Monday, May 29, 2017

week 78: "Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant!"

Monday, 29 May 2017

     Well folks this is it the final blog posts as a full time missionary. It's quite bitter sweet for it all to be coming to a close. But I am forever grateful for my mission. Before I sob I'll tell you about my final week! 



      We started off with pday at Top Golf!! It's a a super fancy, huge golfing arena. It's like batting cages for golfing! I stink at it, like I can't swing to save my life but it was still SO fun! We then did the usual pday activities. After dinner we had a little desert and lesson with the Hill family! Sister Kikel shared a quote from Elder Hollands talk "Missionary Work and the Atonement." Its long, but trust me, it's good!
"Presidents, you will have occasion to ask, and your missionaries will have many occasions to ask, why is this so hard?  Why doesn’t it go better? Why can’t our success be more rapid?  Why aren’t there more people joining the Church? It is the truth.  We believe in angels. We believe in miracles.  Why don’t people just flock to the font?  Why isn’t the only risk in the mission field that of pneumonia, just being soaking wet all day and all night in a baptismal font?  Why isn’t it easier, President?  Why do the people not understand, President?  Why do they reject us, President?  Can’t they see?  These are things that a nineteen and a twenty and twenty-one year old will ask.  These are things I have asked.

     I have thought about this a great deal.  I offer this as my personal feeling.  It is not Church doctrine per se.  It’s just my feeling to you as you prepare to go into the mission field.  I am convinced that missionary work (life) is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience.  Salvation was never easy.  We are the Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, He is our Great Eternal Head.  Why would we believe, why would we think, that it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? In turn, how could we possibly bear any moving, lasting testimony of the Atonement if we have never known or felt anything of such an experience? As missionaries we are proud to say we are disciples of Christ—and we are.  But mark my word.  That means you must be prepared to walk something of the path He walked, to feel something of the pain He felt, to at least occasionally sometime during your mission shed one of the tears of sorrow that He shed.

       Now please don’t misunderstand.  I’m not saying you have to look for suffering, and I’m not saying that we experience anything anywhere near what Christ experienced.  That would be presumptuous and frankly, sacrilegious.  But I believe that missionaries and investigators to come to the truth, to come to salvation, to come to repentance, to come to know something of the price that has been paid, will have to pay a token of that same price—it will only be a token, but I believe it has to be paid.  I don’t believe missionary work has ever been easy nor that conversion is, nor that retention is, nor that continued faithfulness in the Church is.  I believe it is supposed to require something of our soul. If Jesus could plead in the night, falling on His face, bleeding from every pore and crying, “Abba, Father, [Papa]...[remove] this cup from me” (Mark 14:36).  Well little wonder that salvation is not a whimsical or “easy” thing for a missionary.  This is the Living Son of the Living God saying, “Isn’t there some other way?” So, presidents, if your missionaries (anyone) wonder why this isn’t easy, they should remember they are not the first ones to ask that.  Someone a lot greater and a lot better asked it a long time ago.  He asked if there were not a less excruciating way—and for him, there wasn’t.  So, perhaps, for us in token and symbolism, there won’t be an entirely easy way either."  Can I get an Amen!? It's so true. If we choose to follow and represent the Savior, of course it's not going to be easy! But He is going to help us, that's the great thing is that He is walking alongside us and carrying us through our trials.

      Tuesday I got to check something off my bucket list! We did chalk art in the park! We drew out the Plan of Salvation and some quotes and scriptures that we love!! We can only pray that someone will see it and it will bring them comfort or help the, to want to find answers to questions!





       That afternoon we backed with Nancy for the last time!! I love that lady! She is so sweet and we both have a love for chocolate and peonies! We had a pretty in depth conversation about the Plan of Salvation. We hear a lot of "oh, that makes sense!" So that's a good sign! 

      Wednesday I had the opportunity to sit down with President Marston for the last time. It was the best interview I've ever had. I feel so much peace about going home. I feel that I have worked hard, and the Lord has accepted my efforts. I love President Marston and I am forever grateful for his love and care!! 

      Friday was the departing Temple trip. President and Sister Marston, the Kenneys and the departing missionaries all went to the Temple! All I can say is I felt so much love and peace. President had each of us promise him that we will always be Temple worthy and hold a current recommend! So many blessings!! Ahh!





       We had a lesson with Ron and Patty Coney! It was the best lesson we have ever had!! I shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon and got to bear my testimony of the truthfulness of this book of scripture. It has truly changed me. I find answers, peace and direction. My relationship with my Savior has grown and I am just happier when I read it! 

       Saturday was my last proselyting day!! It was a good day! The highlight was tracting and meeting Betty Gotluck! She's golden! She accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon, she's looking for a church and wants the Sisters to come back! She was so excited and so grateful that we stopped by!


      Sunday was SOOOO GOOD!! The talks were amazing and the spirit was strong! Nancy came to church!! We spent the day saying goodbye!! I got to see the KRINKES!! I LOVE them so much!! It didn't really feel like my last Sunday as a missionary. It hasn't really hit me yet that I'm getting on a plane tomorrow and flying home.

       I have absolutely loved my mission. I am so grateful that God called me to serve Him and His children. I have laughed, cried, felt joy and sorrow. I've had many ups and downs but I wouldn't trade my experiences for the world. I know that my Savior lives and love me. I know that He has carried me and led me. 

Once a missionary, always a missionary. 
Lots of love, 

Sister Emily Gore 

Friday, May 26, 2017

Week 77: "It's the final countdown!"



Monday, May 22nd, 2017

      Well folks this is going to be my last week as a missionary and so far so good, I haven't had a break down yet! So thank you for your prayers, because that is a miracle haha

      Tuesday we were able to meet with J. finally. Remember her from forever ago? It's been a while. We went through the Plan of Salvation with her and L. It was pretty eye opening to see that she really has no desire to act on the things that we learn. She is so sweet and kind but it going to stick with Catholicism. We used a visual aid that spelled out LOVE with the different points of the lesson and she showed us that her beliefs are similar but a little different. We are going to give her more opportunities to feel the spirit and we pray that over time she will open her heart a little more.

      That evening we went tracting!! We got straight "No's" but they were nice No's. Oh but one young man accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon so that was exciting.

       After passing out that one we had fire to pass put more!! So Wednesday morning we decided we would see how many copies of the Book of Mormon we could pass out though our car window!! It was quite the experience. We passed out 5 through the window in one day!!! We passed out one more that night to some guys playing ping pong! So 6/8 people accepted a copy!!! It was SO awesome!! So now when we drive around we keep a copy in our lap in case we see someone we can give it too. A member told us later that Brigham Young said something like, every Book of Mormon leads to baptism!! I'll probably never see the results from this, but God will.

      Thursday was our half mission conference in Lincoln! We talked all about finding and having the faith to find!! Finding is the struggle but it is also AMAZING!! I left all my notes at home sorry, but I gave my departing testimony and that was weird. It was amazing to see some many people who made an impact on me and who I have become! The mission has changed me...well Christ has changed me! I am forever grateful for my mission. 


Friday we weekly planned in the sunshine and I got a nice missionary tan line now yay 👌🏻☀🤗

         On Saturday Brother Pettey invited us and a few other companions to come over for lunch and a little Devotional. He showed us the video "Seek the higher ground." He talked about how we've been on high ground, we are disciples of Christ doing His work full time. He encouraged us to continue to "seek the high ground" through the righteous habits that we have developed while we've been out. It does little good to learn all these things and then not apply them when we go back to "the real world." Once a missionary, always a missionary. 

       On Sunday we went to go see the Darsts (That amazing referral from the Dougan's)! Well long story short, they aren't interested anymore 😭 that was hard to hear. A Sister in Zone conference spoke about how sometimes we are the ones to prepare them, not to teach them and reminded us that no matter how "golden" people seem, they have their agency. Sometimes agency stinks...hahah jk agency is awesome. I pray that one day they will have the faith and desire to come to know their Savior even more!

I plan on sending an email next week but no promises. Know that I love the Lord and I love you!


Sister Emily Gore

Week 76: "If it's not chocolate it's not worth going in my mouth."

Monday, May15th 2017
 
Sisters Gore & Kikel
Title of this email brought to you by Brother Kisseg. It's the truth that's for sure.

We had a really good week per usual!! Sorry this email will probably be lame so don't feel obligated to read the whole thing.

Tuesday we had District Meeting and interviews with President Marston. We were second to last to go so we were at the church for 5 hours waiting. My interview was good but really short since I'll be having an interview with him again in another two weeks.

That night we went on exchanges and I went with Sister Crowther in Rocklin 1/5. We had a BLAST on Wednesday being companions again! The highlight of my day was teaching the Restoration to their new investigator Joe. He's 17 who has kind of put himself in bad situations but who has recently allowed God into his life and he can see a big change from doing so. It felt SO good to teach the Restoration. He was all ears and committed to be baptism! This is one of my favorite lessons to teach....well all of them are my favorite....I never tire of it.
 
Sisters Gore & Crowther
Thursday was my 18th month mark!! I cannot even believe that much time has already come and gone! I am SO grateful for these 18 months that I have been able to serve the Lord with all my might, mind and strength. I have seen countless miracles and I am so grateful to know that the Lord has been walking along side me the whole time.




That night the Bishopric put on a Mother’s Day dinner for all the women in the ward. The theme was Beauty and the Beast and it was an absolute blast. It was a tribute to the women in the Ward. There was a clip of a talk that said "Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity." ("The Joy of Womanhood by Margaret D. Nadauld)





I am SO grateful for all the women who have touched my life. Especially my mom. She is my best friend. She is kind, gentle, loving, SO patient, charitable, a good listener and adviser, she is a protector and overall SO Christlike. She is divine and I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for making her my mother, I really couldn't ask for a better one.

Just a couple more weeks and I'll be back with lots of the people that I love! Let's get excited!!

Love you lots!!

Sister Emily Gore

Monday, May 22, 2017

Week 75: God is Good!


Monday, May 8, 2017

P-Day pedicures


I cannot even believe that it's May already!! Where even the heck has time even gone! It's been one good week!

Tuesday was a day of service! We started at a thrift store called Compassion Planet! We cleaned and sized shoes! Fun! Then we went to a Chinese restaurant called Prime Wok. So.Much.Food. But it's so.good. Oh my gosh so full!



We then went over to N’s and made chocolate cups! We blew up balloons and dipped them in melted chocolate! So good! I just love N! She is so sweet!

 

That night we went over to the C family for dinner. They invited a couple less actives and a non member over too. It ended up being a 4 course meal of Indian food! So good! 


We had a family home evening lesson after. We sang "I Am A Child of God" then shared the new Restoration video that compiles the different accounts of Jospeh Smiths First Vision. It really brought the spirit. I love the Restoration and I never tire of hearing Joseph Smiths experience in the Sacred Grove. I know without a doubt in my heart that Joseph really saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ! I know that Christ church has been restored on to the earth today. I know that the power of God is in the earth and that it works miracles! I know God lives and loves us!

Wednesday was District Meeting! One of the Zone Leaders gave a really good spiritual thought about Prayers and the importance of pondering before and after we pray. We often fall into the habit of making them repetitive, but is it really a prayer if we say nice things to God then close our eyes and not think about it until the next night?! Not really. We need to act on what we ask for, act on our faith.


Then we went out for Sushi! I'm not big into raw things or fish but I got a roll with salmon, Avocado and cream cheese and it wasn't too bad! Yay for trying new things!!



After we get a text from the APs asking if we were busy and we didn't having anything set so we said no. Apparently they were both really sick and need some Emergen-C from President Marston who lives a few minutes from house. It was an interesting experience using the garage and going through his cabinets to find it! But hey got to serve right?! Haha it was pretty funny that the first time I have been in the mission home is when I broke in haha

Thursday was MLC day!! It was a bitter sweet day!! It was my last time in Gridley and I had to say a lot of "see you laters!" It was sad but I know I will be back someday and see all the wonderful people who have touched my life for good!
Here are just some of the highlights:
-"the Sabbath day is more important than Soccer in the long run"
-have an attitude of Faith when you're finding
-"it's a miracle that the door even opened"
-get straight to the Book of Mormon
-It takes a lot of humility to be exactly obedient 
-"you need the church and the church needs you"
-"[door approaches] can start awkward, but they don't need to end awkward."
-"Happy Missionaries are the best missionaries!"

I'm very grateful for the 7 months I was able to attend these meetings, feel the spirit and learn and grow, not only in the gospel but as a missionary!!
 
Sisters Gore & Kikel
Saturday we went on exchanges! Sister Rosa came with me in GB1 and we had a blast!! We helped C. pull weeds, ate lunch then hit the pavement! We did a ton of finding....per usual! Missions, they're great hahaha
 
Sisters Gore & Rosa


We tracted a street with only 3 houses and 1 house had no answer and the other two weren't interested...again missionary life! But we got some cute pics and had fun doing the Lords work!!

Sunday was Stake conference! I wasn't  very good at taking notes since they had coloring books available, but I listened don't worry I just can't remember anyone's names. One speaker talked about having faith with a capitol F! He said Faith is walking forward even if you can't see far ahead of you. Faith is trust that God knows you and has a plan for you individually! 


That afternoon we went around passing out invitations for the Relief Society dinner coming up! We had dinner with the Cl. family and their daughter is about 16 and had lots of questions about missions. She kind of wants to serve but isn't sure yet and she asked us why we came! It was awesome to share my "story" why with her and how I decided to come serve the Lord. It truly has been the best decision I have ever made. I hope that I could be just little bit of a positive influence on her! 

It was a good week!! They are beginning to fly and my mission is soon coming to an end. But I will forever be a missionary. My name tag my physically come off but it engraved on my heart.

Love you and thank you for your love and support!

Sister Emily Gore

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