Hey Mama,

Thank you so much for the poem! It does describe exactly what my mission is like. I seriously love my mission so much even when the time gets tough. 

 

We had Zone conference with President Calderwood at his home on Tuesday. It was really nice and it was basically the last time I would ever get to talk with them. They return home on July 1st. President Calderwood basically talked about all the tools we could use in the mission and then we got split up into workshops. My favorite workshop was given by his son, Brother Calderwood. He just returned home from serving a mission in Russia 2 weeks ago. He gave a good talk about praying with Faith. He talked about before leaving for his mission, his dad told him to learn how to pray on his mission. He was like, "Ummm you already taught me how to pray when I was younger." But later in his mission he came to find out what real prayer is.... It's a communication between you and Heavenly Father. If you look in the bible dictionary under prayer. "As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7–11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.... Christ’s name at all; they in no way represent His mind but spring out of the selfishness of man’s heart." It was such a powerful talk and scripture.

 

About South, I came to find that I absolutely love the people here in South Shore! 

 

Let me tell you about Keara. She moved here the same time I moved here. She recently got married 6 weeks ago. She went to UVU and also served a mission in Louisiana. She just came back in July, married her husband Dallin. Dallin was asked to do a bug company here in New York so they came for the summer and then moved back to Idaho. Keara is just amazing. You would have loved her mom! We already talked about being best friends haha. Keara feels like she has no life here because of no job, no friends, nothing to do so she texted us asking us if we can come over and we just chatted getting to know each other. Then the next day, she helped us teach and then had lunch with her. Then she came to ASL class and then invited us over for dinner. She is just the sweetest thing ever!

 

Now let me tell you about Ellie! She is the sweetest 12 year old I have ever met. When I went to young womens on my 2nd week, Ellie asked if I knew how to bake? I responded no. She freaks out and said, "You have to learn, come to my house on Saturday and I will teach you!" Ellie's favorite thing to do is bake, bake, bake. So I went over, taught her how to make truffles, ran out of time so she couldn't teach me how to make certain kinds of food. Ellie has a spirituality sense. She asks really good questions and it just made me connect with her. On Saturday she went to the temple for her first time. She texted us saying that she loved it and wished we could have gone with her. She said that when she heard the first time baptisms being perform for the dead, she could feel the spirit so strong, and she could hear this lady in heaven saying,"Thank You." Her testimony was so powerful! She reminded me so much of Bailey but more shorter than me.

 

 

We met with P and J on Friday and helped with their family history. So we set up an account and one of the questions that was asked was, "Are you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?" She said, "Not yet!" I mean what the heck! That was so exciting. Sister Passey and I wanted to scream but waited till we got to the car and scream.

 

I spoke in Sacrament meeting and everything went good. Lots of people liked it and admitted that they felt the spirit. Thank you so much for your help! One of the coolest experiences was that P and J and C (all the deaf investigators) were struggling and we felt inspired to talk about Priesthood blessings. They all wanted a blessing and it was so cool to see J and P get one yesterday. It was awesome to watch them and they admitted that they felt good inside. They are progressing really slowly. I am so excited for them. C will be getting her blessing next Sunday. She is so awesome!

 

Here is an interesting thing... Sister Passey was driving and she stopped. The light turned green and she wasn't moving and I realized that she wanted to turn but didn't have her blinker on.... I told her, "you should turn your blinker on." And as soon as I said that, a car hit us really hard and both of my cochlear implants flew off and split into pieces and I hit my head really hard on the seat and had another bad whiplash. My right side of my shoulder and neck hurts. Yay!!!! But luckily our cars weren't damaged. The lady that hit us kept saying, "I thought you were going straight and you didn't turn your blinker on." We told her that everything was ok and we went on our way. 

Afterward Sister Passey asked if we should go home. I said no and that I wanted to keep going. We went to this lady's house from our record in the area book and her name was E. She is like in her 20's. We started talking and she then said she wanted to learn more about the gospel and so I am so excited!!

 

I'm going to Flushing today and see all my peeps and have breakfast with one of my favorite investigators, Z! We are also going to the Mets game!!! Yeah!!! Plus, we are going to do deaf lookups there in Flushing. It would be like I'm going home again. I can't wait. Flushing will forever be my home. But at the same time, I really love South Shore and I'm afraid to leave here too. 

 

I love you mom! Thanks for everything you have done for me.

 

Your Princess,

Sister Moore

One of our bad days, so we got ice cream!

Hey Mama!

I am glad you were able to attend to Luke's mission opening call. I am really happy that we are able to be close with the Sutton family and keep in contact with them.  I can't believe Luke is growing up so fast! I remember when he was just 14 year old. Ahhh! It's really cool that he is basically serving in his father's mission. There is a sign why he was needed there. That took me back to Eric Lee serving in his father's mission and miracles that were happening. Luke is going to be a miracle in his mission! That is sooooo exciting! The Lord knows what He's doing! The gospel is so true and powerful! The Lord is truly hastening His work!

 

South shore is getting a lot better. We struggled teaching members but we were on fire teaching investigators. We have found about 3 new investigators this past week and two of them are deaf. So we are excited to work with them. The two deaf people that came to church last week came yesterday as well. They liked to go to different churches and hopefully they like it. The husband is filled with the spirit and his wife has a lot of hard questions. So they came to church, the wife explained a little about her family history and she is from Greece. So I told her that my father's family came from Greece and she freaked out and was so excited that she told me a lot about what Greece was like. I showed her our family history tree and she really wants to do the tree so we are going over there to talk about Family History and help her set it up. I think that could be the turning point in her life and conversion. Please pray for us as we teach them Family History and help them set it up.  There is a lot of people here who want to learn about their family history including missionaries. I am lucky that you have worked so hard on family history! Thanks mom! You're the best!

The 1st counselor from the bishopric is an amazing guy. He pulled me aside and talked with me. He wants me to give a talk about Family History on Sunday so I am excited.  We had a meeting with the bishop and the missionaries talk. It was a hard meeting but very rewarding. We talked and sometimes we missionaries forget about our life before our mission because we are use to sharing the gospel everyday now. He really opened our eyes a lot about the people in the ward struggling and needing love. So I took the Bishop's advice and went forth. Loving the people rather than piling up the lessons onto their life. He said instead of asking for referrals, ask if they need help. So we talked with members and everything just changed and the people and I were talking and I can feel God's love there. I can feel just talking to them they are changing their life and strengthening their testimony too. I love the members so much here.

One funny thing, a man returned from his mission and gave his homecoming talk. So people came for him. I met this lady and she knows a little sign and we talked. She looked at me and said that I looked familiar. Our conversation led to saying Nathan Van De Graff (my seminary teacher) is her brother in law. So we connected. Her son recently came home from his mission three months ago from Poland and he knows Kylee Simpkin. He and I talked and he is an amazing guy. So small world haha!
 

 

Ready to hear a cool thing..... I went to Miranda Zhao's baptism yesterday!! Remember Miranda?? Sister Hironaka and I taught her for two months and then passed her over to Bayshore. I got permission to go to her baptism. It was a nice surprise. It was what I needed. Miranda was grateful I was there and she sent a long text to us and I just loved her and I am so proud of her!

Unfortunately my Chinese has gotten worse. I tried to speak Chinese the other day and I couldn't remember basic words. I am gong to need to do hardcore language studying. Miranda and Sister Hironaka noticed so hopefully I can remember it when I go back! I do like signing but have a hard time understanding signs. But I love having the connection with people here signing. It's fun to do it here. Also my English is getting better too! My hearing is decreasing so when I get back I want to get my cochlear implant rechecked and tuned so I can hear better.

I learned a lot about faith this past week. In James 2: 17-18 it says:  Faith without works is dead. If you want miracles to happen, we need faith and work. If we want to become like Heavenly Father, we need faith and work! If we want to understand His plan, we need faith and work! 
 

I love you mama! This week was a hard good week!

Love

Sister Moore

 

 

 

 

Hey Hot Mama,

 

 I skyped with dad on Mother's Day. I was on exchanges with my STL who is also my"Step-Sister" and she said that I should skype dad too. So I listened to her. You probably wonder about the "Step-Sister" part. Her name is Sister Peterson and she is Brittany and Brianna's step sister. Brittany and Brianna's dad married Sister Peterson's mom. My dad married Brittany and Brianna's mom. Small world. So we call each other Step Sister and she and I are pretty close. I really love her a lot. She is originally an ASL sister missionary. Cool huh?

 

I am glad you had an awesome Mother's Day!! I thought about you and what a great mother you are!!!! The ward here looks up to you and thinks you are one heck of a strong woman because we have so many divorces and children going astray and they like have no hope and I was like.... Seriously, my mom has gone through a lot and she still held on to her faith! I am so grateful for you!! I was thinking of how amazing you are and how you did everything for me growing up and you're my superhero! I love you mom and Happy Mother's Day!

 

I am sorry to hear about Danny's step father. That's sad.... But good thing we have the Plan of Salvation!

 

This week was a lot better. President wants me to set up a plan, vision, and goal. Since I have been doing that... My nightmares went away.... Feelings of regret did too.... Now I am just sick this past week.... Bad headache, body shaking, tired most of the days, pale, feeling like I want to throw up but I am pushing forward because I am only here for two transfers and I am going to make it worth it! We worked hard and guess what??? Five investigators came to church yesterday! Sister Passey was SOOO happy. She never had that happen before. It was a miracle that it happened. We had 7 deaf people come to church and 4 of them came for their first time. We taught them a lesson about the BOM and they had so many crazy questions and they were all answered. Now they want to get baptized. They have more friends that are interested so they will be inviting them. The work is hastening. The Lord is ready to gather the people into his fold. They are all super cool. 2 of them are catholic. 1 of them is popular in the deaf world and we know if she gets baptized others will follow as she shares her testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. I love interpreting for them and getting to know them. We are pretty much best friends. I am so excited to work with them.

 

N is an amazing 19 year old young guy. We had planned to teach him on Saturday morning but Friday night.... he texted us and told us that his sister was murdered and he couldn't meet with us. Our heart broke for his family and him. Saturday night, he texted and said he still wanted to come to church the following Sunday and we found him a ride. He came to church yesterday for his first time and it was amazing. He is a strong boy who fights through his challenges.

 

So here is a funny story, we were helping a less active move a couch from one place to another. I had my hair in a ponytail. So I let my hair down and this less active freaked out, dragged me to the chair, and all the sudden started cutting my hair. My hair is now short....My dream of long hair went down the toilet! :'(

 

Another story was we went to do a look up.... A guy answered the door and said, "Are you looking for my mom?"

Yes

She is not here and there is no real conversion here. I've seen UFOs so I don't want to hear your message... 

Ok

But thanks for loving my mom

Yup

Later that guy called us and apologized and expressed his appreciation to us. Sweet!

 

So we got a phone call asking us to go visit this lady. We had a strong connection. We went and visited the lady and the lesson was super powerful and she knew we why were there and answered her prayers. She was so excited to learn more. I felt the spirit so strong and I knew she felt it too. We set up an appointment for this Friday. So we got a call this morning from this lady saying she went and visited a pastor... The pastor was telling her the BOM wasn't true and convinced her not to meet with us... My heart broke for her.... Well she is stuck in our area book so yay for new missionaries to bug her because I know she has great potential. 

Life is good! I am happy! Everything is great! All is well!

Love

Sister Moore

p.s. I might need some summer outfits.  You have good taste of style.

Me and Sister Passey

 

 

Hey Mama,

 

So I got transferred to South Shore (Long Island) English speaking. My companion is Sister Passey.  I am in a driving mission as well... Bleh. 

 

I feel like I left Flushing in a good spot. Everything I have worked on had turn into a blessing this last transfer. Preach My Gospel said, "Do all you can to leave your area stronger than you found it." And I did it. I left Flushing with average of 85 church attendance, about 18 lessons per week, bringing many less actives back, 5 super solid investigators and the changes they have made, a few baptisms, and I've change me because of them. When I said goodbye, they said, "Sister Moore,'I hope to become more like you." And "You will come back!" My heart is filled with joy and I cried saying goodbye.

 

South Shore is going good. I really miss the Chinese program and seeing all my sisters! I miss seeing the Chinese people and speaking the language. I hope to go back in the future because that is how much I love it. It was a dramatic week with everyone in South Shore. It's exhausting but I am really glad I got sent here. The people need a lot of help here. I feel like South Shore is exactly like how I started Flushing. Church attendance about 60 people and average of 7 lessons per week and no investigators. But I have hope in South Shore. We have about 3 deaf people now and I was lucky enough to interpret for them in church yesterday so I am excited to hear better, and also speak more fluent in English. Don't worry, I am still studying Chinese. I won't lie to you, I am homesick for Flushing but I will be fine. I've been sick and haven't been sleeping well because of the crazy dreams/ nightmares I have been having. I am homesick for the peope there.  Please pray for me.

 

So far what I have heard about South Shore is that President Calderwood and the stake president had a vision of setting up an ASL branch and that is probably why I got sent here to get that started. We just have to find more deaf people. Please pray for us as we go through with this amazing plan the Lord has for us! 

 

I want to tell you about Sister Passey, she is originally an ASL missionary and is from Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Ever since I first got here to New York, her dream was to be companions with me and it happened haha. At transfer meeting when the people found out where I was going and leaving the program there was a loud gasp in the room and the president smiled so big at me. Sister Hironaka and I left the Chinese program. Sister Hironaka is an STL! She has been my best friend throughout this mission so far and has written me letters and is motivating me.

 

So Zhaoyi (Smile) had her baby two days ago. His name is Aaron. I was so happy!!! Iris got confirmed yesterday! Sister Hironaka saw one of our favorite investigators in Bayshore, Miranda yesterday. Do you remember her? Well we transferred her to the other sisters and she will be getting baptized next Saturday and I will be there because she is in my area ahhh! Liz is now taking the discussions and she has completely changed. She and I talked over the phone yesterday and she wants me back, she is great and makes me happy. I can't believe the changes within her. So many good things are happening there. Let's make that happen here in South Shore.

 

Here is my scripture study this past week. I was studying about the life of Nephi. I want to be exactly like Nephi because of how he remained faithful through His trials. He has gone through a lot and became free from the bonds of his brethren on the ship, and he still kept his faith through it all. In 1 Nephi 17: 16 Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions. Nephi's example showed all of us how we need to rely on CHRIST and follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost, then Heavenly Father will help us through our difficulty. 

 

I love my family!! I know that our family contains a lot of faith in our lives! I was studying about my 4th great grandfather, Edson Barney. I would consider him  a great missionary. I was reading of how he was on his mission and he was accused for forcing a girl to become Mormon and carrying her off to Navuoo. He was in jail. They found the girl 10 miles away and that girl said that Edson did nothing to her. But everyone loved him, they would show up at the jail to hear more of the message of the gospel and Edson would just preach. The people told the sheriff, "If Edson is not out of jail, the jail will be destroyed the next day." Edson was freed. He remained faithful through his afflictions and knew God would deliver him. I love how strongly he testified of the prophet Joseph Smith and knew that the church was a true church.

 

I love ya mama with all my heart!

Sister Moore