Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Week 76

This was probably one of the best weeks of my mission! I mean the bar started pretty low and it was all up hill from there!

On Wednesday I had to say goodbye to Sister Stapelman which was so sad! I think we hugged 500 times before I had to watch her drive away to Laramie. Let me just say the goodbyes going home from a mission are much more heartbreaking than the ones coming out... no offense to my parents or Daniel.

I got my new companion, Sister White!!! She is so great! We have a lot in common and I should have rock solid abs by the end of this transfer because she makes me laugh all the time! She is from Indiana and has been on her mission for about 10 months. She is a go-getter and helps me with anything and everything. I love her!

We had many more lessons with Kat this week!!! We went over on Thursday and she has been reading everything and anything she can on Gospel Library. She even found Preach my Gospel and read a little bit of that. I'm proud of the sacrifices she is making. She dumped a whole bottle of her favorite wine down the sink and she cannot go a day without reading the Book of Mormon. She asked us so many questions and she bore her testimony to us that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith is a prophet. I couldn't quit smiling! We taught her again on Friday and Kat officially accepted a baptismal date of February 16th, which is also her birthday (more like rebirthday), and my 18 month mark. I couldn't think of a more perfect way to celebrate such a special day!

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for my Heavenly Father. Right when I think my mission couldn't get better, it does. I have seen miracles these last couple weeks. I have seen blessings and promises I received being fulfilled. I know more than ever that God is so good! Jesus Christ is our advocate, and He loves us. I am thankful that though I am an unprofitable servant that Heavenly Father allows me to be an instrument in His hands in bringing His children to the light of the gospel. 

I don't know what this transfer holds, but I do know one thing. It will be the best one yet! I love you all!

Love,
Anzie


Sister Gish and her new companion, Sister White!



Sister Gish in front of the Colorado Fort Collins Temple



Sister Gish, Sister Zundel, and Hermana Barnum




Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Week 75: Sister Gish Hits 17 Months!

Buckle up. I'm having all the feels and this weekly is about to be long.

So last Tuesday we got to teach Kat!!! Her husband is the one who called us last week. They asked if they could feed us dinner and it had just so happened that our dinner for that day cancelled, so we were completely free. We went over for dinner, and Kat is amazing. To say she is elect would be an absolute understatement. She was telling us how she wants to be sealed to her husband for eternity and she wants to do good and to be good! She was asking if we can truly feel that the gospel is true. We talked about how the spirit speaks to us in ways that are familiar, and I told her that when I hear something that is true, I get goosebumps. Right then she was like "WOAH! When you said that, I got goosebumps." Then she said that she wants to believe, so we invited her to read Alma 32 which is about how we can grow our faith, even if it is just a small desire to believe in God.

17 months. Holy cow! Where has the time gone? I start my last transfer tomorrow. bittersweet. it's the only word that comes to mind. My mission has completely changed my life. It has taught me how to rely on my Savior. I am honored to be one of His missionaries. 

Funny story! We were online proselyting this week to squeeze in our 20 people! We asked someone if they believed in Christ. He said no. So then we asked how he finds peace. He said "weed." Only in Colorado.

On Friday, I said goodbye to 4 of my very favorite sisters, one of them being my sweet companion, Sister Zitting! All of these sisters were wonderful examples and each one has touched my life for good. 

On Saturday, we got transfer news!! President McMurray called us to give us new assignments. I will be saying goodbye to my dear friend Sister Stapelman. She has taught me so many things! Her example of purity, charity, and hope has blessed my life and she will touch many lives in the windy city of Casper, Wyoming. I get the privilege of finishing my mission here in the Woodmere ward! My new companion will be Sister White. She is coming from the good ol Laramie YSA! I am excited to have one more companion to laugh with and teach with! 

Yesterday we taught Kat the gospel of Jesus Christ. She has been reading the Book of Mormon with excitement! We invited her to be baptized on February 16th and she was like "That's my birthday!" We literally had no clue. It's hard to put into words how powerful our 3 lessons with her have been this past week. All I can say is that teaching her has been one of the most sacred experiences of my mission. 

I will end by saying how thankful I am for priesthood blessings. I was feeling a little overwhelmed with various things, so I asked my dear friend Elder Hardie for a blessing. One line in the blessing really stood out to me. Everytime I get a priesthood blessing, it always says that the Lord loves me. This time it said "He likes you." I was a little shocked that he only likes me, but then an overwhelming sense of peace entered my heart. I was reminded that the lord is my friend. I am thankful for my Savior. He has the greatest love for us. So much that he laid His life down for you. You are His friend. He likes you alot!

I like you all too!

Sister Gish

Sister Gish hits her 17 month mark!



Sister Gish and Sister Zitting





Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Week 74

Hello Everyone! This week was so wonderful!!!

Last week we had District Preparation Day, and we had a "Caprizza Party." Pretty much we ate pizza, drank Capri suns, and played games! It was a good time! It was also Sister Stapelman's 14 month mark, so we celebrated by spoiling our dinner with Dairy Queen. Also, they gave it to us for free. Blessings of serving the Lord.

We had 5 lessons with Mike this week! He is progressing really well and he came to a baptism that the West Lake ward had on Saturday. We are hoping to put him back on date for baptism this week! He is so sweet!

We had Stake Conference on Saturday and Sunday! It was amazing! It was all about ministering, missionary work, and temple worship! The area mission statement sums it up perfectly:
" With faith in Jesus Christ, we joyfully walk the Covenant path that leads to life eternal, inviting all of God's children (on both sides of the veil) to join us in the journey!"

Also I got to see the Tanners, and that pretty much made my whole week! I love them!

Other than that this week was pretty normal. We woke up, we studied, we talked to people, it was awkward, it was scary, but it was satisfying! Though sometimes, I don't feel like street contacting is effective, I just knew that we would be blessed for our obedience and striving to talk to at least 20 people per day! Guess what? WE WERE!!! Yesterday, we got a call from a member saying that his wife was interested in taking the discussions and they are feeding us dinner tonight!! We literally screamed after we got his voicemail because we were so exited!
I feel so blessed that I get to be a missionary. I love inviting others to join me on the path that leads back to Heavenly Father! Have you had any prompting to share the gospel that you haven't followed through with? I would encourage you to act, to invite, and to feel the joy that comes with being an agent for the Lord!

I love you all! 

Sister Gish

Sister Gish and Sister Stapelman



Sister Gish and Sister Stapelman with the Tanner Family!



Sister Gish and Sister Stapelman

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Week 73

Hello! This week was awesome! We talked to 20 people everyday and it was full of exchanges!!!

On Wednesday I went on exchanges with Sister Doman! She is too sweet for words! I love how she always sees the best in other people! We had tons of fun talking to people at Walmart, getting ice cream, and having some member missionary work lessons! It was also fun visiting with Sister Rollins because she started her mission in Lander and we had a blast reminiscing about the Popo Agie ward!! 

On Friday I went on exchanges with Sister Lloyd! I could hardly believe she has only been in the field about a month! She is seriously such a stud! We talked to tons of people, got ice cream (again), and went out with the Hardie's! It was such a great day, not even being on foot could ruin it!

On Saturday we had zone lunch at President Crane's house! He is the Stake president here in Loveland and he is probably one of the coolest people ever! We talked about helping people along the Covenant path. I felt the spirit strongly as our zone sang "I Love to See the Temple" Faces of people I have taught and have come to love so dearly passed through my mind. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father allows me this honor to help Him in His work. I may not have had as many baptisms as other missionaries, but I feel that my mission has brought me so much more. It has brought me closer to my Savior. It has strengthened my knowledge and testimony of His doctrine. And it has taught me that His way is truly the path to happiness in this life. It might not always be easy or convenient to live the gospel, especially when we cannot see the blessings, but walk by faith, not by sight. Jeffrey R Holland said it best. "Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven, but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come" 

It is no coincidence that you are here on this earth, in this time! You are here to grow and to bless the lives of others. How has the gospel blessed your life?

I love you all and I hope you have a wonderful week! 

Sister Gish

Exchanges with Sister Lloyd



Exchanges with Sister Doman ft. a creepy bear at Walmart



A cute lil' deer



Sisters Call



Facemasks in the car with Sister Lloyd and Hermana Nichols

Saturday, January 5, 2019

Week 72: Happy New Years!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I cannot believe it is already 2019! I have absolutely loved 2018! I feel very lucky to have had 365 days of complete dedication to my Savior and my Father in Heaven! I am excited to see what 2019 holds for myself and for all of you whom I love dearly! At MLC this week President and Sister McMurray gave us a little printout that had the lyrics from the hymn "The Time is Far Spent". President McMurray's father gave him one on his mission and he has given it to each of his kids since. I feel special that he gave it to us too. I have been pondering it as the new year has been approaching. It says:

"Be fixed in your purpose, for Satan will try you;
The weight of your calling he perfectly knows.
Your path may be thorny, but Jesus is nigh you;
His arm is sufficient, tho demons oppose.
His arm is sufficient, tho demons oppose."

I love these lyrics! Satan knows perfectly the people that we can become, and frankly he is jealous. He will do absolutely everything to bring you down to his level of misery. Remember, no matter how difficult this year might be, "Jesus is nigh you!" He is there to lift you up and to wipe your tears! Rely on Him!

Other highlights of the week:

I got to go on exchanges with Sister Monik! She is so sweet and she is a great example to me of being trust worthy! She never speaks ill of people and I love how loyal she is to those she loves!

Like I mentioned earlier, we had Missionary Leadership Council! I love the spirit of revelation that is felt as the leadership of the mission discusses how we can help lift the mission to new heights! It's also great to be reunited with so many of my old companions and dear friends!

Talking to 20 people! So our mission is trying to make sure we talk to at least 20 people everyday! Every time I have major butterflies in my tummy! You just never know what you are going to get with some people, but you have to press forward because we want to share the gospel with all of God's children. This week we went to the sculpture garden and most people were rude! It was actually really funny because we approached someone and asked them a question and they totally stared us down and walked away. That's ok though, the next day we went to the Walmart parking lot to talk to people! It was freezing and snowing, but we just helped people put their groceries in their car and put their carts away for them. We were received much better yesterday! The adrenaline rush after talking to 20 people is exhilarating and even though it is always scary at first, I think I am going to miss being so awkward when I get home. Who am I kidding? I will probably still be awkward! Fools for Christ!

I love you all and I hope 2019 is everything you make it!

Love, 

Sister Gish

Sister Gish and Hermana Marin



MLC






Sister Gish and Sister Stapelman



Exchanges with Sister Monik



Decorating cookies with Sister Lund, Sister Stapelman, and Sister Zundel






Week 71: Merry Christmas from Sister Gish

Hello everyone! I don't have very much time today, so let's keep this short.  

Invitation Sunday was a smashing success in the Woodmere ward! There were so many less actives and nonmembers! I was so proud of the ward members! I was reminded of the words of our prophet when he said "Christ does not expect us to perform miracles. He asks only that we bring our brothers and sisters unto Him, for He has the power to redeem souls." 

We went caroling with our district this week which was fun because it reminded me of my Grandma Richins! People would light up when we started caroling to them because they said they hadn't had carolers in years. Some people tried to give us money too! I guess we sounded really good or something! Also I went on exchanges with Sister Zundel! Basically she is my best friend so we had a blast and talked to tons of people, spreading Christmas cheer wherever we went!!!

Christmas was amazing! It was wonderful to spend time with the Smith's! They made our Christmas merry and bright! I also loved talking to my family! I am thankful that I get to be with them forever! I could hardly believe it was my last phone call home on the mission! The next time I see them it will be all hugs!

Mostly, I am thankful for this time of year to celebrate the birth of our savior! It is my prayer that he will continue to be our focus for our whole year and life! I love Him. I also love you all! Thanks for all of you who helped to make my Christmas so brilliant!!!

Love, 

Sister Gish


Christmas Morning!



Christmas Calls!


More Christmas Calls!



Caroling with the Trilby District



Sister Gish and Sister Stapelman with the Hardies



Best district at the temple



Sister Gish at the Sculpture Garden



Exchanges with Sister Zundel