its starting to hit me...

Almost a year and a half ago I left everything I loved to come to New York to serve my Heavenly Father and My Savior. It was the hardest thing I ever did to leave, but the best decision I have made so far in my life. I love New York with al...l my heart, but more than anything I love the people I've met and the lessons I've learned. I know God sends us exactly where we need to be if we let Him guide our lives. I wouldn't trade this experience and opportunity for anything! I cherish my mission and will serve with all I have until my very last breath in New York! Thank you my New Yorkers for making this my home! I love you all and will never forget you!!

temple lovin

Family! Hello beauties! 

So the highlight of this week was going to the temple with Maria to receive her endowment! Ah..so special. I am so proud of her...she is amazing. I hope you all can meet her one day!! I will show you pics when i get home. ;) Well i marked something off my mission bucket list-- ask a woman which prison her husband is in door approach. yes, it was very sad and just one of those missionary things you are asked to do haha. Good news, we found out the prison! Success. Another part of this week...aye aye aye...i am now referred to as a New York driver. Scary, i know. We were with the Hartricks last night and i was following them to the fireside and accidently ran a red light and they wouldn't let me forget it! haha. ps they will be in Utah when i am home so we have to meet up with them!!! also, i got in another very minor accident. Stinkin neighbor was parked in the middle of our street and i bumped her bumper. But this story, is from the Lord...because he works in mysterious ways. As soon as i hit her and see sister cienfuegos in the bad window screaming stop!! i just thought, nice. another one within a month. then, not one frustration went towards the accident, but what happened is i just started crying. yes, crying! i haven't done that in a while. so all my thoughts, worries, emotions came running out. tender mercy! then the peeps that we hit were being a little ridiculous and called the cops and all that fun stuff and trying to rip us off. but good news is, i don't have to pay!! and no one was near hurt. then after we had an appointment so we called to tell her we were going to be late and she was like oh don't worry! you need some good food, come over after! and that ended up working out perfectly and it was a much needed night. then she gave us both a brand new shirt?? so sweet. this week was a lot of future thinking, seeing mothers being mothers and going through hard times with their kids, flash forwarding to when im at that point and i am just overwhelmed with gratitude for mothers. Its made me learn a little bit more of the love heavenly father as for each of us, his children. i am so grateful for a loving heavenly father who knows just what we need, when we need it. i love you all dearly!

a faith promoting story

I was asking to share a faith promoting story for our Mission History book. My faith has seriously grown to a whole new level since I came on a mission.

"faith is like a little seed...if planted it will grow..."

As a new missionary I didn't know what I was expecting, just an amazing experience, that everyone you teach listens and accepts your message. About three weeks into my mission we were teaching a mother and her daughter. I extended a baptismal commit to them at the end of the lesson and they both said yes!! You can imagine how I was feeling. When we got out of the home my trainer says to me, “you are SO lucky! They said YES! They are going to be baptized!! “I was very happy and it felt like that is exactly what will happen for the next 18 months. A few weeks later the daughter told us she couldn't see us anymore and that her mom was looking at anti-Mormon material and didn't want her to join the church. That moment was so hard. It still hurts my heart thinking about it today. I quickly realized that having many baptisms and recent coverts just wasn't going to be in my field of missionary work. That I was going to be a seed planter and maybe not see all the fruits of my labors. But I didn't let that stop me, we kept working hard, I was still happy! I knew that a lot of the work I would do is with members and less actives, while still teaching investigators. Months later we got a referral from a member, (Iz). We met her and she was golden! I thought, " this will be my one baptism!" She progressed very well but did have some issues within the family and I eventually got transferred. About eight months later I get a phone call from my trainee telling me that (Iz) was going to get baptized!! I was so happy and excited!! I wasn't able to be there to see it but she did it and I felt so filled with love for her. Many months later I was transferred again. I got to an area where the ward needed a lot of support and encouragement. My companion and I were determined to make something happen there! We prayed fervently and with much faith. We just simply decided and knew that we were going to be blessed for the effort we put forth. We called the month of May, “May Miracles ". No matter how big or small, those miracles strengthened our faith and we saw the tender mercies of The Lord. On May 19th we met (A), a referral from a member in North Carolina. She was so pure in heart and the most prepared person I have ever met. She committed to be baptized the first lesson. We walked out with our mouths hung open, in awe and gratitude for this miracle. We both just cried and our eyes lit up! She fell right into our arms. I would always say, ‘we didn't do anything, she just fell from heaven straight from God!’ And she did. But I also know it was because of my faith and works that we had the privilege of knowing, teaching, and helping her towards seeing her Father in Heaven again one day. Just recently in the last transfer of my mission I was  talking to my current companion and she told me, " it wasn't only your faith here that brought her to you, but your faith from the very beginning of your mission. " I know that is true. Because I kept my faith high and strong, I was happy with the work The Lord was letting me be a part of, I didn't give up, It didn't matter the number of baptisms I had, (A) was a blessing and a testimony to me that it was all worth it; I am her missionary. Faith is a small word, but means so great and powerful when we exercise it. I know just like in the scriptures, it was my faith that helped bring to pass these miracles. (Ether 12:6-18) I love my Heavenly Father for strengthening my faith. You may not see the fruits of your labors in the moment, but when you do the joy you feel is beyond expression.

Hermana Kelsey Lewis

February 2013- August 2014

emotions

Querida familia 💜

Holy moly I can't believe how fast time can go. This week was grand! On Tuesday we had a single adult FHE by the ward...well the teacher only speaks Spanish so sister Cienfuegos and I had to translate for the few English people that came. So this was my first official translating through the little head phones thing. Oh my funny. The ones listening were like 2 members and one of the elders
investigators. So at first I was doing pretty good. Then the teacher was talking a million miles per second and not finishing her sentences!! My facial expressions were priceless I'm sure. I often
just said, I'm sorry I don't know what she just said. Haha. A bilingual member was sitting near me and just dying laughing! So since she was I started to and so when I laugh I apparently do a "phuh" kind of noise before...well...I didn't realize that goes right into their ears. The investigator suddenly screams, "ahh" holding his ear because of my noise. " your going to burst my eardrum!" I was like oh my I'm so sorry and we both start laughing! Ah good thing he is cool and forgave me. He was sitting next to sis Cienfuegos and I was like hey (S), tell sister Cienfuegos to get over here :) then she did the rest. Funny moments.

We had a joint MLC with the north mission this week! It was super cool! We got to be with two mission presidents and all of their leaders. It was very spiritual to learn about all they do. I will miss
these uplifting meetings! My soul needs them. I got the opportunity of 6 to bear my testimony. Whew...I almost didn't cry. Then that night we had volleyball night and it was AWESOME!! So many people came!! :) :) I just was sitting on the stage watching and just couldn't stop smiling! So great.

I had my departing interview with president, man I'm going to miss that man. It was super good! Very comforting and a special moment. (N) finally committed to go to the temple on the 13th!!!!! Miracle. Pray for her to continue to have the strength to go. :) we found a new investigator! Fruits of doing look ups :) we had 118 people at church yesterday!!!! So happy!!!!!

I love you all!!

continue in patience

Heyyyya!

Cabin looked super fun! Can't wait to join. :) this week was lots of meetings, transfers, mlc, district meeting, coordination, ward council, stl meeting, etc etc. and lots of service!! I love doing service. We helped sister hartrick out a lot, I love this woman. Defiantly have to visit her when we come back. We had THE MIRACLE lesson with (j)!! We have been waiting and waiting for this lesson for our whole lives. The spirit did it all! We were teaching about the atonement and a little bit into it I could tell something was wrong with (J), he just wasn't understanding. So we pause and he asks us to wait and really explain what the atonement is. After that he opened up completely! He expressed how he wants to be a good member and be one forever, not just get baptized and then fall away. So we committed him and asked if he was ready to make that decision to truly try and start becoming
converted. He said how he wants his son to be a missionary and raise their kids in the church. Ah! They were crying and just happiness. Such a good lesson! Sister Cienfuegos is a boss. She amazes me this woman, her testimony seriously just radiates. Then at church J are golden. I can see it now, she will be relief society president one day, even though it only matters how you serve not in what position she will just be amazing
wherever she goes. I love you all!

Hermana Kelsey Karen

el mes de julio

wow, once again! a little behind...sorry about that! just been a little busy over here in little neckers. :) buuut it has been an amazing transfer in a half! i get to have the great blessing of staying companions and dying with my sweet companion sister cienfuegos!! here is a re-cap...

So this week we had 4 exchanges!! It's been really cool to see the sisters grow. I love it! They are such good missionaries!! So we were only with each other on Thursday and had to do everything plus prepare for the
baptism in one day. Super fun. We had to change the time last minute but it all worked out perfectly!! I'm so grateful for the members who helped so much. She is in good hands :) she was so so happy!! She is such a good example of immediately giving thanks to Heavenly Father after she receives a blessing. She has taught me so much. Sister Cienfuegos is so fun, I just love her. Seriously we have some great comp unity!! We are on fire, just like her name!! Whoop whoop. So grateful for her. 

                    

well this week flew by. again. i can't believe its the last week of the transfer!!! it blows my mind, i try not to think about it though cause i don't even feel like i'm in real life sometimes. i don't know why it was so crazy looking back...haha but we only had like two days to do our studies. due to meetings, conference calls, service, car problems, etc. so i definitely noticed a difference not having them...it was a huge reminder to me of how important DAILY scripture study and prayer is and that i must never stop doing it. i learn so much every day and most of the time its not enough time! ...let me tell you about Friday. oh my this day. so first, we had to wake up at like 5 to go get sister cienfuegos social security number. so we wake up, say a prayer and leave to go run for a little bit. we close the door and she asks me if i have the keys. i just didn't respond. oops!! yep..we locked ourselves out of our house at 5 in the morning. luckily we had the phone...so we called the elders and asked if they had our spare key. they said they had a few so they came over and tried to get in but none of them worked. then our only option was to knock on the neighbors door at 5am to get in the backyard and see if we could break in our back door. so we get in the back and the door is like sealed shut. so the elders are like hanging off the deck to try and open the window! they miraculously get it open and he slides in our window! haha. so that happened. then we hurried and got ready in 15 minutes to go to jamaica. so we get there to the place get in and everything and then they tell her the paper she has doesn't work (this is like the 4th time we've gone). dah!! so we walk back to our car to go to the office to get the original paper. well we get to our car and look whats waiting for us! a nice big fat NYC parking ticket. not to mention...the second one of the week! we just start laughing! so we get to the office get all her stuff and elder bottomfield who works in the office heard about our morning and he says, "well you two sure are happy anyways!" :)  then we went to jenny's for a lesson and lunch! it was delish..peruvian food. :) they came to church and are progressing! they just need to get married dang it. then we go to our street sweep at a park and it ends up us randomly playing basketball with this 12 year old girl. i'm sure she thought we were insane. then we leave to go to our appointment and i was being delirious like usual and was switching lanes and didn't see a huge truck coming and the sides of our cars swipped eachother. we both just scream! haha. oh my gosh..i thought that man was going to rip my head off. but we pull over and i think he could tell we were both freaking out inside and just asked if we were ok. tender mercy!! he was so nice. his truck didn't have much damage but our poor little rosita had a good bruise. then we go to zohars we picked cherries! then we went to our lesson with (s) and (m) and it was SO GOOD. we didn't know (m) was going to be there so i just open my ipad, say a little prayer and just asked heavenly father to please help me know what we should share. testimony of applying what we learn--i turned to ether, which is what i studied like the one time we studied last week ha. and the spirit taught us all so well! we talked about hope and faith. we related our day with hope. even though probably everything went "wrong" we had hope. we stayed positive. we never once felt upset or wanted to quit. and i'm so glad we stayed positive because it just makes everything that much better. so--have HOPE! be positive in every situation, even when its hard! you will be so much happier and so will those around you. sorry this is a novel. our fireside went well on saturday!! anesia got confirmed on sunday--very cool spiritual moment. she is so special. my goals this week...put myself in others shoes before i think say or do anything. i invite you to do the same! everyone is different and has a story. i love you all dearly. 
  

update of the last month or so

Sorry for not posting in awhile! Here is a little re-cap of whats been going on...

5/26/14-- love, the FIRST and GREAT

Well, this week has been the highlight of my mission...I don't even know how to express it. It's like Heavenly Father saying, you've been working hard and are a good missionary even if you can't see the fruits of it. We met one of which i believe, was one of my best friends in heaven! She is such an amazing woman and so prepared to come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  But really, God is real. We are his children & he is our father. I've felt the love of Christ so strong this week. The scripture really hit me today, more than ever-- that the first and great COMMANDMENT is to LOVE god will ALL of my heart, might, mind & strength. Then, to love others. I've seen how true this really is. He is our strength, and we cannot gain that strength by ourselves or anyone else but Him. I am striving to remember this every day. For the side story-- I ate Balut this week. I almost puked. Balut is a duck, not yet hatched. Disgusting. I have a video of it on my camera so that will have to wait for another week. ;) oh and we are on our way to a mets game!! Have a lovely week!! #loveoneanother

6/2/14-- hearts were softened
It was a great week! Just got everything settled in and got Sister Cienfuegos in the loop! She is amazing, i love her! She is from Mexico and is just great! We have a lot in common and sometimes i feel like i'm living with myself. its weird haha. But she is amazing i'm really blessed to have her as a friend and companion! Sorry this email is just going to be a short little guy...but the theme of the week i would say is that many hearts are being softened. We visited a recent convert who told us in our last lesson that the scriptures aren't needed and the general conference talks don't mean anything. So we felt prompted this time to teach her the Restoration. And it was amazing! Night and day. All i could do was smile...she told us she believes in the Book of Mormon and will read it daily. She also told me i have to find her a mormon husband in utah cause she won't marry anyone else! haha. And she said she will start doing family history to prepare to go to the temple. Then later in the week we visited a former investigator. When we got there she was very sure to tell us that she was catholic and not going to change. After sharing our message and praying with them we gave her our number and invited them to church. She told us after that she would give us a call to come over again when her mom started feeling better. Then on saturday we were serving by doing the bishops store house, Manny came and i was talking to him about judism and what not...then i just said, manny...you know you are pretty much mormon right? and you can still be jewish as a mormon. and he was like, yeah thats true! So we now call him the " Jewmon ". It fits him perfect. :) We have a great transfer ahead of us! lots of cool meetings and 11 exchanges in 5 weeks! yikes! we are never going to stop. :) i can't wait! i love you all so much. thank you for your constant love, prayers, and support! Quote of the week..." If your always willing to do the hard things, you will be successful in life. " -President Calderwood 


6/7/14-- patience, a heavenly virtue

Familia!

Well this week i'm going to write this email a tad different, just to mix it up in case your getting bored of my emails. ;)

Monday-- We found out that one of our investigators, (J) is pregnant!!! So happy!! That cute family just needs to be eternal...we are working with them on getting married and having the faith to do so. We had an FHE with a family in our ward and after the lesson she thanked us for helping them feel love in their home. We had each of them write on hearts why they loved each other. I am so blessed and so grateful for how mom and dad raised us at home by telling each other we love each other. It is so important to feel loved and be told you are loved! So, if you haven't already today...tell someone you love them!

Tuesday--  So each week i'm trying to study a different christ like attribute, like i mentioned before. This week was patience. Oh how lovely the Lord teaches us. :) I needed it ALL week. I usually don't get impatient but man was it being tested! From the littlest things like hitting every. single. red. light. in one day, waiting for answers, people, etc, etc. I am grateful for these experiences i had though because i realized how important patience is! Then as i exercised it throughout the week i could see the blessings of being patient.

Wednesday-- We met a super cool less active family with a lot of potential!! So excited to get to know them better.
Thursday-- We had MLC all day. I love it! It is such a cool meeting to be a part of. There was a workshop about being a minister and what it means. One of the AP's had random missionaries tell each of us how we are a minister. One said about me..."she truly knows how to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort."  During the meeting (A) texted us and told us about an experience she had and just felt like she needed to tell someone because she felt like it was Heavenly Father blessing her. The day before we had taught tithing..she accepted it well and everything. But in her text she told us on her way home she found 5$. she said she felt like it was gods way of telling her he is there watching out for her and she went home and prayed thanking him. I was almost in tears. She is so perfect. Later, we met up with her and took her to ice cream. Funny story...we show up to the ice cream shop, get out of the car and walk up to a vacant store. Nice one sister lewis. I know it existed, i don't know what happened.

Friday-- MEETINGS.

Saturaday-- I was on an exchange and we were at a reception for a couple who just got sealed. So we were helping carry in soda from the kitchen right? So Sister Dellrie and i both have 4 two liter bottles of soda in our arms and go to walk in the room. Everyone was looking at us funny and one table of people just started laughing. We were so confused?? Then as we get in the doorway the little "dun dun dun dun..." wedding song starts playing!! We just pause, sister dellrie keeps walking in, i turn around to leave and right behind me is the couple!!! i almost died. i felt so bad. and it was SO embarrassing! nothing new. haha. we went to the bathroom and just laughed for a good 5 minutes.

Sunday-- I taught the lesson in relief society about priesthood keys. I am so so thankful for the priesthood. i'm so grateful for all those in my life who hold it. It is an amazing power.

Okay so this ended up being way longer than normal. Sorry about that! But it was just a grand week. :) I love you all!! be safe on all your vacations!!

i love moms!

 i just wanted to give a little shout out to all my moms! i am so grateful for each of these women in my life. moms are who keep us together, keep us strong, true and happy! what have you done today to show your mom you appreciate her??

Grandma Karen- although i've never met her i have felt her presence around me. I have heard nothing but amazing stories about her perfect charity and dedication to the gospel. i am blessed to be named after her.

Grandma King- the most selfless woman i have met. i am so grateful for her continuous love and care for her children and grandchildren. she has taught me so much throughout my life! i still remember mom would find me hiding, talking to her on the phone for hours at a time!

Mom- She is my rock. she has taught me everything. she has been my support in everything i have done. she loves me for who i am and never lets us give up!

My Sisters- my best friends. Laken has always been our protector and is a great example of diligence and love. Jade has always been my example of knowing her Savior. She is so strong and has always been there for me. Ali, even though she doesn't have her own children...she is a mother. she is so sweet and kind and loves children and will be an amazing mom one day!

Lorie- mama c :) she is my second mom! she has always treated me like one of her own and i am forever grateful for her. she is a great example of righteousness and support.

Grandma Karen

Grandma King

Sisters & Mom

Lorie

face timin fun

Ah it was so good to see all of you!! It made me miss you guys evenmore!! You all look so great, can't believe how fast people grow upwhen your not there. I love you guys. I think I pretty much told you about my week. The temple with Hermana Lopez was the highlight. She'sso stinkin cute I just love her. After the temple she told me how shereally wants to get her endowment and asked how! She was thanking us so much for helping her get to the temple. It was all gods plan! After she bought us some New York pizza because Hispanics  are just awesome like that and are so loving and kind. I also had my first experience eating Haitian food! It was yummy!! People really gotta cut down onthe rice though...man, Im not sure how I'm losing weight with all that. On Monday night we learned how to make peanut butter! So good. We have to make it when I get home, it's so easy and you'll never want to go back to the store bought. :) we have been doing service every Tuesday at a little farm/petting zoo. It's super fun! We get to garden and weed and plant for an hour or two. Takes me back home :) I read a talk this week that I want you all to read! It's from the last general conference called, " a priceless heritage of hope"....

"The happiness of eternal life comes through family bonds which
continue forever....They also know the way of the Lord, and so they
are always hopeful about His kingdom. They know He is at its head. He
is all-powerful and He cares. If you let Him be the leader of your
family, things will work out."

I love you all and I'm so grateful to know we get to spend eternity together!

Hermana Kelsey Karen

blessed by mothers

oh how i love this mother. she is so sweet and pure. i feel so blessed to have met her and to have the opportunity to help her with her family history work so that she could go to the temple for the first time and be baptized for her mom and sister. i am so thankful for all of the many "new york mothers" i have here in New York while i am away from mine. i love hermana lopez and i am so proud of her and her example! she truly puts a smile on my face every time i see her. i am #blessedbymothers.

m.i.r.a.c.l.e.s are coming our way

Hello!

This week was another great one and this one is going to be even
better! We have been working with a less active woman from El Salvador
who has recently been re activated and preparing to go to the temple
to do baptisms for the first time. It's been really special to be
right by her side helping her get there. We were able to do her family
history for her and get her parents, husband and sisters names ready
to bring to the temple and do their work! It was such a cool
experience, it was my first time actually DOING family history work!
We will go to the temple with her on Friday, I'm so excited for her.
:) we had a lot a lot of meetings this week! Like at least 13 hours of
them. As sister training leaders we have been giving a lot of
workshops in meetings...I have never loved talking in front of people
and I still don't but my goal is to get better at it and not be
nervous because I was called for a reason! But I'm super grateful for
them, boy have I learned a lot and my testimony just keeps getting
stronger and stronger. I wish I could express it in words! The work is
hastening here in New York and president calderwood is so inspired,
The Lord is literally here with us making it all happen. We were so
pumped as we got out of leaders meeting and had just been blessed with
finding the pure in heart here. We had to run to the store and there, is where we
were looking for some products and Angel the store manager says, "hi
sisters!" We both just kinda paused like what who knows us?? Turns out
he is a member but hasn't been back to church in years. He lives in
the Bronx but asked us if we could get him a Book of Mormon someway.
His wife is in the Dominican and isn't a member. (Yet) :) it was such
a testimony to see the blessings coming immediately as we are obedient
and faithful. Some other little miracles....

cause we're happy...!

• a Korean lady grabbed my hand on the bus and asked me if I was
Christian and we exchanged information. :) she was adorable.
• our exchange was inspired and the sister was very grateful!
• I did a whole week without flour and survived. ;)
• and just a funny little sign we saw in flushing- "we fax hear". Yes,
spelt like that. I swear I'm not In America sometimes. So funny.

Stay strong! Heavenly Father loves you! Live the gospel!
Talk to you in 6 days!!!!
I love you all, you're the greatest.

Hermana Kelsey Karen

Sister Lingenbrink & I

the lord knows best...last week in the Hood [Midwood]

la familia pelaez

my sweet paloma <3

rosie!

Hello again!

Yep, I'm leaving midwood. Bitter sweet. :( I'll just start with the
"big news"...on Thursday night I got a call from the zone leaders and
it went a little like this--

Zl: hello is this sister lewis?
Me:yes..
Zl: ok, perfect!
Me: ahhh!
Zl: haha. You have an interview with president tomorrow at 10.
Me: is this for real?? Noooo!
Zl: yes it's for real.

And that's how I became STL. (Sister training leader, 2 sisters are
called to kind of 'watch over, lead, and teach the sisters in the
mission). Yeah was not expecting that one! Oh the thoughts that ran
through my head ALL night. But I immediately felt peace and kind of
like it's an answer to my prayers, not in the way I thought but The
Lord knows best. :) so I'm really excited for this experience!! I
think president could tell I was a little nervous/shocked haha. So,
it's been a stressful day, then it wouldn't be, ya know...the good ole
emotions. I'll try keep you updated on what it's like. Haha.

Besides that, this week was also good! I remember one day we were
talking to this old man who had just got kind of rejected by his
friends and just needed a friend to talk to. He told us we were
enchanting and thanked us for talking to him. One of the best
feelings...making others feel happy. We went to breakfast with the
stls because our exchanges didn't work out. That's always fun :)
We went over to the sisters apartment on Saturday night sat on the
floor and are cookies together to relieve some 'transfer anxiety'. :)
last night we had some random car trying to tell us they were a taxi
and to get in...I think. Not sure what language he was speaking.
Don't worry we didn't get in.

Yesterday the hymns struggled...Ohhh my haha. They either don't sing
or on one they started in the middle of me playing the introduction??
I look down at sister palu like what the?? And we just start laughing
haha. Oh I'm going to miss my Midwood. Missions are hard for this
reason...you meet and come to love the people so so much and then
have to leave them. That is why we MUST come back. Ahh so sad. :(
I will miss them a lot!! We met, of course, a golden investigator yesterday.
Seriously so prepared!! I'm so excited for her. I wish I could have taught her more!

Well, here's to the last 3 transfers! Dahhh. I can't believe it. Wish
me luck! Love you all to pieces.


Hermana Kelsey Karen

by small and simple things...

happy conference weekend!

Hello!!

This is the perfect saying for this week with everything that  happened. From my daily studies, to lessons, to the conference messages. This week I was studying in alma when Alma is talking to his
sons. As I was reading these chapters it made me think of how I want to teach, raise and nurture my children. It also brought to remembrance of my childhood days and how grateful and blessed I am
with the parents that I have, who, did the same things Alma did with his sons. I'm grateful for the "small" things mom and dad did with us and continue to do, even though it took me 20 years to get it, at least I can tell Ali and Payton and then try with my own some day. :) THANK YOU mom and dad for your constant love for us. Ali and Payton- just do what they say, I promise they aren't crazy. ;) it was touching also that my studies went hand in hand in conference as the family was talked about a lot. It's all about going back to the "basics" the "small and simple things". I see this all the time as a missionary as we try to help people come unto Christ. 'Just pray with real intent!!!' It's not that hard, right? I only say this out of pure love because what we share is what I love so much and I want those I come to love so much and so easily to have the same. As we left a lesson with these feelings I couldn't help but tear up and just wonder what I can do or what will change their mind. My only thought was, one day..they will get it and find the joy. Then there is the excuse makers. Gotta love em. Or the nice, sincere ones. Can't help but love em. I'm such a softy. They drive me insane sometimes but I love them with all my heart. :) small & simple...(S) got Sundays off, for always! Happiness. We met a less active family who are adorable and the nine year old wants to get baptized as soon as she can. We met a new investigator, (J). But unfortunately she is English so we gave
her to the other sisters. But we taught her once and gave her a Book of Mormon that she asked us to sign. Then gave us cake on the way out. Sweetest lady ever. Our stake is really focusing on family history and has challenged every member to bring family names to the stake temple trip in a couple months. I'm so excited to start helping them with it!! It's something I really want to do when I get home.

So some funniness for the week cause I just have to, we are always
laughing. We were doing a street sweep trying to invite people to
general conference and so we were standing on this corner and there is
an Asian man standing on the other side. He was on the phone talking
to someone and we hear, "his name is john. But in Spanish it's ja-wan.
Like john but ja-wan." Hahaha we all just lost it. (If you don't get
the funny part he was pronouncing Juan completely wrong) maybe you
just had to be there. Another one...I was leaving the bathroom at the
church and Hermana Jimenez was in there going too and as I was leaving
I turned off the light. Then right as the door was about to close I
realized what I did and just started laughing and saying I'm so
sorry!! So funny. I guess the habit dad got us into of turning off
lights hasn't worn off. ;) annnnd...our apartment is like a large weed
plant. Mmmm disgusting. All I can say is good thing we are
missionaries so it's not killing or making us high.

...overall it was another fantastic week in the hood!! I LOVED CONFERENCE so much. It's like Christmas times five. I know we have a living prophet and apostles that guide us directly from God. I know that by the small and simple things miracles happen, happiness is found and families are strengthened. I know personal revelation is real, I received it all weekend. I'm blessed and proud to be a member of Jesus Christs church, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love each of you...aunt, cousin, nephew, sister, dad, mom, brother, grandparent, friend, neighbor, each of you. I pray that we will all be strengthen by the small and simple things, study what we just heard and apply it in our lives and share it with those we love. :)

This is he last week of the transfer!! Ahhhh!!! So don't send letters straight to my apartment, just in case I get transferred...



sometimes we just need frozen yogurt breaks. :)

DON'T WORRY, JUST HAVE FAITH

the words from my father ^^^ could not be more true for me. these past two weeks have been...well LIFE. yes, life does come back around adventually. the life that we don't worry about until we start dying as missionaries. and, its nothing like i thought it would be like! i thought it would be a breeze...oh how i thought wrong. with looking back on my mission and looking ahead to what i have still, thinking about life when i go home, thinking about how to help others, etc, etc...it has been a little worry-some! but, because of it i am learning and growing a lot. still in the process, but its happening. i have faith that everything will work out in the end...or in five months...but its the faith i need to gain for the every day things that will get me to those points. i have been studying the scriptures, seeking my parents advice, praying a lot and trying to just take a big step forward on my own. a big step of FAITH.

"faith is the begining of all journies."

      "look behind you with gratitude and look ahead with faith."

"[faith] is what makes it so."

faith is an attribute i am striving to make strong. it may be a small word, but i means great things. i will do whatever it takes the gain the faith that i need and want. it will take time and hard work but it is how it will develop. i'm looking forward to strengthening my faith and can't wait for this journey.  the only way to make it perfect is through going to Christ every day. and seeking His help...because "with God all things are possible."

"a portion of [his] spirit"

Hello, hello! Sorry for the late email. I was visiting a beautiful place, Hunters Point. Sister Palu took me and it was much needed and appreciated. :)

 

 

brooklyn bridge

 

 

well this week was another good one, and man it flew by wayyyy too fast! Ah!! But, it's been awesome. We presented the 21 day promise to our ward yesterday and they are going to start it this next week! More miracles floating our way. So excited. We had a street sweep on Saturday and we were advertising general conference, on one poster we had a picture of president monson. This black guy came up to us and was like amazed that there was a prophet. He was like, "a prophet?? He's a PROPHET?!" And repeated that like six times, so funny. Haha! Unfortunately he took it in the wrong shocking way and thought we were crazy, but, he will remember that one day and then become a member. :) our investigator (G) is doing awesome! I've been praying so hard for her...we had Hermana viera come to the lesson with us and it was perfect. MEMBERS ARE THE KEY. she's just trying to seem an answer if this is right for her, she said she has a fear inside of her because if it is right she has to change religions and bring her family too. It really hit me and made me so grateful for her pure heart who really wants to know. (L) and (J) are doing AWESOME! Ah I love them. He just sat there and talked to us for like 20 minutes when before he would hardly let us know he was home. The ATONEMENT IS REAL PEOPLE. Our new less active friend (P), who we have been visiting came to our relief society birthday party!!! Everyone who asked her who she was and such would say, "Ellas son mis misioneras!" (They are my missionaries.) I cried a little. I love her! well this week lets just say has been...emotional. It's weird. Haha. Three transfers left is like NOTHING. I have felt the Holy Ghost a lot this week and I am so grateful for it. He gives me answers exactly how I have needed them but in his own time. I have received countless moments of comfort. I'm learning to seek for him more and make him more part of my daily life. So like the subject, a portion of my spirit, I've been thinking a lot, how indescribable the feeling of the Holy Ghost is and yet it is just a portion. I love this gospel so much. I love my savior. I love that families are eternal. I love you all!!!

the closest to manhattan i can get!

 

 

long island will always be my home...

happy st. patricks day

I love feeling like we have so much to do, and we do! It has been a really big learning week for me. This is kind of a run down of the week...

Tuesday morning (N) (the lady i met a few weeks ago) called us and said, "Sister Lewis, i need to talk to you. In person, today. I need help." So we left right away to go talk with her. She explained how she is losing everything, has no job and is getting kicked out of her house in a week. It is so hard to see people suffer and just plead for help. We talked to the bishop and he was so willing to talk to her but then she ended up not coming back the next day...i pray for her a lot and hope her and her kids are ok. That day i also had the prompting to call Hermana (V) from Patchogue. It seriously made me so happy to talk to her!! It was the best day ever. She said she is doing well and is going to go to the temple next time the branch goes!! She said that when we come back to visit we have to go see her! Also, one of her friends we were teaching...her son got baptized! She said, "hermana lewis, nuestras visitas no fueron en vano." pretty much saying that even though her friend didn't progress, with time she is and her son has become a member! So cool. Then we were teaching english class and one of the less actives in our ward who is recently coming back came! I was talking to her about how she was doing and such and i asked her how her boyfriend was. bad idea. haha but only for a moment! She said they broke up and aren't living together anymore BUT because of it she is realizing how she needs to change her life. It is so amazing to see the atonement working in peoples lives!! She asked me how she could get a temple recommend, i almost started crying.

So because Sister Palu and i are at the same exact points on our missions, we get along really well. haha! We have little panic attacks together often. :) One day we were walking down the street and i just needed to let it all out. (yes, i can do that now:) ) So i just started telling her how i felt and the feelings i was having! We are getting so old in the mission that we realize the things the adversary is trying to tempt or hurt us with. I'm so glad we have eachother to lift eachother up! She is such a good friend! On my mission i have overcome a lot of weaknesses, but also, i have noticed other weaknesses that i have. I am SO thankful for the Atonement of our Savior who helps me overcome these.

13 months down...5 to go...

we like to celbrate everything :)

Funny stuff for the week...we visited Russia! LIterally, i thought i was in a different country. We go into a grocery store asking if they do cash back...? They just give us the weirdest look and were like huh?? I tried explaining what it was and they just walked off and brought this worker to us who was hispanic?? He says, you speak spanish right? We were like yes...so he wanted us to try and explain to him which doesn't work because cash back is..cash back. Finally i was just like okay, thanks! We're going to get our groceries now. So we continue to shop and then ask another kid who worked there if they had chocolate chips? He just looks at us and runs to the back! We were like, what the heck?? Where are we?! And who doesn't know what chocolate chips are hahah. Oh my heavens...so they didn't have those so we go back to the front and i'm looking at the spices and the hispanic guy goes, "oh thats what you were looking for!" i couldn't help but laugh and just agreed. haha. Then one day it was SO SO windy!! like blew us away. So we are walking home and Sister Palu was walking all funny and i was like what are you doing?? haha she lifts up her skirt a little and says, "my tights are falling off!!!" they were seriously at her ankles! haha i peed my pants a little. Good thing in New York you can just be YOU. thats what i love about it. You don't have to pretend to be anyone else. Everyone accepts you for who you are. So, let us all be more like New Yorkers! :)

I love you and miss you all dearly!

where my poly-people at??

Buenas dias!

Well it was a very good week in Midwood! Heavenly Father really helped us with our goals this week and we hit and over hit them! It felt so good and to have a companion finally!! She is awesome, i love her! We are so much alike and get along really well! She is half tongan half samoan and from California! We actually came out together so thats fun!! My district leader and his comp are poly also (hence the subject of this email). i love poly's! :)

This week we met with the (O)- the parents aren't members, the two kids are. It is so cool to see the Lord preparing people who are ready to live the gospel. They came to church 2 weeks in a row! And she brought her husband all by herself!! She is so great, i love her. She said she will be baptized, she just wants to learn more and get a personal answer and do it as a family. It is seriously the best feeling and sight to see a family get one step closer to eternity.

Sundays, i love them. I will forever. They give me a re-boost and hope for the next week! Our members are getting more and more involved in missionary work. More are attending sacrament meeting and more are going to the temple! Member missionary work is the best way to do missionary work, members are asking us to meet and teach their family and friends.

I hope you all have a fantastic week! I challenge you all to study the talk by Robert D. Hales with me entitled, Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service. I love you all so much! I miss you tons and can't wait to see you all! Thank you for your prayers!

 

 

they call us PALUIS. :)

 

 

 

a few goodbyes

sometimes we have to wear the elders shoes...

Adam J. Johnson, one of the sweetest guys i've met. We'll miss you!
 

goodbye elderes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Midwood for life

Hi everyone!! How is everyone doing?? I feel so out of the loop I realized, more than I already was at home, we are going to need to have a big family council when I get back! Haha. Well this week was
good!! Last one as a trio- thank heavens! I love these sisters and learned a lot of important things from it like, recognizing the lords hand everywhere in helping us accomplish things, patience, and relying on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Seriously I have watched miracles happen right before my eyes...it is the coolest most touching moment to experience. I will share a few...

We were riding the bus home and I sat down by this young boy and his
mom and brother were behind him. I said hi or the little baby and
tried to talk to him, then I started talking to the mom. She spoke
perfect English and was from Mexico!! Double whammy. ;) anyways, I got
to know her a bit then invited her to the FHE we were going to have in
a few days and told her a little about the church. She almost broke
into tears and said, "oh I need this so much right now, I've been
going through a really hard time. Thank you!" The bus stop came and we
were saying goodbye, so I gave her a card with our number. Then she
said here take my number! (That was a miracle in itself. People never
do that.)

Then sweetest thing ever-
mom this should give you comfort that I have my "New York mothers" here. They saw I didn't have a hot on and they about lost it!! Haha they were like we are going to call your mom and tell her! Then Jennie says, I have something that will be perfect for you. So she goes into her room and brings out a super cute scarf and HANDMADE GLOVES. I died a little. On our way home Hermana Jimenez says to me, "I feel like a missionary!" ❤️

my new york mothers :)

 

Sorry this is really long, it was just a fantastic week. :) on Friday we had a ward FHE and it went so well! A new family that just moved here from Honduras, came and LOVED it. On Saturday all of our appointments fell through so we went and knocked a building with the elders. The first building, not one door opened. Then we found another and it was perfect cause it was like 60% Spanish!! I talked to some really cool people who all said we could come back!! On the way home we were all walking back to the church and sister freeze was in the middle of telling elder rogers a story when she all the sudden decides to fearless a lady walking towards us. (She's known for funny approaches and startling people) so she steps in front of this lady and says hi! The lady jumps like a foot and BARKS at her!!! Haha! Yes like I dog. It was hilarious, she couldn't even respond and just walked back to us laughing hysterically! Sofunny.

Sunday was amazing. The bishopric was inspired to switch sacrament
meeting to third hour because everyone was coming late and not taking
the sacrament. It helped a ton! There were so many people! Jennie
came, parents of two members that aren't members, 3 less actives, ah
it was just amazing!! Sister Jimenez gave a really good lesson in
relief society about the work of salvation and keeping covenants. She
shared our experience with Jennie and invited them all to come out
with me! The Hermanas were able to share some of their thoughts which
was so nice and really hit how important visiting teaching is!! I love
this ward so much. I love my midwood peeps so much!! Oh! Then
yesterday a return missionary from our mission face booked me and
asked if I could talk to her friend who's sister is really struggling
and lives here. So she gave me all her info and asked if we could go
visit her! I am so excited to meet her, I feel like it will go really
well. She has three sisters like me and just feel like we will get
along well! Miracles people, they are so REAL. I cannot even explain
my joy of them. I also gained a strong testimony of fasting this week.
It is so powerful and works miracles!!

I love you all so so much. Thank you for your endless support and
love! I pray for you all, always.

P.s. I'm getting a new companion tomorrow! Yippee!!

zone activity bowling!