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!!! 

Some people like to feed me...look at her long hair!

 你好 mama!!!

I want to tell you how much I love you very very very very much! You're my top #1 best friend. Thank you for the package you sent us. We both love it!!! We ate the cookie dough the night we got it hehe. Love everything that was in the box!!! So what does the MMF really do? It's really helping with my neck, shoulders, and back. Last week I hurt my foot for some reason and its hurts to walk. But  持守到底 (enduring to the end).

So we did not get a chance to go to the Brooklyn Bridge :( we spent our whole day playing volleyball and didn't have time to go. We will later though. I found out that once our elder arrives from the MTC in a couple of weeks, we will go to the Statue of Liberty. We can get on the Statue of Liberty! :). I know the elder who's arriving. He became an awesome friend the last two weeks I was at the MTC ever since we find out we were going to the same mission.

So last Monday, something crazy happened: So we went to the church for family home evening and we walked in the church and two elders were saying crazy things and we couldn't understand what they were saying... They said something about the fire alarm going off and so forth. We were still confused. They decided to show us..... Our church has 3 floors. We went to the top floor and turns out that the air conditioner hose turned loose and the water sprayed everywhere.  Our missionary closet was completely destroyed and unfortunately, most of our items were destroyed! The young women's room was partly destroyed, the floor was really wet and the ceiling was falling apart. Since the missionary closet was full of water and it leaked through the floor underneath which is the bishop office and his room was destroyed as well. Water dripping everywhere and the ceiling falling apart.  One miracle thing that happened was that the bishop's nice desk, computer, laptop, and printer were not wet or near the water but the water was all around it. It also leaked through to the bottom floor.... Yeah.... Our church is basically falling apart..... All the missionaries and two members and a church janitor all worked together to clean and save what we could save. It was really sad to see our many Chinese stuff being thrown away.... I was covered in plaster and my dress was wet from carrying wet stuff out of the room and from the dripping ceiling. The best part of the night was that the zone worked together and we all built our unity. We needed that.

I would say that the best part of the mission is learning how to be guided by the spirit.  Remember the lady  that asked a lot of questions and said that we are too young and inexperienced. We invited a member for the 2nd visit and it was like 2 hours. It was really good. I felt prompted to tell her my experience with something. She was wondering why God wasn't giving her the answer. We realized it was the answer that she wanted in her own way. We all explained that answers come in different ways. Scripture, family, other people, thoughts, feelings. The spirit kept pushing me to share my experience and finally I told her something. I told her that my dad was sick and I was having a hard time with it one day, and I just went to my scriptures and just opened it to the page that was John 14:18. I felt comforted and peace come over me. She then said, "that has happened to me....." I told her God has given her an answer already, we just need to look more closely. I was filled with the spirit of God at that moment and felt prompted to tell her this, " I don't know why I am feeling this right now.... But I know God wants me to tell you how much He loves you and that He has been with you your whole life. He is watching over you. (She started to cry, and I cried too) We love you so much and you are a beautiful daughter of God." Her friend was there too and she can't speak English but she was crying. We all cried together. The spirit was so strong. She said the closing prayer thanking God for the love she hasn't felt in a long time and knows that we truly care about her. I cried again. There are people out there that need love, and we can give them love through a smile, hug, kind words, service, and so forth. I felt God's love so powerful!! I was very lucky to meet her daughter. She's four and she is the cutest girl ever!

So I've been sick this past week, headache, stomachache, sore throat..... Headache because our apartment is super hot and we don't sleep at night. We struggle to fall asleep. Stomachache because... My body was use to Chinese food and we went out for American food and got sick from that or the cookie dough (the picture I will send will explain why) and sore throat because winter is coming soon.

In our apartment, our cooking pan broke, told you about the flushing the toilet situation , apartment super hot, bathtub knob broke, our microwave broke as well, everything is falling apart haha.

So I think it's pregnant month. One day I was passing out free English class cards, I saw maybe about  50 pregnant women in one hour. There was a Spanish guy and he came up to me and he was right up at my face and started giving me a story about how he is from a boxing family and has lesson on how to beat people up. He moved his arms and hands around like he was beating someone up and some came close to me....Elder Johnson ran over to me and said, "I think your companion needs you." So I walked towards my companion. Creepy moment.

So I am handing out "Free English Class" flyers to people and I saw two Chinese people signing. I think they were signing Chinese sign language and were being immersed in American Sign Language. So I waved for their attention and they looked at me. I started signing with them and one Chinese person wanted to talk with me and the other one got mad and pulled her away from me and was saying stuff about how they shouldn't trust me. I didn't get the chance to tell her I was deaf. I was so frustrated that I wanted to scream. I haven't signed for a long time and I was happy that I was finally signing with someone and then I was rejected. I had to do the breathing exercise and ate lots of chocolate haha. I feel better now. Now that I am looking back to that moment.... Man I am laughing right now. Psssshhhh deaf people ;)

So let me tell you about Spider-Man.  He is super helpful with my missionary work.  I can say the lesson in my mind, but I can't say the lesson out loud to a person.  So someone challenged me to use Spider-Man to teach the lesson out loud to.  I thought it was stupid and it was a struggle at first.  Ever since I have been teaching Spider-Man the lesson out loud, my teaching skills have been increasing.  He is my 2nd favorite superhero.

Family History is important. Our recent convert is super awesome. We taught her about family history and how we can do ordinances for the dead. I showed her my pedigree chart and family tree online and she is super excited to get that started. We helped her sign in and she is now finding information from her family. It's amazing how excited a person can get.

I absolutely love the members here. They are super helpful. They speak Chinese to me and if I understand them, we go back and forth. If there is a part that I don't understand, they will tell me in English. I love it. Even though the ward is super small, they are super awesome.

I had my interview with the president and when I walked in the room I felt like the environment changed. It's  like I was weak and full of love. President was super amazing and I just love feeling that feeling when I am  around him. I felt super loved. He said he really admired the work I was doing and told me that I need to take things slow and be patient with myself. He knows I've been working too hard haha. 

We have trials for specific reasons to get us to where we are now. Because we got through our trials we can help others go through theirs and see the blessings they can receive. We have been through a lot and you mom have been able to help many people who associate with you. Your love shines so bright. I know I got that from you ;)

I love you mama!! I am hoping to find Brandon a gift so I can send it to him soon. I've been thinking about him a lot!

Love the backyard. So beautiful and I'm happy for Randi!

So sad about Julie Robinson. My heart breaks for her. I will pray for the family.

Love you,

Sister Moore

My Favorite Scripture

Dear Mamasita,

Man.... It's hard to pick a favorite scripture.... They are all so good. If I have to pick one that applies to my life and my mission more it would have to be Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

I love this so much. We have fought so many battles as a family. We weren't afraid of our trials and we just pushed through them with faith and courage. He is with us and he has not forsaken us. He has given us so many blessings and joy. He has made our family stronger than ever. He has never failed us in life. As for my mission:  people and sharing the gospel is harder than I thought it would be because everyone is different and the language is really tough but the scripture said, "he will not fail thee, no forsake thee" Because of this scripture, I always have strength and I am always reminded that The Lord did not send me to fail, he sent me to succeed. He knows that the mission is gonna be hard but he will never ever leave me and the other missionaries alone to do the work. He is walking beside us every step of the way in teaching and sharing the gospel. He is changing ourselves for the better.

Love you mama so much! You are my hero and will forever be my Super Mom!!!! I really miss you but I know I'm needed here and I know that you're rooting for me in Utah! Thank you for your love and support. How did I get so lucky to have a fantastic perfect and amazing mamasita??

Love

Sister Moore

Dear Mom, 

This past week was a good week. I still struggled with the language but I can tell you that I've been improving little by little. On Thursday, we went to the Manhattan temple for Nicole. She is in her 30's, she has been a member for like a really long time I think 10 years and she has never been to the temple before so it was really cool to have an opportunity to be with her to do this. The temple was beyond gorgeous. So noisy and loud outside but quiet and peaceful inside. It was pretty awesome!

On Friday night Sister Johnson and I exchanged companions for the day. So I was able to serve in Little Neck in a driving mission all day Saturday with Sister Harris. Sister Harris taught me a lot. I love her testimony and her desire to serve. I love how she told me about the pray, read, and write method. It's when you pray, read the scriptures, and write your feelings down about the scripture or an answer to your questions. I tried that and it really work and you get more out of it! I really love that area, right next to the ocean, more trees, and people speaking English in different accents.

I met a black 25 year old woman, we had frozen yogurt and talked with her. She was baptized in June and her husband was not a member. The plan was to talk about the priesthood and the lesson went in a different direction to patriarchal blessings because she asked about it. She recently had a miscarriage and she feels like she is going no where and wants to know where the lord wants her to go. We explained to her about  patriarchal blessings. It was funny because I was being guided by the spirit and Sister Harris was an English speaking missionary and we both spoke English. It felt weird to teach in English and I felt tempted so many times to speak Chinese. I also met another lady who is like in her 60s. She is the only member in her whole entire family, mom, dad, husband, kids, and she still keeps her hands holding on to the iron rod. Her faith is so strong. She was from the Dominican Republican and speaks with a Jamaica accent. When we walked into her place it was like entering a ghetto to a garage and the only light she had was a little lamp and it was cold in there. I felt bad for her. She has such wonderful pictures of family on the wall and she talks a lot about them.

On Saturday, our zone got together to do street sweep and that day was a miracle for Sister Harris and me. The weather was so cold and raining and I had about 100 "free English class/church of Jesus Christ" cards. Well guess what.... Remember how I talked about earlier that I only gave out 3 cards and the next day 7 cards..... We gave out allllllll of them! Had conversation with about 6 people and got one number. It was an amazing day. I couldn't help but smile.

That night Sister Harris and I were to attend a baby shower for a member and for an investigator. It was half English and half Spanish. There was a lot of food so Sister Harris and I ate a lot. I was so grateful because we don't eat much here in the mission. I may have lost some weight, my skirts are becoming a little big now. The only food we eat here is Chinese food mostly noodles, sandwiches, cereal and we walk a lot everyday. I love it still. So while being at the baby shower, a lot of Spanish people talked to me... I received a Spanish Book of Mormon. So looks like I will be learning a little Spanish here on the mission. In our zone we have missionaries learning different languages... For example: the Spanish speaking sisters are now trying to learn Chinese.... The English speaking elders are trying to learn Chinese and Spanish.... So I am willing to learn Spanish. Sister Harris started her mission as English speaking and got put into a Spanish mission... So she is learning Spanish right now.... So language is pretty much awesome here!

The other day when we were doing street sweep a man came up to me and hit on me. I was giving out Free English class cards and this guy came up to me and just stared at me. Then I spoke English and he started talking in English.... He kept looking up and down and up at me. I was so uncomfortable that I motioned for Elder Johnson to come over. They started talking in Chinese and English mix. The guy grabbed my hand and shook it and held it and I had to pull my arm away from him. Turns out that he really really wanted to rob the church. Elder Johnson said he was a creep and kept an eye on him till he was gone.... Awkward.

Elder Johnson called and Sister Johnson was nowhere to be found so I had to answer the phone and we just started talking. Sister Johnson is now giving me a responsibility to call people and talk with them.... Why???? Haha it's getting better though. I am starting to be able to hear on the phone most of the time.

Sister Johnson and I are getting along really good. I really really really love her and could not have asked for a better companion than her. She has been such a good trainer. She can easily make me laugh so don't be too surprised if I return home with abs ;) I love how Sister Johnson is very involved in the work. I love how she always challenges me. For example, if we are teaching a lesson, the challenge was..... I have to talk more.... So if the person is talking and the talking stops..... I look at Sister Johnson and she looks at me and smiles which is a sign that I need to talk more. So I am doing better. On Friday we taught a couple. And I felt the spirit so strongly and I was being guided by it and the lesson went well. I talked more than Sister Johnson so she was happy about it.

Yesterday, Sister Johnson found a book with all of our members in Chinese 2nd Flushing Ward.

The book contains maybe a little over 100. And guess what..... 95% are less active and we never see them in church. We were shocked. Sister Johnson was a little upset about it and it was so funny to watch her do her breathing exercises. 

So guess who is going to Brooklyn today? Me :) We are going to see the Brooklyn Bridge today so I'm really excited!

 

 This is Flushing, New York.  I really love it here!

So I had a dream about papa the other night. It was like we were all saying goodbye to him all over again. Every single member of the family was there. Holyoaks, Penningtons, Stewcox, us, grandma! There was this one moment I remember really well is that he was standing there, grinning his special smile, telling me that he really loves me and was really proud of me and that he has been with me this whole mission. I still wear his key around my neck a lot. I can feel his presence with me on the mission.

Thank you for telling me everything that's been going on! Glad everyone is doing good. Thank you for being such an awesome mama!!! Taking care of and loving all your children to death! Thank you for being such a strong mama holding on to the iron rod and going forward with faith. You have been such an awesome example to everyone around you. Even when you don't think you can make a change and honestly you have made a change in everyone's lives! Sister Price told me that you were the nicest person she has ever met and she loves you! She is now in Taiwan but told me that she really loved St. George! You are blessing my life from afar. I feel really close to you in my heart. I love you mama!

Which reminds me, what is Justin's email address? I've been wanting to talk to him on email.

I still see weird things everyday here. Not a day goes by that you don't see something abnormal. Like a fire going crazy in the recycle bin which we walked by and thought it was going to explode. It's crazy!

I'll give you the scripture tonight for the plaque.

Love 

Sister Moore

莫姐妹

我爱你

That's right! I'm proud at character writing ;)