Sister Jocelyn Turner

Hello everyone!

I have been here in Hanford, CA for 2 transfers now.
I made it through the holidays…missin accomplished! It was tough. I could not wait for them to be over! I am so happy for all of you that are sending me mail, keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.  I am so grateful for all of you.  A mission is tough if you do it the right way.  I know that this is where the Lord has called me to serve and that there are people here waiting for the gospel of happiness!  Can you believe that on Feb 9, I will have just one year left!!!????
A lil’ excited for that now, but everyone says that near the end of your mission, you wish time couuld rewind and that you are sad because you do not want to go home.  I will let you know when that happens.
The Lord is shaping me into a masterpiece…my mom said in the last e-mail she sent. THANKS MOM! I believe that.  It’s hard to make a masterpeice…that’s why I have been called to serve 18months.  My spanish is improving everyday…thanks dad for being an example to me. When you were on your mission, you became discourgaged, but you kept going.  I know that I can speak and teach in Spanish.  The Lord has great confidence in me.  The people are so very kind and patient.
I love my mission and am so grateful to serve. I miss all of you and will see you in no time!

Love Sister, Hermana Jocelyn Turner

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Thanks for the quick note…thanks for thinking of me and taking a minute to send me something…so that I would have something from you! Jaquel sent me a long e-mail!So it all worked out!
I hope work is keeping you young and not making you old! A sister here in the 2nd ward…Carla Lewis….we watched the 1st Pres. Message at her house with her…she set up a nice table with a wintry tablecloth with christmas dishes and snowmen in her den with a lit up village and christmas tree and ate while we watched it and had some REALLY GOOD ICE-CREAM! She was telling me and my companion we are so lucky that we get to focus on just service all day everyday…and not have to say, “oh, I have to work tomorrow.” She is thinking about serving a mission when she retires. She is single…divorced and has 3 kids…one that left for the misssion the same time I did.  She is one great woman! I gave her your e-mail address so that you can send her the No-Bake cookie recipe..we want to make some for her! And since I cannot check my e-mail until Next monday you can just send it to her. She is a mom away from home.  She wants to make sure we are taken care of and knows she thinks of her son in the Colorado Springs mission and is he being taken care of! She is a wonderful woman…so funny! She has a  beautiful home…reminds me of ours…the way she decorates.  
Well, GUESS WHAT FAMILY! I have been here in Hanford for a month and 3 days!!! They have begun here in the mission now Church Tours…we bring investigators to the Church..begin outside and hear the noise, and come inside and hear the difference.  We begin with a prayer and have visuals…we have a member with us that they know, and have them bear testimony throughout the tour about Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and the Book of Mormon. A very spiritual experience.
Well, this lady we found was a referral from a member…her next door neighbor…we came by..and she is English speaking!!!! YAY…:-) and she let us in. She had never heard of our church or the Book of Mormon.  We had the 1st lesson with us and shared experiences that let us know she has truly been prepared  by the Lord.  Her 3 yr old son asked when they were going to go to church and she knew God was talking through her son..thinking about church.  She was raised Catholic but did not agree with one man preaching all the time…tried seeking out Jehovahs Witness…not impressed…christian churches…did not agree with baptizing infants…all of it just added up! Oh, and her husband was in prison (he is one great guy) lost his dad while there and was not there for the death or funeral and is having a hard time coping with this..wants to know why this had to happen and cannot find peace with this. We have all these answers!!!! We brought her on the tour along with her neightbor…but we made sure we would fast….so, member forgets about the appt. we called her the night before…Leslie is running late running errands and the member shows up with her DOG…and her grandson.  She brings the dog in the church and is yelling at her “Tiffany”!!!! SO MANY DISTRACTIONS….but throughtout the tour we kept praying the spirit in our hearts and we end the tour in front of the baptismal font…and we cited the 1st vision…and the Spirit immediately came in…everyone became quiet. Because the member was late she had no idea we were going to commit Leslie to baptism…and so I asked Leslie…the way the mission has taught us to ask…word for word…Leslie…will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by someone holding the preisthood authority of God? She said YES before I finished the ?….I continued…We will be holding a baptismal service on Dec. 20th.  Will you prepare yourself to be baptized on that date? The spirit was so strong, and I felt the true joy the scriptures talk about when you bring others unto God…mom and dad…pray to be led to those who are ready and have faith that God will put them in your path and he will fill your mouths and prompt others to ask ?’s.  They are all around us….just seek them out and trust the Lord. THERE TRULY IS NO OTHER JOY!
You are one great family and I love each of you…we are all so unique and have talents that help build the kingdom of God! I love you so much and am missing you…in Jaquel’s e-mail…she told me that I will have some of my most memorable Christmas’s on my mission…that lifted my Spirit!
A mission is great and so challenging. Dad…how did you keep yourself going….I want to lose myself in the work, but it seems I am always thinking about what Ineed….I want to forget myself…it’s harder than I realized….hahaha…
Well, I wanted to tell you thank you for sending the Light Keepers CD..my companion and I love it…it makes me cry because of the words and because I sometimes get homesick…mom you practiced that one song all the time, and Brianna and Richelle sang number 3 with me…I’m like I NEED THEM HERE TO SING WITH ME!!!!  I’ll make it…great songs that lift my spirit!
You should see me on my bike…lol…the other day riding home…it got really cold and windy all of a sudden…my comp and I are in a city…we stop frequently at street corners and wait for the crosswalk to turn green, and we go up little hills….and our skirts blew up in front of the cars waiting at the stoplight and their lights are on b/c its getting closer to dark…and they saw our knee highs….it was so funny! We are so lucky to have bikes…thank you for providing me with a bike…it’s nice…it definitely helps me with my back. We are able to maintain our weight with bikes..the members feed us all the time….and we use our car at night fall…at 5!
I just wanted to tell you I thought of this…Can dad move some of my money over to checking…I want to buy a coat…it’s COLD HERE! I didn’t think it got cold here…I WAS WRONG…one from Wal-mart. I also was wondering when you can…if you already sent my package don’t worry about it…mary-kay black eyeliner, eye makeup remover, and mary kay face wash…GREAT THINGS…and perfume…i just thought of these things mom..! Do what you can and I will see what I can do!
Anything else…hmmm….I will try and send pictures home this week!

LOVE YOU and keep being who you are…
I love you mom.
I love you Dad
I love you Brianna.
I love you Richelle.

Richelle–THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR LETTER…you wrote with my fav color! Check you out…I am going to put a letter in the mail for you tomorrow! BYE Tell Heather hi for me richelle..i will write her soon!

Mom! Hello!

Another MOnday..hard to believe. We spent Thanksgiving with the Stake President and his whole family..we arell wore hats around the table..I was an Indian! There were pilgirms, a cornocopia, ships…lots of fun and food! We ate with another family that night…I thought I was going to explode.  They are Spanish and English speaking…the Mom is a supervisor over Head start and the Dad is an Occupational Therapist.  Neat family..members for a lil’ over a year now!
Teaching is great.  I know I can do, but I feel that sometimes I can’t.  I have fear about saying the right thing or not knowing what to say, will I make sense of not. But our Mission Pres. said the other day in a meeting that our verbal is only 7% our Tone is worth 30 some, and Body language is the rest…interesting huh? That’s why our world is messed up…texting and e-mailing and not enough face to face communication. WEll that means that 93 % can be understood when I speak Spanish..my verbal is only worth 7. And last night at a Baptism…from another ward….my comp and I did a presentation in SPanish about Joseph Smith..afterwards a member told me that when speaking from the heart, anything can make sense…so don’t worry about speaking correctly. Just talk from your heart. It was very comforting.  I am really hard on myself about my Spanish.  We have on new investigator…he is not keeping any of his commitments and does not believe in the Bible.  He never prays, but we got him to! Mission life is a lil’ bit harder around the holidays…it’s because I know what is going on at home..what the house looks and smells like, and then I come into my apt…and it’s kinda sad.  But some members are getting us some decorations..they take care of us.  We get to watch a x-mas movie at a members home x-mas day! Hopefully Polar Express! I miss you guys!
I got your package!!!!! Thank you so much…I loved it. Funny thing…I had bought peach rings earlier in the month..we keep them in the car..and we had just run out..,.and then you sent me some! It was funny….thank you…. I got it on Friday!  I was so happy when I got it!
Oh man…overdraft….would you give Elder Cadet my addresss!
I believe i have 29 in my checking and 200 in savings…i have about 80 cash in my wallet…and 38 on my card today to use to get groceries today!
Sounds like Thanksgiving was a blast….the Wii….fun! Sounds like great family fun! UP–what a great movie! Fun…mom…dad..you are great parents and grandparents! yay for chelsea…sounds like she did some good cooking! I love you guys!  I love hearing your letters..to know what everyone is doing.  Bet the house looks great!
MIrcales happen everyday…we are so blessed! I absolutely love our family!
Keep up the good work with the diet! You can do it! Shopping! Fun! Me and my companion went to the mall last Monday-i got a peticure..my feet needed some loving…since I no longer have sweet Richelle to take tender care for  my feet Funny thing though…finally done paiting my toes and i let them dry under the heater, felt them, and put my shoes back on b/c we had places to go! But, my shoes rubbed them and messed them all up…i decided i could be sad or just laugh. I laughed…it’s okay!
Sounds good about drawing names..i thought about that! I would love a gift card to Wal-mart! Let me think about what I need or want….a jacket-like khacki…long sleeve…white undershirt w/ sleeves if you can find one…oh—what about my camera battery charger…did you call the MTC…i can’t use my camera…its’ dead!!!!! Oh…maybe a small flashlight…tiny one…twist ones they sell at the counter..thank you cards..these are just ideas..not all of them..i can get some on my own…just random things. Maybe body wash…i love you guys!

Dad…I LOVE YOU! You are a great grandpa—i can just imagine you right nowo with you Santa hat on! I bet it was fun to have the kids ride home with you from work! A new computer desk! I bet it looks great! That is exciting! Good luck with the 4 conerts! Hope those rotten ones do not ruin it for you! lol…spanish is coming a lil more everyday! I am blessed and know I can do this! It’s discouraging at times but everyone keeps telling me not to translate every word, but just listen to the whole picture and the Spirit will open to me.

Interestiong story…our new Investigator is Spanish.  He lives with his aunt and uncle-who is a pastor at another church and is threating him not to listen to us anymore.  We have taught him twice–its difficult b/c i do not understand anything he is saying.  I jsut smile and bear my testimony in spanish and say the 1st vision.  After we meet with him, my companion tells me what all he said.  This past time,  i could tell he was not accepting what we were telling him….he has many misconceptions…she was getting frustrated b/c she felt we were wasting our time, and then all of a sudden, i just started crying…i felt a rush of the SPirit come over me and i felt so much love for him from H.F. he thought he made me me cry and apologized…he went into the house to get me some kleenex.  I told him in spanish i feel god’s love for you and we have a message from him for you that will bring you inner peace in this life and everlasting joy after this life and you do not want it.  He just sat there and said thank you.  It is a blessing sometimes that I do not understand.  B/c i did not, i was more open to the spirit and felt this for him.  We are going to keep visiting him.  we have faith that he will progress! Pray for Jaime!
Well I love you mom and dad! I will send pictures! Send some of you guys, honey, christmas tree!

LOVE YOU and think of you often…thank you for your testimonies and raising me the best you could. I love the Gospel and you have helped me to realize the joy from living the Gospel!!!

Love Hermana JOcelyn Turner

Family!

I finally made it to Fresno.  My Mission President and his wife were waiting for me by themselves!  I was so happy to finally meet them.  IT was a long day in the airport.  It was kinda nice to ride with them by myself…the opportunity to have a personal conversation.  I talked about my family, my goals for the mission, and he asked me questions about my purpose and set standards for the Fresno Mission.
My companion is billingual…Hermana Hernandez.  She and I are great with each other! I LOVE HER!  She told me that Pres. Gonzalez shared one time that we picked our companions in the premortal existence.  I have something to learn from her…I am with her for a reason.  She has taught me the importance of prayer.  I have been guided by the Spirit.  Yesterday my first real experience I think with tracting…we stopped by an investigator’s home and they were not there. So, we talked to the man outside at their neighbors’ apt.  He asked what we thought about Native Americans-church standpoint-perfect ? WE turned to the introduction and let him read about the Nephites and Lamanites….he was very receptive and agreed to begin reading it.  We are meeting with him, Arthur on Sat!  The work of the Lord is hard, and SO REWARDING!  I read about the 2,000 stripling warriors this morning.  They had never fought, yet never feared death.  I fear teaching because I am scared I will mess up.  But, I must realize that what I am doing is changing one’s eternity.  I must put fears and doubts to the side, and realize my message is true.
So, I can’t believe it is Nov 9!  Time goes really fast already, but when I think about 16 more months, I think “whoa”.  Sis Hagan sent me a package…perfect timing….it was in the refrigerator for me at the mission office the next day I arrived.  It was full of all green things….name it, it was there.  She was celebrating me as a ‘greenie’.  It was very kind of her to do that.
What else….I have joy everyday.  I am enjoying what I am doing.  I love meeting new people, learning from everyone I talk to, being guided by the Spirit.  OH! In all of the Fresno, California Mission…there are only 3 sister missionaries called to speak Spanish! Oh my…and the area where I am now is called Hanford.  I am over Hanford 2nd.  My companion has been in the mission field for 3 transfers.  She is a great trainer.  Her and I are both new to the area.  We are discovering it together.  The members are excited to help us sisters because their area has not had sister missionaries for about 11 years.  We have got to work hard, gain trust with the members, so that we leave the ward stronger that we found it.
We received a 2009 Honda or Toyota…can’t quite remember…silver! 250miles a month.  When we run out, we have our bikes.  My bike is pink (with a white helmet). Yes, we look silly, but Hermana Hernandez says the Lord understands.  HAHAHA.  We have a cell phone, and the apartment is very nice.  I love it!  I am grateful!
So funny story.  Because of all the cows around here, flys are everywhere.  During study time, we are always swatting our arms around.  So, Hermana taught me the word fly in Spanish….mosca! The other day as I was swatting them, I said ‘moscow’. Yeah, not quite.  It was pretty funny.
I know a mission will change my life.  I know that as I am obedient with exactness that my faith will grow, my willingness to share the gospel with every person will increase, and I will be able to get up each morning and just teach all day.  I hope you are all doing scripture study everyday together.  Just use PMG chpt 6..great place to start…a guide to use the scriptures and goals to set.
I am doing well. NO allergies…tender mercy…members who have kittens and puppies and dogs in their homes.  Also, our branch is amazing.  The ward I am in…they don’t sing.  It’s terrible.  We have got to fix that.  Roxboro Branch is awesome.
Oh…so, I teach English and Spanish.  We are over the Hanford 2nd ward, and the Spanish group in 1st ward.  It’s interesting.  I have got to get my ear trained.
Well, I love you all, and miss you.  I love missionwary work.  Thank you for each of your examples…for teaching me, for praying for me, and for supporting me. God will bless you individually is you ask him for what you need.  I know this is true.  Have a great week!

LOVE Hermana Jocelyn Turner!!!!!!

Hola Familia!

I am leaving Wed. morning for Fresno. One sister is traveling with me..she is from Tonga speaking English, and 5 Elders who are speaking Mong!? I don’t know either;-)  Well, I get to make a phonecall at the airport…so!!!!!!!!!!!! I will get to the airport around 8:30 or so, and my plane takes off at 11:21, so possibly around 9, 10….not sure…but im gonna call both of your cell phones, and brianna, ima call you too and leave you a message! richelle, i’ll leave one for you too!!!!!! Oooo..i’ll call and leave one on the answering machine so you can hear me forever!

I am so excited to get on that plane and start teaching the gospel.  L Tom Perry and his wife spoke here last night…How blessed i am.

Yesterday, while teaching about the Law of Tithing incorporated with the Plan of Salvation…The spirit filled my soul with immense joy and gratitude for you, mom and dad, for your faith, your example of paying a full, honest tithe.  Thank you.  I love the gospel, and I know that the Lord has called me to Fresno.  WE must always remember him and keep ALL the commandments so that it will prepare us for when our trials come.

Thanks so much !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for the birthday gift. I loved it!  The letters, cards, pictures, clothes, scarves, candy!!!!! It made be feel so loved!  A lot of Elders and my teachers sang to me that day…had me stand up on a chair and sing to me. The stokes family sent me a birthday box as well…candy, socks, fortune cookies, stamps, and Joe sent me one too!  Pictures, a Twilight shirt :-), a digital frame with pictures of his family and us in NC, candy, card, pen, lip gloss.  Anyways…so much fun!  Brianna and Richelle-LOVED THE CARD! so much thought into it.  really, send me heart felt things like that all the time…it keeps me going more than you know!  Oh, dad…I understood your letter…I will write back in Spanish.

Oh..please send me addresses for Preston Haley, Michael Godfrey, and something McCoy…get on the BYU-I site, and look under directories teachers.  They should have a list of their addresses…I want to write them.

Mom…were you gonna send Ashley a wedding gift? Just wondering!   And chelsea has not written me for awhile now…she has not responded to my letters…what’s going on??

Well, I love you all.  I miss you, but missionary work is the place to be. I will talk to you guys on Wednesday…tell chelsea I also wanna call her and talk to her for a minute, and Ricky, and the kids if possible!

I have so many experiences each da ythat strengthen my testimony of families and why we must be obedient!  MY LOVE!

I just received notice that I received 2 packages!!!! YAY. Thanks for the letter mom and dad…I was getting worried.  Well, less than 2 weeks before I leave for Fresno!!!! Everyone please continue to send your words of encouragement, testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I know my purpose and that I am doing the Lord’s work!  What a blessing, but at times it can get real tough.  I laugh everyday, and somtimes I cry, but I know that is the will of my Father.  How blessed I am to have the life that I have.

Mom-hope you get to feeling better!  Thanks for the story about David H Burton…I am going to share that with my class for my spiritual thought in Spanish!  Can you believe it?  Sometimes, ok, everytime I learn something new, I say ” my mom and dad would be so proud of me right now” and everyone laughs.  It is amazing!  However, so very difficult.  But last night, at devotional…the speaker…of the 70 Lynn Robbins said “Success is going from failure to failure without losing optimism.” WOW>..hit ya to the core.

It’s amazing just how much I have learned and grown as a person…a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I read the Book of Mormon with a new pair of eyes.  I can actually teach…lol.  Oh–please tell Relief Society and Primary that I was sad I was leaving b/c I would no longer be able to teach anymore..but last Sunday, I taught for our District Meeting about the Apostasy and the Restoration….I used ideas from Primary Handbook and skills I learned through teaching back at home.  It was such a good lesson…the Spirit was there.  Oh-new insight…you always know you are teaching with the Spirit when you learn something from what you said! Neat huh…I think Truman Madsen said that…can’t quite remember.

Well, days run together here.  I can’t remember if I jhust ate lunch or dinner.  It’s crazy.  Time is flyin…and on friday I am going to be 23! I am OLD! Everyone here is 20, 19, 18, ! AHHHHHH

Brianna and Richelle…now I know you two don’t ever do homework, and you have all the time in the world…where are my letters?????? LOVE YOU

Richelle-tell Heather I will write her back soon…

So you found Joe’s retainer…haha….where was it?  I am not sure when he will be off on his mission, but he had better hurry it up.

Oh..so my nickname here at the MTC is Pokey b/c I shared with everyone that Pocohontas is in my ancestry…and well, Elder Urbina from Puerto Rico that it was way cool.  So new name.

I love you all.  My family is the best. I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the fulness of the Gospel. It is directed by the will of God and is the only true way we can find true joy in this life and the life to come.  Please continue to pray for me that I may have charity, humility, and the gift of tongues.

Everybody…my family…read the scriptures….most productive way…find a story and read it together…talk about what you just read and pick a way you will apply it that week and follow up with it the next week.  Apply the scriptures…you will have more spiritual experiences b/c God knows you are truly seeking them.  Your weaknesses will become strengths.  I can promise you this!

LOVE YOU AND think of your examples always.

Today is 6 weeks in the MTC!  I love getting mail…so keep it coming.  Thank you for all of the letters, encourgament, love, and prayers!

I will not lie.  The mission experience has already been very challenging at times, very rewarding, and a way of life prepared to shape me into the servant the Lord desires me to become.

I struggle teaching in spanish…i struggle knowing where “what” scripture story is where, and just the everyday life of a missionary.  However, constantly I am meeting people who humble me and help me to recognize my many blessings….

Last week in the temple I performed intiatories for the first time for someone other than myself….I remembered how i felt when I went through for the first time for myself, and I desired to feel this same way again.  Last wed. I felt God’s love for these 5 women who I performed temple work for and to know the promises the Lord makes with us, his children, is beyond our comprehension.  I met a temple worker from Peru, and she brought great comfort to me.

The Book of Mormon is coming alive live never before…a talk given last night by David F. Evans….1st qourom of 70….missionaries need to have investigators read from it…from the beginning…the way it was intended to be used…the way Heavenly father teaches us…from the beginning.

For all who read this….member of the church or not….I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the church with the fulness of the Gospel restored to the earth again through a prophet of God.  This gosepl is for everyone….the Book of Mormon has the power to change the weakest of Saints.  Everyday my testimony grows stronger of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  He died for YOU.  Heavenly Father sent his son to the earth to suffer for YOU.  I know this to be true…and declare my testimony with every bit of my soul.  Read the book of Mormon and know for yourself if it is true and read it wanting to know if it is true and when you receive your answer, you are willing to let it influence your life!

I have talked with many people here at the Referral Center…I can’t believe I am a missionary!  Last week, I talked with a man from michigan…71 years old…just broke his shoulder on his b-day…and all of his family have passed away.  He has never been married….no kids,….and his closest brother died of cancer.  He expressed his love for his brother and broke into tears b/c he did not believe that God answered all prayers.  The Spirit worked through me and filled my mouth.  I was being an instrument in the hands of the Lord….I love the Gospel.  For through the Book of Mormon it is how we find wholesome joy to our souls, and give true purpose to our lives.

I love you all and miss you.  I think of you often, and pray that whatever the desire of your heart may be at this moment, that it will be answered according to your faith and righteousness.

As a missionary of the Lord-much is ahead of me, and I’m  excited, and a bit unfaithful at times.  The Savior went through getsamene, and we must suffer our own personal Getsemane.

Have a great week, and keep me updated in your lives.

So..funny story….last week while teaching with my companions, my companion called the Pope a Potato by accident.  La papa instead of el papa!

Hello…so, I am trying to say all i need to say in such a short time.  I am mailing you a couple of pictures because I cannot attach them here on this computer.  I received the package from you yesterday!  So fun!  Aunt Karen gave me 100.00, a picuture from Greg Olsen “Be Not Afraid”, and a sweet card.  I am going to send the check home so you can put it into my checking account.  Thanks.  Before I came, Aunt Judy gave me a card with 20.00—very persoanl card…made on their computer!

Mom…I need another t-shirt in my room, just for a p-day shirt.  Could you also send me some more of my jewlry that is simple…like my black ones that are pretty small. They are not that strict on the jewlry and clothes as I thought they would be.  Could you send me my blue jacket that has a hood…kinda like fleece, and a pair of my jeans please ASAP….thanks.

For my birthday….I would love anything.   Just get creative mom!  So teaching is difficult for me because I compare myself with my companions and how much knowledge of the scriptures they have, but they always tell me that I am more personable and can make anyone feel comfortable.  IT is true…I feel that it is a talent of mine!  Last night after the Devotional, we met as a District and the 2nd counselor said out loud to everyone “do not compare yourself to others.  God does not care where you are, but if you keep trying.  No matter how many times you fail, he does not count, just keep trying.”  How comforting.
Yesterday we learned Direct Object pronouns and it was tough.  It sill is but I know that its part of the learning process.  I am not all that frustrated w/ learning Spanish…it is learning to recognize the spirit and teach with it so that I will meet the needs of the investigators!
Ok, so last week I was sitting at the computer waiting for chats to pop up in the Referrel Center and i was watching videos on mormon.org and my phone rang…first time this has happened…totally caught me off guard.
I said hello, and I the headphone I pulled off were caught in my hair and i was trying to talk on the phone My companion took care of that and she called in to order 3 simple truths. I asked why she called in…and she said that she admires Mormons and agrees with many of our teachings.  She told me that her dad was the pastor at her church and she asked him about the b of m and if she should read it, and he read the whole thing and approved.  Shortly after he read it, he passed away!  I thanked her for her story and told her that she was my first person to talk to on the phone and I wanted to keep in touch.  We are going to write on my mission!  She is from OK-40 years old.  Keep her in your thoughts…Donna Parker!  That gave me a lot of confidence. IT felt so good to bear my testimony to her.
Everyday is so spiritual and hard at the same time.  Many talks have been given to help me realize what I need to do to become the missionary my Father in Heaven needs me to be.  I must not waste a minute of the Lord’s time.  I am holding the salvation of every person i meet in my hands.  To many I will be the face of our Savior when I teach them.  The church is true-it has the full truth and is a plan so that we may have joy here and after this life forever!
I can’t believe I am on a mission though.  The other day in line in the cafeteria I said “Excuse me Elder”, and he said, “that’s right. I am an Elder!”  I think many of us feel this same way.
I am getting along with my companions a lot better than I planned on.  I love em’ already.  Thanks for your words of encourgment and thinking words….ya know, like be careful what you say and do to them because they are your friends for eternity.
Elder Bowe here is going to Las Vegas and he isturning 19 tomorrow. He is amazing…testimony, humility, charity…..we will be life long friends.  So I am doing excellent in 4 sqaure everyday!  With all of the Elders…they are like, “she has skills” hahahah….
I can’t believe how much energy I have…I am never the one they have to wait on to be ready to leave…..I take 2 minute showers and look and smell great!
My weight is about the same…have lost about 4 pounds.  Dinner is at 4:30, so I rarely eat after 5 unless I have an apple.
Ummm…So no one showed up to Jaimies party…oh my goodness.  I sent her a birthday card, did she get it?

Brianna…you have your interview tonight!  Read and have faith in Ether 12:27.  You will do great.  Brianna you have a lot of confidence in you, just pull it out of you.  The Lord will bless you because of the great example you are choosing to be for your friends.  James…man….bad luck or what?  LOL…don’t worry I love you! Straight A’s…you are a genius.

Richelle….Love you!  Good luck with homecoming and that is neat about your service.  I need HEather’s address!  Tell her hello and tell her to send me pictures and letters and Peach rings! LOL….

You both have great strong testimonies because you are obedient. Keep it up.  I look up to both of you!

Okay 1minute left.   Read 2 Nephi 29:8-9 as a family. IT is amazing.  A mission is where I need to be and I know it.  My testimony is confirmed everyday and although it is hard HEavenly Father is not far from me.

And I get hugs all the time from the Branch Presidency’s wives…they wanted me to tell you that mom.  They are taking care of me.  Got my haircut today…looks amazing.  I also went to the temple this morning…she was from MExico in 1668!

Well I lvoe you…keep the mail coming!  My favorite part of the day!

LOVE YOU FOREVER

I love all of you!  I love the Gospel.  Everday my love for the children of God grow more and more.  The Book of Mormon is true and is powerful.  Don’t have much time, but I have had so much success after the trial of my faith…I am teaching a guy from Nigeria…24 yrs old and lives in OK…the missionaries dropped by the B of M last week, and the next day he was in 4 NE.  I committed him to watch General Conference and to come with ?’s and promised him they would be answered.  I am going to call him back to follow up. Itaught him the 2nd lesson over the phone!

Everybody…read the Ensign this month….open your mouths….spread the gospel.  I am so eager to teach all people…i have that desire to go back home and knock on the doors of our neighbors and be bold with them and tell them about our church and the blessings in store for each of them.  Pray for strength, opportunities. unity, joy, ahhh…I love the Gospel. It is for everyone….I love you!

The church is true and we must not be shy.  My confidence is increasing in teaching!

Please ask Elder Cadet for his e-mail…he wrote me and I misplaced his letter….I want to write him back, but I don’t have it!

TELL EVERYONE HELLO and from Elder Bowe ….I LOVE THEM!   I miss everyone at church.  Send my love!

Hermana Turner!