"We are like babies...all we do is sleep and eat."

Tuesday afternoon Sister Hansen and I found ourselves with a case of the flu.  Hoping it was the 24 hour bug, we headed home to sleep it off.  Tuesday turned to Wednesday.  Wednesday to Thursday.  Thursday to Friday.  Friday to Saturday.  Saturday to Sunday.  And that brings me here to the lirbrary for my weekly report.  There really is not much to report on.  I went with another sister to teach two lessons.  The first was with a group of young people.  They all live together.  They are all early 20's.  They are all seeking a chance to change.  It was a really neat experience.  The second was dinner at the Jones with the older couple we are teaching.  Well, it was good to be out of the house.  But I paid for it that night.  I will leave that to your imagination.  Sister Hansen and I were determined to go to church but did not make it past the first hour.  Neither of us could concentrate and we kept falling asleep...yikes.  So most of the week was sleep, wake up, eat (Saltines, Toast, Gatorade, sometimes soup), take medicines...

repeat.

repeat.

repeat.

 

I am feeling...better.  Sister Hansen is still a little sickling. 

Hopefully there will be more to report on next week. (:

I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!

XOXOXO

Sister Spring

Hard does not equal bad

This week was, as the subject implies, hard.

Sister Hansen and I after a very rainy night in Ohio. 
Ohio has nice thunderstorms like the good ole TX

We were exhausted.  Mentally and physically.  Our list of “things to-do” seemed to be ever growing and our minds continually filled with more situations that created constant worry.  With our responsibilities over the Sisters at the Visitors’ Center, we end up knowing a lot more than I would like to know.  This week we were stressing for an event at the sites; A Musical Fireside with speakers and musical numbers intermixed to hopefully create an environment of learning for those that the missionaries are teaching.  We had to rearrange the sites schedule at least six times this week…and that is not an exaggeration.  Plus, many Sisters are struggling right now so we have been mulling over what we can do for them with no progress in that sphere.  Add that to the stress of figuring out how to help those we are teaching…and you get one hard (and GOOD) week.   Oh, if only you could have been in the car with Sister Hansen and I at times this week.  You would think we were two loony Sisters.  Our brains would shut down and the things we were saying were senseless.  It is interesting what a whole lot of stress can do.

Sister Hansen and I with a woman we are teaching.  She is incredible. 

The fireside was incredible.  Our theme was commandments.  During the fireside, we discovered our relationship with God, the need for commandments, how we are given commandments, and the blessings that come as we keep the commandments.  Sweet, little Jordan Jones shared her experience the past eight months.  She recognizes the changes in her life as she follows the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Her happiness is real and pure; a happiness she has never felt before.  I understand her feelings of change.  Perhaps you have seen my happiness level increase as I have changed.  I know, one hundred percent, that the reason I am happy is because I am doing my best to do what God wants me to do.  Of course, I am not perfect.  Not even close.  Thank goodness for repentance.  Sister McAlister sang at the fireside.  I LOVE SEEING HER!!!!!!!!  And her voice is perfect.  She would sing all the time when we were companions.  I could never get enough of it, either.  Her confidence in Christ’s reality is so apparent in everything that she does and says.

 Jordan comes teaching with us ALL the time.  I love it!  She loves it, too!

Last Wednesday, Sister Hansen and I participated in another companion exchange.  I went to Ravenna with Sister Webb (a fellow Texan).  This Sister is incredible.  I know I say that about every Sister but I learn so much from them all.  As you know, I tend to be a complaining hypochondriac.  (For the record, that flaw of mine is improving…slowly. ) Anyways, Sister Webb is such a hard worker.  She has some pretty serious allergies that have effected her health but she pushes through it.  WITH a smile.  Sister Hansen is a good teacher in that category as well.  Heavenly Father is so aware of me.  And you, too.  He knows exactly who I need to be with in order to grow and develop in to the best me possible.

Sister Webb and I

Well....because of exhaustion…Sister Hansen and I have dedicated this Preparation Day to nothing but SLEEP!  Elder and Sister Edman, the Visitors’ Center director and wife, have given us reign over their home.  Right now, our letter writing materials are sprawled across their living room.  It almost feels like we have taken a day off to be at Grand-ma and Grand-pa’s house.  This temporary seclusion is exactly what we both need.  So nap we will.

      I love love love love love you! 

                      Sister Spring

 

PICTURES…finally.

Last night….DONE!

Nirvana and Marijuana (legal)

Adventurer @ 18 months

And at 7 years

Nirvana and Marijuana (legal)

Allow me to expand.
          A couple of weeks ago Sister Hansen and I had twenty minutes before our dinner appointment so we knocked doors in a near-by neighborhood.  We met "V".  Early 20's.  Buddhist.  From Sri Lanka. Friendly.  In town for three weeks.  He invited us back.  He is a self-proclaimed truth searcher.  There are parts of Buddhism that he questions.  There are parts of Christianity that he questions.  And he realllllly wants answers.  We spent the next hour understanding, or trying to understand, the beliefs he has developed in his life thus far.  He explained reincarnation, Nirvana, Karma, Buddha, the four noble truths, and a lot more that I am still attempting to comprehend.  This guy is a thinker.  I loved helping him understand who God is to me.  My Heavenly Father.  The Father of our Spirits.  He asked us to come back.  So we will see him again on Thursday.  (awkward story:  There was a fly at Ven's house that he kept distracting him.  He mentioned a few times..."gosh, that fly...it's driving me crazy....".  So, genius me, decided I would try to clap it between my hands.  "We don't kill in this house."  Yea, reincarnation...duh....I felt so uncomfortable.  For approximately 7 seconds.)
          This week we were planning to teach "Brother D" about the role of prophets and the health code (the Word of Wisdom) that our Heavenly Father has given us through a prophet to take care of our bodies.  To be baptized, he must live this commandment.  We knew there may be some concerns for him.  And there were.  Not really what we had anticipated though.  While we are sitting there on the couch waiting for his son-in-law (Brother H.) to get home, he tells us how he quit smoking and drinking coffee a few days before because he had convictions from God to do so.  (side note:  About 6 weeks ago,"Brother D" was at a breaking point.  He "fell to his knees" and pleaded with God to help him find somewhere to live and to find him a church.  He promised God that he would do whatever he asked of him.  He knows God answered his prayer...so he is keeping his part.  This man is so dedicated.)  Anyways, Brother H had talked with him earlier that week about the Word of Wisdom so he changed.  He just did it.  I do not know how...he just knew he needed to because of his convictions.  One teeny, tiny little hold up.  Legal Weed.  Honestly, I am not quite sure the exact components of said substance.  Not important.  "Brother D" said he had not had a conviction yet that he needed to give up legal weed.  He chose to give it up when he quit smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee, but he was still a little hesitant.  We spent the next little while discovering together why we should not rely on these substances.  At the end of the lesson, humble "Brother D" knew he needed to change.  He understood that this substance was restricting him from being his best self...well, from being himself at all.  It altered his mentality.  I love "Brother D".  It is truly special to be a part of his life.  and his family, too.  (Another side note:  "Brother D" grew up in Austin.  Fancy that.)
        I am at a different library this week...one that gives us a time limit...you guessed it...time is up.
        I love you.  I love you. I love you!!!!!
        Thank you so much for the package, Mama.  AND thank you Sister Smith and the YSA in the Highland Village ward for my package and cards.(:  Everyone is way too good to me!!!!!!!!!!!!
        I am so happy.  This place is incredible!!!!!
                  Sister Spring


(Note From Mama Spring: No pictures again this week.  I hope you enjoy a glimpse of her growing up years)

Baptism Day with Uncle Joe

Pioneer Trek 2008 - Morgan UT

Sister Spring and her brother Stephen -  Best Buddies

I took a dip in to the water, and I came out feeling taller...NOR

(Note from Mom:  Sister Spring forgot to attach her pictues :( so use your imagination! ) 

'

So I thank you Jesus Christ cause I know you made me smarter.

Wise words from the rap of Jeremy Hunsucker about his conversion story.

It is incredible to see lives change.  I was not around for the Hunnie's (They prefer Sister Hunnie and Brother H.....) change but I am seeing and hearing the after math.  (I sent a picture of me with him and his wife a few weeks ago).  Sister Hunnie was baptized five-ish years ago.  Her husband was baptized last year.  They have faced a lot of struggles but have overcome them through the knowledge of their Savior and His restored gospel. One miracle of a blessing is currently in process with her sweet father, Brother (Abel) Delgado.  She has been praying and praying and praying for her father for years.  Brother Delgado has openly stated his previous distaste for the LDS church.  He held a grudge for taking away his daughter.  As she accepted the gospel, a change was required which, as I have gathered, took her from her family environment.  He has now seen the joy it has brought to the Hunnie's, the strength in their relationship, and he craves it.  When Sister Hansen and I first walked in to the Hunnie's apartment last Thursday, our hearts were immediately filled with love for him.  It was a humbling experience to see this mans humility.  After talking with him about the restoration of Christ's church and authority through a prophet, we invited him to follow our Saviors example by being baptized by someone holding the proper priesthood authority of God.  His response, vocally and with body language, was so tender.  His face was GLOWING.  In his sweet, sweet voice he responded, "Well, when I know it's true...Yes, I would want to do that."

      He came to church yesterday....again, he was glowing.  It was testimony meeting.  The most spirit-filled meeting I have been to in a really long time...all three hours of church were so perfect.  Church is always great...but this week...it was literally perfect.  A 15-year-old boy shared a simple testimony.  He went to EFY (a week long "retreat" for the youth) and went with a question:  How can I let my Mom and Dad know that I won't deny Christ?  Apparently, he feels as though his parents fear he will take a different path.  After sharing that with us, he said..."Here's my answer.  Mom:  I know the Church is true.  Christ is my Redeemer.  I will never leave Him."  Man, it was powerful.  This 15-year-old kid claiming to a congregation his love for His Savior.  If only you knew him, it would be even more powerful.  Sister Jones shared her testimony of prophets and how grateful she is for the guidance of a living prophet.  All of the testimonies shared were so inspiring.  In Sunday School, we talked about sacrifice.  I really needed to remember why we sacrifice as I have been rather selfish in my thoughts lately...and always.  I am here because I want to serve my Heavenly Father.  I want to share the message of hope that has changed my life.  I want to serve with my whole heart.  I have been slacking.  Thank goodness for repentance. (:  The third hour we talked about personal revelation.  It was all so goooood.

      Sunday evening Brother Delgado and the Hunnie's came to the sites to watch Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration.  First, we talked about his experience at church and reading the Book of Mormon.  He said he feels peace and calmness when he reads.  While he was church, he felt "fulfilled."  He knows that is his answer from God that the Book of Mormon comes from Him.  After the film, he humbly asked about baptism and why he needs to baptized.  We explained the priesthood authority again, talked about Christ's baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.  He expressed his sincere desire to follow Jesus Christ.  We asked him to set a vision to be baptized on September 3 to show Heavenly Father his dedication.  He, without hesitation and with his simple smile on his face, accepted that invitation.  I wish you could have all seen his daughter's reaction.  Tears of joy immediately poured from her eyes.  It was very evident that she had been praying for her father to accept this goodness from God for a long, long time.  Of course, me being the ballbaby that I am, I had some tears, too.  Sister Hansen, as well.  Brother H teared up a bit. 

      The feeling in that plain, little theater room in Kirtland, OH was indescribeable.  It was a feeling of comfort that I know came from God confirming to Brother Delgado that he is doing the right thing. 

       Sister Hansen and I have been working really hard.  Our time was very scarce in our area this week because we were always at sites, but we were committed to work our very hardest.  We wanted to utilize the two days we had in our area...and we saw miracles.

        Speaking of Sister Hansen....she truly is incredible.  I know I tell you all the time.  But I am so thankful to be with her.  She teaches me so much.  She keeps me sane and smiling.  I can't wait for all of you to meet her and Sister McAlister and all of my Sisters...someday.  You will love them.  And they already love you!!!  (:

        OH...THANK YOU for the postcards.  You all are too sweet to me.  I hope everyone had fun at the reunion.  It looks like it...from the pictures I have seen.  Anyways, I love you all so so so so so much.

        XOXOXOXO,

               Sister Spring

Pictures

Hola familia.

I really do not feel like using my brain right now.  It is a nice rainy (and hailing) day.  Because of my non-functioning brain, I, again, will resort to pictures to help me a long the way.

Sister Lyman, me, Sister Bringhurst, Sister Bills, Sister Hansen, and Sister Manwaring. We had a picnic a couple of weeks ago with all of the Sisters and Seniors. It ended in a chaotic water balloon fight. Here is the outcome. (Sister Lyman is the only Sister that I do not live with right now.)

Brother Allred, Sister Allred, Sister Hansen, me, and Sandra Barwick. This picture has two parts to it. Part one-Sister Allred. She is in the General Relief Society Presidency. Last Tuesday she and her husband came in to sites for a tour. The lucky guides? You got it...us! Part two-Sandra Barwick. We recently started a neat program for the 16, 17, and 18 year old young women in the stake. They designate part of their day or a full day to come in and "shadow" the Sisters. It has been a really neat experience for me...and for them!



 Back: Me, Sister Hansen, Elder Martinez (who goes home this week...weird! He has been in my district for sixish months), Elder Prince. Front: Sister Morrell, Sister Houston, Sister Mayer, and Sister Carver. East Cleveland District. Another transfer?!? Seriously?? Time is cruising along. There are not many changes happening with the companionships this transfer. In fact, there is only one change. A new Sister is coming! Yay. Sister Houston will be her trainer. So Sister Morrell will be transferred. And that is all. Crazy! 

Sister Decker...my companion for a day. (: This is the phone room...where we make phone calls. My time in the phone room has been sparse the past couple of weeks with tours and planning and all of the million little things to prepare for at sites.

Sister Hansen and I love milkshakes. So we have decided to break-up with them. Sad day. But it will be for the best.

Hopefully this wasn't too boring.

Just know, as always, I am happy.  Daddy sent me some pictures of the family reunion...everyone looks SO grown up.  Especially Maddie and Micah!! Oh my GOSH!  So crazy.  I love you!!!

XOXOXO

Sister Spring

Hi, It's me again. (: (From 7/25/2011)

HELLLLO FAM FAM.

    I hear (most of) you are headed out to New Mexico!!!  How fun!  We have the best family ever.  I hope everyone has a good time.  I have nothing to worry about..of course it will be a blast.  Don't forget to take a few pictures to share with me when I come home.  (I'm sure Amy will be alllll over that!) 

    This week has been hot, busy, fun, scary, hard...PERFECT.  This life of mine is so good.  It is amazing how this place has turned in to my home.  Perhaps I will not be able to explain in a way that makes sense.  Driving on the highways, through the towns, is normal.  It is all familiar.  This is exactly where I need to be. 

     The other day, Sister Hansen and I had a....funny?...experience.  Last Thursday we visited a member couple in Fairport Harbor which is the furthest point of our area.  It takes about 30 minutes to drive there from where we live.  Anyways, we had an hour in between our appointment with the McClellan's (I wonder if there is any relation?  There are a TON of McClellan's in the area) and our dinner appointment with no real potential of teaching anyone in the area.  So...the night before we had planned to go talk with people at Headland's BEACH!  Now, I had never actually driven by this beach...and neither had Sister Hansen.  In my mind, I imagined not very many people there for some reason.  WRONG.  We pull in the parking lot and there is a huge parking lot full of cars, umbrellas all along the beach, picnics and volleyballs and lalalallalal....I was freaking out.  Seriously, petrified.  And partially summersick.  It may sound silly...but my little eyes started to fill up with water because I was so nervous.  I did not know how I was going to walk this place and talk to people.  We prayed.  Hopped out of the car.  And started talking to people.  The first woman we talked with, Cherise, was super nice.  She was there with her husband and two little kids.  After talking for a couple of minutes she accepted for missionaries to come and talk with her more.  Hello, God send.  Thank you for answering our prayers.  Not all conversations were as pleasant...but we did it.  Heavenly Father gave us the strength to step outside of our comfort zone to share this true message with the people at Headland's Beach.  The hour FLEW by.  With sand in our shoes and sick sweaty hair, we headed to dinner. (:  Which was delicious in case you were curious.

    The rest of the week was full of lessons, tours, phone calls, companion exchanges (yes, plural...i missed Sister Hansen ), Pioneer DAy picnic, church, and I'm sure other things that I am leaving out. 

     Well...Life is good.

You are loved.

XOXO

Sister Spring