Sister Firecracker

Welcome back to another Wednesday email! You know what that means: transfers! 

The big news is,  drumroll…

Sister Jones is leaving and I'm staying and leading out Creedmoor! I'll miss Sister Jones so much she's an incredible trainer, missionary, and friend. I've learned so much from her! I'm excited to be out of training and have new experiences!

Now for an explanation of the title… Many of you know me to be shy and sweet which is mainly true but when you get to know me well you realize that I have a little bit of a kick. I've recently been referred to as a firecracker and spitfire to give you some idea. And this week I have a story to show for it! 

We were knocking doors in Stem and this one guy answered. We had a good conversation with him. And he was very polite when he declined our message. But we talked to him longer than the average non-interested person. He was pretty stubborn in the idea that the Bible is the only testament of Jesus Christ and that revelation died with Christ so we don't receive modern day guidance from God. He said he was a “sensationalist” (I've no idea what that means). Despite his politeness the whole exchange rubbed me the wrong way (mostly because I have a strong testimony of our Prophet's role and want to defend it) and the words “We hope you change your mind” slipped out. My poor trainer was horrified. haha

As missionaries we get rejected all day everyday which is just part of the job and we even get bashed sometimes but this interaction was the last straw and I got a bit fiery. Honestly this boldness can be useful when put to good use. Being bold is something I've had to learn on my mission because sometimes it's impossible to help people without asking them direct questions to discover where they're at and what, if anything, is holding them back. 

Yet again in Stem we were able to talk to this one older gentleman who told us his whole life story. He was adorable and from the stories he told us quite a firecracker himself. (ex Lutheran Preacher School student who got expelled for refusing to learn piano & getting others to rebel with him, one of the first interracial college football team coaches, etc…) The man has lived quite the life. He reminds me of the old and wise mentor in sports drama movies haha. 

Shoutouts to:

   --My Millville 3rd Ward Young Women for sending me the cutest cards! Ya'll are so sweet. I love you girls.

   --Sister Jones for being the best mom.

Highlights: 

   –GENERAL CONFERENCE WAS SOOOO GOOD!! The real fire of the week for sure. We got to watch sessions with the Rodebaughs (and our friend Pam), the Cranes, and the Peedin’s! We're so grateful for our sweet members.

   --Two Exchanges! Both to Falls Lake!  I love Sisters Brown, Zameripa, and Peterson!

   –We gave mini Jesus figurines to a group of kids that were out playing in one of the neighborhoods we knocked! One of the little boys started chanting: “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!” It was the cutest thing ever!

   --We said a prayer with a lady through her ring doorbell. It was so sweet.

   --Guy answered the door in a Book of Mormon Play T-shirt. lol

   --We had lessons with Tommy, Pam, Mary, and Chris this week! 

   --At district council we had an activity where we had to relate random objects to the gospel in a roleplay. Relating hot sauce to the gospel was interesting haha!

   --We saw a dog that looked like and was about the size of a lion. Only in NC. 

   --Member meals! At the McDonalds we got to hold their baby chicks!

Lowlights: 

   --Our AC is broken and it's so hot already. Cold showers are becoming my best friend.

    --A member fed us sardines for dinner!! They were smoked European sardines though and are apparently a staple snack there. I probably wouldn't choose to eat them again but they weren't too bad!

   --Elder Nielson broke our croc pot at dc.

Spiritual thought:

With our General Conference this past weekend, we've been teaching people a lot about prophets and the amazing blessing it is. We have a modern day prophet that receives revelation from God to guide Jesus Christ's church here on the earth and guide us in our lives as His disciples. It brings me comfort to know that God has not abandoned His children. He has provided us with a modern day prophet, President Russell M. Nelson to act as God's mouthpiece to guide and direct us in this day and age. I am so grateful for a living prophet and apostles and the chance to listen to them speak at our General Conference. I invite ya’ll to study their messages this week, especially President Nelson's! 

This is a quote that I love from Ezra Taft Benson:

"The most important prophet, so far as we are concerned, is the one who is living in our day and age. This is the prophet who has today’s instructions from God to us. God’s revelation to Adam did not instruct Noah how to build the ark. Every generation has the need of the ancient scripture, plus the current scripture from the living prophet. Therefore, the most crucial reading and pondering which you should do is the latest inspired words from the Lord’s mouthpiece. That is why it is essential that you have access to and carefully read his words."

Love ya'll, your emails, and Utah accents! Have a great week!

Peace and Love,  

Sister Kendrick

Pictures:

Missionaries

God's work   

NC Sunsets     

No one under 18 

Baby Chicks at the McDonald's    

Sisters    

Christ