Has it already been a Week?

Dear Family,

It's been another great week but not too much happened and so I'm trying to remember what stood out.  Umm...We are having so much fun with the members.  Sister Bean is a missionary that believes 100% in working with the members.  Which is pretty awesome.  I am meeting so many members that are fantastic.  Last night we had dinner with a family young family with 6 kids.  Talking with the mom about her mission and watching the dad with the kids was so much fun.  I saw what I want my family to look like when I am older.  Sister Bean just told me not to covet other people's families, but if i needed her help stealing the kids then she would do it.  It was pretty funny but I'm not exactly sure if she knew what I meant. 

We have a goal of teaching 20 lessons and when we were counting up our numbers Saturday night and realized that we were only at 14 lessons.  We really wanted to reach our goal and the Lord really pulled through for us because on Sunday we taught 7 lessons.  Okay I feel like I should clarify that they were all member lessons. But our mission wants us to count them in the total lesson column and we were able to make a lot of really nice bonds members we hadn't met yet.  It was a crazy night.  We had dinner at 5, and when we got to the family's house they were rushing around and told us dinner wouldn't be ready until 5:30.  We had to leave at 5:45. It was a fantastic gourmet meal but kind of hard to appreciate when we are wolfing it down.  Then we went rushing around to the member lessons we had set up, and were about 10 minutes late to almost all of them. That was a little stressful but I was able to feel the spirit with each family we met with. 

Earlier that day we got to go into Young Women's and talk about how the Lord has prepared us for our missions, and future service in the church.  It was pretty weird being back in young women's but I had so much fun talking to them. What was even cooler was that I got to talk to some of the young women afterwards that they really felt the spirit and were excited about missionary work. One Laural asked if she could go out with us one night.  Sister Bean and I really feel that the Lord put sisters in this ward for a reason.  They have never had sisters and I think it is a really good thing that we are here right now.

We finally met with an investigator family that we had been trying to meet with since the night we got to the area.  We were super worried because in the area book it said they really didn't want to even talk with the missionaries and they were much friendlier to the one fellowshipper that they had. Our first meeting with them went much longer then we had expected and they were so happy to talk to us.  It was kind of hard to get the dad to stop talking so we could leave.  We were able to make a friendship as well as talk about the gospel and really understand what they were looking for.  That was a great night. 

We have been working with some ladies Vicky and Devota that the elders found before we came.  They are moving to the Midwest and so we really have just been helping them pack up.  They left yesterday and so we spent a good bit of time helping them move.  It was kind of sad because we really didn't get to teach them much, but I was really happy that I could help and relieve a lot of stress for them.

On Saturday we got to go to the Women Conference. I was sitting there right before it started and thinking about if my family was watching to the conference too. It was a big comfort to me, and then the conference was so fantastic.  I had a couple questions about missionary work that I thought of before the conference and every talk address all of my questions it was such a cool experience. I know that the Lord knows the thought of our hearts.  I know that he wants to tells us things and help us answer our questions, but he needs us to ask.  I am gaining such a strong testimony that if we prepare the Lord will give us so much. 

 I love you all and I know that the Lord loves you all.  I'm praying for you and I know that he is there for us.

Enjoying the Journey,

Love Sister Allred

One more week, Many more adventures

***A Note from the Editor: I am sorry I am such a slacker and haven't posted for a week. Here are is Tressa's email from Last week. Her written letter will come shortly.***

 

 

Dear family,

 

I can't tell you how excited that it's Tuesday.  I do really good up until Sunday and then all I want to do is check my  mail and tell you what has been going on lately.  I got the letter that Liz sent me and that was great! 

 

This has been a crazy week.  I think we have more of a handle on our area now and we have met A LOT of members.  We even have a girl that could become a progressing investigator.  You can totally see how the Lord has prepared her to hear the missionaries.  She was actually a referral and she actually flagged down the missionaries, asking for a Book of Mormon.  That's pretty cool.

 

We had 2 meetings this week and they took up the whole day so it was a bit of a weird week.  The first meeting was fun and I learned a lot, the second meeting was for the new missionaries and their trainers.  I was actually pretty excited to see my MTC elders.  It was almost like I was seeing long time friends or something.  Sister Bean and I worked on how sometimes I'm a little stiff around people and so during that meeting I tried really hard to just be myself and relax.  I honestly think the Elders did not know how to handle me.  They were totally thrown off, which made it great, but on the other hand I thought was I really so stuck up in the MTC? 

 

I was caught off guard during the training because President Cook had us go around and describe the companionship study that we had for the morning before.  I couldn't exactly remember what we did so I just started describing one study that we had earlier that week.  Sister Bean had me work on the first vision.  She made me memorize it and then we worked on delivery.  She told me not to go onto the next word until prompted to by the Holy Ghost.  It was pretty awesome in our practice.  But then President Cook asks me to give him the first vision.

 

I honestly did not expect it at all, and I started in the middle on the vision.  I stopped myself and President Cook told me to tell him what I would say to work into it. So there I was giving the restoration to my mission President in front of a whole bunch of people! I did not expect it and I did not like it one bit. No not at all.  But I did make him cry.

 

We got the new relief society book on Sunday and I  love it.  I've already read 2 ensigns our search for happiness and our heritage, and so to have new reading material is great.  Although now that Sister Bean and I are getting closer and closer I usually spend my lunch hour talking instead of reading.  Oh! another thing I ate.  I am eating a ton of mushrooms.  I do think the Lord took pity on me when he sent we to California.   The fish was okay and I probably would say that I maybe possibly over react at home to the thought of eating fish.  But I still don't like it.

 

One of the ward missionaries made this introductory flier of sister Bean and I and we both put that we like potatoes and pasta.  We have had potatoes or pasta and every dinner appointment since, except for the time that they took us to a Mexican restaurant.  We've had some really awesome experiences with the members here.  They are super excited to have sisters and I really think that there are families we can help members and nonmembers.  Its been great. 

 

I love all of you so much and miss you a bunch.  I have been learning a lot about the spirit and relying on it to prompt me when to talk.  It was so goo to hear from everyone and I'll write everyone today. 

 

Enjoying the Journey,

 

Sister Allred

This is not the California I remember!

Dear Family,

I get a FULL HOUR on the computer!  Do you know how cool that is?  I don't feel like I have to speed read!  It's awesome. Oh and let me just say, Carlsbad is nothing like Victorville.  Nothing.  Carlsbad is very very pretty.

This week has been pretty crazy. After I called home we had to board pretty quickly.  Really being a travel leader was fine.  We are all big kids after and everyone could handle themselves except for Elder Hemelgarn who was over weight and tried to bring a Swiss army pocket knife in his carry on.  It's true.  Also the ride was only an hour so that was great.

We got to San Diego and were picked up by the APs and President and Sister Cook.  It was all going super fast as we got in the car, and drove up the the mission home and took pictures and had something to eat.  I would like to say that we were fed breakfast burritos.  Yes, with egg.  And I ate it until I was full.  Okay, I'll say it.  "GO ME!"  Then President Cook had to do interviews and so for the first time since he has been president he let the new missionaries take a nap.  I had been up since 2 AM and so I absolutely loved it.  Then we had some training and went to the transfer meeting and got my companion.

I really like sister Bean.  It was pretty funny because when President Cook put us in companionships he told the group something fun about us.  When he got to me he said, "Sister Bean you are going to have to be careful with Sister Allred, because she can get a little wild and crazy."  Everyone in my district looked confused including myself because never once did I get wild and crazy in the MTC.  Once I sort of started to dance in my seat a little and that threw everyone for a loop.  But then President Cook said "In Idaho when she gets bored she sets up a pool in her kitchen and goes swimming."  I had briefly mentioned that in my interview because I totally blanked when he asked me what my hobbies were.  Take that Elders, I do more then just read and study.  Ha!

I'm assigned to work in the La Costa ward Del Mar area.  We are still in Carlsbad, but it's the southern part of the mission.  We were white washed into the area (which means both the missionaries are transferred in to the area) and there haven't been sisters here for a really long time.  It's been hard being white washed into your first area because, ordinarily when white washed you have no idea what you are doing, but because I'm new, I really have no idea what I'm doing.  I just kind of wander around asking if people want to hear the gospel.

Actually I really haven't talked to nonmember.  It's mostly been members and less actives.  Sister Bean really believes in working with the members and hates tracking.  We have done it a couple times and I've have people refuse to shake my hand and slowly start to back away from me and I introduce myself.  One night we went downstairs to our neighbor to ask for wax paper, and she said she debated opening the door or not.  Wow.  Okay.  Thanks for telling me you want to avoid me like the plague.  Can I have some wax paper?

Thursday was fun because we had a couple appointments set up and then we had that huge black out.  I don''t know if you saw, but apparently it like went into Mexico it was so huge.  Sister Bean and I didn't really know what to do and so we just went to our appointment, but they had completely forgotten about us.  Then we just started driving around the rich gated communities because, hey they're open so why not?  It was pretty fun until we realized our phone was on silent and the district leaders had called to tell us to be home a half hour ago.  That was not fun, but also pretty funny.

Holy cow that went fast.  I think I might have missed a few dear elders because I'm not sure if I got Eldon's and Deborah's last letter.  But I'm going to a training tomorrow and might get something then.  I love you and love the work that I'm doing.  I know that this is the true church and that testimony gets reconfirmed everyday I am here.  I miss you all.

Love,

Sister Allred

also did not get Daniel's address and I need Eldon's

Paper Letter (August 30)

August 30, 2011

Dear Family,

  I needed to send a quick letter to everyone to let you know how much I love you. Today sister Walker found out her Dad died suddenly. 

   She is a convert to the church and her father was not a member and did not understand why she was on a mission. At home she was the one who took care of him, and that is the hardest part.

   It has cast a pall over our district. Our hearts are breaking for Sister Walker. We know how much she loves the gospel. She thought her dad would be converted while on her mission, but I doubt she pictured it like this.

   Everyone in the district is also thinking of our own families. I want you to know how much I love you. You are such a strength in my life. I'm not expecting anyone to die while I'm gone, but please remember that the Lord has blessed protection on you. That is something I need to remember also.

   I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I don't know how to help Sister Walker, but I know that the Savior can comfort her and embrace her in his arms.

   The plan of salvation has so much significance in our lives. It is essential to our eternal happiness. I feel so privileged to be chosen to spread this word. I know it has made a difference in my life. It has made a difference in Sister Walker's like and it will be an eternal impact to those we teach.

   I love this church. I love the Lord, and I love my family.

Love,

     Sister Allred

Paper Letter (August 29) **this one has pictures!**

August 29, 2011

Dear Mom and Dad,

     Writting emails at the MTC is hard! They have this timer and I don't think it does anything if you go over but I still don't want to risk it.

    We've had some triumphs this week. Brother Hale is our investigator dave, and dave is hard but I feel like I'm investing in him the most. I worry that I am going to get heartbroken if I meet a Dave investigator in th field and they don't get baptized. My whole district wants to drop Dave but I think dave is the one investigator that really needs us to guide him to Christ. All the other investigators were able to find their way much closer to Christ and we just need to complete the puzzel. Does that make sense?

    The Elders in my district hate role playing but I love it! I pray for Dave and Marla all the time. Oh well, that was a tangent.

    This week we had a really good lesson with Dave. I've been struggling with inspired questions, but during this lesson they were just coming out and I feel like we made progress. Brother Hale said later, "Those questions you asked were inspired and a half!" I was thrilled until I remembered those questions were all Brother Prewitt's idea when we asked him for advice about Dave. At least we know Brother Prewitt was inspired.

     We taught Marla her 3rd lesson. As we came out of our 2nd lesson we were kicking ourselves because we knew if we extended a baptismal invitation she would have said yes. On the 3rd lesson that was our only goal but we only had 10 minutes. I think Sister Latu was ready for us to get the corage because Marla practically forced us to ask her to be baptized. Anyway I think we learned a lot from that. 

    Later that day Sister Lor went to the TRC (Teaching Resource Center) to be a Hmong investigator. I went along and was a "friend" of an english investigator. I took my tag off and used my first name and everything. But the sisters who came to teach the lesson recognized me from an hour before in the bookstore. I felt really bad for them because the were really confused and I think it threw them off their game for a little bit. Oh well.

   Yesterday I got called to act as the coordinating sister fro my branch, which ust means I need to take care of the girls and make sure they are following the rules. The sisters in the other district we don't have anymore and we don't have more coming into the MTC, so it is just going to be my district. Yesterday I into an orientation meeting. I had to get two Elders to drop me off and two Elders to pick me up. We got out of the meeting early and I felt like a little kid at day care wondering if her parents forgot to pick her up. I really missed sister Lor.

    I also got called to be the travel leader. We are leaving September 6th in the morning. 3 Spanish speaking elders are coming with the 6 of us. I'm the only sister and I get to choose which companionship to join. Oh Joy. Which pair of Elders should I have stand outside of the ladies room for me while we travel?

    I'm really sorry to hear about Uncle Danny. I hope he is alright and I'll be praying for him. 

    I think that is creepy you got an earthquake and a hurricane all in one week. I sort of wished I was there. I'm also really proud that you took care of those 3 boys, but really I knew you could do it. 

    I really miss home but like I said before, I try not to let myself think about that. People here are not as funny as everyone at home. And people don't think I am as funny either! One day I was talking to Elder Van Orden about Being the travel leader. I said in a really dry tone, "Yes, I am so excited. I get to choose the companions. I'm all powerful. The power is going to my head." With each sentance I looked for any sort of reaction. But he just looked at me as if I was explaining a gospel principle. He just kept nodding his head. finally I told him that was all supposed to be funny. Sure, maybe not my best, but a little chuckle would have been nice. he looked shocked and asked "was I supposed to react?" What's wrong with these people?!

   I love you all! Dear Elder is probably best while in the MTC. I know the gospel is true and I really feel God's love in my life. 

Love,

     Sister Allred

The California Carlsbad Mission

The California, Carlsbad missionaries
Elder Gardner, Elder Smith, Sister Allred, Elder Hemelgarn, Elder Mallon, Elder Bush

Tressa's District
Back Row: Elder Terry, Elder Van Orden, Elder Hemelgarn, Elder Smith, Elder Worley, Elder Bush, Elder Mallon, Elder Gardner
Front Row: Sister Allred, Sister Lor, Sister Walker, Sister Havili

The sisters in my district: Tressa, Sister Havili, Sister Lor, Sister Walker

Sister Havili, Sister Walker, Sister Allred, Sister Lor

Sisters in my zone: Sister Eckells, Sister Tulliloa, Sister Allred, Sister Lor, Sister Thomas, Sister Webb

They Have missionary tags!!!

Tressa and her companion Sister Lor

Paper Letter (August 22)

August 22, 2011

Dear Family,

    I did not have enough time to write the email and I sent it with 1 minute on the clock feeling completely unsatisfied so I am writing again. Sister Lor and I are writing at the temple and although I think the Provo temple looks like a birthday cake for a one year old, it's still really nice to be at the temple.

I'm leaving on September 6th, but I don't have any travel info other then that. I got letters from Dad and Liz which I loved! My PO Box # is 101. I felt sort of bad because they pass letters out at lunch and dinner and I am the only one that got letters from family this week. So Kudos Allred family! I also feel bad because when I opened my inbox I had tons of email but sister Lor didn't have any. Her parents didn't email and she didn't tell her sisters her address so there is that reason, but again Kudos Allred family!

There are tons of things through out the day I and to call home and talk about, but we can only write home on p-day. I'm just writing it down in my journal. Also, I saw Mathew Millar, Chris Krewson (he is a teacher) and a ton of people from BYU-Idaho. I haven't seen the Hawks, but I don't really see the couple missionaries.

I do feel like I am living in the land of aftershave and testosterone (Liz's words), but I think it is a tender mercy that I don't mind so much. I see enough sisters around which helps. The elders in my district are definitely 19. I think this is the first time most of then have been asked to sit in a room and study and I think it's hard for them. Elder Smith that we met at noodles and company is in my district and there are two Elders (Elder Bush and Elder Mallon) are from Northern Virginia. I think Springfield. One of the blessings from the Lord was that the other day I was getting frustrated by their lack of focus I realized they are worthy priesthood holders and the Lord has great plans for them. That helped a lot.

I do feel like the stick in the mud but I think another blessing is that I really don't care. I'm here for a purpose. I am going to work my tail off for that purpose, and I really don't have to worry about what others think about me. That has been a nice thought for me.

This Week we are teaching everyday except for today, and honestly we have so much free time today that sister Lor and I don't know what to do with ourselves. It's only 9:30 and we are pretty much at a loss. 

Let the McKay's know that I was so grateful for their letter. I'll try to write back.... Yeah, I think I'll have the time today.

I love you all! Hope everyone is happy and healthy.

Love, 

Tressa

      Oops! Sister Allred

My Last Week in the MTC

Dear Family,

This is my last email from the MTC.  The temple is closed today so I probably will have time to write real letters today.  We woke up early to do laundry, so now the only thing left to do today is to pack everything.  I think it's going to be a pretty calm day.

This has been a really crazy week, and emotions have been running high in the entire district.  Tuesday was a rough day.  I think we were all really rattled by Sister Walker's  news and so we were all on edge.**Tressa wrote an actual letter last week and told us Sister Walker's Father had suddenly Pasted away**  I think because everyone stayed together to rally around each other we got on each others nerves quite a bit.  We also got to hear Elder Holland talk at devotional on Tuesday.  It was amazing.  First he told us how much he loved us and then he strongly rebuked us, but we were still wanting more.  Sister Walker loves Elder Holland and so I really think that he came on Tuesday for a reason.  Later that night as we were doing personal study, I almost yelled at Elder Mallon because he was being super inappropriate.  Elder Terry told me to stop and that helped me pull myself back.  But then when Elder Mallon kept going, his companion started to go at him.  It was a very tense night, and luckily Sister Walker was with the Branch President for all of it.  There have been a lot of issues with the elders.  Apparently one elder brought a cell phone and now he isn't talking to his companion because his companion turned him in.  Elder Gardner and elder Mallon haven't really been talking.

I was feeling really frustrated, because I wasn't feeling as good or as tolerant as I normally feel and didn't know what to think about it.  I was praying about it on Tuesday and Wednesday and I got the really strong impression that I needed to repent and more specifically apologize to Elder Mallon.  When I thought that I knew it was right but I continued in my Prayer, "Seriously heavenly Father?  Seriously?...Whyyyyyyy!"  I think I need to work on being more accepting of the Lords council.

Anyway, on Wednesday during zone teaching (I had plenty of opportunity to apologize before then but I couldn't get myself to) Elder Mallon was getting in my conversation and saying things that really bugged me.  I help like the holy ghost said, "Tressa.  Do it now."  So I got sister Lor and I quietly asked Elder Mallon to come outside with me.  I was hoping people wouldn't notice, but everyone watched us go out,  Elder mallon is a big guy and I knew he thought he was going into a fight.  He kind of tried making himself puffed up and I thought, that looked a little stupid, but then I had to repent of that thought as well.  As soon as I started to apologize he deflated and I think even though he has 4 sisters he was very uncomfortable with the sudden display of emotion.  He started to back up immediately, but I kept trying to help him understand why I was sorry (because at that point I really was)  and why I had a hard time sometimes.

When we went back into the classroom the entire zone was silent waiting for us.   Later Elder Van Order told me he thought one of us was going to come back with a broken arm.  The whole apology thing really threw them.  I still get afraid that Elder Mallon is going to become the zone leader or AP and I'm going to have to deal with him in the feild, but for right now I'm feeling really good.

Sister walker went home to Canada this week.  She is going to be back here tonight in time for her to leave for Jamaica at 2:30 am.  I'm leaving at 4:30, and I think I should be through security around 9am your time.  I'll get to make a quick call home.  President Gubler said to get off the phone before I get home sick, so it probably won't be a long call, but I'm excited.  I can't believe this is my last day that the MTC.  It seems like it has been FOREVER!  At the same time I'm pretty scared and excited to go into the field.  This is going to be an adventure.

I love you all.

Sister Allred

Also can I have daniel's address so I can return some of his emails?

Dearelder.com

Hey Everyone!
    I am sure most of you know about this already (it's not a secret), but a quick easy way to get messages to Tressa....ehem, I mean Sister Allred the same day is to send her a letter at dearelder.com. The will print the letters off right there at the MTC for free and pass them out to the missionaries at lunch and dinner. It is only free while she is in the MTC and then after that it cost the same amount as a stamp. Which if you are like me it is totally worth it! It is so much easier to type out a letter to Tressa Sister Allred and have them worry about putting it in an envelope and mailing it. If I have to mail some thing it could take months to get it done! Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know! Dear Elder is a good idea.