Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Hello (1/10/11)

Dear Readers,

Hello it's me again Dearest Holt. I am doing fantastic this was a great week for emails. Where do I start thanks for emailing me everyone that emailed. I love reading them. I don't have a lot of time to tell you all about it because I used so much time reading. Ha i love it. So i love taking members out with us. It is so great we had Stephanie she is 15 yrs old and she was baptized in Aug she is so cool. We went to go see Ron because he is supposed to be coming to church this month. We get there and he is making excuses as to why he can't go to church and just went on and on. Stephanie bears her testimony and shares her conversion story. I think even I was converted after hearing that story. All of us were crying. He agreed to come to church next week and i am sure if he does he will be baptized soon after. I love being a missionary it is so wonderful to see the atonement heal and touch peoples lives. Even in my own life.

There is so much that has happened I can't even think right now. OH yes Eric he came to church and loved it then we had an appt set up to go see him. We called when we got there to make sure he was home from work and he was but he has sick so he didn't want us to come over so we drove away. He called us back because he wanted to see us and we arrive he is sick you can see it clearly. So we talk about church and then we watch the restoration dvd. It's only 20 mins and he lays down and turns out the light. As it gets to the IMPORTANT part we hear heavy breathing (like sleeping breathing) then snoring. He jumps awake right before the first vision and we start laughing and he lets a little fart out and acts like it was no big deal. Before the end of the first vision he starts snoring again. Then at the end he wakes up and says, "is it over already?" his girlfriend says yeah you slept through it all. I told you not to take the nyquil before they came. hahaha it was so funny we were dying of laughter. Our investigator fell asleep while we were teaching him. hahahahahahahahaa missionary work is so great. Nothing better in the world than being a missionary.

Last but not least. the Caldwell family. They have recently started coming to church again. They have been less active on and off her whole life. She has 4 kids and smokes (well not anymore) But they are the best little family ever. THey remind me a lot of my family. They just welcomed us right in and we showed them a cool little visual that we know and they loved it. they all did it themselves. It was so great. then the mom Terica (she is single mom) told us she wants to quit smoking so we told her we could bring her a quit smoking program. So we went over yesterday. We taught them the quit smoking and we watched the restoration for the kids and cleaned up all the cigarette butts and ash trays and lighters, everything GONe. They signed a paper that said they are quiting and we got everthing set up for them. The kids wrote signs and put them in her places she likes to smoke and reminders for her not to smoke. They are so excited for her.. I LOVE THIS FAMILY!! She has gone 2 days smoke free. She hates it but she is doing it. I am so proud of her. I will keep you updated on their progress. And again I get to see peoples lives change because of the Gospel.

Lauren and Bre were baptized this wednesday It was such a good baptism. TOns of people were there to support people had to stand in the hall. It was such a great event. hahahahaha and then this wednesday Lydia is getting baptized i am so excited for her. She is 12 and wants to do baptisms for the dead at the temple. woot woot

I think that is all i have time for so i will have to let you go until next week but I am pretty sure I will have lots more to tell you about. Keep Ron, Patricia, Taylor And Eric in your prayers that they will all come to church this week.

I love you all and talk to you soon
Love Sister Holt
Be happy and keep smiling

Sunday, January 9, 2011

happy new year (1/1/11)

Dear Readers,
Hello it's me again just tuning in to say I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!! This new year is going to be the best in the world. I love serving in Stockton and with my awesome Companion Sister Cook. I love her so much it is so great to be with her. Perfect companion for the new year. Ready to make some goals and changes in the ward and help it to grow. This year is so exciting. My third year as a missionary hahaha!! It has been crazy with all the activities and everything going on recently and prep days so not a lot of missionary work but a lot of fun.
Yesterday for new years eve we were such party animals. We watched the Joseph Smith movie with the zone and then we had a testimony meeting. It was really good a tender mercy from the Lord. A spiritual pump up for the new year. Of course i balled my eyes and yes since coming on my mission I cry a lot more, maybe more than momma, which is saying something. But it was so nice we have a great zone.
I thought I would be released as traveling sister this transfer but nope I am still going strong 5 transfers now which is weird because President said it would only be about 3 transfers. I guess he is just waiting for me to get it right. Hopefully I will pass this transfer and do it right.
Sorry again nothing much has really happened since last time, my burns are healing on my hand. And it's been really cold here lately. OHHHHH I remember something so exciting. Sister Shumway came to visit me this week. She was here for a visit and came out with Sister Cook and I for a full day. It was so wonderful. She really is amazing. i love herand miss her so much. We met some new people that are coming to church on sunday. I will let you know how that goes. pray that all the people will still come to church even with the holidays. Start the new year out right.
Well I think that is all really, Miracles happen and I love serving the Lord he is always there for me. I love Him so much He is so good to me. Watching out for me always. Church is True.
Love Sister Holt