The Chinese missionaries together again!

Hey Mama!!!

Well time does go by fast! I felt like I just Skyped with you yesterday!! It was so good to see everyone!!!

 

I love my bros!

 

So I hope you will get a special letter coming in your way. Hopefully it will arrive safely. I sent Ron and Traci my broken missionary tag too. Hopefully they get theirs soon. They call me their missionary. They are two of my favorite people!

So after skyping with you, we went to eat out with a few members.  The food was good until they kept feeding me too much. I was sick for 3 days afterward. I feel better now :)

 

So I spoke in sacrament yesterday that was fun!! I wasn't nervous at all. 

 

On Friday we went to Elmhurst, I am a pro at subway and walking now so I knew where I was going. 

 

Me and Sister Robertson.  I go on exchanges with her when I go to Little Neck.

 

 I decided to take things to a new perspective. I decided I am going to practicing listening to Chinese, I noticed that I am starting to understand Chinese little by little and actually understand what they are saying.

Sister Hironaka and me

Thank you  for developing my faith and keep pushing me forward. I am really grateful for all the youth who want to serve missions! That just makes my heart be filled with joy! We are now at war! We live in a generation where we live in a scary place. It's time to put that armor on and fight that battle by sharing our testimony, being an example to others, going to church, reading the scriptures, going to the temple! I know we will be blessed!

 

I know the Savior lives and through him, we can become better and stronger in all the things we say and do! I know if we just hold on a little bit longer, the Lord is going to bless us with joy and love!

I love you mom and thanks for everything that you have done for me!

 

Love,

Sister Moore

Hey Mom!

Sister Johnson was being transferred so we opened our Christmas gifts a few days early.

 

 

 On Monday, Sister Johnson and I stayed up till 1 in the morning. We talked, made some videos, took some pictures. She didn't want to leave for Brooklyn. She wanted to stay for one more transfer.

 

Sister Johnson and I ran out of toilet paper and we
 were too lazy to go to the store.  Thank you for sending us this.  Hahaha!

 

 

We had a really fun ward party and I got to see Santa!  I also got a Christmas gift!

 

 

 

 

 

Sister Johnson, Sister Hironaka, Sister Lee, and I ate out at IHOP it was really good!  Transfer came and went. Sister Johnson and I tried to put on our tough face and left each other. Sister Johnson went to Brooklyn. I stayed here with Sister Wang. 

 

To be honest, it was really hard for me. I had so much love for Sister Johnson and it was like my heart just completely shattered into pieces. She taught me how to speak better Chinese, how to laugh through my problems, how to daydream when walking, how to enjoy PBJ sandwich and tofu hot chocolate, how to talk on the phone and be confident, how to be more outgoing and socialize, taught me to voice my opinion, taught me to learn how to take the lead, taught me to enjoy life more and taught me how to believe in myself.

 

We heart -attacked someone's house.

I have such huge love for the people that I felt alone when Sister Johnson left. I couldn't eat or show as much as love as before. I am trying to cover my heart because it hurts when people leave. Or investigators leave, or people lose their testimony. 

I spoke with the young men yesterday and it went really good! I enjoy speaking to all of them. I could totally feel the spirit in the room. I am also speaking to the young women on Saturday about personal progress. If you have some ideas, throw them to me.

 

This is the bulletin board I am doing at the church.
It is a work in progress.

On Saturday we had a miracle happened. We were outside from 12:30-3:30. It was really really cold. My feet were frozen. But sharing the gospel kept me warm. As a zone we went to a hot spot where we can find many people. We showed the video, "He is the gift." We showed 239 people that day. We have 593 for the week and we are trying to hit 700 by the end of this week. We wrapped Books of Mormon in different languages and passed them out as Christmas presents. Many people wanted it and we ran out of BOM in all languages. We also did free gift wrapping too. We grabbed a lot  of attention from people. It was cool. Some of the sisters didn't bring their gloves so I sacrificed my gloves for them. All the sudden my hands became warm in the cold. It was like being sheltered by an angel.

 

 

 

So my plan is to either Skype or FaceTime with you on Thursday at 12 which is 10 at your place. I am thinking about calling dad first at 11 which will be 9 there. I will talk to him for an hour and then I will talk to all of you. I am so excited! One thing I request is hearing Papa's voice from the Christmas story. I am so excited, I can't wait to see all of you!!! I will talk to you more about a lot of other cool things that happen here in the mission. I could go on talking forever! Thank you for being my best friend!!!

I love you mom with all my heart!!!

Love your daughter,

Sister Moore

 

We just keep all the holiday decorations up you sent us.

Dear Mom,

This week has been interesting. I woke up one morning and felt inspired to make Sister Johnson breakfast. I made pancakes and orange. I brought it to her in her bed and she said, "Sister Moore..... I never had breakfast in bed before thank you." I sat on the top bunk with her and we just talked and talked and talked about everything. We laughed through memories and photos. 

Sister Johnson has been talking about how bad she really wants to go to Brooklyn. She was hoping to get called there the next transfer. We received the transfer call late Saturday night. Sister Johnson has been called to go to Brooklyn. Sister Johnson then admitted to me that she didn't want to pack to go to Brooklyn. She wanted to stay here for one more transfer in Flushing with me for Christmas and New Years. Also to experience two baptisms as a companionship. After the call I pretty much cried. My heart has been full of love for her. You know that in my patriarchal blessing it said that I have the gift of love.... Sometimes I don't like that gift because my heart gets too big for the other person and it gets too attached and when I leave or when the person leaves my heart has a big hole and feels like something is missing for at least a week. My heart has been having a hole for Sister Johnson. It really hurts for me to see her go. I don't want her to go. Sister Johnson almost wanted to call the president and say that she was staying in Flushing and that she is not leaving.

Since we knew transfers were coming,  we made a deal. If she was moving to Brooklyn we would open our Christmas gifts the night of our transfer call. We love our gifts mom! Thank you so much!!! Means the world to us. I love the bracelet and outfit and pjs and everything. Love the calendar. Sister Johnson loves the scarf and the bracelet!!

One thing I am grateful for was that Sister Johnson and I were able to work with two miracles on Saturday. I was fortunate enough to be with her. We went to the temple twice that day.  We went to a Spanish session of baptisms. It was kind of funny but cool!  It takes about 30 minutes to get to the temple by subway ride. So we spent a lot of our time on the subway and we were exhausted. It was a miracle to experience that with Sister Johnson. I felt like it was the first time I actually accomplished something in our companionship. Another cool thing happened, Elder Johnson called us for our numbers of accountability. He was amazed with our goals. Sister Johnson and I have doubled the lessons than what all the other missionaries have combined. We have been great with lessons this week so that is a great ending to our companionship.

EXHAUSTED!!!

 My new companion will be Sister Wang from China. She is pretty cool and I like her.  I know that my Chinese can improve like a rocket. We will probably be together for 3 transfers.   I am taking the lead in all the finding, calling, lookup since it's Sister Johnson's and my pool. So I will have to help Sister Wang meet everyone we are working with. After transfer calls, Sister Johnson made a plan for me. She sent a bunch of projects to me and I have billions of people to work with and accomplish the goals she gave me. I am determined to accomplish those goals.

 When I first came here to Flushing, the Bishop almost asked me and Sister Johnson to be part of the young women presidency.  Now they have a good young women presidency but we met with one of the women  who was part of the young women presidency yesterday... She asked me to be part of the young women personal progress program so I am in charge of that. It's great because I love young womens so much and I know I can help all the girls and have a connection with them.  I have a good feeling.

The Young Men president asked me to speak to the Young Men next week about building the kingdom of God and how we can do that. The Bishop also asked me to give a talk in sacrament in two weeks about Christmas and Jesus Christ. So I've been given a lot of assignments. I am also in charge of the bulletin board for our ward and a lot of things and plus I also  print the program out for sacrament meeting.

In our Chinese ward we have one bishop and a counselor. A young men president with one counselor and can you guess who that is??? Our district leader Elder Johnson. One good news, we have a sister coming  from Brooklyn... Love her a lot she is amazing! She is coming to Flushing.  I can learn from her and develop that talent. 

During Companionship Inventory, Sister Johnson and I talked a lot about stuff and how I can be a better missionary. She told me what I needed to work on and everything and so I am excited to accomplish those goals. She told me that she didn't know who I was because she is use to people saying, "No! I'm not gonna do that!" "I am not gonna follow that rule!" "Don't tell me what to do" she was use to having people giving her attitude and I just sat there and listened and told her that I will improve and work on my bad habits. She said the past two transfers she noticed that I've been humble and that it was my best quality of Christlike attribute. I really needed to hear that.

One thing I am grateful for is that Sister Johnson  believes in me. I know because of her I am able to develop my faith and am  increasing the gift of hearing on the phone. I am starting to understand others through the phone in English and Chinese. It's crazy! A deaf person has the ability to talk on the phone in English and a different language.

Another advice from Chinese people: two of our investigators said, "Sister Moore, you need to write right handed! You'll be more smart.  You can't teach us English or the lessons unless you write right handed with us." Okay sounds good.... Sorry if I came home right handed. I will be talented with both hands haha.

Also if Chinese people keep complimenting you, you have to say thank you. If they say the same thing over and over again, you have to say thank you over and over again. You can't blush and say, "no no no" or "stop it" because I get too flattered easily and they kept complimenting me over again that I wanted them to stop. 

Another cool thing Sister Johnson found an English Book of Mormon in a room she was cleaning and the first page of the BOM has a picture of a couple and they wrote their testimony. Turns out they are from LaVerkin, Utah. Out of millions of places, a BOM from Laverkin is here??? I wondered if you know Fred and Irene Llewellyn or someone related to them? That's the name of the couple. It will be the first BOM I will read in New York. 

I've started reading the New Testament. It's funny because I felt like I'm doing the same thing with Elder Holyoak. Great minds thinks alike especially from afar! I love the New Testament. I have learned so much from the New Testament. I planned to finish reading it this transfer. This past week I learned a lot about how to be unselfish. In Matthew/ Mark, it was story about how John the Baptist was beheaded. Jesus's best friend, cousin, his "companion" who  was doing the same purpose as him spreading the gospel. When Jesus found out what had happened, He wanted to mourn for John. He wanted to be alone.  He didn't want to teach the people at the time but as "Jesus went forth and saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion toward them because they were as sheep not having a shepherd and he began to teach them many things" (Matthew 14:14 and Mark 6:34) through those two scriptures combined I learned that I need to forget myself and go to work. I noticed the past few days that my mind is slowly focusing on the work of the Lord and not myself and the future and what will happened and everything. I am learning how to focus on the people here and understanding their needs and how to help and teach them. No matter what situations happen, whether it is something going on a home, or discouraging words people say to me, or a little tension in the district, I need to move on and not let that affect me. I need to go forth and teach these people who need the gospel. I have the gospel in my life and I need to help others receive that joy and peace. Jesus Christ is so humble and caring. He is our loving Savior and King. He has His Arms open for us, He is asking us to "take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24) let us follow Savior. Let us find our weakness and turn it to strength. Let's us start now to strive to become more like our Savior! I can start to see myself change for the better! One thing I am going to work on is having Diligence in all I do and say. I love being a missionary no matter how hard it can be! I could go on forever of what I learned this past week but I'm gonna stop here for now.

I know this is the true church! I love this gospel so much. My heart is full of joy and happiness. I have a huge testimony of the gospel even when I go through hard times. I can feel the huge love the savior has for each and everyone of us. 

I love you mom! Can't wait to talk to you in 10 days! It went by sooo fast since we last talked. Sorry you aren't going to meet Sister Johnson on Skype :( Mission times do go by fast. I wish that it could slow down. Thank you for being my best mama.

I love you mom!

Love your daughter,

Sister Moore!

Dear Mom,

 

Winterfest sounds like it was a success!! Justin the Frosty Man sounds fantastic. Honestly he can hit off anything! He is one funny cool guy and I am proud to call him my brother! I think we need to thank Chuck E Cheese mascot time. Of course Justin would do every event in a mascot!!! That's funny!

 

Wow you're at Brandon's! I miss everyone and hope everyone is doing good! Harper is so dang cute, can't wait to hear her ramble on forever when I get back!

 

Thank you for sharing your temple experience. The temple is an amazing place. Filled with love and peace.  You're right, faith without works is dead. President Calderwood always reminds us that without obedience and work, we don't exercise our faith and miracles will not happen. The Lord cannot help us unless we give our 100% best.

We do have a lot of police all over town. There is not a minute that goes by without the sirens going off. I hear it everyday, all day.

Yes we got the Christmas box! Sister Johnson begged to open her Christmas gift from me and I gave up and let her open it! She was filled with joy and loved it! She kept saying I was the best companion ever. I took a video of it and it is awesome.

This week is the last week of transfers, I am really hoping Sister Johnson and I go through one more transfer. If not that's ok too. I really want to spend Christmas with her and we have a baptism lined up for January 18 and I want her to be my companion at that time.

 

It was my first time doing look up on subway ride to another town. It was fun, we went to Forest Hills and I actually felt like I was in New York in that area. I felt comfortable there.

 

 

During street sweep, I've been told to go back where I came from, why was I here and it's not worth it. I can say it's not easy but it's worth it. I learn to laugh through what people say. The Mission is helping me to grow up, learn,  and be bold but loving.

Every night for the past week I've been having weird dreams that I was coming home on a medical release. I sure hope that doesn't happen.

I ate pig ears, belly, and other strange stuff that I didn't want to find out what it was.

I love you mom! I'm proud of you and pray for you every day. I still wear the special ring on my finger and think of you. Thank you for being my motivator and being my awesome hot mama!  Thank you for being my best friend! Can't wait to skype with you in 17 days! Wow it does go by fast!

Love your daughter,

Sister Moore

 

PS I am really developing the gift of tongue slowly. I am also understanding what another person is saying little by little.

 

Hey mama!

Thanksgiving was really good. We played football with the whole mission and played zone against zone. I didn't play at all. But when it comes to the Flushing Chinese District against the Dyker Chinese District, I played. I scored about two touchdowns, and they were amazed that I was athletic. It's official, the short girl showed her hidden talent. We then went to our bishop's to eat some food, it was so good.

 



Thanksgiving Dinner at the Bishops

 

 

The next day the district got together for lunch to eat a bunch of leftovers the people gave us. Literally it was alot of leftovers. Someone gave us a chicken and we tore the head off. Elder Wutrich said, "Sister Moore, I will give you money if you kiss the chicken's head." I accepted the offer. I kissed the chicken's head and I can tell you it was bad. So I said to him, "Where's my money?" He laughed and said,"I have no money." Tricky

 

I kissed the chicken, but it didn't turn into a prince :(
 

 

On Saturday we had a thanksgiving party at the church. Lots of cool/embarrassing things happened. Many of our investigators/ less actives came to the party. It was awesome. It was fun to talk to all of them and get to know them more. That was pretty cool. I feel like I'm starting to understand them little by little. We also watched 17 Miracles, the English version with Chinese subtitles. The elders in our district worked on the subtitle part for a few weeks so I am sure they are happy to relax now.

 

Embarrassing moments:

 

-I talked with one lady with a boy, "Is that your grandson?" "No that's my son." Oops

- One of the recent converts said I need to pulled my eyebrows off, they are too bushy. Tweezers here I come.

- one of our potential investigator asked if I have a boyfriend. I said no, she said, "I will pray for you to have a boyfriend." Well at least she is starting to pray!

 



I get to be Elder Johnson for the day!

17 Miracles was amazing as always! I wish I was there at that time period to help them through this. But then I realized that we are pioneers of this generation. The world is continuously attacking us with words, actions, items, photos, video, and etc. The world would do anything to destroy our confidence, faith, and standards. Don't! We are carrying this great legacy of our people who have travelled across the plains for us. We need to keep pushing forward! Hold on a little longer. The Lord asked us to bear our afflictions with patience! He will give us His promise by filling our heart with joy and send us blessings! I know that it's true! We are God's great warriors on earth!

 

We started, "He is the Gift" initiative. We were told it was gonna be big, all over YouTube, worldwide, time square. It's insane. Our responsibility as missionaries is to spread the word about it, share the video, pass out pass along card, discover the gift, and embrace the gift. We need to remember the true gift of Christmas. It wasn't wrapped, it didn't have a bow, it wasn't fancy or rich! It was Christ who was born in the stable in swaddling clothes. Our King who has come to redeem us through the Atonement so we can return to live in God's presence again. Christ is the real amazing reason why we can repent and receive the fullness of Joy.

 

 

 

Some of my wonderful friends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am also known as the strongest sister missionary. I don't know if that is a good thing.

 

Guess what? Sister Johnson and I made a deal.... She is not allowed to talk and just signs to me and I have to talk in a British Accent. A lot of people believed I was British. The district couldn't help but laugh at my awful accent. It was funny! She did good signing.  Sister Johnson has become my family.  I think she's awesome.

 

So Dkyer didn't think it was fair we beat them at the turkey bowl so they asked us to go to Brooklyn and play again. Obviously we are going to beat them again ;)

 

 

This Elder loves to take pictures of himself and put it as my background wall screensaver on my iPad

I know the Gospel is true. I love it with all my heart. It's hard to forget myself and go to work  but I'm slowly getting better at doing that and it's getting easier to get busy.  I love the Savior so much and I know the power of the Atonement is true. Once I get on my knees to talk with Him and take my time, I can feel His love more powerful! It's real and it's true! I can't deny it!

 

I love you! You are such an amazing person with a powerful testimony!! 24 more days till I get to talk to you in Chinese and with a Bristish accent!

 

Love,

Your Daughter

Sister Moore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elder Ballard, my friend from high school

Hola Mama,

So on Wednesday I was given a coat, a big fat puffy coat.  It was a nice looking coat.  Also a very amazing surprise.  One of the members saw how thin my coat was for a New York winter and she decided to go buy me one.  It was really nice of her to do that.  It was the nicest thing someone could do for me.  I was touched, that showed Christlike love and service.  Yesterday I went and talked with Sister Li and Sister Lai.  They are the ones that gave me the coat!  I kept thanking them.  I love them too much.  Sister Lai speaks really good English.  A few weeks ago she told me I wouldn't learn much Chinese in this area as much as in Brooklyn because in Flushing most Chinese people speak enough English and want to practice English.   She said in Brooklyn they don't speak English at all.  I told Sister Lai to stop talking to me in English and start talking in Chinese.  Here was the deal between me and her.  She speaks Chinese to me and I will teach her sign language.  I am understanding her a lot now.  She helps me a lot with my Chinese and makes me feel good about myself when trying to learn.  She is a fast learner in learning ASL.

On Wednesday we were on the bus and I sat next to Elder Wutrich, he is really good at speaking Chinese.  He looked at me and since Sister Johnson was sitting across from me he said, "Go sit by Sister Johnson, turn around and talk to the girl with the binder."  I was so nervous but it was now or never so I did what he asked and talked to her.  She is a super happy high schooler and I loved talking with her.  She was so excited about everything and I really liked her a lot.  I didn't catch her name or phone number because we had to get off immediately soon after I met her.  I really hope to see her again.  She is super awesome.

We are suppose to go to the Brooklyn Bridge next Monday with the Brooklyn Chinese Sisters.  I am excited to finally go.  Sister Johnson is an amazing trainer and I do love her.  If I had a choice to stay the whole time with her on the mission I would accept.  But she really wants to go to Brooklyn and I really do hope she goes to Brooklyn the next transfer because that will make her happy.

This past week we had a man show up from Utah.  He is part of the language department for the missionaries.  He chose Sister Johnson and me as one of his projects.  He watches us do language study and interviews us and everything. 

Things have been a little hard.  So I went to the Spanish and English branch and interpreted for that little deaf girl Arianna.  That girl can change my day within a second.  She has a true beautiful gift.  Her smile brightens the room.  Her eyes really do show love.  I noticed she is starting to become receptive to sign language.  She is learning little by little.  I just love her.  One funny thing that happened was, I was signing to her the closing prayer (that girl is smart) she grabs my hand and puts my arms in a folding (prayer) position.  I started signing again and she grabbed my hand and put me in a prayer position again.  The primary teacher invited Sister Johnson and me over for dinner.  She and I talked.  She was telling me about how before I showed up Arianna wasn't a happy girl and she wasn't confident about herself and was always shy around her mom.  I explained to her about my background with deafness.  It's not easy being around people or to have self confidence when you know you have a problem.  I told her the story about preschool and how one teacher stood up to the school board and told them what I CAN do.  I said, "Arianna needs someone to believe in her besides her mom."  A person believing in her can make her more confident and capable.  I told the primary teacher to believe in her and encourage her to do great things.  I showed Arianna that I love her and I believe in her.  She was more outgoing in primary and now made a friend in her class and I am so happy.  I know that Arianna is capable of doing something wonderful.

In Relief Society, the RS president asked if we had plans for thanksgiving and we said no.  The bishop's wife heard it and invited us over for thanksgiving.  This Saturday we have a Chinese Thanksgiving so Chinese food :) and we are going to watch 17 Miracles.  I'm excited!!

Wow, that's really cool about the New Era thing!  I did not see that coming.  It was funny because I was just thinking about my EFY experience and then that led into the New Era interview and then you sent me that email!  How insane is that ?!?  That was like two years ago.  It was Heather Layton that gave us that challenge.  She challenged all of us in Laurels to look in the mirror and say one good thing about yourself each day and that changed my perspective and I became more happier.  Man, I had an awesome teacher!

New York is bipolar, one day it's super hot, the other day is super cold.  It's unexpected.  There was a day where it was really cold for me to be outside and I literally almost died.  My hands completely froze because I had to keep taking my gloves off to check the address on the iPad and text/call people on the phone.  I might freeze to death eventually haha.  Don't worry, I'll live through the coldness since I have the spirit to keep me warm. 

My first bubble tea.  Only it's not really tea!

I was wondering if possible if you can send me the lyrics of "Hero" and "Hold Your Light Up", "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" and, "Modern Day Samson".  They are on our mix CD.  See if you can find something you think it's gospel related.  I don't know the band/singer.

I am excited for the Christmas box, but one thing I'm looking forward to is seeing you and everyone online on Christmas Day!!!!  I can't wait to see you!!!!  I love you so much !!!!!!!!

Love your favorite daughter,
Sister Moore

Dear Mamasita,

I traveled the world!

This past week has been better. We worked a whole lot harder.   We went to Rego Park to meet with the President. He grabs my hand and shook it and held it. He was like a father to me. I sat across from the big desk from him and he just smiled and looks at me. He asked, "How are you doing? What are your struggles? What's your thoughts?" I told him I was feeling rushed and overwhelmed with the phone call situation. I could tell he was listening to every word I was saying. He then opened a scripture for me to read Mosiah 4:27: And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.

He asked me to slow down and take one step at a time. He asked about my hearing. He told me to control my stress by eating properly, sleeping properly, exercising, and relaxing. He said that stress and fear are overcoming my faith to hear and that's why I haven't been hearing good lately.

I asked him if he could give me a priesthood blessing and his response was, "I've been waiting for you to say that. You helped me develop my faith!"  He asked what I want in the blessing, I said "to develop my faith in hearing and not let fear overcome my faith and have the gift of tongues." He asked who I want to sit  in for the blessing, I said Sister Johnson. She knows me more than anyone in this mission except for President Calderwood and Heavenly Father/Jesus Christ. He asked Sister Johnson since she has been my trainer what I need in my life that he could say in the blessing. We sat in silence for a long time, she said, "Honestly she is doing really good..... Maybe the gift of hearing and interpretation." President asked if my health was good if I need to be anointed or not, I didn't need it. So he blessed me and then walked in front of me and said the blessing so I can read his lips. He stopped after saying 10 words of the blessing and said, " I feel a strong prompting to anoint you, I need to follow that." He went to his bag and got the anointing oil and anointed me and said the blessing. He gave a really spiritual blessing. In the blessing he said that I would  receive the gift of interpretation, the gift of tongues, the gift of faith, and have understanding of the Chinese culture according to my faith and faithfulness. He also said in the blessing to have the gift of hearing and not have fear replace my faith. I felt the spirit so powerful, I need to take an action of my faith to have the Lord help me walk every step of the way and in developing those gifts. I love being with president. After the blessing, Sister Johnson actually gave me hug. Sister Johnson explained to me that she honestly didn't know what I really needed because she thought I was doing really good. I really love having those two people in my life in this mission.

After the blessing I have prayed everyday to develop the gifts that president said I would receive. I prayed to not let fear overcome my thoughts and actions. I noticed that if I put my trust and faith in Christ my hearing increases, my ability to speak the language increases, and my gift of interpretation increases. I was absolutely letting fear take over by saying negative things and what if. I am doing a little better with the phone situation calling, leaving voice messages, but not at a point of Chinese conversation yet. That's ok, I will accomplish that one day.

I went on a companion exchange and came back to find this on my desk...Sorry Spider-Man, I am on a mission!

Sister Johnson and I were on exchange. I went to Little Neck with Sister Baker and I honestly love her. Honestly I missed having Sister Johnson as my companion, in fact I really missed her haha. As a zone we had to do Bishop Storehouse and so Sister Johnson and I saw each other. She kept talking with me and asking me for help and said "I am glad you're here." When I was with Sister Baker we went all over, we went to Flushing, Rego, Little Neck, and Lynbrook. We had to go to Lynbrook for a leadership training meeting. Sister Baker had to translate from English to Spanish. She was called to translate in the young women organization. The young women stake president spoke and at the end she looks at me and asked me to give a spiritual thought. Since it was young women I told all the leaders that I've been part of young women and stake girls camp organization. Young women has become a part of me. I told the leaders that they need to love all the girls as if they were their child, no matter how many mistakes they did, or how big their struggle are. The girls need us and we need them. The girls need someone to believe in them, they need love and so forth. Young women is my favorite organization in the church. I have such huge love for young women. I looked around the room; people were shedding tears. The young women stake president came up to me and said I felt the prompting to ask you to give a message and thank you. I am still receiving revelation that I was to be like Sister Elaine Dalton, it's insane. The girls  need someone who loves  and cares for them no matter what.  They are at a time where they are lost and confused, popular or not, trying to fit in a group of friends, they are at a time where they don't know who they are and it's our responsibility to help them, and be their friend and love them with all of our heart. I have such a huge testimony of young women!

A few days ago we had a miracle happen. One of our investigators we were going to drop texted us and said she had a friend who wanted a belief and that investigator chose our church. One of our less actives said she wanted to bring her friend to church. It's insane that our less active and a nonmember are bringing a friend to church. Another cool thing was, on Saturday (I was on exchange) Sister Johnson told me we had a new investigator. Her name was K and I was filled with joy because I knew her for two months because she comes to every English class. Sister Johnson told me that she tried teaching her the gospel and it didn't really happen so K went up to her and said she wanted to learn more about the gospel. Also we had an investigator come to church again on Sunday. She never comes to Sunday School and Relief Society. She never wanted to. So I was sitting by a member, L and told her that I was going to sit by our investigator. She asked if she could come and I said yes. We went and sat by our investigator. L and I wrote back and forth to each other in Chinese character about the investigator. I told her to invite her to come to class and relief society. She did come! Members are the key in this great missionary work. Afterward, I talked with that investigator about how she likes church. She really likes it. She doesn't speak English so we spoke 100% Chinese and I understood everything she was saying and words just came out of my mouth. The gift of tongues is real.

Thank you for the gift! Sister Johnson and I loved it. Sister Johnson actually admitted to me that she has never made pancakes before so I am excited to teach her.

About Facebook, you can comment or like a lot, no boundary really. I can comment and like other photos if 1) it's accomplishing my missionary purpose 2) I can look through Facebook newsfeed on Mondays and stalk everyone ;). With family and friends I can chat on Facebook on Mondays. But other than that my main focus is chatting with investigators, less actives, and members on Facebook. We post spiritual thoughts 3 times a week or more.

I stopped taking the MMF to see if I noticed a difference and noticed that my back and shoulder were in pain again.  I was in bad pain for 3 days. So I decided to take the MMF again and I am feeling better.  I love the MMF.  It is really helping me. 

Crystal, Me, Sister Johnson and Wang Fei

We are chilling out today in Flushing with the Brooklyn Chinese district. We haven't gone to the Statue of Liberty yet. We might latter this transfer I heard.  Last week p-day we went to Rego met up with president and ate out at Olive Garden for lunch and came back and relaxed.  Two week ago p-day Sister Johnson and I went to the science museum and it was a blast.  It's quite interesting.

I didn't do the little speech to missionaries. Elder Johnson asked me to give it this week instead of last week since he has something to say. So tomorrow I am giving a little workshop.

Mom, I can feel your prayers so strongly! Thank you for praying every hour. Sister Johnson and I needed it. I love you so much! I am glad things are going good. I understand about the same cycle thing.... Hopefully you can do something fun soon! You deserve it!!!

Our pumpkin says "Choose the Right" in Simple Chinese

Hey Mama,

I am happy to here about the MMF Grand Launch!! The Lord is blessing you!  I have two MMF packs left and I would like some more. 

The apartment is still hot and the weather is getting colder! I am sleeping better now.   Oh I forgot to tell you this.... Our bathtub broke...... We can take a shower but the drain doesn't work anymore... We have to take the bowl and take the water our and pour it down the sink. When you're showering the bathtub gets fulled pretty fast. Yup....

Oh an new elder is joining the district today.... I am so excited because I know him from the MTC. He is amazing!  

We already have an iPad! I keep it till the end of the mission. I also don't get Facebook till next week... Wait patiently :)

Halloween sounds like so much fun! It's so cute about Harper, that girl makes me laugh so hard and that girl is the light to my life. She just makes me super happy! I love her!  I am glad the Stewarts are doing good!! That's awesome about Weston and his xylophone, is he loving it? Can't wait to meet Baby Cash!!!

So this week has been difficult, my listening has been suffering. I can't understand people even when they are speaking English. It's hard for me because the people are getting frustrated. I asked the Elders to give me a blessing yesterday and they did. I felt peace and comfort and an overwhelming feeling  knowing that everything will be okay. Please continue to pray for me that my hearing will improve!

After the blessing we went to church I met a girl who was like 4 from the English/Spanish branch. She was running all over the place but from the corner from my eyes I saw a cochlear implant. I started talking with her and her older sister. The little girl doesn't know sign but the older sister is learning American Sign Language. The little girl was skipping all over the place, smiling, giggling, she was full of joy. That girl touched my heart through her simple smile and she didn't let her deafness define her sounds like someone I know haha but I needed a reminder of who I am. She is the sweetest thing ever and she was the answer to my prayer.

On Halloween, so Sister Johnson wanted to be a princess so she bought a crown. She then said, "You need to have a costume too!" So she went through my closet and laid out an outfit for me and I became a hipster. Yeah.... Peace, tree lover, hello sunshine.

The hipster and the princess

We were asked to be home by 6 on Halloween so Sister Johnson and I decided to deep clean and rearrange our apartment. It now looks like a home. We then ate pizzas and ice cream and talked about our life... That girl is super smart and has been through a lot. I just love her.

On Saturday we had a Halloween party and we dressed up again but the Chinese people did not want me to just be a hipster which means..... They had to paint my face. So they painted my face. The party was a lot of fun. We had games, food, and the missionaries performed. One crazy thing that  happened was the idea of a kissing booth.  One of our members Brian dressed up as a vampire.... He actually looked like a vampire!  So he gets placed in the room and one person wears a blind fold and walks in and sits down. Brian would ask  a question and then he said I'm gonna kiss you and the person blindfolded freaks out and he gets the the candy kiss and put it on their lips and tells them to open their eyes. They laugh since they actually thought he kissed them. It was weird!

The ward members wanted to paint my face

Almost everyday we help out a lady with yard work.  She was baptized in Taiwan when she was 17 and went to church for a year and became inactive. She is about 60. She started coming to English class and so we started teaching her and helping her pull weeds and place stones and porch in the backyard. Her father just passed away and she blames it on the home care lady because the home care lady was feeding her father too fast and the father choked and died. She is very bitter about it and said that God should have punished that lady. I really like this lady because she is so selfless and gave all her time to take care of her parents and never was married. She speaks good things and smiles often but when it comes to her father's death and home care she becomes bitter and upset. We are in a process of helping her trying to forgive so she can feel peace and love. She told us she had a dream that her dad is not happy where he is at. It bothers her. We really want to help her. We want to help her come to church and go through the temple so she can help her dad and mom with temple work and they can be in a better place. Please pray for her  that she will find peace.

On Wednesday we had dinner with a lady. She doesn't seem happy with her life right at the moment but she kept squeezing my cheek and complimenting how sister Johnson and I have a baby face haha. She kept putting more and more food on my plate, so honestly I ate clam and jellyfish.... It was interesting but I will never have it again if I have the option to choose haha.

It's so hard for me to see the people struggling and how they don't think the gospel can help them. I know it can help them. I know that THIS gospel is so true! I KNOW this is where I am meant to be so I can help them find that joy in their life. I am happy when they realize how the gospel can help them as well. My heart is filled with joy and peace knowing that they know this. Yup it's been an emotional week, man.... I have a deep connection with people! I know that when we change our perspective to the way God sees them...... Our thoughts on other people changes to children of God. They are not the people shopping in the store..... Or a lady sitting on the steps.... Or a man serving food. They are all our brothers and sisters, they are children of God! It's crazy how your love for them can increase significantly once you start to think that. They all have a story.  I love this gospel so much and the field is so white and ready to harvest!

I love you mom!  You're my super hero!

Love,

Sister Moore

At the Halloween party at the church. So on Halloween we are staying in our apartment during prime time. President's rule. So we are going to have a junk food night and watch  an approved church film. 

Heyo Mama,

I learned that Everything is not suppose to go in your own way. It's suppose to go in God's way for His way is higher than ours. No matter where we go, it's there for us. St. George or New York. New York is teaching me how to change myself into becoming what God wants me to be. I am learning a lot of new things that I possibly don't think I can do myself. For example, on Saturday I was feeling discouraged from the language and teaching, tired since I'm not getting enough sleep in this hot apartment, and weak and that happens rarely. So we just finished Stake conference and we were waiting for the bus to take us home. It was out of town in Jamaica, 30 minutes away from our home. It was 10pm. The assigned bus pulled over and once he saw that we were a bunch of teenager missionaries he pulled away leaving us. We were all frustrated, tired, and cold. Ten minutes later another bus arrived and picked us up. I sat down. My heart was weighed and I prayed to my Father above in my heart. I had been praying all day that day. After praying in my heart, I looked across from me and saw a mom and a dad with two beautiful girls. One maybe 2 and the other one maybe 9 months old. The 2 year old girl was crying and screaming and the dad was doing everything he could do to get the child to stop crying by comforting and loving her. Once she stopped crying, she looked at me and started to smile, I smiled. She waved, I waved back. We were constantly looking at each other and waving at each other back and forth for like five minutes straight. When it was the family's time to get off the bus, I looked through the window and watched this family starting to walk away. But the two year old girl just stood there and looked at me as if she was telling me that she loves me and that God loves me and is pushing me forward. I know that God must have put me on this specific bus for a reason. I am amazed that God can answer my crying heart through that two year old. The point of this story is that if you ever feel that way, get down on your knees and pray or pray in your heart because God does know you and he knows your heart. He wants you to talk to Him. Pray even when you're not struggling, pray when you're filled with joy and love. My love for the people in New York has increased tremendously. I learned to "Forget yourself and go to work!

On Tuesday we had trainers and trainees meeting. We separated from our companions/trainers and went to a different room and there we met President Calderwood. He talked to us about turning our mind to great positive things. He told us a story about two different cities and a wise man between the cities. One family from one city was moving out and moving to another city. They met the wise man in the middle of their journey and asked, "What is the city like over there?" The wise man responded, "Well, what is your city like?" The family complained, "They are so rude, mean, negative, disrespectful, and blah blah blah." The wise man said, "The city that you're going to is the same as your city." Another family from another city was also moving from their city to the other city. They met the wise man there too and asked the same question, "What is the city like over there?" The wise man said, "Well, tell me about your city first." They responded, "We love the people there so much, we all help and support each other, we are so sad to leave them." The wise man said, "Your city is like the city you're going to now."

President Calderwood said that its all up to us to make each day a special moment. He said that if we keep looking for the next great big thing in life you're never gonna be satisified with this mission or for the rest of your life. Take each day and make it a gift and you will be filled with joy and happiness!

Look around you! You can find joy in simple things. I smile when I see someone laughing. I smile when I am teaching English class and the students are getting the English word right and you can see the big smile they have on their face! I smile when I see a parent comforting their child. I smile when I see a grandma pulling a beautiful flower off the bush and giving it to her 2 year old granddaughter. I love how that two year old is walking with that purple flower in her hand holding it carefully! It's amazing how you can find joy in everything!

I absolutely love this place! I am filled with joy doing missionary work. Please keep praying for my companion and me that we can continue to work harder and help other people and understand what they need.

I love you mom! You're my best friend!!!

Love your Animal Loving Daughter,

Sister Moore

Response to your email:

Everything is fixed in this old church. The inside of the church/ chapel is almost exactly the same as the chapel in the St. George tabernacle. Whenever I'm in the chapel, I feel like I'm in St. George. They are building a new church and it really beautiful but it won't be done till I go home: January 2016. So when we go back, we are stopping by the new church :)

The Language is coming little by little. I can say the words in my mind but can't speak it out right. I need to practice saying it out loud so I can become comfortable saying it. The Chinese that I'm struggling with is "c" which makes a "ts" sound. It's frustrating. I just wish I can get to a point where I can start understanding what others are saying so I don't need to have others translate for me all the time.

Facebook Post! Bahahaha! I can't wait to see that soon. Yes I'll be getting Facebook next week and I'm excited. I miss seeing pictures of all my family members! Nice poop picture you have there. What Justin said made me laugh too!! We have such an awesome mama who can easily make us kids laugh!! Glad you have everyone offering to help you with this kind of job when I'm not there!

I am glad the patio is getting fixed and the gutters getting built. We need a strong stable firm home!

I'm excited for all of you to go up north and go trick or treating! And Halloween and so forth. I am sending Brandon's birthday gift today so hopefully he'll get it. Whenever I talk about my family to other people, they are amazed with how young Brandon is as a police officer, how crazy Justin is with everything and how he makes everything an adventure, and how wonderful you are. They are amazed with you raising a deaf girl and your strong testimony. 

Tell the Stewcox I said hi and that I love them and will be writing them soon. It's crazy that almost every night I dream about all of you. I can feel all of your happiness!

Wow Jacob's leaving already! Man.... Where did the time go??? He will do fantastic!  I better write him before he heads off!

I'm happy to hear about the MMF thing. I'm happy you're getting blessed through it all!! My heart is filled with joy for you!

If I can pick any hero as my favorite besides my family.... I would have to choose Emma Smith. She is such an inspirational person with strong faith and I hope to be like her. So I'm glad you watched that movie.

So I thought a lot about Julie Robinson this past week. My heart breaks for her and her family. Do you know how Alex is doing? I wish I could send my love to her. I am happy she is with Sammy in heaven.

I am happy for Randi, I hope she is ready to become a mother along with her husband. I hope everything is going good for them.

I love all of you and how each of you are a blessing to my life. I pray for you every single day!!!