Friends and family;

     Hellloooo, I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas :) Our day rocked and I was feeling so so blessed.  We got to go have crepes with a recent convert family in the morning and then skyped our families (s/o to my family that was the best thing ever i love you), I was able to stay pretty pulled together until I realized it was time to say bye hahah but afterwards it kinda just felt like it was a dream, so crazy!  Also it was such a solid day because some members in our ward invited us over because their nonmember friend was there and so we got to go teach him a lesson and it was so good!  So for our Christmas message that we shared with everyone we saw we read the story about the woman who washed the Saviors feet with her hair and tears (Luke 7).  Imagine if you were in her situation, she was a sinner who was getting mocked by a pharisee, yet she was so humble and gave what she had to the Lord.  We definitely went into more detail than that but our invite to everyone and my invite to all of you (such a missionary lol no shame) is to focus on one gift that you can give to the Savior this year, whether that is giving up something, working on something a little better or just giving more of your will to Him.  One thing I am wanting to give up is pride- its something that I know I struggle with and I really am wanting to try and work on that and focus on doing the Lord's will, not my own.  So hold me to it! haha

     So yesterday was honestly the best church experience I think I have ever had- I was able to feel the spirit so strong and it was AMAZING.  Its funny because so many people we meet talk about how they don't need to go to a church to worship God, and I have really been thinking about that a lot lately and why we do go to church.  Not only do we get to partake of the sacrament and start fresh, but it is a time to be united with many others who have the same righteous desires and are striving to  progress towards eternal life.  Its also such a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow from others testimonies and experiences.  Aka my experience yesterday- this lady gave a talk and told a story about a lady who thought she had an amazing faithful husband and then later found out after he got arrested that he had been abusing her daughters.  Because of the gospel in her life though,  she did not blame the Lord nor did she allow herself to get bitter.  She relied on the spirit to direct her as she addressed the situation and helped her children and she was later blessed with a wonderful husband and happy family.  After listening to that it really helped me to truly under why I am here on a mission.  It is because our Savior Jesus Christ and this gospel is the source of peace and being okay in the midst of all the pain and the sorrow that comes from the world.  I am SO grateful for that and forever will be for this gospel and my Savior.  I love him!  

     Thank you so much for all the love I have received, especially this Christmas. You are all the best and I hope you have a wonderful week!  Let me know if there's anything I can do for any of you :)

Love,

Sister Paul

Friends and family,

     Hello from Rennooo!  I am back in the big city and it is whack but I love it!  My new companion's name is Sister Beh and she is AMAZING!  She is such a hard worker and so good at talking to everyone no matter what and it's so great because I still need to get over my fear of talking to some people.. everyone deserves to hear about this gospel no matter what!  It's been kinda crazy coming to a new area, especially because I was so comfortable in the last one but I have definitely learned on my mission that the way we grow is by getting put out of our comfort zone.. so yay for that! hahah.  I got here on Wednesday and then we had a West Side Christmas party where I got to see a bunch of the missionaries that served around me before which was the besssttt.

     Life is good.  This week i've been thinking a lot about faith.  Thomas S. Monson said "the future is as bright as your faith", I LOVE that! It is so true.  Sister Beh was reading something the other day too that said "Do you have enough faith to be happy?"  and I was just thinking how our faith seriously is everything.  When we put our faith and trust in the Savior Jesus Christ we are able to do anything and feel okay about any situation.  It was superrr hard saying bye to everyone in Ely- let me tell ya, but one thing that a sister in the ward kept telling us was that I would see all these wonderful people again, whether or not that is in this life, and that fear is the opposite of faith.  So as we put our faith in Jesus Christ we really do not have any need to fear or be unhappy- there is SO much hope that comes from this gospel. I love itttt.

     I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmaassss!  We are going to go ham on sharing the christmas video with everyone that we see this week and we are super excited because it rocks.  Also we get to watch a g rated movie hehe.  There is so much joy in this season and in this life.  Have a wonderful week and never hesitate to share this joy :)

Love,

Sister Paul

Letter from the Mission President...

Friends and family,

     Hellooo!  So we got transfer calls yesterday..  Sister Landgrave and I have said a lot of prayers for comfort and the ability to trust in the Lord and have faith that this is right and will be so good!  We got double transferred out of our area (ahhh) and I will be going to Reno to be an STL.  Hahaha im so nervous..  But it will be good!  It will be interesting being in a big city with normal places like Walmart and Target and stop lights lol.  I am also feeling blessed because it is a little bit warmer down there and my new area has the temple in it!! Grateful for that.  To say that I am sad to leave Ely though would be a large understatement.. I can't even begin to express how much love I have for this place and the people here, it's crazy!

     We had such a great day at church yesterday!!  There were so many less actives and investigators there and I felt so much joy in my heart for all of them.  Let me just paint a picture in all of your head.  We have this couple who are both my age, they both have been fostered all their life and have been through a LOT.  They have 2 kids who they just recently have gotten to have custody over, have had a lot of struggles in their relationship, and have been on drug court for over a year.  Both of them haven't been to church in a loonngg time and they all came yesterday, (gages and tattoos and all).  I was just sitting in the back looking and them all googly eyed because they looked like such a happy little family who I know will one day make it to the temple.  It was amaazzzingg.  

     Also I lovvee this christmas season, especially as a missionary!  We have these #saviorisborn pass along cards that we give to everyone and it is the best thing ever because its an excuse to talk to every person we see and I feel like everyones a little bit more cheery and willing to listen during this holiday season.  It will be interesting going into a new area for christmas, but theres a lot of missionaries there that I know and we get to all watch a g rated movie together! woot woot! Life is good.  I love this gospel and I love my Savior Jesus Christ.  I am so grateful for this season to remember Him and to share the wonderful spirit that He has to offer.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and I love you all!

Love,

Sister Paul

P.S. My new address:

6623 Stone Valley Dr

Reno, NV 89523

Send me your family Christmas cards!! :)

Friends and family,

     I hope that you all had a wonderful thanksgiving!!  My companion and I decided to only go to two of our dinners because we were soooo full after the first one and were trying to save our lives haha but it was so yum!  Theres this salad that a couple people have made here and its like mandarin oranges and cookies and cool whip and some other things and oh man it is so good but anyways not important lol. 

     On thanksgiving in my studies I was thinking about gratitude and how we should not only be thankful for our blessings, but also for our trials.  I found a scripture in 2 Corinthians 4:16 and it says 'For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory'.  If we did not have trials there would be no point in us being here on earth, our trials are there to help us learn and grow and mold us into the person that our Heavenly Father knows we can be- which is just like him.  I was reading in a general conference talk and it said "Now is the time for us to prepare to meet God, not the time for us to receive all of our blessings" We are here on earth to be tested and tried and to prepare, and although we will receive many blessings here on earth as we have faith and live the teachings of Jesus Christ, there are so so many blessings that await us later- an eternal weight of glory.  I am not going to lie- as a missionary it is very tough sometimes, but it is so comforting to know that Heavenly Father is always there helping and as I continue to push through, I may not see the blessings right away but they will come- whether that is tomorrow or in 10 years or after my time on earth. 

     I got to go to a wedding this week and it was so cute and happyyyy :)  The best part was that Jessica (the one getting baptized on Saturday) was most excited about getting married because that would mean shes now eligible to get baptized!! So sweet.  Its wwaayy cold here- so our zone has been coming up with all kinds of things to do that don't require us to be outside.  On thanksgiving we played chair soccer, pacman, fugitive and football- I scored two touchdowns!! (probably only because the elders wanted me to feel good about myself so they let it happen but not important).  I lovee being a missionary and I love all of you! I hope you have a wonderful week and enjoy this fun Christmas season :)

Love,

Sister Paul

1. Chair soccor lol

2. Warm and cozy for fugitive

Friends and family-

     Happy thanksgiving!!! Holy wow I have so many things to be thankful for and I have come to that realization more than ever these last couple of weeks.  Let me just start by telling you some of the circumstances of a couple people that we met with this last week.  One of our investigators had to call the police on her son and watch them take him to prison.  One of our less actives in Eureka who is not able to work because she got attacked by a dog found that she wouldn't get any money for disability and that she would be losing her house and possibly her truck so she would pretty much have nothing.  We met a 21 girl who is an only child and has lost her mom and all of her grandparents in the last 2 years, she currently is taking care of her dad who was told in October that he only had 2 weeks to live.. so its pretty much just a waiting game and she never knows what day will be his last.  It breaks my heart and is so humbling to meet and come to know people like this.. I have been SO blessed in my life and have literally no excuse to complain about anything ever.  It is also so comforting to know that even amidst all the trials and hard times there is always a light and hope and that is through our Savior Jesus Christ and this gospel.  No trial is too big or struggle too hard that we cant find peace through Him.

     I am SO grateful for this gospel and the knowledge that it is the way that we can experience eternal happiness.  I am grateful for a wonderful and loving family who have always been so good to me and for the fortunate circumstances I have been brought up in.  I am grateful for all of my friends and the people in my life who have made such a positive impact.  I am grateful for the opportunity to be a missionary at this time and for all the trials that give me the opportunity to learn and grow.  Most importantly- I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and for all that he has done for me.  I know that I should be this grateful all the time but I am grateful for thanksgiving to help me be a little better!  Our ward is so good to us- we have 3 thanksgiving dinners tomorrow... sos.  We get to start out the day with a football game with our zone so im super excited for that and for the planning we get to do! haha well I hope that you all have an amazing thanksgiving and hold on to the grateful spirit even after tomorrow because there is so much to be grateful for :)  Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Sister Paul

1. terrible angle lol but this is my cute new zoneee

2.  my companion took a picture of me and some delicious cinnamon rolls yum enjoy

Friends and family,

     Best week eveerrr!  We were able to get through it with no injuries (besides a couple of slips on ice) and Tali got baptized!  It was so special and the spirit was so strong.  Tali is an elementary school teacher and so we asked some of the parents of her past students to put together a musical number for inbetween the talks.  She has no idea it was going to happen and about 15 lds kids got up and sang 'When I am Baptized', oh my goodness... It was the most precious thing and she cried so much and I cried so much and then of course I was the next speaker hahah.  It was perfect though because I was speaking on the Holy Ghost and so I was able to share how the good feelings that everyone had when those children sang was the Holy Ghost touching their hearts.  It was the best experience and Tali was so happy and grateful after she was baptized and completely clean.  

     Another sweet miracle happened yesterday- there was this guy that we street contacted at the beginning of the week that we left with a Plan of Salvation pamphlet.  We didn't think too much of it but we ended up stopping by his house later in the week to invite him to church and he came!! We're just like sitting their in sacrament meeting and we see him sitting in the crowd!  He ended up staying for our gospel principles class and then going to the beginning of priesthood and even agreed to help split wood with the high priests group this weekend.. is that cool or what?  He is one of the many people who has said "I can't go to church the roof will fall through'  You have no idea how many times people say that and how many times we remind them of President Uchtdorfs talk- church is for sick people!  It is not for perfect people- if that was the case there would be absolutely no one there.  The gospel is their to heal and help anyone in any type of situation they might be in- and I know without a doubt that it can and will do just that.  

     I LOVE this gospel.  I know I say that probably every week and probably 50 times a day but I cannot say it enough.  It is perfect and makes so much sense and I am more and more grateful for it everyday.  If any of you are considering and unsure about serving a missionary.. do it! It is the best decision I have ever made.  I love all of you- have a wonderful week :)

Love,

Sister Paul xoxo

P.S.  Thank you SO much to the young women girls who sent me a package.  I just got it today and it was the best thing ever- all of my favorite things (especially the french fry socks) :)

     

1. Tali got baptized!!!

2. What Ely currently looks like sos

Friends and family,

     I'm staying in Elyyyyy!  Im so happy- Sister Landgrave rocks and there are so many great things in store this transfer!  Our whole district is changing quite a bit so thats kind of sad but I will be the oldest here which is super weird!  This week flew by, yet again.  We are super stoked because Tali Vinsen will be getting baptized this Saturday!!  I started teaching her my first transfer and it has been such a blessing to be able to see her progress and grow to love this gospel so much- it has definitely helped my own testimony to grow!  

     So yesterday I was very humbled and realized that I am not prepared to be a mom and need to learn how to handle bloody situations better.  Sister Landgrave and I were trying to be all healthy and we were making this nice salad..  She was cutting an avocado and ended up slicing her whole finger open!  So with all of my background on first aid and also fainting with blood I had absolutely no idea what to do- we ended up calling the elders (so grateful for them) and they came over and were going to super glue it but it was too deep so we ended up all going to the emergency room and she got 7 stitches!  Not sure why these things keep happening but it definitely keeps things more exciting and is always an adventure! haha

      The regional broadcast that we watched yesterday was sooo good!  It's amazing to see how inspired the speakers are because it was exactly what I needed.  I feel like 'simplify' is something that has been mentioned a ton lately- and it has definitely helped me to know how to be a better teacher.  This gospel is so perfect and really is so simple.  As human beings we often get so caught up in looking for the bad or trying to find wrong in things that we don't realize how great what we already know and have is!  I am definitely going to work on living more simply and not questioning so often.  The truth is the truth and anyone can know that by the Holy Ghost and a real desire.
      So for anyone who might not know, it is my mamas birthday this week!  I just wanted to take the time to publicly express how grateful I am for such loving parents who have been such a good example and anchor for me.  I have always loved the story of the stripling warriors- before because I always wanted my husband to be like one lol but now because I realize that the reason they were so strong was because of their moms.  "Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; nd they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.  And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it." Alma 56:47-48.  This is one of my favorite scriptures to share with moms- and it never fails to make me think of how wonderful of a mother I was blessed with. :)  

      I hope you all have an amazing week!  Look for the good and put away the bad and Heavenly Father will shower you with blessings :)  

Love,

Sister Paul

Friends and family;

     Helloooo!  I hope that you all had a fun halloween.  We spent the day driving home from a sisters conference that we went to in Sparks and then got to pass out hot chocolate at our wards trunk or treat!  The whole community here pretty much just comes to the trunk or treat because no one really passes out candy at their houses.. not complaining at all- it was a solid opportunity for some missionary work ;).  Also elders got me a princess crown so that rocked hahah.

     We have 3 baptisms coming up in this next month and I am so excited!  Tali (from New Zealand), Amanda (from Australia), and Ana (from the Philippines)- the foreign people love us I guess.  Just kidddinng, Heavenly Father has been placing such amazing people in our path though and I am so grateful.  One thing that has really been on my mind lately because of general conference and because we've been teaching it so much is the commandments.  We are promised in the scriptures that as we keep the commandments, we will be happier.  Looking back on my own life and observing the lives of so many other people that we teach I have been able to grow such a strong testimony of that.  Heavenly Father does not ask us to do anything to limit us, he asks to do things because he LOVES us and knows they will set us free and make us happy!  Every time I have ever found myself unhappy- it is because I am not keeping the commandments the best I could or being as obedient as I could.  I know that will be the case for anyone!  Mosiah 2:41 says it well. 

     We have transfers this week and I am praying with all my heart that I get to stay here in Ely- but one thing I have learned is that Heavenly Father always gives us exactly what we need, whether we realize it at first or not.  He loves us and knows us perfectly and I am so grateful for that knowledge!  This gospel is perfect- every single aspect of it.  I love it and I love being a missionary!  Thank you for all the love that I receive.  You are all wonderful human beings!  have a wonderful week and always let me know if there is anything I can do for any of you :)

Love,

Sister Paul

P.S. I got pulled over this week for the first time in my life and it was for no reason.. the police officer claimed I had a headlight out and i didnt lol also its supposed to snow this week sos at me drivinggg!

1. happy halloween from the ely zonee
2. 3 generation pic from sisters conference

Friends and family,

     Hello!  I don't have much time today but I just wanted to tell you all that I was driving the other day and almost hit a deer.. luckily I was not driving very fast and was paying attention so I was able to stop just a couple feet before it.  That was the first of about 5 that we saw on that car ride so that was very thrilling!  My companion is wonderful and I am learning so much from her!  She asks so many questions and I love it because it makes me think more and question things which has helped my testimony grow so much.  I want you all to know that I love this gospel so incredibly much.  I have taken advantage of so many aspects of it and have not realized how blessed I have been to have it be a part of my life.  It can literally help any pain or sorrow that we have in our life and is the only way for us to experience true happiness and a fullness of joy.  Never hesitate to share the sweet goodness that comes from it to anyone! I love you alllll, have a wonderful week!

Love,

Sister Paul xoxo

Friends and family;

     So if you're wondering we did go hiking last week. The elders just started driving up this mountain and so I followed and I could not figure out how they were going so fast and not getting stuck in all the dips because we got stuck like 5 times.. Turns out there's a cool thing called four wheel drive that helps with those situations. Hahaha.  So now whenever we go jeep life off roading I am pro, I just need to figure out how to drive when it starts snowing because there are all kinds of steep hills.  So yes that will be interesting lol.

     This week my testimony was strengthened of the Plan of Salvation- it has always been one of my favorite aspects of the gospel, but I have gained such a strong appreciation of it after introducing it to investigators for the first time.  We taught it to one of our investigators a couple days ago- she's from New Zealand and is progressing so well, we hope to set a baptismal date with her today!  Anyways. when we taught her the Plan of Salvation she was in such awe, she kept saying how it made so much sense and she even got emotional when we talked about the Atonement.  

     We have another investigator that we've been working a lot with who I love with my whole heart.  She just came from an abusive relationship and has close to nothing, but her boyfriend is in jail and so she's taking this opportunity to turn her life around and start fresh.  It has been so amazing to see her transformation- she has been caught up in a lot of bad things and addictions and this last week we've been trying to help her through and we introduced repentance.  The next time we saw her she was like a completely different person!  She told us that the night before she had broken down to Heavenly Father and asked for forgiveness, and the next day she felt so much better- she got up and got ready and wasn't tempted to go straight to drugs.  She took the day to clean her house and focus on her little boy.  Simple things that have been so hard for her to do and that we take for granted I think. 

     The Plan of Salvation and the Atonement are so real.  They make perfect sense and are the key to us feeling pure joy here on earth, I am so grateful for the knowledge that I can be forgiven and progress forward everyday if I put the effort in and trust in the Lord.  I love this gospel and I love all of you!  Thanks for the support- let me know if there's anything I can do for any of you!!

Love,

Sister Paul

this is my cute friend from the MTC Sis Anderson and a pic from our hiking adventure

Friends and family,

     General Conference was so gooooddd! I have like 5 billion things to talk about and so little time but I still love being a missionary!  I picked up my new companion fresh out of the MTC and she is wonderfull!  Her name is Sister Landgrave and she is from Colorado- I was pretty nervous to see who I would be training but she is so awesome.  She's here for the right reasons and she has such a strong desire to work, I've been learning so much from her it's like she's already been a missionary for a while!  

     All week we have been preparing for and talking to people about General Conference.  It was a miracle because one of our investigators who we haven't been able to meet with in a while contacted us and we were able to meet, we promised her that if she watched General Conference and went in with a question, that she would receive an answer from the words of feelings that she had while watching.  Last night we got a text from here that said: "Wow. Today was intense! Listened to five brief speeches in about an hour and that was enough.  Russell Nelson (if I remember his name right) seemed to be speaking directly to me.  See you Saturday, have a great week!"  Isn't that so cool??  The power of the prophet and his apostles is so strong, I wrote down like 10 questions and names and received answers to every single one of them. There's too much that I loved but I wanted to share a few things that stood out to me the most:

1.  The importance of keeping the sabbath day holy and delighting in it

2.  The Lord needs disciples of Christ now more than ever as we are constantly being attacked by the adversary.  We must always hold on to the iron rod and never allow ourselves to let go!

3.  Ponderizing a scripture each week.. do it!

4.  We must always be growing in the gospel, so it is so important for us to be asking our Heavenly Father what we need to change in order to progress- "What lack I yet?"

     I am so grateful for a modern day prophet and his teachings, I felt the spirit testify to me so strongly of his power and authority as he was speaking.  I hope that you all were able to watch and feel that for yourself- if not, please go back and read/watch each session!  Thank you for all that you do and let me know if there's anything I can do for any of you!  Have a great week!

Love,

Sister Paul xoxoxo

P.S. I finally got my zone to go hiking with me so even though its been raining we are going hiking in a little bit YAY and then after we are going to get ice cream cones and flu shots WOOOOO

Letter from the Mission President...

Friends and family,

     Hello!  So today is the beginning of a new transfer and I am looking forward to all that will come out of it.  On Saturday I got a call from the APs who informed me that I would be training, I freaked out a little hahaha. If you're confused because I just started my mission like 2 days ago it is ok i am having the same feelings- but Heavenly Father knows best and I am excited to take the wonderful drive down Highway 50 to pick her up!  I really am excited to get to help a new missionary, because I was in her shoes not too long ago and know how scary it can be- so this will be a great experience I'm sure. :)

     We had succchh a great last week of the transfer! We went on exchanges and saw so many miracles, it's amazing how much you can learn from other people and I am so grateful for the leadership we have here in this mission.  We were able to find 4 new investigators, all who seemed to have a lot of potential!  It's amazing how much hope this gospel can bring, and how people truly do notice that there is something missing in their life when they don't have it.  I'm so grateful to be able to help bring it to people! 

     I am so excited for General Conference this next week, and the Womans Broadcast was wonderful!  One of the videos they showed was on a sister who was such a good example and someone I want to strive to be more like.  Some of the qualities about her mentioned was that she loved everyone freely and unconditionally, she wasn't worried about people earning her love- she just loved them no matter what!  One thing I've really been trying to focus on is being charitable and always striving to have that pure love of Christ towards every person I meet- it is hard sometimes! Haha but I have noticed that as I have let my Heavenly Father know that it's something I'm working on and made it a constant goal, it has come easier and I have felt Him helping me out always.  I know that He can do that with anyone and any quality that we may want to acquire! As we ask, He will be there to help and I am so grateful for that knowledge.

     I love all of you and am so grateful for the wonderful people I have been blessed with in my life!  Thank you for the love and support I receive, it really helps so much.  You are all amazing and I hope you have a wonderful week!

Love, 

Sister Paul xoxo

Friends and family,

     So it already has dropped to freezing here at nights... SOS hahah.  Luckily its still pretty warm during the day so I haven't really had to wear a jacket, but shout out to my family for sending me winter gear because I will be needing it soon!  I still lovvee Ely though and I am very grateful to be here.  I'm telling you though, I might as well be in a foreign country because I am so uneducated on this small town life and am learning so much everyday!  Hunting and mining are the main topics here and one of my new favorite foods is venison (no clue how to spell it), which is some yummy deer!  Also there's animals EVERYWHERE on the roads at night which freaks the freakity out of me.. I have to try super hard to not be a spaz whenever we see them because me screaming does not help my companion to be a safe driver... so yes working on that.

     I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but when I got Sister Teichert as my companion we also got another town, Eureka, added to our area.  Its like an hour and a half away from Ely, so we only go 2-3 times a month, and it has a population of around 400.  We're pretty much starting fresh with the area because past missionaries didn't do much and didn't really leave us with anything to work with.  We went this last week and it was so good!  We met with a member for lunch and then pretty much just went around meeting and asking people for referrals.  One of them we received was a couple who apparently had been investigating and were going to get baptized but then they moved to Eureka and had no connection to the church or anything until we showed up! It was a such a miracle and I'm super excited to go back.

     One thing I've learned on my mission is that I have a LOT to learn, but what a blessing it is that we have so many resources to do so.  I just started reading the childrens Book of Mormon (lol) this last week because I realized that even though I've read the Book of Mormon a couple of times, I really don't know the stories well and those are what help back up the principles and doctines in it.  I encourage you all to take advantage of the church library- there's so much good stuff out there to learn and gain a testimony of and now's the time to do it!  I love you all.  I love this gospel and I love being a missionary.  Let me know if there's anything I can do for any of you and have a wonderful week!

Love, 

Sister Paul xoxo

Friends and family helloooo,

     So a couple weeks ago, Sister Wilkins and I started talking to this guy in his yard who said that because of certain things that have happened in his life, he did not have a belief in God.  WE talked for a while and stated our purpose and by the end of our conversation he told us that we may have planted a seed and given him motivation to seek after that belief because of how happy he could tell we were and I thought that was the coolest thing!  The gospel truly is the source of pure happiness as we strive to keep the commandments and share it with others (Mosiah 2:41, Alma 29:9-10).

     I've been reading Jesus the Christ and there was a quote on pleasure vs. happiness that I loved and wanted to share, 

"Happiness is true food, wholesome, nutritious and sweet; it builds up the body and generates energy for action, physical, mental and spiritual; pleasure is but a deceiving stimulant which, like spirituous drink, makes one think he is strong when in reality enfeebled; makes him fancy he is well when in fact stricken with deadly malady.

Happiness leaves no bad after-taste, it is followed by no depressing reaction; it calls for no repentance, brings no regret, entails no remorse; pleasure too often makes necessary repentance, contrition, and suffering; and, if indulged to the extreme, it brings degradation and destruction.  True happiness is lived over and over again in memory, always with a renewal of the original good; a moment of unholy pleasure may leave a barbed sting, which, like a thorn in the flesh, is an ever-present source of anguish."

     Isn't that sweet? ANYWAYS back to my story- I remembered this guy we had visited and so Sister Teichert and I stopped by his house on Saturday.  We had a nice conversation and he started asking us a lot of questions about the Plan of Salvation and this next Saturday we have a return appointment with him!  It was the best day ever and to top it off a lady in our ward and gave me princess crown earrings later that day.

     I can honestly say that I am happiest that I have ever been in my life and I owe it all to my Savior and to having this opportunity to share this sweet gospel with others.  I can promise you that it will help.  I love you all and I am so grateful for the support I have received.  I hope you have a wonderful week and please let me know if there's anything I can do for any of you!

Love,

Sister Paul xoxox

P.S. Heavenly Father wants me to be musical or something because Sister Teichert and I got asked to sing a duet in sacrament meeting on Sunday........... so yes that will be interesting i'll  keep you updated also im the only one in our zone who can "play" the piano so district meeting is always an adventure when it comes to music lolol

Friends and family;

     Helloo! We had a pretty crazy week with transfers and everything, but it was so good.  Sister Wilkins and I were little babies the whole day that she left (we only cried a couple times), but I am so excited for her to start in her new area and my new companion Sister Teichert is wonderful!  She will be going home after this transfer but she always tells everyone that she's been out for just over a year so that they won't mention it all the time and I really appreciate that.  We are now the only sisters in our zone, and really the only sisters within a 3 hour radius (idk the miles), but it's okay because all the elders to hard workouts with me in the morning so that rocks.  Ely is still wonderful and I have grown to love the people so much!  

     This week my sweet little Myah was baptized.  She is an 8 year old girl who has grown up with less than fortunate circumstances, and although she never sees either of her parents and neither of them are members she has been working towards getting baptized and has been so excited about it!  She is such an example to me and to everyone that came to her baptism, especially given that barely any were active or even members. She's not a member of the ward I am over so I was so excited that she asked me to give her a talk so that I could be a part of her baptism.  

      I want to challenge all of you to take every opportunity that you can to bear your testimony, it is something that I have grown to love to do since I have been on my mission, and it's amazing the power and spirit that comes from doing so.  You never know when someone might need what you have to share and it is something you won't ever regret.  I love you all oh so very much and I am so grateful for all the people I have been blessed with in my life!  Let me know if there's anything I can do for you and have a wonderful week!

Love, 

Sister Paul

Friends and family;

     I know you have all probably been patiently awaiting to find out what talent that sister wilkins and i figured out.. haha just keeeding, but we ended up making a beat using snapping and clapping and I choreographed a dance for our zone all to learn hahaha it was soooo funny.  Sister Wilkins and two of the other elders did it and it was a wonderful sight.  Also we had a watermelon eating contest except for I didn't win and also I have a gnarly watch tan.

     This week went by so fast!  Our recitation this month is the last two paragraphs of the intro in the book of mormon.  I have never doubted the book of mormon to be true, but this week I feel like I was really able to gain a solid testimony of it.  We have a part member family in our ward where the dad is not a member but he goes to church often.  He has his doubts and he has not attempted to read the book of mormon because he is very stubborn but let me tell you sister wilkins and I are even more stubborn when it comes to getting someone to come unto Christ hahah (lovingly of course).  Anyways, as we were trying to get him to read it I was able to bear my testimony to him that i had full confidence that if he were to read it with a sincere heart and real intent, that I had no doubts he would gain a testimony of it.  I felt the spirit so strongly as I said it and I have been pondering a lot lately about how wonderful the Book of Mormon truly is.  It is key to our religion and to always striving to live righteously.  I encourage all of you to read from it everyday and cherish the words and the spirit that it brings, because it is so powerful and helps bring everything from this wonderful gospel together.

     So sadly Sister Wilkins and I will not be companions anymore and she will be leaving to be an STL in Carson City.  I know though that Heavenly Father knows best and that she is going to be such a great blessing to the people in Carson, and my new companion and I will continue to help the people here in Ely to come to this great happiness.  I love you all so much and I am so grateful for all of the support! Have a wonderful week and let me know if theres anything that I can do for any of you! 

Love,

Sister Paul

P.S. Everyone here signed my transfer journal and addressed me as Sister Princess Kylie Paul so yes it is known here as well

P.S.S. My new address is 280 Ogden Ave Ely, NV 89301 and I love letters ;) ;)

P.P.S.S. If you look closely at our twin sad pic you can see our pedometers 

 

Friends and family;

     T'was a solid week.  We had 9 investigators come to church yesterday!!! It was probably one of the top 10 best feelings of life watching all of them come and get to experience the joy and spirit that comes from going to church.  Let me tell ya, there is no better happiness then that which comes from watching people keep the commitments that they make.  It's amazing to see how much you can notice a difference in the people who truly do have that desire to follow Jesus Christ and who make the changes in their lives to do so.  The church is true people, and the gospel really is the key to happiness.

     I'm super excited because we have our zone activity today and Sister Wilkins and I planned it- we're going to the Bennett's (our recent convert) and making a fire for S'mores (with peanut butter) and playing campfire games and also having a talent show! hahah.  If you're confused at what talent I have to perform it is okay because I still need to figure that out as well but I will let you know next week.  If you're wondering though, I have acquired some talents while being out here on a mission- including how to mow a lawn, how to not apply heat to my hair ever and how to make my bed every morning! Haha but really, it's been amazing to experience Heavenly Father's help in making weak things strong.  When I first came out here I was kinda scared to death to teach a lesson or talk to anyone, but Heavenly Father has helped me so much and now teaching a lesson is like nothing!  I still am trying to get over my fear of talking to everyone and bringing up the gospel, but its gets more and more comfortable everyday!  

     I'm so grateful to be out here and to be a missionary, so many people are in need of the sweet blessings of the gospel and it is an honor to be able to be a part of helping to bring that to people.  Definitely not the easiest thing I've ever done- but I am so grateful for all the love and support I get from all of you as well as from my Heavenly Father.  Let me know if there's anything I can do for any of you! Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Sister Paul

Friends and family;

    The Bennett's got baptized!! It was so so great.  They were so ready and prepared and I am so grateful that I got to be a part of their special day.  You could tell they knew that this was the best decision they have made, and they were so incredibly happy.  They've basically become like a second family to me and I'm so excited to see them continue to progress and be touched by the gospel.

    We went on exchanges this week and it was pretty sweet.  We had to drive to Elko, which is like 3 hours away and it was so weird because there was like a wendy's and walmart and actual food places..  We didn't go to any though, but Sister Wilkins and I went to this wonderful place called Burrito Farm today that just opened on Saturday, and I am feeling so grateful because it's pretty much the only mexican food place that exists here.  Okay enough about food lol Ely is still wonderful and I am loving it.  

     We are following the example of Desert Ridge seminary and having a huge BBQ tonight!  We made little flyers and have given them to basically anyone who breathes in Ely (even the dogs) and have invited the members to do so as well, so I'm way excited and we're hoping to be able to find some more investigators tonight!  

    "Get to the point where love and service are no longer a sacrifice" Someone shared this in relief society yesterday and I loved it so much- as we really strive to love and serve everyone, it no longer seems like a sacrifice but only a blessing. I hope that you all have a wonderful week and let me know if there's anything that I can do for you!! I love you alllll <3

Love, 

Sister Paul

Friends and family hellooo :)

     So Sister Wilkins and I were just driving down the road last Tuesday, and her nose started uncontrollably bleeding.  We pulled over and she leaned out of the car and let it all come out and I swear it was like 2 full cups of blood!! So I was freaking out but she was like totally calm and saying that it happens all the time..  Anyways, I started joking about how it's a good thing neither of us react badly to blood and then next thing I know I wake up on the street with my shoes off?? I was so confused and immediately asked Sister Wilkins if she was okay and if her nose was still bleeding and she was like uhhh are YOU okay? You just fainted! hahaha so yes that was interesting and we think I got a slight concussion because I went from standing straight to the concrete but we were able to get back to the work just a little over an hour later and ended up having a very rewarding week!'

     We have a baptism this Friday!! It's for a couple who are in their 60's and they love hunting and are SO cute! They ended up moving their baptism to an earlier date, and they are so prepared and ready it's amazing.  We were able to watch the restoration movie with them last night and it was wonderful.  That and reading "Our Heritage" has really built my testimony of Joseph Smith so much, there's no way that all those people would have done so many bad things to him and the Latter Day Saints then if they didn't feel threatened by the truth of the Book of Mormon and the rest of the teachings. I really appreciate all that was done so that we would have the gospel here on earth today, and learning about them helps me to be reminded that I can do this and it will be so worth it.

     We were meeting with another cute old man who has recently became active again in the church, he was able to receive his patriarchal blessing this week and it was so cool to talk to him about it.  At one point, he was talking about how he was surprised that in it it didn't mention anything about how the Lord was dissappointed in him for falling away for so long, or how it didn't mention any negative things about his life.  Sister Wilkins reminded him that the Savior is forgiving and always positive and hopeful for us, never degrading- I loved that so much because its so true! The Savior doesn't focus on what we've done wrong, but what we do good and how we can improve.  This is why it's so important for all of us to do the same when we find ourselves thinking badly of others or of ourselves.  Look for the good in everyone, we are all His sons and daughters!  I love you all and I hope you have a wonderful week.  Let me know if there's anything I can do for you!

Love,

Sister Paul xoxo

Friends and family-

     I finally feel like a missionary now, which is very good.  I was unsure if I would ever get used to putting a tag on every morning and waking up at 6 am to spend the day teaching lessons and talking to random people- but now it just feels like normal life and I am very grateful for that.

     I have met some very interesting people here in Ely, but they are all wonderful.  Its a good thing I got over my fear of dogs a while ago because I get one handed to me probably twice a day at least.  The other day we were teaching a little girl about family history, but she was paying more attention to her dog than us.  For some reason my brain told me to ask her if shes ever wondered where her dog came from and then she asked if you could do family history for your dog and then I realized that probably wasnt the best question to ask- I still have a lot to work on when it comes to teaching skills.  I've also gotten two lizards placed in my hand and on my shoulders so yeah.

     Sister Wilkins is still great.  A wise man once told me to make sure to remember to have fun while i'm out here (thank you Jon Arnett for that piece of advice), Sister Wilkins and I always make sure to do that.  We make it a competition to see how many people wave to us in a day, sometimes we volunteer each other to sing a solo or do dishes mid-lesson, and the other day she parked right next to a sprinkler on purpose so that there was no way I could get out of the car without getting sopping wet.. so that was cool.  Cut don't worry- we are always striving to be exactly obedient and making sure never to waste the Lord's time.  

     Yesterday was so solid.  We decided to do a car fast and walk everywhere, but of course it turned out to be the one day it rains all day.  We were so tempted to get our car and people kept offering us rides but we wouldn't give in because we were determined to see miracles, and we did!!  We received 2 member referrals (members rock our world), a new investigator, and a lady who hasn't came to church for like 30 years came! AND her nonmember husband invited us to come over and make homemade enchiladas this week.. so yes the church is very true.  

     One thing I've really been trying to work on is trying to see everyone as the Lord see's them, even when they may look different or kind of scary, because they are all children of God and deserve to have the opportunity to accept and reject the gospel.  I encourage you all to do the same and I hope that you have an amazing week!  Let me know if there's anything I can do for any of you xoxox

Love,

Sister Paul

Friends and Family, 

     So at about 7:30 AM on July 8, another sister and I set off on a long car ride along highway 50 (the loneliest highway) to what would be our new area.  Shortly after leaving we realized we only had 1/4 tank of gas and that we would need to stop for some at the nearest gas station- little did we know there is no gas station or any type of civilization for at least 100 miles on highway 50...  We ended up running out of gas about 5 miles from the closest city and were stranded on the side of the road who knows where.  Luckily, it was a nice 65 degrees outside, a nice man ended up bringing us some gas and it wasn't hailing grape sized particles which ended up happening a little later down the road, (looking for the positive ya feel).

     ANYWAYS, we finally arrived to the small town of Ely, Nevada, where every home has dead animals on the wall and the only place I recognize is McDonalds.  I absolutely love it here.  The people already have my heart (especially the cute old couples) and everyone has been so nice and loving to me.  My companion and new trainer, Sister Wilkins, is seriously everything I could ever want- she's so nice and cute, loves to eat healthy and work out with me, and is always working hard and striving to be exactly obedient.  I was blessed with the best and I am SO grateful.  Also.. we match on Sundays.

      I am sunburnt.

      Let me tell you a little bit about a miracle we were able to experience yesterday.  We had to drive 3 hours to a meeting in a city called Elko and at one point there was construction so we had to stop.  The lady holding the stop sign came up and started talking to us- she ended up telling us a a lot about her life and she's been through a lot, including recently getting divorced and her mom and one of her sons killed themselves.  It was crazy.  After we left her we wrote our testimonies and a quick note with our phone number in a Book of Mormon and prayed that we'd see her on our way back and WE DID! She was amazed that we would take the time to stop and talk to her and she started crying because she's felt so alone and unimportant lately.  We talked to her about how much her Heavenly Father loves her and how much she is worth to thim (D&C 18:10).  She was eager to take our Book of Mormon and said she would start reading it and praying and that she would call us when she drove through Ely so she could come talk to us.

      This is why i'm on a mission, there are so many people out there like this lady who feel so alone and lost.  Coming unto Christ and accepting His gospel helps us to feel so loved and important, because we ARE.  We're all princes and princesses in His eyes and He is waiting with open arms for us to come to know Him.  What the music video "Come Unto Christ" youth theme- it's wonderful.  I love you all and you are all very important.  Let me know if there's anything I can do for you.  Have a wonderful week!

Love, 

Sister Paul

P.S. HAPPY YESTERDAY BIRTHDAY TO QUINNY POO I HOPE IT WAS GREAT XOXO

P.S.S.1144 Ave D

Ely, Nevada 89301 

Friends and family, 

     Hello! I hope that you all had a wonderful 4th of July.  We got to stand in the parking lot and see the top of the Stadium of Fire fireworks behind some trees- you could say we're living pretty crazy lives, (just kidding we went to bed before the actual show because we were tired lol).

     I'm exhausted, to say the least.  The other day my companion and I were reading the Book of Mormon out loud switching off each verse and at one point I read 3 verses in a row without realizing it and another time I cut in and started reading in the middle of the verse she was reading.. That might have not made any sense at all, but anyways.. I'm so tired, but I am SO happy.

     We get to teach people that are acting as investigators here and it's so cool.  I always heard missionaries talk about teaching compltely by the spirit and having their mouths filled with words while they're teaching and let me tell ya- getting to experience that is the best thing ever.  My faith has grown so strong here as I have felt Heavenly Father helping me out with literally every single thing that I do.  The love He has for us is incomprehensible and I am sooo excited to help people come to know this and come closer to Christ.  

     I leave for Nevada tomorrow bright and early, i feel like tonight is going to be very similiar to what it's like on Christmas Eve, I can't even tell you how excited I am.  I'm so sad to leave part of my district though, they've become my best my friends and it's pretty much going to be like I'm saying bye to my family all over again.  I've been very blessed and haven't been sad or emotional since I've been here (besides your occasional spiritual cry), but it might all go downhill tonight when I have to say bye.  But it's okay- half of them are coming to Nevada with me and we're all going out to do the best thing we've ever done in our lives.  

     Watch the mormon message called "My New Life", it's about the couple who got burned in a plane crash and it's so sweet.  The family who's in it come to the Provo temple every Sunday to take pictures with missionaries and we got to see them! (mom & dad thats the picture you saw)

    The church is true guys, I know this more now than I ever have before and I am so grateful for the happiness and blessings it has brought me, and for the opportunity that I have to be out here helping others to come find it.  Thank you all for the emails, I absolutely LOVE hearing from you.  Please let me know if there's anything I can do for any of you, I hope you all have a wonderful week and keep pressing forward.

Love,

Sister Paul

P.S. Zanna, Delaney and Jacqueline- Thank you so much for the package!! That cake was delicious and your sweet letter made my day. You guys are the best!! xoxox

Family and friends-

     HELLO. I am a sister missionary.  It's sweet.

     The MTC is amazing.  I've never felt the spirit so strongly and so consistently in my life and it's wonderful.  Like you know life's good when you're singing terribly in the shower and then all of a sudden multiple other sisters in the showers next to you join in.  It rocks.

     My companion is the best.  At first when we were still getting to know each other it was a little interesting, I would tell funny jokes and she wouldn't laugh.. or respond.... But it is okay, it's gotten a lot better and she laughs and at least pretends my jokes are funny.  There's 4 of us in my room- my companion, a Samoan sister and a sister from Texas.  We're best friends.  On the first day the boys in my district were all talking about how much they weighed and how much they could lift at the gym.. It's like I never even left any of the boys I hung out with at home hahah. My district has become my family, I would attach a picture but I don't actually have a camera.  I see Elder Hofeling, Elder Lewis and Elder Verdoni ALL THE TIME.  It's kinda weird but kinda awesome.

     There has been a mission president seminar going on for all the new mission presidents going out this next week (I met my mission president, him and his wife are the sweetest thing), so the prophet and almost all of the apostles have been here on campus!  Funny story.  The other day they made an announcement for all sister missionaries to meet in 19M immediately, so we were all getting super hyped and thinking that we were going to get to hear the prophet or one of the apostles speak.. Turns out that there were just bats in our residence hall and we would all have to move.  So that was cool.

     Mosiah 27: 27-28.  Matthew 4:10.  Read them.

     I have been very humbled sinvce I've been here, and I've come to realize that I don't know as much as I thought.  But one of the best things about this gospel is that that is okay.  One of my teachers said something about this that I wanted to share with you guys.  She said, "Whatever you do not know, that's okay.  Hold on to what you do know and continue to progress."  None of us are perfect and we're not supposed to be, but as we trust in the Lord and have faith we can grow and progress every single day.  I encourage you all to evaluate yourself and think about something you could work on gaining a stronger testimony of- whether that be knowing that Thomas S Monson is a true prophet, knowing the Book of Mormon is true, trusting that Heavenly can answer your prayers, or anything else you need to work on.  Ask for Heavenly Father's help, have faith in Him and yourself and keep on praying.  If there's one thing that I know for sure it's that Heavenly Father truly does love us.  I've prayed longer and more often in this last week than I ever have in my life, and it has been absolutely amazing to see how much my Heavenly Father knows me and does answer my prayers, and I know without a doubt that He can do that for each one of you as well.

     I love you guys- seriously.  Thank you for all of the support and love I've gotten recently and for helping me to get where I am right now.  I know this is exactly where I'm supposed to be and I am so excited to get to Reno.  The church is true- never forget it.  Sorry that this was kind of all over the place and I don't have the best grammar.. Hopefully I'll get better.  Please let me know if there's anything I can do for any of you.

Have an amazing week!!

Love,

Sister Paul

P.S. If anyone finds my white hair bow I always wore, please send it to me... I know that because of Heavenly Father I am never lost, but sometimes I feel pretty close without it. (kidding) (kinda) Also pooh bear... xoxo