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Monday, August 31, 2015

no longer crippled & susan's baptism!

hi everyone!!! what a week!!!
first off, Susan got baptized yay!!!! But I will come back to that :) 
Last Pday after I emailed, I went back to the doctor. I DONT HAVE GOUT! that is the good news :) He looked at my xray, and I have a calcification. It looks like a bunion and is in the place of a bunion. I got trauma sometime and the calcium lays to protect, or something like that. The doctor said the surgery to get it removed is pretty simple, but that he said I can get it after my mission. He said I will be fine the next 4 months of my mission. I said, "you are telling me to crutch around for 4 more months!? How long is the recovery??" He said not long but that he wouldn't recommend me for it. He is a bishop for a ward in our stake. I was pretty annoyed. I left the doctor very discouraged because I had no clue when my foot would get better. On Tuesday, I had a meltdown. We were out trying names and no one was answering. We literally had nothing to do. I was like, "if we were on bike, we wouldnt have this problem!" We went to teach this less-active, and I wasnt even there mentally. So, this all was not only hurting me physically but the mental side came. I got in the car and said, "Sister Briggs, I am calling President. I am going home to get surgery. I will come right back! This is not fair to you, me, the area or anything else! If the solution is simple, why not do it! I can be good to go in no time. I cannot even be a missionary right now. I am not capable." The fist thing she said was, "Did you pray about it?" Wow, you would think I would have learned something as a missionary! haha I said, "No, but it just sounds right." I called President and told him. He said since I am under 6 months, they wouldnt let me come back out, if I went home for surgery. They would just say I finished my mission. I just started crying. My blessing said I would have the ability to finish my mission. I want to be here. But I also realized my reasons for staying were selfish. If there is a missionary that is more capable than me, that can do the work, The Lord needs them. I am holding it all back. President told me to go to the mission home that night for us to talk about it. Over lunch, I prayed about it. This overwhelming feeling came that the Lord wanted me, however I was. That He would make up the slack. If we aren't THE BEST, we can't say, "Oh I shouldnt be the one doing that...Im not the best. Like, I should not have been a mom...these kids could have had a better mom." things like that kept coming to mind. The Lord wants our desires and He will use them to touch other people. The rest of the day went better, and I knew it would get better. We went to the mission home and we talked about it. I have an appointment with a pediatrist this week, so we are getting a second opinion. President said I am learning patience from this trial. I guess that lesson from training didnt quite stick :) BUT HERE IS THE MIRACLE! This all happened Tuesday...and I went to bed that night and woke and my foot FELT SO GREAT!!!! I WAS OFF CRUTCHES!! I just have a walking boot. Truly, my foot doesnt really hurt at all. God literally healed me over night, Im not even kidding. I have never been so thankful to walk. It is wonderful :) I am going to try to bike this coming week. Hallelujah! 
So, Susan's baptism :) It was such a stress-free week, in terms of that because she was just so excited and felt so much peace about it! It was the most spiritual baptism ever!!!!!!!! Her long-time friends spoke at it. Sister Briggs and I did the missionary moment of the Restoration. A member of the Stake Presidency (former mission pres) spoke. It was so so good. The Jardines were there and they had friends in town visiting from Utah. I was DRAINED saturday night from feeling the Spirit so strongly. Susan bore her testimony and talked about the Prodigal Son and how she feels like that and now God is welcoming her home. It was so sweet. She is awesome! She will do so well in the Church. Guys, we literally met her at a park 4 months ago and she was searching. They are out there. I still remember the day, vividly, when we met her. I am so grateful I was here to experience every step of her conversion. She got confirmed yesterday, and it was so special. All of the talks in sacrament meeting were on the Holy Ghost. It was perfect! and 2/3 speakers were converts and talked about that. It was like God prepared the meeting just for Susan! She needed to hear exactly what was said. Such a tender mercy! 
I just love the people on my mission so much. I cannot wait for my family to meet them. I think that is the weirdest part about all of this is how you all don't know these people here that have my heart!!! and you all don't know "Sister Hickman." It is just so weird! For eternity, the people, places, and memories in the Sacramento Mission will have  huge place in my heart. It doesnt even seem real sometimes because I just feel like I have these two separate lives/worlds. I wish they could be one! Im feeling a little sentimental because I went to a wedding reception Saturday night for one of my Bishop's daughters and him and his wife are from huge families in this area, so they know everyone. I saw soooo many people from my old areas, and my heart was so happy! I just love these people. I cannot even begin to describe it. 
I have been pondering a lot about my foot, etc. I think I needed that to get out of my "rut" one for all. I would kinda get out, then slip back in. But after being healed, I'm like alright let's do this!!! I have 4 months to do the best thing in the world in the best place in the world! Missions are the best. The relationships are indescribable. The former mission pres who spoke at Susan's baptism talked about the genius of the Church....serving and building relationships. He talked about missionaries dreading getting transferred from their converts. Yeah....I started crying like a baby when he said that because transfers are NEXT WEEK! and I dont want to leave Susan! The people out here are all we have as missionaries. The bond between missionaries and converts is one of the most special relationships out there. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for this experience. The ups and the downs. I wouldnt have it any other way. You better get those mission papers in, Bubba!

Love you all. thank you for your prayers. Transfer calls come Saturday then we leave early Monday morning. So, Pday is Tuesday and I will be in my new area. Well, assuming I am getting transferred. I probs will, I have been here 6 months haha. I LOVE Folsom. It is a huge part of my mission, but I am ready to go. It feels right. I LOVE Sister Briggs. I didnt think it would be that great at first, but we work so well together. She is one of my favorite companions. We arent super close like besties, but we just get along so well! I will definitely see her after my mission and keep up with her. I REALLY want to shotgun train. So, go to a new area with a new missionary. There are 5 sisters coming out. We'll see. I really hope I train again before I go home. I think it will be so good for me. And Im still praying for the Fijian branch!!!! 
Have a great week!!! 

Love,
Sister Hickman 
Ps. Im attaching a picture from after the baptism for my missionary friends to see who cant see my blog!
same baptismal day...outfit change for the wedding reception :)  boots
are the new style :) PTL FOR BEING ABLE TO WALK!!!!!
same baptismal day...outfit change for the wedding reception :)  boots
are the new style :) PTL FOR BEING ABLE TO WALK!!!!!

Susan & her missionaries before the baptism :)


Susan & me after the baptism. I couldn't be more happy for her! what a
blessing to experience this journey with her.

my folsom companions :) sister briggs trained sister wright, so we
have all been companions. it is so fun :)

Such a special day on Temple Hill! I will miss this place & these people.

when Susan says the prayers to end our lessons, she always prays that
Sister Briggs and I will find wonderful husbands haha it is the
funniest thing.

Monday, August 24, 2015

gout is not my best friend

Hi everyone!

So last Pday, I was diagnosed with gout. I have still been on crutches all week. The doctor put me on prednisone, but it ended Friday, and I am not better. My foot was fine all week on the prednisone, but now it
hurts again and I feel back to square one. Gout is what old people get from drinking too much beer and eating too much red meat. Soooo, idk why I have it...haha. I hate it. It is super painful and is a build up
of uric acids in my foot and is a form of arthritis. If you haven't googled it yet :) Sister Briggs has been SO patient with me. Bless her heart. We've been out working everyday. I just go slower. My body is
used to crutches now. I had a meltdown this morning because I am solo tired of it. Idk what the deal is.
Susan gets baptized Saturday! We are so excited. Sister Wright is coming back. That will be a blast!
We started teaching the Lane's again and re-set a baptismal date for October....we'll see what happens there :)
I went on exchanges with Sister Kandare up in her area! Literally in the woods. It was fun! I just love her.

I am just so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who keeps me in line. I know He has a plan for me. While I do not always understand, I know He does. I am just going to keep moving forward and remain faithful. He always provides.

Have a great week!!!! Happy first week of school everyone!!!

Love,
Sister Hickman
It is no Hazel Blvd, but I guess a Hazel, deep in the woods, will have to do :)

on exchanges with sister kandare :) it is fun being companions for 24
hours with her!

Sister Kandare and her comp are so keep in the woods that they drive a
truck!! I think they are the only sisters with a truck haha 
with kandare on my birthday and my half birthday. life is good.

navy & yellow is the new thing I guess

peace, love & crutches (week of 8.17.15)

What a week it has been!!! So, last Pday was really hard. I was super homesick and missed all my family and friends. It is always hard when my friends get back together to go to school and with my niece being born, it was hard for me to stay focused on things here. I kind of had a meltdown before we started proselyting Monday night after Pday. Sister Briggs goes, "Sister Hickman, it is okay to cry. Just let it out!" I was praying and felt an impression to ask for a priesthood blessing. I realized I had not had one since I trained Sister Bills. Last thing Monday night, my ward mission leader gave me a blessing. It is wonderful to feel of God's love, but it is indescribable to be able to hear the exact words He wants me to hear as His child. The blessing talked a lot about losing myself in the service of others, and I was blessed with the ability to focus, as I rely on the Lord. I am grateful for the authority of God on the earth. I am also grateful that when I am far from my dad, there are priesthood leaders to step in and fill that role for me. The next day I was feeling a lot better and ready to work hard! We had exchanges, so I was up in El Dorado. I want to tell of a cool experience.
Tuesday, Sister Briggs and I were driving up the hill to El Dorado to exchange with a companionship. Beautiful drive by the way, it is the direction heading towards Lake Tahoe. Susan was texting us about how scared she is. She wants to be baptized, but how Satan works for her, is through self doubt and not feeling worthy enough. I have never felt Satan's influence so strong than at this point in my mission in Folsom. From the Lane's to that other family a few weeks ago to everything else, he is just so annoying!!!!! ugh. Anyways, I just kept telling myself that this is the Lord's work and He is more powerful and we have to just keep fighting!!! I was super worried to go on the exchange for 24 hours because I was so worried about Susan!! Sister Briggs and I decided to fast for her those 24 hours. When I was on the exchange, it was the end of the night, and the sister I was with was getting really stressed about what to do. Poor thing. They always think that the STLs are judging them the whole time, but we don't! We are there to love and inspire. I told her to pull over and we could say a prayer to know where Heavenly Father wanted us the last hour of the day. I said a prayer and after we sat there in silence for a few minutes. I asked this sister what the first name was that came to her mind. She said it was this 17 year old girl they are trying to teach. The girl's mom joined the church a couple years ago and had just married a member. We went over. The girl had just started school and did not want to come out of her room. We taught the Restoration lesson to the parents, and I really enjoyed hearing the testimony of the wife, who was the recent-convert. When we left, I was kind of thinking the reason we were led to them that specific night. The next morning during studies, I had an impression that Susan was supposed to meet this woman. I texted the member and asked if she would be willing to come to Folsom to a lesson with Susan. She said yes and was very excited! We went over the next night, and this member told her story of joining the Church as an adult and how much joy she feels. It brought so much comfort to Susan. It was such a tender mercy that I was led to this member, on exchanges, in another stake because Heavenly Father knew that Susan needed to hear her testimony. I testify that God loves His children. He does answer all of our prayers. If we listen and follow the Spirit, He will allow us to be an instrument in being an answer to someone else's prayers. Susan is getting baptized August 29th. We are all so excited. This ward hasn't had a baptism of an adult in almost 3 years (they have been youth of part-member families, etc), so it is really pumping them up to know there are people living around them, that they associate with, that are prepared for the Gospel. 
Thursday we had zone conference, and that was pretty fun! The group going home one transfer before us gave their departing testimonies. SO WEIRD! Sister Kandare is going home a transfer early, so it was a huge blessing that she was in my zone conference group, and that I could hear her testimony. I just love that girl. Crazy to think the next zone conference I will be giving my departing testimony. Luckily, it won't be til the Temple Christmas conference in December, so I have a while :) 
So, here is the crazy part of the week for ya. I have been getting a bunion over the last year of my mission from my mission shoes. I didn't even know it was called a bunion until this week. For those of you who don't know, it is when the bone on the side of your big toe starts growing out. They are very sensitive when anything hits it. This whole last year, I figured that part of my foot was sensitive because my shoes were a bit too small, but I could still run, walk, etc. Well Friday, I got out of bed to turn the alarm off for us to go run, and I could not walk! I had pain all throughout my right foot (the foot with the bunion).  As the day went on, my foot got stronger and more tolerable of the pain. I was limping a little, but I could walk. Saturday, Sister Kandare and her companion came to our area for team-ups. They wanted to work on contacting and be in civilization because there area is alllll country. Sister Kandare and I worked one ward on our bikes and Sister briggs and the comp went to the other ward on bike. Biking din't hurt my foot, so I was happy about that. By the way, it was a blast to be a missionary with my best friend! I am excited for our exchange tomorrow :) I will be going up to Sister Kandare's area with her. Anyways, back to the day. We were biking around talking to people and everytime I got off my bike, I was careful swinging my leg off, so that my bunion wouldn't hit my bike frame because my foot was super extra sensitive already. We stopped to contact this guy and I banged my foot so hard on my bike. I just start bawling as Sister Kandare is contacting this little Asian man. Poor thing haha she was trying to understand him, but then she has me behind her sobbing!!! I have never felt so much pain in my life!!!!!!!!! we were close to the house, so I told her we needed to bike home to get ice. I am peddling with one foot just crying. We are almost to the house when I realize that sister briggs has the house keys UGH! We bike to a member who lives close. THey gave me ice, crutches, wrapped me up, etc. So, I have been on crutches since Saturday. no one tells you how much crutches hurt!!!!!! my arm pits are like more sore than my foot!!!!! Saturday night, my foot hurt so bad I could not sleep. I was in the bathroom sobbing most of the night trying to not wake up Sister Briggs. Yesterday, I told a lot of advil, so I was able to make it through 6 hours of church without too much pain. We have still been out working! Sister Briggs keeps making videos of me proselyting with my crutches haha. Last night, I was getting ready for bed and my foot was just throbbing. Everyone told me I had taken way too much advil and could not take anymore! I didn't know how I would make it through the night. I told Sister Briggs that she needed to call President. The Jardines came over late last night. He asked if I had gotten a blessing. I said I had just gotten one a few days earlier,and I didn't want to be needy!!!!! He gave me a blessing. So there you have it, two blessings in the last week since you have heard from me. They are getting me into the doctor today. Hopefully I can get a shot and numb this sucker. I didn't sleep like at all last night, it hurt so so bad. President told me I have to stay off of it. He didn't know I had been working this whole time. We can't just stop being missionaries!!!! I am taking it easy today on Pday and we'll see what happens. It is depressing to not be able to run, to have to hobble around BUT I am grateful for my incredible companion, my loving mission president and his wife, a Heavenly Father who knows me, and another leg that is fine so I dont have to be in a wheel chair :) I am staying positive!
and the best news of the week is that SISTER PARKINSON AND HER FAMILY ARE VISITING THE MISSION THIS WEEKEND!! We are all going to lunch today :) Of course the ONe PDAY I AM CRIPPLED!!! hahah it is so embarrassing. I will send pics later today with them :) I am sooooo excited to see her. and I have been so excited to meet her family! 
I am sorry that this is so long. Sister Briggs said this week, "Sister Hickman, I just love you. NOTHING is ever boring with you." As she proceeds to laugh at the emotional roller coaster week haha. I am doing better internally and just praying I will heal. President blessed me with the ability to finish my mission, so don't worry......all is well :) you wont be seeing me any earlier than you are supposed to! 
I love you all!!! have a great week!

Love,
Sister Hickman 

P.S. Attention attention! I just got back from the doctor....no bunion for me. It is gout! Whatever that is. I guess old people get it. I am going to be on prednisone for the next week and then I should be good to go! 
proselyting is fun on crutches :)


Grocery shopping today at wal mart hahahahahaah guys seriously my body
hurts from these crutches!!! Sister Briggs was so embarrassed.

The Folsom Zone at Zone Conference 

Sister Sobotka is in the zone with me. I told her she is the only sister that dresses as well as me :) hehe. she's adorable!  
The Folsom Zone Sisters. Love these 3! 

team ups in folsom with my sweet kandare! 

reunited with my best friend and trainer!! THE sister parkinson :) The dream team is back! Love this girl! 

lunch with the parkinsons! just missing the twins on their missions...I will meet them eventually :) 

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Hello Everyone!

Hi hi!!

I hope everyone is doing well!!! I honestly am not in the mood to write haha. When you do this every week, you kind of get sick of it....not gonna lie. I am doing well. I just don't have the energy to write and spill out all my feelings. So, now you can see how I have been. Just kind of going through everything, not much passion. I'll
get it back. This is how life is! It isn't a big passionate fiery experience everyday, even when you want it to be. That is the lesson I am learning. I am just trying to be consistent and keep moving forward. Don't worry I am not depressed, just out of enthusiasm.....I think I need to go take a nap hahah. Maybe I will wake up better and
decide to write more. But whatever, I will just send this now. I feel like I am glazed over writing this so take everything I am saying with a grain of salt. Susan might actually get baptized the 22nd because her daughter cannot come the 29th, and she really wants her to be there. I am excited for that!!

THE FIJIAN BRANCH OPENED THIS WEEK IN SACRAMENTO!!!! Elders are opening it but I told president I want to serve in it so badly!!!!!! I really really hope it is my last area. That would be my dream come true. I love my Fijians. So, pray for that :)

Have a great week!!!

Love,
Sister Hickman
taking a nap by the pool over lunch at the other sisters' mansion that
they live in. El Dorado Hills at its finest :)

Friday, August 7, 2015

Another week in the land of the content and wealthy aka FOLSOM

Hi friends and family! 

Okay, I don't know why I felt the need to do a creative subject line hahaha I really do love Folsom, but that pretty much describes this place. So, honestly not a lot to report on. A lot have been asking me about my companions, etc, so there is something I wanted to do. I am going to email a picture with a little blurb about my comps and what I learned from them and if they remind me of someone from home so you have an idea!
 
things are going well!!! I am SO BUMMED to say that the family we found like totally fell off the face of the earth! they wont contact us back. We think they maybe got anti-ed, but I feel like they are nice enough to just tell us that...? Idk but we are praying and fasting hard for them. Satan is working hard in the mission field, let me tell you. I hate it! I am trying to stay positive and hopeful. And is makes us pray EXTRA hard for Susan that she will be protected. 
Life is good! I really am so happy!!! If we don't pick up a new family here to really start progressing I might start to get bored in this area, but I dont want to!!!! I have to remember that I wanted to stay here, so I want to work hard and show Heavenly Father how grateful I am :)

I hit 13 months yesterday, so that is pretty scary. I don't like it!!! 
Keep rubbing it in, everyone, that you get to hold my niece and I dont :) JKJK hold her for me. Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
Sister Hickman 
Celebrating our ward mission leader's wife in 4th ward, who is also
the incredible relief society pres! happy cinco de 5-OH :) what a fun
fiesta! I wore the most mexican skirt I have :)

Celebrating our ward mission leader's wife in 4th ward, who is also
the incredible relief society pres! happy cinco de 5-OH :) what a fun
fiesta! I wore the most mexican skirt I have :)

Celebrating our ward mission leader's wife in 4th ward, who is also
the incredible relief society pres! happy cinco de 5-OH :) what a fun
fiesta! I wore the most mexican skirt I have :)
I AM SISTER KANDARE'S STL YAYY!!!!!!! Which means I can see her/talk to her whenever I want :) She just got put up in the El Dorado Stake. She is shotgunning in an area that hasn't had sisters for 15 years, so those wards are so excited!!!! I have been waiting for this day when we get to go on exchanges :) maybe one day we will be companions.....

My first companion (my trainer) was Sister Parkinson. We served in El Dorado together for two transfers (July-October 2014). She is a special ed major at BYU and is from Boise...although she was raised in Minnesota. She is diligent, obedient, and a quiet leader. She taught me by example, and I think it was the best way for me to be trained. She never told me what to do EVER. Sister Parkinson is always where she is supposed to be and doing what she is supposed to do. What I learned most from her: there are uncomfortable parts of being a missionary, but you do them anyways because you love the Lord. Also, let the mission change who you are. dont stress about numbers, baptisms, etc. keep working hard and be diligent even if you aren't getting the outcome that is desired. She will be one of my dearest friends for eternity!!!!!! We worked so well together because our personalities complimented each other. We really were the "dream team." I cannot think who she remind me of at home....Cici maybe?? They have similar personalities and work ethics. 

My second companion was Sister Bishop. She joined Sister Parkinson and me in a trio a week into my mission. So, that whole first transfer of my mission (July-August 2014), she was with us because her companion went home. She is from Centerville, Utah. Last I heard she was planning on going to the University of Utah...? Where you at Sis Bishop!?! When she first came with us, I was SO mad. I did not want to be in a trip while in training. I felt like I would be the 3rd wheel because they had both been out so long. Well, turns out, we loved each other! Sister Bishop is exactly what I needed. She is fun, loving, and always happy. She is laid back, but she was so passionate about her mission. She loved it! What I learned most from her: I remember being so discouraged and sad because no one would talk to us or wanted to learn and Sister Bishop taught me to be happy and not let it bother you. I was sad all the time, but she always lifted me up. She taught me not to take myself too seriously. I will always be grateful for those lessons! She reminds me of Gracie from home...just laid back and always helping me to not freak out and be too uptight. 

My third companion was Sister Wilson. We served in Carmichael together for 1 transfer (October-November 2014). She is from Pleasant Grove, UT and isn't sure about post-mission life. She is a little school at Snow College before. She goes home like next week or something! crazy. She got moved to the Modesto mission. Sister Wilson was great for me in that time of my mission. I was still this fiery new missionary, and she chilled me out a lot. Sister Wilson is laid back and easy going, but she has a strong testimony of the Gospel. She loves Heavenly Father and has great faith that this mission isn't about her wants and expectations but just to do what He wants.We had a lot of fun together. Especially, teaching Albert, Mohammed, and Wesley. Sister Wilson is hilarious...she hates to work out and doesn't eat well at all but she is so TINY! This is when my bad habits kicked in, as well as the weight:) What I learned most from Sister Wilson: have faith that the Lord will provide investigators in His time. Have fun in the work and enjoy yourself. I cannot think of someone back home that she reminds me of! 

My fourth companion was Sister Garrido. We served in East Sac together for 3 weeks (because she went home for health) from later November to early December. She is from Hawaii, and is majoring in PR at BYU...last I heard...so we are similar in our fields! Oh, Sister Garrido...I love this girl. She is my companion who is probably most simliar to me in likes/interests. She is a total diva and I love it! She is a total go-getter, a boss teacher, and an incredible testifier. She is one of the best missionaries I have ever seen. She is probably who I learned this most from in terms of missionary skills. We had a blast together and worked super well together. What I learned most from her: how to be a preach my gospel missionary. She helped me be even bolder, always commit and follow-up, testify, promise blessings LIKE EVERYTHING I KNOW NOW! I owe so much to her! she kicked me into gear before training. I could not have done everything by myself in training if I had not been companion with Sister Garrido. We had the best life talks. She really inspired me to find deep within my relationship with God and magnify it. Sister Garrido will always be a special person in my life!!! She is so much like Elizabeth...I loved it because I always felt like I was with her! and Sister Garrido's mannerisms are JUST like Lindsey. It is hilarious. 

My fifth companion was Sister Campbell. We served in East Sac together for 3 weeks--rest of December (for the rest of the transfer after Sister Garrido went home). I was put in a trio with her and Sister Wheelwright. I forget this happened and don't remember to consider them companions and it makes Sister Campbell so mad :) So, Sister Campbell was in my MTC district. When we were in the MTC, she always said, "Yeah, i dont know why I am here. Gd told me to, so I couldn't say no." And she had just gotten this boyfriend that she wanted to marry, so she was so in love and obsessed with him! I was worried about her when we got to the field. Well let me tell you, SHE IS A BOSS MISSIONARY! Sister campbell is organized, works hard, very diligent, does whatever it takes to get the job done. we always joke about her turn around hehe :) She is still obsessed with boys (lol lock your heart), so she loves the elders. It was such a tender mercy being with her over Christmas on the mission! I loved it!!!!!! Since being comps, I have been her STL and have gone on exchanges with her. I just love this girl! What I have learned most from her: work hard/play hard. She is great at having fun and laughing but also being a very hardworking missionary. Also, she is a huge stickler with modesty...thanks for keeping me in line :) Sister Campbell is very loyal to the Lord, and I admire it a lot. She is just a blast to be around!!! We're stuck with each other forever :) Her mannerisms are JUST LIKE cici...it is SCARY!!! But they have different personalities. Sister Campbell is from Herraman, UT and goes to Southern Utah University. Although, we are trying to get her to transfer to provo :) She is not sure what she wants to study. Maybe accounting she is thinking.

My sixth companion is Sister Wheelwright. We served together in a trip with Sister Campbell for 3 weeks in East Sac. She is from Blackfoot, Idaho and goes to Weber State in Ogden. I knew her because she was being trained in El Dorado when I was. She came out a transfer before me. The trio was funny. They did not get along, but I got along with both of them, so it was nice for me because I was never the 3rd wheel :) I think it was hard for her being with me and Sister Campbell but it was only 3 weeks. Sister Wheelwright is funny. She seems quiet and small town, but she can get feisty let me tell you!! she is competitive!! haha it is funny. She is also very stubborn :) We are mission friends for sure, and I love when I see her around. What I learned most from her: She was a very diligent planner. I honestly  hate planning at night for the next day, but she was awesome at making sure we had enough plans incase things fell through. She was just very diligent in all she did. She had great insights on her studies, she really focused on her investigators. I love that about her! maybe we will serve around each other again :)  

My seventh companion was Sister Bills. I was her trainer, and we served together for two transfers in East Sac (January-March 2015). She is from South Ogden, Utah (she always said south, idk what that means...) and goes to Weber State. She is an elementary ed major. Sister Bills is exactly the person that I needed to train. I am eternally grateful for this experience, while it was not always easy. Sister Bills loves our Heavenly Father so much. It is so evident. She loves to serve others. She loves the gospel and wants to share that with others. Being a missionary scared her to death, but she did awesome. What I learned most from her: I could literally write a novel on what she taught me. I learned patience and charity most of all from her. She taught me a lot to not be concerned with all the little details. Her mind just worked "big picture" and she just focused so much on the people. Sometimes I get caught up in the administrative part of being a missionary. God's light shines so bright through Sister Bills and she truly changes people that come into contact with her. She is going to continue to touch so many people throughout her life because she lives a life of simplicity, and I wish I had more of that. 


My eighth companion was Sister Wright. We served together for two transfers (end of march to mid-june) in Folsom. She is from West Jordan, Utah and goes to the University of Utah. She is a piano performance major. I adore Sister Wright! She is energetic, positive, quirky, and just a ray of sunshine! People feel that when they meet her. We both loved bike, so we were always out talking to people. We worked so well together! We have very similar missionary styles, so we loved being together. By the end, we taught super well together too! the teaching was definitely rough at the beginning :) I probably worked the very hardest (physically) with her. Every night, we just crashed. We worked hard and played hard. We had a ton of fun together. What I learned most from her: to stay positive! she is always so happy an excited even about the tedious things in missionary work. She has such a fire for missionary work and the gospel. It is incredible! She taught me a lot about hope and to keep working, even when it gets difficult. When I need to remember how to love every single aspect of the work, I think about Sister Wright. She has a great work ethic and she helped me a ton. I struggled a lot internally while being her companion. She was always there for me to "life talk it out." She reminds me a bit of Katie from home. They are both very task oriented and efficient! but also so fun to be around! Sister Wright and I are super close. We'll definitely be friends in life after the mission! Sister Wright reminds me of Caroline Slater!! It just hit me and i am dying laughing because they are SO MUCH ALIKE!!!!!! hahahaha

My ninth companion is Sister Briggs (my current comp). We have been companions since mid-june. This is our second transfer together in Folsom. She is from Logan, Utah and goes to Utah State. She is majoring in Sociology and Finance. She wants to do non-profit stuff similar to me. Sister Briggs is incredible! She is so very loyal to the Lord. She has such a strong desire to do His will. She cares more about the "why" than the "what," which makes her very intentional when going throughout her day of being a missionary. She cares more what God thinks than man, and I think that is one of the biggest things I have learned from her. I have learned a lot from her about being a quiet, humble disciple of Jesus Christ. She is very spiritual and wants to help others because they are children of God and that is just what you do for your bothers and sisters! She reminds me a lot of Sister Parkinson. She is very sweet, and she has a lot of faith. She is a hard worker and really wants to help all who come in her path. I am glad I have even more time with her to learn from her! She trained Sister Wright. The two of them remind me a TON of me and Sister Parkinson. I love it! Me and Sister Wright were these fiery greenies with our sweet trainers to keep us in line haha. I came out with Sister Briggs, but she was in the other MTC District.  
My honorary companion is Sister Kandare. We were in the same MTC District and served together in East Sac from January-March 2015. I could not have made it through training, or really my mission, without her! She is my best friend, and life is just better with her in it :) She is from Wilmington, North Carolina. She went to BYU Idaho, but she is hoping to transfer to BYU Provo. she wants to be a dental hygienist. Sister Kandare is one of the most Christlike young adults I have ever met. I always meet adults who just radiate with the love of Christ because they are so wise and mature. That is how I feel around her She is always thinking of others. She was so great with Sister Bills when I would be having meltdowns. She loves the Lord and the gospel. She keeps working hard on her mission, even when she has not felt the reward. She endures because she knows this is what she should be doing. She is a wonderful listener and friend.What I have learned most from her: how to put others first. she always goes out of her way to love and serve others in the most thoughtful ways. she doesn't let people or things bother her, she just a calming peace about her. She has a desire to always do what is right. Love love love my kandare!!! She reminds me of Alexis because has a laid back but very thoughtful and loving personality.