Zone Conferences, Talent shows and Puppet show!!!

Today is Sunday, November 29, 2020!!

Days and weeks are zipping by in record time, and again, we ask ourselves…where did November go?! Another delightful week in the Canada Montreal Mission with highlights being office meetings, interviews and visits, Zone Conferences, and American Thanksgiving which always signals the time to stream Christmas music 24/7!!!

Tuesday morning we made the quick two hour drive to Ottawa, and spent Tuesday afternoon, and part of Wednesday having great interviews, and great visits with our 24 Ottawa Zone missionaries, all of whom are doing so well. We were glad to meet in person; the Kennett’s from Edmonton, who are serving in the national archives. (and just arrived last month.) Thursday we enjoyed our in person Zone Conference, which included a fun gift exchange game, as well as a wonderful talent show where many of the zone participated; sharing cute, and beautiful musical numbers. Zone leaders - Elder Rodriguez and Elder Salvador, wearing colourful sombreros performed great Latino dances including the Mexican hat dance - so fun!! 

Richard wrote the ‘funny’ script for a Christmas puppet show, which we performed as our contribution! We didn’t hear any laughter or even a single snicker while we were performing;  so started thinking it really WAS a groaner of a puppet show!! We were relieved to find out that because they had been recording the show on their phones, and, since we didn’t have a microphone, they didn’t want to miss hearing a single line!! Afterwards we learned than many had muffled their laughter behind their masks!! Kermit narrated with his sidekick -Elmo and who was sporting a big white beard! The storyline revolved around ‘service’…with missionaries trying to locate 8 reindeer-like animals to substitute for Santa’s reindeer who are on lockdown, and since Nunavut is in our mission, Elmo sent out a plea to the Canada Montreal Mission knowing we had 130 young adults ages 18-25 who possibly could help to find replacement animals. Pretty corny humour, but we loved being silly for a few minutes…actually Dad loved being silly, and he is such a great puppeteer…I love making the puppets, but not making them talk!!!! 

Before returning to Montreal Thursday night we headed out to Brooks Brothers amazing Black Friday sale, where Dad bought three beautiful suits! These new ‘uniforms,’ along with the ones from last year will do him just fine!

Christmas decorating officially began yesterday, and although we are not allowed to have any visitors, we love all the lights, decorations, and music, and we will really enjoy a month of Christmas decor just the two of us! ! Michel our FM handyman put up the outdoor lights, and yesterday we dwazzled the mini light netting all over the shrubs. 

 

Oh let me tell you our little squirrel story!! About a month ago our 200 white tulip bulbs arrived from Breck’s Bulbs in PEI.  The following Saturday morning (P day) our first project of the day was to plant the entire order. We had a great system where I would show  Richard where to dig the 15’ X 6-7” inch deep hole. I would follow him, place the 15 or so bulbs in each hole, and then backfill, stomping down after planting. Richard came along afterwards and restomped.  Within an hour the whole lot were snug, and fast asleep in the rich, cold earth. Of course I dreamt of how beautiful they would look next May when they awoke and burst into bloom!! Imagine my absolute dismay on Sunday morning when we came outside, and noticed freshly dug squirrel holes, with pieces of the outer layers of tulip bulb skin on the lawn beside the flower beds.. I could almost hear those naughty squirrels laughing at how easy we had made it for them to have a big feast. First thing Monday morning I called Felix, the FM boss and left a message with our tale, and Monday afternoon, Johnny the gardener was here with made to measure 24” chicken wire strips which covered every area we had planted. We have forgiven the little critters, and still love watching them scurry along our little picket fence, and climb our trees, but we will always be wary of anything we plant!!

Have a wonderful week,

with much love,

Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma, Dad and Mom

Keep Smiling!!

November 29th, 2020 Missionary Miracles:

Halifax Sisters

« We also had a miracle in Dartmouth a girl referred herself and asked for the Book of Mormon, when we called she asked if she could also get one for her boyfriend and then we brought them to them and they were so so excited to receive those books! We then had an amazing lesson with them about the Restoration of the gospel. And the day after our lesson they asked if we could meet twice a week! It was amazing such a miracle for them and for us! And what made it even cooler was that week Sister Hiatt and I had made a goal of finding two people and that it would be a family and we prayed for it everyday and then it happened, it definitely strengthened my faith of prayer!! « 

Lasalle Sisters

«  I just wanted to share this little miracle that we had this week. A woman requested a Bible on Facebook and so we delivered it to her along with a Book of Mormon. She accepted both of them, and expressed her gratitude. She was so happy! We kept contact with her on messenger, and on Friday I invited her to watch President Nelson's video on gratitude and Thanksgiving and she absolutely loved it. She said that she and her husband were going through some hard times nowadays, and that this message truly was a message of hope and healing. Literally. Her husband had a heart surgery two months ago and she's been going to the hospital a lot recently to check up on him. Her faith is great. She loves the Lord, and she is so thankful that her husband gets to wake up every morning. It is a miracle she said. I love how this message touched her. It strengthens my testimony that God loves his children and knows how to comfort them. He calls his prophets to guide us on earth, and deliver us message of hope and healing, just as we were expecting from President Nelson's live. »

Quebec City Sisters

« Miracle time, for you and Sister Low! I was feeling kind of frustrated at the beginning of this week since we recently lost half our friends when the new sisters came to Lévis. Suddenly, we really needed to go back into finding mode, but we felt pretty limited because we couldn't even go out of the house. During our weekly planning, we set goals that were in line with what we had been achieving before, when we had both areas, and we weren't very confident we could make them. But, with a little faith, some member work, and a random phone call from someone we had never met, we were able to fulfill all our goals! It was a small victory, but a tender mercy of the Lord nonetheless. »

Victoria Spanish Elders:

« Oh and one little cool story, I posted yesterday a post of Gratitude and this lady I had messaged a while back messaged me back. She had left me on ‘read’ the time I wrote her. But in this message she said, i want my kid of 15 years old to be a missionary like you guys. How can you help me? She's not a member of the church!! How incredible is that! I hope I say the right things and hopefully get a few lessons in so she can understand a bit more!! That was a little miracle that happened yesterday! »

Riverside Sisters

« This week we had a cool experience with one of our friends Thành. We have been teaching her English for awhile and lately she has been coming to church even though she doesn't understand very much. During our lesson we were going over the Plan of Salvation pamphlet in both Vietnamese and English. After reading a paragraph in the English pamphlet we stopped to see if she understood and she said yes, which is not normal. I guess she had already read the booklet and went through and made little notes in the English pamphlet that would help her understand better. She then told us that as she follows Jesus Christ she feels peaceful. It's been challenging to teach her because of the language barrier but it blew me away how even though we don't understand each other fully the spirit can still touch hearts. At the end we asked her to pray and she agreed to do it in Vietnamese. She paused for a long time and then began to offer a prayer in English. We were so surprised. The prayer was so simple but so sincere and it brought the spirit in so strong. I'm so grateful that I was able to witness the spirit work in everyone. « 

#GiveThanks

Today is Sunday, November 22, 2020

                                            Happy American Thanksgiving on Thursday the 26th!

#GiveThanks

What a perfect theme for this weeks blog! Along with you, we loved President Nelson’s simple inspirational devotional on Friday morning where he challenged us to “Give Thanks” in all things. Such a simple antidote to deal with the challenges we are all facing..for each of us to develop an attitude of gratitude…to GIVE THANKS!!  Who knows how long we will continue to face the global covid pandemic, but, with the mind shift of looking for things to be grateful for, we will develop the faith that the future will be brighter…There is never a chance of overdosing on gratitude.. 

In 2008 when we travelled to South Africa with tour guides, and cousins David and Natalie Boucher, we had such a powerful lesson on gratitude, taught to us by the saints in the Daveyton Ward. Let me try and recount our feelings during this experience…On our way from Johannesburg to Daveyton we passed mile after mile, after mile, of the most humble ‘homes’ we had ever seen…most were wavy fibreglass panels, or plastic tarped enclosures, with some cinderblock partitions. Definitely third world living conditions.  After being greeted by many, many friendly, smiling, beautifully groomed new church friends, almost all who lived in these townships; our group of about 50 tourists found places to sit in their lovely chapel, and began being enveloped by the Spirit. Of course the congregation were thrilled to have visitors from the USA and Canada - (especially David and Natalie who were old friends to many) There was such a feeling of fellowship, friendship, and brotherhood/sisterhood. We all felt it, and we were grateful,..we were so thankful to be there!!…BUT Richard and I were both unprepared for the opening prayer of gratitude that was offered. The brother who offered the prayer was unlike any we have ever heard… for over five minutes this humble man repeatedly used the simple phrase ….”We are very much thankful for….. our Prophet, for the restoration, for Joseph Smith, for families, and friends…etc….and the only thing he asked for was to have the spirit attend the meeting. Here was a man who lived in the townships of South Africa…some of the most humble of all humanity, and yet…he was so very much thankful for everything you could imagine, plus so much I had never even thought to express gratitude for.  I think I remember opening my eyes in the prayer to see if he was accompanied by angels…What a profound experience. We were changed by the end of his ‘sermon.’ This prayer was a perfect example to us of how to ‘GIVE THANKS,’ and we haven’t forgotten it!  

So, with that little preamble said…this week I’ll give you a ‘dose’ of what we are ‘so very much thankful for:’

Our Testimonies and our Faith

Jesus Christ - Our Chief Cornerstone 

Jesus Christ - His Atonement

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Prophets….President Nelson, the Prophet Joseph Smith

Temples and our Temple Covenants….eternal marriage

Construction of new Temples 

Scriptures…especially the Book of Mormon…(we call it the keystone of our lives)

Baptismal Covenants

Patriarchal blessings

Family…Children - Sons and Daughters, Grandchildren, Parents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, Brothers, Sisters, Progenitors

Pioneers

Missionaries in the Canada Montreal Mission, and missionaries everywhere!

The blessing of being able to serve.

Great true blue friends all over the globe!! Thank you ALL for your friendships!!

People who are such wonderful examples of consecrated, covenant keepers.

Power of the Priesthood

Seasons - all four of them ..sunshiny, rainy, snowy, or cloudy days.

Nature;  water, rocks, mountains, trees especially hardwood ones.

Magnificent vistas all over this beautiful world.

Flowers - every kind

Freedom

Our Country

Music

Homes

Our Bodies, the ability to exercise, and keep healthy…our brains…

Free Agency

Food…honey crisp apples, and Utah peaches are near the top of our list!!

Seeds

Telephones, and computers

Christmas.. where we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Easter.. where we celebrate His resurrection.

We are grateful for the opportunity we have to serve, and every day express gratitude for this incredible experience. Most days I thank Richard for bringing me on this mission!! 

Our week zipped by again!! Highlights included Office meetings, Interviews, and visits with Longueuil and Mount Royal Zones, Mission Leadership Council, and teaching New Missionary Adjusting to Missionary Life. We love that we can do our interviews, and have our visits in person. MLC also was in person right at the Mission Office Chapel. Oh how we are grateful we can be together!! (25 maximum)

                                                                                    MLC

Yesterday we loved our nine hour road trip ‘chasing covered bridges adventure’ with Senior Sisters Breckenridge, Little and Mecham! We were on back country Quebec roads through fertile farmland, around cow pastures, through manicured apple orchards, and vineyards, crossing huge and small rivers including the St. Lawrence, Richuleiu, Pike and Chateauguay Rivers, as well as many streams and brooks.. Two, classy, century and a half old functioning bridges (with Howe truss systems) which crossed the Pike and the Chateauguay Rivers were our reward!! Last year I had purchased some covered bridge commemorative stamps so it was fun to actually see one of the bridges up close and personal. Such a delightful Pday filled with lots of laughter, and lots of fun! We are so grateful for these dear friends.  Photos follow! 

 

Blue hoses tap maple syrup

Isn't this such a great old mill?

Covered Bridges                                                                                                    

Powerscourt Percy Bridge over the Chateauguay River

Look at those great berries for our outdoor Christmas pots!! 

Pont des Rivières over the Pike River 

Sister Mecham, Sister Little and Sister Breckenridge

The end of Lake Champlain

Behind us, across the Ottawa River is Oka

We were planning on taking this ferry from Hudson over to Oka, but the last run was Friday night, and we were there on Saturday...

Missionary Miracles November 22nd, 2020

Chapel Hill Sisters:

« This week has been really good! We have been having so many amazing lessons. We had an incredible experience on Sunday with our friend James. We gave him a Book of Mormon on Halloween and his life got a little crazy so we weren't able to meet with him until this past Sunday. We didn't even ask him to read it and he just started goin! We taught the whole restoration and he finished the story for us. He had read Joseph Smith's testimony and basically taught us about it! It was one of the coolest lessons ever. He is so so prepared to hear the gospel and it's really exciting to watch him progress. « 

Sisters in Ottawa:

« We dropped off a Book of Mormon at our friend, James' place. When we followed up with him about it, he said he has read the first twentyish pages!!! We talked to him about the Restoration, and after we shared Joseph Smith's first vision, he basically finished the story from the introduction to the Book of Mormon. We were just beaming the rest of the night. It was so wonderful. And we were also able to meet with our new friends Etienne and Mirella. Etienne loves the Book of Mormon too!! We followed the council from the MTC devotional and said the closing prayer on our knees and waited. It was a really good experience ! We were able to feel the spirit strongly and were able to help them recognize it too. The area is doing well, President! We've reached out to some of the potentials and friends the Chapel Hill Elders have sent us. It's all going really well ! « 

Montreal sisters:

« Although there are some ups and downs which come from adjusting, I'm enjoying it here. I love that all the missionaries and other mission leaders say "love you" at the end of their conversations. It's different for me because I've only said that to my family, but I remember in one of the meetings, (I think it might have been you who said it, President Low, I can't remember) but it was mentioned that we are all one big family. I really appreciate the "love you"s because it solidifies that we are a family and we support each other. Thank you for making this mission so inviting and loving because although I miss my family like crazy, I have a new family here and that makes my heart happy. « 

Bridgewater elders:

« One cool experience was we finally got in contact again with a potential. The first time we gave her a call she asked if we could have a prayer with her on the phone because she is having a lot of life troubles, after we prayed she told us that she would love to do this weekly, but we never got in contact with her again because she would never answer. We finally decided to call in the morning and we got in touch with her again. She told us about how she was trying to sell her house and move, but her realtor told her that the house would take probably a year or two to sell, just with how its been going, and after we prayed with her she put her house up for sale and within three hours she got offers of people wanting to buy the house. She was very excited to pray with us and told us when the best times were to call her so that we can continue doing this weekly. 

We have another call with her on Friday. »

Montreal sisters:

« A miracle from this past week (feel free to share with Sister Low!) we were going through area book and re-contacting a lot of our referrals; we get a new referral every week, but most of the time when we reach out they don't respond. We contacted them all, with no response, so we decided to do some Facebook finding. I felt a little off, and I felt like I was just scrolling through social media. So I took a break and said a private prayer asking the Spirit what direction to take finding tonight. When I finished my prayer I heard the spirit say "you'll know when you see them", which, at the time I thought that meant that we'd find somebody specific on Facebook. I came back, opened up my phone, and immediately me and Sister VaughAn were getting contact after contact on WhatsApp and messenger; so many texts were coming in from the referrals we contacted that we couldn't even keep track of them all! It felt exactly like when the apostles cast their nets on the other side of the boat, and had their nets overflowing with fish--We ended up scheduling three lessons that night, and so far all of them have happened; and each lesson has been a powerful teaching opportunity by the Spirit; »

Kentville sisters:

« Miracle of the week: I had messaged someone named Roman on Facebook a little while ago but he told me that he was Atheist and stopped responding. I didn't think too much of it, but he reached out to me this week to tell me that he believes in God now! He's a high school student so I invited him to an online YM activity. I sent him the Book of Mormon app and asked if he would be interested in learning more about it (and if his parents were ok with it) so we could meet with him. He said he definitely wanted to learn more and that his parents would be delighted so we're going to have our first lesson with him on Wednesday evening! We are so excited. « 

Our missionaries have learned to give thanks as they these experience these sweet miracles, and what a wonderful life lesson that is to be able to see the little miracles we each have every day!

Have a wonderful week!  

As you experience your own little miracles, you will FIND JOY!!

#GIVETHANKS

with our love,

Grandpa and Grandma, Dad and Mom and Richard and Gayle

Keep Smiling!!  

A Watershed Week of Hellos and Goodbyes

Today is Sunday, November 15, 2020.

Transfer Weeks are always watershed weeks. Greeting our new fourteen missionaries was such an exciting experience, and although we still don’t get to greet them at the airport, and we don’t get to have them enjoy a welcome feast, or sleep overnight, we do get to give friendly elbow bumps; and we do get to look at their sometimes watery eyes. Missionaries who arrived before 10pm were brought over to the Mission Home where we got to pull out our welcome banner and take photos. Next morning - Wednesday,  we met the rest of our new team, took photos, and loved participating in our Orientation meeting with them. Office missionaries - Sister Breckenridge our medical advisor talked about health and emotional wellness; Sister Little who oversees vehicles, reminded us about drivers licenses, winter driving, vehicle cleanliness; as well she explained about phones and sim cards, and she also coordinates all the extra community service opportunities (maybe you knew that missionaries can spend up to 10 hours a week/each in approved meaningful service activities!!; Sister Mecham explained about ordering supplies; and referrals, Elder Alley, our accountant taught us about their MSF (mission support fund - $), and his companion Elder Sutherland is our new head Secretary and he reminded us of the importance of accurate timely Baptismal records; and Elders Baird and Garside explained about housing, and cleanliness.  Truly, it IS a crash course on so many important temporal Missionary matters, and we know there is always spiritual application to everything we do. Richard loves his interviews with each of our new CMM missionaries, and I love my informal getting to know you visits!! 

I was so glad to get my ‘skittles’ tooth filled by Dr. Abadi on Thursday morning, and after I learned that she teaches in the Dental Department at McGill I knew  my tooth would be fine, and…it did help hearing John Denver sing ‘Sunshine on my Shoulder,’ as she was drilling and drilling!! I realized that wearing a mask after a Dental appointment is good!!

Departing missionaries came to the Office for their final interviews with President, and for visits with me. Everyone seemed pleased to get their travel bag lunches, and I was happy to give them. 

Thursday evening we were thrilled to spend with our departing group and hear their testimonies. Let me share some of what they taught… 

Sister Christensen testified of the power of Christ’s Atonement. She is so grateful for the Saviour. She bore testimony of the power of the Book of Mormon that she gained while serving, and she said that there are no worries that cannot be taken away by reading the Book of Mormon. She receives peace and comfort while reading the Book of Mormon. Her heart has changed so much. The Gospel changes our lives. 

Sister Thomas testified about many spiritually defining moments when the Holy Ghost bore witness to her. She talked about struggling and how she knew that God answered her prayers. Her prayer journal was such a strength for her, and it will continue to be. The Book of Mormon is truly the word of God. Her favourite principle is enduring to the end. Prayer is our connection with God. There is power in bearing testimony in groups like this one.

She challenged all of us to continue to be lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Elder Albertson testified of the Love of God for all of us, for all people. He shared that this has been the best time of his life so far - so meaningful.  He learned the importance of not wasting time.  He learned the importance of loving everyone.  Missions are not easy…often he felt inadequate.  Understanding the Atonement broadened his capacity to serve the Lord. He was grateful for so many wonderful examples of Christlike people around him. Missions are not the end of serving. Members are essential. Jesus Christ is our Saviour.  The Book of Mormon is true. He testified of the power of the Holy Ghost. 

Elder Fife bore witness that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, and when we rely on Him, our lives improve.  He talked about the Saviour’s role, and what he has learned about Jesus Christ. He testifies of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and how we NEED the Book of Mormon. It is our charge to become like Jesus Christ. We can Go Forth… we are never alone. Listen to the Spirit. Endure to the End. By small and simple things great things are brought to pass. 

Elder Gordon taught that the Power of the Atonement can change our lives. It cleanses us. We have the power to choose to change. We must be born of the water and of the spirit…it must be a rebirth. He loved teaching about Jesus Christ, and he testified that He died for us, and He lives for us. Charity is what motivated him…Charity changed him. He reminded us that the Power of the Book of Mormon changes us…don’t forget that. STAY TRUE. 

Elder Kolste testified that Jesus Christ is with us every step of the way. He loves us. Remember to think and record…Where have you seen the hand of God in your life?? As you think and record, we will be added upon…we will see more and more ways the hand of God is blessing us. He expressed gratitude for his family heritage. Jesus took all the pain upon himself, and helps us change for the better. The power of the Book of Mormon is real…keep reading it. Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration. Grateful for the JOY that comes through service. Excited to continue serving. 

Elder Shipley (served 5-6months here) Loved serving in Africa as well as here. He loved serving…many hard things…malaria twice, attacked, the hardest two years of his life. Through all the challenges - Jesus Christ was always there to comfort him. He has changed and become a different person…a forward perspective. Missions are supposed to help us become better, and his Mission has. Love of the Book of Mormon. We are doing something important, and will cherish this all our lives. Keep enduring. 

Elder Strong We live to grow. Great word - REMEMBER!! God loves and appreciates all of us. The Book of Mormon is our playbook for life. It testifies of God’s love. Use it! The Saviour died for us..Loves HIM, and loves all. 

Elder Villarreal Alma 38:10 Be diligent and temperate in all things. The world is so big, the church is so big. Life passes by. Knows the work is divine. God is in the details. No time more important that today. Stay in the moment, and work for now. 

 Our Pday was split between Friday and yesterday…I had a hair appointment with my new Moroccan hairdresser; we visited an expensive children’s shoe store in Point Claire; and yesterday afternoon was Mount Royal Stake Conference. So a pretty lazy, relaxing weekend!! Oh, and we actually pulled out our watercolours!!! 

Stake Conference was virtual except for 11 of us in the Stake Centre. Everyone including Elder Gordon Smith who was in Washington DC zoomed in! Richard and I love getting to share the pulpit. It was a spiritual moment for all of us to be in a chapel again at an official Church meeting…our first ‘in person’ in eight months, and we felt profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the meeting.  We loved speaking about our favourite topic….missionary work; and discussed how members can work together with missionaries over social media to find people to teach. 

My French is progressing, and if I bragged, I would tell you about my 135 day French Duolingo streak!! I read a page in my French Book of Mormon everyday, and Monday evenings I have an hour long tutoring session with Alexa Fowers, my MTC instructor. You'd think by now I would be fluent….I’m hoping my speaking will eventually catch up to what I can comprehend while reading. If these folks would talk way slower, I know it would help, but…. Quebecois are not known for speaking slowly!!! I am having fun trying to make this old brain work!!

Thank you all for your love, and friendship, as well as for your prayers….We know ours, and yours are answered everyday on behalf of missionaries everywhere! 

We continue to be so very grateful for this incredible opportunity to serve in the Canada Montreal Mission in helping gather scattered Israel, and in helping our missionaries establish patterns of eternal gospel covenant-keeping that will bless them forever. 

We love you all right back!!

Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma, and Richard and Gayle 

Have a great week and Keep Smiling!!!

Farewell Testimony Meeting

 

          Sisters Williams, Driesen, Champney, Christensen, Low, King, Robinson, Cook, Cherniawsky

              one brand new, some newish, a few been here for a while and one departing.....all friends!!! 

                                 A darling new charcuterie cafe...we bought a piece of carrot cake!

                                                'Ole Ole' Children's shoe store in Pointe Claire

                                            We loved spotting this cute Purolator delivery man!!

                                            Sweet sisters Wight and DePeralta wanted a photo

                                                          Sunrise out our bedroom window

                                                                                                

                                  Sister Little sent us these photos she took while watching Stake Conference!

Read on for Miracles!!

November 15, 2020 Canada Montreal Mission Miracles

Riverside (Ottawa) sisters:

« Remembrance day has always been a super special time to me, because my Grandpa was a war veteran. My Grandpa passed away exactly a year ago this week, so all week I have been able to reflect on the good example he set for me. The reason why I brought this up is because of an experience I had one evening during a lesson. We had a call with our recent convert and she was in a very dark place. She was talking about ending her life and saw no purpose within herself. At the end of the lesson we decided to act on the council given in the last Missionary Devotional we watched, to kneel when we prayed with the individuals in the lesson. Sister Goodwin and I knelt in prayer and while Sister Goodwin was saying the prayer I felt this pounding in my heart and this warmth come over me. Then I had a very clear impression that we were not the only ones in the room praying for Jody! I didn't see anything, but I know with out a doubt that there were multiple people in that room all kneeling behind me offering a word of prayer with us! I also felt that Jody's Grandpa that she loved dearly was there as well. I think the reason why I was able to be blessed with this amazing experience was because I had been reflecting on the life of my loved ones that had passed on that week. « 

Laval Elders:

« Miracles come in so many ways, and many out of circumstances that might not be ideal. As we waited for Elder Rice's flight to come in, we were stuck outside waiting by the car. To our surprise, a security guard approached us and asked who we were. After explaining who we were briefly, he shared with us his great testimony of God and how he is a strong believer that God is crucial for everybody, and that many people are forgetting the importance of God in their lives. After the short conversation, we offered him a bible, and a Book of Mormon. He accepted both and we got his number. Then, he went and told his colleagues that we were giving out Bibles and another person approached asking for a bible and Book of Mormon. We got her number too. These two amazing miracles happened because Elder Rices flight was delayed. The work continues no matter what. God is preparing people for us everywhere, and it is only a matter of time before we are together at the place, at the same time. « 

Ottawa Chapel Hill Sisters:

« I hope your week has been good! One of our friends came to church for the first time this week! We teach this friend, Nancy, over the phone. We had never seen her before. We've been inviting her to come to church for the last little bit, and she said she would come this month. On Sunday we were sitting in the back and a woman walked in. We had never seen her before and she left before we had a chance to talk to her. We were scared we would never know who she was. But in our weekly call with Nancy, she confirmed that she came!! It was so exciting! « 

Kirkland Elders:

« We had that great experience with Eddy! He was referred from the Hawaii Visitor Centre Sisters. We asked him about why he wanted to meet with missionaries, and he told us that he was searching for more than he could find in any other church. He was enjoying the lessons form the missionaries but was getting frustrated because he felt like he wasn't getting answers to his prayers. It wasn't until later that he decided to look back into the church again. He requested a Book of Mormon and watched one of the restoration movies twice! We talked about a lot of other things but definitely he is hungering for more! We are excited. »

Laurier Sisters (one of whom is going home at the end of this transfer)

« Picking Sister Marsden up from the airport hit me like a ton of bricks, realizing the next time I have to drive there will be for a very different reason. Tears fill my eyes as I type this because what I have come to realize is time passes without our permission, and that the present time is a gift. I can hardly believe how quickly time has flown. I feel like it was just last week I landed here in Montreal ready for whatever was about to come my way. Here I am too close to the finish and too far from the start. I can hardly believe that...

-I will never again be back in Montreal Est eating WAYYYY too much haitian food        with my trainer Soeur Scott.

- I will never again be digging our red Rogue out of the snow... again with my Soeur Thomas. 

- I will never again be in our little Longueuil basement apartment with my Hermana Atkins listening to Grandma's Christmas music (or kanye west your pick ;))

-I will never again be SPRINTING around town and running our Facebook page, 2 branches, and zones with my Sister Milad.

That's all in the past. So all I have now is the present-- and I'm gonna give it all I've got!!

Being a missionary has made me the happiest I have ever been in my entire life. Without a doubt. This doesn't have to end, and as eternal beings we weren't created for endings, that's why they make us so uncomfortable. « 

Kentville  sisters:

« Miracle of the week #1: we had another lesson with Martin and he's doing so well. He's noticing that he's been happier since starting to meet with us and he sees the world differently. He's started seeing COVID as a blessing from God rather than a challenge. He's so believing and it's beautiful to see! 

Miracle of the week #2: our unusual finding methods are working! We have found someone through the phone book now named Lynn who wants to do bible studies. We've also been delivering notes to people in areabook who only have a home address and no phone number and we've started teaching Eulette because of that! I love seeing how God prepares people to be taught. «