Week 8: Lots of Walking....and a TRIO!

So not much happened this week.

We were running low on K's {kilometers} so we had to walk one day and it was raining in the morning so I wore my super cute gumboots {rain boots}. Well...we didn't get to go home so we kept walking. We ended up walking for 7 HOURS and almost 15 KILOMETERS in gumboots!!!! Holy uncomfortable! While we walked around town we had some pretty cool things happen. 

1st: We walked to a potential investigators house and we didn't really know what to share we didn't even know if she was home but she was! She invited us in and it was SO Loud!!!! Cartoon network has always sounded crazy but this was a super crazy annoying show!!! Haha I couldn't hear anything Sister Ricks was saying! Then I heard we could bring you a copy if you'd like to read it...then I remembered that I woke up that morning and thought "I want to place a B.O.M. so I'm going to take a fresh one". AWESOME!!! I pulled the B.O.M. out of my bag and gave it to her and she was so happy!!!!! Glad I listened to that prompting! She said she would read it and we are going back next week! She is so cool and I can't wait to see how she progresses! 

2nd: Later we were walking to go back home around 5pm and we got a call from a Less Actives mom who said he daughter needed some help at her house...we just happened to take the way home where we would be passing by her house!! We stopped by and helped her and it was GREAT!! I have come to LOVE service on my mission...not because I get to wear pants :) but because I am so happy while I'm doing it and the people are always so grateful! Always do service!!!! We started walking home around 6:15 and it was already starting to get dark and we had about 2 hours of walking to get home. 

3rd: While we were setting our pace and booking it in our cute gumboots I saw this elderly lady fall in the woods! We awkwardly ran across the highway and asked if she needed help getting up. Her husband kept saying you're alright but this lady couldn't move and it was clear she had broken her nose and maybe her wrist! We helped her up and more people started stopping on the side of the road to help. It was so scary!!!!!!!!! We wanted to call an ambulance but the husband said no he would just take her to the ER (from what I've heard Canada ER's are just as bad as the US and you have to wait forever!) Poor lady! We were glad we were there to help because her husband was unable to lift her by himself! MIRACLE! We started home again...stopped and got dinner at like 7:45 and eventually made it home just after curfew! It was a crazy day and my feet still hurt but it was surprisingly fun!

4th: Later in the week we got a call that we would be getting a NEW COMPANION!!! So we are now a TRIO or TRIAD or whatever!!! Sister Holbrook is from San Francisco California and this is her last transfer so she's going home in December! She is so great!!! I have a lot to learn from her being a newbie! We have a lot of new challenges though! Someone's the third wheel all the time Hahaha and in lessons it's like a guessing game to see who's going to speak! We're working on it though! It's been so fun! Yesterday we were tracting and we ran into this lady that used to live in Hawaii and we got to talking about the Polynesian Culture Center and she thinks she knows Jacob {our cousin's husband}!!! Thought that was cool! She said she has tons of pictures of the performers because she had annual passes or something and her son LOVES it! She said we could come back and look and see if it's Jacob! Maybe it will be, maybe not I thought he worked there for a while! Someone ask Britney or Auntie Sharon! haha

Other than that not much has happened! We are going to buy pumpkins today and carve them and eat lots of pumpkin goodies!!! We're not allowed to go out Halloween night so we are planning festivities to do during planning! 

Lastly, really fast because my time is running out: This week I struggled a lot with being overwhelmed with my weaknesses. I realized I'm not as Christlike as I should be, I'm not studying that well...everything spiraled until I felt super inadequate. SATAN will do that to ya! Well I talked with my amazing companions and they gave me some cool advice that I've heard before but now see in a different light. 

We as humans are imperfect but strive for perfection. At the end of my mission I WILL NOT be the perfect missionary I imagined. I will still have weaknesses, I'll still be struggling! We shouldn't be too hard on ourselves. We don't have to master everything and be exactly as Christ was. 

We just have to be perfect at trying. 

We will probably be imperfect till the day we die. BUT! Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we are perfect in God's Eyes! The Savior has suffered for us and has given us the chance to live with our Heavenly Father again. Without Jesus Christ we wouldn't even be able to dwell with God not even pray to him because we are unworthy! BUT through the grace of Jesus Christ we are able to approach Heavenly Father whether through prayer or after this life and live with him. I'd encourage everyone to study the Atonement and what it really means to us and how each of our challenges and weaknesses are made up for through Jesus Christ. We just have to try our best and acknowledge Christ's Atonement and repent daily for our shortcomings and weaknesses. My mission president knows me so well and tells me often that, 

"the mission {and our lives} is a MARATHON not a SPRINT." 

We have to do things line upon line, precept upon precept and rely on the Lord to help us get through. 

My challenge to you for the week: Read Ether 12:27 and think about YOUR personal weaknesses that Heavenly Father can help you with.

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. 

I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; 

and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me, 

and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

Each Transfer I have had a motto that I ponder and work on!

Last transfer was D&C 11:21 

This transfer its  Moroni 7:48. So good!!!

My 2 month mark is coming up!!!!!! 

Hope everyone has a great Halloween!!!!

Sister Peterson

Week 7: Transfers, General Authorities, and Whales....OH MY!

This week was transfer week....

{drum roll }

I'm staying in Campbell River with Sister Ricks! Yay! No surprise there! I'll be here until December 10th! The week started out slow....but we had a CRAZY weekend! It was Nanaimo stake conference and Elder Gay of the Seventy came! He asked to have a 2 hour meeting with JUST THE NANAIMO ZONE! So cool! President and Sister Burt came too! We drove to Nanaimo on Saturday (I drove! Woohoo!) and had a great meeting with Elder Gay! He told us about how he served as a mission president in Africa over Ghana, Sierra Leone...and somewhere else. He has some CRAZY COOL stories! One of my favorite things he said was "Not one of you (missionaries) is here by chance. If you were sent here you have a purpose". I've been trying to figure out that purpose. I know that I'm supposed to be on a mission and I'm starting to love it, but why am I in Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada RIGHT NOW! Figuring out my purpose is exciting! I have faith that there are people here that I am meant to meet and teach. This weekend I also got to spend time with President

and Sister Burt in interviews and other events. I LOVE THEM! They inspire me to be a better missionary and are such great examples to me! One of the best parts of this weekend was seeing all the Elders and Sisters! We are so isolated in Campbell River so it's kinda like a party when we go to Nanaimo! We went on exchanges and I got to walk around Nanaimo and see the "Big City" haha. 

MISSION ROADTRIPS ARE THE BEST!!! We came back home yesterday and worked a little in our area. We drove down this random road almost on the outskirts of our area to find a less active member. No joke the road was like 12 miles long! We kept driving and driving and finally we found her house and we had a great lesson with her! So stoked! After we felt like we should stay on that road in the middle of no where and we walked to the end like another 2 miles! After visiting a few houses we realized that missionaries had NEVER been down there and a lot of people hadn't heard of our church before. We knocked on one door and this

sweet mom answered and she basically set up her own return appointment with a church tour!! MISSIONARY MIRACLE! It was amazing to see how God is preparing people and leading you to them. We would have NEVER gone down there...the road wasn't even on the map! It was great! A scripture we have been sharing is Alma 13:24! Angels really are preparing the people all around the world to hear the message of the gospel. It's up to missionaries AND members to OPEN OUR MOUTHS and share the good word! We never know who is prepared and who may need to hear that message! Talk to everyone! 

While we were on the "road of miracles" we found GINORMOUS LEAVES!! We would pick them up as we went and then leave them in the drive way when we knocked on doors! We got some good ones! We also had a Justin Bieber sighting in the woods...refer to pics. Jumping to today...as we were going to the church to email we stopped by the beach and we saw a whale! I'm so lucky to be serving in Campbell River! It's so beautiful and I'm amazed everyday! 

This weekend was so exciting and spiritually uplifting! I can't write about it all but I am having a great time! My challenge to all of you reading is to help your missionaries out in your area! 

Give them a referral, talk to a friend about the gospel. Refer to D&C 33:8 as to how you should go about that ;) Missionary work is for everyone, members and full time missionaries! 

Heavenly Father wants all his children to learn of the gospel! So as it says in that scripture OPEN YOUR MOUTH!!!  I know this gospel can bless people's lives and as we share it we will be blessed as well!

Love you all!!

Until next week,

Sister Peterson

Week 6: Did this week even happen?!?

Another week has passed and it feels like a blur! Maybe it was because of ALL THE RAIN....{terrible joke}....don't even think that was a joke...Anyway lets forget that...The work has been picking up! YAY! At the start of this week we taught so many lessons it was great!!!! Usually our plans fall through, but we actually had a few days where things worked out! In fact, one of our investigators SET A BAPTISM DATE!!!! We are so stoked for her! We have already seen awesome blessings from her making the commitment to be baptized! We also had a lot of success with less actives which is always great! Our ward is FANTASTIC! They help us out so much and they are our family here in Campbell River! I started driving this week!! Transfers are next week so we decided it might be a good idea for me to get to know the area in case Sister Ricks is transferred! Guys, I'm driving a Chevy...I miss my Ford! I feel apostate driving any other car! Haha I'm so grateful we have a car though! This week we found out {like the day of} that there was some type of tropical storm that was supposed to hit the island....thanks for the heads up people! Haha It wasn't bad but we got SOAKED!!!! It was a bad walking day!! I was so happy when we got to use the car again and the heater!!! We didn't have access to the news or anything so we were scared! We were told to stay out of the woods because the trees could fall on us, and told to stay off Ocean Hwy because sometimes the waves wash out the road! The Ocean looked SUPER choppy that day it was scary, but nothing really bad happened just lots and lots of rain! YAY! 

Also I met a celebrity this week. His name is Quatro and he is a Golden Retriever that played Mud Bud in Treasure Buddies one of the Air Bud movies!!! I was stoked! He is a good dog :) This week in District meeting I had to give a training!!! AHH!!! Me? Only out 4 weeks? Training old missionaries!!! I was nervous, but it was so cool and I loved it! I've always loved teaching so this was somewhat fun!  We met some interesting people this week! One guy talked to us for an hour! Who knew the question "Do you have any spiritual beliefs?" would turn into that!! Haha This week I also got a "greenie" package from Auntie Sandra!!! It was so cute! The note said: 

"To a Greenie Sister: You may be young, you may be new, but you're ready to show what you can do. countless experiences are just around the bend. The Shepherd's lost sheep you are called to tend. So, enjoy this package, every last GREEN treat, And get excited - you have lost souls to meet!" 

So cute!! My companion and I seriously jumped for joy when we saw Mint Oreos inside! Haha The Oreos here are GROSS!!!! They shouldn't even be called Oreos...maybe Ore-NO! I'm really bad with the jokes today peeps. Everything tastes a little different here, so I am so excited to have some American snacks! This weekend was Canadian Thanksgiving!! So weird to have Thanksgiving before Halloween. We have to work on Holidays which can be great and also bad. Not many people were happy to see Mormons on their doorstep on Thanksgiving! Nevertheless...we met some great people and even set up some appointments to teach! We got to have 2 Thanksgiving feasts this weekend! One on Sunday and Monday! Holy turkey guys. This week was good! I learned a lot about myself and how to deal with stressful situations. Here's one scripture I want to include:

Doctrine & Covenants 45:3-5

"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him. Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life." 

The Savior's Atonement is infinite. He is currently pleading our cause before God. He is our biggest advocate and loves us so much! He has experienced every second of our lives...literally! He knows what we need help with. If we can just turn to him in Faith and believe in Him we can have so much peace in our life. I know this week as I prayed for his help and comfort I got it. I know that he loves me and that we are put through stressful things because it will help us grow! Look up The Mormon Message Refiners Fire...so good! Remember that the Atonement was for all but is very personal. It's starting to get chilly here and I have to use Gumboots (Rainboots) now!!! My gumboots are so cute!! I'll take a pic for next week!! I hope everyone is enjoying Fall!!

Sis. Peterson, Bishop's wife, Sis. Ricks, and Sister G. We matched at church today!!!! Polka dots are so in!

Love ya!

Sister Peterson

Week 5: One Month Anniversary

Warning! This week's email is going to be short! People are finally starting to write me so my whole 2 hours to email seems like nothing!! I'll start with a funny/painful story. So mornings we take the trash out to the road. I was walking down our stairs and next thing I know i'm FALLING!!!!! I fell so hard!!!!!! I just laid in a ball on the tile at the bottom and I was like WHAT THE HECK I'M TOTALLY DEAD!!! The lady we live with heard and she came running in!! Apparently I'm not the first

Miracle Beach (It wasn't that miraculous)

missionary to fall down those stairs!! It hurt so bad!!! My whole left side was just numb and bruised!!! I don't think I broke anything though. Anyway later that night we were parked and we saw this guy walking and we were like we need to talk to him!!! I said "Let's role play" in hopes of making it more natural. I was going to say "Did you find it or Was it in the Trunk?" Well I'm getting out of the car and my purse strap was wrapped around my leg and SURPRISE.......I FELL!!!!! IN THE DIRT! ON THE SAME SIDE I FELL ON EARLIER IN FRONT OF THIS MAN!!!! My companion Sister Ricks...bless her heart thought I was role playing and that I was just dedicated!!! Meanwhile I'm on the ground my leg is bleeding and I'm like "SISTER THAT IS THE SECOND TIME I'VE FALLEN TODAY!!! I'M SO MAD!!!" She's then talks to the man, "Hi we're your new missionaries do you have any spiritual beliefs!?" It was sooooo funny!!!!!!!!!!! I am black & blue and scraped up but I'm doing good!! Haha I testify that Deep Blue rub from DoTerra is magical and works wonders :) One minute I think I'm adjusted to this missionary life the next I'm a wreck...don't think it will change but

Nanaimo Zone Meeting

for all of you thinking about missions...IT IS NOT EASY!! Its is some of the hardest work you will do but also some of the most rewarding! I've already made so many friends and memories!! It's great! Friday was my ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY!!! 17 left! The days are long but time flies by!!! Can't believe a month ago I entered the MTC and started all this!! Anywho....We got to take a roadtrip to Nanaimo for a Zone Meeting! Roadtrips are the bomb.com because you get to see other missionaries and you get really good trainings!!! I love the sisters in our zone!! They are so dedicated and fun! After Zone meeting we drove back to Campbell River and because it was my "one month Birthday!" we decided to do

something fun and get Tim Horton's pumpkin hot chocolate and a doughnut before curfew! It was good!! General Conference this weekend was AMAZING!!!!! I love the 3 new apostles Elder Rasband, Elder Stevenson, and Elder Renlund!!! Everyone's talks were great and emphasized things I really needed to hear. It's been great to see our investigators get excited for conference and watch it and feel the holy ghost! We were indoors a lot this week, but we still met some pretty cool people and some great experiences!
Yesterday we were tracting and this little girl (probably 2 years old) saw us and was so happy!!! She ran up to Sister Ricks and gave her a huge hug and kept saying HI HI HI!!! Her parents were like who are these weirdos and were wishing their daughter would come inside. Even after we left she kept saying BYE and waved to us!! It was so sweet!!! It was like she knew we were good people. Hahaha We have been really praying this week to find people who are prepared to hear our message. We have a goal of 3 baptisms this month and in our efforts of trying to follow the spirit we have been guided to some incredible people and had some great conversations! 'We can do all things through Christ' and if we will just have faith and be in tune

My District!

with the spirit everything will work out and we will be blessed. This applies to everyone's lives. Heavenly Father wants to bless us so much and by taking that simple step of faith we can receive so many blessings and tender mercies!! Always remember CPR: Church. Pray. Read. This is something I have to remind myself of daily! As a missionary I have to be as spiritually prepared as I can in order to help others come unto Christ. All of you are missionaries and can contribute to the work. As you dedicate yourself to praying, attending church, and studying the scriptures (PONDERIZE IS MY NEW FAVORITE WORD FROM GENERAL CONFERENCE! It just fits so well!) you will see miracles in your life and help others come closer to Christ. Pray for missionary opportunities! I know the Sister/Elders in your ward will appreciate it. Next week will be Canadian Thanksgiving!!!! WOOHOO!!! So I won't be emailing until Tuesday :)

Love you all,

Sister Peterson