Sister Stafford

Dear Family,

I cannot even Begin to tell you how crazy this week has been. It has been absolutely insane.

Monday- We had a Zone activity and then went contacting at Walmart. Met a crazy Church of Christ lady and a preacher's wife. Oddly enough those two took the steam out of our sails... :P Is it bad that I have a definite hierarchy for which denominations I would rather not run into? 

Tuesday- As a mission we set a goal for 500 baptisms by the end of the year. :) That means that we will have to have 2 baptisms per companionship. Sunday they had a conference call that talked about how we needed to sacrifice in order to make this goal. We decided that on Tuesday we would fast and then we would make the sacrifice of keeping our apartment clean. And WOW. Let me tell you. It has been absolutely incredible. Keeping the apartment clean has been really neat. I can't even begin to tell you how much stronger the Spirit is in the apartment as we've been keeping it clean. It just feels so much better. Fasting was also neat. Typically when I fast I feel rather grouchy, drained of energy and can't wait for it to end. On Tuesday the Lord truly enabled us. We were biking all day long, and I didn't ever feel hungry or weak. Rather, I felt as if I was truly going around crying repentance. Nothing incredible happened, but I was super bold and I felt a connection with Alma and Amulek. We were crying repentance and it felt good. 

Wednesday- We had our last district meeting. It was crazy. But I've enjoyed this district. We also had exchanges. I had my last opportunity to be with Sister McDougal in this life. I hope she enjoyed every moment of it. I certainly did. She's such an incredible missionary, and she's helped me out so much. I also received a blessing, which was neat. It mostly encouraged me to keep going strong, confirmed the impression that I was going to be transferred and blessed me to see challenges as opportunities. We also took Brother Flemming (our Ward Mission Leader) to give Megan a blessing. She's been coughing up blood... which isn't really good. She said it was strange but she felt peaceful. I hope she's able to get feeling better. We haven't been able to see her since because she went to the hospital, but I hope she's able to feel the power of that blessing protecting her as she goes through this experience. She really needs to get baptized. Really badly.

Thursday- We ended our exchanges and got to work. We honestly just had an incredible day. I still have no idea how it happened, but somehow we ended up with 6 new investigators at the end of the day!! Normally we are lucky to get that many in a WEEK! It was crazy!!! :) But we were grateful. 

Also, had a neat experience with Sister Stafford. Missionaries in Alabama have the tendency to smell awful- we really smell bad. Everyone around here smokes, and YES, everyone smokes around us, and even blows the smoke in our faces as we are trying to teach the gospel. Even our prime investigators smoke as we talk to them!! It is SUPER obnoxious!!! Well, the zone leaders and Elder Riding came down to the baptism for Sister Stafford. As we were talking I kept smelling super strong cigarette smoke, and it was gross. It was awful. I was super confused because everyone there was a member, and I was pretty sure that no one there even lived with someone that smoked, so I was super confused as to why I kept smelling smoke. After the baptism the elders mentioned that right before they had come to the baptism they had dropped by someone's house and it was filled with smoke. Made sense. They felt horribly uncomfortable, but it was fun to laugh at the missionaries being the cause of the smoke smell!

Well on Thursday we went down to Sister Stafford's and she said, "girls, you are not going to believe this, but after my baptism I smelled cigarette smoke." Turns out her grandfather, who practically raised her, was a big smoker and he smoked a particular brand of cigarettes. As she walked into the room after her baptism she smelled that exact smell and knew that her grandfather was there at the baptism. At first I just didn't have the heart to tell her it was just the missionaries, but then as I started thinking about it, I realized that of course it would be the missionaries!! If the Lord wanted to send her a message that this baptism was not only important to her, but that it would also affect many many generations and that those generations were proud of her, particularly that her grandfather was there and was proud of her, he would use his authorized messengers. In this case the missionaries. Usually it happens with words, this time the Lord knew a smell would be much more poignant. So He used the missionaries. It just gave me a whole new appreciation for the little ways the Lord uses us as his tools. Even by their smell! (and even by something that we often hate about missionary work.) It brought a whole wave of gratitude for the Lord and that He chooses to use us. Us!! And He works through everything. It is so incredible. After we left that appointment we called the Elders and shared that experience. As I shared it was neat to just sit in the Spirit as it testified of the reality of that experience. It was a neat Emmaus experience.

Friday- We went with Lauren (a 19 year old ward member) down to Hanceville and had a crazy time. But because everything fell through we went tracting. Well, I'm grateful we did! We knocked on this one door and asked if we could share a message about Jesus Christ. The lady said, "yes, my kids need it." Wow- we NEVER get that while tracting. Actually, I'm pretty sure we both thought she was kidding for a min. After we walked in and started talking, we realized she was serious. Sister Harris and I started out by sharing very personal stories about when we came to know Christ- the Spirit in the room was SO strong it was palpable. We then moved into talking about her experiences with the Bible, and she basically described when she felt the Spirit as she was reading the Bible. Next we talked about the Book of Mormon and how she can feel the Spirit through it. We watched the Mormon Message, "Hope of God's Light" (REALLY good one, I would HIGHLY reccommend it- brings the Spirit like crazy!!!) and finally we ended by inviting them to be baptized. It was Stunning!! We were TOTALLY NOT expecting that!! But it happened!! It actually happened!! I was dumbfounded. The Lord is amazing. 

Saturday- Due to some crazy random circumstances, Sister Stafford was confirmed today. We did learn that Satan is a pain and it is not a good idea to wait a week for confirmation. (I never thought that was a good idea, but everyone said it would be fine, and I've heard of it being done before... but Satan makes life a pain, therefore it is a bad idea to wait. They need the armor right away!!) It was a beautiful confirmation. Once again I was reminded just how much the Savior loves her. He is so loving and SO patient and so caring with her. Every time I visit her I am reminded of that fact. The Lord has also enabled me to be more loving and caring than I thought possible as I've been working with her. There have been times when I walk in and the Lord completely changes my entire demeanor from a frustrated human to a very loving, firm and patient representative of Christ. During those times I KNOW it is not me working. And I am grateful He is so patient with me as I strive to be the missionary I ought to be.   

Received transfer calls. The Spirit told me about a week ago, but, yes, I am being transferred. Instantly turned the front room into a mess. (so much for the great Spirit we felt while it was clean...) But its been good to be here. I love it a ton, I'll miss it a ton, but I knew it was time. Please pray for Sister Harris. I mean, she's had me for a trainer- She could use all the help she can get on the follow up training!!! ;) And just because I want her to have an incredible transfer here in Cullman.

Sunday- I'm pretty sure after the crazy emotions of the past week I am pretty sure I had absolutely no emotions left. I went through church in a daze trying to say goodbye to the people that have meant so much to me, but not really feeling much of it. :) Oddly enough the talks were all on facing the future with faith, being grateful even when things come to an end and we face adversity, and noting that by small things the Lord brings about the salvation of many souls. Perfect topics for the start of a new transfer.

Monday- Today we went hiking. :) It was quite a bit of fun. It was really a little more like a leaf encrusted walking trail, but most of Alabama hiking is like that. :) It was neat because there was fog this morning, the leaves were turning, and it was just beautiful. I love Alabama in the fall.

Also... Katie is engaged now. :) I'm super happy for her. :) She is marrying an incredible young man and they are going to be the perfect couple. But it is still super weird that she's engaged already. Fortunately she's getting married on the 20th of December. Before she left I tried to make her promise she would wait until I got home before she got married... she wouldn't ever promise, but I'm glad she's decided to have it 10 days after I go home. :) She'll be such a perfect wife.

And I think that's it for my crazy week. It has been insane. Probably the craziest week of my mission. But its been a good one! Steadfast all the way!

Love always,

Sister Pratt

Our Tornado... sorta... :)

Whew!!! What a week! On the one hand we've had a very rough week, appointments canceled, people running away every time we try to contact them, driving a bunch of miles, feeling like heaven was super far away, the whole nine yards. On the other hand, we had a baptism, it actually went through and it was one of the most spiritual baptisms I've been at. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that we had so much opposition. Nonetheless, I am grateful to have this week over with, and hopefully this next week we'll be able to have her husband's baptism without so much opposition.

The baptism was a rather incredible experience. Its amazing how quickly conversion can happen. Last week on Friday we went to visit her, and the lesson was a complete disaster. She wasn't interested in anything we had to say, she wasn't repentant at all-  wanted to be baptized, but it seemed to be for all the wrong reasons. To top it off she didn't come to church that week and we couldn't get a hold of her until Thursday. I was not confident that she was actually going to be ready for  her baptism.

On Thursday we finally were able to set up an appointment with her, and I prayed desperately for wisdom beyond my capacity to know if she would be ready or not. When we got there, the Spirit was so incredibly strong. As we talked, it was very apparent that something had changed. She told us about some talks she had with her daughter (who is an active member) and son in law, where they talked about how she didn't actually have the Spirit with her. At that point I think she realized that something was actually missing. Once she was able to admit to herself that she didn't have something, then she opened herself up to Christ and He was able to fill that gap. She was able to be converted. It was a neat process to watch.

We had her baptism on Sunday, and it was a great experience. Her confirmation will take place next Sunday because of Stake Conference. Hopefully it will be just as neat.

We also had a CRAZY bit of wind on Monday. It was absolutely COMPLETELY CRAZY!! Wind speeds were 60-70 mph, and they blew over quite a few trees. I woke up that morning at 5:42 thinking there was a tornado, turns out it was just a train. :) But it gave Sister Harris and I a good bit to laugh about.

Well, we've got a crazy p-day planned and I have yet to send my email to President. We might come back, in which case I might add onto my letter, but for now, I bid the aideu!!

Love always,

Sister Pratt

Exchanges and Oktoberfest

Hey!

How are you all doing? How is life? I'm glad Sabrina survived homecoming. :) I'm also glad Jenessa survived it as well. I can't tell you both how happy I am that I'll be there for Prom. Then I'll actually be able to see you. Sabrina's pictures were absolutely adorable. I loved them.

This has been a kinda crazy week. Okay, its been a super crazy week. On Thursday we had interviews and we watched Meet the Mormons. I enjoyed Meet the Mormons. To anyone that hasn't seen it, I would highly recommend it. The beginning is very funny. :) I think my favorite part is when they are talking about drinking. The part with the Candy bomber made me cry. The guy from Nepal made me want to quit my day job and go to Nepal. Unfortunately I don't really have a day job at the moment, so I haven't been able to figure out how to quit it. The part about the missionary mom was FANTASTIC. It was absolutely fantastic. Validated just about everything we do as missionaries. I also liked the bishop one because he goes to Alabama. Take a good look at his sister's house. Totally looks like the ones in Birmingham. :) Good movie. Highly recommend it to anyone that wants to learn more about our faith. Not really a tool to bring people closer to Christ per se, but certainly a great introduction to the whole "mormons are normal people" idea.

That evening we went on exchanges in Madison. It was an absolutely incredible exchange. We worked hard all day and went to a Relief Society activity during the evening. Sister Brunner and I got into a water fight at the end of the evening. It was great until we noticed the other sisters sitting on the porch watching us. :) That was a bit awkward. Then we went inside, and the lights wouldn't turn on and we suddenly heard this wild growl. We screamed and bolted out the door. Just as I flew out I registered the faces of our zone leaders! :P In our bolting, we also bolted over to the car to get water bottles. We made sure they were plenty soaked by the time they left. 

Friday we had district meeting and then we continued the exchange, but went to Cullman. I got to be with Sister McDougal this time, and it was absolutely incredible. She is such an amazing person. I can't believe how lucky I am to know her. I love her so much. It was nice because I think we both realized we are going to be friends for a lot longer than just the duration of our mission. 

Saturday Sister Harris and I were finally together again, and we went contacting in the Oktober fest festivities. Had a great time looking at quilts and goats in strollers and gourds and all sorts of random stuff. Sunday it absolutely POURED- complete, total dumping all over Cullman. I swear I've never seen so much rain in my life. Or Thunder or lightening. It was absolutely crazy. The lightening nearly blinded me several times, and the thunder shook me several times. It was SO close and SO powerful. Tonight we are supposed to have the same storms... so we're going to try to get some proselyting done during the day so we can be inside when it gets to be a little on the dangerous side.

But if you could pray for us, that would be great!! I love you bunches. :) You are amazing. I am so grateful for everything you do to support me. Honestly, at the end of the day, no matter what happens on my mission I always know that my family loves me. And that is a great comfort. Especially when not everybody does. Thank you so much.

I love you bunches.

Love always,

Sister Pratt

General Conference

Hey Everyone!!

What a week! What a week! Its been up, and its been down. The investigators have been down. None of them have been progressing despite some rather bold lessons. The ups have been the Lord. Fortunately He doesn't judge me on other people's agency, and despite my imperfections He has been very loving and very generous. The tender mercies of the Lord are real, and they often come to me in the form of personal revelation. General Conference was one of those moments. It was absolutely incredible.

This week we worked ourselves to pieces trying to get our investigators to come to General Conference. I was practically on my knees pleading with a few of them to come. But none of them would commit. None of them!! It was rather frustrating, but we continued pleading with the Lord. (He's MUCH more reliable than many of our investigators...) Well, in answer to our prayers one of the ward members who was planning on hosting an investigator called and mentioned a young woman we'd done service with. We hadn't even taught her the first lesson or talked much about religion, mostly just served with her, but we asked and Viola! she accepted. It was absolutely incredible. She came for Sunday morning and it was great! I am so grateful for ward members that are in tune with the Spirit to direct us in places we weren't even looking. It was total inspiration. 

Conference was absolutely incredible. Absolutely incredible. With the exception of the session when we had Caitlyn, every single talk answered a question or concern that I had written down. Recently I have felt the Lord working with me so closely and so powerfully. It has been an absolutely incredible experience. During conference I received a lot of direct revelation and my prayers have been the same way. I just feel so much power suddenly- not my power, but the power of the Lord. Its amazing.

Highlight of my week- I received a letter from Andy telling my his 1 year mark was coming up and he was preparing to receive the Priesthood and go through the temple. I'm pretty sure that one moment made my entire mission worth it.

In General Conference Elder Scott said that family home evening is a time to share our testimonies in a safe environment. Since I can't be near you, but I know you read these in family home evening, I wanted to share my testimony. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. He is our friend and He is our King. His invitation to follow him is an invitation to become the best we can become. Because of him we can live together. Because of him we can change, we can leave the "same old, same old" ruts of life. He has made the way possible. The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ and His role in our salvation. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. With it comes great power and happiness. Read it, read it on your own and pray about it. I know that the Lord will bless you and help you in ever aspect of your life as you read and pray about the Book of Mormon. I know that God is an active part of our lives. He watches over us and he cares for us. He is with us, and if we will let him, He will be a part of us. Read the Book of Mormon, come to unto Christ and get to know your Father in Heaven. These things are the most important. They bring peace, they bring power and they bring salvation. I know them to be true.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love you all bunches.

Love always,

Sister Pratt