Ice water on my head

We assume this is her zone.  :)  

Hello hello!!

We've had a blessed week--there were ups and downs all week, we were feeling quite discouraged on Saturday night and then on Sunday Heavenly Father just started pouring out blessings.  

Schaefen came to church on Sunday and is much more open and also able to learn more about the gospel!

Church was incredible!!  And Sister Ahlstrom and I sang a musical item after Sunday school, President Massen had everyone come back together and he explained a bit about what was happening and the decision process and how the church is organized for Ross and Schaefen.  He then called our new branch presidency and set them apart.  It was beautiful and the spirit was so strong.  Really confirmed my testimony of the restoration.  I'm sure you've heard about it, but we go for an hour and a half now--short sacrament meeting with 1 speaker, just focus on the sacrament.  And then one big gospel principles class. The focus of the branch is missionary work--building up the Kingdom.  Different, but it will be really good!!

Ross really enjoyed church and he got a lot out of it.  He said it was because he prepared himself Saturday night like we asked him to!  He is doing soo well and his faith and determination are growing every time we see him.

Shogan came to sacrament meeting because he is starting night shift.  He is still moving along, he had so many ups and downs last week it was like the silver bullet roller coaster at 6 flags.  

We drove 4 1/2 hours (there and back) to Merredin on Friday to contact a referral who is searching for the purpose of his life.  When we got to the address there, it turned out to be a motel with 12 rooms.  The reception was closed and we knocked on every single door, but not a single person was there.  Not even like we are home but not answering but like a ghost town.  All the little tiny towns out there are so strange, you just feel surreal going there.  But we met the coolest less active sister there. Been 28 years since she went to church, she was heavily involved before, her husband was branch president and she went out with the missionaries heaps, they just moved to the middle of no where and fell away.  Because she is so far away it will be hard to see her often, but she could so easily come back.  There are some families out there (and a few potentials) and we are thinking if they will all come back we can arrange a car pool ha.  

Sooo many tender mercies this week, especially Sunday.  The Lord's hand is so apparent in this work.  I wish that I had taken my setting apart more literally and really understood the power in it earlier.  It gives you more courage.  We had an investigator telling us that when we are there there is such a special feeling when we come, that it hangs in the air and is just beautiful and that people feel it even if they don't want to listen, and that years down the road they will remember it and grab onto it.  She is so receptive to the spirit and willing to follow Heavenly Father's will.  

This couple came and got on the computer beside me and started whispering to each other about us really loudly.  It was pretty funny, so then they said something about sisters out loud so I looked at them and asked how they were doing and when they were surprised I was like, "Oh sorry, I thought you said my name."  She was so hostile and they started speaking in nunga really fast to each other.  So I'll just keep humming How Firm a Foundation loudly. 

And there is a flavour of blueberry ice cream at the chapel that is to die for.  I'll take a picture of it so someone can check for me and see if we have it in America.  That way I have a few weeks to prepare myself if not. 

We've been able to go help out at the Penstones a bit, they leave Friday!  So more painting this week :)

I LOVE being a missionary.  I love Sister Ahlstrom so much.  She is so strong and funny and this time here in Northam has been incredible.  And I love you all!

Actually I hate her because she just poured ice water on my head...Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Sister Formica

Can't be bothered thinking of something...

Good morning America!  Oh wait, it was Wake up San Francisco wasn't it?  Oops...

We had a pretty emotional and crazy week.  But it was incredible.  Lots of miracles and lots of growth.

We've done the quit smoking program a couple times this week!  I had to wait until my last transfer to do it, but we get to do it plenty here, so I was excited about that.  And now we are allowed to eat candy, but we are drinking grapefruit juice after every meal haha.

And we have been told 10000000000x to drink more water from every single person we know.  So don't worry, we are being taken care of very well.

This week was pretty much just the norm. missionary stuff. mingled with Sister Ahlstrom not feeling well, but she is getting better slowly.  

We got out to Toodyay and saw the cutest couple who are investigating the church, also met a man who's teenage kids are struggling with some things that he wants us to meet, so we are going back next weekend to meet them.  They have a couple ponies that are so cute!

Also there were crazy storms this week and tons of people lost power for a bit.  It was such a fun storm, tons of thunder and lightening, and some of the roads got flooded.

So yesterday we were teaching a man who knows what he needs to do and wants to, but has to make some pretty heavy sacrifices to join the church.  

In teaching him, I am learning that sacrifice is giving up something (and it may be something good) for something better.  Sacrifice helps you learn so many things.  I have learned, (and will probably have to relearn many time) that opportunity is a synonym for sacrifice for the Lord.  Opportunities for growth and learning, joy in His service, strengthened and new relationships formed, and the development of attributes of charity, patience, etc. Plus even greater rewards to come.  Putting our trust in the Lord is the only intelligent thing to do.

You don't always know what someone is feeling or dealing with, and in a blessing, we were told that we needed to learn to correctly interpret what people say and do and don't say and don't do as a cry for help...and then more.  

I feel like I have gone through the full range of emotions this week (that's how you know it was a good week haha just kidding).  

I learned a lot about the Saviour's Atonement this week.  It has so many aspects and it covers EVERYTHING.  And I mean EVERYTHING.  He not only can cleanse us from sin but He can strengthen and enable us and heal us from painful and sorrowful experiences when we have no clue what to do or how.

Oh also the Sister who paid her tithing last week came with us to visit another member who is working on quitting smoking.  I was amazed by her actions and attitude.  She is so unassuming and in her quiet and simple way she just came in and began serving her and helping her with her kids, etc.  And throughout the lesson she just gave so much encouragement  The gospel is true.  It helps us get rid of the little traits and things we pick up in this life that refines us into who we truly are and who Heavenly Father wants us to become.

And the commandments literally are our safeguard or safety net to living happy, satisfying lives. And give us the abilities to have deep and meaningful relationships.  

Have a wonderful week everyone!!  I am grateful for and love you all!  

Love,

Sister Formica

2016 WHAT?!

Gott nytt ar!!!!!  Happy New Year in Swedish, but pretend the last o has the two dots over it.  I don't have time to get the swedish keyboard up and I don't know any other way to do it haha.

Busy week (my favourite kind). We've been doing a lot of service helping the Penstones paint bits and pieces of their house as they get it ready to rent out. 

The Penstones are leaving within 2 weeks!  And 3 other people who have been here for a couple months are going back home and going traveling so we are losing a chunk of those who have been active for a long time.  This is going to be a crazy transition.  We aren't sure what's going to happen yet, but I'll keep you updated.  Fun stuff!  Good thing Heavenly Father is in control. 

Sister Ahlstrom is feeling a bit sick again.  The heat really gets to her.  It got up to 45 one day and we were biking everywhere and then it got up to 47 or maybe a bit more (luckily it was pday and we didn't bike around).  So we've been driving and trying to help her manage the heat.  She's really strong (and stubborn haha) and keeps working no matter what.  Don't worry, I asked her permission to tell you that she is stubborn, so she's very humble as well ha :)

Shogan is getting baptized soon!!  Just after the Penstones leave.  He's doing really well and has had some really awesome experiences and insights!  It's been really fun seeing him begin to understand the gospel more, especially our potential and our need for a Saviour. 

One thing that really touched me this week was witnessing a sister in our branch who is really struggling financially (so badly that she often does not have food) paid tithing for the first time this Sunday.  She asked us to go with her to give the envelope to President because she was a bit nervous.  She has been away from church for years and started to come back almost 2 months ago.  She is the only fully aboriginal member that I have ever met.  She has such strong but quiet faith.  I was really grateful for the trust she had in Heavenly Father and the example she was and continues to be for me.

I am grateful for the testimonies and faith of those around me and back home, it really strengthens my testimony of the Saviour, especially to see the service that so many people give out of love for their brothers and sisters and out of love for Him.  THank you all for your examples and love!  Have an amazing week and continue to look for opportunities to serve others and share the gospel!!  Love ya!

Love,

Sister Formica

Here's a picture of Sister Formica with their house key!!!  From our computer screen on Christmas eve as we were skyping with her.  They can't get it copied in Northam - too old of a key.  I guess that's why they get locked out so much.  

New Years - Look Not Behind thee:  3 minute video.  Hopeful! 

http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/new-years-look-not-behind-thee?cid=HP_MO_12-28-2015_dPFD_fMRMN_xLIDyL1-A_

Pictures aplenty!

Merry Christmas!  Don't miss this 2 min video - brings joy to my heart! 

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-12-1000-a-savior-is-born-christmas-video?category=topics/christmas&lang=eng

Adam says there is a bug that paralyzes a tarantula, lays it's eggs on it, and then the eggs feed on the tarantula.  I'm not sure if I want to know if this is what Becca caught on camera or not.  

Merry Christmas! Dec 13 and Dec 20 emails.

We get to talk to Sister Formica tonight!!!!  But I need to catch up on her blog first.  Here are the last two weeks.  Sorry no pictures -- she's lost her camera. :)  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

 

It's getting closer and closer and I am so excited!!!!  Whoo!!

 

Ok so this week I actually took the time to write down some things I wanted to remember and say and then...I forgot the list haha.  I know I am sad.  Some things never change. 

 

But this really was the best week ever! 

 

You can work and work and pray and pray and never see the fruits of your efforts, but this week Heavenly Father blessed us with seeing so many changes in people and with an increased understanding of just how much the gospel blesses people.  Literally in every aspect of our lives.  Emotionally, physically, of course spiritually.  In everything. 

We saw a lot of changes and miracles this week.  Which is always nice.

 

Ross is getting baptized!!!  Sister Hale has now been back to church 4 times plus 2 more activities (ever since we met her, she jumped back into it, even though she was still telling us that she wasn't a church goer haha.   Even after she'd been 2 or 3 times).  And she is the best missionary.  She wants her family to have the peace and relief the gospel has brought to her.  She says it's like she has a light and she doesn't walk around looking down and feeling heavy.  She brought her sister and 5 of their neices and nephews with them to church on Sunday!  There was a special spirit there, even though we had so many children and only a couple rows, so it was stressful because Sister Ahlstrom and I sat with kids all around us so we could help take care of them.  I think we need to come prepared next week with the church kit.  Oh and President and Sister Fife came to the branch on Sunday with their son.  It was so cool to have them there!  I don't know if I told you enough times last week ha, but they are amazing.

 

The closer it gets to Christmas the harder it gets not to eat candy.  But everytime we want to have an exception, Shogan tells us how hard it will be not to drink on Christmas and boxing day and new years and his birthday.  So fair enough I guess.  But it's a good thing you couldn't find any chocolate advent calendars mum. 

 

Lots more happened, but we have to go, they are kicking us off the computers early. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Ok I'm apparently not going to school again, because I can't figure out how to do the ecclesiastical endorsement.  I'm going to take that as a sign from Heavenly Father ;) Haha...Just kidding, I finally figured out my info, so no worries mate.  (Eccleiastical Endorsement is what BYU needs to re-admit someone who stopped going to school to complete a mission. They save your spot, but there is some paperwork involved... ). 

We had an eventful week...lots of activities!  Wednesday we had a Relief Soceity activity, had lunch, decorated ginger bread houses, did some essential oils stuff.  Sister Penstone literally is the best.  We talked to her about having a Christmas activity for everyone to get to know each other better and bond, etc.  And she goes off and does her party planning thing and prepares everything by the time we next meet ha.  I don't know how she does it.  On top of 5 kids and moving and Christmas and everything else.  Superhuman.  Then on Saturday we had a branch BBQ for Christmas, and then we traveled back to Ballajura (where we go to church in Ellenbrook) for a baptism Saturday evening with Shogan.  We had to do so much driving this week.  This means we are going to be on bikes pretty much for the rest of our lives.  No k's left ha.  (They get a certain number of miles per month.  Otherwise, they ride bikes... which Rebecca seems to like, but maybe not in 110 degree weather).  

This is pretty random, but Sister Ahlstrom is really into music and arts and things and yesterday we met this man who used to be a performer and was King Herod in "Jesus Christ Superstar".  He worked with Andrew Lloyd Weber and heaps of other super famous people.  I have never ever heard of this play, am I totally alone in this?  Just curious.

Earlier in the week we went to see this couple who live in Toodyay.  They are the coolest people ever!  And his name is Adam and he is super funny and smart and a bit quirky and I can see Adam being a bit like him when he grows up.  So Adam, you just have to move to Australia and own 5 alpacas.  He has soo many questions about God and religion, and is so eager for answers.

Oh, ok so this man just came into the library and he is very picky about what time he is on the computers, so we have to go.  But I love you all! Sorry for the random as email haha.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Love,

Sister Formica

Hey guys!  This week has been so good.  Sister Ahlstrom is feeling so much better, thanks for your prayers everyone.

WHOO!!  It's almost Christmas!!!  Hands down, one of my favourite times of year.  It wasn't really feeeling too much like Christmas, but it's starting to a bit more.  This last week we got a tree and decorations from the Penstones and our amazing neighbour Jenny.  I'll try to send some pictures next week (I temporarily--hopefully--misplaced my camera) so hopefully I will be able to find it soon. 

The spirit of Christmas is definitely real and beautiful.  But I think the power of it is proportional to the amount of people who understand what it's really about and get involved in the giving, serving and loving.  I'm not sure about that yet, I'll have to think about it some more, that just came out when I was typing haha. 

We're trying hard to spread those feelings though :) 

Here is a 2 minute Christmas video:  worth the time!!  https://www.mormon.org/christmas?cid=HP_SU_11-29-2015_dMIS_fSPC_xLIDyL1-A_

I am planning on going carolling with some of the families we know and with our neighbours.  I probably should let people know though and get it organized ha.  Just maybe.  I tend to plan things in my head and think people know about them.  I mentioned it to Sister Ahlstrom yesterday and she looked at me surprised because I was acting like it was something we had been planning on.  And I had been...just not out loud I guess.

This week we had some reappearances of people we haven't seen in a while.  We were able to see Bel and Nic and then Sunday they were back at church which was the BEST!

Nothing too dramatic happened except Ross came to church in a white shirt and tie!  And on a bike with a hurt ankle.  So that was a huge sign of commitment for him :)  

We've been super spoiled with everything, especially recently--food, Christmas stuff, etc. 

I am sooo grateful for the branch here, for Sister Ahlstrom, for my Heavenly Father and my Saviour and for this special time of year that brings families together.  And for egg nog which we just found in the shops today :)

Love you all!!  Have a great week!

Love,

Sister Formica

qwertyuiop

Hey guys!! 

What the heck? I don't know how November is over already...but Christmas is going to be great!  It doesn't feel like Christmas yet, maybe it's the heat.  You'd think I'd be used to it by now.

It's been a long week but a good one.  Sister Ahlstrom has been sick so we have been taking things a bit slower.  She is super tough though, but isn't getting any better, so we are going to have to rest a bit more this week.  Poor thing.

Not too much to report on...we really couldn't see many people this week.  A mission is the worst place to be sick.

We had an amazing Zone conference though. Amazing.  Can I just say I love President and Sister Fife? 

Um we taught primary this week because the Penstones were gone, and so we had 2 kids haha.  But it was crazy.  I think I'd prefer teaching a group of kids. Much easier.  They are little cuties, but let me tell you, they have a mind of their own.  We had a lot of fun though :) I love primary!  It would be nice to have that much energy haha.

Umm Saturday night we held a movie night at the chapel to give people an alternative to drinking with their friends and to make it easier for them to come to church the next morning.  The last part didn't quite work out ha, but it will!!  Some people were sick and other things happened...all fun stuff.  But it turned out really well and we want to make it a regular thing.

We went out to Calingri an hour away (not that that's news, everything is at least an hour away from here, just further into the bush or closer to Perth) and had Thanksgiving dinner with the coolest/best family ever.  So yes I had Thanksgiving :)

That's pretty much it.

Oh but my Ponderize verse is Matt 16:24-25. 

 24 ¶Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Christmas video - less than 2 minutes:   https://www.mormon.org/christmas

That's all folks.  Have a wonderful week!  I'll try to have more energy and more things to write next week.  Promise.  Love ya'll.

Love,

Sister Formica