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?

Things I don't like about the MTC! (This is supposed to be funny)

Holy cow I hate this timer thing!  I only have 15 minutes to write this
letter so you probably will be getting one in the mail later this week.

This has really been a high high and a low low week for me.  I am still so
happy to be here but oy!

I don't like not being able to learn about earthquakes and apparently
hurricanes.  Tuesday Sister Lor and I had a TCR lesson with a less active.
We spent all morning preparing and I felt good about the lesson even though
we had literally 0 information about her.  We were teaching about families
and sharing info about our own family, when I said I was from Md.  She asked
how my family was doing after the earthquake.  Needless to say I stared at
her blankly until it registered, and then I said, "What earth quake!"  I
think I could have reacted better.  but it was fine.  Anyway, at that moment
I really thought it was a silly idea for us to not watch the evening news.
So did the investigator.

I am not a fan of being wrong.  Last week I had been dragging sister Lor to
the 6 am exercise class and working hard.  I thought I would hate it but it
is actually really fun!  I feel good after the class.  Well except for the
Tuesday where sister Lor and I couldn't climb the stairs.  But prayer works.  I
prayed that night that I wouldn't be sore and in the morning I wasn't.
Sister Lor was still sore, but that was because I forgot to include her in
my prayer.  Oops.  Anyway, I'm not a fan of this new development because now
when I think of all the times I said exercise is actually bad for the body
just makes me seem...wrong.  Not a fan.

I am not a fan of letters.  (To be clear this is really a joke.  I love
letters)  I'm not a fan because I get them at lunch and dinner (kudos on
sending me a ton of letters by the way.  really excellent job!)  but I'm not
allowed to open them until right before I go to bed.  So then I think, well
should I write in my journal and record these events for my children or
should I read my letter?  My poor children loose out every time.

I am not a fan of the Lord making me grow and stuff.  One of my big concerns
was that I wouldn't get along with the people around me.  I love sister Lor
who is going to Minneapolis not Milwaukee, but some of the elders would drive
me crazy ordinarily.  I can really see how the Lord is blessing me with
increased charity, because I'm not really that bothered by them.  Hey
heavenly Father sometimes I just want to be mad at people.

I love you all and love hearing from you.  I'll write a letter later today.
Oh I forgot to cancel netflix.  Can someone do that?

Love Sister Allred

Dropping Tressa off at the MTC

My mother wanted me to post some pictures of when we dropped Tressa off at the MTC. It was a very nice warm day and we did not have to be there until 12:45. I kept telling Tressa that if she was late that meant they would send her home and she couldn't go on her mission. Ha I get a kick out of myself. Tressa ignored me.

She got up and got ready 

Then Tressa, Grandpa, Liz, Milo, and I drove down to Provo. Before we went to the MTC we made a stop at Krispy Kreme and Jack and Laura's house.

Waiting in line for doughnuts. She looks like a missionary!

Doughnuts was such a good idea!

Tressa and Grandpa!

I didn't get any pictures at Jack and Laura's because I was way to busy talking. Sorry. Tressa really enjoyed seeing Uncle Jake, aunt Laura, and all of our cousin's although I could tell her mind was somewhere else. We went to lunch and then on to the MTC.

Aunt Tanya warned us that we would not be able to take pictures with Tress when we dropped her off and that we should go to the parking lot across the street before we drive onto the MTC grounds to take pictures. Enjoy!

You better believe I posted this picture! It is a classic Deborah and Tressa picture! Love this girl!

We missed having the rest of our family there!

Driving across the street onto the MTC grounds. I think she looks pretty nervous.

The Elder who was there to help her with her bags. (we didn't get out of the car)

Saying hello to the random sister missionary there.

Her last glance before entering the world of testosterone and aftershave. (or also known as the spiritual feasting center)

There goes our missionary, off to save the world!

We love you Sister Allred! You are going to do amazing things!!!!