Monday, August 30, 2010

New Post from Sister White 8/30/2010

Mummy and Daddy,

My goodness...these days are flying by! I have a few highlights for you.

Item #1: I'm going to be a movie star :) hahahah We were informed this week that the church is sending a film crew to Worksop to make leadership training videos. They are only filming four parts of the world, and the only English speaking footage will be of the Worksop and Sheffield 1 branches!!!!! They were waiting for me ;) I knew it instinctively. So keep your eyes peeled for any news of said videos. I'll have to look presentable! Heaven forbid I look like "Dumpy McDump!!!"

Item #2: We went to Leeds for missionary leadership training. While Sister Owen was in meetings, I paired up with my MTC pal Sister Rausch and we knocked about Craigside Vesper for two days. K.....it was amazing!!!!! Whenever we felt an absence of the Spirit, we stopped what we were doing, and prayed that we'd find people. K....within MOMENTS of praying, we found people to teach. We met some incredible people like Pete who wouldn't let go of the Book of Mormon, said, "I would make a really good Mormon." Judith who said, "I'm glad you came, I feel all fuzzy inside." and Peter, who was rude to us on the street, but chased after us later and apologized to us. It was so incredible. After each person, we thanked our Heavenly Father and asked for more people...and within MOMENTS he'd send us more!!! Bam! Miracle! Next! He's so magnificent, it boggles my mind.

OH! also...when we were in Leeds, we met with this woman named Christine. She's a recent convert and one of the sunniest people you'll ever meet. We got to talking and she told us her story. She was not always as sunny as she is now (you'd never know it) Just a few short months ago, she had severe depression and severe alcoholism....so severe in fact that doctors diganosed her with some mental illness. Anyways, she was as low as you can get. She thought, "If this is my life....I don't want to live much more of it." So one afternoon, she took her dog for a walk hoping she'd get hit by a bus, but instead of getting hit by a bus, she found the missionaries instead. She read the Book of Mormon, prayed about it, and the rest is history. She made a full 180 degree turn. She's the talk of the town now "What's with Christine? She glows?" People can't dismiss the change that has taken place in her life. "What I don't understand," Christine remarked, "is why people aren't breaking down the doors of the church trying to get in. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for this book and this church." I've always known that the Book of Mormon changes lives, but just to have someone sitting in front of me, and watch her face as she tells her story....wow.....BAM! Miracle! Next!

Item #3: I've been driving about. :D (life list #19...check) and I'm doing quite well actually, mother, I adapt quickly :D One afternoon, we got in the car to leave an appointment when the hazard lights started having a fit...clicking away like mad. People were honking and flashing their lights at us, but no matter what we did, they wouldn't turn off. When we got home, we tried everything we could: pushed every button, tried everything with the doors open/closed, opened the "bonnet," everything....we even called the dealership and they didn't know what to do. Our car was surrounded by people trying to fix this problem and Sister Owen and I said a prayer that we'd find a way to turn the hazards off. After the prayer, Sister Owen said, "Lock the doors." *doors locked* *clicking subsided.* Then she pushed the hazards button for the millionth time, and they turned off.........*silence*......... "WHAT THE HECK?!!??!?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW!?!?!? WHAT JUST HAPPENED? THAT WAS AMAZING!!!!" Bam! Miracle! Next! The church is true! Prayer works!! The end!

Item #4 I think the biggest highlight of the week was:

ASHLEY LOUISE DONCASTER GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!

Sister Owen and I were so excited!!!!! You should have seen her face!!!!! Oh she is so humble and so willing to do whatever the Lord asks of her.

It's been a good week. I've seen miracles on a daily basis!!! I know that God lives. He is real. He is my loving Heavenly Father. I know he sent his son Jesus Christ to atone for us, to make it possible to return to live with our Father again. I am so grateful for my knowledge of this...there are SO many angry people in the world who don't have the comfort I do. I love it here. I love Sister Owen. I love the branch. I love this gospel. It really is incredible. The only thing that's not 100% awesome right now is this ice cream truck outside!!! "Get out of here!!! Stop taunting me with your treats of joy and joyness!!!!" :D hahahhaha

I'm so glad to hear that all is going well. I'm sorry I couldn't critique the dresses for you....another time :D I love you all so much!!!!! MMMWWAH!

Love always,
Your Sister Stephanie White

PS Post all pictures. Captions.....hmmm... I trust your cleverness...again...they're optional.

PPS Could you send my debit card PIN# I think I remember, but I'm not sure. Remember how swipe cards aren't really accepted here....yeah....cool.

PPPS We have no food :D don't worry....

PPPPS It's getting cold...er. :D Fret not....

PPPPPS Mum, didn't you get my note!??!?! I found your little giftie and I nearly bawled my face off. It was the cutest thing ever. I thought I sent It, but I suppose not. I'll check.

Ps. I'm so sorry to hear about Craig!!! Please give him a hug for me, poor guy. I love you so much.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

New Post from Sister White 8/23/2010

Date: Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 5:03 AM

Mummy and Daddy!!!!

Well it's official. I'm out in the real world now, and I'm absolutely loving it!!! On Wednesday President and Sister Lindley fetched all fourteen of the Leeds missionaries and took us to the mission office for orientation and to their home for lunch. I feel it's best to inform you that I've been assigned to drive here in my first area :D hee hee. Life List #19 "Drive a british car on the left side of the road" HERE I COME!!! :D don't worry. I won't die :) I have my first lesson on Friday.

I have a crazy story I'd like to share with you. As President Lindley drove us to the mission office, Sister Lindley gave us each a nut and fruit bar. Well....combine that with loads of bumps and twisty turns all over the English country....and let's just say....it wasn't pleasant. I honestly felt like I had to urp all over tarnation!!!! "Oh heavens...this is not the best way to start off the mission!" So I prayed frantically saying "Heavenly Father, please help me not yack in this car!!!! Heavenly Father, please help me not yack in this car!!!! Heavenly Father, please help me not yack in this car!!!! Heavenly Father, please help me not yack in this car!!!!" The sensation got worse and worse. "Oh heavens help me!" Just as I was leaning forward to tell President to make and emergency stop, this salty liquid rushed into my mouth. "Oh no!!!!!!! It's beginning!!!! I'm having a real issue here!!!!" When the surge of panic subsided, I sat there in silence as my mouth filled up salty liquid, and I swallowed.....fill....swallow....fill.... swallow....fill....swallow. This went on for about a full minute. Then I had this feeling like I had as much as I needed.....and.....I felt completely better. IT WAS CRAZY!!!!!!!! I've never had that happen to me before. One minute I'm on death's door, ready to launch my stomach through the windshield and the next I'm completely fine. All this happened in the silence of the backseat, and I knew I witnessed a little miracle. Miracle number two.....my hands are dry. Everyone else here has jam-tastic hands....mine are bone dry. Halleluyer. Praise the Lort.

Anyways, after lunch, we went to the Leeds chapel for the transfer meeting. My fellow greenies and myself had to sit on the stand. There were a lot of eyes and a lot of whispers....I felt like I was on display in a zoo. "Please do not feed the missionaries....unless chocolate. Please refrain from any sudden movements, for new missionaries are quite skittish and haven't tinkled in a while. Any disturbance could be catostrophic. Thank You." We bore our testimonies. President introduced us (I got alot of grief for my extra long bio....especially for the comedy award bit). Then we were introduced to our trainers. I'm with.....drum roll please......SISTER STAR OWEN!!!! and we're serving in the WORKSOP area!!!!! Sister Owen is fantastic. She's so patient with me, fun loving and she knows her stuff. We live in a cute little flat, #37 Beaumont Rise, We have a blue door, and a magical key!!!! When I say "Magical English Key of Hope and Wonder," whatever you're imagining is precisely what I have!!!

The work is progressing so well here. We scheduled a baptism for Ashley Doncaster for this Saturday, 28th of August, and we scheduled one last night for David Savage for the 11th of September. They are both the sweetest people (single parents) with such a desire to have better lives for themselves and for their young kids.

I don't know how people get discouraged while "finding" on the mission. It's like a game... It's like Where's Waldo?! Ohp, where'd you go? You can't hide because I will find you! I love speaking to everyone here, because it's easy to see who is prepared to hear the gospel and who isn't. I love watching the spirit work on them during lessons. I always say I can hear what's going on inside peoples' heads, but I really can now. I've frequently asked a question and had the person look surprised and say, "How did you know that?" What can I say? The church is true! :)

I'm loving life here!!! The only thing that is even remotely obnoxious is the fact that the elders are uber patronizing. "K....I know I'm new, but I'm not retarded. Thank you very much." I love you all very much!

I love you all with all my heart! Write soon!!!!
Love,

Your Sister Stephanie White

PS. How is my blog coming along? Are you having any success with putting my stuff up? Are you checking my grammar? :) hahahaha Love you!!!
One more little nugget. The members here are fantastic. I walked into church yesterday and I felt like I was in a British version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Everyone saw me and said, "SISTA WHITE!!!!!!!" and proceeded to embrace me...well the ladies did at least.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

New Post from Sister White 8/17/2010

Mum and Dad,
I have only a few minutes....and this old man keeps leering at me with a stop watch!!! How can I operate under these conditions :D I just want you to know that tomorrow is the day. I'm off to Leeds for real at 7:30am!!!!! I am so excited, and I'm missing your expert packing skills, Mother. I want you to know how much I love all of you and how much I'm loving it out here. I love being immersed in this gospel 24/7. It injects me with this apricot jam happiness that squirts out my ears every blasted day. It's messy BUT I DON'T EVEN CARE :D I know this gospel is true. I know Heavenly Father loves me and is aware of the people I'm about to teach. I am full of faith that my Heavenly Father will help me touch the lives of thousands. MMMMMWAH!!!!! Here we go....HELLO WORLD :D
Your Stepha

Sunday, August 15, 2010

News from Sister White 8-11-10

Hello all

A brief overview of some of the thing that happened this week.

I neglected to mention in my last email that there are 48 missionaries here. Nine sisters and thirty-seven elders. We have just two zones and four districts (one of which is entirely German). I love haing such a small MTC!!!! Ther isn't any competition between anyone and we get to know everybody!!!!

They gave us some legit skittles yesterday...k....these skittles are AMAZING! These Skittles are SkitTELS!!!! They aren't just generic sugary pockets of sunshine. These are like giant fruit explosions of joy and euphoria!!!!!!!!! Pretty much blew my mind and made me want to open my mouth really wide and do an ugly dance! I do ugly dances when i'm really excited, like when we:

-Went on a church history tour through Lancashire.

-When I found out that the Preston Temple was opening up today!!! They prayed for the missionaries and you should have been there to feel the spirit. Man, there honestly was not a dry eye in the whole place....not even with the Elders....heck...not even with me!

- When I found out that my Mission President is coming for dinner tonight

-AND whenever I see an animal. (It's a well known fact with everybody, from the kitchen staff to President Clegg, that whenever Sister White sees a woodland creature, she squeals, "I want it!" then proceeds to give it a name and assign it a fanciful article of clothing. :D Everyone asks me about the Animal of the Day. K....they do not have spherical birds in Utah. What am I supposed to do? Leave it be to live in peace in the wild? I think not!)

I can tell you one instance when I did not do an ugly dance.....when I found out that we were being shipped off to the train station to catch a train to the Manchester station and street contact....uh........say what now!!?!?!? From the 2nd day at the MTC when I controlled the majority of the mock teaching to my successful "milestones" with Sister Duston (video taped mock teaching tests), Ifelt like I could talk to anybody about religion, but when our teachers told us what we were about to do, I nearly dropped a load in my pants!!!! I was so scared! They gave us our train tickets and £5.00 for lunch and sent us on our merry way. The moment we stepped on the train, there was a tangible shift in mood. Everyone knew we were there and nobody wanted to speak with us. It was a bizarre feeling. It was funny to see all the music earbuds being shoved into ears, and it was hilarious to see people smash themselves against windows and doors so they wouldn't have to be close to us. As funny as it was i was still uber nervous so I said, "Ok God, here I am. Let's do this. You promised me that if I open my mouth you will fill it. Here I go." So I started talking to people. I was the only one! Come on Elders!!! Speak! Many many people got off my car after I spoke with them and I watched them moved to other cars. There was one man who got on who asked me what my deal was. We chatted for a bit and he aggreed to let me practice on him. He made it very clear he wasn't going to get sucked into anything I had to say. "OOOOHHHH Yay! You're gonna be hard! Perfect!" He tried to be all scientific with me. Bah! I hate arguing but I just bore simple testimony of my love for the savior, as I bore testimony (this happened many times that day) but I watched this man's expression change from "I'm just doing this chick a favor." to him actually paying attention to what i had to say. The spirit was bouncing around in my ribcage and i was all sorts of sweaty. At one point found myself saying, "I know and feel these things to be true, and I can see in your face that you feel it too."

"Feel what?"

"You're telling me you can't feel that?"

He got all shifty and said, "What!....It's just warm on this train. There are a lot of people in here. I don't feel anything."

mhmmm....ok...sure :)

It was just interesting to see the shift in people's expression when they listened to me, but not everybody listened to me. Lots of people yelled at me, telling me to mind my own business. It was bizarre to be yelled at...not because I haven't been yelled at before, but because I liked it. I'm still entranced by all the accents so when they yelled I was like, "YEAH!!!!! That's right! Keep yelling, I'm loving this." I don't think they appreciated that very much! I'm running out of time now, but I want to try to tell you about John. He called out to Sister Duston and myself. He was so ready!!!! Our teacher told us that we would meet people who God has prepared. I didn't know how prepared someone like that could be. He accepted everything we presented him with, and said, "yeah, I've always thought that's how it would be....how it should be." He told us how he'd just quit drinking, but he was trying to quit smoking...just then he pulled out a little piece of paper and tobacco and carefully assembled his tiny cigarette pinch by pinch. It was a crazy feeling to watch someone you've grown to love in just a couple of minutes carefully prepare this death stick, and not be able to do anything about it. We pleaded with him, prayed with him, did everything we could but knock it out of his hands. We had to catch our train, but I watched him roll it in his fingers as we ran away. As I rounded the corner I watched him light up......ughh......He was so ready! Bah ! I have to go!!!!!! Love you! BYE

Sunday, August 8, 2010

New Post from Sister White 8/4/2010

OK....Mom and Dad....I really don't have much time at all. We're being timed at this very moment and I am going to try to stuff as much junk in this email as I possibly can. Item number one: I LOVE IT HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMNG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everything about it...honestly I'm loving it here.
Food
The first day I they slopped some gray gunge on me plate and I was like, "Oh heaven help us all, " but luckily for me the food has improved much since that first meal. We've had pizza soup, eggs, legit English muffins...you name it, we've had it plus some sort of meat and potato item for every meal. I did have fish n chips for the first time yesterday. I cut into it, saw the black skin, and I had to yack for a second, but I finagled my way around it and I said to m'self, "Self, this tastes like an authentic Mcnugget!!!!!" There's not a bit of fish in this :) So not as bad as i thought. The best part of my meals is.....drum roll....the MILK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HALLE-FREAKIN-LUJAH! It's glorious!!!!!! It may be better than BYU creamery milk! That's legit.
Surroundings
It rains all the time, but oddly i don't mind. It's cloudy constantly, but unlike Provo clouds, these ones don't poop on my dreams. They're whimsical and atmospheric. I feel like in standing in the bottom of a snow globe....the sky seems so high. There are sheep!!!! We have a pond outside the cafeteria...we have ducks...many of them have been named and almost caught :) hee hee. There are so many fantastical plants that I've never seen or smelled before...and SO MANY BEES :) so i figure there must be honey some place.
Difficulties
I really haven't had many. I haven't had a lick of homesickness...no offense...i miss you, but i'm not disable :) That's more than i can say for the elders...poor fellows. My hair is a bit of an issue...I will probably never wear it down...it looks like this:/{|\!VWS?|/\/\/\//\////\/\\W\ as opposed to this ___________________________________ yes.... that is quite the difference.
Companion
Sister Duston, from St. George. She came a day late due to visa trouble, but when we first met one of the first things she said to me was, "My life goal is to be a platypus," and I'm pretty sure I fell in love with her right on the spot!!!!! We both happened to choose the top bunk. We laugh all the time. She skips with me. She has such a good understanding of the gospel and we make and incredible team. Honestly we're kind of a power house!!!! I love her so much.
Events
The flight was LOOOOOOONNNNNG!!!! Me bum's bruised still from sitting in the same chair, and my ears are still ringing from sitting next to same elder the whole time :) He has a lot on his mind....let's leave it at that, shall we :) So the first few days were so difficult to stay awake. As soon as two o'clock hit, my eyes flew to separate corners of the room, and no matter how hard i pinched m'self, I couldn't keep me eyelids raised!!!!! However, the second day we had a mock teaching demonstration, and at one point the director opened the floor for the audience to ask the investigator questions. The elders weren't getting anywhere so I chimed in. " May I share and experience with you....." I continued to share some bogus tragic event in my life, and asked him to share something with me.....blah de blah. The director clapped, telling me I was "champion," "a natural" and that i did what no other elder did, ask him a meaniful question. :) hee hee....not to toot me own horn, but that's how it's been every day. I wish I could go into more detail, but ugggh TIME.... but i do want to tell you that each day Heavenly father has been instantly answering my tiny prayers and answering all my questions. I still have a long way to go, but I feel the spirit when i mock teach, and everytime Sista Duston and I teach a companionship, the companionship says afterwards...."Wow! I have to live up to that? I felt the spirit I did. I feel intimidated now." anyways...so at least i feel like i can do this. I feel the spirit when i testify and when i talk to these other missionaries, the spirit tells me what they need to hear. I wish i could tell you the occasions when missionaries told me I was their tender mercy today....God is so incredible and he is aware of each of us, and truly is invested in our lives. I know this is his work and I know he's helping me progress. I have to go....oooohhhh I love you so much. Write soon. I'll try to tell you more soon and send you pictures. I'll leave you with this...Istood in a legit telephone booth today!! XOXOXOXOXO MMMMWAH!
Love
Your Stephanie
Sista White

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Me with our Franciscan Monk friends

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
So we did....we knocked on it...and guess who we found?

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
We saw this giant house on the hill in Alnmouth and said....."Oooooh let's knock that!"

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
We share the gospel with everyone....even people that live in extra small houses!

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Sister Hillgaard with the man from AA who came to our rescue.

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
1 of 4 tires

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
"LDS BEACH CLEAN"

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
The Alnwick Branch Beach Clean

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
This is where I live! Look at that beach!

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Me on the beach

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
This is what I look like for morning exercise. Sister Hillgaard finds it expecially amusing :D

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Some of us Sisters by the "What's in the Bag" statue

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Had a Sister's P-Day at Metro Centre Shopping mall in Newcastle...I look right at home.

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
This is my face when someone tells me they've made me fresh meat pie :D

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Welcome to Embleton...a little town near the coast. That's all there is basically.

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Candid photo of Sister White #342

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Candid Sister Hillgaard

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Received this festive hat from my cousin Sarah! Shout out to Cousin Sarah! Happy Christmas.

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Beautiful banner made by the youth of the Willow Canyon 8th Ward! It is proudly displayed!

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
After all our Gospel study, we compared tendons :D Look at Sis DeLucchi's crazy tendons! I'm going to make her tendon shields just in case one gets severed.

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Painted toes! We feel like ladies.

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
An ill Sister Lomiga and a peppy Sister DeLucchi

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Exchange in Ashington: Me with member Cathy

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
The Sunderland Family

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Zone p-day playing Mafia....when I was finally discovered as the MURDERER!

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Zone P-day where Sisters Belliston, DeLucchi and myself are attempting to stay warm in the sunlight.

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Ronnie with his Mansized tissues. My personal favorite

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Me with Ronnie

Alnwick January 2012

Alnwick January 2012
Me hugging my cold jug of milk and eyeing my Gaviscon pills for comfort.

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
More reading

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Here is her dragon she named "Dramatica"

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
It's Sister Hillgaard's Birthday Today! Here's her "Dragon Fire"

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
This is how we rang in the New Year! Happy 2012!

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
We dyed Sister Hillgaard's Hair

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
I was thrilled at all my little presents!!!!

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
My pretty Christmas gifties arrived

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Me sleeping after reading scriptures with my gallon jug of water I sipped out of with my new Build- your-own-straw.

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Sister Hillgaard sleeping with her lion, "Fluffy"

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Me sleeping

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Christmas at the Hansens!

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Calling Home!!!!!

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Trying out my new "Build a Straw!"

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Happy Christmas Sister Hillgaard

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Happy Christmas Sister White

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Happy Christmas Ronnie

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Me being festive.....even though I'm in dire need of a food nap.

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Me with little Sally Hansens (Jack Russel) in her new Santa outfit.

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Sister Hillgaard digging deep to her Viking roots to conquer multiple Christmas dinners

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Justine Jorgensen displaying my sad attempt at rice krispies.....I have other talents :D

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Peeping around the corner to see what Santa brought

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
We had our Mission Wide Christmas Party at Harrogate Army Base

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
The love of my life arrived the other day....my brand new, six volume, Braille Book of Mormon! I love it!

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
We had gale force winds up here. The wind blew so hard, some of those wind turbines burst into flames! And we braved it, yelling, "Bring it on!!!" It slammed us into a few people and a few cars....but we survived with only minor bruising :D

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Being our resourceful selves.....we made our Christmas tree this year, complete with our own festive ornaments! We love it! AND we plan to dance around it in true Danish form for Christmas.

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Our cute Alnwick youth/primary putting on the best nativity yet!

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Some of the chaos from the Branch Christmas Social

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
I'm sporting my fetching new Santa hat from the Kirches :D I'm the envy of all of Alnwick.

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Michael's birthday present from us

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Expressing my musical genius with these mystical bells.

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Me with the Jorgensen family and their surprise Hot Chocolate Night.....takes me back.

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Louise Jorgensen and I sporting our festive antlers

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
All the sisters at Zone Development meeting.

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Candid shot...just thought you'd like to see me....in the moment :D

Alnwick December 2011

Alnwick December 2011
Good Morning... No better way to start the day than with Captain America advent calendar. my poor little mouth.

Alnwick November 2011

Alnwick November 2011
Us pulling a "Beatles" with newly set apart Elder Jorgensen

Alnwick November 2011

Alnwick November 2011
I couldn't resist. The yellow slicker was just so fetching.

Alnwick November 2011

Alnwick November 2011
This is not what I had in mind.

Alnwick November 2011

Alnwick November 2011
This is at 4pm....note the darkness....

Alnwick November 2011

Alnwick November 2011
Ronnie, the ex-miner who no one can understand except for us, who brings his dog Maggie to all events.

Alnwick November 2011

Alnwick November 2011
Singing Happy Birthday to a member of our branch, John....it looks like it's sucking out my soul.

Alnwick November 2011

Alnwick November 2011
I'm always finding opportunities to drink with crazy straws. It's the only way to go really.

Alnwick November 2011

Alnwick November 2011
This week I finally finished my project for Sister's Specialized Training. We're having a tea party!!!! These are the little teacup name cards, and agenda sheet. I love projects!!!! I got to do something artsy!!!! WHOO!

Alnwick November 2011

Alnwick November 2011
Sister Hillgaard would like you to see her new way of smiling...she's been practicing. :D

Alnwick November 2011

Alnwick November 2011
Ghetto copy of our adventures with the Ashington Sisters

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
Good news is...we got to have a party with our friends Sister Terry and Belliston! and eat Krave....with no milk! Yay!

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
This was the moment we realized we no longer had our house keys either.....

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
This was our expressions when we realized we didn't have our car keys anymore.

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
Michael got BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
It was so magical! It kept pooping on my dreams though and washing away all my sand sculptures!!! Everyone elses' were fine and dandy, but all the waters combined and targeted only mine! How is my artistic genius meant to flourish in these conditions!!!!

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
We made it out to the sea!!!!!!!!

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
Me churning butter. It's a great shoulder work out :D

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
Sister Hillgaard "churning butter"

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
Last week we made butter. Why you ask? Well....just to mark something off my life list :D AND I ate real live honey comb....full of wax....not exactly what I was expecting but still delicious and now I'm allergy free :D supposedly.

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
I finally made it out to the sea!!!! It quite literally took my breath away. Incredible!

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
This is Sister Hillgaard's favorite picture.

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
Sister Hillgaard in her "gown of ruby and gold!"

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
"M'lady! Thou hast not thy proper frock!" yells the man in the corner by the racks of costumes. We remedied that straight away.

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
"Sister White, POSE!"

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
Me and the Castle.....Sister Hillgaard was in charge of the camera and took all kinds of shots.

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
Sister Hillgaard casting a spell

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
Here I am engaging in warfare.

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
Here I am doing my flying lesson.

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
Here I am at the front of Alnwick Castle

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
This is me. This is what I see out the window of our member's home.

Alnwick October 2011

Alnwick October 2011
This is literally what I see when I walk outside my front door! Well....until I move into my new place tomorrow.

Horbury September 2011

Horbury September 2011
Huddersfield, England

Horbury September 2011

Horbury September 2011
Sister Sorensen and I are in a very English setting...

Horbury September 2011

Horbury September 2011
Me putting on Deep Heat. I smell like a life sized Wintergreen Life Saver....fresh.

Horbury September 2011

Horbury September 2011
My body hurts :D Yet I'm still in good spirits :D

Horbury September 2011

Horbury September 2011
The Mighty Huddersfield Zone!

Horbury September 2011

Horbury September 2011
Sister Sorensen and I went to the 42 bistro...very posh ;D We had the best panini and soup I've had in all my days!

Horbury September 2011

Horbury September 2011
I couldn't help myself. I had to chase after him! Meet "Hans" from Germany in his top of the line mobility scooter that can brave any weather condition.

Horbury September 2011

Horbury September 2011
I saw this man chugging down the street in a hard top JAZZY!!!!!

Horbury September 2011

Horbury September 2011
Hey guess what. "Onward Christian Soldiers" was written right on this spot in Horbury. And did you know that I'm living in the Rhubarb Triangle of the World!?!?! Truth. Thought you'd appreciate.

Horbury September 2011

Horbury September 2011
Nightly ritual from Sister Sorensen :D She's hiding from the world.

Horbury September 2011

Horbury September 2011
This is Anne. She doesn't remember a thing, but she has THE funniest laugh of anyone I have ever met...Every time we need a pick me up, we go see Anne. She won't be able to tell you our names but what she will tell you....multiple times....is that she did welfare on Sunroyd Hill every day, and went to all the bungalows round about. Do you know what they did? They asked, "Anne, Do you want a cuppa?" (Cup of tea) and she did! She had more cuppas than she could manage and nearly floated away every single day! ahooo...hooo...hooo. :D Shout out to Anne!

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
Kenneth got baptized!!!!!!!!!!!

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
Treasure trove!

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
This old guy invited us in and sent us off with a treasure trove

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
Picture Scavenger Hunt: Be A Mannequin

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
Picture Scavenger Hunt: Find someone getting their hair cut.

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
Picture Scavenger Hunt: Find and IPhone 4 and Someone with a Crazy Hairdo....I wish you could see this guy from the side.

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
Picture Scavenger Hunt: Find Giant Chess Pieces

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
This is where Dan lives. I've been on this :D

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
Kenneth and Dan. Note the Bow Tie

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
When we got home....All the dancing and the squeezing took effect...I launched towards a Krave box.....good news...I felt a lot better afterwards.

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
The dancing wasn't working....so I squeezed it like an orange

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
Me trying to dance out a big gas bubble in my stomach.

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
Sister Sorensen eating her first official English Fish-n-chips in the pouring rain, under the shelter of a little bus stop.

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
We went for a fish pedicure! I've never giggled so much in my whole life!!!!

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
Sister Sorensen felt like death....first body breakdown of the mission

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
Making a wish!

Horbury August 2011

Horbury August 2011
My Celebratory Pizza for my one year mark!!!!!

Horbury July 2011

Horbury July 2011
President Lindley...keeping a safe distance :D.....me, Sister Sorensen, and Sister Lindley.

Horbury July 2011

Horbury July 2011
Me on Hazel's stair lift. Life Goal officially fulfilled and it was more wonderful than I could have ever imagined.

Horbury July 2011

Horbury July 2011
Sister Sorensen on Hazel's chair lift

Horbury July 2011

Horbury July 2011
Mother and Child: Sister White and Sister Chelsea Sorensen. I am so proud!

Horbury July 2011

Horbury July 2011
This is the Huddersfield Zone Megaphone....which is "Unsuitable for Sisters"...or is it!?

Horbury July 2011

Horbury July 2011
The final Huddersfield Zone Photo...for now.

Horbury July 2011

Horbury July 2011
Be amazed at the superhero lolly. I just felt like sending this. This takes me back to my Blow Pop days. :D

Horbury July 2011

Horbury July 2011
This says it all

Horbury July 2011

Horbury July 2011
Our four-man pow wow....these are the sorts of things we do in our "spare time" :D Thank you Kungfu Panda 2 Happy Meals at McDonalds!!!

Horbury June 2011

Horbury June 2011
John of John's Ices!!!!

Horbury June 2011

Horbury June 2011
Mighty Huddersfield Zone Hike

Horbury June 2011

Horbury June 2011
The sky here is AMAZING

Horbury June 2011

Horbury June 2011
Companionship Photo: Sister White and Sister DeLucchi

Wharfe Valley May 2011

Wharfe Valley May 2011
I love this woman. Rose slapped the beard on her head and sported it for the rest of the evening. * Let us all keep in mind that she's 64, plays XBOX Kinect games...like the Wii... She dresses up and she has the most fun of anyone anywhere! She's mint!

Wharfe Valley May 2011

Wharfe Valley May 2011
We had fun with wigs...People told me I looked either like Jesus....or an average English chick....you take your pick.

Wharfe Valley May 2011

Wharfe Valley May 2011
Sam Peel, Me and Joyce Bowman

Wharfe Valley May 2011

Wharfe Valley May 2011
We had a "60's and 70's Do" branch activity. Rose, Sara and Kevin came with the best outfits! They went all out and won the prize for "Best Fancy Dress."

Wharfe Valley May 2011

Wharfe Valley May 2011
We did it again :D

Wharfe Valley April 2011

Wharfe Valley April 2011
Our whole clan watching "Wallace and Gromit and the Wrong Trousers!"

Wharfe Valley April 2011

Wharfe Valley April 2011
Sister Taylor and me at Rosemary Cousins's Baptism!...With her son Kevin and her daughter-in-law-to-be, Sara

Wharfe Valley April 2011

Wharfe Valley April 2011
Seven inch hair chop!

Wharfe Valley April 2011

Wharfe Valley April 2011
Leeds 1 University District in front of the Obo Chinese Buffet!

Wharfe Valley March 2011

Wharfe Valley March 2011
Generation photo: Sister Taylor and I with our "moms" Sister Owen and Sister Richmond. P.S. Sister Owen went home. Bye Sister Owen!

Wharfe Valley March 2011

Wharfe Valley March 2011
Darling Sisters,

Wharfe Valley March 2011

Wharfe Valley March 2011
Amanda Kelk's Baptism!!!!!!

Wharfe Valley March 2011

Wharfe Valley March 2011
All the sisters had a "Tea Party" complete with special cups, pink candles, doilies and GIFT BAGS! PSSSH YEAH!

Wharfe Valley March 2011

Wharfe Valley March 2011
Me and Bessie after a hymn session. "Come here love...come sit on my knee." Every Saturday morning we go visit Bessie. Do you know what she told me after I sang a solo for her, "Do you know what that makes me think of.....an old woman rocking in a rocking chair....an old....welsh.....woman....in a creaky old rocking chair that's very old." hmmmm....old woman + welsh+ creaky old rocking chair that's very old = the last solo I will ever sing :D Sister Lamb really likes bringing it up :D hahaha

Wharfe Valley February 2011

Wharfe Valley February 2011
President Craig, Mick, Joyce, Chris, Me and Sister Lamb at the BAPTISM!!!!!!!! I know I take up most of the photo....I couldn't help m'self....My ankles don't bend :D Plus...something's got to distract from the picture on a jaunty angle.

Wharfe Valley February 2011

Wharfe Valley February 2011
Our friend Patricia celebrated her 50th Birthday!

Wharfe Valley February 2011

Wharfe Valley February 2011
Valentines Day....These were my valentines this year.

Wharfe Valley February 2011

Wharfe Valley February 2011
Mighty Leeds Zone....notice how I am strategically positioned so you don't notice I don't have a tie

Wharfe Valley February 2011

Wharfe Valley February 2011
Sisters of the ELM

Worksop January 2011

Worksop January 2011
Me with Norman and Rosemary Jones, who want to adopt me, and come visit us in America. fyi.

Worksop January 2011

Worksop January 2011
Golden Glen at his Baptism....whoo hoo Glen, the camera's this way.

Worksop January 2011

Worksop January 2011
MARK LESLIE JEPSON GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!

Worksop December 2010

Worksop December 2010
I hate not being able to be part of the action....can I just say that :D

Worksop December 2010

Worksop December 2010
Neil Raymond Stocken got BAPTIZED!!!!! WHOO!!!!

Worksop December 2010

Worksop December 2010
Me in the snow...this was just the beginning.

Worksop November 2010

Worksop November 2010
Miss Beryl Dolan got baptized!!!!! I'm sad she's not grinning....she's got the sweetest toothless grin you'll ever seen. Oh how I love the toothless :D Ps We're wearing our poppies for Remembrance day on the 11th.

Worksop September 2010

Worksop September 2010
Hey hey I've got an idea...we should name this shop "Going Potty :D hahah

Worksop September 2010

Worksop September 2010
Sasha!!!! Paint Girl!!!! This is my dream.

Worksop September 2010

Worksop September 2010
Old People run rampant here!!! Worksop is Jazzy central!!! They have "scooter" shops on every corner and these signs on every street....heavens.

Worksop August 2010

Worksop August 2010
We were carrying this to a recent convert....the bag broke....need I say more. I couldn't let it go to waste

Worksop August 2010

Worksop August 2010
Ashley Louise Doncaster, Brother Jones and the Sisters at Ashley's baptism

Worksop August 2010

Worksop August 2010
Me with Sister Star Owen and President and Sister Lindley

August 2010

August 2010
President and Sister Clegg

August 2010

August 2010
A Legit Phone Booth

All missionaries at the Preston, England MTC July 2010

All missionaries at the Preston, England MTC July 2010
Note my snappy plaid skirt

Can this count as part of my checked luggage? I feel like I should own this :)

See....it likes me...now I HAVE to take it with me.

Mr. Postman...make my day.

This cookie would NOT crumble!

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