Monday, October 31, 2016

Warsaw, Poland - Siostra Beem comes to town! Transfer mantras! Let's do this!


Introducing Siostra Talia Beam from Lake Oswego, Oregon!  She is trying her first paczki!
I've been so blessed with amazing companions!
One of the fun things about training is introducing them to all that is Polish!
You see their excitement and are reminded of your first time too!
LOVE THIS PEOPLE AND LAND CALLED POLAND!
In front of the the Palace of Culture and Science
Originally named Joseph Stalin Palace of Culture and Science
but they removed his name and sculpture during the destalinization period!
Elder Mitch Dickson - a new missionary - he lives next to my mom's friends!
He will be fantastic - went to Lodz with Reid! 
Somehow it worked that 4 of the 5 sisters from our MTC district were together on our year mark!
We are missing Siostra Lerch and Starszy!  :(
(I keep hoping there will be a chance to get one more picture together of us all before we leave!)
Church of the Holiest Saviour pm Saviour Square!
(Roman Catholic)
Is she great or what?!

Cześć Family and Friends!!!!

This week was a whirlwind of a week! The first week of the transfer is always an adjustment so it will be good to have this next week to really get settled!

I spent the first part of the week with Sister Haight and Sister Butler! We had a lot of fun and it was good to be able to get prepped together for training! Each time I meet someone new I am just reminded how incredibly blessed I am to be serving with such amazing people! We each have our own story but we are all here for the same reason, to serve the Lord! 

Wednesday was such a great day! We were able to go contacting with the trainees! There really wasn't an order or line up for who went with who.  We only had a few minutes so I grabbed the first sister I saw! She was so cute and I really wanted to try contacting with her! As we were contacting it just felt great and I wondered if we would be serving together... and guess what....WE ARE!! Her name is Siostra Talia Beem from Lake Oswego, Oregon!  She is absolutely incredible! We are having so much fun together already! She is so happy and bubbly and has jumped into the work 100%! I haven't heard her complain once! She is here and ready to learn and so am I! I feel that I am going to learn a lot from her! I am so excited for this transfer!! I feel that we are going to see miracles this transfer!  Let's do this!

I think I have mentioned this before but I often choose mantras for each transfer!  I have two for this transfer! 

The first is: The Lord doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called! I have been thinking about this quote over and over again and I am ready to do exactly what the Lord asks of me! I might not understand everything but I do know if I trust Him and His plan everything will work out! 

The second is: Gratitude and remembering the reasons for the season! I want people to understand during this holiday season why we celebrate and who we are as missionaries - representatives of Jesus Christ! I am excited to spread a little more Christ's cheer during these holidays and show my gratitude to Him and to my Heavenly Father more! We have so much to be grateful for, even the small things matter!

Our week was good! We started teaching this lady from our area book! She hasn't wanted to meet for a long time but now she is wanting to find God again in her life! She has a lot of questions about why are we here on earth!  I really feel that this may be her time! We are so excited to teach her! 

We also met some amazing people this week! Siostra Beem is so awesome - during finding activities she would say "I feel like we should go over here or talk to those people over there" and sure enough every single time we did we found someone! It was really incredible because she was just acting on how she was feeling and 100% we were being lead by the Spirit! 

We also had one of the most interesting meetings of my mission! We met with this lady from our English class who I have always asked to meet with and finally she agreed! We talked a lot about God's plan of happiness for us and the Book of Mormon! She was asking some hard questions and at times it could have been frustrating but I really felt peace the entire time and I felt led the entire time by the Spirit! Scriptures and things I don't normally say were coming to my head and I felt we really connected with her!

I don't have much to say this week because we are still getting our groove down but I am so excited for this transfer and I am so grateful for my new companion!!! We are ready to work and I know miracles will come!  We are committed to doing our part!  I have already felt so guided and lead during this week! 

Happy Halloween!!
Kocham Was!!!!
Siostra DeMordaunt

Monday, October 24, 2016

Warsaw, Poland - ONE YEAR - 12 things! Sad goodbye to Thornton! Training again!

I've walked one year as a missionary!
ONE YEAR!
I know I've said this a zillion times to people - but I feel like I live on a movie set!
I love this girl!
Starszy McMaster, Starszy Connelly,
Siostra Thornton, Starszy Baldwin, Starszy Schwanke
She's the one!
Starszy McMaster, Siostra Thornton, Starszy Schwanke
Warsaw II - LOVE THEM!
Starszy Schwanke, Starszy Connelly, Siostra Thornton,
myself, Starszy McMaster, Starszy Baldwin
We may not teach him anymore but he is still our fish!
Ahhh!!!!  So grateful yet so sad!  I love this siostra!
Saying goodbye to Starszy Schwanke and my Siostra Thornton!  
We were stuck in an elevator!  These are the other trainers this transfer!
We are waiting to meet the new missionaries!
Myself, Siostra Butler, Siostra Haight
Cześć Family and Friends!!!!

Transfers!!!!

I can't believe the time is here! I am staying in Warsaw! Woot!  Woot!  I will be training again! I am so excited for the opportunity to train again! 

This week we worked and pushed it to the end! We wanted everything to be ready to go for the next transfer! It was so sad to say goodbye to my patient and loving companion Siostra Thornton!  She is headed to Gdańsk with my Szczecin companion Siostra Sloan!  Lucky all the way around!  I love you Siostra Thornton!

I dont have much to report however...this week is my year mark! October 28 I entered the MTC!  I have so many mixed emotions about this day! I feel incredibly blessed to have come so far and to have been on a mission for the past year of my life, but it is also mixed with sadness that I will be coming home so soon! Here are some things I have learned in the past year of my life!

1. God IS THERE AND HE CARES! There have been more tender mercies and miracles than I can count that have happened to me this past year! It seems that just when I am about to get down or discouraged something happens and I am reminded that He is very aware of me and of you!

2. IT IS TRUE! I can barely write that without becoming emotional! This year I have learned more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ than ever before! I have had to stand my ground more times than I can count and testify that 100% I know it is true! It hasn't been easy but no matter what I have come to know it is true! He lives!  We have a Saviour to help us and guide us! He made it all possible for us to be happy!

3. I HAVE LEARNED TO LAUGH AT MYSELF! For those who don't know I can sometimes be a worrier (my mom can testify of that!) and learning Polish definitely hasn't been easy! However, I learned early on not to be so stressed out when I make a mistake and to just go for it! Do I make mistakes all the time, like saying dziękuję (thank you) to someone instead of dzien dobry (good morning)? Yes! But, I walk away now and shake my head and laugh at myself! It has been on of the healthiest thing I have learned! 

4. EVERYONE DESERVES A CHANCE! Sometimes looking back I think I was too quick to judge! I have come to learn to talk with everyone! To listen!  I do believe that everyone needs Christ and the fullness of His Gospel in their lives!  I would much rather share with them how great they are and how good life can be than walk away and wish I had!  I respect others choices! I know the Spirit converts not me!  We all deserve the chance to be loved and grow! The Plan of Salvation is a plan that gives us chance after chance after chance!  

5. THE ATONEMENT AND MY LOVE FOR THE SAVIOR ARE REAL! This is something I have really learned recently! I cannot even comprehend how the atonement works but I do know one thing - it is personal to each of us! The Savior loves each of us and knows each of us personally! My relationship with Him has been deepened this past year and I truly know He is my brother and my Savior!   

6. LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY! I have seen people open their hearts and their homes to me on my mission and I hardly even know them! This is Christlike love and this is how we should love! I have never felt such an immense love for a people, land, and culture so different from my own!  Just start loving and your love will grow!

7. DO THE BASICS! I have developed such a love for the scriptures and prayer simply because they have become such a big part of my life! There is a reason we are suppose to read and pray every day! It truly strengthens and uplifts us!  The basics build a foundation that is solid and pure!

8. I HAVE LEARNED I'M ENOUGH TODAY AS I AM! I am not perfect but I have learned that my weaknesses are constantly being made stronger and that to Heavenly Father, who I am today, is enough! Does it mean I still have more to learn? Of course! But I know if I try each day to be a little better then that is enough! We just have to keep moving forward! I have learned to love myself for where I am at today! (This is huge for a person that always wants to be a thousand years ahead of where she is at today!)

9. PEOPLE ARE PLACED IN YOUR PATH FOR A REASON! There have been conversations with people that have caused me to think! I have met people who have strengthened and helped me even in times I didn't know I needed the help! The people I have met on my mission mean the world to me! With each new companion and district I realize that God knew exactly what he was doing when he placed us together! I will forever be grateful to the people I have served with!

10. GOD'S PLAN IS REAL! I have learned to trust in God's plan time and time again on my mission! I think sometimes before my mission I would just kind of wait out the storm! However, I have learned that God's plan is so much greater than my plan and no matter what, if I trust in Him, it will always work out! 

11. BE GRATEFUL FOR TRIALS! My mission hasn't been easy! As I've written I have had to cry it out many times! I have to plead on my knees! However, after each trail I have grown so much! I have been pushed more than ever before but I would not want it any other way! I am grateful for every moment that has happened both good and bad and I now count my blessings during hard times!

12. IT IS WORTH IT!   This last year has been the best year of my life! I have learned so many things! I was terrified to come out on a mission but since the day I left a year ago and put on my tag I have never felt more blessed, more brave, and more loved! It is hard to describe how much I love my mission! It has become the most dear thing to me! I cannot even imagine where I would be if I were not here in Poland! I love Poland and everything that comes with it! I am not the same person I was when I left and I am grateful for how far I have come! I am ready to give it everything I have these last 6 months!! So cheers to a year!!

Thank you for all the love and support over this past year! I am so grateful for each of you! Let's make this next six months the best ever!

Kocham Was!!!!


Siostra DeMordaunt

Monday, October 17, 2016

Warsaw, Poland - gift of tongues, pierogi making, don't be your own enemy!

Mission Leadership Conference:
Starsi in back row:  Cowley, Quackenbush, White, McPherson
Siostry middle row:  Anderson, Thornton, Kamp, Van Woerkom
Front row:  Dekker, myself
Myself and Starszy Quackenbusch - he's headed home this next transfer.
He had an injury, went home to heal and then returned!
Gucci for my sisters at home!
I loves these girls!
Van Woerkom, Kamp, Thornton, Dekker, Anderson, myself
I love seeing this sign!
It gives me the feeling of permanency of the Church in Poland!
Shout out to this bakery!
Our cute beginners English class!  A highlight of our week!
Warsaw mermaid!
It is getting dark earlier now!
Winter is coming!
Pierogi in the making!
He told us he wore this shirt for us! Haha!
Finished project!
"Golden Autumn" is here!
It is so beautiful!


Cześć Family and Friends!!!!

I can't believe that this transfer is coming to a close!  I keep saying this about each transfer but this has been the fastest yet!  It has also been one of the hardest transfers for me but also one of the best, I will talk a little bit more about that later! Thank goodness I have a great companion that laughs and wants to work!

We started the week with going to the Jewish Museum in Warsaw! If you are ever in Poland you need to visit that museum! It shows the history of the Jewish people from the 11th century today! It was the most amazing museum I have ever visited! Each exhibit had something new to it! You could easily spend five hours there! I learned so much more about the Jewish culture and history here in Poland! It was honestly one of my favorite P-days! 

The next day was Zone training! I always love this but I am also always nervous because I have to conduct and teach with the Zone Leader (Starszy Ashworth!)!  It went well though! We talked about receiving personal revelation for ourselves and how to help our investigators receive personal revelation, church attendance, and the gift of tongues! The last one hit me the hardest! I 100% believe in the gift of tongues and I have seen it countless times on the mission, really everyday! I am at a point in my mission that I want to push my language skills! I won't lie, sometimes I am so frustrated with it all and I feel like I am hitting a wall! Something I really thought about this week though was how incredible it is that none of us missionaries knew how to say "cześć" when we walked into the MTC and now we are able to carry on full conversations with people! You have to put in the work, there is no doubt about that but as you do, you start to realize how God blesses you! The quote kept coming up in my mind, " The Lord doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called!" I know this is true and I have felt the Spirit work and speak through me every day.  In fact I could not do it without it! I want to share an experience with the gift of tongues.

I had to give a talk this week in sacrament meeting! My topic was on the ten virgins! I often write my talks in English and then translate them to Polish! As I went to translate it I realized how difficult it was and I had hoped it all made sense! I grew frustrated several times but I finished it! I was so nervous to speak not because of public speaking but because I really wanted the members to get something out of this talk!  I wanted the Lord to work through me to reach them!  During the sacrament I began to pray for help and I immediately felt this instant peace and confidence and almost as if someone was saying to me, " I have helped you every day before this, don't you think I will help you now?" I began giving my talk and although nervous I began to read my talk and suddenly it made sense to me! I didn't say everything perfectly and I know I missed pronounced words but it felt good! At the end when I bore my testimony I looked up to see our old investigator there and he had this huge grin on his face! That made it all worth it! What was even more incredible was that Sister Thornton translated my talk to another person in the congregation! It was huge for her and I was so proud of her! The Gift of tongues is real!  So is the help of the Lord in all aspects of our lives! 

The rest of the week was busy with finding people! We also had our culture night! We went to the Copernicus Museum! Copernicus is a native Pole and we experienced another incredible museum! We had so much fun matter of fact it is always a good time with our district! We met some amazing people this week too that we are set up to meet with this week! I feel so blessed to be here at this time!

We also had an opportunity to make pierogi with our old investigator! He is still meeting with the Elders and he is getting there! He told me he believes that Joseph Smith is prophet! We went to his place and we did the whole process from beginning to end in this tiny kitchen! It was his first time making them by himself because he usually does it with his Grandma. They turned out amazing! It was seriously such a fun time! He also came with us to our finding activity on Sunday! He was amazing! He would stop people and he would always bring a missionary over and he would explain what the Book of Mormon was to them! He told us after that he was so happy! We told him that is what the Gospel is A MESSAGE OF HAPPINESS!  Sister Thornton and I were so proud! He has come so far and is feeling the true happiness that the gospel brings!

We also had a giant branch council meeting that was inspiring! We have around 200 less active members in our branch and our Branch President wants us to contact all of them! We will be working with members and going out and finding these people! It was so motivating!  He showed us on Google maps what our branch should be.  We discussed how many people are out there and maybe just waiting for someone to reach out! He shared with us the following excerpt from Bambi (the book):

The leaves were falling from the great oak at the meadow’s edge. They were falling from the trees. 

One branch of the oak reached high above the others and stretched far out over the meadow. Two leaves clung to its very tip. 

“It isn’t the way it used to be,” said one leaf to the other. 

No,” the other leaf answered. “So many of us have fallen off to-night we’re almost the only ones left on our branch.” 

You never know who’s going to go next,” said the first leaf. “Even when it was warm and the sun shone, a storm or a cloudburst would come sometimes, and many leaves were torn off, though they were still young. You never know who’s going to go next.” 

“The sun seldom shines now,” sighed the second leaf, “and when it does it gives no warmth. We must have warmth again.” 

"Can it be true,” said the first leaf, “can it really be true, that others come to take our places when we’re gone and after them still others, and more and more?”

“It is really true,” whispered the second leaf. “We can’t even begin to imagine it, it’s beyond our powers.” 

“It makes me very sad,” added the first leaf.

They were silent for a while. Then the first leaf said quietly to herself, “Why must we fall?…” 

The second leaf asked, “What happens to us when we have fallen?” 

“We sink down….” 

“What is under us?” 

The first leaf answered, “I don’t know, some say one thing, some another, but nobody knows.” 

The second leaf asked, “Do we feel anything, do we know anything about ourselves when we’re down there?” 

The first leaf answered, “Who knows? Not one of all those down there has ever come back to tell us about it.” 

They were silent again. Then the first leaf said tenderly to the other, “Don’t worry so much about it, you’re trembling.” 

“That’s nothing,” the second leaf answered, “I tremble at the least thing now. I don’t feel so sure of my hold as I used to.” 

“Let’s not talk any more about such things,” said the first leaf.

The other replied, “No, we’ll let be. But– what else shall we talk about?”

She was silent, but went on after a little while, “Which of us will go first?”

“There’s still plenty of time to worry about that,” the other leaf assured her. “Let’s remember how beautiful it was, how wonderful, when the sun came out and shone so warmly that we thought we’d burst with life. Do you remember? And the morning dew, and the mild and splendid nights….”

“Now the nights are dreadful,” the second leaf complained, “and there is no end to them.” 

“We shouldn’t complain,” said the first leaf gently. “We’ve outlived many, many others.” 

“Have I changed much?” asked the second leaf shyly but determinedly. 

“Not in the least,” the first leaf assured her. “You only think so because I’ve got to be so yellow and ugly. But it’s different in your case.” 

You’re fooling me,” the second leaf said. 

“No, really,” the first leaf exclaimed eagerly. “Believe me, you’re as lovely as the day you were born. Here and there may be a little yellow spot but it’s hardly noticeable and only makes you handsomer, believe me.” 

"Thanks,” whispered the second leaf, quite touched. “I don’t believe you, not altogether, but I thank you because you’re so kind, you’ve always been so kind to me. I’m just beginning to understand how kind you are.”

“Hush,” said the other leaf, and kept silent herself for she was too troubled to talk anymore.

Then they were both silent. Hours passed.

A moist wind blew, cold and hostile, through the tree tops.

“Ah, now,” said the second leaf, “I…..” Then her voice broke off. She was torn from her place and spun down.

Winter had come.

He described that we are finding those people that maybe don't feel their hold is as strong anymore! This was really touching to me!  I believe everyone deserves a chance and sometimes it might take a second chance or third or fourth!  I could not be more excited to go out and love them! The members here are truly incredible! They want to build up this branch and they are so kind to us missionaries! I have loved getting to know the families here! Little did I know Warsaw would turn into such a big blessing!

Now I want to end my email by talking about this transfer! I was definitely sad and disappointed to leave Gdansk for Warsaw.  In the beginning I really was longing for Gdansk but I was also trying to be excited because I knew adventure awaited us here! I learned so much about myself this transfer! I knew I had to face some things to become a better missionary and like myself more.  I think after my first area in Szczecin and then training in Gdansk I had finally crashed in a good way!  I had to let go!  I sometimes try too hard! It was difficult and I definitely broke down several times but I have never felt so supported or understood the Atonement of Jesus Christ better! I have learned to be ok with my many imperfections and to just continue striving and trying to be better everyday! 

In MLC, President said "When you receive your interview to come on a mission they don't ask if are you perfect, they ask are you worthy!" Worthy means trying to do your best everyday and when you fall short, rely on the atonement, repent, and try again the next day!

I have experienced miracle after miracle - small and big! I have never felt so close to the Savior! I have had to reevaluate some things and really learn to love myself as well, imperfections and all! I had to fake it till I made it a few times because I knew practicing good would bring truth!  And somewhere along the way I also began to figure it out through a lot of prayer! Sometimes I've been my worst own enemy! We are here to have joy! 100%!  I believe in choosing joy!  And this last week I was happy and I mean really happy!  I felt so at peace and just good! I understand now why we are to be grateful even when we are struggling! 

I am grateful for this transfer and how much I learned from it! Am I perfect at everything I wrote? No!  Far from it!  But I am working at it!  And that is what counts!  This journey is good!  

I am excited to see what this next transfer brings!  Whatever happens I know it is a part of Heavenly Father's plan! I love Warsaw! It feels so good to say that because I feel like I earned it! 

Kocham Was!!!!

Siostra DeMordaunt



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Monday, October 10, 2016

Warsaw, Poland - Obedience comes with a price and reward, The Atonement leaves no tracks


Mission Leader Conference:
Siostra Sloan, Siostra Thornton, Siostra Groesbeck, myself 
Slodaunt!

Cześć Family and Friends!!!!

This week was such a good week!! It was also a week filled with a lot of emotions! I am just going to jump right in!

I wanted to first do an update on our investigator! He really is amazing! However, we found out this week that we now have to only teach people of the same gender! To be honest I was really sad and disappointed and maybe even a little frustrated! My first reaction was a little bitter but I immediately had the thought "are you willing to be 100% obedient?" I immediately thought "YES I AM!"  I called President and we talked about what was the best way to handle everything! I hung up and I just felt like it would all work out, and of course it did but first sometimes there comes a trail by faith! 

We met with our investigator and we tried to talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ but something was up! We told him that we couldn't teach him anymore but that the Elders would love to teach him! At first he was ok with it but then he kind of got frustrated (sound familiar - aka pattern of Siostra DeMordaunt)! We talked with him about his baptism and if he really still wants to commit himself to Christ!  We told him if he truly did then the Elders would help him prepare through the Holy Ghost! The meeting ended sadly.  Sister Thorton and I both felt we may never see him again! We both were in tears! I prayed so hard and mighty that his heart would be softened! 

Right after he left the Elder's investigator showed up! We are all really good friends. Sister Thorton and I (still very emotional) had a deep talk with him about how improtant this is to us! We had a very real conversation about getting answers! It all felt like it was suppose to happen the way it did yet we were still disappointed that he may not continue learning about the Gospel! 

We were a little sad walking home when we recieved a text from our investigator...he wrote he still wanted to be baptized and that he wants to meet with the Elders! He want to clarified though to us that although they may be teaching him, he will always be our fish! We were so happy!!  Fish in the net!  And a great one too!

To add more to this happiness we received a referral from some missionaries in Lublin! They gave us the name of a woman and when I called her she was so excited to meet! She is an older women and she is so sweet! We began talking to her about the restoration! She told us how she had been given an ulotek (pass-a-long card) and that she had started reading online about our church on the website! She had read all about the Book of Mormon! She told us that she had had a really bad day and then she received a text from the elders with a scripture and message and of course it was exactly what she needed! She told us that she really wants to learn more! We asked if she wants to know it is true and she replied "Yes I really do!" We then invited her to be baptized and she accepted!! She is amazing! She gave me the sweetest compliment -she said when she called me she could hear happiness in my voice and a smile through the phone! I needed to hear that so badly! Sometimes we continuously try to spread the happiness yet are constantly rejected.  This rejection can sometimes be wearing on our souls so to hear that we sounded happy was like a big "Stay on track - keep going! There are those that notice!"  Anyway, she is amazing and we are excited to continue meeting with her! 

Once again, I learned that when we are obedient we really do receive blessings! It doesn't mean that times won't be hard but if we hold strong (fourth floor, last door) we will be able to experience blessings we didn't even know were in store for us! 

The final thing I want to share is about General Conference! I was finally able to watch the last session and every talk had a huge impact on me! The entire time I just kept thinking how grateful I was for a Heavenly Father who loves me and for a loving Savior who never turns away but has his hand stretched towards me at all times! There was something so deep and personal about this Conference for me! I could not even begin to comprehend the love that the Savior has for me! I become emotional as I sat there in awe and thought about how incredible the atonment truly is! 

This is something I loved that was said, “The Atonement leaves no tracks, no traces. What it fixes is fixed. … It just heals, and what it heals stays healed." This is the most incredible promise ever made! 

I am so grateful for everything I have learned on a mission! I have learned as Elder Rasband describes my diving heritage that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me even when I make mistakes! I have learned that I have a Savior who has never ever turned his back on me and loves me and guides me constantly in His work! I love this gospel! I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior!  YES I DO!

Kocham Was!!!!
Siostra DeMordaunt