Monday, August 29, 2016

week 37: "Oh! We have Sisters now!"



Monday, Aug 15th, 2016

   This week was a whirlwind! Whew! I still can't believe I am in
Auburn! I guess I knew I was leaving, but never did I think I would be
shot gun training! It was kind of hard leaving Lincoln. I absolutely
loved the members there and the investigators. But I know it was all
in the Lords timing and that His hand is in all things!

     On Tuesday we spent the day getting all packed up and a TON of
driving around! Sister C. is training as well and was so kind to
drive me up to Auburn to help me get settled in. We cleaned a bit and
got unpacked! We moved into an Elders apartment, but it was actually
ALOT cleaner than I expected. We live in a finished garage of a
members home. Well, you walk into the garage and there is a ginormous RV
and off to the side are three doors; one for the bedroom/study room,
one for the bathroom and one for the kitchen. It's quite an odd set
up, but it works. It's nice and safe, the only down side is that it
smells like a garage.
Sister Cannon & Sister Gore
We then drove down to the mission office to do some car switcheroos,
then headed to Lincoln to do more companion meet ups and dinner. I
then spent the night with Sister Canann and Sister Singer! I just love
them! So in my two other areas I had replaced Singer so we had a ton
of people to talk about!

Wednesday was just craziness! We went to the mission office to pick up
our beautiful new trainees! The Spirit was so strong! Like it's
always strong around missionaries, but they are fresh from the MTC,
one of the most spiritual places ever. I had a guess of who would be
mine but I wasn't for sure!


We had lots of meetings, where President gave us council on who we are
as trainers and what to do to help these brand new, full of fire
missionaries!
Then it was time to meet our new companions and drum roll
please.....SISTER DEE!! She is so wonderful! She is small but mighty!


She is full of optimism and fire and just wants to serve!! President talked to us because we are in a little bit of a different situation since we are pink washing (both missionaries leaving an area and two new missionaries replacing them). He gave us some instructions on things to do. He wanted to make sure we knew that God would help us and to take time to sit and ponder in the beautiful nature here. I am grateful for that council. I'm grateful that I am faced with this
exciting challenge in such a beautiful place. It's crazy how much
strength I receive from being in the midst of some of my favorite of
Gods creations. I love the mountains and the forests here so there is
no place I would rather be!


I got to see some of my old Redding friends and that's always fun! We
got some pictures and headed on the road! Some Elders in our zone who
are also training let us follow them up which was so kind, because my
navigational skills are not good haha
Oh yeah I get to drive a Nissan Truck!! I'm super excited about that!!

Since we didn't have a dinner and we got home kind of late, we spent
the night unpacking/cleaning then got in-n-out for dinner!  It's like
5 mins from our house I love it! We went over to the members we live
with, the N’s and introduced Sister D. to them! They are the
sweetest couple and I am excited to get to know them better!
Thursday morning we got a call from a sweet lady in the ward trying to
contact the missionaries. We told her to look no further! Haha Well
she has a 16 year old adopted son names Justin who she said might be
ready for the lessons! So we set it up for Sunday night! It was
amazing to see a miracle happen so soon! I was grateful too that
Sister D. could have a solid teaching experience her first week in
the mission.


      We then went to Zone meeting! But we got lost, as usual and we
were a half hour late haha but everyone was super nice about it and
completely understood. We talked about iPads and the importance of
keeping a good area book. I was so proud of my area book in my last
couple areas. It is so incredibly important to keep an accurate
account of what you have done and who you have seen. This is just a
small piece of the Lords vineyard in which the Lord has placed His
trust in us. I want to be able to accountable for all the work I did
on my mission. What is recorded on earth is recorded in heaven, and I
want the Lord to know that I take my calling as a disciple of Him
seriously and that He can rely on me to find and help His children.
When we got here, the area book was a disaster. Nothing was organized,
there were multiple records for the same person, the calendar was
completely blank, it stressed me out. Anyways, I told Sister Dee that
this was a good example of what not to do haha I am so excited to
clean up this area and this area book!!





We then went to the Friendship Club, which is an organization that
helps young girls stay out of trouble and help them go to college and
get jobs! We stuffed envelopes for them, but it was super fun to help
out and to hang out with the other missionaries too!

That night we went up to Foresthills for dinner! It is absolutely
gorgeous up there! It reminds me of Redding, with the mountains, trees
and the people. I can tell that I am absolutely going to love serving
up here!

Friday was the most intense planning session of my entire life. We
went through all of our investigators and called them to try to set up
appointments. Unfortunately, the majority of them did not get back to
us, but we kept chugging along. I think we called at least 30 people.
I started to feel like a robot! So we went through our formers and
potentials and did a lot of sifting out. It already looks so much
better! We have a TON of finding for this week, so we will be busy
busy busy!
Saturday we continued to call people with little to no luck! But
that's okay! The Lord sees our efforts and will bless us for it! We
drove up to Foresthills to visit some potentials and members. Little
luck, but we were able to get a return appointment with a sweet less
active lady so we are excited about that! We then received a text from
our dinner appointment to see if we could come right now, it was 3
o'clock haha so we had a bit of an early dinner, but it worked out so
that we could meet with the branch mission leader and branch president
that night. They are both such sweet men with a strong desire to serve
the Lord and help us in uplifting this area. They both said that the
members are strong, but not very missionary minded, so we hope that we
can help them with that!


Sunday was wonderful! The members we live with gave talks on temples
and the importance of temple work. They were both beautiful talks. I
wish I could go to the Temple every week, better yet every day. But I
can only go every three months. I want to challenge you to go to the
Temple often. If you can't go, prepare yourself to go. If it's been a
while, make plans to go back. I know that Temples are holy dedicated
houses of the Lord, I am so grateful for them and the Spirit that is
there.
That night we had a great lesson with Justin. A few of his friends
from the Ward were there and that made such a difference. The young
men each bore there testimonies on different principles and were able
to help him understand. We could tell that he felt the Spirit, it was
powerful. He looked little teary as we talked about Joseph Smith.
That is one of my favorite parts of the restoration. I was able to
recite the first vision, and it was an incredible feeling to be able
to then testify of the truthfulness of that event and of the
Restoration of the gospel. I know with all my heart that this church
is true. That Christ established His church on the earth, and through
the prophet Joseph Smith it was restored back on the earth. I know
that he truly did see God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I know
that he, with the power of God, translated the Book of Mormon. I know
that the Book of Mormon is true, that it is the word of God and that
He gave it to us be due He loves us and wants us to be happy.
Sister Dee & Sister Gore
I know without a doubt in my heart that this Church is true. I am so
grateful to be a missionary for my Savior.

I love y'all so much!
Keep the faith!
Sister Gore
🙌🏻

Sunday, August 14, 2016

week 36: Expecting the unexpected

Monday, August 8th, 2016


Alrighty wow! Ready to hear about an insane week!?
First off, there is an article on LDS.org called, "The gift of being
broken." I love this article! Although I don't consider myself broken
or even dealing with that major of a trial, these past couple
transfers have been tough but I have learned so much from my Heavenly
Father! I was thinking that maybe I wasn't just supposed to open my
heart to love my companions, but maybe I need the broken heart to let
God in, to feel His love again, to apply the Atonement better. I truly
feel like this experience has prepared me for future things. I have
learned that life is better when I rely open heartedly on the Lord!
Sister Gore & Sister C.

 
District Lunch
On Tuesday I went on exchanges with Sister C! We went to
her area and it was so much fun! We did service in the morning like
usual and went to MOD pizza as a district for lunch!! I love MOD so I
was so happy to go before I leave! We ran into some nice ladies who
used to be Mormon and both of them said that missionaries could stop
by to visit with them! I truly have a testimony in the perfect timing
the Lord has! It's all about following promptings and being where you
are supposed to be, when you are supposed to be there.

     We switched over to my Ward and had dinner with the H’s! They
told us an adorable story, that I can't remember all the details of
and gave us each $2 bills! It was too fun! I love the H. family and
will miss them!
The H's
     Wednesday we met a Buddhist lady named P she is so kind.
She really isn't interested in learning about the gospel, but she
does enjoy discussing similarities and differences between Christianity
and Buddhism! It was a great time and maybe one day she will be ready!
We had a great lesson with T and A on Temples and Families!
They both want to be baptized eventually but they aren't ready yet.
But I know that it is in the Lords hands and that in His timing, it
will happen!
          That night was Dining Divas for the Relief Society! We went to the
B’s home for the meeting and it was like a mini art gallery! Everyone brought
their favorite art and little snacks to share! It was so fun to look at and discuss
art again! I have missed it! Brother B. is even a photographer! So we had a
lot to talk about! His grandfather was a photographer too and even took
 pictures of the earthwork in San Fran in the 1900's! It was so neat!
     On Thursday Sister N. joined us!! She is such a sweetheart!!
That day we were able to meet Brother J. someone we have been trying
to see forever!! #Miracle
     That night we had dinner with Sister F and her two little girls! She
study psychology in college so we talked about sleep patterns and
dreams!! It was really neat! She is sooooo spiritual!! She always wants
 to have the Spirit with her and I can tell she always follows promptings
 and wants to be close with the Lord!
After a long week of waiting, we finally found out what's happening
with transfers! And I am leaving!
    So then after a long 24 hours we find out where I am going and
drum roll please......I'm going to Auburn to double-cover-shot-gun
train!! So that means that the two elders that were there are leaving
and me and my greenie will take over the Auburn 3rd Ward and Forest
Hill Branch! Woah! I'm excited! But really nervous! Lots of prayers
please!  I was in complete shock when I saw the transfer board! I know
that the Lord trusts me and that he will guide me as to how to help my
trainee!
    So this weekend has been full of goodbyes, pictures and attempting
to figure out rides...still not sure how I'm going to get to my new house
or the mission office for the meeting and to pick her up...but it will
all work out!!
Lots of goodbyes to favorite families! 

Love you all lots! Thank you so much for your prayers, love,
encouragement and support!!
Love ,
Sister Gore
Ps I hit my 9 month this week! 



week 35: "As I have loved you"

Monday, August 1st, 2016

Sister Gore & Sister Price


This week was insane, but not really.
It started off really well, I can honestly say it was one of my
favorite Pdays! We played a hilarious game of tele-strations, did yoga
while listening to jazz Christmas music and had a Christmas in July
celebration!!

We had the senior FHE that night but had to leave early because we had
a lesson with the A. family! We got there and they weren't
there....so we tried some more people who didn't answer then headed
home.

So Sister P. received permission to teach her grandmother over
Skype with the sister missionaries in Ohio! So we had one of those
lessons with her! It was great; we talked about Temples and eternal
families! She even prayed at the end of the lesson!!
The rest of the day we spent finding, and no one was home or
interested...except for a man named R. he said we could come back!!

BUT... Nicole, Tyler and Sister Brunner came to Lincoln and took us
out for Chinese food!! It was sooo good to see her and just laugh!!
There are no such things as coincidences! It is not by chance that I
was called to serve in one of my best friends missions. I am still
trying to figure out what the bigger purpose is. Maybe it's simply
another way to show me that Gods hand is in all things or maybe just a
little tender mercy. Or maybe, there's a much bigger picture and I
won't see the reason till later.

Wednesday was the best! We had interviews with President. It was the
best interview ever. This transfer has been a tough one for me, for
multiple reasons. I could tell that he cares about me and my happiness
and what will help me be more effective. He definitely has the gift of
discernment. He knew exactly how I was feeling without having to say
it. I know that I am in the right mission and I know that God works
though people in our lives to help and guide us!

We then had a lesson with the W's! They are an older couple that
live in Loomis and requested Sisters! All of their family are members
and so they are practically Mormon. She had a few personal concerns
that we were able to answer! She said she had been pondering these
things for a long time and they were really bothering her, but that at
the end of our visit she felt really good about it. We asked G, what her
thoughts on the Book of Mormon were. She said she loves it, she reads
 it each night and it bring her so much peace! We were like oh my
heck are you for real?! It was amazing! We challenged her to pray to
 know if it is true! She said she would, we hope to talk about baptism
with them on Saturday when we see them next!

Thursday we went in exchanges!! I went with Sister S. in her area!
We had a blast as usual! We had some really great lessons where we
were able to testify of the Book of Mormon and challenge them to pray
about it! The spirit was strong that day! Miracles happen on
exchanges!

Oh bonus! Sisters’ C. and P. were able to meet with T. and A! They
want to take the lessons again and want to be baptized!! We are super
excited to formally start meeting with them again!

So I have learned a lot about Grace and Gods love this transfer. MUCH
more than I expected. I knew I would need the Lords help with this
transfer especially, but I didn't realize what kind of of love I would
feel. I know that God loves us and that he places people in our lives
for a reason. Nothing is a coincidence. Everything is timed perfectly.
I know that God has a plan for me and all of us, much, much better
than the one we may planned for ourselves.
Oh miracle time! We got to see B. again! Okay I'll give you a
refresher on B! When Sister M. was here we kept trying this
home where we thought a less active member lived. I was on exchanges
with Sister S. when B. came to the door. He let us share a message
and I just figured it was a part member situation. Well a couple weeks
later a woman answers the door so we ask her if she is the person we
were looking for. She said no and that she is not interested (it's always
awkward when one spouse is interested and the other isn't) Well is
weekend, we went to visit someone else (who actually said we could
come back yay!) well we parked the car by B’s house to figure out who
to see next. I kept getting this feeling like we should see Bob, but I kept
pushing it off because he looked really busy. We drove away and the
impression kept coming, I couldn't shake it. So I turned the car around
and we went back. He was mowing his lawn but we stood on his porch and
chatted. We shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon with him. He
said he slowly wants to start getting back into religion but isn't
ready for a copy of the Book of Mormon. He said we are more than
welcome to keep coming by. Although he didn't take a Book of Mormon, I
know he felt the Spirit. I'm so glad Heavenly Father trusted me with
that promoting to go see B. that day!
The bishopric asked us to give talks in Sacrament meeting. So we spoke
on Sunday on the plan of Salvation! It went really well! T and A even came
to church to hear us speak!
It went super well!!

I love being a missionary! I'm excited for whatever this next has in store!
Love you so much!!


Sister Gore

Saturday, August 6, 2016

week 34: reaching goals



 July 25, 2016

 Wow okay this week was great, crazy and just plain old wonderful!!

        Tuesday we stopped by the F family because a sister in our ward
suggested that P. might be interested in doing some family history
work! We brought him a My Family pamphlet and gave him the contact
info of the Family History Consultant in our ward. He was super
excited about it! He then asked if we were going to come by again!
So we will go back in the next couple weeks. His wife A. is in hospice
care and he is her primary caregiver so he is pretty busy! So whenever
we go over we sit with A. who can't say much but I am sure she enjoys the company.
We saw a family, the M's and they were excited to see us.  We don't think
they plan on coming back to church, but they seem to consider themselves
 active. They talk like they have testimonies and dress modestly, just don't
come to church. We talked about pioneers and the importance of learning our heritage. We invited them to the Pioneer Day activity but Sister M. said she
won't go because it's not in Utah on the 24th haha she takes her Pioneer Day seriously!!
We were able to meet the A. family! They are a family that the first Ward
elders referred to us! Sister A. (the only member in the family) was so sweet!! They were about to leave but said we could come by Monday night! We are so excited to meet the whole family!
          Wednesday was weird though, we had district meeting, lunch and
then went to contact a part member family! The record said they had
never answered the door, so past missionaries kind of gave up on them. But I
was determined. We knocked on their door and their son answered! He
said that his parents would be home tonight and that we could stop by
then. We then went home so Sister P. could change for her physical therapy appointment. Well she got the appointment time mixed up, so when we finally
got there after getting lost of course, it was too late and they had to
reschedule. So we went home and took a power nap, but slept through all
alarms. Oops

       Then we had dinner with the C's and I just LOVE their
family!! We then went to T's  house. We were later then he said to come,
but it was good thing because Brother T. wasn't quite home yet. Anyways it
was a miracle we even got to see him because he usually doesn't get home
until 9! We had a great conversation with him about the Book of Mormon
and how following Christ can help us have peace amidst the challenges of
world. We bore testimony of how grateful we are of the freedoms we
have in the country. I know that the Priesthood is real and is restored on the
earth today. I know that as we trust in our leaders they will help us and that
 we can have confidence in the revelation that they receive.

     Thursday was literally the best day! I don't think I have the time or brain capacity to fully explain what happened. We had 8 unplanned lessons that day...that just doesn't happen that is usually what we have for the whole week,
on a good week. It was just miracle after miracle! We met members we didn't know about, we met people who said we could come back and we stayed
diligent the whole day.
Friday was probably even better because we got to go to the Temple!!
It was so wonderful!! I felt the Spirit so strong and learned so much more
 about my Heavenly Gather and His plan and His love for me.

          Saturday was great! Last weekly planning I called a ton of people to
try to set up lessons, some didn't answer, and some numbers were disconnected.
So this past Friday I called the people who didn't answer and left messages.
And guess what?! THEY ALL CALLED BACK AND WANT TO MEET!
That doesn't happen, no one ever calls back! So we set up times to meet or
they told us to call later in the week to set up a time! I am so excited!! The
Lord truly blesses us for our diligent efforts!
That night the ward put on a Pioneer Day activity!! It was so much
fun! I of course participated in the pie eating contest, it was different
than I expected, so I failed miserably but it was a grand old time!!

       Sunday was so wonderful! We had ward council, and we told them we
 Had 18 lessons so far for the week and they literally gave us a standing
ovation! It was so cool!! It gave us a confidence boost!

So pretty much to sum it all up, we had 20 lessons at the end of the
week!! It was a miracle!
It showed me that when we work hard and rely on the Lord, he helps us
and blesses us! I love being a missionary and helping Gods children!!

Love y'all!

Sister Gore🙌🏻