Final moment

Monday, March 9th.

My last official P-day. We played soccer all day, I got hit in the

face with a soccer ball, and we had a miracle happen with one less

active youth. Sam, the LA, committed to coming church on sunday. We

went and did visits. Pretty good day.

Tuesday, March 10th.

Sister Davies and I went to pick up the antelope 2nd sisters in the

morning, then headed for gridley! On our way there we stopped in Yuba

city for breakfast( along with the lincoln missionaries haha) at IHOP.

It was great! And very yummy:) then got the church for the meeting.

The entire mission...all 200 of us got in a picture. It was fun

getting everything to go for that haha! try getting a bunch of 20 year

olds who haven't seen each other in ages not to talk and stand still

in a picture with the California sun shining right into your eye...and

not wanting to take the picture. Lol we were all excited to know we

could stop being outside and go back into the AC.

We had a mission conference with Elder Neilson, of the 70, to address

us on the START of an iPad mission. Yes, you read correctly..the

START. We are starting ( along with another 87 missions worldwide) the

use of iPads in missionary work. Up until now we have been a part of

"pilot mission" or in other words..."a test mission" so the church's

missionary department could see how it affects the work of the lord.

Now they want to make it officially a go! It's the beginning now, new

learning and growing. The church has put a lot of time into this.

Heavenly Father trusts us enough to use iPads while some missions

aren't even allowed to think of using them. We are so blessed here in

this mission.

We were also instructed by the MTC president too on how to use these

devices properly for now in the mission field and later for when we go

home( crazy to think that will be me soon).

We talked a lot about staying on our missionary purpose,

pornography(it's still a temptation for missionaries too...that

adversary man! ), and always using agency for good. We also talked

about marriage too...of course! I guess that's a given for

missionaries to be reminded of.

It was pretty intense. But it was so good! I learned a lot.

After the meeting, we got to say hello to everybody! It was like a

reunion. My MTC zone took a picture, and I got a few other pictures

with some friends. I got to see sister pickup again! And I met an

elder from my home state, who goes to the same building as me. We

finally met lol so that was cool!

Then we left for home.

Dinner was with the crews, then a lesson with Mariah and it went well!

Then home.

Wednesday, March 11th.

We did a lot of finding. We had a great visit with the pinkstons!

Their daughter was able to have a really big kidney stone taken out!

So that's pretty cool. She felt so much better as well as her family.

Dinner was with the gibsons, and it was great!

Thursday, March 12th. Car fast day!

We walked to each appointment today if we weren't able to get a ride

haha! President said we couldn't use the cars so we didn't.

We had a zone meeting and it went great! All of us get along so well!

They made everyone a zone CD and everything.They had me give the

closing prayer and I had a hard time saying it knowing it was my last

meeting with them. Right after, we all headed down stairs for lunch.

The zone leaders sent out a text in the morning that there was going

to be a lunch provided so I just assumed it was a normal lunch that

one of their members provided. But what it actually was surprised me a

lot!

We go down stairs, and they open the door to the gym and I see a sign

that says "R.I.P. Sister Matchett. We will miss you!" And balloons,

tables and chairs set up, etc. It was a going away lunch for me.

Everything clicked for me and the next thing you know I bust out

crying. So many emotions. It was perfect. And we took pictures too.

Sister Davis and her daughter Keira put all together while we had our

meeting. The people here are amazing.

After lunch, we had a lesson with robin. The headed over for Brianna's

lesson. Sister bakow picked us up, and we had such a good visit.

Brianna set a goal date to be baptized soon. Then we had dinner. After

dinner we had a lesson with Mariah, and we all learned something from

it.

It was a great day! So many miracles. And we didn't use the car once.

Friday, March 13th.

It was the departing missionaries temple trip. Sister Davies was able

to go since we went together. Plans changed that we had previously

made so she went through with us! It was crazy how the morning went

haha!

It was cool to see my friends again, and to go feel peace in the

temple. It was a very spiritual experience.

After the temple, everyone went out to eat. President Marston decided

to take out all of the missionaries so it was a surprise to everyone

including his wife haha it was fun though! We have the best mission

president ever! He's so good!

We headed back to antelope after all of those fun things happened and

went back to the apartment to grab a few things then went out.

Dinner was with bishop and his family. They are the best people ever!

Such a good bishop!

We then finished weekly planning then made a few more stops before we

concluded our day.

Sister Davies is such a great companion! She's so good. So many

miracles happened as well as tender mercies. We truly are so blessed!

Saturday, March 14th.

We did service for Sister Jeffers, and we deep cleaned everything. We

had lunch, then left for home to clean up a little bit. Dinner was

with the Bruce family, and it was so great! Most of their family are

all converts so it was fun getting to know about their stories. We

then headed to the church to attend the "Come unto Christ" youth

performance for the stake and it was great! We saw everybody lol it

was fun. After that, all the missionaries in the zone decided to go

get pie because it was "pie day"....3/14/15.....get it?! I didn't at

first but then I thought about it and I busted up laughing. So we all

went to perkos, a diner, and ordered pie. Sister Davies and I split

one piece. A member walked in and saw us then decided to pay for it!

That was really nice! We all were surprised as well as joyful! Free

pie is the greatest thing ever. Then we all left for home.

Sunday, March 15th. Last Sunday as a missionary.

Church was great! I got to see my friends again and everyone pointed

out that I was leaving and they all made marriage jokes too so that

was fun.

Dinner was with the bourgeous family, and it was great! My final

dinner with the members before I finished. I just love them so so

much! Then I made more visits with friends! And we went to the come

unto christ youth performance again so it was great!

Then packing and transfer calls.

Monday, March 16th.

Taking care of travel stuff and saying goodbye to friends and families

in the Ward. Dinner is with the mission president and wife at their

home, departing testimony meeting, then back to antelope for me to

sleep. On Tuesday, I'll leave for Texas with my friends who are going

home too.

Well...the final moment has arrived. This is it! My life as a

missionary has been the greatest! I have seen miracles happen

everyday. I've seen friendships grow with those I've taught, the

members, and myself. I've seen how the Lord uses imperfect people to

accomplish his work.

I've seen how God really does love us. He really does! My life for the

past 18 months has been a movie. I have felt every emotion that

exists. And I now can say I understand just a token of what the Savior

felt like when he dedicated his whole life to do his Fathers will. He

gave everything, and he was obedient as he fulfilled his purpose. I

have felt a small token of that dedication, and know without a doubt

that Jesus is the Christ. He lives and loves us. He only wants the

best for us, and is so willing to help us get there. I know that The

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. I know God loves

us. He listens to our prayers, and will answer them when we are ready

to listen and act on the answers we recieve.

I wouldn't change a single moment of my mission- my time to serve the

Lord. It has been the best decision I made and I will always be

grateful that I served my Heavenly Father. I love the California

Roseville Mission. It will always hold a dear place in my heart. I am

grateful for the time I have had to serve along side with my brothers

and sisters who became converted to the Lords gospel. It's been a

wonderful journey. I love this gospel and the people in North

California. I bare you my testimony in the sacred name of Jesus

Christ, Amen.

I will see y'all soon. I love you!

Sister Matchett

Full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Two weeks till I expire

Monday, March 2nd.

Doing the normal things we usually do, then going over to the

Pinkstons a bit early to chill with them before our p-day ends then

change and stay for dinner with them!

Brother Pinkston taught us how to make pens! It was really cool

actually. And dinner with them was great! We had an awesome lesson

with them after dinner then left to go home and plan. Today I also

received my "trunky papers" so that was cool I guess. The shock hit me

when I read them that my time really is running short as a missionary.

Tuesday, March 3rd.

We did finding then had lunch with the sisters in antelope 2nd Ward. It was fun!

We saw makayla, and got to talk with her as well as her family about

their thoughts on her baptism last saturday. They all seemed to enjoy

it! Suki, her mom, had never thought that "Mormons" were "Christians"

until she heard us say prayers...ending "in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen". She asked us a bunch of questions regarding that so she's

really thinking about makaylas decision. Baby steps y'all!

We had dinner with the Samuelson's again- it was great!

We went and saw a recent convert, brother Schubert. We were introduced

to each other, visited, then shared a message. The coolest thing

happened. Just listen.

A year ago ( while I served in dry creek) I was on exchanges with

sister gibbons( who is now home) and we were out trying to contact

people. We passed the Schubert's house, and their youngest daughter

tracked us down! We heard the wife call out to us and say "sisters?

Can we talk to you?! Come back please!" So we went back and talked to

them. Right away, the husband said he wanted to take the missionary

discussions, and learn more about the church. The wife served a

mission and she was very excited to hear her husband tell us this

information. They also showed us their brand new house( they had

barely moved in 2 months prior) and all of the projects they wanted to

do within the next year. We shared a message with them, gave them the

elders number, then left. I remember thinking as we were walking to

the next house to visit... "those missionaries are so lucky! I hope he

takes the lesson, is baptized and goes to the temple! He is so

prepared! I really hope I get to see him again!"

So...when we knocked on their door tonight, and we walked in their

house...I remembered that very moment I met them while on exchanges in

antelope and I said " you might think this is weird but I have met you

already!" The wife thinks for a second, then looks at me and says "we

did meet you!! You came around when we first moved in the area with a

different sister before he took the lessons!". The family and I are in

shock and super excited. Sister davies is looking at me in shock too.

I remembered them so clearly. It was amazing to see how everyone in

the room felt the spirit and talk about the first time meeting, and

the progression they have made as a family in the year.

We chatted a little bit, they showed us the house ( with all of the

projects done), and informed us of their many changes in the family.

The husband is going to the temple soon for his first time in July and

to be sealed to his family. He was baptized shortly after being

introduced to the gospel. The oldest son has his mission papers in,

and is excited to serve a mission. The family is actively attending

church, and seems so much happier now. And now I'm serving in their

ward. These things are not a coincidence.

All because we opened our mouths to say hello and invite them to learn more.

So that was pretty cool I'd say. Moments like this are so awesome in

the mission field.

After our visit with them, we had a lesson with Mariah. We taught the

plan of salvation and she loved it. She just soaks everything in like

a sponge and is really excited for general conference. Then we headed

home and got ready for bed after we planned.

What an amazing day!

Wednesday, March 4th. Officially 18 months now.

Today was a day full of emotions.

I had my last district meeting ever in the mission field therefore

they had me do everything lol but it was all fun and I loved it!

After district meeting, I had my departing interview. And it was cool

to see all of the companions I had served around, presidents insights,

and the miracles I saw while serving. He gave me some good advice and

talked with me about some things then we concluded. He spends all day

taking care of us missionaries.

After that bittersweet hour and a half, sister davies and I learned

about our family history. Then I had lunch, and we went out to find

people to visit!

Dinner was with the Herbert's family, and the wife used to a "bowler"(

a family in the dry creek Ward I served in a year ago) so we instantly

hit it off! It was fun!

After dinner, sister Davies got really sick so we went home so she

could take care of it. I don't really know what it was but she had to

rest a little bit, and by that time the mission nurse called her back

so she got the okay to go to the doctor on Thursday as well as to go

the store tonight and get the things necessary to help her with her

issue. We met up with the other sisters at church where she got a

blessing from the elders and then we headed home.

Thursday, March 5th.

We had a lesson with brother haltom and Brianna and they both went really well.

Sister Davies also saw a doctor and was able to resolve the issue

she's been having with her eyes so that was pretty cool!

Dinner was with the dahle family, and it was really fun!

Most of the day was spent finding. I learned what it was like to

really be grateful for the smallest thing.

Friday, March 6th.

We also went to seminary today. It brought back good memories of

getting up early haha!

We had weekly planning, and it went really well! We helped with some

service too! One of the wards had a blue and gold dinner and needed

help so we did! It was super cute!

I had a departing blessing as well because I'm in denial that I'm

going home soon. It was just what I needed though. The Priesthood is

amazing!

After planning, we went over to the Pinkstons to have a FHE based

lesson...which was somewhat successful( some people left because they

didn't want to be there) but it still went alright!

Dinner was with the roskellys. They were another family I have met

before prior to serving in this ward because of exchanges. So it was

fun to catch up with them.

We saw the Websters, sister Heath, then tired to make a few more

visits to people however they didn't answer. Instead we went and

visited other people we knew.

Then planning, home and bed.

Saturday, March 7th.

All of our set appointments fell through, so after 5 attempts. We

stopped where we were at and prayed because we didn't know what else

to do.

After a simple prayer, we went to see a youth who hasn't been active

for awhile and she was home! We also got to meet the family too!

We had lunch, then continued trying to visit people.

We were double booked for dinners so our first dinner was with the

Fonua family, they bought us some fast food, then left. Following that

we had dinner with the Davis family where we met with brother Davis

afterwards for a meeting.

We saw the Drokes again then planned and went home.

So the visits we had were great, and the finding was hard but that's okay.

We learned what it's like to feel disappointment and rejection. It was

a good lesson.

Sunday, March 8th.

We had meetings in the morning, then church. Keira, one of the

families daughters returned home from her mission so she gave her

homecoming. It was really good!  It was cool to see how she changed

from her mission. Everyone was in tears myself included. I had a rough

time singing the closing hymn because a wave of emotions hit me strong

and it occurred to me I only have one more week and one Sunday before

I go back home. So many of our friends came to church too!

After church, we had dinner with the Myers again. And it was great!

We also saw the Hernandez family again too.

Then more visits and prep for Sunday after.

Monday, March 9th.

Doing the usual. And getting ready for the next week

ahead...emotionally, mentally, and physically.

I hope y'all had a great week! Mine was great. I love being a missionary.

I will see y'all soon. Have a fantastic week! And enjoy the pictures.

Until next week,

Sister Matchett :)

February 23rd- March 1st

Monday, February 23rd.

We did the usual. Then went to the stake center to hang out with

missionaries. I also had the chance to talk to the paradise sisters

and found out that the Avery's, a family I used to teach in paradise,

is getting baptized at the end of March. So that's an amazing miracle.

We have dinner tonight, then we get to go to the church for makaylas

baptismal interview.

She did great! It was good. Everything is working out. And the area is amazing!

Tuesday, February 24th. Temple day!!

We had a good morning of trying to contact some people the headed to lunch.

Sister Forsyth and her friends had us meet up with them at Carl's jr

for lunch, so we get there, order, then start eating. I was able to

give out a pass along card to a guy who wants to come back to the

church and needed specifically a deaf ward. Crazy right?! Of all the

missionaries he asks that question- it's me. So once he got the info

he needed for that he leaves while I eat.

As we were eating, this guy sits down and eats then stops and looks at

us and directly turns to me( which causes the whole group to stop

talking of course...as well as the people in the resturaunt) and says

"Can I ask you a question?" I say yes!

->This is where having the spirit and some experience as a missionary

helps because he was asking a bunch of questions, etc. All of us are

joining this conversation and somehow we are able to get some of his

questions answered, gave him a Book of Mormon, and card with the

number to call. Sister Forsyth said this to me as we were leaving...

"we just got a glimpse of what your life is like everyday, huh?! You

got a tough one, but it's a good one." Hahaha I love that lady so

much!

We stopped by makaylas house again to take care of little details for

the baptism.

Around 4pm, the antelope 2nd sisters came and picked up sister Davies

and myself and dropped me off at sister Davis's house! Sister Davis

was my companion for the temple trip I had been given permission to go

to for Gerald's endowment and sealing( a recent converts first temple

trip). We left around 5pm, got some pictures, then went in to get

ready ...and I saw so many friends. It was great! A bunch of loomis

people, gerald, sister pickup( one of my past companions), and the

eyeslee's( a family I served around in paradise)...I saw a lot of

people. And I loved every second of it.

The temple was so perfect. And Gerald's sealing to his wife was

perfect too. I love going to the temple, the spirit is always so

strong there.

Sadly, I had to leave that beautiful place. BUT I needed to leave to

go back to antelope so sister Davis and I left after getting some

pictures with everyone.

Bishop Addley( the bishop in Loomis ward I served in)gave me a hug lol

and president Alston just about had a fit- hahaha it was funny. We

were all cracking up. Bishop didn't care about that rule for five

seconds.

Then home around curfew time, and bed. Sister Davies and the sisters

had a great day as well!

Wednesday, February 25th.

Today we headed to Sacramento( with permission from president) because

sister Davies had an appointment down there so that was most of our

morning. We had lunch, then went to see suki ( makaylas mother) to get

a few last minute things worked out for her makaylas baptism. Her

family is excited too! So that's awesome. There's going to be lots of

nonmembers at makaylas baptism, and it's going to be great!

Then more finding.

We were double booked for dinners again so we had our first dinner

with sister Jeffers, a LA, then went over to an active sisters( sister

Custer) house for dinner where her sister is going to get baptized as

well as her son so both of the dinners went great and they are awesome

people.

Then more visits, and home to do normal routine.

Thursday, February 26th.

We did weekly planning since Friday is going to be a zone conference.

Went about doing visits then had a lesson with brother haltom, a LA,

and it went great!

Dinner was with sister fanoua, and it was chinese food again! It was

good. We tried to go see more people, but no one was home.

It was tough day, but we were trying to see people. And I have gotten

another cold somehow so I'm taking medicine for that and resting as

much as I can.  I learned what Christ felt like when everyone rejected

him and how disappointed he feels with us when we "forget" about him

too.

I understand a little bit more of what it means to truly "remember"

him more than we usually do during our everyday lives.

Friday, February 27th.

We had zone conference today. Antelope, Roseville, and Citrus Heights

came together for a big meeting. It went from 9am- 5pm. We received a

lot of instruction on how to better magnify our calling to do the

Lords work- it was so great!

I also was asked to give a talk on how I have become converted to the

Lord, and to give my departing testimony.

How do you sum up 18 months of service in 5 minutes? I didn't know

what to say honestly. All I could blubber out was that I had changed.

That I had given everything to the lord. That I have been stretched

and put out of my comfort zone. That I understand just a tiny fraction

of what He, the Savior, must have felt when he did the atonement.

There is so much that the lord has given me, and all he ever asked me

to do was to "come and follow him". I couldn't explain my thoughts

really well, but I know 100% that this church is true. So I testified

of what I did know.

I read from 2nd Timothy 4:5-9, if anyone gets a chance read it. It's

good stuff. I didn't cry too much haha but I did have a couple of

tears come out of my eyes...so I still have some emotions left I

guess.  Sister Davies gave her departing testimony as well as 2 other

missionaries from the three zones that were there. The spirit was very

strong there.

After our meeting, we had dinner with platte family then got stuff

ready to go for makalya baptism. It was a good day! Sister Davies and

I were exhausted.

Saturday, February 28th.

We had makalyas baptism today! And the turn out was amazing!! Sister

Davies and I set up around 70 chairs and we ended up having to set up

more chairs since people kept coming in. It was around 100 people that

came to see her baptized. Most of them were nonmembers who came...in

her family! Between us, the ward, and her family, and friends that

came...we ALL made it happen. The spirit was so strong. And we all

were emotional, so many people were crying. Sister Davies and I had

the opportunity to teach the restoration. It was the first time to

teach that specific lesson together since we had been companions... it

wasn't too bad lol. The spirit worked through us both.

After the baptism, there was a feast of food. Suki, makalyas mom, had

prepared a bunch of food and her whole family was involved with this

event and they were excited. They are so prepared by the lord! One of

makaylas grandma's took a Book of Mormon as we were talking to her and

asked questions about some of the things we taught, how church went,

etc. So we showed her the chapel and explained more about how

confirmation goes once someone is baptized. She was really open, and

wants to check it out!

She lives in Marysville so that was a bummer for us haha but the

Marysville sisters were at the baptism( one of the sisters there

taught makalya originally so she came for her baptism) and this sister

connected the dots! She figured out that those sisters she saw would

be the sisters who would help her, if she needed anything. Funny how

that works out.

I'm grateful that planning was done for this (and for everything else

in the church) because everything went perfectly. The spirit was there

so everyone was touched by the spirit. It's the little things that

made it so cool too!

We did finding after we cleaned up, went and visited the Pinkstons,

then went and saw Vlade( our Russian friend! )

Vlade dropped us, but still likes us so that's a plus. He's not quite

ready to change, but is willing to read and try it out when he makes

time for the gospel.

Dinner was with the Pinkstons, then we went to support the antelope

sisters at their baptism.

Then prep for Sunday. So it was a busy day!

Sunday, March 1st. Fast sunday :)

We had meetings, then church. Everything went really well! The church

is organized so well that anywhere you go you can always find ways to

serve the Lord.

Makalya was confirmed today, and her whole family came! Kellie,

makalyas grandmother, who took the Book of Mormon loved it. She wasn't

able to stay for the rest of the meetings with the family, but her

interest was definitely peeked so we might be hearing from her again

soon or the marysville sisters will. It was cool to see how the spirit

works through other people.

Makaylas family was welcomed in the ward so well! The members here are amazing!

After church, we broke our fast and ate lunch because it was 3pm...and

we were kinda hungry by then lol

We tried to make visits to people, but they weren't home. We tried though!

Dinner was with the matos family, another great family in this ward.

After dinner, we stopped by bishops again to visit their family. It

was his birthday, and sister davies really felt prompted to go and

talk to Kayleigh( his less active daughter). It was a good visit, and

we needed to go see the whole family.

We visited the Hernandez family again, and this time...we saw the dad!

He stayed around while we were there instead of watching tv in the

other room like he usually does.

They are the cutest family ever.

Then we did normal call in report, and prepared for monday.

Monday, March 2nd.

Doing the normal things we usually do, then going over to the

Pinkstons a bit early to chill with them before our p-day ends then

change and stay for dinner with them! It's going to be a great day!

Today I also received my "trunky papers" so that was cool I guess.

I hope that y'all are doing well. I love y'all dearly, and will soon

see all of you soon.

I'm grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the hope it brings to

any individual who is seeking out the truth. I also am grateful for

the time I have to be out as a missionary.

Enjoy the pictures!

Until next week,

Sister Matchett

February 16th- 23rd

Monday, February 16th.

Did the usual. Deep cleaned everything since we both wanted to clean it good.

Going to hang out with the missionaries today, and go to the mission

office because our phone(s)- we have two since they took the elders

out, so one of them is their phones- aren't working at all. So that's

getting taken care of lol

Dinner was with the relief society president and her family, it was

great! Made visits to invite those people to stake conference then

headed over to the Garcia family.

Another great visit, they said we could come back again so that's awesome!

Then home.

Tuesday, February 17th.

Went and contacted a bunch of people. We tried to invite them to stake

conference, some were home but most of them weren't so we just left

the card there with all the info and a note. We also went to mission

office again since we were in the area to take care of another errand

we had to do and elder Gilbert( the car guy) gave me my own Porsche.

It was a toy car that was a Porsche. He said it was a "an early

departing gift" lol that guy is awesome. He's so funny. I just love

the mission office staff- they are the best people ever. Then lunch,

and more contacting people.

We had a lesson with makayla, a girl who's getting baptized soon, and

we were able to make contact with her mom! Then set up another lesson

with her for Thursday.

I met another less active, sister Jeffers, and we helped her with some

service so it was fun. Dinner was with the Samuelson family, and it

was simple. Love those dinners.

We stopped by the drokes after and had a great lesson with the mom and

granddaughter. Then more visits and planning and home for bed.

Wednesday, February 18th.

We had District meeting today, and we all get along so that's great!

We had lunch, and then went out to see people.

Dinner was at our apartment the member had us pick up food from their

house since they were sick. It was soup! Yummy! Then more visits! And

it was great!

We exchanged with sister training leaders so sister Davies is going to

antelope 2nd Ward with the other sister while I'm with sister fife in

our ward for the day. So I'm taking over the area on Thursday. It's

going to be good.

And sister fife is chill.

Thursday, February 19th.

We did the normal routine in the morning, then went out to try to

contact some people in the area. While we were tracting the funniest

thing happened.

Sister fife and I were trying to contact this lady so we knocked on

her door...and waited for 5 minutes. As I was writing a note, her son

opens the door really quietly and sister fife and I are are caught off

guard...when he finally says something...audible haha then we ask him

if we can talk to his mom. So he goes and gets her, I finish our note

just in case she never comes. We waited another 5 minutes until she

comes to the door barely cracked and she takes the card after talking

to us and says that she'll call us. Then watches us as we leave still

through the cracked door.

Sister fife and I are dying laughing in the car- "well that was

awkward. Most awkward door step approach goes to....us!"  I love being

a missionary hahaha and being really awkward too. It's my life 24/7

while tracting.

Anyways, went and tried to see some people in the morning. Had lunch,

and then we got a phone call from robin ( a less active) who wanted us

to come and have a lesson with him so we went after lunch and had a

lesson! The lord filled our day. It was amazing. Robins lesson went

great!

After that we had back to back appointments. We had another lesson

with makayla, investigator who's getting baptized in a week. Then with

Brianna, and it went well too.

Dinner was with the bourgeous family, and it was so fun! I just love

their family. Brandon, their oldest son, was so excited to tell

everyone about him and laws relationship...finally making it "facebook

official" with her. Sister laws was one of my companions so it was

funny/ kinda weird to hear all of that haha but we all were cracking

up.

After dinner we went and had another lesson with the Garcia family,

and it was good! Sister fife was chasing one of their big, fluffy cats

around trying to take a picture of it...its name is fluffy. And he is

one big, fluffy cat. So we were all laughing about that too haha then

we exchanged back with the other sisters then went home. It was a day

full of miracles. And I only got lost like 5 times instead of all day

so that was a miracle too. Not too shabby for only being in antelope 2

weeks.

Friday, February 20th.

Today was weekly planning. We went and tried to contact a few people,

had another lesson with makayla and her mom got really involved- she's

not quite ready to learn about the gospel but loves how her daughter

is happy so she's taking baby steps.

We went through everything for the program, and then set up another

time to meet with them again. Another lesson with Nancy and her mom-

reading through the Book of Mormon. They are still motivated to go to

the temple and everything.

Dinner was with the matu family, big Polynesian family so it was fun!

Then more visits and home.

Saturday, February 21st. Such a good day!

We saw many miracles happen.

In the morning, sister davies and I, went to the phone store to

activate our new phone since our current phones( ones dead and the

other falling apart) are not really working. So we did that. Following

that fun trip we went and visited some people we haven't been able to

contact for awhile..and they were home. Miracle! All of our

appointments cancelled so we went and did more contacting. While

visiting Vlade, a Russian friend of of ours, we found out he wasn't

home but his wife was outside( whom we haven't been able to make

contact with ever) and we had a real conversation despite the language

barrier. His wife's English is about the same level of our

Russian...not really good haha so we asked if we could teach English

if we wanted to learn Russian. It's sounds pretty good to us!

We had some frozen yogurt since we both were like..".it's been a long

day...we need to take a break." So we did. The frozen yogurt was great

but the conversation wasn't because all we heard was taylor swift

music in the background. It was annoying lol but sister Davies and I

were just laughing because we both realized how much of a bubble we

live in as missionaries. It also made me grateful I have an excuse to

not listen to Taylor swift music...that's loud and really annoying( no

offense t-swift fans out there reading this).

We had a lesson with Mariah, and she called us right when we had

gotten through with our break and asked if we could come and read so

we went to read with her from the Book of Mormon. It went great! Then

we had dinner with sister pruitt and it was wonderful.

After that, we headed over to the stake conference to hear Elder Neil

L. Andersen speak. YEP. Yall heard right. Everyone was excited to see

him.

Sister Davies and I got there, I had to go to the restroom. Right when

I finish, sister Davies looks at me and says "you missed him! He was

just here." And then he turns around from where he's at in the hall

and looks at me and says " thank you for your service sister" and

shakes my hand. IT WAS THE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER. So amazing. He is way

cool. And all the talks in conference were so good. Elder Andersen

spoke last and practically everyone was in tears(myself included)

because of what he said and the spirit was so strong. It was so good.

I love being a missionary, it's seriously the GREATEST feeling to know

that what we are doing really does matter despite what the world tells

us. After it was over, everyone was going up to see elder

Andersen..especially us missionaries. So we got to shake his hand

again!We all were hanging around hoping that one of us might muster up

the courage to ask for a picture with the apostle. And sure enough,

one of the elders does...so we all go and get a picture with Elder

Andersen and Elder Bassett( area 70) and the members are laughing at

us. But that's okay...I was able to be in a picture with an amazing

apostle. It was great! I also got to see my dry creek family members

too! I just love them all so much!

Then home and prepared for tomorrow's session of conference! It's

going to be a great day!

Sunday, February 22nd.

We heard from elder Andersen from 9-11am then went and did visits. I

got to see friends and family then dinner and it was great! We also

got some pictures for makaylas baptism on Saturday.

We saw more people then called in numbers and got ready for p-day.

Another great week!

Monday, February 23rd. P-day.

We did the usual. Then went to the stake center to hang out with

missionaries. I also had the chance to talk to the paradise sisters

and found out that the Avery's, a family I used to teach in paradise,

is getting baptized at the end of March. So that's an amazing miracle.

We have dinner tonight, then we get to go to the church for makaylas

baptismal interview.

Hope yall had a great week! And that everything is going great for everyone.

I love you and will see you soon!

Until next week,

Sister matchett :)

Week of Febuary 9th-16th

Monday, Febuary 9th.

Packing again( cuz I love packing) and saying goodbyes, and hanging

out with missionaries for my last and final p-day in chico. It will be

great.

Dinner was with the ogdens, and it was good! They dropped us off at

wandas, one of the RC's in the area, and we saw her then she dropped

us off at home and we both got ready to transfer day tomorrow.

Tuesday, February 10. Week 2, last transfer. Day of leaving chico.

Sister woods and I went to see Imelda before we left chico. We are

stoked for Saturday at the baptism- we both can go! Yay! Then went to

downtown chico because woods wanted to get a shirt from the famous yo

yo shop! So we went there. Then home and prepared for the rest of the

traveling. The paulsons, members of the mission presidency, came and

got all of our stuff packed up. We said goodbye to sister Powell and

took pictures then we were off! The paulsons, woods and I went to

Marysville where we dropped off sister woods stuff at their apartments

We waited for sister taylor and sister marston to come to Marysville

so I could go with sister marston to antelope and meet my companion

once sister woods was with sister taylor. Once they got to Marysville,

I loaded up my stuff in sister marstons car and we left for antelope.

So it was basically traveling today.

We got into antelope around 4-5pm, I meet sister Davies and put my

stuff in the apartments then we went off to dinner. Then a relief

society social( A LA came- Mariah ...She's cool) and home. So lots of

new faces and adapting to change as fast as I can to get the work here

going.  First day in antelope=success.

Moral of the story- always be willing to work with anyone's schedule

and learn to smile even on stressful days. Laughter can heal any

situation.

Wednesday, February 11th.

Today we did normal studies, and went to contact referrals and tracted

till 2-3pm in the afternoon so it was fun getting to know how sister

Davies does things, and learning how I can work with her to help the

area here.

Around 3-4pm, we went to the pinkstons. Sister Davies introduced me to

them and they are so involved in missionary work. We hit it off

instantly.  Him and his wife are willing to take us to chico for

Imeldas baptism so we are being blessed...everything is working out.

So that's cool. I love them already.

Dinner was with the Davis's- I love them. So fun. Laws( a past

companion of mine )was texting sister Davis so sister Davis took a

selfie with me in it and sent it to her. It was so fun!! The families

here in antelope are awesome. After dinner, brother Davis had a

meeting with us regarding the work here since he's the WML . It was

like seeing friends again because I've met that family a while back

ago.

Tried to go contact a few people- and they weren't home so we went to

the church to plan since we have wifi there and I saw my friends in

dry creek Ward.....YEP. Rio Linda friends.

Brother snelson( first WML ever on the mission) saw me walking by and

then turned his head again and was like "you're here?! You're back

again?!" Haha! It was fun. Then I saw more of the ward too, so it was

great. So many changes have happened since I left a year ago.

I also saw sister Forsyth too- I just love her! It was so good to see her.

Then headed for home after planning and got ready for tomorrow's meeting.

Thursday, Febuary 12th.

Zone meeting was today. There was only 12 missionaries, but it was

good. The Marstons were there too so that was fun! Before zone

meeting, I had an interview with President Marston and it was an

inspired visit. He knows wats up! Love that guy.

After zone meeting, all of us went to lunch then separated for our areas.

We had a lesson with a less active guy named robin, and it was great!

He might be at church on Sunday too. Following that visit we had a

lesson with an investigator, breanna, and an awesome member in the

ward.

We tried to go make more visits, then dinner with another great family

in the ward.

In the evening, we went to visit the members so that was fun!

I met bishop, and his first counselor- really good people.

Then home to plan.

Friday, February 13th.  Haha Friday the 13th...

Weekly planning was today, and it went well! Sister Davies has her own

way of doing things so it's fun to work with her. Another great

companion.

After planning, we went and did finding. We had a great contact with

lily, a Ukrainian lady, who started talking to the sisters last week

and said we could come by again! So we went over again- had a a great

conversation with her and she's not interested in learning yet but

wanted to feed us some Ukrainian food so we can go back! That's cool!

Then a lesson with a returning less active, Nancy and her mom. It was

good. We read from the Book of Mormon.

Dinner was with a motherof a less active I met a year ago, while on

exchanges in antelope but serving in dry creek. So I was able to

connect with her a little bit. Funny how God just plans these things

out.

Then more finding, and planning. Nothing too bad happened

today....considering it was Friday the 13th. However I did get a

fortune cookie from Panda Express( lunch) that told me to not take

shortcuts and to resist temptation...so maybe that might be preparing

me for something. Those fortunes though...sometimes you wonder!

Saturday, February 14th. Valentine's Day!

Today was Imeldas baptism! SOOO sister woods and I both had permission

to go with our companions all the way up to chico. It was a beautiful

thing. I loved it. A lot of my friends that I met were there as well

as the members and missionaries who came too( there were a lot of

sisters). Sister Davies had never been up in the north part of the

mission so she was excited to go! And we had an AMAZING member take

us- Brother Pinkston and his daughter come- so it was a party.

We had so much fun! After the baptism, brother Pinkston took us out to

eat with some of the other sisters! Sister Alvarez( a sister I came

out with) and her companion came too so it was fun! On our way back to

antelope, we stopped at someone's house in Yuba city because sister

Davies wanted to see her so we did that then headed on home to

antelope. We were traveling all day pretty much.

Arrived in antelope around 4, then went and made visits to people by

inviting them to stake conference next week as well as meeting people(

for my sake..since I'm the "new girl")

Dinner was with a nonmember family, richters, and they're "almost 7th

day Adventist" so it was interesting to see how they do things as far

as religion goes. The food was great, and they gave us a billion girls

scout cookies to take home afterwards. Girl Scout cookies= delicious.

I just might be rolling home...lol...but seriously though...my

addiction to cookies has gotten so bad.

Then more visits and prep for Sunday.

Sunday, February 15th.

We had Sunday mornings, I was introduced to everyone during church and

in sacrament too. They almost said my last name right hahaha. I guess

"matchett" is really hard to say for people.

Sister Davies and I taught gospel principles, it was about the

priesthood. Robin, LA, came to church with his mom! And another family

came to church that hasn't come to church at all in a few months. And

like 10 other less actives. And 1 investigator so it was cool to see

all of those people randomly come to church and love the speakers.

After church we went and visited a few people then to sister Davis's

house to help her set up an open house for a sister going to the

Philippines for her mission as a service missionary. Her name is

sister murray, and is in her 60's. It was fun getting to meet the ward

more! Dinner was with the jensens, and it was so good. We made a

couple more visits to people then called in numbers and got ready for

Monday!

Monday, February 16th. Preparation day.

Did the usual. Deep cleaned everything since we both wanted to clean it good.

Going to hang out with the missionaries today, and go to the mission

office because our phone(s)- we have two since they took the elders

out, so one of them is their phones- aren't working at all. So that's

getting taken care of lol

Then going to dinner with the relief society, and visiting the gracia

family tonight!

So it's going to be another great day!

Hope yall are having a great week and that everything is going alright with you.

Here is a quote I found while preparing for the lesson on Sunday in

gospel principles describing the Holy Ghost. I hope yall love it as

much as I do!

"Consider this beautiful quote from a latter-day Apostle: “The gift of

the Holy Spirit … quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases,

enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and

affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful

use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine toned

sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our

nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness

and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends

to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It develops and

invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It

strengthens, invigorates and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it

is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the

eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being.”

Tuning Our Hearts to the Voice of the Spirit"

- Parly P. Pratt

I love yall and will see you soon! And there's pictures too so enjoy!

Until next week,

Sister matchett :)