Jan 19th-Jan 26th "Change, change, change"

Change, change, change.

(And lots of crying too cuz I'm a softie these days)

Monday, January 19th.

P-day. Doing the usual. We are hanging out with the loomis missionaries today.

We went fishing with them, playing rugby, and chillin. Sister pickup

and I also got a haircut too. Sister pickup and I got a lot done too.

We had a snack after playing around outside by eating some pizza. Then

we all left to go to Monday night activities.

Sister pickup and I had dinner with the forrests, who moved into the

Ward recently, and it was such a great visit. After that we went and

saw sister johnson, she works in primary. She asked me if could go

over some sign language with her so we went over and saw her. It was

fun helping out with something I could do haha! It's great. Then we

headed over to the astles to drop off the fishing poles she let us

borrow for fishing( we caught nothing by the way....lame) and she was

like "you want to join us in FHE?" And we were like "of course we

do!"we played apples to apples BIBLE EDITION. So fun. And it was funny

too. They are my people! The Astle family is so cool. We shared a

message at the end, and were able to get insight for one of their

friends who we are teaching. Then bed.

Tuesday, January 20th.

We had district meeting, and it was so good! We almost met all of our

goals that we set. We were so close! But we are all excited to go and

teach everyone we see.

Lunch, then another lesson with margaret. It was great.

We had service at the mintons for 2-3 hours, and Katie came with us.

Then we changed and went to dinner with the groths. We had loomis

Chinese. It was so fun. They brought their grandchildren, so we were

playing with them. Seriously the cutest girls I have ever seen.

We had the Book of Mormon class, and it was great. Sister Andersen and

a guy that the zone leaders are teaching came. It was so good!

Grace had something happen, so we were not able to meet with her. BUT

because Heavenly Father is amazing....we were able to have sister

Staker come and go visit ashley, an investigator, and see her. And

teach. MIRACLE. They connected instantly. People are so amazing. God

has everything figured out. And all we have to do is listen, and he

leads us where we need to go.

Then home and bed.

Wednesday, January 21st.

We went and did visits to people today. A lot of them.

In the morning, we tried to see a few people that sister swell had

referred us too, then went and visited people around the Folsom lake.

We cover some of the area before you get to the lake so that's where

we went. After making a few visits there, we all decided to go and

visit some friends in the sun knoll area.

We saw Ruth. She was standing outside wearing three jackets, a hat,

and beanie, and gloves. She was freezing outside and inside lol and

was taking a break from baking her potatoes in the oven so when we

were talking to her she would go and check up on her food to make sure

they didn't get burned lol funniest thing ever. Seriously though, we

had such a great lesson with her and Katie was able to connect with

her as well.

We saw vanessa( another less active girl YSA age), and finally had the

chance to see sister mcgiguan and her husband. Him and his wife were

about to leave but we were able to get there in time! So that was

cool. It was a short lesson but was so good!

After that visit, we all went and got lunch. And it was great.

We saw wendy, and gerald then dropped off Katie and went to dinner

with the Close family.  It was simple. And we had an awesome lesson

with them as well for doing "everyday missionary work" so that was

cool.

Then went and saw the johnsons and a few other friends. Got some

frozen yogurt as a treat for ourselves on the way home lol and it was

SO good.

After we got done planning, we were in bed.

Thursday, January 22nd.

We did service at sister stakers in the morning for a couple of hours.

We mucked(picked up horse poop on the ground). It was great. We were

both tired from yesterday. Something really funny happened. I was

about to take my load where the other muck piles were and the

wheelbarrow I had- hit one bump, and it fell back on the ground...it

just plopped right on down. I was so bummed lol and sister pickup saw

it and was about to laugh and I just gave her a "don't you dare laugh"

look cuz I was about to cry from being so tired and having allergies.

lol but after I breathed and kept working it was really funny then

haha!

Sister pickup and I concluded that if you think you know more and

think you can disobey...and get away with the little things...you are

wrong. He makes you pay for it- one way or another. ALWAYS obey the

commandments and listen. Repent for the little things because they

really do make the biggest difference. God has a great sense of humor.

Anyways, we had lunch and changed then went to see people. Stopped by

and visited Charlie, and we were able to interact with all the people

there and included in an art activity. It was fun!

Natalie came with us for a little bit for visits then we dropped her

off and headed to dinner with the Suchomels. It was a great dinner

too.  We were able to get some referrals too! And work with them on

using facebook for missionary work.

Brother Donavan was able to come out with us, so we went and saw Mike

again and tried a few other people and they weren't home.

Then normal night routine. And getting lots of "little things" done.

Friday, January 23rd.

We had planning this morning. We both realized we have transfer calls

next week. Time flys by so fast.

We were able to have a short lesson with grace and sister Suchomel was

there. Sister Suchomel was a huge help, and grace isn't quite ready

for baptism but is thinking about it and still wants to meet with us.

We weren't dropped...which was good haha she's open to learning and

will be praying to know if that's what she needs to do. So we had a

real, honest conversation with her and it was cool to see how sister

Suchomel  was able to be a support for grace. Members are awesome.

Grace is progressing in her own way. The lords work is amazing.

We had a lesson with austin and Gerald, and the Addleys were there. We

set a goal date for Gerald's endowment session! He's thinking the 24th

of Febuary so we were all excited.

We contacted a few referrals, then tracted a little bit then headed

over to the La Plantes to drop off some cookies and card for Tony! It

was his birthday yesterday. We had a great conversation with his wife

and kids. Dinner was with sister Astle, and it was great!

We headed over to church for a meeting with sister Munoz, a less

active who we haven't been able to see in awhile, she asked for a

blessing to help with sickness and comfort. Her home teachers came and

we all had a great discussion on the gospel. Her home teachers were

perfect for her. We talked for a little bit, then they gave her and

one of her sons a blessing. Both were beautiful blessings. As we were

all leaving, we found out that the two men haven't ever met her until

tonight to give her the blessing. Crazy, huh?! They were so willing to

help her too! The priesthood is such a blessing. We have so much

because of the priesthood. It was a great visit! Then we came home and

got ready for Saturday. I got a letter from my sister and a friend too

so that was cool.

Saturday, January 24th.

We spend most of the day in Lincoln. Today we helped the lincoln 5th

elders, elder berger and wright, with their area. We tracted all day

in a suburb area.  We gave out tons of pass along cards and tried to

talk to everyone about the gospel. Sister pickup and I were able to

get the area covered before dinner!

We are really good at tracting haha! It's really easy when no one is

home or answers their doors:) PRO status hahaha! We did get to talk to

a few people though, they are prepared to listen!

Lunch was at a Chinese resturaunt and the AP's( assistant missionaries

to the mission president) came to eat with us, it was fun! They also

came for dinner too lol so we got to see them which was awesome. We

all ate, hung out, took pictures, and then gave the lincoln 5th elders

info about the day so they can update everything.

We left for loomis shortly after and prepared for Sunday! We were in

bed ASAP cuz we have a big day ahead, playing catchup from being away

from loomis with lessons and some things we need to do before Monday.

It was great!

Sunday, January 25th.

Church was happy and sad.

It was happy because we got to see our ward family but then we had a

change( this is the sad part). We found out at the last part of ward

council from bishop Latham...that he was being released...about 45

minutes before church so he wouldn't be bishop anymore. YEP- the

bishopric changed this morning. Bishop, counsellors, and secretary all

were released.

We were all in shock. Sister pickup and I were so sad :(  He's one of

the best bishops I have ever worked around. By far! He served for 6

years as bishop. BUT since the lord always has this stuff figured out

- in sacrament meeting we found out who the new bishop is as well as

the counsellors, and secretary. President Perez announced all the

changes so since he was there the entire stake presidency was there

too! Church was packed too.

Our new bishop is...Bishop Addley. Does the name sound familiar at

all?? Well, every week we meet with brother Addley for Gerald( who's

going to the temple soon for his first time) and Austin's lesson every

week. It's him! Brother Addley is now Bishop Addley. His counsellors

are both still new to the ward so good things are going to happen. It

was cool to see how beautiful the priesthood works!

President Perez had all the new bishopric sit on one side while the

previous bishopric sat in the front for one last time. We heard

testimonies from both bishop Latham and his wife and Bishop Addley and

his wife. President Perez got up and spoke too. I was crying like a

baby too-  and so was everyone else too. The spirit was so strong, and

it was a beautiful thing. Change is good, but sometimes it happens

when you least expect it.  And yes- sister pickup was making fun of me

for crying too in case yall were wondering.

Classes at church were so good, this ward is amazing. I love the

people here so much.

After church, we had lunch with the mark meteer family and it was great!

Then we went and visited people and saw miracles happen. We were

teaching, contacting, and the spirit was working through us. Dinner

was with the thomsons. We ended our night at the barrys and it was

another great lesson! Then home to prepare for preparation day. We had

19 lessons. The lord blessed us with success.

Being a missionary is the best thing I have ever done, and I love this work.

Monday, January 26th.

Another Monday has come. Sister pickup and I are doing the usual p-day

stuff. Then hiking with Katie and then going lincoln to chill with the

other missionaries. It's Sister Mathews( a sister in Lincoln) last

p-day so we are going to party it up before she leaves to go home to

Utah. Dinner is with sister mcgiguan and her family then more work!

I hope yall know how amazing you are. I love you guys. Have a great

week! And see yall soon! And I made sure this week to send pictures

cuz last week I didn't haha!

Until next time,

Sister Matchett

January 12th- 19th

Monday, January 12th. Preparation day!

We are doing the usual today. Emailing, laundry, cleaning, etc.

Then going to the stake center in Lincoln to play sports and chill

with the other missionaries.

We also got a random phone from Sean, sister barrys husband, asking us

how sisters can be involved in baptisms. Random, but kinda cool at the

same time lol so that was interesting. We also made contact with

dacoda, an investigator, that we haven't been able to talk to in

forever. Another miracle.

We had dinner with sister Staker, and we had steaks. So good. She came

to the lesson with grace at the stoddards so we talked about the

lesson plan with her and called brother stoddard to let him know about

the lesson. Sister Staker and us left after dinner and headed over to

graces lesson. We all got there. Grace was excited to see us, and we

had a such a great lesson on the gospel. We taught the third lesson in

preach my gospel. The members were so good! They were able to connect

with grace so well. She felt really good about baptism and commited to

being baptized by Feburary 7th.

Miracle. She's really searching. We are so lucky to be missionaries.

Then bed.

Tuesday, January 13th.

We had district meeting and it was so good! All of us are working hard

and seeing miracles happen. So many things were discussed, but all of

it was great! We got pictures for the newspaper article that we are

going to be "featured" in. Then headed to lunch as a district to this

awesome pizza place. So good.

After lunch we had a lesson with margaret and helped her with some

projects that she needed help with.

We had service with the mintons. It was sister pickup and I as well as

Katie. Katie, a returned missionary, just came back from her mission a

week ago. She knows an "Elder Autrey" ...sound familiar to anyone??

"He's from...some city in Texas??" Is what she was describing to me.

Haha. When she said that she knew of him I was in shock lol it's such

a small world. She served around him in Wyoming. She had nothing but

the best things to say about him lol so that was fun! After service we

dropped of Katie, and tried to see some more people. We had dinner

with the stoddards which was great. Then we headed over to the church

for the Book of Mormon class, Katie came to that as well as the zone

leaders. It was a great read.

We were supposed to have president interviews, but they were

rescheduled so we got a bunch of stuff done that we needed to do then

made a few more visits and then normal schedule.

Wednesday, January 14th.

Another busy day.

We went and visited some sisters in the first Ward, and some people we

have never met so we went street contacting with Natalie, bishops

daughter. She's going to the Philippines for her mission. She leaves

in a few weeks so we are going to go out more with her. She was a huge

help. We also had a lesson with one of the less actives in the area.

We took a break and had lunch. Then went out to see more people with

Katie. She was fun to be around!

We went and contacted so many people. Talked to people, and got to see

the miracles of having a member with us. We also had great lessons

with vanessa( a less active) who might go to institute! She's so

great. We also saw Patsy, so that was cool. We set up another time to

see her too. It was Patsy's idea this time. That's cool.

We went and visited with wendy after those visits. Then off to dinner

we headed! It was with sister swell! I just love her. It was a great

meal. And great company.

We had a lesson with charla and Andrew, which fail through. Brother

Donavan came with us so once we all came to the conclusion that they

weren't home...we decided to visit other people around! We saw her

neighbor, mike. We were able to have a good visit with him, and he

might do a chapel tour soon with his mom!

After that visit, we dropped by Paul cooks house. We tracted into him.

And sure enough right when we knocked on the door he lets us

in...because his wife was home.

She's been thinking about a religion for her daughter and was talking

about it with him ...right when we knocked on her door. Funny how that

works. What I'm about to share acutally happened.

We had a lengthy conversation where she asked anything and everything

about what we do, it was pretty intense. She asked some very personal

questions and wanted every detail and explanation. Words can't

describe how much I was praying silently to know what I should say.

Somehow we were able to leave her with a Book of Mormon and told her

to write down her questions. Sister pickup and I were put to the test.

So was brother donavan. We all worked together.

It's moments like that I'm grateful for the Holy Ghost. I was able to

bear my simple testimony that I know this church is true. And why I am

on a mission. Why I believe the things I do. It was amazing to see

that for a few seconds...she was able to listen and let herself feel

the spirit instead of trying everything to avoid feeling it..like the

majority of the conversation. She agreed to let us come back so we

have someone new to teach. She's looking for the truth, and we can

help her. It's just going to be a little challenge, but that's okay.

Paul, her husband, is ready to learn too. God always has a reason for

everything.

Then we planned, and went to bed. We were exhausted.

Thursday, January 15th.

We did service at sister stakers in the morning. We talked to

Christian, a guy living on her property, about t- shirts for the

missionaries in the lincoln zone.

We went and got Brie, she's going on a mission soon, then we went to

see a few LA's in the area. We dropped her off, then went to see

brother loser again. It was so much fun!

Then dinner, and then we had another lesson with grace. It went well.

She's excited about coming to church. Then we came home.

Friday, January 16th.

We went and helped the lathams set up for one of their daughters

wedding reception.

We saw ashley again with sister kester and had a really great lesson

from reading the Book of Mormon.

We had lunch, then planned.

We had another lesson with gerald and austin with the addleys, then

with wendy. There all so good. Then dinner and then visiting more

people.

Saturday, January 17th.

We did service all day.

The first project we did was at sister Linda swells and we cleaned out

her garage. We had the perfect amount of people to help sister swell

out. We finished with at project around 3pm, then went over to the

barrys to do service over there. They fed us dinner since we didn't

have one, then we had a lesson with them after so everything worked

out. Then home, and normal routine.

Sunday, January 18th.

We had church! And it was great! Natalie and Brie spoke. Grace came to

church and loved it! Sean came as well as Craig. There was so many

people there. It was fun to see everyone there and the sisters who

spoke did so well. It was perfect for everyone who came, and it was so

refreshing to hear the greenie fire those sisters had.

After church we went to sister jensens house for lunch and to work on

some things for the newspaper article. We saw some people after, and

had great visits.

Dinner was with sister fardenesh, and we had the chance to see her

mom( a LA) and share a message. Then went and saw the la plantes and

sister staker. Then Sunday night routine.

We had 18 lessons, and worked hard. Another great week!

Monday, January 19th.

P-day. Doing the usual. We are hanging out with the loomis missionaries today.

We went fishing with them, playing rugby, and chillin. Sister pickup

and I also got a haircut too.

I hope yall had a great week!! Love yall and see yall soon!

Enjoy the pictures.

Until next week,

Sister Matchett

Jan 5th-Jan 12th "Miracles All Around"

Miracles all around.

Hello friends:) my people. I hope everything is going great for yall!

This week was full of miracles. We had back to back lessons with

members at almost all of them. Members are so powerful in lessons! We

are finding when we teach, and teaching when we find.

Lots of things happened. Hope you enjoy the letter! And ...GO!

Monday, January 5th.

Today it's different with how p-day is going to work. We are doing

apartment inspections, then going to zone activity. The apartments(

even if you live with members) are inspected by whoever comes, then we

get the "okay" and go do p-day stuff. So it's going to be fun today!

Sister pickup and I are excited to clean and do spring cleaning. It's

a good time to do that. It's a new year, I could always use more

organization...that's a great thing to do again! We all hung out after

at the church and it was fun!

Then dinner with a  part member family, the mckeevers. It went so

good! The family was really excited to see us too! It was an awesome

visit.

We had a lesson with grace at the stoddards, we taught the

restoration. She liked it, and related with how Joseph Smith felt when

looking into religions. So she connected with that instantly. We

invited her to read the Book of Mormon and pray, she said she would.

She's open to being baptized if she has that feeling. She's such an

example to me! She is acting on faith to search out alone despite what

her family thinks. It was such a great lesson, the spirit was so

strong. The stoddards were a big help too, she has friends now. That

was a miracle we witnessed today.

Then night routine.

Tuesday, January 6th.

Such a great day. We didn't eat lunch till 3-4pm and even then we were

off to see more people.

We went and saw grace again. She's keeping commitments, and is feeling

the spirit.

We were able to contact a sister we haven't been able to see in

awhile. Linda. She was open to talking to us, so that's cool. We saw

brother loser again, and got to help him out with his iPad and talk to

his wife for a little bit. He also gave us oranges. So that was fun!

We had another great lesson with Margaret, and she is still truckin

along. Still getting ready for the temple. She's progressing, and

still blows me away with her faith.

We did service for the mintons again, and the loomis first elders came

to help so work was done quicker and we all were able to have a good

visit with each other.

In the evening, we saw the Gervacios. We have been trying to get

contact with them since sister pickup got here. Guess what happens- we

contact them, they talk to us about wanting to meet up again for the

lessons, and might come to the chapel tour. MIRACLE. They are a family

of 4-5, really nice people. We hope they come to the chapel tour!

We visited with the addleys and talked about some things we could do

to help the work here progress and in the middle of the

conversation..something cool happened. We got some insight for grace,

and her children and how we can involve her whole family so grace

isn't by herself on this journey she's taking. That's something sister

pickup and I have been worried about too. And then just like that...

BAM. Prayers answered. Dinner was with the Earps, and her family is

great. Then headed over to the Book of Mormon class and we got there

just in time for the closing prayer haha which I gave lol I figured I

could at least say a prayer since we were late from dinner( it's just

what happened tonight) Haha so we said hi then bye! The zone leaders

had a great lesson with their friends there. We left and saw charla

and Andrew, and they are progressing. Both of them. We were able to

follow up with the previous commitment we left, share a message about

prayer, and they said they would take Moroni's challenge and put it to

the test! The spirit was strong as we talked about the importance of

prayer and how God answers our prayers. Charla got her Book of Mormon,

marked that page, then turned to andrew and said " we should do that."

That never happens with her. Ever. So that was a miracle that she was

able to have that "lightbulb moment". It clicked for her. Just goes to

show that hard work, diligence, prayer, and obedience brings blessings

for those we teach. We are talking to everyone, working with the ward,

and are seeing miracles happen.

This is truly the Lords work. Then normal night routine.

Wednesday, January 7th.

We had zone meeting today, it was really good. We were able to talk

about obedience, and the blessings that come from it! We also found

out that president interviews are next week. That came fast haha! Ours

are at 6pm. Yep, sister pickup and I are the last ones to see

President Marston that day.

Lunch, then I packed for exchanges while we prepared some things for

graces lesson with the stoddards.

We tried to see a few people like Ruth, sister swells friend, some

neighbors. And a LA's with Amy( a future RM).

We picked up dinner from the powers, her family was sick. Herself

included. She had some food made for us even though she didn't feel

good at all. That was so kind and thoughtful! We ate the dinner at

sister Astles house since it was close by, and she let us right in! We

also talked to her about a big service project that we need some

people to help us out with. Another good thing.

We picked up Amy again, then headed over to the stoddards for a lesson

with grace.

We taught the plan of salvation. The spirit was so strong. She's

committed to being baptized when she feels ready. She's progressing

quick. It was a cool experience.

The stoddards were able to help answer any questions she had, invite

to church( which she's coming to the chapel tour as well as church!!

), and then help her with whatever she needed. Members are such a

blessing to have in lessons. It was great. We are seeing her next

week, hopefully we have a date set!

We dropped off Amy at her house, then met up with the sister training

leaders in Lincoln. I spent the night in their apartment, and it was

fun! We were all exhausted so we were all in bed after we got ready

for bed.

Thursday, January 8th.

Spent the day in Lincoln! It was great! Meet a lot of people, and I

learned how to teach from Sister Mathews. She goes home in a few

weeks. So crazy. We went tracting and had both really great

experiences and not so good experiences. Dinner was with the

landrus's, and it was very good. Brother landrus's was a retired

chiropractor so he was telling us all about how he came to be one.

Sister Mathews asked if she could have her neck adjusted, so he did

it. Then he asked me if wanted my neck checked, and I was like "sure!"

Haha!

He was checking my neck then asks me if I have ever been to a

chiropractor before, then told me I needed to haha I guess my neck was

so bad that I should've seen one prior to seeing him. He also told me

that I probably get headaches because of the pain in my neck...sure

enough it was! That makes so much sense haha. Sister Mathews and I

were laughing a little bit.

I also had my back adjusted too. That felt so much better after

visiting with them. Needless to say it was a good feeling. But all I

felt was "crack.crack.crack" then no pain at all. That was a great

place to go to I'd say! They are awesome members.

We exchanged back. And sister pickup and I went back and did normal routine.

Friday, January 9th.

We had weekly planning. It went well.

We had back to back lessons after we finished planning.

We went to austin and Gerald's first a bit earlier than we usually do,

it was great. We talked about temples and the reason to go.

We saw wendy, then the barrys( and had lunch at their house- they had

a bad day and we hadn't eaten so they fed us! Tender mercy! ) it was a

great visit for all of us. We needed to serve eachother after having a

busy day. We also had a great lesson on the Atonement too.

Dinner was with sister fregnal, it was another great visit! We also

had a lesson with her after dinner.

We saw the stakers, and saw austin cleaning up the house while sister

Staker was out for a little bit so we helped him clean it. He wanted

to do it for his mom to help her( he never does anything without being

asked by her) so that was a cool change! She got back, and was so

surprised. She loved it. And then we were able to have a great lesson

with them about the gospel. With families, church, and service. Austin

said he wants to start going back to church, and sister Staker was so

happy. He also said he could help us with a big service project next

week.

We stopped by to see the meteer family, and got to visit with them so

that was good! Then normal routine. And got everything ready for the

tour.

Saturday, January 10th.

We had the chapel tour this morning! Only grace came out of everyone

we invited, but it was perfect for her. And she loved it. It worked so

well with all three wards involved, the members are so great in this

area. And the youth too! Lots of good things happened. Grace was able

to meet some of the sisters in the our ward, and check out how church

works. The relief society provided lunch after, and it all worked out

perfectly. I wish more people would have come, but that's okay.

Grace can't come to church this week, but asked if she could come next

week- we said "yes! of course!" She's soaking it up. She's looking

forward to the next lesson!

We headed over to the la plantes to help out sister la plante and her

family out with service. It was sewing, and other things they needed

cleaning up. So we were over there for a little bit. She fed us too!

Which worked out because we didn't have dinner so that was a tender

mercy.

We visited the mcgigan family and dropped off some stuff from the la

plante family, and her girls loved all the clothes and shoes. She also

gave sister Mcgiguan and her daughter, Danica, their own scriptures!

Jaci( sister la plantes daughter) sewed her a scripture case for

Danica. Danica loved  her scripture case! It was so sweet to see the

gift of giving going on even after the Christmas time is over. Good

still happens. We also had a really great lesson with them too. Then

home for normal schedule.

I also found out that brother stoddard( the Ward mission leader is

going to see my family on Sunday since he's in Texas visiting

family....he is seeing mine too). So crazy. I was kinda jealous of him

for a few minutes when he said that he was going to see my mom. Haha.

I'm sure it's going to be great. I can't wait to hear back how it

goes!

Sunday, January 11th.

We had meetings in the morning. Sister Staker was there in place of

brother stoddard who is in Texas till Monday. They went really fast,

the members and missionaries are working together, and we are seeing

miracles. President Perez was in our ward today, so that was fun! Tony

came! And some other friends who we haven't seen in awhile.

We had lunch after church then went out to see people.

We went and saw the astles, invited them to help out with the service

project we are having on Saturday. Their two sons can go so that's

cool.

Then dinner with the Jensens, they have been requested by another

person to put all of the loomis missionaries in an article for the

local newspaper. So we are going to be put in a newspaper. Awesome.

We saw Patsy, and finally talked to her. We also saw charla and

Andrew,  and got to contact a referral for the fahnings. We got to see

ashley and brandon too. And the Mcgiguan family. So lots of people. We

also visited the swells and saw them. Another great visit.  Then home

to do normal routine.

We called in numbers, and we had 21 lessons this week. Most of those

were investigator lessons. No wonder we were exhausted haha so crazy!

It was cool to see how  hard work pays off. We were busy, and the

members were with us!

Then we went to bed.

Monday, January 12th. Preparation day!

We are doing the usual today. Emailing, laundry, cleaning, etc.

Then going to the stake center in Lincoln to play sports and chill

with the other missionaries.

We also got a random phone from Sean, sister barrys husband, asking us

how sisters can apart of baptisms. Random, but kinda cool at the same

time lol so that was interesting.

We have another lesson with grace with sister Staker and the stoddards

tonight. We are excited!

I hope yall had a great week! And that miracles are happening for you.

They happen, and it's cool to see how just doing one little act of

service truly changes everyone for the better. Have a great week!

Until next week,

Sister Matchett

December 29th- January 5th.

 ( New year, New beginnings)

Hello friends! It's offically a new year!  Last time we talked it was

last year...crazy, huh?! Where does time go? I have no idea.

Anyways, it was a busy week. I hope it was a good week for everyone.

Onto the update! And...GO!

Monday, December 29th. Preparation day!

Preparation day.  Typical day. We played sports, hung out, and then

got ready for the rest of the day. Then going to dinner with the

stakers and they have a nonmember coming! So that's cool. Alexis,

Ryan, and lily. And we met kaylans boyfriend, Paul. All great people!

We were all helping making dinner for ourselves as well as the Reeds,

another family in the Ward, so once that was done sister pickup and I

left to go drop it off for them.

We got to the Reeds, and it was fun! We got to see their family and

were invited to come over for a FHE with them! So it was a great

contact. We went back to sister stakers and ate our meal, shared a

message, and left for FHE with the astles.

We arrived at the astles, got baskets made for some families in the

ward, then all of us went to go ding don't ditch them at their homes.

It was fun! Sister pickup did one house while I did another one.

Funniest thing- I was trying to avoid getting in puddles of water

because it was dark outside and...guess what I did. I jumped right

into a mud puddle as I was going towards this persons house to drop

off the basket and everyone in the car saw it lol so that was great.

We went back to the astles house, took pictures, and left for home

then normal night routine. Such a great day! Many miracles happened.

Tuesday, December 30th.

We went to see sister Roche, and it was a great visit!

Then headed over to have a lesson and do some service for margaret.

That was fun!

We had service at the mintons again, and the ZL's( zone leaders) were

able to come and help.

Then we went and did finding. There wasn't too much success with that

because people were busy with getting ready for the New Years parties

and going out they weren't too interested in talking to us. However,

we were able to have a really good lesson with Anne west and invite

them to church. That was a miracle.

Sister pickup and I then decided to try charla and Andrew, a couple we

are teaching, and they were home! So we were able to have a really

great lesson with them and set up another time to come over. Yay!

Miracle.

We went to the church to see if anyone from our ward had gone to the

Book of Mormon class, and no one was there. Loomis second elders had a

lesson with one of their investigators so we didn't want to interrupt

that.

No one signed up to feed us, but somehow we were able to have dinner

with the Astles. It was a miracle that she answered her phone- we

called. She answered. And she invited us to come over for dinner. The

plan originally was to talk to her about someone we were teaching, and

then she invites us over for dinner. Talk about tender mercies. It was

just what we needed and her too it seemed. So we were taken care of.

Then we tried to see more people, and came home to the normal night routine.

I am grateful the family I have in this church. No matter where I'm

at, I'm always taken care of especially when you need that "little

something" to get through the day.

Wednesday, December 31st.

We had district meeting in the morning, that was really good. We all

decided on lunch at Panda Express so we went there.

Afterwards sister pickup and I went to see ashley, it was a good

visit. We got to talk a little bit about lessons and prayer. She's

been praying. That's huge. She's progressing. And her family

recongizes what the spirit feels like and is willing for us to come

over more now. Miracle.

We went and visited members after that, we went and saw the astles,

stakers, and to drop off a few wedding gifts at a reception for a

family in the Ward from the thomsons since they were out of town in

Las Vegas. It was fun! I also got a package from a friend at home,

sister hullinger! Haha! It was great!! Then home by 6:30pm. President

didn't want us out past that time. Sister pickup and I got home,

chilled, ate food, drank sparkling cider, played monopoly( I won btw)

then bed. And that's how we celebrated New Year's Eve- laying low. It

was great!

Thursday, January 1st. 2015.

IT's 2015. Where does time go?? It's going so fast. Crazy.

We did service at sister stakers, and had the chance to help her with

a few things she's been needing to get done so that was great.

We had lunch, then changed and went to go see people. We tried to see

charla and Andrew but they weren't home:( boo. We made a box that they

could do a gratitude activity. They write down one thing they are

grateful for each day starting January 1st up till December 31st, and

read all of the things they are grateful for. So we hope they got it!

We should see them Friday and have brother Donavan come too so that

will be cool. Then went to see sister suchomel, and talked to her

about an activity the missionaries in loomis are doing, "A church

tour" followed by a brunch after. Hopefully that happens- and a lot of

people come. With the holidays, it's been slow with getting

investigators and less actives to come to anything or meet with us. We

keep trying though!

We went to see the la plante family, another great visit! Tony was

working- boo :(

Hopefully we can see him soon!

We went and saw more people after, then normal routine. And the

thomsons came home from Las Vegas! It was so good to see them!!

Friday, January 2nd.

We had weekly planning today, and it was great. There was a wedding

party there for loomis 2nd Ward getting the reception ready so we

helped out a little bit...and sister pickup got to meet one of her

friends from Idaho....so that was cool. This family came all the way

from Germany to celebrate the wedding. They were so much fun to be

around too.

All of the missionaries in loomis decided to go to subway for lunch-

so we had lunch, then all separated again for the rest of the day.

We had lessons with Austin and Gerald as well as Wendy, and those went

great! They are getting excited about getting started on going to the

temple. It's very exciting for us too! Then had dinner at the house,

and the Thomsons family was over working on a bunch of stuff so we saw

them. We left after dinner, and tried to contact a few people. Then

headed over to Charla and Andrews with brother Donavan for a lesson-

it was great! They both are ready to hear the gospel especially

Andrew! He was all ears on what we had to say. Brother Donavan was a

big help too, things are happening finally with Charla and Andrew-

miracle. Such a great thing. They are excited for their next lesson

too! And ready to learn the gospel. Now we can teach them. Grace also

texted us back and said we can come over and visit! Doors are opening

as we work on being exactly obediant, slowly those blessings are

coming.

Then home and normal routine.

Saturday, January 3rd.

We went and visited a bunch of people- LA's,  referrals, people we

haven't seen in awhile. We had a great lesson with the johnsons, they

might try to come to church and start up their daily studies. That's a

huge miracle.

Then lunch with the loomis missionaries, we discussed all of the last

minute details of the chapel tour. Hopefully people come to that!

We saw grace, and she is willing to listen to the lessons! So we are

starting the lessons with her at the stoddards home. We are excited!

She's open and willing to learn- that's all you really need to start

with anything we are taught in the gospel. A willing heart.

Dinner was with the barrys, and we saw Sean. He is pretty much a

member already, but is coming up with every excuse in the book to

disprove the truth haha and it isn't working lol he still keeps his

commitments and does everything a member would. Something will happen

soon.

We did service over there after then had another great visit. He said

he would come to church on Sunday, we think he will come!

Oh, and I was able to teach Sister Barry some sign language for the

primary song she was in charge of for that Sunday. That was fun! It

wasn't too hard. Hopefully her lesson in music time goes well!

Sunday, January 4th.

We had early morning church meetings, so sister pickup and I got up

and ready then left for the day ahead. It wasn't too bad- the meetings

went quicker, and people were attentive in the meetings haha so that

was cool! The fast and testimony meeting was so good. It was just what

Sean needed. And probably for everyone- there was a sweet spirit there

as everyone went up and bore their testimonies on the savior's

teachings. I felt much better, and almost forgot I was fasting until

my stomach groaned after sacrament ...loudly. Haha I remembered then.

Sister pickup was laughing at me for a little bit lol then I got a

chance to laugh at her. Here's how!

Sister pickup was called out in our meetings AND sacrament- all

because she helped out bishop and his family get car troubles fixed.

Bishop Latham's car broke down near sister pickups house, so bishop

called and asked if she knew of someone to help them. She just gave

him her dads number, and they were able to get everything taken care

of and get to their daughters wedding in Utah.

Long story short, the Latham family appreciated it very much and

everyone after sacrament was giving sister pickup pats on the back and

complimenting her on her wonderful act of service. She doesn't like to

be put on spot, so it was fun for me and not so much fun for her haha

we joked about that all through church.

"I didn't do anything...I just gave bishop my dads number! He did the

rest." says sister pickup lol she was funny about it.

We broke our fast then went for lunch with the webbs, then contacted

more referrals and made more visits.

Dinner was with the thomsons, and then more visits and preparing for

preparation day.

It was a pretty good week!

Monday, January 5th. P-day!

Today it's different for how p-day is going to work. We are doing

apartment inspections, then going to zone activity. The apartments(

even if you live with members) are inspected by whoever comes, then we

get the "okay" and go do p-day stuff. So it's going to be fun today!

Sister pickup and I are excited to clean and do spring cleaning. It's

a good time to do that. It's a new year, I could always use more

organization...that's a great thing to do again!

Then dinner with a  part member family, the mckeevers. And lesson with

grace after.

We can't wait. We love teaching.

I hope ya'll have a great week, and that you had a great New Years!

Ya'll are the best!

Enjoy the pics!

Until next week,

Sister Matchett

December 22nd- 29th

Monday, December 22nd.

Typical preparation day stuff, expect today we are having a white

elephant exchange as a zone during the day so that will be fun! Then

probably play some sports, email, and chill. We are excited!

Sister pickup and I are ready to see our families. I hope mine is

excited to see me cuz I CANT WAIT. I'll see you in 3 days via Skype.

#soexcited #lovemyfamily

After p-day, we had dinner with the neves. It was so great!! I love

their family, and this Ward so so much. We had a great time!

Then a miracle happened. The barrys texted us, and basically asked if

we could come over and help them make gingerbread houses....so we

went. We were literally out of the door of the neves when we got the

text-BAM, place to go. And we got to share a message with their

family. It was great. Sister pickup wasn't able to finish her house

completely, so we HAVE to go over tomorrow night to finish it...which

means we HAVE to teach another lesson. I guess we can do that. If they

want us to come over, it works for us:)  So Tuesday is going to be

great.

Tuesday, December 23rd.

Had DM, it was great! I was asked to give a focus..and somehow it went

with what everyone studied that morning...crazy how that happens. We

got some really good insight for our friends that we are teaching. So

good! And we decided to start "the car fast" again so we were texting

people in the Ward to see if I could borrow a bike and we could stick

with that plan to use less miles as possible...and be obeidant.

Afterwards we had lunch at loomis Chinese, it was great! Then off to

Margaret's for our lesson! It went great! She was able to talk to us

about her decision to be sealed in the temple, some of the things she

wants to do, and what her plan is. Shes excited to go and get sealed

to david, and do her family history work. There's not a date set yet-

but the fact that she's thinking about it is so good! I love her so

much. She reminds me of what it means to be grateful for whatever you

have and to see nothing but good in it- AND to set goals and reach

them...and to go the temple more. She had some friends visit her, so

it was a bit shorter but that's okay. It's Christmas lol so we got out

of there so she could spend time with her friends, we met them and

everything...really good people. Then had the car looked at, nothing

too big was wrong. We had to get a tire replaced, that was it. We got

a text from sister astle, and she said that she had a bike!! "Ask, and

he shall recieve" ....well, that happened. Same thing with the helmet-

we found one of those too. I'm just going to borrow it from the

members so it all works out! Then we went to visit more people, then

saw charla and andrew( picked Andrew up as investigator. So that was

pretty sweet. We were able to d op off a bunch of gifts at graces

friend, Lucia, in rocklin with sister Suchomels family and the meiers.

So it was fun! Then dinner with with la plantes, and we helped them

with a last minute service project. That was our day. So good.

Wednesday, December 24th.

Such a busy day! We were busy even before we got up it seemed- the

phone was blowing up and people were calling us...asking us to come

see them. So we were busy all day.

We had to stop at the store to get something...and it was a madhouse.

Literally so many people, talk about last minute shopping...so many

people were getting caught up over the little things especially when

it comes to Christmas shopping. People- STOP IT. Jesus is the reason

for the season....GET WITH IT.

We dropped off a bunch of goodies at people's houses all day, got

some really good lessons in...and got pictures too! Then dinner with

the Alstons, and joyners, talk about a party...it was so much fun! It

was nice too- food was great, the people were great, and we all felt

the spirit. SO GOOD. The loomis 2nd elders( ZL's) came too- so that

was fun! The Alstons gave us a present! It was so nice! We are

seriously so spoiled here, I just love the people here. I didn't think

it would be possible to love so many people, but you can. It's cool to

see that.

After that, the elders and us went to meet the loomis 1st at the

church to go caroling the rest of the night- we had to wait for

awhile, so we hung out and talked about Christmas, took pictures, etc

till they got there. We went and Caroled a few houses, one of them let

us in! They gave us some hot cocoa, we talked, then shared a message,

and left. Then we all left to go home. It was great. I seriously love

our district, and loomis. Such a great place! Then normal night

routine.

It was a great Christmas Eve, my last one as a missionary. I'm not

thinking about any "...my last time to do this as a missionary..."

Until that day comes. #3solidmonthsleft.

Family day is on Thursday. I can't wait.

Thursday, December 25th.

Talk to family day!! SO FREAKIN EXCITED.

It was great. I was barely able to talk. The most important people I

know... could barely understand me because I was so excited. It was

embarrassing on my part, but I hope they know how happy I was to see

them.

We went and visited many people, shared messages with them, exchanged

gifts, and ate lots of food. We had 2 dinners. So we were busy.

Sister pickup and I got home, and we were exhausted so we did the

normal routine then went to bed. Good day I'd say. It was fun spending

time with the members- this ward is great. Merry Christmas 2014 style!

Friday, December 26th.

We had weekly planning, that went well. Sister pickup and I left for

lunch afterwards and then went to austin and Gerald's for a lesson.

Sister Larson was able to come again! It was a great lesson indeed! We

found out that she got her mission call in the mail so she was excited

to see where she went! We shall find out soon. We were also excited

for her too- she will make a great missionary. We all placed our bets

too of course! Haha!

We saw wendy and Judy following austin and Gerald's lesson. It was

nice to see both of them. Judy usually goes in her room when we start

sharing messages, but today she stayed out in the living room and

watched the mormon message with us and for the visit. Miracle.

Dinner was at subway, sister pickup and I were given some gift cards

for subway as a gift from a member so we went there for dinner. We

were able to have a really cool gospel conversation with them. It was

fun!

We went to see a few members in the loomis 1st Ward, and had some

great visits! We got to share the Christmas video with them. We made

some more visits then went home and did the normal thing.

Saturday. December 27th.

We went to Rias baptism, she used to be in loomis 3rd Ward before she

moved to auburn and continued the lessons there. Brother Donavan and

whitney went with us, so we carpooled with brother Donavan and he took

us! It was nice because none of us knew where the building was expect

Brother Donavan so it worked out well that he drove us haha! It was

such a spiritual experience. There was at least 50 people there to

support Ria and her family. So it was a party and reunion for most of

the missionaries that went. President Marston and his wife came too so

that was fun!  We took lots of pictures too.

We came back to loomis, had lunch then went to do service at sister

stakers. We were only there for 30 minutes then left to go back and do

some more finding. We did that for most of the afternoon, and got to

meet some really cool people.

Dinner was with the pedersens, and it was great. Then went and saw

more people, and normal night routine.

Sunday, December 28th.

We didn't have any meetings this morning which was nice. It was also

the last time to have 1pm church before we switch to 8:30 church next

year.

It was really good, we had a sister giving her farewell talk and then

a returned missionary speak. Lots of people came too. Sister pickup

and I had to teach a lesson in Young Women's in loomis 2nd( the zone

leaders asked if we could teach the YW while they taught primary) so

we did that.

Sister Larsen got her mission call!! She's going to Washington D.C.

Mission as an officeworker. I guessed that mission randomly lol so she

came up to me and said with shock in her face " how did you know??"

Hahaha we were laughing for a bit about that. It was fun.

After sacrament, we taught gospel principles in our Ward...both of the

lessons went well surprisingly. We didn't have too much time to plan

for the lesson haha but somehow they always turn out okay. Thank

goodness!

All of the meetings went great! I love the ward here. So many good

people, and now we are seeing doors open...and having our days packed

with visits. Miracles come from working with members. Sister pickup

and I also had some gifts given to us from one of the members- it was

the sweetest thing. And we were given so much stuff in one little bag.

We are so blessed, and have wonderful members.

Dinner was with the jensens, another great time at their house. We had

a really healthy dinner, it was refreshing from all of the big meals

we have been having lately lol so that was awesome.

More finding, and visiting members. Then Sunday night routine.

Monday, December 29th.

Preparation day.  Typical day. Then going to dinner with the stakers

and they have a nonmember coming! So that's cool. We were invited to a

FHE with the astles so we will go over there, so it's going to be a

great day.

Hope yall have a great week! Ya'll are the BESTTT!

Love you!! And enjoy the pictures.

Until next week,

Sister Matchett

December 15th- 22nd

Monday, December 15th. P-day!

Since sister pickup and I are staying the same, we don't have to pack.

Since that's the case, we are getting gas( PRIORITY) cleaning,

shopping, then hanging out with other missionaries for the day until

dinner. The missionaries who were getting transferred brought their

signing journals...and we signed each others journal and hung out.

Dinner is with the stoddards and their neighbors, grace and family,

and brother Donavan so it was really fun. We all got to talk, and then

played a game then shared a message ...it was perfect! Hopefully more

things like that happen, obedience brings blessings. So cool to see

how that works. Then went to taylors for one last milkshake for elder

rubow...with the district before the new guy comes in, and took

pictures. Sister pickup and I got a Christmas gift for the elders...it

was like a white elephant thing  we all did lol it was fun! Then home

to plan for tomorrow. We were both tired haha then bed shortly after.

Another 7 weeks here. Lots of things are happening- hopefully we can

have more happen!

Tuesday, December 16th.

Got up, did morning schedule. After studies, we made some phone calls,

got some goodies made for people we were going to see. Made a gift

basket for vanessa, one of the LA's we are working with. She graduates

from high school in a couple of days, at 16 might I add. That's

impressive.  It didn't look to bad haha then lunch.

Then around 1pm, we left for a lesson with margret. We got there, did

some service then had a lesson with her..and it went great!

Then went to go see sister Linda swell to go see a friend of hers,

Ruth, and off we went- it was such a great visit! Sister swell was

really helpful. We walked down to her house, met her, shared the

Christmas video with her and picked her up as a new investigator. So

that was pretty cool. Ruth is in her 80"s, has some health concerns,

but is really sweet and loved having us over! Miracle.

After that, we went to do some less active work...had lots of

contacts. And saw lots of people. We had the chance to meet some older

couples, one of the couples was having family over so it was a short

visit- but we were able to make contact with them!

Then we somehow missed the turn at the street and went to another

families home, and met the losers ( no it's not pronounced LOOSERS

....it's LOH-SERS) and we had such a good visit. We were able to get

in and see them both. Had a really message with them....and showed

them the " He is the Gift" and introduction. Then they loaded us up

with oranges from their tree, gave us each an afghan....seriously all

of them were beautifully made. They were so kind to us, and invited us

over again. Really good people, we just have never met them. Shame on

us- we were missing out. Sister pickup and I quickly repented of not

going there sooner- such good people.

Then dinner with charla and Andrew( her BF- new change), she was much

happier and we figured out they are now living together so that was

good to know haha.

Anyways, we had a great dinner. Andrew likes us and is willing to feed

us again which means we get to see charla again and hopefully start

teaching them as a couple. Shared a message and Andrew practically

taught it- he's ready to recieve the gospel and learn....there's a

reason for everything.

Then went to the church to see if anyone showed up for the BOM class,

and someone did, however since it was transfer day...the elders

weren't there so we couldn't do it with just a single man...so we

decided to pick it up next week- when things aren't crazy. And so we

can follow mission rules ha that too.

Dropped off that gift for vanessa, she loved it. And delivered some

things at members homes "ding dong ditching style" lol it was fun!

Then went to see rachel and her family, it was another great visit.

Then home, planned, and got ready for Wednesday. Then bed. My

relationship with my pillow has gotten better the past 15 months lol I

love my bed so much.

Busy day, lots of miracles happened. We were led by the spirit, and

blessed for our efforts. Love this work.

Wednesday, December 17th.

Another busy day. Miracle after miracle.

We went to seimnary! It was fun getting up at 5:30am lol not really

but we went and got to meet with some of the youth. Sister schomkel,

one of the members in Ward, asked if we could come and talk to them

then give them something to do for winters break...so of course we

said yes!

We shared the Christmas video with them, had them make a list of

people they knew that would watch it- then gave them a pass along card

to share it with them before Christmas. They all Commited to doing it.

So we are going to follow up in January to what happened! We got

breakfast too so that was a plus, talked to a few of the teachers

after and helped them clean up.

Went home, got ready for studies, it was great. Got some things ready

for the day, then had an early lunch because we had a bunch of people

to see- and the only time to catch them at home is in the afternoon

pretty much, so after lunch we went out and saw a bunch of less

actives. Caught a few home. Around 5:30pm, we had dinner with sister

Linda swell and the oakdens. It was a simple dinner, soup and salad.

Really good. Sister Walters had a knee surgery done so we helped her a

little bit in her room, and brought her dinner since she couldn't

really leave her room. It was a fun visit! Lots of laughs. And then we

had to go so we could meet up with some of sister pickups parents

friends! Here's what happened, sister pickup served in Roseville

before she got to loomis, is family was in the Ward in Roseville, then

moved back to Idaho...near where she lives. And knows her family. SO

they came back, and wanted to meet up with her...so we met up last

night! And it was like an Idaho reunion lol they all had a great time!

Another cool thing that happened whole this was going on, the webbs(

another family in our Ward from Idaho)  came in the place we were

eating at too. So that was fun!

Then off to lincoln for music practice with the missionaries for the

meeting tomorrow in auburn.

Then home, planning bed.

Thursday, December 18th.

Spent most of the day at zone Christmas devotional with lincoln,

rocklin, and auburn zones. Got some pictures too, it was great!

So we got phone calls made in the morning drove all day, came back for

dinner with the fahnings and their friends....it was great! Then went

to do some service for sister swell and sister Walters, we were there

for an hour. After we had that visit, we came home and planned then

bed.

Friday, December 19th.

Had weekly planning, it went great! Then went to see austin and gerald

with sister Larson, then off to Wendy's we went for another lesson!

She wanted to try out her new juicer...so we did! Instead of going for

sweets....we went for the greens haha! It wasn't too bad, not quite

the taste we usually like when it comes to eating food haha but it was

alright! Sister pickup wasn't a huge fan Lol she's not a big smoothie

fan...or salad fan haha

Then went to dinner with the brosnans and their friend margaret, it

was fun! We were fed well! Shared the Christmas video, and she liked

it! Then we went headed off to lincoln to help with a service

project...and it was fun! Then drove home, and planned and got ready

for Saturday. It was a good day!

Saturday, December 20th.

Did a lot of finding, had dinner with the meteers- we had tacos and no

dessert...so nice not having to eat dessert.

Then more finding, then came home and planned for Sunday. Where did

the week go? Crazyyyyy.

Sunday,  December 21st.

We didn't have meetings today, so that was nice. We all found out

through one of the members after we got there that they cancelled

it....last minute...so that was like an early Christmas present for

everybody haha then in our missionary meeting...we found out that we

don't have meetings next Sunday in the morning-just the missionary

meeting around noon.Then we change to 8:30am church in January. They

made that announcement and all of us in the congregation mentally

cried for a few seconds while that sunk in. The guy that announced

it...said right before...."Don't shoot the messenger...I just announce

changes...don't make them..." then told us the new time lol it won't

be that bad but that means earlyyy morning meetings for us as well as

Ward council members, and other groups lol so all of us are looking

forward to that! Haha it will be nice to have more time to visit

people in the afternoon on Sunday's. Church was great! Tony came as

well as some of the LA's we have been working with...so that was

pretty cool! Then had a great lessons on the savior, and had a great

contact with the members.

After church, we had dinner with the swells...and it was great! Saw

ashley and Brandon, then went caroling with the Alstons, elders, and

the rest of the people who showed up for mission prep for the rest of

the night...so that was fun! Then home and planning, and getting ready

for Monday.

Monday, December 22nd.

Typical preparation day stuff, expect today we are having a white

elephant exchange as a zone during the day so that will be fun! Then

probably play some sports, email, and chill. We are excited!

Sister pickup and I are ready to see our families. I hope mine is

excited to see me cuz I CANT WAIT. I'll see you in 3 days via Skype.

#soexcited #lovemyfamily

Oh, and MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Have a wonderful day! And I hope you realize how great yall are. I

love you guys, and can't wait to see ya soon!

Have a great weekkk! And enjoy the pictures!

Love yall!

Until next week,

Sister matchett

December 8th-15th, Transfer week!

Heyy everybody! I hope your week went well. Lots of things happened

this week...shall I start? Anddddd ------> GO!

December 8th, Monday.

Did the usual stuff we do on preparation day!

Got a lot of stuff done, and got to hang out with the other

missionaries. So it was great!

Dinner was with the schomkels, and it was so great! They spoiled us

haha but that's okay....I didn't mind at all! We had a great lesson

with them afterwards about missionary work, and about families. Right

after we got done praying with them, whitney and her family came by

and were dropping off some Christmas goodies for everyone- and Crew,

her son( who is adorable btw) gave us a loaf of bread! It was sweet!

So we got a picture with her children, then left at the same time

whitney and her family left. Our plans fell through...so we just went

around to see other people and left Christmas goodies at their door if

they didn't answer. Then home, and planned.

It was a great day! Tuesday is going to be a good day.

Tuesday, December 9th.

Busy day. Today was ran by the Lord. Everything ran into place!

We had a great morning. Went to the library, took care of some papers

and then went to go see one of the members ...and she wasn't home so

we left a note.  Then had a fantastic lesson with ashley and sister

stoddard, we read the testimonies in the Book of Mormon. Ashley was

soaking it up. She's really feeling the spirit, and sister stoddard

was able to share her experience of how she came to know if the church

was true. We invited her to read and pray, to put Moroni's promise to

the test. She said she would.

We are seeing so much progress with her as well as brandon!

Saw margaret, and it was a great lesson.

Then did service at the mintons with the loomis 2nd elders( the zone

leaders), it was great! Had fun and worked together well to get the

job done. It was raking leaves...and they have 5 acres so it was a lot

to tackle for them so we did it! We had to teach the elders how to use

a riding lawn mower....smh. Goodness me, Utah boys have no yard work

skill...lol that's funny.

Then the elders left, and as we were leaving..they asked if we had

dinner and we didn't so they fed us! So that was pretty awesome! Then

went to see wendy, she was having a rough day and called to see if we

could come over so we went to see her! Visited with her then went to

the BOM class and it was loomis 2nd with brother hinkey. So it was

great! Then after the class, we were cleaning up the room and turned

to see who else was there in the other room....and it was sisters in

the relief society presidency so we talked to them a little bit and we

were working together to do missionary work! It was great! We got some

envelopes to give to a bunch of inactive sisters in the Ward.

Then went to get frozen yogurt and saw austin, who is related to

charla. So we talked to him for a little bit. Then went home and

planned.

I got a message from one of my recent converts in paradise!  Remember

ashley? I had a quick conversation with her, it was nice to talk to

her.

So it was perfect.

Wednesday, December 10th.

Had zone meeting today, it was nice! We talked a lot about zone unity

and companion unity...how we are all on the same team, and working

together rather than against one another. We also talked about the

purpose of prayer, it was perfect.

After the meeting, sister pickup and I each had a priesthood blessing

given to us by the ZL's. We both needed it, and felt so much at peace

after.

Then lunch, and back to loomis to do work.

We went to drop off cards at a bunch of sisters homes, stuff at our

investigators homes, visited members, and contacted a referral! It was

the perfect timing!  Her name is marcie, and knows so many of the

members here in loomis. So it was a pretty cool conversation.

Then had dinner with the powers, and it was great! Then went to see

more people. And dropped off notes at members homes ding dong ditching

style...I did most of the running haha sister pickup did the driving

part lol we were pretty good. Just sayin.

Then home to plan, and get ready for bed.

Thursday, December 11th.

Happy birthday gramps!!! I hope it's a great one!

Spent most of the day inside since it was raining all day. Did

planning, did some service for the thomsons( cleaned and decorated),

made a bunch of phone calls and had some great stuff happen even

though we weren't able to go out much. I got a package from the relief

society at home!! It came just in time too! I love my family and

friends at home. It was much appreciated. I loved it, so thank you!

The Gilbert's dropped it off- special delivery haha so that was cool!

Then we left for dinner with the Alstons and barrys, it was great! We

watched the Christmas devotional and had a great lesson after. It was

perfect! The fire was on, we had blankets, felt the spirit, and

enjoyed each other's company. It was great! Then came home and got

ready for Friday. It was so perfect! I love it when members come to

lessons and the spirit is so strong. It's the best!

It was a great day!

Lots of rain, it came down in buckets.

Friday, December 12th.

Did phone calls, went out to try to see people. Then lunch, and did

more visits to some of the people we have been trying to see. A lot of

street contacting, and then left for a lesson with Austin and gerald

with the addleys, it was such a powerful lesson on fasting. We read a

talk from general conference, and it was neat to see all of the good

things that come from fasting especially the spiritual side of it.

We are truly blessed as Latter Day Saints to fast for so many things.

I just love the people here, I've been able to make so many

connections with them.

And the work is progressing too!

Then went to dinner with oakdens, margaret and David. Another great

visit with them, and we had such a lovely time.

Then a second dinner ( somehow we got double booked for dinner? Ha

idk! ) so we went to the bramletts, and got to talk to one of her

daughters who doesn't really ever come to church and see her for a

little bit. And got to talk to the bramletts- it was nice!

We had another surprise happen too- Danika, one of the daughters with

a family we are working with is getting baptized Saturday...like day

after friday...on the 13th. So sister pickup and I were in shock at

first haha our mission president knew about it before us! Lol that guy

is in tune with the spirit. Anyways, I guess they decided to do it on

the day for stake baptisms...and bishop already knew, so everything

was done through the Ward since she isn't 9 yet( child of record

baptisms don't count for missionaries). It's cool though that we get

to go and see her baptized!! We have been teaching their family, and

her dad should be there!  So that's exciting. Tomorrow is going to be

booked, and busy...I can not wait. I love serving with sister pickup

too.

Now the problem we have is to just get everything we want done in one

day...time is running short for us...so crazyy.

Then went to the stake center for a stake Christmas music program,

"The living Christ" it was done beautifully. Saw a lot of the members

there, and got to see a few friends there. Then home, planned, and

bed.

And I got a letter from my friend in a different mission in the mail

too! Another great miracle.

Love this Ward. So much to be grateful for.

Saturday, December 13th.

Started out with service with for the community, and the elders were there.

Then went to a baptism for Danika, and mike the dad( NM) was there

along with the family and other little girls families were there- lots

of people. It was cool to see four little girls example...and how they

touched our lives. The spirit was strong and everyone felt it.

President Perez spoke, and it was nice. You can tell that the spirit

works through him.

Then back to loomis, got lunch. Then did some service for sister

thomson, she's been sick. So we just helped her out, changed and went

to see Wendy! We had a great lesson with her, and then watched " Mr.

Kruger's Christmas", it was refreshing to watch a good, uplifting

movie about sharing time with people. We all loved it.

Then went to the barrys, did service over there for a little bit then

dinner and a lesson afterwards...so it was great! Another good visit!

Then home, planning, and prepared for Sunday. We recieve transfer

calls on Sunday night...we shall see what happens. I hope I stay in

loomis! I love our loomis group, and lots of my friends are going

home...where does time go?? Slips away it seems.

Anyways, it was a great day. Lots of miracles, work, and happiness.

It's great being a missionary. I love it.

Sunday, December 14th.  Transfer call day.

The missionaries in the entire Califronia Roseville Mission, all

fasted today for our investigators to keep commitments. So we did that

today. Before meetings, we dropped off a note and goodie basket for

garret( sister la Plantes son) who's birthday was Saturday then left

for our meetings haha and we got a call from the zone leaders and got

news on transfers..in the morning about transfers. So that was a nice

surprise!

President Marston wanted to give the moving missionaries a chance to

say goodbyes before church so that was pretty cool. I'm staying in

loomis with pickup. The only change with loomis district was elder

rubow- he's leaving his greenie area and going to Citrus Heights. And

a couple of elders are leaving lincoln along with sister Marx- she's

going to another place and training.

Had a fantastic morning of meetings! Then went to see ashley and

Brandon after with brother fahning, and we had a great visit with him

there then a lesson about faith and invited them to come to

church...they couldn't come this week...but brandon said a

prayer...because ashley said we should. That was a huge blessing, and

miracle of our fasting for investigators to keep their commitments.

Really quick blessing. Heavenly Father is amazing. And he is trusting

of us- even though we aren't able to keep all of the commandments he

has given us, he loves us anyways. He gives us the chance to do it

anyways. We truly are blessed to have him as our father.

Church was great!  Brother fahning and his wife gave a talk, both were

so good. And Tony (Garret's dad) came and loved it. It was so perfect

for him.

After church, we updated everything. Then contacted a lot of people

via FB, phone, and other media cuz we forgot to fill up on gas in the

car....haha. So we paid for that decision to not put gas in the day

before the sabbath.

We had enough to get to dinner with the lathams ( which was great btw)

then went to the church and saw a few people. Then on our way home

again so we could save a few drops to get to a gas station in the

morning lol

On the way home, sister pickup decided to pull a prank on me. She puts

the car in neutral ( cranking the music up )as she stops at a stop

sign. And then she tries to go and we start going back...then not

moving at all. She's like " Crap! Sister matchett, it's not

going...can you get out and push? Otherwise we are staying here for

awhile." I was just like.... " seriously? We are only a few streets

away from home...so close...and NOW it stops. Alright, I'll get out

and push."

I get out, and I start pushing, and sister pickup is busting up

laughing and yells out her window "Get in fool! Hahaha!" I get back in

the car, she's laughing. I'm not. We are fine btw with enough gas to

get some more Monday. And then she explains to me how I totally fell

for it. And laughs some more. I wasn't laughing for a few minutes haha

but then I was laughing with her lol. The problems that happen to us

cuz we didn't fill up our car with gas...#missionarymistake

#dumbmistakeshappen

We got home, planned, and got ready for tomorrow.

Got calls again with more detail then bed.

It's nice to not move before Christmas. I'll be here in loomis for a

total of 6-7 months at the end of the 7 week transfer. It's 7 weeks

this one to even out transfers because of Christmas. Time flies when

your having fun, eh?

Remember laws? WELL she has 7 weeks left as a STL in redding. So her

and bunch of other friends are going home soon.

#missionlifeisfun

Monday, December 15th. P-day.

Since sister pickup and I are staying the same, we don't have to pack.

Since that's the case, we are getting gas( PRIORITY) cleaning,

shopping, then hanging out with other missionaries for the day until

dinner.

Dinner is with the stoddards and their neighbors, grace and family,

and brother Donavan so we are going to have a great dinner! Then go

see more people!

This week was great! Lots of miracles, lots of memories, and lots of love.

The lords work is good. The gospel is here for us. It's here to help

us feel happy.

It's everything. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day

Saints is true. And that the Lord lives, and loves us. Christmas is

coming soon, I'm grateful for my family and all that they do for me. I

can't wait to see them soon..#11 days. I hope y'all know how much you

matter, and that you know how much I love you guys. God loves you so

much.

Miracles happen, all we have to do is listen and look for them.

Have a great week! See y'all soon! Enjoy the pictures, there's a few

of them this week.

Until next week,

Sister Matchett :)