Monday, October 28, 2013

Not just any birthday!!

HELLO TO THE BEST SUPPORTERS EVER!!!!

I'm pretty sure the little Hancock Post Office thought that either Madonna or Justin Beiber was living in our apartment this week....or that someone had died. LUCKILY, neither of the sort were going on....it was JUST MY BIRTHDAY!!!!! WHOOOOOO!!!!! You guys are seriously the best thing since sliced apple pie. I got 30 letters in 3 flippin' days! 30 letters?! You heard me right! Ya'll just make my life complete. What I wouldn't do for the good people that I love back home. You are my rock and I love you to the moon and back, don't forget it!!!

You may be asking yourself, " What did Sister Morris do for her birthday?" Well I can tell you what I didn't do. I didn't go rent a nice hotel room. I didn't sleep in. I didn't rent a car.  NO. NADA. NO WAY JOSE. I know, shocking that none of that occurred, whether or not you want to credit that to the mission....YOU DECIDE. But, I can tell you what I did do. I SERVED THE LORD. Just like every other day, I got up at 6:30, and I dedicated myself to the Lord....and a lot of cake. ;)

This week was just full of good times and miracles. I've come to decide that Heavenly Father knows that it's hard to be away from your family, especially on your birthday. So he gives you a bunch of great things to heal the hurt. The first awesome thing was our Sister Conference where we got to see all the sisters in the Maryland Baltimore Mission. For all of you from Centerville you know that means two things. 1.) I GOT TO SEE SISTER TAWNI BARRETT!!!!!! 2.) There was much squealing and hugs.

This is us.....being weirdo’s. If you get it....you get it. If you don't....you don't. ;) It was so great to see her. There is just something about seeing someone who has known you almost your entire life that just heals the heart. It was such an awesome birthday extra. ( SHOUT OUT TO BRITTNEEEYYYYYYY BARREETTTTT!!!!! My birthday buddy!!! Happy Birthday, Girl! So proud of you for deciding to join the ranks! LOVE YOU!)

Then we had our Primary's Halloween Trunk or Treat and Sister Boman and I got matching shirts!! We are pretty dang adorable pumpkins if I do say so myself.

To end off the awesome week I had a few incredible birthday parties with some members of my ward and they treated me like family. I really am so lucky to be here in Hancock and couldn't imagine being anywhere else. For my birthday, the adorable Emily Hendershot made me a sign that says, "The Best is Yet to Come." with an eternity circle. I love the saying because that is exactly right. The best IS yet to come. I cannot wait to see what this next year has in store for me while I serve in the Lord's vineyard.

There are many more miracles that happened this week, but just not enough time to tell them all! I love you all and seriously THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the support on my birthday!

Till next time!
Sister Morris

A big shout out to Kristy Hendershot who fed Sister Morris her favorite meal and cake. Then she played Sister Morris a video from home. 
THANK YOU to everyone who made her Birthday wonderful!! We are truly blessed to have great friends and family!












Monday, October 21, 2013

Sign on the dotted line.......


Well my friends. This weeks email is going to be short....not because my mother takes up all my email time (which she does...but it's seriously the highlight of my week.), but because this week has been the week from the evil one's own home. (That was me trying to get around saying Hell.....but ya know what? It's a place, and sometimes you just have to say it!!!!) So this was the week from H-E-L- (you know the rest.)

Sometimes the Devil just works hard....ya know? Like really hard. And sometimes I just want to kick him in the behind and tell him, "Get out of my hair ya stinkin' HOBO!" Let me tell ya, he's a powerful one......but you know who is even more powerful? The Savior. He know's exactly what you need, when you need it....even when you don't. One of my second mother's, Rosie Bassett, sent me and unexpected letter with a talk from Elder Holland called, "The Miracle of a Mission." I suggest that if any of you know of a missionary out there, SEND IT TO THEM. It's AMAZING. I wish I could just quote the whole thing, but I just want to tell you of one part that really hit me. 

He says, "Remember above all, that this is a spiritual work. It’s the most important thing you can remember all your life. You cannot have a mission and you will not succeed on this mission and you won’t be happy and you won’t lose your homesickness and you won’t get the language and you won’t be acclimatized to the culture until you give over to God and say, “This is Thy work and I’m only the instrument. I’m on the pencil, but you’ve got to do the writing.” That is the most important thing for a missionary to learn ever. Section 50, a verse you all memorize and I hope you remember all your life, “Unto what you were ordained (or in the case of the sisters, unto what you were set apart by somebody who was ordained), to preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter, and if it is not taught that way, it is not God’s way.” If it is not taught that way, it is some other way, and any other way is not of God. You can’t do it your own way. Don’t even try. That’s part of the worry—you don’t have to do it, you can’t do it, you shouldn't do it. Stop worrying that you have to do this. This is God’s work! He will watch you! He will answer your prayers! He has legions of angels and teams of chariots to run to your aid this very hour. He will bless you! This is His work, but you have to do it His way! That’s the contract."

Well dang it, kids! I signed that there contract! I did this to myself....I did the biggest favor of my lifetime and signed myself up for this. Did I know going into it how hard it would be? HECK NO. Would I have done it if I had? Probably not. But am I eternally grateful I did? HECK YES. I have already learned more about myself and this gospel and how I can make my life and others better by combining the two. (gospel=life.....and who said I was bad at math!?!! ;)) I know that by devoting my life to this work for the next 15 months, I am bringing more blessings into the lives of those I love more than I can ever imagine. I also know that by signing that dotted line, I agreed to serve him with all my heart, and that is exactly what I plan on doing. Some wise sister missionary I feel like I don't know very well wrote in her journal the first day on her mission that from that day forward, when it got to hard to stand, that she would kneel. Well, I can tell you that I have spent the past week on my knees, and they are bruised and bloody. I have kept that promise to that young version of me almost 3 months ago. Through the strength of the lord, and the atonement's healing power, my knees have been bandaged, and I am ready for another week in the Lord's vineyard. He has sharpened his pencil, and I am ready to write!!!

I love you all and hope that this message reaches you safe and well. Next week I promise an update on the work!! I know you want to hear about all the amazing people, not silly old me!! 

I LOVE YOU!

Sister Morris

No pictures from Sister Morris this week as her camera was stolen... sad, but she is going to buy a new one today.
A big shout out to everyone for their letters, emails and prayers for Sister Morris. Especially this week, Rose Bassett. She said to tell everyone thank you, it keeps her spirits up and makes her happy, happy, happy. It does take a village to raise a child, even on a mission!!  Thank you!!

You can email her at madison.morris@myldsmail.com

This Saturday, Oct 26th is Sister Morris' 21st birthday!! Hugs**

Monday, October 14, 2013

Just call me Sister Fire Princess......dumb cat!

October 14, 2013

Hello family and friends,

To open my letter I would like to tell you of a story. It goes a little like this. There once was a girl named Sister Morris, who lived in a small town called Hancock. While in Hancock she learned that the natives to the area where easy to spot, and VERY hard to miss. But, there was one person she met while living in Hancock who was not of the ordinary. His name was Bishop Ah-Loe. He came from the land of Samoa, and liked to twirl fire in his spare time. One day he decided to show the missionaries what it would be like to try such a thing. The following happened:

Well everyone, from now on I'm going to need you to call me Sister Fire Princess, PLEASE. No but really. I almost burnt my hair off....it was terrifying. I love my stinkin' mission! Who would have thought I would come here and learn how to twirl fire from my bishop?! Not me! :) I really am having so much fun!

It has been raining here like CRAZY!!!  We are right in the middle of tropical storm Karen and man is she MAD. The rain here is different than Utah rain. Here when it rains, it doesn't stop. AT ALL. It has been raining straight for about  3 1/2 days!! And it's thick rain! And the people here don't know how to drive....it's terrifying. Luckily we know that as long as we are keeping the rules, we will be safe. That keeps us going. I never realized how amazing the priesthood is until I came out on a mission. I mean, I had a testimony of it, and I knew how amazing it COULD be, but I didn't really know how amazing it really is. This week we had to drive over to Berkley Springs, WV to take over an investigator from the elders, as she is a single female. The rain was coming down hard, and the road that you take to go to Berkley is a busy interstate that runs through a wooded area. It's scary enough driving in the daylight in good conditions as you have to watch carefully for deer and watch the cars around you as it is heavily used by trucks. So, to add bad conditions to the mix, I was TERRIFIED. My anxiety got the best of me and I started to cry. Even though we had arrived there safely, I knew the drive back down the mountainside would be even worse.

As the lesson drew to a close, we left the house and headed to the cars. My heart was pounding and right as we started to get in the car, Elder Mathews turned to me and asked me if I needed a priesthood blessing. For this? I am just being stupid! It's all in my mind! But I knew that I needed it. So I said yes, and was given one of the most amazing blessings of my life. I thought I needed a blessing to calm my anxiety, but Heavenly Father knew what I needed, even when I didn't. He blessed me that I might know how much my Heavenly Father was proud of me and of the work I was doing. That I would be blessed with the strength I needed to finish out my mission, and that if I relied on the Lord, I would change more lives than I could count. My Father in Heaven KNEW what I needed. Even when I didn't. 
I love this gospel and the amazing blessings it brings. I know that through Joseph Smith the true Church was restored, and that the priesthood that Christ held and healed with, is again on the earth today. I testify that through your faith and trust in the Lord, you can do ANYTHING.

I love you all, and hope you have an amazing week! Until we meet again. :) 

Sister Morris, Fire Princess

Favorite Moment:

Story Form: Yesterday we went and saw a less-active couple that we haven't seen in a while. We sat down and really got them to open up and left feeling like CHAMPS. They walked us out and watched us leave to make sure we got out safe. As I was backing up the car, I all of the sudden hear a strange sound and feel a bump. I see them start running towards the car and to my horror I realized, I RAN OVER THEIR CAT!!!!! Well, so much for that so called "progress." Heaven forgive me.

(For those worried about the cat, (Dad I know that doesn't include you), I only ran over it's tail. It's fine. DUMB thing.)
                                                  My new dress find...5 bucks! Still got it!
 

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Transfer I don't need no stinkin Transfer!

Hello Friends and Family!!


Well butter me up and call me happy, I AM STAYING IN HANCOCK WITH SISTER BOMAN!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Ok, I mean we totally hate each other...right? Like seriously, can't you tell? Oh man, I love her to death! I am so stinking happy I get to stay in Hancock and see the work progress! I couldn't ask for more!

This week was full of adventures and of course, the spiritual feast from conference just topped it off and made it a week to remember. You may be asking yourself, "Sister Morris. How do you keep mission work light and fun?" Well kids, let me answer your question. There is a simple solution to this perilous conundrum. Have a companion that is an air-head. What do you mean by this? I mean one that instead of taking 3 regular Tylenol’s, she takes 3 Tylenol PM's at 7:00am. Yes, this makes for a giant adventure. Here is just a small portion of what will ensue:

1.) You driving when you not supposed to because you fear for your life.

2.) Your companion sleeps through most of your appointments.

3.) Having to explain to everyone why it seems that your companion is drugged up on high levels of illegal substances.

It's a BLAST. No but really, it was hilarious, and luckily as you have already seen, I like her a tiny bit so it was easy to put up with. :)


Conference was seriously the best thing ever. I can't explain the difference between conference at home and conference on a mission. It's like Christmas out here! I loved hearing from the prophets and the amazing messages they give us. Here are my highlights (hard to choose since I have 8 pages full...):

1.) Elder Bednar:

"We may ask for the relief from burdens, but he may increase our ability to withstand it."

This was personal revelation for me as those first few weeks on the mission were some of the hardest of my life. Many times when I was on my knees, I asked my Heavenly Father to take away the pains and worries...but instead he made me stronger. Now when I face those again, I will know that I can withstand anything with the Lord by my side.


Elder Holland (ok ok ok. He's totally my favorite. My love for him has blossomed since I have been out here.):
"Our pursuit of godliness will be tried again and again. Never lose faith in your father in heaven who loves you’re more than you know. His love is there whether you deserve it or not. It is simply THERE."

In closing of this blog post, I just want to remind you all that God's love is never conditional. Like President Monson said, it is there whether you deserve it or not. He loves you and cares more for you than you will ever know. As you go on this week, try a little harder to feel that love as you serve others. Pray for the opportunity to do missionary work, and spread that message of love to those who don't have it.

LOTS OF LOVE!

Sister Morris

Funny Moment:

At an investigators house while Sister Boman is drugged up:
*Sister Boman's knee buckles*
Sister Boman: "Man down, MAN DOWN!!!"
Sister Morris: "Oh stop being so dramatic. My sympathy for you has lessened as you continue to act like an idiot."
Sister Boman: "I'll just lay here then."

It took us about 10 minutes to stop laughing.



Wednesday, October 2, 2013

                                     Maddie's blowing Michelle a kiss for her birthday!!!!!!

A deer and a hiss

This is how to make real Sopapillas form South America!! Eat your heart out Mitch (Elder Morris).

Sept 30, 2013

For the past two weeks we were not able to email back and forth with Sister Morris as there was a glitch on the church email system. We received her emails 30 min to 8 hours after she sent them and she did not get any of our emails. Thanks to a sweet family, the Hendershot's, she was able to email us from their home AND she received permission from Pres Richardson to email us on Tuesday after the glitch was fixed. This is a compilation of the two days. I asked her if she was able to see the General Relief Society Meeting on Saturday, I told her I cried when the Sister Missionaries started singing and I saw her best friend, Sister Sarah Naylor……

Mom- We did get to see the Relief Society meeting! We watched it at the church and there is actually a really funny story that goes along with that. So we were watching it in the chapel and all of the sudden I see SARAH!!!! I started to choke up and all the sudden yelled out, "That's my best friend!!!!" And then I broke down in tears. Of course, just like you. Then I got embarrassed but luckily all the ladies in my ward are awesome so they all laughed at completely understood. I cried every time I saw her and when she came on screen I told Sister Boman, "I guarantee Tammy (Sarah, Sister Naylor’s Mom) and my Mom are bawling right now." I was obviously right.

Monday: We had an awesome P-Day. President cut down our study time and gave us an extra hour on P-Days now!!!!! AWESOME!!! Perfect time to go on the mission. ;) We went to Sister H house and Sister Boman ordered a Vera Bradley bag for $69.00. She was about to order it and I said whoa, whoa, WHOA. Let me work my discount magic. Sure enough I found a $15 off coupon plus free shipping! I was a hero!!! Ya Mom, doing you proud....even on the mission.
                                       
Tuesday: I was having more struggles with my Salmonella at the beginning of the week. I was not throwing up anymore but had diarrhea constantly. I was up all night and got about 2 hours of sleep. But that did not stop me! We had to go to Lavale (about 50 minutes away) for district meeting. So we are headed on our way and we pass this deer that is splattered across the street. It was the worst one I have seen, and there are a lot here. Anyway, about 30 seconds after we passed the deer, all of the sudden we hit something and I start to hear a hissing. We couldn't see anything and so we didn't think of anything. As you can now assume, about 30 seconds later our car started to freak out and so did I. (I actually was really calm.....I was very impressed.) I knew right away we had a flat tire and we pulled over. We got out and looked at the tire and sure enough it was a goner. So we called the appointed people and got it taken care of. We waited for about 40 minutes until someone was able to changed. Then we drove 50 miles per hour to Lavale, (TOOK FOREVER) and got to a Sears. As they looked at the tire to find out what had happened and you would not believe it...A FLIPPIN' DEER BONE POPPED OUR TIRE. Was this a joke??? No. It was ridiculous, but we laughed. :) Now, Sherry (our car) has a new tire. Part of the miracle is that the man who put the new tire on told us that we were very lucky that we didn't get seriously hurt in an accident as the tire should have exploded at the speed we were traveling on the interstate. Oh, the blessings of being a missionary.

Wednesday: Today was a miracle day for us. We had received 2 media referrals and were super excited because these were people that actually wanted to see us!!! The first person we called was a total dud and DID NOT want to see us. We were pretty sad. The second one said she just wanted a bible, so we went to drop one off.  We headed to her place and when we got there we knocked and knocked but no answer. Just as we were going to leave, a car pulled up and a lady yelled out, "What do you want!?" We ran to the car and asked her if she had requested a bible. She said yes and we told her who we were. SHE TOTALLY WANTS US TO COME BACK. It was super awesome and we are so excited to go see her! We hope she will be a new investigator. :)

Thursday: More complications from the Salmonella, but it is ok! We watched 17 miracles with one of our Recent Converts and it was so awesome! It reminded me how easy a mission is compared to what the pioneers went through to get here. I hope I never forget that.

Friday: Today's highlight was our dinner with the C family. It was SO MUCH FUN! They are total country-folks and the stories they told us were SO FUNNY! You can totally tell the difference of people from Utah and here. But honestly I love that people out here are just themselves and they don't worry about impressing everyone else. Sometimes I feel like some people at home need to learn that lesson. We watched the Mormon Message video called "Good Things to Come." by Elder Holland. He's totally my favorite speaker. He talks about how he can see his younger self struggling and just wishes he could say "Don't give up. The road gets easier, it will all be worth it." I wish my future self could come tell me that too. But I know that it will all be worth it in the end, and that keeps me going. It is a lesson for us all.
This week has been full of ups and downs, but if anything I have growing faith in the work that is going forward in not only Hancock, but all around the world. I am so proud to be a missionary at this time, and I cannot wait to hear the words of the prophet and apostles next weekend! It's like Christmas as a missionary! Please continue to write me, the letters keep me going!
Oh, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!! You are the greatest Mom I could ever ask for. I love you to the moon and back. Always and forever.
I love you all!
Sister Morris

P.S. Transfers are on Oct 9th. I do not know if I will be staying in Hancock or if I will be training someone as a greenie of six weeks. My Zone Leader told me I might be training, I hope I am able to stay in Hancock. So if you write me, mail it before Thursday or I might not get it if I am transferred. I will know more by Monday. You can always email me at madison.morris@myldsmail.net