Behold, I Am a Disciple of Jesus Christ

Well, here's a last email for everyone. There's not really enough words to express how blessed I feel. What a privilege this last year and a half has been. I wouldn't trade it for the world. President Evans has often said as missionaries we were called to this mission to be a lifelong witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I've also heard from the mouth of an Apostle that we should fall to our knees and thank our lucky stars we were called to serve in the shadow of the Hill Cumorah. It's been posted on bulletin boards and in apartments on the walls that we are "Guardians of the Restoration."

Every morning in companionship study I have recited 3 Nephi 5:13 which says, "Behold, I am disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life."  If anything, serving in Palmyra has taught me that Christ lives. That He loves us dearly. That He appeared to the young boy Joseph Smith in a place I got to call home for a time. And that I am, and forever will be, His disciple.

This morning as departing missionaries we got to spend some time in the temple and sitting inside, I began to reflect on the people I've come to know. On those who I've watched change their whole lives around. I am so grateful to them and for all of the experiences I've been able to have.

Though I may not always wear the nametag, I will forever stand a guardian of the Restoration, a lifelong witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and most importantly--a disciple of Jesus Christ.

With all my love,
Hermana Abreu

1. An Investigator gave us a plate of desserts!
2. Up close and personal with some of my favorite people
3. Sister Croxall decided she was strong and could carry her trainer! She survived!4. It looks like I cut my hair but I promise I didn’t!

17,000 Referrals

Hello! (April 9, 2018)

Ok, another week. It's been a great one, that's for sure. We had zone conference at the Peter Whitmer farm, and being there so close to the day the church was organized so many years ago was a very special experience. I've loved being at the Whitmer again these last few weeks, it's quickly become one of my favorite sites again.

For those who've been reading most of my mission might be familiar with the online work we do. Well, there's been some developments there. Last week we discovered the historic sites would no longer be doing online, which came as a huge shock and a blow to all of us. We recovered though and continued to give tours. However, this past week we were called in for a mandatory meeting at the Hill Cumorah with Salt Lake. There we discovered a huge problem. Recently they have re-done the mormon.org online portal, from the missionary's point of view, and vamped up some of the ads for mormon.org in a few different missions. Nothing much was really happening, until a few days ago they stumbled upon a que where 17,000 referrals for Bible and Book of Mormons had been misplaced, for over three months. And now they need our help. So we have been spending a lot of time sifting through these referrals. We're looking to have them all filtered out within fifteen days. If anyone's up for the challenge it's most definitely the Hill Cumorah Visitors' Center. These last few weeks should be a wild ride though.

Speaking of wild ride, surprisingly, it's been quite snowy the past few days. It's an odd snow. One moment it will be freezing cold and winds blowing and snow gathering, and then the next the sun comes out and melts it all, then it comes back, and then it happens again, all within an hours time. The winter is fighting it's way through, but it's just another sign that Spring is coming! Sister Croxall and I have been out, whether in rain or shine, and testifying.

Those we are teaching are doing well, and we continue to help them with their progression. The tours we've taken the past couple of days have been very special, and even if they come in the rain or snow, they have all been grateful to see these sites. The Mom of one group commented that nobody else they know could say they walked through the grove in a blizzard.

I love you all and hope your week is filled with miracles!

With much love,
-Hermana Abreu

1. Being back online, reunited!

2. Our reactions the night after the meeting with Salt Lake 

3. At the Smith Farm in the snow

4. We got stuck in the snow, so we decided to take a picture

The Anniversary of the Book of Mormon and Conference!

 April 2, 2018

Conference was amazing!! What an experience to enjoy on the mission. On Saturday during the solemn assembly we had been called into the Smith Farm because things were going crazy (groups coming in by the twenties, which after a long winter is a lot) but oh what a special experience. I will forever remember sitting in the welcome center of the Smith Farm, watching conference from Elder Thompson (one of the senior Elders) from his laptop, and standing to sustain the prophet Rusell M. Nelson as the Lord's prophet and watchman on the earth today. The Spirit was indescribable. The announcement about the new ministering program is more than exciting, and I am thrilled to really delve into it in the coming months!

The Novicks came to the Sunday morning session of conference and I know a lot of the talks given were inspired for them. Things have been going well, though we might have to push Damian's date back because things have been super busy for them and we haven't been able to meet as often. But the Lord has a plan for them, and I know He will accomplish that plan.

Another highlight of the week was the anniversary of the printing of the Book of Mormon, and so at the Grandin building we again celebrated in good old pioneer style, similar as last year. We borrowed costumes from the Walton family and Sister Croxall and I were fabulous! The crowds brought back memories of Pageant and the joys of testifying to large groups of the truth of the Book of Mormon.

All in all we had a beautiful Easter Sabbath, and we listened to the Lamb of God on our drives (who my lovely companion lets me sing my heart out to) and I am simply grateful for the message of the Risen Christ. I know He lives. I know He loves us. I know His gospel has been restored to the earth.

I love you all! Have a very great week!

1. Making Rice Krispies!
2. Jumping for joy on Easter
3. Fun Picture Sister Croxall took
4. The District at the Anniversary of the Publication of the Book of Mormon
5. Sister Croxall and I having fun with displays 

Training Continues!

 March 26, 2018

Hello everyone! Another week in the life! Sister Croxall continues to be amazing and a joy to serve around. We have a blast together, whether knocking doors or planning lessons. She's the best! Everyone we are teaching continues to move along. We saw the Novicks recently and Damian, as stubborn as he is, is progressing. We've are also working with a woman named Laquana who the past Elders used to be working with, and she is on date for baptism, which is exciting! We had a very exciting trip to a mysterious town called "Ontario" which lied in the Elders area but is now ours, which is where we saw Laquana. What a trip!

We've had a good deal of new sister training at the Hill Cumorah and also the Smith Farm. Taking the new sisters through has been a joy and a sweet experience for me, remembering my first few days and having no idea about what a "frame home" was and who lived there. Sister Croxall is a trooper and is eager to learn all she can about the sites!

A good amount of Sister Croxall's first tours have been Spanish (the joys of having a Spanish companion). We took one from Colombia at the Grandin building and another from Argentina at the Smith Farm. It always touches me to see how far they've come to experience the sites, and it's always a joy to spend time with them.

I love you all and hope your week is fabulous!

1. new Sister Training at the Smith Farm 

2. Saying goodbye to the rowley’s at Site Meeting 

3. In the Sacred grove with Sister Croxall

4. Last week was cold!

First Week of Training!

March 19, 2018

So, lots to be discussed! Wednesday morning we picked up our trainees and I discovered my new companion was Sister Croxall! She's the most amazing person ever. She's from Wisconsin/Pennsylvania (her family moved to Pennsylvania about a year ago, so she's a mix of the two). She has a cute Wisconsin accent, and a very sweet and powerful testimony. Getting the privilege to train her has been the best. She is just so eager to learn and so willing to take on any task thrown at her.

Meanwhile the area has slightly exploded. The Elders who used to be in the Palmyra ward have now been taken out, and so we just have two sets of sisters. We've taken over a piece of the Elders area, and so we are working with a lot of their people now, one woman named Laquana who is on date for baptism! We've recently found a lot of new people in Sister Croxall's first few days. Just to hit a few highlights the Novicks are doing well and we had a lesson with a member who clicked instantly with Wendy, so we're excited for that! We're still meeting with the Castellanos and speaking Spanish has still been a pleasure. Speaking of Spanish, Sister Croxall's first tour at the Smith Farm was in Spanish! A family from Colombia came with the sweetest kids and the strongest testimonies, it was a pleasure to get to know them.
The week has been filled with lots of new sister meetings and new missionary trainings, and as we've attended them I've been hit with flashbacks of what it feels like to be new, to be overwhelmed, but excited and ready for an adventure. And though I may not be in that spot, there's still more adventure ahead which we're very excited to experience.

Love you all! Have a very great week!

1. Sister Lytle (who I used to live with back in full site) found Cheerwine at a store and bought me one because she’s the best person ever!!
2. Sister Croxall and I in the snow
3. Sister Croxall and I with the Book of Mormon

Site Sisters—A.K.A The Neffites

March 13, 2018

What a week of discoveries! Transfers have come around one last time and I'm training! I have been released as a Visitors' Center Trainer and will be welcoming in a brand new missionary to the Macedon area! Very exciting times indeed are ahead of us, and for the area. Today has been filled with packing (I'm moving back to the New White House, across the street from the Old White House, and will be living with Sister Dickey who is also training!) We'll pick up our trainees tomorrow and then we'll find out who gets to be the lucky sister paired with me :)

It's been a transfer, that's for sure. I've had many fond memories of being a Visitors' Center Trainer and the people I've been able to interact with and serve. Amidst all the schedule making and meetings and new site director craziness, it's been an incredible privilege to serve the sisters in this capacity. I've loved every minute. And I’ve also loved Sister Hallows. Her baking and stories will always be remembered.
So lots is happening. In terms of the week things are still going well! We are still working with the Castellanos and the Novicks, and Tim and Ashley, and all are doing well, each progressing in their own ways! We had a very special site meeting this past week at the Grandin building in preparation for March 26th (the anniversary of the publication of the Book of Mormon) where we walked through and basically took a tour from everyone. Different sisters were assigned different spots at the sites and were asked to tell what they told there. Hearing everyone's testimonies of the special events that took place here was very special, and I was again struck with gratitude for the ability to serve here.

The Neffs, being the founders of Neff beanies, later gave out Neff beanies, which all of the sisters now own. What a site we are (pictures featured below).

So there are still six weeks of journeying that await and I couldn't be more excited! I love you all!!

Hermana Abreu 

1. The sisters with Elder Neff

2. In the stairwell with everyone (we thought there’d be better lighting) 

3. All the sisters and senior couples 

New Sisters and Lots of Spanish

 March 7, 2018

Hello everyone! Many apologies for the late Pday! This past month we have been low on sisters at the sites since it’s been so slow, and so we’ve only assigned them at the Hill Cumorah, but since it’s switched over to March this week we’ve needed to schedule them back at the Smith Farm, but since it’s the last week of the transfer, don’t have the new sisters needed to supply those shifts. So we’ve all been working double and we last minute switched our Pday so we could make it work. It somehow always works out in the end. But again, many apologies for the last notice!

This week has been great! We continue to see the Novicks and Damian is coming to know it’s true more and more. He’s never been on date for baptism before, but this week we extended an official date, which he accepted! It was the most intense thing ever. But oh so wonderful! 

Also, the Castellanos came to church again! Also, plot twist! They’re not all Castellanos, and they’re not all from El Salvador, one is from Guatemala. Anyway, the more the merrier! We did the translating for them again, this time being fast and testimony meeting. It’s a rather intense thing, but I love it so much. We’re talking about possibly getting a Spanish Gospel principles class set up. Many thing are ahead! 

Sister Braunberger and I have also spent a good amount of time in meetings preparing for the new sisters coming. There is a lot in the works, and lots of trainings to come, which we’re excited for. We’re just excited for them to arrive!

Things continue to move along well here, I love you all!

Hermana Abreu

1. The temple in the distance

2. For exercise one morning we ran along the rock wall by the temple which the Smiths built 

3. Sister Hallows bike riding last Pday 

3. We send the Castellanos videos and they’ve started to send us some back, one of them being a clip from a Bible Site in Spanish that completely was taken from the Bible videos on LDS.org. It made us chuckle.

 

The Return of Elder Bennett

 Feb. 26, 2018

What a week of miracles! Those who’ve been reading these emails may have remembered a few months ago back in October emailing about a mission tour with Elder Bennett. In it our mission was rebuked, but in the process, spiritually strengthened and we’ve come out better for it. I’ve seen so much progress in the mission and in the individual missionaries these last few months since Elder Bennett came, and then the impossible happened. He returned! Members of the seventy are normally very busy and so coming back to a mission just doesn’t happen, but it did! 

In preparation we were asked to study the Sons of Mosiah like we never had before and boy, did we study them. After coming prepared and ready we gave an account to Elder Bennett about what had changed. What a special experience, to see real repentance in the lives of all of the missionaries. But in his return he also taught us so much more. The Sons of Mosiah were consecrated missionaries, and not just missionaries, consecrated people. They gave everything to the Lord because they loved the Lord. That’s the important part and where everything stems from. If we love God, everything else falls into place. 

So we went out and worked! Macedon is doing great and we’ve seen many miracles (including having the cops called on us again, this time the cop accepted a Book of Mormon). But if anything I’ve noticed after Elder Bennett’s Return our work ethic hasn’t changed, but my heart has. I feel more for those we work with and their situations. I love it here, and I love these people. 

I love you all very much as well and am always praying for you!

Sincerely, 

Hermana Abreu

1. The other day we were carrying in groceries and Sister Hallows leaned over our van Lucy and looks like a model for our car, so we took a picture. 

2. Skyping district Meeting. Being split Visitors Center Trainer, Sister Braunberger and I were on exchanges at the Hill Cumorah with Sister Moberly while Sister Hallows was with Sister Dickey. Very fun times.

3. It was super warm the other day so we took out the bikes!

 

Mission Goal Accomplished

 (Feb. 13, 2018)

Another week gone by! You would think now that I'm the one making the schedule I would be better about letting everyone know when my next pday is, but alas, it has been an eternal struggle of a Visitors Center mission. So I'm sorry this is coming a day later than usual!

We're still trying to get the hang of the split Visitors Center Trainer thing, but it will work out, I'm sure. Evenings in the area though are always guaranteed, so we've spent the past few days knocking in the dark! We even got the police called on us! We pulled up to house and parked on the other side of the road, but hadn't finished evaluating a lesson we'd just had. When we finished that up we got, knocked on the door, and testified to the man on the other side, then he shook his head and said, "You really shouldn't be lurking outside on these country roads. I've already called the cops." Sister Hallows and I both looked at each other and I said, "Oh...should we come park in your driveway instead?" "No, just sit in your car and wait for them to come." *Closes door* Dang it. But then we testified to the cop! So all in all I figured it was a pretty good night. Mission goal accomplished!

In terms how people are doing, the Castellanos have been out of town lately so we haven't been able to see them. Tim and Ashley are still doing well! The ward put on a Hawaiin Luau which they came to and loved! They are just the sweetest to watch, and may be shy at first, but are the best as soon as they open up. The Novicks are also doing well and continue to gain an understanding of things bit by bit.

We are also working with the boyfriend of a less active named Mike. He lived in the same household as Brother Tilly who I may have mentioned a few letters back as being the man who brought a goldfish back to life after his baptism. Mike is the one who Sister Murdock and I helped quit smoking and are keeping his pipe until his baptism. His baptism is coming up pretty soon, though we've found out he's been vaping, and so we're helping him overcome that. Addiction is a very hard thing, is all I can say, but the Savior is vital in the work of recovery.

All in all it's been a good week! The Neffs are doing great and the work moves forward! I really do love you all and hope you have a great Valentine's Day!!

Hermana Abreu

1. Sister Hallows and I visiting the Erie Canal this past Pday
2. I was freezing
3. The Lock is also freezing 

Temples and Cross Creek Bible Study!

Hello!! (Feb. 5, 2018)

Ok, so what a week. It's been pretty hectic, but nonetheless exhilarating! We had Mission Leadership Council this past week and a few other meetings, and so it's just been moving from place to place basically. It's been so much fun though, I've loved every minute. The Neffs are slowly getting more of the hang of things, and we're working now a lot more on how to schedule sisters to be online more, but still have enough area time. And despite it being slow

I'm not sure I've mentioned before about Cross Creek Bible Study. Cross Creek is a huge Christian church in Wayne County all us missionaries are very familiar with. Many people who've been members have closed doors on us. A few months ago Sister Packard and Sister Murdock were here in Macedon tracting when they knocked on a door and just so happened to stumble upon a Bible study happening for Cross Creek girls all in their 20's. They invited them in and asked if they would like to be a part of their Bible Study. So they did, and kept going since. As they talked with President Evans and Elder Bradford, they counseled that it was a good thing to soften the hearts of some of the people here in Palmyra to their view of Mormons. So when I came in we kept attending! It's been an incredible experience to get to know them, and helped me more fully understand that there are good Christian people out there who truly want to share the word of God.

Another miracle of the week! I may have mentioned the Novick family before. Damian and Dmitri are the sons of Wendy. We've been having lessons at the Hill Cumorah and this week we introduced Sister Hallows to them! They enjoyed her, and man, it was powerful to hear Sister Hallows (who is a convert) share her conversion story to them. She's an on fire missionary!!

Miracle of miracles was able to happen this week! Fernando came to the temple for the first time!! Because I'm here in Palmyra and the temple is just across the street from where we live President allowed us to go during our dinner hour. It was such a special experience, and very sweet to watch Fernando perform that work for others. Before we started the baptisms one of the temple workers addressed us and more specifically, addressed Fernando, and told him "in the house of the Lord, all of His promises are fulfilled." And in that moment I knew all the promises the Lord had given me were fulfilled.

I love you all very much! I hope you have a great week!

1. Sister Hallows and I
2. Fernando going to the temple
3. A missionary we gave a tour to one of our last days at the Smith Farm (we no longer assign sisters to the Smith Farm during February because it’s not busy enough, so lately we’ve been having some Smith Farm withdrawals)

The Return of the Translation Headsets! (Jan. 29, 2018)

Hello everyone! (Jan. 29, 2018)

So big news!! I'm not being transferred!! But many other people are!! With Sister Murdock leaving I of course have a new companion whose name is Sister Hallows! If any of you recall, she was being trained by Sister Packard in Newark last year and I lived with her. She is one of the sweetest and funniest sister ever and so I'm pumped to be her companion. However, she will not be VCT. President is switching things up, and we will now be having split VCT's. The other VCT will be in Farmington, the area right beside ours, and her name is Sister Braunberger. It will be interesting figuring how it will all work out, but I'm excited nonetheless!

This week was filled with lots of goodbyes for Sister Murdock. She had been here nine months, and so saying goodbye was all pretty hard, but good. Change is good, and I've especially seen that in the people we've taught recently. Tim and Ashley are doing well! Just a funny side note: we were reading the Book of Mormon with them and at one point Tim reads out Alma as "A llama." It's just the sweetest thing to watch people adapt and try so hard. They love the Book of Mormon, and praying together. They are just the best!

The El Salvadorians came to church!! We brought out the good old headsets and translated for them. Oh, I love speaking Spanish!! It is seriously such a blessing to teach them, even if not in a Spanish area. And they loved church!! We'll be seeing them again very soon :)

Also, last week I realized I hadn't finished my sentence about the Neffs. To finish what I was going to say, "Planning site meeting with them is like catching popcorn out an overflowing popcorn maker." They just have so many good ideas, just thrown out all at once. So we do a lot of the organizing, but it works :)

Things continue to go well here in the Cradle of the Restoration! Have a great rest of the week!!

1. A picture Tim sent us of him and his daughter Gaby
2. The El Salvadorians at church!!
3. Near the Erie Canal
4. Love Palmyra
5. Us with the Neffs outside the Grandin

It’s Raining, Not Snowing!!

Hello everyone! (Jan. 22, 2018)

What a week. Since the Bradfords have left the Neffs have arrived, and what a difference. For anyone who doesn't know, Elder Neff is the owner of Neff beanies. Very fancy, very accredited. He is also very charismatic and knows exactly what to say to work a crowd. Planning site meeting with them is like

In other news, Tim and Ashley have still been doing well. They consistently come to church and are praying together as a couple. Miracle of the week! We found a family of three cousins from El Salvador. We had a powerful first lesson with them and they are excited to learn about what's found in the Book of Mormon and how it can help them. Another miracle of the week! We are teaching a family named the Novicks, who I may have mentioned before. They fight with each other a lot, but have a desire to have a changed life. We retaught the Plan of Salvation to Damian, the older brother of the family, and you could slowly start to see things click in his eyes. We invited him to baptism and slowly he slowly committed, sputtering out, "yes..." AAAAHHH!!

Today we had a lesson with a man named George Rimel and the Evans family. George Rimel is a man with a seven year old daughter named Feliciti who is wanting to start his own church because he believes Christ's true church has been lost from the earth. No fear George Rimel because Christ's true church has already been restored!! Sister Evans came out with us the other day on a day we were seeing George and loved him and asked President Evans to come out as well. Oh MAN. It was the most intense thing ever. George is of the belief that you are saved when you accept Jesus Christ in your heart, and there isn't a need to be baptized, but we read 2 Nephi 31 with him and boldly taught about the authority that's been restored and the need for baptism. Hearts were POUNDING. We were testifying, Sister Evans with all her sweetness, was testifying, President, in all his wisdom, was testifying. THE INTENSITY WAS TOO MUCH TO HANDLE. He walked away with the agreement that he would read the Book of Mormon, and if he knew it were true he would be baptized. CRAZINESS.

Anyway, on to less intense themes. The snow from this past snow fall is slowly starting to melt and as we've enjoyed the "warmth" these past few days I have just been extremely grateful for the small little tender mercies the Lord has provided. I know they are abundant. This week be on the lookout for them, and the Lord will direct you to them.

I love you all!!

1. Sister Evans coming out with us
2. Fernando came to visit me at the sites!!! It was very sweet of him!
3. Elder Rowley, one of the senior elders, gave us a pop tart
4. The video that happened when we wanted to take a second picture 😂

"Go to the Ohio"...

What a week! Lots of meetings, lots of teaching, and lots of testifying!

The one and the only... Pat Parker came to church!! If any of you recall he is the fox hunter who lives behind the Book of Mormon Publication Site. It's been a journey. We've taught him a few lessons, and he's progressing! He read the introduction to the Book of Mormon and he said, "I told my girlfriend Jesus lived with the Indians, but she didn't wanna hear nothing." As funny as he is, he is just as genuine, and is excited to keep coming! In terms of others we are teaching, Mike who I talked about last week relinquished his pipe! We asked him what he felt was keeping him from baptism, smoking being one of the problems. He agreed to stop smoking, but wanted to keep his pipe to "put incense in it and keep it as a memory." We finally agreed that he would give us his pipe until he was baptized and could put incense in it afterwards. So we are now in possession of Mike's pipe. It's a pretty powerful feeling.

I don't know if I've mentioned, but the site director couple, Elder and Sister Bradford, are finishing their mission. We had our last site meeting with them this past week. I will be forever grateful to them and all they have taught me, and to have had these last few weeks to work closely beside them. The new site couple are named the Neffs (if any of you are familiar with Neff beanies, he's the owner of that, so he's pretty cool). For our last site meeting we met in the basement of the Hill for ice cream and were asked to get into lines. Those who liked chocolate got in one line, those who liked vanilla got in another, and those who liked both got in another. Each were all served one scoop of that ice cream, but those that chose chocolate and vanilla got two scoops. This was to illustrate how even though the Bradfords are leaving, and there will be changes with the Neffs, we can still learn and experience great things with both, and we should be open to learning from both. With this experiment we were expecting some grumbles, but our sisters are the best and didn't give a singel word of complaint, so the demonstration didn't work so well. Though still, it is a great principle to be learned!

With the passing of President Monson, it's given us a lot of reason to reflect. I am grateful for all President Monson did for us, and I will forever remember him as the living prophet whom I testified of as a missionary. Though, I will just as gladly testify of the next prophet, because I know God leads His people. Whether that is through the hand of His servant, President Monson, or on a smaller scale Elder Bradford, or Elder Neff, He calls inspired people, and He will not lead us astray.

I love you all and am thinking of you!!

1. We had to clean out Facebook of old embarrassing posts to use it for proselyting and I stumbled upon this gem. It was prophesy for where I’d serve my mission.
2. Mike’s pipe!! (P.S It reeks 😷)
3. A picture the Waltons took when we had Christmas breakfast with them. They gave this picture to us this week.

4. Pat Parker the fox trapper at church!! 🦊
5. The Bradford’s leaving (they live in Cincinatti, so they were leaving for the Ohio 😉)

6. One last photo together