Do you like Queso?

Oh, the things we do to try and start conversations while contacting people in stores...
"Do  you like queso?"
"What?"
"Queso. We're having a debate... I like queso, and she doesn't. Do you?"
That's right, Sister Shell has skills. Hey, at least the guy started talking to us!

Monday: After emailing, we went to the mall. Because they have MALLS here! Then we went to Target (which I pronounce Tar-jay) because it sounds fancier, and I got some cute stuff with some gift cards from my grandparents :) Then, we printed some pictures at Wally World (aka Walmart) and made a hilarious Valentine's Day card that I'm totally gonna mail out to some people today. Just know that its going to be late and appreciate it.
We had FHE and they played a game called "Signs." A member named Jennifer wanted to sit out, so I sat by and talked with her. We decided that she can edit my books, which would be super awesome for me! And Kaylan, a YSA who is in nursing school, listened to my lungs and told me I'm not dying. So halleluyer!
That night, I went on exchanges. I went to Sister Wahlen, and we were on BIKES all day Tuesday, and it was a BLAST.

Sister Wahlen and Sister Shell

Tuesday: I felt like the quintessential missionary whilst riding my bike all over creation. Serious, I felt super awesome. It was just fabulous. We visited a sister who runs a daycare in her house, and yet still somehow manages to serve the missionaries lunch each Tuesday. Superwoman, right? Following lunch, we had a lesson outside with a YSA in their area named Luis, and it went pretty well. I think we were able to clear up a lot of things for him. After that, we ate dinner and I saw somebody from the YSA ward because their mom was feeding us! Connections everywhere. Then, we met a newlywed/part member couple and that went super well. I basically felt like a boss keeping up with Sister Wahlen (my mission "grandma") all day. And we had to carry our bikes over some railroad tracks at one point. LIKE A BOSS. #YOSO
And I was pretty much exhausted by the end of the day.

Wednesday: I was super sore, but oh well! C'est la vie! We went to "The Mission" again- that Christian group that meets at Lonestar. That went pretty well. I had an awesome conversation with a guy named Branden. He was asking about missionary work because he has several friends who are Mormons, who are on missions now. He even went with them to seminary a few times in high school! At one point, and I kid you not, he asked me, "So how many times do you have to go to church to get baptized?" Say whaaaaaaaat? Thank goodness for the Spirit, because it kept me calm when I was leaping for joy inside my heart. I wanted to say, "Well, the elders are right over there, and there's a fountain in front of the library, lets go get you dunked!" But I didn't. Because that's not how it works. After that, we went through one of the ward lists again and tried to track down some more YSAs. PEOPLE. Just go to church! Just go to church and get your records moved when you move.That is all I'll say about that.
We met an awesome member named Caroline, and had delicious stew for dinner. It was seriously good, and I was super proud of it, so I took a picture. I also had that Queso conversation with a stranger in Big Lots. But its a good thing we started talking to Juan, because if we hadn't, we might have missed the lady we were actually supposed to talk to! She's not a YSA, but she needs the gospel in her life like everybody else does, and she talked with us for about 15 minutes. She's prepared.
Later, we were supposed to have a member present lesson with an investigator named Erick, but he had to cancel on us. So, we got consolation ice cream at DQ and handed the drive-thru guy a pass along card. Is anything too awkward for a missionary? No, no it is not.

Thursday: We did studies and went to meet with the Elders. After waiting for a while we finally called them. Since they're the Assistants, President had them out doing some things and they'd forgotten to let us know. No biggie, so we went and worked on some stuff on the computers. We made a sample flyer (which we eventually scrapped) and an availability sheet thingy. Then, the Elders were finally back, so we met up and correlated. We ended spending hours in the Mission Office before and while the Elders were there, because Elder Frandsen had an awesome idea to make the flyer look like a mormon.org card, and I am apparently the only one who knows computers enough to do it. I think it looks pretty sweet, if I do say so myself! Thanks to my dad, who taught me tons about computers.

Sister King and Sister Shell and the flyer they designed.

President gave us permission to go to Sean's baptism, and said that our miles would be exempted since it was so far away! Halleluyer! He also asked us to type up a Church Tour outline sheet for the whole mission to use. Whaaat? We, of course, told him that we would type it up the very next day and give it to him. Then, we did weekly planning. Halleluyer. We had dinner with Alissha. After, we met Erick at the church and had a lesson with the Elders (since their going to teach him a few lessons too) and a member named Jackson. It went pretty well, and I think Erick is progressing pretty well.

Friday: We had an AWESOME District Meeting. Then, we typed up the church tour thing for President Pingree and dropped it off at his office in the Mission Office. Then, we volunteered at NAM (which involved a lot of moving desserts around, which just made me want to eat lots of chocolate cake and ice cream) and then went home and ate a yummy pizza. Then, we went to the Minute to Win It Game night, which was pretty fun, even if everybody was an hour and a half late. It was a good missionary opportunity though, and it was hilarious. The Elders got coerced into participating in the silliest looking game, and I must say that it was super hilarious. So funny. (See picture included).

Saturday: We went to Sean's baptism!!!
We had a miracle that morning too. We went outside to get in our car and leave, and Sheldon refused to unlock. We pressed the button again, and again and he didn't unlock. We stuck the key in the door, and it just kept perpetually turning and never unlocking. We worked on it for about 20 minutes, and like smart missionaries, decided to pray. After that, I stuck the key in the lock again and began to perpetually turn it. And I don't know why, but I pressed the unlock button while I was turning it. And just like that, the door unlocked! Sister King and I threw the door open, embraced each other, thanked Heavenly Father audibly SEVERAL times and hopped in and drove off.
Then, we got to the baptism and it was amazing. Almost all of the members of the branch that I know well were there. The Mitchell kids mobbed me when they realized that I was there. It was fun. Samara was the cutest- she didn't realize that I was there until after her siblings had already hugged me. She saw me, said "Sitter Sell!" and ran and jump-hugged me. After which she started "braiding" my hair.
Sean was a little nervous, but he was just so happy. He was glowing the whole time. The baptism was simple, beautiful and perfect. There was so much love, and it was just amazing. It made me so happy to see Sean taking that big first step back to Heavenly Father.

After we got back we went through another ward list, and had a member present lesson with a girl named Lauren. She seemed to like it, but was trying to process it. She agreed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. Halleluyer! Then, one of the YSAs named Kevin took us out to eat at Olive Garden. It was my first time going there, and absolutely loved it. By the way, they have the best salads EVER. Yeah, who'd've thought I would've ever been bragging about salad? But it was good. So was the chicken alfredo.

Sunday: We had an awesome time at church, an AMAZING meeting after about the Why I Believe fireside, which is going to be super awesome and take lots of work, but I'm super stoked. Then, we had a lesson with Frank after church at a nearby park. That went pretty well. It was pretty funny. Frank is just... Frank. but, he committed to praying and asking if the Book of Mormon was true. He already loves the Book of Mormon, but we want to make sure he knows it is true, because then he'll know that Joseph Smith is a prophet. Otimo! We had a quick dinner, and then visited Janae. She's an amazing YSA who has cancer, and she's inspiring. I love her a ton. She's just beautiful.


I love being a missionary!!! Seriously, its amazing!!!
Can't WAIT until Brayden gets his mission call this week! I'm seriously so super excited!!!! My guess is either Brasil (of course) or Texas. Or heck, maybe Mongolia.

com amor,
Sister Shell

Sister Shell (Get It?)

Coordinating Companions!

No big deal, but I met a cat with thumbs!

Monday: So after emailing, we went and said goodbye to Sean, and introduced him to the Brenham elders as well! Also, Sean 2 apparently doesn't like being called Sean 2. And after a long discussion of throwing out names, we decided on Seanykins. Why he likes that better I'll never know... I packed up and watched the mail lady NOT deliver my packages. She left a slip. How rude, right?? So, we found out we could get them at 7:30 in the morning from the little window in our Post Office, so thats what we resolved to do.
I called Jenn and told her to brace her kids. They were pretty sad. Since I still didn't have a camera, Sister Paddock took some pictures for me. She's hopefully sending those to me today.

Farewell Mitchell Family!  Thank you for everything!!

Tuesday: We were a few minutes late for transfers because I had to pick up my packages, which I loved!!! Thanks mommy and grammy :)
The building we met at for transfers was SWAMPED so as we were stuck in a crowd of missionaries, Sister King ran up to the car and said, "Sister Shell! I'm your new companion!" So, we pulled Antonio into a spot, took some last pictures, moved my stuff into the other car (whom we have named Sheldon) and took off.

Farewell Sister Rainsdon and Sister Paddocks

Sister Loo (also a visa waiter), Sister Walker, Sister Shell and Sister King (new companion)

The rest of the day was kind of a blur. Unpacking, meeting tons of new people. We tracted into a someone named Morgan who sounds supppper interested. Oh, by the way, I guess I should tell you where I am! I'm in the Sam Houston 1st YSA Ward! Yupp, serving in the YSA ward. I feel like such a stalker because we have to seek out YSAs specifically at stores and stuff. Its kind of fun. You feel like such a ninja/spy/detective person! We had dinner with a visiting teaching group, and I shared about miracles using 1 Ne 3 and 4. They seemed to really like that. In all honesty, it sort of felt like a Girls Night Out. Kind of fun, but very strange as a missionary.

Wednesday: Was fabulous! We visited a girl named Alanna who has the most beautiful blue eyes. She's a member that we hadn't met before, so it was fun getting to know her. Then, we went to Lonestar college to a Christian group called "The Mission." That was super cool. They had a sermon thing all about love. At first Sister King and I were super confused, and then we realized that Valentine's Day was coming up. So the whole lecture on love made sense. Then, afterwards, we met a bunch of people and the group and talked with them. This guy, John, asked "What makes Mormons different?" So, we headed over to a picnic table to tell him a few things that make us different.
This is where it gets cool.
So, we started to talk with John. Then, all of a sudden, one of the leaders of the group came over and joined in. And before we knew it, tons of people started flocking over to the table to listen! It was incredible. I felt like one of the 12 apostles of Christ talking to a multitude. It was just so neat! We taught part of the first lesson, about the Restoration, and they were asking a lot of questions that could have led to Bible Bashing... but it didn't. It just didn't. Nobody was arguing. It was just a big question and answer session, and a big discussion. We cleared up a lot of misconceptions, which was really good. John and one other guy took copies of the Book of Mormon. Two more people took Restoration Pamphlets, and a couple more people asked for our number so they could text us any Mormon questions that they have.
It was seriously so cool. I felt the Spirit the whole time, and it was amazing. I felt and knew that the Lord was helping us. There was one part that was funny, and where it definitely could have turned south. We were talking about Joseph Smith and Stewart, one of the leaders, said, "Well, what if I came to you and claimed I'd had visions and seen angels and that I was a prophet? What would you do?"
So, I looked at him and said the first words that came to my mind, "Well, I'd pray about it and ask God about it."
He nodded and said, "Hmm. Okay." Crisis averted! Booyah! Halleluyer for the Spirit!
Then we visited a member named Benni. She's adorable and awesome. Then, we had some really yummy crispy chicken sandwiches at Wendy's. Then we met with Jennifer and gave her a copy of what I call a "Letter from our Heavenly Father." Its amazing. I got it from Sister Kyles in my first area. I'll have to send y'all a copy!

Thursday: We had an awesome church tour with a guy named Brady! Apparently the missionaries here haven't been able to meet with him for 4 whole months! Yeah, long time, right? But he was able to come to the church and get a church tour. It was awesome. We had a recent convert named Ashley there, and they connected and she was able to bear her  testimony a lot. The Spirit was just so strong, especially when we were in the chapel talking about the sacrament. We ended it in front of the baptismal font, where he told us that he felt that this was right and agreed to be baptized, as long as it was in April so that he could have time to prepare and stop doing a few things, and just be ready. I can't wait to teach Brady some more because he is just so prepared.

Sister King and Sister Shell being silly while waiting to give a church tour.  

Then, we started going through one of the ward lists looking for YSAs that both the YSA ward and the home ward don't know. We found a potential investigator named Zach. He seemed more interested in the activities, but at least thats a start. After that, we talked to a YSA about faith and shared Elder Holland's talk called "Lord, I Believe" which is AMAZING! I recommend it to everyone who struggles with faith. Because it helps so much with that. AJ, the member, asked us a few questions and really opened up to us. The Spirit helped us to help her, and we left her a copy of the "Letter from our Heavenly Father." Also, her cat named Ernie... yeah, he has THUMBS. Legit thumbs. He can grab things and everything. Like... whaaaat? Ernie's a pretty sweet cat. And I don't even like cats!

Sister King and Ernie the cat!!

Then, we had dinner with a girl named Alissha (Ah-lish-ah) who has dark red/brown, curly hair and is crazil awesome. She served a mission in California I believe. Then, we tried to find another YSA on the ward list. And here's where it gets crazy. We knocked on the door and a man opened and we told him that we were from the YSA ward and were looking for someone on our records. He's all "Oh, yeah, the missionaries! I've trained my dog to chase off people like you!" All joking around because his dog is this tiny poodle who is so happy to see missionaries that its ridiculous. Then, we heard his wife yell, "Who is it?" and he calls back "The church people! Do we let them in?" and she goes, "Of course, of course!! Come in!" So we come in and sit down for a minute and talk. We're having a good conversation, joking around with them. Their daughter, Nicole (14) is doing dishes in the background. The man mentions that his dad was a mission president in South Africa and we're all like "Whaaat?? How awesome!" Then, he tells us that that's where he and his wife met. So Sister King asked the wife "Oh wow, so is that where you got baptized?" And the man laughed and the wife just said, "Oh, no, no. I'm not a member of your church." Awkward! So we ask about the YSA we're looking for and find out that he's off at college somewhere. So, Sister King says, "Well, we'll write that down. Thanks for letting us know! Since we're here, could we share a spiritual thought with y'all before we left?" The husband says, "Well, I'm sure Nicole wants to hear one." And calls his daughter in.
Sister King opened up and started introducing. It was some scripture in Helaman. She said that it was from the Book of Mormon, and the dad stopped us. "I'm going to quiz my daughter. Nicole, whats the Book of Mormon?" At this point, we can tell something is a little off. She awkwardly answers "Some book that Mormons believe in. Like the Bible." And then the dad lets us go on.
So Sister King continues "Right, so this scripture is about strengthening your faith in Christ-"
Then, here's where it got crazy. "WHY do I need to care about Christ? Give me one good reason," says the dad. "Believe in him like believe he existed, believe he died for us, believe he's literally God's son? Believe what?" So we answered and said all three. He went on and again said, "Give me one good reason why I should believe."
Both of us said, "Well, there's a million reasons..."
He said, "Go on! Name one!"
Sister King said, "We can find peace, and joy and comfort by turning to Him, He atoned for our sins-"
He cut her off again. "So God is all knowing right?"
"Right!"
"And you are telling me that he couldn't come up with a better plan than to let his Son come here and be killed? That was his best plan? To let them KILL his son?"
Sister King said, "That is the only way we could return back to Him. The only way we could be in His presence again."
He didn't stop there. He went on for a few minutes about how its pathetic to believe in something like that. He talked about how he'd left the church when he was 14 and never looked back, and how he'd taken his kids to church once and made sure it was a fast and testimony meeting so they could see how pathetic everyone who got up was. But I think that was his mistake. Because his son got baptized, and his daughter wants to be baptized. He tells his children that turning to Christ will make you weak.
The wife jumped in and stopped her husband. "Okay, this isn't for you. This is for Nicole and Nicole wants to listen. So stop." So we finished our spiritual thought from the Book of Mormon and testified of Christ. She really liked it, you could tell. Nicole wants to believe but her dad won't let her. He said some more way anti-Mormon things after as well. It was so sad to hear him talk about the Savior that way. My Savior, his Savior. So very sad. He told us that he'd hoped he'd planted a seed and that we would turn away from the church, so that maybe we wouldn't be so brainwashed. Essentially, he was hoping that he had planted a seed of doubt. We shook his hand and left.
But here's the cool part.
The Spirit wasn't there. It wasn't in that room because he was not allowing it to be there. But it was in my heart. The whole time, my heart was pounding out of my chest and the Spirit was whispering "You're okay. What you know is right. He is wrong. Stand strong. Jesus Christ is the Savior. You're okay. What you know is right." Just over and over again. He didn't sway our faith at all. My faith was not shaken. In f act, it was boosted. Because the Spirit testified to me that what he was saying was not truth. The Spirit testified that what I knew and what Sister King was saying was the truth. We stood tall, we stood firm. We were undaunted. We were not shaken. It was like in the scriptures, in the Book of Mormon, when they're talking to Korihor or Nehor or Sherem. It was like talking to Korihor, and defending our Savior.
It was amazing. After we got a bit emotional about the experience- NOT because we were shaken, but because we had both felt the Spirit so strongly in our hearts and because we felt so sad for him and his family- I rolled down the car window while going home and yelled "You didn't get me Satan!"
It was pretty hilarious.
But Satan did try to get us. The man, that dad, was very sneaky. He pretended he was a member until we tried to share a spiritual thought. Then, he tried to tell us that what we were saying was wrong. He tried to shake our faith. But he only succeeded in strengthening it. So that plan pretty much backfired.
Jesus Christ IS our Savior. It is not weak to turn to Him for help. He loves us, even when we do not love Him. He loves us and wants us back. Turn to Him. He is real, and He is there for you. I know this. I love my Savior, and I will always defend Him.

Friday: That morning, during Personal Study, I came across Jacob 7:5 which related perfectly to what had happened the night before. It says, "And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken." Now, I'm not saying I've seen angels. I'm not even saying I've heard the voice of the Lord. But I have heard the voice of the Spirit teaching me, and I have felt that angels have been protecting me. And I could not be shaken. "But behold, the Lord God poured in his Spirit into my soul, insomuch that I did confound him in all his words." (verse 8)
And that's all that I'll say about that. It was just such a cool experience for me, and such a miracle.
That morning, we had an amazing district meeting. It was about sacrifice, and inviting people to church. We talked about sacrifice for a while, and that was cool. But my favorite part was when we talked about the sacrament and how important it is. We went into the chapel, and Elder Duvall said some very profound things. Here it is in summary, "Every week, on Sunday, during sacrament, we attend a funeral service for our Savior. Because the bread and water literally represent His body and His blood. We are in the Savior's tomb and he is right there, under that sheet that they use for the sacrament. He is literally right there, under the veil. And each week we partake of his body and blood, and use His atonement. Each week we are cleansed because of what He did for us. So with that in mind, isn't inviting someone to church just as important as inviting somebody to be baptized?" He said some other very profound things, but I don't have my notes with me. It was amazing.
After that, we correlated with the Assistants. Oh, yeah, I forgot! We're serving in the Assistants' ward. So we met with them to coordinate things, and to talk about a "Why I Believe" fireside that is going to be amazing.
After that, we volunteered at a place called NAM and helped put out food and put away food and sort things. Its like a food bank I guess. That was fun.
Then, we had some quick dinner and visited a girl who got baptized about a year and a half ago who is struggling. We gave her a "Letter from our Heavenly Father" which she loved, and I know Diana felt the Spirit. It was so strong. Her brother was so grateful that we came to help her.

Saturday: For some reason, it was just a really off day. We went and learned some ASL from the ASL elders. We're doing this partly so that if we come in contact with anybody who is deaf, we can communicate with them and get the ASL elders more people to teach. And partly because one of the elders who's deaf was feeling a bit lonely and isolated, and wanted more friends. That was pretty fun. It felt more like charades, and it was hilarious. They're funny!
Then, we tried to find a few people and ran into some Spanish elders! That was fun. One of them was my first Zone Leader in the mission, so that was cool.
After that, we contacted somebody named Tony who seemed pretty interested. We tried to visit a few more people but didn't really have any luck.

Sunday: We met with one of the home ward bishops and discussed the YSAs from his ward. He gave us some people to look for and try and find, and helped us update our records. Then, we had a Relief Society presidency meeting that we were invited to for the YSA ward, so we went to that.
We had church, and I saw some people from Montgomery who go to the YSA ward now! So that was pretty fun. Tender mercies from the Lord are everywhere :)
We had 2 investigators at church, Erik and Julie. Julie was only able to stay for sacrament meeting, but thats the most important part and she hasn't met with missionaries in months, so that was fabulous. And we had someone who was baptized in August but hasn't come to church in a while come! Julio! After church we had a "Munch and Mingle" thing where I got to meet some more people.
Then, we had a meeting with ward missionaries and mission leader and got some plans for the "Why I Believe" fireside finalized. So that was pretty cool. Then, we had some delicious dinner with the family and extended family of a YSA and it reminded me of home. We shared the thought about miracles using 1 Nephi chapters 3 and 4 and they seemed to like it, and one of the men there had gone to Brasil on his mission so I hear all about Brasil!
Then, we tried to visit some people but again, things fell through. Oh well. Life as a missionary. #yoso (you only serve once).

All in all, this week has been fabulous, I love my new area, I love my new companion and I love being a missionary!!!

com amor,
Sister Shell

Sister King and Sister Shell's Valentine's Day Dinner

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Well, I'll cut right to the chase. I'm getting transferred! I won't know where yet until tomorrow, when I get to transfer meeting. So who knows where I'll be emailing from next week? Even though I'm sad to be leaving an area I love so much, I'm excited for this change. It'll be the first time that I'm transferred like a normal person. Halleluyer!

Tuesday: We had exchanges!! I went to Brenham with the lovely Sister Kyles, and her visa waiter companion, Sister Hansen! Their other companion, Sister Davis, came to Caldwell. We met up and it was just Sister Hansen and I for a while. Sister Kyles was at a mission Leadership Conference, or something like that, down in Houston. We had a bit of a hit and miss day, and had fun spouting off Portuguese words to each other, until we picked up Sister Kyles in Navasota, where our Zone Leaders dropped her off. It was fun! We visited some members and found Brenham a potential investigator, and then we were supposed to teach a lesson in Portuguese/Spanish. They have an investigator that only speaks Spanish, but can understand Portuguese well. I was super stoked, because then I would have finally had my first lesson in Portuguese in the field. Alas, it was not meant to be. We knocked on the door three times, knew they were home, and they shut off the lights. Meh. Whatever! Then, we went and taught the Plan of Salvation to Raymond, one of their investigators. He really liked that, and I think I was able to help him understand a lot. So that was fun. Before we headed back to their apartment, we stopped by and got some ice cream and a few things for Sister Hansen's birthday the next day. We had a little celebration before bed, which included talking and eating ice cream and brownies while sitting on top of the counters. Fun stuff :)

Wednesday: I reunited with my companions, and found out that they tracted into a potential investigator while I was gone! Love those two. Then, we went to Marsha's. For some reason, Rex (the member that usually comes with us) was unable to be there. But, I think it was supposed to be that way. Because she really opened up to us, and asked us a lot of questions. She asked some questions that the Spirit helped us answer, and we were able to really help her out. Especially Sister Rainsdon, who shared an experience about  her grandpa's conversion. I felt prompted to tell her to test God, and to see what he did. Sort of like taking a leap of faith. She really liked the idea that we could, as I already put it, "test God" and prove His promises. We also went over the baptismal interview questions with her, and she realized that she's a lot closer to baptism than she thought. So, we'll see where she is next week! Well, I guess they will... I will be somewhere else!
After that, we stopped by Beaver Creek. We found a potential investigators house, but couldn't knock because there were a ton of no trespassing signs. So, we went and visited with Rosa. She really appreciated that, and told us to stop by more often. We read a few verses with her, that she really liked, and had a nice prayer.
We stopped by Becky's, to see if she had time for a visit, but she was only able to talk for a few minutes before she had to take her two boys places.
After that, it was off to Mary's! We had a SUPER yummy meal, and I definitely got the recipe for it because it was just that good. Who knew I'd ever want to cook a vegetarian meal?
Funny quotes of the day;
"He came out of nowhere! Like a BEAR!"
"I feel inv.... ahh! INVIGORATED!"
"That's a terrible song to listen to while killing a rabbit..." (the song was called Peace from some EFY cd...)
all from Sister Rainsdon

Thursday: We weekly planned like nobody's business! All I've got to say is Sister Rainsdon and Sister Paddock have an awesome week planned out! And, there was a bit of snow and ice on the ground. What's up with Texas? Who knows! And, here's how our companionship inventory (where we express feelings about each other, and get anything cleared up) went:
AYE-YAH! Pow! *cough* Kerplunk! "I'm nervous!" *heavy breathing* "Bed hopping allowed!" "Okay!!" Pop! "You hit my family!" *face dive* "Let go so I can hit you!" "No ganging up!" *truce*
What happened you may ask? Well, as mature girls in their 20's, we decided to have a pillow fight to start it all off. It was quite hilarious :) We all pushed our beds close together and just went at it for a few minutes, laughing our heads off the whole time. Then, we had a real companionship inventory.
After that, we left and dropped some stuff off at the Post Office. Then, we tried to go visit a new family in the branch. We knocked and there was no answer. As we were walking back to the car, I heard a kid yell, "Nobody's home!" So there you have it, nobody was there after all.
Then we tried to visit Conny. No luck. We got brave, built up our courage, and tried to visit Vicki. No luck. Then, we stopped by a cute boutique called the Amherst House and talked with the cashier, and gave her a Mormon.org card. Success!
And I got THREE WHOLE LETTERS!!! It made me pretty stoked. From my mom, Loo, and T-man. Needless to say, I was pretty excited.

Friday: Well, my journal entry started with huge letters which said; "SEAN IS GETTING BAPTIZED ON FEBRUARY 22!!!!!"
That's right, folks!! Alright, now that I've let that cat out of the bag, I'll back up.
We had Zone Meeting, which was fun. It was all about light and dark, and how light can drive away all darkness. It was pretty awesome. We practice taught part of the Gospel of Christ, since that's what we were about to go teach Sean, and then headed on our way.
Sean told us he loved church, and that he's excited about everything. When we were discussing repentance, he told us that he already feels that happening. That he doesn't have any desire to do some of the things he used to do, and that people are already telling him that he's different and asking him questions. He got a little emotional about it, because he could really feel the Spirit. Then, Sister Paddock talked about baptism and Sister Rainsdon talked about the Holy Ghost, just like we'd planned out. I was supposed to talk about the sacrament, but my heart was pounding, and I kept thinking "Invite him to be baptized on the 22." But I sat there, and thought "Well, I know we discussed that in our companionship, but I don't wanna steal anybody's thunder, I don't want the lesson to flow weird, what if it freaks him out? Etc." I looked up, and Sean was looking at me expectantly. I looked back down at the little pamphlet I had in my hands at the words "The Sacrament." Then I thought, "... Why the heck am I questioning a prompting from the Spirit??" So I went for it. I told him that my companions and I had talked it over, and that we felt that he would be ready for baptism on February 22. His face turned super red and he looked a little shocked, so I was thinking "SHOOT! What did I do?!"
Sean said, "Wow, a DATE... I mean, I'm honored but... do you really think I'm ready?" We talked with him a few minutes, talked about how we knew he was ready, pointed out a few things, and he started smiling and he nodded his head. So, I asked him again, and he nodded and said, "Sure. Yeah!"
So there you have it folks! I was so super happy. I was close to tears, I'm not going to lie. Because I was just so happy for him, and because I know how much joy and direction and peace this decision is going to bring him. I know what he's going to have. Put aside the fact that I've worked hard for months without a result. Put aside the fact that I want to see a baptism in Caldwell. Put aside any selfish reason that I may have wanted him to get baptized for. At that moment, I was just completely happy because I knew what this was going to bring him. Because I knew what it would mean for him.
It was amazing. I'm just so glad I followed the Spirit, and listened to that prompting I got, instead of following the lesson plan. That is what makes missionary work all worth it.
After we finished up the lesson (after I'd told him several times how happy I was for him, and how excited I was, and forcing tears down) his roommate and son came home. His roommate, David, talked a little more with us and seemed to be a bit interested. He sang some songs that he made up- Christian songs- that were beautiful. I have a feeling that he may be taking lessons soon as well. And Sean 2 (Sean's son) will probably be heading to church sometime soon, when he's not working. It was just awesome.

Saturday: Nothing really worked out. I mean, after such an amazing day, Satan had to be all dumb and make things no bueno for us. It was fine though. Because Sister Rainsdon felt pretty sick, and needed a nap. So it all worked out anyway. And, we had dinner with the Crawfords! That was fun. He was pretty excited to hear that Sean is going to be baptized, and told us that he'd work out the details about a font (because its WAY too cold for the pond) with President Foster. We have some really great members and leaders in our ward.

Sunday: Happy birthday to Jenn! Happy birthday to Jenn! Happy birthday dear JENNNNNNNN!!! Happy birthday to Jenn!
As you may have guessed, Jenn's birthday was on Sunday! We had Branch Council, and then Branch Conference. That was pretty awesome. The Stake President met Sean, talked with him, and decided to come to Sean's baptism! So that was pretty neat!
Church was later (because of Branch Conference) so we went home and ate lunch, and studied. Poor Sister Rainsdon felt even worse, and had to take a nap again. Then Grace picked us up for dinner (since we didn't have miles- have I mentioned how much I love all the members here?? Because I love them!) and we had yummy enchiladas. We stopped by Jenn's house to wish her happy birthday again, and then stopped by Dan and Margaret's. Margaret just got home from the hospital yesterday. Hopefully she's okay now. She sounds a lot better than she did. We had a nice visit with them, and then Grace took us home.
We were pretty antsy. We wanted transfer calls! But, I already knew in my heart what was going to happen. I can't tell you why, but I just knew. So when we got the text from our Zone Leaders, and I saw that I was one of the missionaries getting transferred, I was totally and completely okay with it and expecting it.
This'll be good. It needed to happen. I mean, I love Caldwell with all of my heart, but it was time for a change. And I'm sure President Pingree will let me come up here for Sean's baptism, so I'll see everybody again soon.
I'm excited! Missions are the best.
Alma 36:24-25, especially 25.
Sean is getting baptized!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentines Day! Also, happy birthday to Grandpa Jack and Uncle Randy!! Love y'all!!

com amor,
Sister Shell

HAPPY 8 MONTHS THIS WEEK!!

Crazy how time flies. Umm... also, heard that my gorgeous cousin Aubrey is engaged?! What the heck? Congrats girl!!
Also, congratulations to Haley on having her first baby! Love ya girl :)

Tuesday: We had Specialized Training/Interviews. Finally! That was pretty awesome. During my short interview, President said that he felt impressed to tell me that Heavenly Father loves me, is very proud of me, knows that I'm trying hard and loves my heart. That was exactly what I needed to hear because the week before interviews, I was feeling particularly discouraged. But hearing that just confirmed to me that, while I'm not perfect (despite what Allie thinks) I am trying and Heavenly Father knows that. And only He can measure my effort. It felt really good.
Interviews took longer than we thought, so we got back just in time for dinner with Dan and Margaret. We had yummy food- venison fingers! Like chicken fingers, but with deer meat. Soooo good. Dan did a really good job with the food.
Sister Rainsdon was feeling pretty sick, so we swung by Walmart on our way back home so that she could grab some medicine. She also grabbed a lunchbox (why? we know not...) and put a cool pack thingy in there to see if it would fit... and forgot about it. We didn't realize until we got home that she'd accidentally stolen something!! So, being the good and honest missionaries that we are, we promptly rushed back to the store and paid for it. Oh the irony in that whole situation.. just makes me laugh!

Wednesday: We got to go to the temple!! Cool thing- the name that I went through for was Brazilian. Thought that was pretty neat :) An elder in my district had a Portuguese name too, and asked me how to pronounce it before we went into the session. It was "Joao" which is pronounced sorta like "Joe-ow." Anyways, I love the temple. Every time I go there, I grow so much spiritually. I learn so many new things, and I feel the Spirit so strongly! Also, rumor has it that there is another new temple video coming out! Apparently they've started showing it in UT and Idaho. So hopefully we'll get to see that one next time!
Also, before we went into the temple, we drove by some of the houses on the surrounding block. Can I just say holy cow?! Mansions. Seriously huge mansions. We're talking like the guest house is the size of a normal home. Apparently Sister Rainsdon's trainer used to serve in that area, and they tracted those houses once. One guy actually let them in- but only to show off his super expensive stuff. Her trainer drank from a glass made of crystal and sat on a couch of solid gold. No lie.
On the way back home, we stopped at Buc-ee's! Its like a 5 star gas station. I really don't know how to describe it. They've got everything in there, and its actually classy. Seriously, they've got clothes, pictures, picture frames, decorations, food, etc. And its all pretty cool actually. I have never felt so elegant at a gas station.
Because the temple is so far away, we got back just in time to go to Mary's for dinner. Vegetarian spaghetti! It was delicious. Her sister is coming in town this week to help her while she has a cataract surgery later in the week. So we'll get to meet her this Wednesday! I'm pretty stoked about that.

Thursday: Weekly planning, and then we tried to visit people. We didn't really have a whole lot of luck, to be honest. That's alright though. We had dinner with the Crawfords, and had our Missionary Correlation Meeting with Brother Crawford while we were there. That was awesome, and hilarious. Dinner at the Crawfords always reminds me of dinner at home. Everybody is always laughing, and someone usually starts crying because they're laughing so hard. We also worked out for Sister Crawford to come to Sean's lesson with us! We were pretty excited by the time we got home.

Friday: Well, District Meeting! It was our District Leader, Elder Christensen's last District Meeting EVER. That's right, folks, he's headed home.
After that, we headed over to Somerville to teach Sean. Unfortunately, Sister Crawford got sick and couldn't come :( But, we went and knocked, super excited and ready to teach. No answer. Knocked again. No answer. Knocked for a third time AND... no answer. So, we decided we'd go to downtown Somerville and finish up our Companionship Study outside, since it got cut short so we could make it to District Meeting on time. After our hour of study, we made our way back to Sean's house and knocked 3 more times. No answer. Feeling kind of discouraged, we left a note on his door and went to a different part of Somerville to visit the Farmers. They were sick, and so had to leave. We went to the Boat Ramp in their neighborhood (because its the only place where our cellphone gets service) so Sister Rainsdon could finish her lunch and so Sister Paddock could call the Doctor about something. Well, the doctor didn't answer, but after she hung up, lo and behold, Sean called! He told us he'd had a doctor's appointment that took longer than usual, and was mad that he missed us. He asked if we were still in town, because he would still love to hear a lesson. Well, of course we zipped right on over to his house and taught him the Plan of Salvation! He was much more relaxed this time, and was joking around with us a lot more. He kept talking about how he loved church, how it went by so fast, and how he felt so comfortable there. He also talked about how during church, he got this really good feeling. He remembered that we'd told him that he would get a good feeling while reading the Book of Mormon. He said, "I know they said I'd feel good when I was reading but its happening now!" So I testified that what he'd felt at church was the Spirit telling him that what he was hearing was the truth. He nodded and said, "That's what I thought." We also explained that you can feel the Spirit any time there's truth, not just while you're reading scriptures. He loved the Plan of Salvation lesson and asked a few questions this time. He said that most of the time, when he has questions, we answer them before he even realizes that he has a question. So that means that our lessons have definitely been directed by the Spirit. Booyah! He really appreciated that we're so open to questions, that we're not pushy or phony, and how everyone seems equal. He's really starting to understand and appreciate the Atonement as well. And he keeps saying that everything just makes sense to him.
HALLELUYER!!! I'm pretty happy about this, y'all! :D To quote Sister Rainsdon, "I'm so happy!! I'm like... skipping on rocks!!"
We also had dinner with Bill, and read another page in the Book of Mormon with him in the middle of the China Pan Buffet. Is anything to awkward for a missionary? No, nothing is too awkward. I mean, it says in 1 Peter that we're a peculiar people anyway. And people already look at us strange. Might as well take advantage of it!

Saturday: Well, to be honest, it was not the best day. Nothing was working out, and Sister Rainsdon was so sick that she was just plain tired. We couldn't really do anything. The good news is that it rained, and that always soothes my soul. She also told me a strange joke...
Q: What's black and white and red all over?
A: A penguin in a blender!
Yupp... That's Sister Rainsdon's favorite joke. So, of course, I told her my favorite.
Q: What's green and has wheels?
A: Grass! I lied about the wheels!
Hee hee... Why do I think that's funny? No idea. But it is.

Sunday: Well, we turned off our air unit for the night. Hence, when I woke up and started writing in my journal (in place of working out), my first sentence was "Currently, I'm a blanket burrito." It was true. It was cold! So we turned it on and got the heat going promptly. I don't like being cold. Blech. Hence I was called to Brasil and reassigned to TX.
Sean came to church!!!! The Binghams picked him up again, those fabulous people. I think Sean really felt the Spirit during Testimony Meeting. When I got up to bear my testimony, I noticed that he was listening intently and that he had tears in his eyes. He loved church, once again, and learned what Zion means! He is also convinced that Bob Marley stole some of his song lyrics from the Book of Mormon- something about "One heart and one mind."
(Oh heck, somebody is rapping while listening to their music behind me. Hilarious.)
We tried to visit some new members that moved in, but no luck. We also tried to visit Connie, but no luck. After a few more failed attempts, we headed over to the Gambles for dinner. We shared a spiritual thought about building testimonies, and how its like a first aid kit- you've got to keep it supplied so you can take care of wounds you get. And if you don't have supplies to take care of the minor things, then they turn into major things and you have to go to the doctor. We related that to the Atonement and Repentance, and Sister Paddock did a much better job of explaining than I'm doing right now.

Well, that's my week! I'm in a wonderful mood today, and I'm positive that wonderful things are about to happen! We're gonna teach Marsha, and Rex will be there, and hopefully we'll have another member present lesson with Sean, and life is just going to be amazing! I'm pretty stoked.
I love being a missionary :)
"Life is the bubbles!"
-Sebastian, The Little Mermaid

com amor,
Sister Shell