October 7, 2013--HI HI HI!

HI HI HI!

UH... GENERAL CONFERENCE?? ARE YA KIDDIN ME? THAT WAS AWESOME.

Seriously it was like Christmas and my birthday and ice cream cake all in one. I came in with like 10, maybe even 15, questions thinking that maybe half would get answered. But literally all of them were answered. Personal questions, doctrinal questions, random questions, all of the above. It was the coolest thing.

Shoot I don't have much time! My faves in the saturday sessions were probably Uchdorf, Dube, Packer, Holland, Ballard. And my faves in the sunday sessions were probably all of them. I really can't pick a fave! I've tried to think real hard about it but I can't come up with one. I guess for me Uchdorf, Oaks, Scott, Monson and Ochoa were probably the top 5. Uchdorfs was so good though. Wowzers.

"The words of prophets renew and protect us!" -Hales

CONSECRATE ALL THINGS. - Uchdorf 

"We gather to hear the words of the Lord and we return to our homes to live them." -Elder Hales

"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." -President Uchdorf

So many good ones, those are just the ones I really remember!

One of our investigators (Frank) came to conference Sunday at the church. He is Haitian. We taught him about prophets before we watched it and he seemed pretty excited. We weren't able to talk to him after and he was being really odd when we texted him later that day. But then again, we have no idea. It's hard to clearly communicate with him. His English is scattered. He's really great though and such a nice man!

Reese is another one of our investigators! We just need to build up is faith in God and Jesus Christ. He is in the army which is super hard because they go out of town a lot and then right when they know it's true they get deployed or something nuts. BUT the work still goes on. Their family is the cutest. They have a 7 year old girl and also a little baby girl. He just needs to read, ponder and pray! But he is stubborn. We talked about pride and humility last time.. haha. We have the best relationship with their family. Very comfortable around each other and it helps. We are only able to see them like once a week though.

We are definitely still in the finding process for investigators. It is very tough. Suggestions are welcome from the RMs! Sister Gibson said that is one of her weaknesses is finding people and I don't know much because I'm a newby but it will come. Pray for us and the work! We just need to talk to EVERYONE. Which is easier said than done, but the Lord truly carries his missionaries through the work and it's amazing to experience.

We're working with TONS of less actives. Tons. Tons tons tons. The ward list is HUGE. The ward is super great though!! Members feed us every night and I have yet to have a bad meal. Clarksville is just a melting pot of all sorts of people because it is close to the army base. It's good though! Learned a lot about the army!

Gotta go! Watch all the sessions if you haven't yet! They're amazing and I know that if you go in with a question or concern that you will come out with 10 different answers. Truth. I love you all. Pray for missionary opportunities and share the gospel whenever and wherever you can. The Lord will provide them if you sincerely pray, listen to the Holy Ghost and act.

I pray for you all every day. I love you so so much! 

Mormon 8: 17, 20

Love ya dearly, 

Sista Boren

PS - please send this to natty. 

PS - I tried to send an email to everyone individually (family) too so look for that! Friends will have to wait till next week, or I will write them a handwritten letter :)

Address:

105 Westpark Drive Ste 190

Brentwood, TN 37027

September 30, 2013--Callused Knees. That's a real thing

AH I LOVE Y'ALL SO MUCH! My email was flooded with all sorts of glorious updates and it was like Christmas.

So this is my first p-day out in the field -- my last P-day was two weeks ago on Thursday. (P-days are on Monday's if you're wondering.) It's hard to update on 6 days let alone 10! I don't even know where to start.

The last few days at the MTC were prime time. I loved it there as I so exuberantly explained in my last email. We left at 330am to go to the SLC airport. Calling you guys (mom, dad, cade) was so fun. I LOVED hearing your voices. I didn't think I would get emotional at all, but I did! I never thought calling someone would be so thrilling.

I was travel leader for 30 people so that was very interesting. It was hard to keep track of everyone, but we all made it safe and sound! We walked out to where everyone was and President and Sister Anderson, and all of the AP's (including Elder Monson), were there to greet us before we even got our bags! They're so great. They herded us like sheep into a little area where we chatted and president pretty much just told us we are missionaries now and to act like it and start preaching the word! So that we did. We got our bags and very hesitantly started talking to people. We were there for HOURS because they had to shuttle us back and forth. (My desktop screen is changing backgrounds right now and one was of haystack rock on the Oregon coast and the other is of Moab. How funny.) Anyways, back to where I was, it was really scary and as Irfan would put it.. Nervousing. That reminds me! Will you send this to Kennedy and Irfan? I haven't heard from either of them. ANYWAYS, we talked to a bunch of people and placed a few BOMs which was cool. It's quite thrilling. It's crazy how much you have to rely on the Holy Ghost. He is the teacher, that's for sure. In the MTC, there was a talk we watched and Elder Bednar was talking about how all of the investigators he talked to said they didn't really know what the missionaries were talking about, but they let them keep coming back because they felt different/good. THE SPIRIT! THEY'RE FEELING THE SPIRIT! I just get stoked when people recognize it. Anyways, cool stuff.

Then we drove to Brentwood to the mission home. There are just mansions and mansions and mansions in Brentwood. It's crazy! That's where all the country stars live. I'm going to convert T Swift and Carrie Underwood while I'm here. Anyways, we took pics with president and sister anderson and then ate! It was so yummy. They spoiled us. And then we had meetings and paperwork and didn't get through with it all until MIDNIGHT. We were running on 2 hours of sleep and would only have 4.5 hours of sleep that night so it was a tiring day. We woke up and had breakfast and then drove to one of the stake centers (the temp is right next to the stake center, it's really small but super super pretty). We had training and then went into the big room where all of the missionaries were (I think there's like 250) and then introduced ourselves. We also read our letter in front of everyone saying where our area would be and who our comp is! I'm in Clarksville 2B and my trainer is Sister Gibson!! It was so fun! I also say Elder Ben Smith there!! He's waiting for his visa to Brazil and he's been here for 12 weeks I think. He's that one doctors son and Andy Smith's brother that Bri used to hang out with. I know mom is saying "wait do I know him?" in her head right now so that's why I had to explain haha.

We got our luggage and bike and then we went and drove to Clarksville! I got to see the skyline of Nashville. It brought me back to when we had our layover there! Clarksville is the northern part of Tennessee. Right next to Fort Campbell army base. So we see lots and lots of camo. Pretty much the only reason why a lot of people live there is because of the army. There's a lot of nicer medium income homes and also lots of humble apartments/trailer parks and such. I've seen/been in both!

Our apartment is actually super nice and spacious. Well, what I think is nice is probably different than what you do. I'm used to a van, you know. It's a little smaller than Bri and Joe's apartment!

My companion and I are getting along great! It's been hard though because I don't really love visiting and she does so we've done a lot of that. Way more than I would like to. We're working on it though. I just need to have confidence to say it's time to go! I'm just ready to spread the word like crazy and be efficient with my time, ya know?

Anyways, I'm typing really fast and I don't have much time!! But I want to talk a little bit about who we're working with. There's Chris Cannon, Reese Gordon, and some other people that we contacted knocking doors the other day. Chris grew up baptist and has a religious background. Sister Gibson knows more about him. We're teaching him the restoration tomorrow though. Reese has received all of the lessons multiple times. He's just stubborn. They're great though. I'm not really good at giving updates on all of this stuff because there is just so much. We work with A LOT of less actives. A lot a lot. It's been good though. The Hills came to church this week! We just need to find more people to teach. My worst fear coming true! We've been knocking doors next to LA homes and members homes and it's been good! We have some return appointments.

When I knocked doors for my first time it was all sorts of crazy. Real life! It's so funny, there was a point at the airport when I was talking to some guy when I realized that this was real life and these people are real! It's not just the TRC where you're constantly wondering if they're playing an act or not.

This work is fantastic and I'm in love with my mission already. Sorry I didn't have much time to write. All is well though!! Your emails made me SO happy. You're the greatest. All of you.

LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

Love, Sister Boren

Mission Address:

105 Westpark Drive, Ste #190

Brentwood, TN 37027

LIFE IN THE MTC -- SEPTEMBER 19TH

MI FAMILIA I LOVE YA I LOVE YA.

I don't even know where to start. Actually, yes I do. This is pretty funny. Literally everyone in my whole district has received multiple letters and packages from their families. If you don't know, they hand them out in class so you know who gets letters and who doesn't. So now I am my district's charity case because I haven't heard from any of you. They give me candy and hug me and stuff so I feel better. I did receive one letter from Elder Schumaker and that was good. I hope you know this is all very very light-hearted, because I am really enjoying myself here, but I really want to hear from you!! This week has been so hard, and it would've been nice to hear from you guys. I know it has only been a week, but it feels like I've been here way longer than that. Anyways, if you have some spare time, I'd love to hear from you. Even just a short note. Letters are THE BEST. And so are pictures! (I also wrote a letter yesterday saying almost this same thing, but whatevs).

Thanks mom for emailing me!! It was so good to hear from you. How's life?? Tell me everything.

Caden, you are a stud muffin. I'm so happy homecoming was fun! AND you scored two touchdowns, are you kidding me?? You're awesome. Tell me about it!!

Brance and Aspen, how are wedding plans going?? I want an invite! You guys rock.

Bri and Joe, how's work and school?? And Boone doggy? Anything fun going on?

Natty what are the future plans looking like now? SLC or what?

PAPA how's work going?? 

I'll try to write letters to you individually even if it is just short and sweet. 

----

The first few days of the MTC were super long, but I was super jazzed on life and loved every bit of it. It's like college, but it pertains to people's eternal salvation so definitely more important. And I loved college so the MTC is like spiritual college heaven. Yes, you are very closed off, and I miss being proactive and I miss backpacking, hiking, and climbing, but all of that can wait. I am just so happy here. It's the best kind of joy.

The first day was good. We met a lot of people and got to know each other in the district. They give us these red dots so everyone knows it's our first day. I lost track of the "welcome to the MTC" well wishes. Everyone is just so Christ-like it's nuts.

It is DEFINITELY not all roses. I've never felt more inadequate in my whole life than I did the 3rd day here. I'm in a trio so it is a very interesting dynamic. We taught our first (fake) investigator and it was awful. Sister Lamb and Sister Wheelwright were really quiet and I'm super passionate/loud so I pretty much dominated the lesson and they hardly said a word. We've had to work on that. Anyways, it was hard, but also an amazing experience. After all of us beating ourselves up, we went in a room and kneeled in companionship prayer. It was.. ridiculously cool. Heavenly Father pretty much just chastised me and it was super awesome. I was being very selfish and he made it known in a loving manner. It was all about me and how awful I did and what I'm going through, when everyone here is going through the SAME thing and I ended up forgetting how the investigator must feel and their needs and wants. Which is the most important. I forgot my purpose. To invite others to come unto christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. I can't even describe it. SUPER cool. Just so cool. God works in mysterious ways.

My teachers are super awesome. Brother Bryner, and Sister Vuki are just the best ever. I have learned so much while I've been here. I can't even put it in words. I've learned how to rely on the Holy Ghost in a way that I had never been able to before. I have never prayed so hard in my life. And I understand the atonement in a very different way. Christ suffered for EVERYTHING!!!! When we're feeling inadequate, when you have doubts, when we are having a hard time, when we are in a bad mood-- He knows. He is there. He will help you. You just need to act by reading the scriptures to find answers and praying before and after. Personal revelation is a fantastic thing and glorious way for our Father to communicate with us. But He isn't just going to throw it in our faces. Where much is received, much is required. TRUTH.

After our first awful teaching experience, we have gotten much much better. The Lord has edified us like mad. "In God's strength I will boast; for God can edify all things." It's been amazing to see the progress in one another. Our second lesson was fantastic. The spirit was so strong and we were able to really teach our investigator personally, not the lesson. The next few times we have taught Him have been good, but we have finally figured out how to make it better. It's super cool how you just keep learning and learning and it just never stops.

I'm almost out of time but let me share a funny story and also a spiritual experience at a conference on Sunday.

So last night Sister Hulme (not my comp, but in my zone) and I decided that we would wake up at 530 to shower and such. Well Sister Hulme wakes me up and says it's time to shower. So I went over and got my stuff and went in the showers. Then Sister Lamb comes in the bathrooms/showers and tells Sister Hulme that it's actually FOUR IN THE MORNING. So she tells me and I was like WHAT ARE YOU SERIOUS? Anyways, it was super funny in the moment. Sister Hulme had her clock set on eastern time zone. Hilarious. I'm very scattered and tired today so this email probably doesn't make sense. Oh well. Got 1.5 years to make em better!

My whole district is super tight. We do everything together. We have so much fun together! They're great. All the sisters are going to Nashville and 3 Elders are going to Australia and 2 Elders are going to Texas. Did I tell you that 28 people are flying out on Monday with me?? PS- My flight is at like 6am so I'll be calling around then I think. Also, I'm the trip leader for all 30ish people so that'll be interesting. 

On Sunday we had a video we watched of a talk by Elder Bednar called "The Character of Christ". Read it. It will change your life. The difference between us and Christ, is when we are faced with struggles and hardships we always think about ourselves and how sad we are that things aren't going the right way, or a lesson didn't go well when Christ turned outward and helped others. Love, service, compassion. He gave an analogy of the cookie monster. How all he wants is cookies for himself. And how all we want is our own happiness. "Quit worshiping self, and turn to God." He also talked about how when we get back from our missions, there is a 60% chance that we will be inactive sometime in our life. (Anyone in that age range actually.) If one of the 12 apostles broke off from the church, would our testimonies be waned? Who are we REALLY converted to? The programs the church offers? The people? The leaders? The scripture? Or are we focusing on being converted unto the LORD. If all of our friends and family fell away, would we too? It provoked a lot of self thought. Why am I really a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Desire + diligence = developing a character of Christ = every gift that God has given his children is possible to obtain. EVERY gift. Powerful. Read it/watch it this talk. 

Every night Elder Eyring prays for correction, direction and encouragement. I thought that was super cool. I can't remember if it's Elder Eyring, or another general authority, but all the same. 

I am a representative of Jesus Christ. He lives. He is our savior and redeemer. Our Father in Heaven wants the best for us! He loves us more that we can comprehend. We are HIS CHILDREN. If we go to Him in prayer, with faith and desire, He will strengthen us. The Book of Mormon is the word of God!! So many simple truths in that amazing book. Joseph Smith restored Christ's church. He wasn't a perfect man, and neither are we, but he was guided by the Lord and His heavenly angels to bring to pass this great work. Thomas S Monson is our prophet called of God. He receives direct instruction from Him. I love this gospel and the happiness it brings!

I know this was a very preachy email! I want you all to know for yourselves that these things are true. Ask in kneeling prayer! He is waiting for you to talk to Him about any struggle. 

This gospel is true and pure. I am so stoked about it. I literally just want to share it with the world! Can't wait for Monday! I don't feel ready in the least bit, but I will be strengthened. 

Love you guys!!!! Please email me on your personal accounts so I can write back personally! Also, I really really really love letters. Really. (Brance, tell them how fun it is.)

Love,

Sister Boren