony of the Savior, which is always moving and undeniable, and then I felt to have the other Elder bear his testimony of Joseph Smith. Before he even started speaking, he was emotional. The feeling of peace, and of love, and of truth that surrounded us in that little room was tangible. As he bore his testimony of the prophet Joseph, all of us had tears in our eyes. There was that confirmation to my heart again, that Joseph Smith is truly a prophet. It was such a sacred experience for me to be a part of that lesson where the Holy Ghost was the teacher. What a special gift it was.

I pray that all of you will have your testimonies strengthened of our Savior and of the prophet Joseph Smith. You'll be happier the stronger your testimony is. I love you all!!!

-Sister Welch

Too Much to Tell

2011-10-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

I feel like my weeks are so regular now, but I know you have no idea what's going on unless I tell you, so I'll try to remember everything. This is going to be a mess of all the good, frustrating, exciting, things that happened this week. I hope you're ready.

Thursday-There was hardly anyone that came into the Visitor Center (VC). I was just standing by the door watching them put up Christmas lights when this gentleman walks up with a couple and says, "Hi, we'd like a tour." Me, "Perfect! I'd love to give you one." So we talked for a minute so that I could find out religious background, that type of thing, and found out the couple was Roman Catholic and they came with their member friend. Awesome. I LOVE giving tours to nonmembers, so I took them around the VC and gave a Lesson 1 tour (Restoration). The feeling there was powerful. I ended with a clip from President Monson's talk on service, and asked them if they'd like to have representatives come to their home and answer any questions, teach them more, etc. The husband said, "Yes, we'd be very interested," And as I handed him the card the member took it and said, "We'll talk about this in the car." BAH! I was heart broken. And a little mad. I could not think of anything to say because all I could think of was, "grrrr," so I just said, "Well, after you fill out the card, don't forget to keep the picture of Christ and the temple." And then I just started praying.

Friday-I gave a workshop during our VC training meeting on pre-setting and following up with movies. The week before I had followed up with a man who wasn't able to think of anyone he wanted to refer before the movie, but afterwards, he ended up giving me his brother's name. Wow. I was humbled. And that also meant that I got to do the training. It reminded me of teaching in Relief Society. I miss that. Later that day we went and taught Justin, a new investigator. Daneil came with us and her testimony was perfect. She bore her testimony about how her day is better when she reads the Book of Mormon, and how it wasn't easy getting baptized, and life isn't easy now, but it's better. Simple and perfect. That girl is amazing.

Saturday-Busy VC day. We had a return appointment with one of our investigators on chat. She actually found the missionaries in her area and is meeting with them too! Golden. And two people I called said they wanted missionaries, and Sister Cadenhead gave an inspired tour to Russell who brought his Koran to the VC. What a funny man. I gave him my Ensign about the Book of Mormon, and I hope that he doesn't mind I marked it up just for him. :]

Sunday-"Why I Believe" program. Bay Buchanan was the speaker. Awesome lady. I want to read her book now, "Bay and her Boys." She was great for this audience. So funny, and so easy to listen to. And Daneil said the closing prayer! They always have recent converts pray and two of them bear their testimonies. President Matsumori asked Daneil to pray, and she did. She almost fell over because she was so nervous, but her prayer was beautiful. The member that came with us said she could write it down, but she said, "No! It's gotta be from my heart." And it was. I'm so proud of her.

Monday-Zone Conference. Which means role plays. During the evaluation, people kept telling me I was bold. Hmm. I've never considered myself a bold person, but I guess I can be when I need to be. I think that comes with the "first child syndrome." When I know I'm right, I'm right, and I don't have a problem letting people know that...in a loving way, of course. We also taught Audrey on this day, and her thought of the day was that even if she wanted to back out, she couldn't. She said, "I'm too far into this. And so is John." Well good. I'm glad she realized that. Also, she said that she's finding it a lot easier to accept Joseph Smith than she thought it would be. She is so close.

Tuesday-Golden chats. Becca came on saying that she'd been praying to know what to do with her life, and she felt guided back to this website every day. She asked for the missionaries. SO exciting. That never happens on chat and I was practically dancing in the calling room where the computers are. Also Brian. He was a speed typer and I even told him "Sheesh! You are such a fast typer!" which didn't make him slow down, but it was okay, because he could not get enough of the gospel fast enough. Even with two of us to the one of him. He was so trusting, and we set up another appointment with him, to teach The Plan of Salvation. It's so cool that we can teach people over the internet. Also at the VC that day, Sister Chan and Sister Joost brought their investigator Ryan in with his less active fiance. I gave them a tour on the Word of Wisdom and Following the Prophet. We focused on recognizing the Holy Ghost, and since we were the only ones in the VC, it was very quiet, and a spiritual experience for all of us. I wish I could walk you through which kiosks we used, and what exactly we talked about, but not enough time. Sorry! Anyway, we had him say a prayer before watching the Joseph Smith movie, and ask to feel and recognize the Holy Ghost so that he could know it was true. They watched the movie, and afterwards, Sisters Chan and Joost told me he wants to be baptized! So exciting. The church is true.

Today-we just finished a crazy laser tag game for our Zone Activity. I was really laughing so hard because Elders are awkward enough as it is, but put them in a dark place, with laser guns, where they're running into people including sister missionaries...it was pretty bad. But so much fun.

Well, on that note, time for me to go. I love you all, and pray for you often.

-Sister Welch

An accent?

2011-10-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

In the past two weeks, I've had three people tell me that I have an accent. Hmmm. And they always looked super confused when I tell them I'm from Vegas. It makes me laugh every time. Apparently I sound like I'm from the midwest, but I think it's just the Utah accent. It's in my blood. (Someone did tell me that I sound Swedish though, because I don't say Ya (as in yak), but I say Yah (as in yah man.) I don't know what to think...)

Anyway, we've spent a lot of time at the VC this past week, which I love. There isn't anything I don't love about a mission, but I LOVE the Visitors' Center. Yesterday we had a couple busses full of college students from Southern Virginia University. They came to do baptisms and service, and a lot of them spent time in the Visitors' Center. They were so willing to learn and to write messages to their friends so that we could call them! I was so impressed with their enthusiasm and it made me happy to see how much they love the gospel.

We also went to a concert on Sunday night with two amazing violinists. Such a tender mercy for me to be a part of the music.

And last night was the first night Sister Withers and I taught Audrey together. She had signed up on our meal calendar in Relief Society, so we went over for dinner, then taught her a lesson. John was there for the dinner, and we actually discussed religion or missionary life the whole time, so that was really exciting for me to see that interest from him. And better yet, he told me that he's searching! ...just doing it in his own way; he likes it second-hand from Audrey better. But that was huge for him to even tell me that. And he has his own Book of Mormon, which I wasn't aware of. We taught Audrey the third lesson, and at the end, we promised her again, that when she commits to live the Word of Wisdom, she'll get the answer she needs. That's really all she needs to do. She watched all 4 sessions of Conference on her little laptop while she was on vacation, for heaven's sake! She's so close. Oh! And this was huge too. She asked what the process would be IF she said she was ready to be baptized now. I think my eyes got really big because she laughed at me and said, "Don't get to excited, I'm just wondering." But I am excited. She's incredible.

A couple questions before I go...are we related to Mary E. Welch, born in August of 1889 in Maryland? And is there a new BYU President? I heard them release President Samuelson from the 70 and so I was just wondering.

Love you all!

-Sister Welch

Just a quick note.

2011-10-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

Wasn't Conference incredible?! Do they always talk this much about the Book of Mormon and personal revelation and say exactly what investigators need to hear? It was such a perfect conference for all of the people we were teaching. Every single talk had me on the edge of my seat, scrambling to write everything they were saying. It had felt like such a long time since I had seen a conference, and it's hard to believe I was at the last one! Aside from my investigators, it was so good for me to hear. There is such a comfort in hearing words from men who really speak to God. Testifying of them every day made that fact even more real to me as I watched. What a great weekend!

As for the rest of the week, it was beautiful. (And a little cold! It was only in the 50's but with the humidity, I was freezing. I may have to look like a marshmallow this winter, but I will be a warm marshmallow.) Anyway, I've been giving more tours at the VC now that I'm finished with my New Sister Training. This past week I gave a tour on temples to two recent converts. What an experience. I love this Visitors' Center because at night, the temple is lit up, and there is a reflection of the Christus in the windows. It literally looks like Christ is in front of his temple, inviting us to come in. It's touching to see, and even more touching to be His representative, acting as the mouthpiece to invite people to come to the temple. This was one of those teaching moments that I live for.

Well, that's all I have time for. Favorite scripture this week: 4 Nephi 1:15-16. (Paraphrased) Because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people...there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

Love, Sister Welch

Baptism!!!

2011-09-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

DANEIL WAS BAPTIZED!!!!!

It was incredible. There were a few bumps in the road, but she made it, and the baptismal service went perfectly. On Friday, we were supposed to meet with her and finish up the last few principles in lesson four, but she was sick and couldn't meet. That scared me to death, but it worked out that she could come to the Visitors' Center in the morning on Saturday. We taught her, she had her interview with Elder DeKlerk, and then she went home with Drew (Ward Mission Leader) and Katie to get ready for the baptism. After our shift at the Visitors' Center we raced down to the church, and helped her finish getting ready. It was so exciting to see her in that white jump suit! We took a lot of pictures which I'll have to send you. She's such a goofball, and took pictures with her program in front of her, like a prison number....just because she was in a jumpsuit. What a character. The program itself was great. Holly Weaver, a member in the ward that has taken Daneil under her wing, gave a talk on Baptism, I played the piano and prayed, Sister Hazen talked on the Holy Ghost, and Katie said the closing prayer. Elder DeKlerk was the one who baptized her, which was a neat experience for him, because it was his last week in the mission. As soon as Daneil came up out of the water, she said, "Was that it?" and Elder DeKlerk said, "Yup." Then Daneil's like, "Well, that was fun!" And then as we wrapped the towel around her in the jumpsuit she said, "I smell something fresh," and Sister Hazen and I both said at the same time, "It's you!" Daneil was apparently talking about the fabric softener, but at that point she was even more clean than the jumpsuit. We laughed pretty hard at that.

Then that night we took her to the Relief Society Broadcast, and the dinner the stake put on. It was just what she needed. She met some great women in our ward, and she got to hear how Relief Society was established, about charity, and about covenants, when she had just made a covenant. I couldn't have planned the Broadcast better. Oh, and this was funny too. During one of the talks, I don't remember which one, they showed Minerva Teichart's painting of Christ with all of the sheep. We noticed that all of the sheep around him were white, but the one he was holding was black. Holly leaned over to Daneil and whispered, "See, Jesus loves black people too!" We all lost it and I probably didn't hear the next two minutes of that talk because we were all so focused on trying to not laugh out loud. Holly is so good for Daneil. She loves being teased. That night, we also gave her a CTR ring and she's worn it every day since. It fits her perfectly.

On Sunday she was confirmed, and on Monday she came to dinner and FHE with us. It's so exciting to see how far she's come, and how quickly we loved her. When we first met her, I thought, "She could be a missionary one day." And who knows! Maybe she will be.

As for the rest of the week, there was so much that happened! I don't know where to start.

Aunt Sylvia - I met your friend Jenny Williams and her family! They stopped by at the Visitors' Center and we chatted for a little bit. They are such a sweet family and I gave her a hug for you.

To all of the Whitney Ranch Ward Members - Thank you for that beautiful card! It made my day and I'm so grateful for all of the prayers and support. I love you all!

Also, transfers were today! I had a lot of mixed emotions because it was so hard to see Sister Hazen leave, but I'm so excited about my new companion: Sister Withers! She was actually companions with Sister Hazen in the MTC. One thing I love about the VC is that I know all of the Sisters and I'm already friends with the people I'll be serving with. Sister Withers is from Rigby, Idaho. She's down-to-earth, very honest, and we've already been laughing so much. She's sarcastic in the best way, and she'll be so good for the people we're teaching with. I can tell already that she's fearless, and has a good grasp on the eternal perspective. It's going to be an awesome transfer.

I wish I had more time to talk about our investigators, but I will tell you this, really quick. We had committed Audrey to live like she was getting baptized last weekend (like I told you) and I followed up with her at the baptism. She said she had gone 3 days out of the 6. And usually I'm not this bold, but I told her, "Well, I know that if you had gone all 6 days you would have gotten your answer." And she knew it too!!! She could have gone all 6, but she's just being a turkey and holding herself back. She did tell us, however, that she and John have planned a trip to Palmyra in November because she wants to go to the sacred grove. She's already acting like a member, for heaven's sake! And I love her despite her stubbornness; she's so much fun to teach and I learn every time we teach her. And I always leave her house feeling at peace. She'll make it, it will just be in her time and the Lord's time.

I love you all. Stay strong.

-Sister Welch

Editors note: The day this was posted on Katherine's blog, the quote of the day was

"If you have God on your side, everything becomes clear." Ayrton Senna

Daneil

2011-09-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to tell you this news!!!! Daneil is getting baptized this Saturday!!!! I'm so excited for her, (can you tell?). I don't think I've even written about her that much, except to mention her, so this email is going to be about her, mostly.

She's from Jamaica, like I said before, and her Dad passed away when she was fairly young. She lives here with her "Auntie" and cousin, and the rest of her family lives back home. She works as a nanny, and she is such an incredible girl. She's a miracle. So here's the story.

A couple of weeks ago, we were checking on some referrals that the elders had given us, and Daneil wasn't home, but we ended up leaving a sticky-note on her door with our number and names and a note. The next week, we were visiting some less actives that lived in her apartment complex when our phone rang. Usually we don't answer during appointments, but it was pretty casual, so we answered the phone. It was Daneil. And she wanted to come over, and she lived two floors right above where we were sitting at that moment. Not a coincidence. So we ran up there, and scheduled an appointment with her for later that week.

When we went back for her appointment, she was outside waiting for us, and as soon as we went up to her, she just started bawling. Apparently her cousin had not been very kind that day, and then Daneil's whole life story came out, and the three of us had this instant connection. We spent a lot of time just getting to know her before we taught anything. We actually asked her if she wanted to learn about God's plan for her first, or the Book of Mormon (since the Elders had given her one). She said the Book of Mormon, so that's where we started. She just laughed at us the whole time we were teaching, and didn't want to answer questions, or believe anything we said, so I wasn't sure how this was going to end up. But when we called the next day to see if she'd read, she had. And that was the beginning of her keeping commitments.

She's incredible. When we asked her to live the Word of Wisdom, she stopped drinking alcohol, coffee, and tea that day and replaced them with warm milk, which she said was a good substitute, even though I can't imagine drinking warm milk. Bleh. When we were teaching the Law of Chastity and about how important it is to be modest, she said she was going to stop wearing her mini skirts, and she asked us if she should take out her second piercing. We didn't even mention earrings!!! Plus she's stopped listening to some of her music that "makes her feel bad." She's just so observant, and so prepared. And she's excited to be baptized. This is how it should be.

Some of my favorite texts from Daneil:

"Translate: wa gwaan? Wa unu a do? wen mi a si unu again? Good luck, lol!"

After asking here where she was in her BofM reading:

"Testimonies of that man i don't remember his name and i dont have it ith me now, but I keep thinking he is moses but its not. lol." (Referring to Joseph Smith)

"I feel so good after reading at nights"

"R u guys ok? Just checkin, haven't read from u all day." (Haha. It's pretty bad when your investigators contact you. But good that she expects daily contact, right?)

"I just read and i feel great."

She is great! And I wish I had time to write down all of the funny things she's said, like not to mention the "B-word" in front of her Auntie, she hates white clothes (which may be a problem this weekend...), and she's not excited about wearing a jumpsuit "like the hillbillys." Just some of the many sassy comments we get from her. But oh, am I'm so, so excited for this weekend.

By the way, Sister Matsumori (the mission president's wife) came teaching with us this week because we're SO busy. Last week we really did not have time to meet with all of our investigators, and we're thinking about going on splits this week. It's crazy, and I love it!

We asked Audrey to live this week like she was getting baptized on Saturday. We're sure she hasn't received an answer yet because she hasn't taken that step of faith into the dark. She just needs to live what she knows she should, and after the trial of her faith, the miracle will come. She said she'd do it, and I can't wait to get the call from her this week that she got her answer.

Transfers are next week. I'm pretty sure I'm staying, but I'll let you know. Love you all!!!

-Sister Welch

P.S. Madison - thanks for the ice cream!!! I loved it. It made my day.

Tegan - you've been married for over a week!!! Aaah!

Do you remember the time....

2011-09-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

when I was little, and Ben and I would hide under the table and untie the missionaries' shoes during dinner? Well, that happened to me the other night, but it was so strange to be on the other end! We were at a member's house for dinner, and after one of their little boys was done eating, he went under the table and started playing with our feet. I was wearing flats, so he couldn't untie my shoes, but it was still so strange to realize that I was the missionary, not the one under the table. I felt old for a second, but it made me laugh to realize that I'm a missionary!

I had that happen a couple times this week. As we were just driving down one of the beautiful, scenic roads in Maryland, I thought, "I'm a missionary! I'm really doing this! Is this really what people were talking about when they talk about missionary work? Wow! And I'm doing it!" It was a strange realization. I don't know why it hit me then, but it did.

The other fun thing that happened this week, was that I saw Elder Austin Lee!! He's in the Baltimore mission, which you probably knew, but he came up to the Visitors' Center with an investigator. I didn't realize that he's been out for a year and a half! It was so good to see him, and talk to him for a little bit. He looks like he's doing fantastic and he wanted me to tell you hello. So "hello." :]

Other news: Sister Lawrence (the sister that's allergic to chemicals, especially bug spray), is getting transferred to the Las Vegas Nevada Mission!! We are all SO sad to see her go, but she loses her voice whenever someone uses chemicals, and so she had to be transferred. But...I told her that I'm praying really hard she'll go to our ward, so that you can adopt her. Transfers are on the 28th, and that's when she's coming, so keep your eye out for her and please, please make her feel loved. (She always wears a flower in her hair, and she's a brunette, and so fun and happy and incredible. She'll be easy to adopt.)

By the way, I gave Sister Lewis Joan and Dennis' information so that she could offer a free movie or missionary visit. How is Dennis doing, health-wise? Sister Lewis just wanted to know so that she could guide the conversation easier.

Two stories. First, do you like the stories? Or the miracle per day? Or just the investigator update? Or all of it? I'm never quite sure and my letter always feel so discombobulated, so feel free to let me know what you like reading.

So, last Friday I was on exchange. I stayed in our area, and one of the four VC Trainers (kind of like a Sister AP), came to my area and Sister Hazen went to the city. Sister Chan was her name, and we had an incredible night. We taught Pat, the 7th Day Adventist, and we had planned on teaching the Plan of Salvation, but that is not how the lesson went. Apparently, the last time we taught, it was not to her needs, because this time, she had so many questions, and was so confused. We spent the whole time talking about the Book of Mormon and the Sabbath Day. We taught in my favorite way, which is through asking her questions, so she does most of the talking and teaches herself. It was powerful. And she understood so much better. At the end of the lesson, I bore my testimony of the Restoration and it was interesting, because my emotions have been very near the surface this past week. But I made it through, and when I was finished, Pat took a second to think and then said, "You have such a light about you. I can see it in your eyes. And I can tell, without even reading the Book of Mormon, that it has to be true because of the way you speak about it." Oh my goodness. It was such a tender mercy to hear those words. In my setting apart blessing, I was blessed with the power Nephi had in 3 Nephi 7:17-18. I saw that promise in effect that night, and it was such a blessing.

The other story is a quick one. Last night was "Night of Music and Inspiration." This is a program where the missionaries sing a couple of songs, and there are some that speak and bear their testimonies. The theme for this one was "A Walk Through the Savior's Life." It was incredible. I cried through the whole thing, which was a little bit of a problem because I was playing the piano for half of the songs and I couldn't see my music. But I LOVE that I am able to play the piano so much. I just hope that other missionaries get the opportunity as well. They're all so funny and think that they don't need to share their talents because I will step in and play if no one else will. But that is not the right attitude! And maybe I still don't like performing and all of the attention that comes with that, so I'm just fine if someone else is in the spotlight, but more importantly, I'd love the other missionaries to increase their talents as well. John and Audrey Dyer, along with Daniel, all came to this and I'm so glad that they did. I love programs like this because people take the time to really listen. They may think that they are listening to music and testimonies, which they are, but in all reality, they are listening to the Spirit, and giving time for those feelings of conversion. That is part of the reason I love music so much; it allows people to feel deeper, and to connect with Heavenly Father and our Savior. I'm so grateful that is such a huge part of my mission.

I love you all!!

-Sister Welch

No Natural Disasters this Time.

2011-09-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it's already another p-day! Time goes by so, so quickly here. And there haven't been any natural disasters lately, just a TON of rain. It's unbelievable how much it can rain, the drops are huge and I was going 25 mph this morning and still couldn't see anything. I love it.

As for the week, it was busy and great. Here's the run-down of people that we're teaching:

Ralph: He's been struggling lately. He's cancelled appointments for the past three weeks, and he's fine with us stopping by, but after church was cancelled due to the hurricane, he hasn't been back to church either. It's tragic to see how fast he's going back to what we we're trying to get him to leave behind. With him, we're planning on putting it all back into perspective, with Heavenly Father's plan for him, and his divine nature as part of that plan. I really believe that if people truly know who they are, they will be motivated to become what Heavenly Father knows they can be. That's what Mr. Ralphy needs to know.

Audrey: She's doing great. Her progress is slow (in missionary time; it's normal in not-missionary time), but it's real. She is so sincere about changing, and she talks in terms of "when" she's baptized, not "if" she's baptized. She told us that she'd probably be baptized by January (did I already tell you that?), and then she said that's more of a committment than she's ever made before. But she's such a sassafrass sometimes, and we have to keep reminding her that she's not committing to us-she's committing to Heavenly Father. We're teaching her about the atonement today. I'm SO excited for this lesson. We're going to show her the "None Were With Him" (click on the title for the link) Mormon Message. It's so powerful and will be so good for her.

Daneil: Our 23-year old Jamaica girl who is teaching us Patois. (said "pat-wa", I'm not exactly sure how to spell it.) She is a character. We met with her twice last week, and she came to church on Sunday, and we'll be teaching her again this week. She has a B-date for the 25th, and we're on Lesson 3, so she'll make it for sure. Pray for her! She's had such a hard life and has a lot of healing to do in this conversion process. But the gospel has that power, and I have this vision of her being a missionary one day. She would be incredible.

Olga: Miracle story with her. A couple of weeks ago, Sister Hazen just found this Area Sheet (a list of names and numbers with former investigators, or people we can't contact). She turned it into the the VC, (because each of us always have an area sheet that we go through during our calling time), and Sister Joost (the girl I knew from Women's chorus) was assigned to call our sheet. So she called, got ahold of Olga and set up an appointment. Come to find out, Olga was a former, and she had to stop taking the lessons because her husband wouldn't allow the missionaries to come over. (It was to the point of physical harm...scary) Anyway, he had moved out 2 days before Sister Joost called. And Olga had stopped going to her old church a few weeks before we came over. Crazy!! It's amazing to see how the timing of everything worked out. It's just another evidence that Heavenly Father's hand is in everything. So, she has a B-date for the 18th.

Russell: He's solid. He was at church again last Sunday, and we meet with him weekly. We've been about as bold as we can be with him, and I know when he opens his heart, and takes a moment to feel the truth, rather than disect it, he'll know. He's fun to teach because he is so brilliant, and he likes to go off on tangents, so we have to redirect. I really do feel like a parent with all of the worrying, and praying, and teaching we do with him, even though sometimes it feels weird being a "parent" to someone who is 77. He's planning on reading the whole Book of Mormon by the end of the year, and thinks he'll finish it sooner. And he is so fellowshipped in our ward that I know he'll be ready sooner.

Pat: She's a 7th Day Adventist, but at a point in her life where she's questioning. We met her at the baptism of two little girls in our ward, and she asked us if we could come teach her. Another miracle. And she has friends in the ward who are converts, so she's well on her way. We've only taught her once, but she is so honest in her desire to know truth, that I know she'll be ready to accept the gospel soon.

We also have appointments with Cheryll and Donna, which I'll have to tell you about next week. We're so busy and so blessed. Talk to you soon.

-Sister Welch

Surprise!

2011-09-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! So, yes, the title of my blog changed because apparently, the name was copyrighted. Oops. I got a letter in the mail today, saying that I needed to change it within a week of August 30. (In other words, today was the last day to make that change.) So I got permission to change the name, and write a little note.

Thank you so much for all of the support and prayers and letters. I hope to hear from you soon. I love you all!!!

P.S. Who knew that I would be causing more trouble as a missionary than I ever have in my life?

Hurricane!!!

2011-08-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

Wow. We are getting all sorts of crazy weather up here. Luckily, the hurricane didn't hit us hard - it was just a bad storm - but they did cancel church when we had 6 investigators coming! Bah! I was impressed with Russell, though, because he was ambitious and faithful enough to follow us on a 45 minute drive to Gaithersburg for church.

And then we've had so many miracles! We're only in our area for about 22 hours this week, but we have an appointment for almost every hour that we're in our area. It's amazing. It's my goal to work so hard that they have to split up our area because we won't have enough time for all of our appointments. :] And I wish I had time to go into all of it, but I'm writing a Mom letter this week, so enjoy the pictures. And here's a song that one of the Elders made up, in honor of the hurricane. It was sent as a voice-mail to the entire mission.

(to be sung to the tune of "Popcorn Popping")

I looked out the window and what did I see?

One big hurricane coming at me.

August has brought me such a nice surprise-

Tree limbs blowing right before my eyes.

I can buy some goggles and some gasoline

Then curl up in a ball and then just scream

It may not be so, but it seemed to me...

I'm going to have a lesson with Hurricane Irene!

I love you all!!! Stay true to what you know and who you are.

-Sister Welch

Editor's note: We did not receive any photo's. If we get photo's in a separate letter, we will post them.

EARTHQUAKE!!

2011-08-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

I survived an earthquake!!!

You probably have already heard, but there was an earthquake in Virgina, that we felt in DC yesterday. I was at the Visitors' Center, in the calling room, when I heard this rumbling. I just thought it was the air conditioning turning on, but then my feet started vibrating and I realized that it probably wasn't the air conditioning. I thought, "Is there a helicopter landing on the roof, maybe?" but then it was shaking too much for that to make any sense. All of the Sisters in the calling room rushed out into the lobby and then it really started shaking and the glass windows were bending and rattling. Everyone evacuated and was panicked and screaming and running around like crazy. It was pretty exciting. It didn't last that long though, and pretty soon everyone was allowed back in. I just felt bad for the Sister who was in the bathroom.

Oh, and I'm not sure if you've heard about this, but the tips of four of the gold spires fell off. They were about 3 feet long, and on the way down, they hit the temple and knocked some of the granite off. They brought some chips of granite over to the VC, so now I have a little DC Temple rock to bring home. One of the sisters, when she saw that we all had temple rocks, decided that she was going to go over and get one of the spires that fell off to take home. But being from Chile made that a little complicated with customs, and what not. :]

As for the work, we've had quite the week! We had our four solid investigators at church and we ended up sitting in between all four of them: two in the pew in front, and two in the pew behind. I loved it. And Sister Hazen and I laughed when we realized that we're teaching mostly old men. Ralph and Russell both go to high priests (John Dyer goes home, we can't get him to stay), and in our high priests quorum we just happen to have the bishop, the patriarch, two temple sealers, and the stake president. It's nice to know that our investigators will be taken care of.

Adrey Dyer is also doing really well. We taught her on Monday and stayed for 3 HOURS. She wouldn't let us leave!! But we loved it. She has so many good questions about the scriptures and doctrine, and how everything about the gospel and church work together. She was asking us about how the three witnesses were chosen, and trying to understand how Nephi was writing what Joseph of Egypt said about Joseph Smith, who was actually translating, etc. etc. She really understands the scriptures and I love watching her progress. That's honestly one of my favorite thigns about being a missionary: watching people change.

With Ralph, we've seen a literal change in his countenance. There is a light there that wasn't before. He's more alert, and happier, and it's contagious. Ah! I'm so excited for him.

Russell, we've only met with once, but he also came to the "Why I Believe" Program, which was about testimony. Elder Sowby, Director of the Barlow Center, spoke, and he is very analytically/scientifically minded, just like Russell. Russell was taking notes the whole time, and we could see his mind processing everything Elder Sowby said. We're meeting with him tomorrow and I'm looking forward to all of his questions. He learns quickly and loves the deep stuff, and we're teaching the Plan of Salvation, so it should be interesting.

So, quote of the week:

Consecration is the only surrender that is also a victory. -Neal A Maxwell.

It's so true! And so is the gospel. Love you all!!!!

It was so good to hear about your trip to Tahoe and a little bit of the Utah trip. Hearing about the car ride and canoes ramming made me laugh. I loved it. Thank you SO MUCH for sending the package. I wish I had more time to write you individually. I pray for you every day.

Love, Sister Welch

Faith is Real!

2011-08-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

So, just to start off with, I have the most amazing story for you!!! Last Thursday or Friday, Sister Hazen and I were at Taco Bell and we started talking to this older couple, Paul and Nancy. They had just lost everything with the economy crash, and Paul is in his 80's and had to go back to work. They were at ground zero, and pretty humble, and we just happened to run into them. :] They were so interested in what we do as missionaries, and they told us they'd come to the visitors' center on Saturday. We asked them where they lived, and talked some more, then left and planned to see them on Saturday. Well, they didn't come, so yesterday we planned to visit them. I was driving, and when we got up to their street, I heard Sister Hazen gasp. She's like, "We didn't get their address." I just laughed, because here we were, only with the street name. But we pulled over and I'm like, "Here's what we're going to do. We'll just pray and drive down the street until we feel like we should stop." So Sister Hazen prayed and asked for us to be guided according to our faith. Once she said Amen, I knew exactly where to go. It was amazing!! We stopped in front of their house, walked up to the door, knocked, and who opened it? Nancy. Sister Hazen was speechless and I just started laughing. And to make it better, Nancy acted like it was perfectly normal that we were there. She was about to leave though, so we didn't get to talk to her, but we'll go back soon. Wow. That made my night.

As for the rest of the week before this experience, it's been great. We've seen a real change in Ralph (from Ghana). Did I tell you he has a baptismal date for August 28th? Pray for him!!! We taught the word of wisdom last time we met, and instead of trying to teach us, or just listening apathetically, he was taking notes! And writing down everything he needed to work on. He hasn't had any alcohol since we taught him, but he's still struggling with the coffee because he wakes up at 4am to go to work and feels like he needs it. Sad. But I know once he really commits to live it, he'll be given the strength he needs. And he's reading the Book of Mormon, and praying, and he's been to church 3 times in a row, and to the Visitors' Center once. It's incredible to see the change in his countenance, and behavior. He's going to make it! We're teaching him tomorrow and hopefully he'll come to the "Why I Believe" program. Ah! He's so great.

Audrey Dyer is also incredible. And unreal. Our last lesson she was asking us to explain the large and small plates of Nephi! Honestly, what investigator does that? She keeps us on our toes, that's for sure. And her questions. So, the first two principles in the Restoration lesson are "God is Our Loving Heavenly Father" and "The Gospel Blesses Families". We were planning on incorporating prayer into every principle and so we start by asking her how her relationship with God has changed over the years and she goes right into prayer. Then to tie the principles together, we were going to invite her to pray with John, but no need, because she starts talking about how she wishes that John would pray with her. Wow. It's so funny to plan lessons for her because she answers almost like it's on cue. Oh! And this was funny too. We want her to read the Book of Mormon daily, and we knew she was somewhere in 2 Nephi. We were going to have her read starting with 2 Nephi 25 to the end of 2 Nephi. When we asked her where she was in her reading, she opened up to her bookmark, and it was at 2 Nephi 25. Crazy.

I've had some amazing things happen at the VC as well. On chat, we met Paul, a 55 year old Methodist who is SO excited to read the Book of Mormon. In his words, "A book about people that lived in America hundreds of years ago? Wow! That is something I have to read!" So exciting. We have a chat appointment with him for next week. It's so neat that we can teach people over the internet. I love seeing how the Lord uses technology to accomplish his purposes. I really believe that he allowed technology to be created so that his purposes could be fulfilled more effectively. It's amazing.

Well, it's already time to go. Pray for Ralph, and Audrey and John. We have a good friendship with John, but he hasn't sat in on any of our lessons with Audrey yet.

One more thought I had. I gave the spiritual thought in District Meeting, and it was on faith, something I've been thinking about a lot lately. And I realized this: We need to have faith in faith. It's real. I'll let you think about that thought, since I don't have time to explain it. But some great scriptures: 1 Nephi 7:12, Moroni 7:33, Alma 7: 17-18.

I love you all and I pray for you. It's so good to hear how you're doing, both friends and family. Thank you for your faith and prayers. I'll be sending blessings your way. :]

-Sister Welch

Busy!!

2011-08-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind week this has been!! I just have two stories that I want to tell you that are incredible.

The first one happened on Friday. As a quick side note, Sister Hazen and I don't have much time in our area. On the days we're at the Visitors' Center we only have about 2 hours because we do companionship study and dinner with a member. The other days we have district meeting, or weekly planning, or it's p-day, or we have church and all of those meetings. So we don't have a lot of time. But it's AMAZING to see how the Lord makes our time effective when we are in our area. Here's the story.

On Friday, we did all of our weekly planning, and organized our car book (with all of the maps, and member's numbers/addresses) and then left our apartment to go to our area. On our way down the stairs we ran into Tite, the man from Camaroon that we had met the first week I was here, and given a Book of Mormon to. We talked to him a little bit, then went to check on some formers. Molly wouldn't talk to us, but as we were about to climb in our car, Don (a man we'd met a week ago, gave a Book of Mormon to, and had a good talk with) pulled up in his truck. We talked with him some more, found out that he was recovering from a motorcycle accident, and had a prosthetic leg. There's this "I'm A Mormon" commercial I'd just watched about Jarem Frye and so I was able to share that with him...and I wrote that on the back of a Restoration Pamphlet, which we invited him to read. He wouldn't set up an appointment with us, but just the fact that we were able to run into him was a blessing.

Then we were going to check on Bethany, a 14 year old the spanish elders found. She wasn't home, but her Mom was. We found out her Mom knows the Bishop and his wife, and is interested in the church! How awesome would it be to teach a family! Then we went tracting and met a lady who told us she was atheist, but as we listened to her, and responded to her cynicism with a message of hope and peace and family, she just broke down and started crying about how she needs that comfort in her life. Miraculous.

Next we went to check on a referral, but he wasn't home. But...we ran into an old investigator who had dropped us, and a less active member who had divorced his wife and left the church. I know those people were placed in our path, or we were placed in theirs, and it was like Heavenly Father just wanted them to have that little reminder.

We also met this couple, Barb and Mike, who work at a nursing home and we shared Mosiah 2:19 with them. And there's more. (This was such a crazy day! Everywhere we went we were able to talk to people who were open and ready!)

After Barb and Mike, we felt like we should check on some of our potentials. We had met Nancy a week ago, as she was out walking her dog, but she was not open. However, when we pulled up to her house, she was out watering the flowers and we just started talking to her. I could tell that something was a little off, and although I'm not usually pushy or intrusive, I kept asking her about her day. Surprisingly, it didn't really take her long to open up. (Mom and Dad, you'll appreciate this: Nancy's a nurse, and her husband is an engineer. Haha.) So she'd just had a really long two days at the hospital, and Mitch (her husband) was recovering from surgery. We kept talking to her, and eventually our conversation transitioned perfectly into church. She'd been raised Catholic, joined the presbyterian church, and wasn't happy with either. I felt inspired to tell her about home and visiting teaching, and just as I was about to do so, I heard those words coming out of Sister Hazen's mouth. It is so exciting to know that our companionship is unified! We led into the message of the restoration, and she was so attentive. After we told her the Joseph Smith story, we had her read Moroni's promise and as she did so, she just started to cry. She said that was exactly what she needed to hear. It was such a special experience for all of us. She had read the whole pamphlet we left with her the week before and we learned before we left that she knew a family in the ward! It worked out so perfectly. We're going back to teach her soon. Pray for her!!!

And the other story. This happened yesterday and it's experiences like this that make all the work and heartache worth it! I was in the Visitors' Center, and I was suppoed to be doing my New Sister Training, but this family walked in and I felt like I should talk to them. So naturally, I did. :] I found out they (all 7 of them) were from France, and their beautiful family was just on vacation, actually on their way to the airport when they saw the temple. They understood English, but didn't speak very well. Fortunately the VC has a ton of resources in French. And we went to all of them. I wish I had more time to go into detail, but basically, here's what I showed them: Christus with the narration in French. The Book of Mormon exhibit and I had them read the promise in French. One of them asked, "Don't you have a prophet?" So I showed them President Monson's testimony. Then I remembered an "I'm a Mormon" commercial that was in French (The Babins, in case you want to watch it), so I showed that to them, all the while bearing testimony of the things I was showing them and praying that the Spirit would speak to them becuase I wasn't abe to. After the "I'm a Mormon" commercial, the Mom said, "I have two question. One, how do I become a Mormon?" AHHH!!! I almost started crying. She filled out a referral card and later that day I sent the missionaries to their family. Her second question was worded like this, "In you church, one man, many women?" Hahaha. I'm glad I got to clear that up before they left: one man, one woman. Now go be baptized!

I love you all so much!!! I pray for you often.

-Sister Welch

Catch-up

2011-08-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

Here are the miracles from the past 2 weeks:

July 20 - Members at lessons with investigators. Drew Richardson, our ward mission leader, came to our lesson with Ishmael tonight and it was exactly what Ishmael (and his friends) needed.

July 21 - Peg. (See July 12) Obviously, we didn't go back the following day, but we found her again today (such a blessing), taught her, and invited her to read. Oh, and we gave her some zucchini bread a member made for us to give away, and that softened her heart.

July 22 - The Dyers. This was incredible. We both felt inspired to go see them, and they were home, in between vacations. (I think I wrote about this last time, so, I'll keep this short.) She asked us to come teach her and I can't wait. We're already planning on talking about the baptismal interview questions to show her how READY she is and how strong her testimony already is.

July 23 - Member referrals. These are miracles because the people members refer are so prepared and so willing. The Dyers are member referrals and Malea, a woman we taught today is a member referral. Malea, I'm sure, is going to be baptized before the end of the transfer.

July 24 - Rebecca is reading the Book of Mormon! And understanding it. She had some great questions for us and I love teaching her.

July 25 - Laughter. This is the medicine that cures everything. Frustration, pain, everything. Sister Hazen and I laughed so much today. Just as a reminder to self: birthday, Italian man, rain, and Mama Lucia's. (If you want to hear these hilarious stories, you'll have to write me and ask for them. They are SO funny.)

July 26 - When I commit to do something for the Lord, He commits to be right there with me. Even if it's little things like getting a referral at the Visitors' Center.

July 27 - At 8:30 tonight, we knocked on a door to meet a referral, but it was the wrong address. However, Richard, the man we met asked us if we could come back! People usually don't do that, especially in D.C., so that's the miracle for today.

July 28 - Teaching by the Spirit. I've had so many miracles with Ishmael, and here is yet another. This was our last time meeting with him, and I knew that I had to get him to read the Book of Mormon because he hadn't done it yet. I prayed for inspiration one night, and it came quickly, so I wrote it down. I was prepared when we met, and as we were nearing the end of the lesson, my heart started pounding. I knew what I had to say, without a doubt, so I took a deep breath, interrupted Drew, and said, "I have a question for all of you. Do you have enough confidence in yourself to recognize the words of God when you read them?" Usually I try to steer clear of yes or no questions, but I felt like I needed to ask this, and they all said yes. Then I said, "Then you need to read this book. When we came tonight and I learned that none of you had read I was devastated! You gave us your word that you would read, and you haven't. Now, I don't care if you read the Book of Mormon as just a book, and not scripture because you don't have a testimony of it yet, I promise you that you will recognize this book as the Word of God because that's what it is. So, I'm asking you again, will you read the Book of Mormon?" They all said yes, (and looked a little embarrassed) but their answer was said in a much different way than they had previously said yes. I know they'll read now, and I hope that I can know of the time when they're converted because I have faith that they will be!

July 29 - Dolly. She's a convert, the primary president, in her 50's, single, and one of the most charitable people I've met. She's so down to earth, funny, and best of all - herself. People follow her example because she loves them unconditionally. She's a missionary in the best way - through love.

July 30 - Malea's lesson at the VC. We planned a tour, then prayed for the Spirit and ended up doing something completely different than what we had planned. And there "just so happened" to be a baptism at the church next door, which was perfect timing, so we took her to that. It was amazing. She belongs to the White Oak sisters now because she's not in our area, but President Matsumori gave us advance permission to go to her baptism.

July 31 - We went to see Isaac. (convert, 60's, Liberian, single, spoke in Stake Conference). He hasn't been to church lately, but Drew and the Bishop were inspired to tell us to go see him. And we felt strongly like we needed to do that since he wouldn't answer our calls, so we went, and after praying very fervently that he would answer the door, his brother came, invited us in, and Isaac was home. He said he'd been running away from the church because his Baptist father told Isaac that he was breaking his heart. Isaac still knows that it's true, and the miracle for us is that we were able to see him, and start him on that path to reading the scriptures and coming back to church again. Pray for him!

August 1 - Zone Conference. Wayne. And Teddy. Wayne- we found him while tracting. We almost went to go see a less active, but felt like we should tract instead. Wayne is at a difficult place in his life, and really opened up to us. He invited us to come back when he and his wife could listen to our message. So exciting! Teddy works at 7-11. We went to get slurpies, talked to him, and he asked us for a Book of Mormon.

August 2 - When I prayerfully set goals, Heavenly Father helps me to achieve them. This applies to the Visitors' Center, my area, and everything about my mission. Specifically tours at the VC, though.

Wow. Okay, there are all the miracles. It's amazing that there is so much that can happen in 2 weeks. And this was only part of it. The most important things I learned this week are to keep doing the simple things: praying every day, reading the scriptures every day, and going to church every week. It's amazing to see the difference in the lives of people who do the simple things, and people who don't. Those seminary answers ARE the answers to so many problems in life.

Also, I wanted to tell you that I feel like I'm on three missions here: 1. My Area, 2. The Visitors' Center, 3. Chatting on Mormon.org. I'm not sure if I've told you about the chatting experience, but it's awesome, and so entertaining sometimes. We chat every other day, and people can be so funny. I love it.

And I love all of you! I hope this letters lift your spirits and give you a little taste of what it is to be a missionary. Basically, it's a miracle.

-Sister Welch

Have a Blessed Day

2011-07-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

That is something that EVERYONE says here. I love it. We talk to people and before we walk away, even if they weren't the kindest to us, or wouldn't listen, they are sure to tell us to "have a blessed day" before they walk away or close the door. It's kind of a joke among the missionaries and a lot of them say it in their phone's voicemail. It might be one of the things I pick up from D.C. :]

So, I forgot to bring the paper with all of the miracles from last week, so you'll just have to wait for those again, but I have some good news: we got 10 new investigators last week!!!! Which in the English program here, is unheard of. It's been quite the week. I'll try to remember everything, but you may get some repeats when I write my email next week and include all of the blessings I wrote down every day.

We've had some GREAT lessons. We taught Ishmael and brought our ward mission leader, Drew Richardson, who got home from his mission about 2-3 years ago, so he was great to have. Ishmael's two friends were there as well and their names were Jonathan and L.J., which I kid you not, stands for Little John. I tried not to, but I laughed so hard when he told me that. I didn't think he was being serious! But he was. And his name's Little John. Anyway, we taught the first half of the Plan of Salvation, and it took over an hour because they kept asking so many great questions! We used a lot of scriptures from both the Bible and the Book of Mormon to show how they complement each other and how both are the word of God. We also spent a lot of time explaining authority and how baptism is a necessary saving ordinance, not just an optional way to show our faith. All three of them were having a hard time understanding that, which is interesting to me because it's right there in the Bible, but I think at this school they're attending, the professors are teaching them a little differently. We also committed all three of them to read and pray to know that it's true. It makes me laugh sometimes, how simple the gospel is, and how simple it is to follow, but people just refuse to do themselves a favor and read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. So if you would, pray for Ishmael and his friends. They need a little push in their lives.

Another great lesson we had was with the Dyers. They are the type of people I thought I'd be teaching when I heard Washington D.C.: white, wealthy, high class, educated, etc. (They're also in their early 60's, just for future reference) They've been coming to church for months with their neighbors, the Willis', but the Willis' didn't want the missionaries to teach them, for whatever reason. But, on Friday night, both Sister Hazen and I felt like we should visit them, so we went over, and they were home (between their vacations to Costa Rica and Alaska) and they invited us in. We'd met them before, and they are very gracious people, but we spent the first five minutes getting to know them until Audrey Dyer just asked, "Could you teach me? We'll do a weekly thing for about an hour every week and could you just answer my questions and come teach me?" AHHHHH!!! Of course we can!!! But then it gets better. She said, "I really want to be baptized and join your church. I just have a few concerns." Which ended up being that her sister-in-law owns a coffee plantation and she's worried about what her friends might think. And she's afraid she doesn't know enough. Those are her concerns. She's already living the Word of Wisdom (except for coffee), she gets the Ensign mailed to her, she's consistent at church, she's reading the Book of Mormon, and she's so ready! She said her husband is on this journey with her as well, but he's just moving at a little slower pace. I have faith though, that they'll be baptized before the end of the transfer. And they'll be solid when they do join. She said that herself. She said, "I just want to make sure I'm ready when I do this because it will be a commitment I make for the rest of my life." And eternity, I thought, but she'll come to understand that. Ah! I'm so excited to teach them. I'll keep you updated.

Rebecca (Giovana's little sister) is also doing great. She read Alma 40 in the Book of Mormon, and we had a good lesson with her. She's not scared of asking questions, and she has her own way of thinking, but she's open with us, so teaching her is a treat. Giovana isn't as committed, but she's a single Mom, works all the time, and just has a crazy schedule, so it's harder. But both are really interested and will hopefully be coming to church soon.

Mr. Ralphy

Malea was another miracle. And a member referral. She's so prepared and told us she wants to join the church, but she's sadly not in our area. Her member friend is in our ward, but Malea's in a completely different stake, so we gave her up to another set of sisters. They were ecstatic and I'm really excited for them. Malea is wonderful.

A little story before I go. A couple nights ago, our power was out when we got home. And it was a pitch black, humid, 90 degrees in our apartment. Bleh. We luckily had a 72 hour kit with glow sticks and a flashlight, so we did our planning by the light of two glow sticks, got ready for bed, and then just laid there on our blankets, sweating. It was SO HOT. And I really am not complaining, by the way. I have no right to when there are missionaries across the world who never have air conditioning. But I was just laying there laughing at the situation when Sister Hazen ran into the kitchen, and came back with all of these packages of frozen food. It was going to thaw out anyway, so why not use it, right? But then I really couldn't get to sleep because Sister Hazen had a bag of burritos on her head, and I had a package of vegetables on my stomach, and it was hilarious. Maybe you would have had to be there to think it's funny, but just imagine us laying there with frozen food all over, trying to cool us down. Funny.

And I know I probably say this every time, but Sister Hazen is so great! We just laugh all the time and we have such a strong companionship. It's amazing what can happen when there's unity and love. 10 new investigators, for example. And as a side note, they're all a different race. I love it. Brazilian, Filipino, African, Caucasian, Hispanic, etc. It really is a different country here and I'm loving every minute.

I hope all is going well for you and I love hearing from you all. I'll try to respond to your letters as soon as I can, but know that I pray for you (family and friends) often. Have a blessed day!

-Sister Welch

Seeing the Miracles Every Day

2011-07-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Here is the letter I promised with all of the miracles. ... P.S. This can go on the blog.

July 6

First day of tracting: Ryan .

I got to teach and testify to a real person for the first time as a missionary.

July 7

I gave my first tour at the Visitors center.

This was a miracle because I felt the power in the VC and the Spirit it has there.

July 8

Visitor Center training meeting.

This changed my perspective for my whole mission. Happiness = Service; And focusing on others. I was feeling depressed but this meeting lifted me. I felt the prayers of my family and friends and the support of angels.

July 9

Sister Hazen.

I spent the whole day with her and had a change of heart about our companionship. I have a feeling that we'll be best friends by the end of this transfer.

July 10

What I said to Tim, a man we met today.

I felt the spirit prompting me to ask him what he would do if he knew the Book of Mormon was true, and so I asked him. It was simple but I felt fulfilled afterwords, and it strengthened me.

July 11

Two new investigators.

We met one after an hour of tracting in the 100 degree humid heat (Ralph was his name) and the other (Giovana)was two minutes before we were supposed to go home.

July 12

Courage.

I asked a lady "when" we could come back and not "if" and she said tomorrow.

July 13

Ishmael.

It was our preparation day but we decided to go tracting tonight and met Ishmael, a 19 year old evangelical preparing to go on a mission. He, himself, is so prepared to receive the gospel and this was the first time that I got a taste of that joy that comes from missionary work.

July 14

We taught Ralph again.

Sister Adeniyi came with us and it was perfect. I felt and recognized the spirit present. I love teaching!

July 15

Tite

Sister Hazen and I were doing our weekly planning and it was taking longer than normal when we heard a knock. We answered and it was this man Tite from Cameroon that we had met a week ago. He thought the French elders, who we had referred him to, lived in our apartment and he had come to get a Book of Mormon. We had one in his language (not a coincidence) and we gave it to him. I'm so glad we were home.

July 16

Visitor Center Calling

Part of VC shift means calling contacts to get appointments. I'd been putting it off because I would rather talk to people face to face, and I just didn't have the best attitude about it. However, on my first call, I got an appointment!

July 17

"Why I Believe"

Sandra Turley (Broadway Star) sang and spoke with her husband, Josh, at this program. It was the first time I had cried because I was so touched since being in the Matsumori's home on July 5th.

July 18

Health.

It's been almost two weeks since I arrived in Washington D.C, and there hasn't been one morning that I've woken up with the usual morning sickness. The blessing of health I received in my setting apart has come to pass.

July 19

Comfort

At the VC I met a woman who had come to go to the temple, but she didn't know that it was closed. I took her back to the Book of Mormon Exhibit and read 3 Nephi 9:13-14. Afterwords, she started bawling and told me about all the hard things she is going through like her husband's death and her son's inactivity. We listened to The Christus together and then she needed some time by herself. I'm so grateful that I was the one who could give her a little comfort through the scriptures and the words of Christ.

So ther it is. There are so many blessing to being a missionary. Thank you for all of the prayers and faith. I can feel your love.

Love,

Sister Welch

Crabs and Laughs and Happiness

2011-07-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Family!

(and Friends)

And Happy Birthday Dad! I hope you have something fun planned, even though it may just be you and Ben at home. Eat some ice cream for me. :]

Well what a week this has been! I'm writing a letter home too, because I've been keeping track of all of the miracles that happen every day, and they're incredible, but I forgot to bring the paper with me to type them up here. So be expecting a great letter in about a week. (That's how long it took for your letters to get here.)

Thank you Grandma for the package! I was so surprised and so thrilled to get it. I laughed at the baby announcement and took pictures with the HUGE decorated marshmallows, so when I have time, I'll have to send those to you. It made my day.

So, there are a couple things that I've realized as a missionary. First, there is truly an endowment of the spirit. It's interesting that even though I was living the best that I could before my mission, I felt the gift of the spirit so strongly in the MTC, and I feel it even more strongly out in the field. It's the best feeling in the world, and I love it. It's something that I just want everyone to have so that they can know their lives are guided by a Father in Heaven who truly knows them and loves them.

Another thing I've learned: the visitor's center is a miraculous teaching tool. I have a completely different perspective of visitors' centers now, because they are really object lessons waiting to happen. Visitors' Centers are really for the visitors because there is something for everyone and every type of learning: visual, hands-on, etc. I think in the past week, there were at least 5 people who committed to baptismal dates in the VC. The Spirit is already there, and people can lean in a way that's best for them, and their testimonies just comes. It's amazing. I still haven't gone through all of the kiosks and looked at all of the displays yet. I was assigned to give a tour on temples this past week with another sister, and even standing outside of the temple, looking at it through the front window in the VC, I could feel the power of that building, and Heavenly Father's love for the young man we were teaching. It was a neat experience, and there are more that I'll share with you in the letter I'm sending home.

Two funny stories before I go. Last week we went to dinner with the Premonts. As we were driving there, Sister Hazen said, "I'm just going to warn you that Sister Premont loves the sister missionaries and wants us to marry her son who's like, 26 or something." I just laughed, and said thanks for the warning, but when we got there, her son walked out of the living room and I looked at him and said, "David?" And he just looked at me and said, "Wait, I know you. How do I know you?" So we figured out that we knew each other from BYU, through Ali Walker, and the whole time we were talking, his mom was standing there going, "David, you're turning red...and I don't think that's a sunburn. Wow, you're really blushing!" Poor guy. He handled it well, despite the blushing, which was ridiculous anyway, but the whole situation was just funny to me because I'm a missionary now and not even thinking along the lines his mom was. During the entire dinner though, his family was asking Sister Hazen and me dating questions, and we kept trying to redirect and ask about how their missionary work is, and it was just a crazy experience. They're a good family though, and I got a good laugh out of it.

The other funny story happened a couple days ago. We got a phone call from a member of the ward who said that she and her husband had a bunch of crabs that they weren't going to eat, and would we like them? We said yes, of course, so we drove over there and they pulled out this huge garbage bag with probably a dozen crabs just sitting in it. I wasn't exactly sure how to react. Then they showed us how to yank off the legs to get the meat, and how to open the shell, and what the lungs look like, and it ended up being quite the cultural experience for me. I did eat most of a crab, just to say that I did it and because they weren't that big, but then we decided to take the rest home. We ended up taking them to district meeting, after telling the elders that we were bringing a surprise dessert. They were pretty disappointed. But luckily, a member had given us a chocolate cake as well that we shared with them. Mmmm. Crab cake. :]

Well, I'll send that letter as soon as I can, but I hope that everyone is doing fantastic, and I'd love to hear from you all!

-Love, Sister Welch

P.S. I went to the city today and it was HOT and HUMID, but amazing. I can't wait to go back.

Only in Olney

2011-07-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

Helllloooooo!!!!

It really feels like months since I've written last, and so much has happened in the past week that I really don't know where to begin! (Just as a warning, this could be a very scattered, crazy letter, but I know you'll be able to put everything together into something cohesive.)

First of all, I love my trainer. Sister Hazen is JUST what I needed. She is from Layton and she went to Utah State for a few years before coming out. She's majoring in elementary ed, and that should say something about her sweet, fun personality. She is so outgoing and is great at connecting with and relating to people. I feel like she's one of those people who always knows the right thing to say. It's such a blessing because people are so much more willing to talk to us! It's funny though, I'm not sure if we would have been really close friends outside of the mission, but I've had some experiences that have taught me that this companionship was inspired.

Olney is the area I've been assigned to. (I can't remember if I told you that already.) But anyway, I already love it here. The first day, I told Sister Hazen, "I'm not sure if I should say this, or if it's exactly politically correct, but there are so many black people here!" She just laughed and later in the week when she was reading me some of her first journal entries, we discovered that she said the same thing. It's kind of a culture shock coming from Provo, and I'm pretty sure we are the only white people in our complex, but I feel like black people are the only people willing to listen to us. They're great.

The ward is great too. Ironically, the first four days I was here, no one signed up on the calendar to feed us, so we just ate at our apartment, which was completely fine, just funny. Since I've been to church though, I've met a lot of the families and they are all so kind to missionaries! We visited one family who is a pretty typical Mormon family: five kids, dad's the Young Men President, Mom is in the Primary, and they surprised me on Sunday with a list of home-remedies for mosquito bites. :] (I promise every email is not going to include mosquitoes, but this is actually a funny story.) Okay, so you remember how worried I was about the mosquitoes before I came here? Well, I came prepared with repellant and everything only to find out that one of the sisters is allergic to the chemicals in the repellant. It's so bad that if anyone comes to the Visitors' Center with it on, and she's there, she'll stop breathing. And we serve in the Visitors' Center every other day. So, it kind of looks like I have a mix between elephantitis, cancer, and chicken pox on my legs right now. (I counted last night and I have a new record: 40 bites in less than a week. Impressive, huh? :]) Anyway, we'll see who dies first. Just kidding, I'm really not worried, and I should send you a picture just so that you could laugh too. I was telling the sisters in my apartment last night that if this is the hardest trial I have while I'm here, I'll take it. But anyway, that's why the sister in the ward gave me all of these home remedies. I'm planning on using them.

Okay, enough about mosquitoes. You shouldn't have to hear about them again unless I get bit on my nose and it swells up and turns purple just like all of my other bites do. Then you will definitely hear about that.

Now for all of the things that aren't superficial.

The first day in DC (Olney technically) was great. I expected that I'd have to adjust and so I was just trying to go with the flow, but it was different being the new person and not knowing anyone. The missionary schedule and routine was great, that didn't really take any adjusting, it was just getting used to the people, and being a missionary, instead of just me, that was hard. I kept realizing that I am so inadequate, and I know so little about the scriptures, and I was surrounded by missionaries who were so much more experienced, that I didn't feel needed or like I would do any good. Obviously, I know better, but it was hard to stop those feelings. Then, in our visitors' center training meeting on Friday, I just realized that I felt depressed and frustrated with everything. Then the Visitor Center director and his wife talked on happiness. It was perfect. I realized that the same thing had happened to me in Nauvoo last summer, and that those feelings of discouragement really are one of Satan's greatest tools against us. It's interesting that I was prepared in Nauvoo to recognize what I was feeling and that I was focused way too much on myself and not on the Lord and his work. I'm glad I was blessed with the inspiration to figure that out only a few days into my mission instead of months later, because the sun (Son) really came out after that epiphany and life has just gotten better.

Wow, my time went a lot faster than I thought it would. There will be more spiritual experiences in the next email, I just wanted to include info about the area in this one.

Miracles:

First day of tracting and we met Ryan. Our one white investigator. I'll let you know how things go with him.

My first Sunday at church a girl who hasn't been in 15 years came. Then after church we were able to talk to Sheila, one of our investigators. We went to her house and got there just as she was coming home, so she let us in and we taught her.

The Lord is really blessing me with good experiences talking to people. I think I was expecting more rejection, and there has been plenty, but I'm really seeing how REAL faith is, when I just trust Him and open my mouth and talk to people!

I also just wanted to point out how funny it is that the 3 investigators we've picked up have been the last house we were going to tract that day, or the last house before an appointment, or the last house on the street. It's just funny to me how blessings come after the trials.

I wish I could write more, and there will be more uplifting stories next time, but know that I love you all and look forward to hearing from you.

Quote of the week: The people who are really converted are those who seek for personal revelation. - Sister Hazen.

Love,

Sister Welch

Sister Welch with President and Sister Matsumori

I'm Here!

2011-07-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

I made it! Safe and sound and so excited. President and Sister Matsumori and the 3 AP's picked us up and drove us to the temple. Then President Matsumori gave us some time by ourselves to find a spot on the temple grounds and commit the next 18 months to the Lord. Such a neat and personal experience. The temple is BEAUTIFUL. It really took my breath away when I saw it for the first time. It's huge! first of all, and I found out it's the tallest in the world, and third largest square footage wise. It's already one of my favorites. All of the pictures I've seen of it really don't do it justice. And inside is just as beautiful and inspiring. I love it.

I was in President Matsumori's car for some of the driving from the airport to the temple, and so of course he was telling us about the mission, and how it's the best in the world. :] He said that for those of us who wanted to serve a foreign mission, we'll get to. There are so many people from so many places around the world that come to DC. And there have been times when other countries have been blessed with the gospel because ambassadors from those countries came to DC and met the missionaries here, then went back to their country with an open heart. Our mission has 5 languages: English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, and ASL. And I learned that I have more proselyting than Visitors' Center time, which I'm excited for. I'm actually so excited that I get to do both.

So, after we had that time by ourselves (the last 30 minutes I'll spend by myself for a long time) we came back together as a group and went to I-hop for breakfast/lunch. Usually I don't like breakfast food, but this time it was delicious. After that we went to the mission home and they let us sleep for a couple hours. That was also wonderful, but the best was yet to come. When we woke up we had a couple hours of training. We went over car safety and health and some other logistical things, then did some role play. I didn't realize that role playing was something I was going to be doing throughout my mission, so I'm learning to embrace it and love it. Maybe when I see how beneficial it is I'll be able to love it more. During all of this training time President Matsumori was interviewing, and one of the first things he said to me when I went in for my interview made me laugh. He said that he called you (Mom) and that you told him to give me a challenging assignment. I really did laugh when I heard that and thought, "Yep, that sounds like Mom." So I'll have to let you know how challenging this assignment really is.

Later that night we had a testimony meeting. To hear the testimonies of all of the new missionaries was such a powerful experience. I was so touched and it was such a great way to start off the mission. During the whole day the Matsumories were very kind to us and let us adjust for a bit before starting in strong today.

This morning I met my trainer: Sister Hazen. She's from Layton and such a fun, outgoing girl! We're assigned to an area called Olney and we have only one ward. I actually met some people from the ward at the temple this morning after we got out from a session, so it will be good to see some familiar faces when I go to church. Actually, I had a little tender mercy this morning. Right as we came out of the doors of the temple, we ran into a Sister Croft and her husband who work at the temple. When she saw my name tag she said, "I'm a Welch!" and we talked until we discovered that she and Grandpa are cousins! Her Dad was Golden. (I think. I'm pretty sure that's what she said.) I just have to smile whenever I see Heavenly Father's hand in my life like that.

I got your package. Thank you so much! I just laughed when I opened it, read the poem, and saw all of the green goodies. It's funny here, though. They don't call us greenies, they call us babies, and my trainer is my "Mom", or "Dad" (for the elders.) I'm not sure if I like baby or greenie better. Hmmm.

Well, I guess that's about it. Oh, my address throughout my mission will be the 11700 Falls Rd address that you have. It's the mission office and our mission is small enough that they just have a senior couple in charge of the mail. And my preparation day will usually be on Wednesdays, except when I'm scheduled for a VC shift that day. Then it will be on Thursdays. Tell Ariel congrats for me! She will be great in Japan!

I love you all,

Sister Katherine Welch

Surprise!

2011-07-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Since this week was Visitors' Center training, and the training didn't start until Wednesday, I had my regular preparation day on Tuesday, and I get one today too! So you get to hear from me again.

So, in my last email, I told you that Sister Lewis and I had the opportunity to take the new Mission Presidents on a tour of the MTC before their training started. We learned some fun facts about the MTC and I just wanted to share them with you. Here they are:

1778 missionaries are here right now (At the end of June)
The MTC's total capacity is 3200. (That's how many beds there are.)
51 languages are taught here.
539 missionaries check in today (Wednesday, June 22)
Construction that's going on right now is updating electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, etc, so that the MTC will last another 30 years.
MTC was built in 1976

This past Monday, the elders in our district left for Virginia. I miss them so much! It's funny how close we got in only 3 weeks. They were all so kind before they left, and wrote letters to Sister Lewis and me. Elder Ch'ng, from Australia, even gave me a little koala pencil grip because I wrote him his first and only letter in the MTC. I hope his family writes him more while he's in the field. And Elder Parry's girlfriend's little sister (did you follow that) drew a picture of me and a flower, which she sent to him and he gave to me. So cute. Of course I had to write her back and draw a picture too. Those elders were really like family by the time they left. Hopefully they can take a temple trip to DC.

Before I forget, here's the quotes and things I've learned the past 10 days:

His purpose can motivate the rest of my life.

"The day I became truly free is the day I decided to give to the Lord the one thing He couldn't take from me: agency." - President Packer

The Lord of the vineyard is already int he vineyard inviting us to come work with him.

Mosiah 5:9 Read this and ask yourself, "Do you know the voice calling you?" and "How can you better recognize the voice?" These are things I've asked myself lately.

Mosiah 5:12 Read this and ask, "Are you called by his name? Are you truly a Christian, or Christ's friend?" These are also questions I've asked myself.

There's another thing I wanted to include, since I have the time. It's a poem that Sister Peterson, our Branch President's wife, gave me. Her friend wrote it, and it is so touching.

It's called "Times of Refreshing: 1820" by Allie Howe.

A wisp of the new morning

Washes across his face

And turns him

To wooded temples.

The way along,

Winged harbingers lighten above,

Through, among, back and before,

As alert, anxious buds

Await nativities.

Under his boot, and on,

Dar leaf-mold, dew-dampened, patient,

A teeming earth secures.

Hearing his step,

The stone beside quickens

To its rolling,

And the showered-clean air,

Ecstatic,

Freshens millennia past,

Whispers everlastings.

Ancient in days, the awakening mother

Lifts

Against his supplicant knees;

And a breath above,

Reigning all the space around,

The Holiest of Holies

Unveil

And Joseph sups from Their Presence...

It's beautiful, isn't it? My favorite part is when the earth lifts to catch his knees as he kneels. I love the symbolism and imagery in this poem.

Okay now some business stuff. Can you send me Grandma's and Nana's addresses, please? Also, keep an eye out for an Elder Devries and an Elder White, both going to Las Vegas, East. Can you also find out how many miles it is from Our house to the DC Visitors' Center? Thanks.

(Miles via freeway is 2450. As the bird flies 2076.)

ALI WALKER: Write me! (Did you get my letter that I sent you about the note on the fence situation? If not, write me and I'll tell you the story. It's funny.)

One last thing. And it's important: I will be calling home on July 4th between 10:30pm and 11pm Utah time. If Mom's still at camp, I'll still call home and talk to whomever is there, then get her number and call her at camp. If you could be ready, and let her know, that would be great. Thanks!

Love you all,

Sister Welch

Time Flies

2011-06-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

June 28, 2011

Dear Family,

This week has been the fastest yet at the MTC. I have been so busy and so blessed! Here's what happened:

Monday (a week ago): Sister Lewis and I were trained to give tours to the new Mission Presidents of the MTC. They received their training last week, which meant that the first presidency, all of the apostles, and many general authorities were here to train them. There was an even stronger Spirit here for those special days.

Tuesday: Preparation Day. Nothing too eventful. Just a great devotional by Elder Sybrowsky about walking WITH the Savior during our missions.

Wednesday: We gave tours. Mission Presidents are truly some of the most consecrated people on earth and I could feel their strength. (And how overwhelmed they were. :])

Thursday: We taught three "investigators." I love teaching! I also shook Elder Christofferson's hand. It felt like a hand, but it was an incredible experience, because as I looked into his eyes, I had the confirmation that he is an apostle of the Lord, and that those he serves with are also men of God.

Friday: Elder Bednar spoke to us. I wish I had more time to write about his wonderful, wonderful talk. What a teacher he is!

Sunday: I ate lunch with Preident Brown, the president of the MTC. He has an incredible memory; he knew the names of all of the 57 branch presidents here. (And his favorite midnight snack is fruit, toast, and milk. Just a sidenote.)

Really quick, could you send me personal stories about how tithing has blessed your life.

Dad - How'd your talk go?

Spencer - how's camp and your class?

Mom - How are you liking camp?

Ben - how's your summer going? Any job yet?

Well, you'll have to get my spiritual thoughts next week. I'm out of time. Love you all!!

-Katherine, Sister Welch