Christmas Week

                                          Found a Kitty outside the chapel.

   This week has been another Tough one that's for sure, But for way different reasons. Christmas is such a great time of the year, but trying to talk to people during Christmas time is not as easy as it sounds, It's still great though. 

  Sister Dias and I Had a wonderful idea on Sunday of last week, to work with members! To teach the members, so we can refresh their memory about these things and they will be able to share it more easily. So we started that this week. Helping and talking with the members, They are so amazing. So nice to us. Hopefully as we continue to do this we will be able to find people and help them. 

   On Christmas Eve Sister Dias and I read together about Christ's birth and thought of ways we could help each other feel this Christmas Spirit stronger. And Let me tell you, it was pretty great! When you don't need to worry about presents(well a lot of them anyway)or cooking or anything really, we were able to feel this so strong. We made cookies on Christmas eve to take to the people that live around us and we made some to take to the activity we had. During this activity is when. dun dun dun.... My toe was broken.(which now I am not allowed to walk on for 6 weeks. I am so sad about this whole situation. UGH :( )

   Christmas we had lunch with the Lawson family, Who are so amazing by the way! They are so sweet! After lunch we went to Pierre's Flat and watched movies with everyone there and then we went to Dinner at Sister Barnshaw's house. This Lady is the best! She is so nice to us (when she isn't calling me a cheeky monkey). She made us CD's which is so great because the ones we have we have listened to probably a good 1000 times. 

   Boxing day Pierre took us to the Irn Bru Carnival! It was way too much fun! we went on rides, got sick, puked everywhere, got on some more rides, FUN FUN! 

   Saturday we spent on the phone with the emergency accident people and Sister Brown, I told the people what my foot looked like and they told me to come into the emergency room within the next 4 hours. That's when we found out it was broken. 3 hours later hobbling home and now we are homebound :( our Zone Leaders are nice enough to give us rides when they can so that helps out a lot.

   Sunday we went to church with the Zone Leaders(Other missionaries in our area but they have a car) and everyone was asking us what happened and we came up with a new- cooler story, Sister Dias Was trying to teach me Brazilian Capoeira and she ended up hitting me too hard it broke her pinky, then when I tried it I am too uncoordinated I ended up hitting her and then the wall and that's how I broke my toe.. Really though, Chair Football is intense. 

   Well I hope that everything is going super great with each of you, and that we are able to take this Christmas Spirit and carry it with us through out the year. 

   ~Who's on the Lord's side who? Now is the time to show. We ask it fearlessly: who's on the Lord's side who?~ 

   I hope this week brings you all nothing but good things and happiness, I LOVE YOU! 

~Love Sister Stribling

First transfer DONE!

This letter won't be nearly as long as the others. We have one hour today. But this week has been a pretty normal week on the mission. Not too much, Not too little. Everything just seemed to work out. It's crazy actually.
As some of you may know...I have now killed two pairs of boots (in 2 months in the field). I just don't know what's wrong with them. Falling apart everywhere. But now I have Welly's! That I love! And they will never break. EVER, and there is a 12 month warranty. That's what i'm talking about.  Everyone here is doing good. They are just all so nice. ESPECIALLY PIERRE! He is so nice to us. He is always asking us what we need, always trying to help us, always getting us food, or warm gloves, everything! He is the best! pretty much!
I might be getting the hang of this missionary thing pretty soon. I hope.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I love you all so much, hope you each are doing great and remembering him this Christmas season! This is the Lords' Church! I LOVE this Church. I LOVE YOU!

 ~ Sister Stribling

 

 

Pierre is so nice...he gives us twinkies for the bus ride.  We love twinkies!!!

Till the Work is DONE-United We Will be as One!

SO, This week was so great. I'm not sure why. It definitely was not the weather this week. Or because we met a ton of people (we met one). This week was pretty busy though. A good busy. Not too much, but just right. It was great.

   Monday Sister Dias and I had the best shopping experience ever. Every single Monday shopping for food is the worst thing. But this Monday it was the best! We prayed before we left that we could have the spirit with us, to know what we should do, and how we can make it easier to shop together. Well let me tell you...The idea of praying before you go shopping sounds super silly. But, it made a difference. We joked and laughed the whole time. When we got done with our shopping and realized how great it was...we just hugged. The Lord loves us so much. After emails we played bubble football. If you don't know what bubble football is...It is when you play soccer (Cype-Football means soccer) inside of giant hamster balls covering the top half of your body. Only your legs are out of the bubble. The Elders "destroyed" us. They were all running and slamming their hamster ball into ours and we went flying. I got turned on my head a couple times and had to wait for someone else to hit me again so I could get up. Haha so much crazy fun. We had Family Home evening and it was great! 

   Tuesday We had our last District meeting with Elder Burt. He went home on Thursday. We visited a few less active members around us and had a few meetings. It was a pretty good day. Studied some English with Sister Dias. Fun Fun.

   Wednesday and Thursday We visited more with less active members and tried to find new people. We knocked on about 60 doors. SO MUCH FUN! It was so windy and pouring down rain @ millions of gallons a second. We were so soaking wet. Wringing out our skirts at the bus stop. Haha good times. That's for sure.

   Friday We taught Rachel and Michael. They are both so great. Rachel is so sweet and we just love her so much! She loves the church so much it's great. She is way more than a Golden investigator! Probably more like Platinum. 

  Saturday We played football with some members. I knocked all their socks off with my amazing football abilities this week. (HA yeah right.) But it was definitely the best I have played. They traded me to different teams 2 times! First they traded me off their team and then wanted me back on when I actually started to play. Can't pick and choose so mean. Haha no but it's good fun! 

   Sunday! I love Sunday's. Our ward mission leader Brother Mathers, talked in Sacrament. I taught Gospel Principles about talents and where we get them, how do we strengthen them, and develop more. Then Sister Dias and I taught Young Women together. They are so sweet! We watched the Amazing First Presidency Devotional and also The Christmas Truce Fireside. This year  marks 100 years after the war so it was a big deal for all the people here, with their Red Poppy flowers on their Jumpers(Sweaters). 

   -------------Scripture of the week-------- 2 Nephi 16:10

Make the heart of this people fat and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes,- lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and healed.

 I loved to choose and see my path but now, lead thou me on. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Lords Kingdom once again on this earth. Come unto him and find anything and everything you need. I know it. I love it. I  LOVE ALL OF YOU SO VERY MUCH!  Do the best you can!

This week was tough...Heavenly Father is in charge!

Fair warning- This one will be shorter I have 20 minutes and I will try!
   OKAY. SO... Christmas time is the best time in the world!! Unless you are trying to share the true meaning of Christmas with people. Then they just hate you. As most of you have probably seen, we have a new video from the Church, "HE is the Gift". What is the real reason we celebrate Christmas? Gifts are great; don't get me wrong, But our Father in Heaven gave us the ultimate gift! How could the Father show the world, of Sacrifice, of Death? He sent his Son to die for US, and rise, with living breath. This Christmas, we should all remember him as we are going about our way, shopping and what not. It's easier said then done that's for sure, But it is worth it. As I have been out here on my Mission I have realized this. God loves us so much, that he has a plan for us, The plan doesn't end after this life! Families can be FOREVER! Who wouldn't want that!?
   This week was tough. I had so many doubts about myself. What am I doing? How is it even possible for me to make a difference with these people I talk to? Why does Heavenly Father want me here to do this? Well I know, that Heavenly Father LOVES me. He knows me, he knows what I need, when I need it, and who needs to be placed in my path. This week I am turning over the reigns. He can handle this. I can't on my own. Heavenly Father is in charge.
   Our week overall seems like a normal week. We taught and met people. Tried to help, had meetings, ate food. mm food. (Sister Dias will put anyone to shame when it comes to eating let me tell you. That girl can eat.(mom's note: she doesn't mean this in a bad way, she admires her!)
   Monday was nothing too special, more chair football. I love chair football. It's so much fun. Did Email. Family Home Evening.
   Tuesday we had Exchanges so I went over to Irvine with Sister Montgomery. She is so sweet. We met a drunk guy named John and he told us we could come back if we brought a friend with us. We chapped doors and visited with some less active members. We also had a Book of Mormon class. It was pretty great. (But I came back home really sick).
   Wednesday we did some volunteering at the Charity shop again, peeled more stickers off. And We went to a wedding! So sweet! Sister Dias and I decided we are going to be at every single wedding possible.
   Thursday was WAY too busy, so many things to do, people to see, buses to catch. Aye so stressful.
   Sunday was SO GREAT! Fast and Testimony. This Church is SO TRUE! I love it! I love you all SO much! ~~ Sister Stribling
(mom note: yup, Friday was not  posted so ....  Also there wasn't any pics sent with this email.  She was only able to do a short time in the Library for some reason but it's ok!  We can get the idea and feel her love no matter how long or short her emails are.)

Reposting a pic of their humble little tree!  Don't forget to check out "He is the Gift" video!

What a week! Had the flu Friday-Saturday, All better on Sunday, had my 1st baptism too!

Well let me tell you, Heavenly Father knows who we are. 

This week seemed like it was never going to end. It was torture each day it felt like. But as I look back on this week, it was AMAZING. 

     Monday we went shopping(which is so horrible each week. I don't know how shopping can be so difficult but trust me it is.) Then we came home cleaned up put everything away, went to the library, played chair football (So each player has a chair they are gaurding and there is one soccer ball in the middle of the court, everyone tries to kick the ball at your chair and if it touches you are out) Pretty much the best game ever invented. Then we had a Family Home Evening at the church, had Pizza, and did indexing. 

     Tuesday we did family history! SO MUCH FUN! I love it. After that we had lunch and I helped Sister Dias with her Language study. She is getting so great with her english. In this weeks letter I will be starting a section that is titled *The best thing Sister Dias said all week* In this week it was "I will miss this when we die. Eat. Mm so good."

We had a meeting with our ward mission leader and then we taught (our investigator) Michael. 

     Wednesday we started to volunteer at a charity shop. This week we were taking off stickers from DVD's and CD's. Now let me tell you, if you are ever bored, peeling stickers for an hour is the best way to fix that. We got cancelled on:( and then taught Michael again (For the last time before he is baptised)

     Thursday we had our weekly planning and I was feeling pretty down about how everything is going and just how I feel. Well, I got the perfect letter from Sister Ashton on Thursday. We think we know what the Lords plan is in the beginning. But as it goes on, we realize we have no idea what he is doing with us until he is done. I don't know for sure why I am here, but I know that the Lord knows why. He wants me here to help someone and I will be here willing to help as much as I can. 

     Friday and Saturday-- I GOT THE FLU! I don't know how but I was almost dying. Sister Dias was taking care of me though. She is so sweet, she made me soup and nasty tea that she made me drink.  But golly on Sunday I was not even a little sick. It was amazing! Oh also, on Saturday we found a dead Squirrel on the road, Froze it and put it in one of the Elders bags. LOL! he wasn't too happy... Revenge is on its way(that's what his companion told us)

     Sunday we had a great day at church and an even better day after our investigator Michael was BAPTISED! He is the best! We love him so much. He was so happy and we were all crying and a huge mess but it was amazing. 

I love you all and hope everything is going well! THINGS ARE GOING GREAT HERE! LOVE YOU ALL! ~Sister Stribling

Elder Gibson and Housely with Lizzy Sister Dias and I with Michael and Elder Browning and Sister Browning

Sister Dias and I with Michael, No one can look at the same camera. LOL

View at your own risk. We gave this Squirrel to Elder Zander,but he didn't like his present. :(

Glasgow: One Month down...Still going Stribling Warrior Strong

Well another week here in Glasgow has FLOWN by! This week was so crazy and busy, but I guess that's a good thing! When you don't have time to think about yourself then you can be worried about everyone else. Sometimes a little too worried. Michaels Baptism is this Sunday and he is so great. He is just the best. We also met a new guy and his name is Daniel, He is so incredibly smart. He studies Rocket Science at the University.We have met with him once and he is coming to Family Home Evening with us tonight. 

     On Monday we cleaned the flat, like every other Monday, This last week Sister Dias hit 5 months and I hit ONE! woo so exciting. So in order to celebrate we got matching boots. No not really she just didn't have any and mine broke. We went to the post office. OH MAN, let me tell you about these post offices. SOOO confusing, the lady told me each time I want to send a letter I need to bring it in and weigh it. I was confused because each letter will weigh the same. One envelope. One paper. and Some pen on it. She kept telling me no no no you need to bring it in so we can weigh it and then we have you pay for it then. I kept telling her I just want stamps. Stamps to america is all I want. I just need stamps. Soon enough she just sold me some stamps, but as I talked with the Elders I realized she got me! She had me pay £1.28 for each stamps and the Elders told me they bought .98 pence stamps. Sheesh, that lady was crazy. So now we will never go to that Post office again. 

     Tuesday we had our district meeting. We have 9 baptisms coming up in the next two weeks. Two on the 30th, and 7 on the 7th (LOL huh?) Then we did a survey with people near Glasgow University about family history. That's always fun.

     On Wednesday(thanks for teaching me how to spell Wednesday Cype. Wed.nes.day who would have thought) We got a list of names and address' last week that we have been trying to find. We found one lady on the list but she told us that she was Mormon a LONG LONG time ago. Now she doesn't want to be any more because she ''does all the thing we aren't supposed to'' She told us to take her name off and so we will. We chapped doors around her flat and one of the men started yelling at us. Asking us who gave us the authority to go around to peoples doors. ''Well sir, Actually the Lord called us to do this, to share with people.The prophet of the Lord has given us the authority to preach the principles of the Gospel.'' He didn't like our answer but then again most people don't. Soon enough.

     Thursday we planned. Weekly planning takes about 3 hours, Then we met with a lovely girl named Rachel. She is so sweet. She and Michael are definitely the best ever. (Mom note: That's basically what she says about every investigator and every church member and well...everyone!) Then we came back to the flat to have language study. 

     Friday we met with a lot of people, Pierre, Eric, Michael. We got cancelled on once :( sad I know. Saturday we played football and cleaned the church building with the McCall's. Then we made cheesecake with the AMAZING FAITH Graham and then we went to visit Sister Kangall. 

     Sunday Church was great, as usual. We had a lesson and then watched Mormon messages at the Browning's Flat. Over all this week was great. The work is going on and I love this chance I have to be a part of it. Missions are great! Everyone should serve one! (the wise words of Bishop Ashton.) And to think, I used to think only crazy people went on Missions. I know this is where I am supposed to be. I don't want to be anywhere else, The Lord doesnt need me anywhere else. I LOVE YOU ALL!

 

HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY DADDY! Thanks for putting up with me all these years and helping me with EVERYTHING that I could ever need or want. Your the best (as you say when the doctor asks if you're my dad) I am her Father. There is this song that we listen to almost every day, and it's talking about our heavenly father but I think of you each time. "He loves me the way I am. He's my strength when I stand. I am his daughter" I hope you have a great birthday, and maybe if you're lucky Cype and Calli will make you a cake. Sister Dias and I will eat some cake over here for you, dont worry

​ It was pouring down rain the whole time walking home(like always.. ) we got soaked

Beautiful SUNNY day today!!!(still freezing cold though)

Week 2 in Glasgow: I need thee EVERY hour (and probably a lot more than that)

Whew. Second week down. Tough but good. This week we had a lot of people cancel on us. Tough part about this is wanting to share with them this great gift that we have. But this last week, I have come to realize something. I can't do much more than to offer. Offer to help someone, to serve someone, to carry their grocery bags (which weigh a ton), offer to clean their yard, or offer to share anything with them. The Only thing I can do, The ONLY thing I have control over is how I love them. How instead of walking into someone's house that smells horrible and judging them, and thinking less of them, How can I turn myself around and love them? How can I offer to give them all I have? How can I learn to love these people by serving them? I have a lot to learn still. I feel like I have learned a lot, but it is not enough. If we are content with the people that we are, we will be going backward in the Gospel. How can I, Sister Stribling, learn to accept people for who they are? How can I love them? Truly love them. Not just say that I love them, but to show them that I really do love them. How can I stop being sarcastic and talking down to people around me? even though people think that it's funny. What is one thing that all of this has in common? It keeps me from the spirit.

 

On Saturday I fasted for 24 hours. I have never done this before in my life. I didn't think it would even be possible. When I was fasting I made a list; a list of 11 things that I have noticed keep me from feeling the spirit as loving and as openly as I can. So now for 40 days I will be avoiding these things in order to feel the spirit more, to be more worthy, to have that presence with me. It's gonna be really hard, but so great. 

 

This week has been a little crazy, one pair of boots down, one to buy today... Yeah I already broke my boots from walking.... Sheesh. So off to the charity shop to buy new ones today.  (Mom note: Mondays are PDays.  Sister Stribling emails us from the Library)

 

Tuesday we went to the University of Glasgow campus and we did a survey about family history. Most of the people were really very nice so that was uplifting. After this we taught Michael. Michael is so amazing, He is getting baptized on the 30th and we are SO excited for him. 

Wednesday we had a lot of studies followed by someone not showing up and us waiting in the library for about 30 minutes. But then we went to see the amazing Pierre. Seriously. Pierre is so amazing. He had wayyy too much food for us (one hour before our dinner appointment), and he bought us leather gloves, because our hands are ALWAYS frozen after it rains and we just have our cotton gloves. He is so nice (:

Thursday we had our weekly planning (for 3 hours.) SUPER FUN! Then we went around a nieghborhood called Archerhill. And we found out that there is an Archerhill road, avenue, court, and square...haha too crazy 

I need to get better at managing this computer time, haha I promise next week's email will have all the days on it.. Maybe.

In the field! Oh Glasgow..

The Field is white (not with snow but with people)(not the color of people just... ya know Doctrine and Covenants section 4) ANNNNYYYWAYYYY....

Okay so we got here on Wednesday after a 25 hour trip. Craziness. Never again in my life do I want to travel that much. Sheesh. Well anyway the trip wasn't so bad after we got to Amsterdam, called Papa bear and he was crying before he went into work heehee, (Crybaby ya know.) Man these UK keyboards are weird.. all the symbols are different and in the wrong place... I'll figure it out..  

 

Day one(Wednesday) we slept and ate.. then ate some more.. 

 

Day Two!(First day in the field)- We climbed up Pratts Hill(more like mountain sheesh I almost died) IT WAS SO WINDY! people were falling over and sliding down, rolling in mud, it was great. It was so cold and windy. After that we came back to the Mission home and had pasta and chicken. Mmmm yummy. After lunch we met with President Brown's assistants and we had a lesson. During this time President Brown was pulling us out one at a time to talk with us. THIS TALK DETERMINED WHO WE WOULD BE COMPANIONS WITH. Well obviously I said something right(finally) because I got the best Trainer ever! Sister Dias! (no D but G) Spelled with D pronounced with G. She is from BRAZIL! So we are learning how to talk to these people together. It's tough to understand them at times, and some of them talk so fast... Then they realize I am American and laugh a bit, and then restart slowly. The members here are great! Most of them are pretty nice. The people we talk to on the streets.. not so much... 

Day three(Friday)-First full day in the field! I am so lucky Sister Dias is patient with me... Haha I ask her the same question probably like 10 times. But she just gives me the answer and doesn't seem bothered at all. Most of the Questions I have pertain to the buses. What number was it again? Are we taking the 6 or 6A right now? Is this our stop? How about this stop? This still isn't our stop? When do we get off? Are you sure we didn't miss our stop? Sister Dias is so sweet. Friday we taught our first lesson together with a recent convert, his name is Pierre. Pierre is so sweet! He's great really. We talked with him about the attributes that Christ has and which ones we need to work on. After this we went to visit with Sister Barnshaw, She is so sweet! Its great! After visiting with sister Barnshaw we went to visit our neighbor Jim(LOL huh dad, Same Neighbors) Jim is not a member, but all of the Sister Missionaries love him! He lost his sweet wife a little while ago but he is so loving. He is funny, and sweet he is really just a sweetheart! Cutest little old man ever. 

Day four(Saturday)- We met the Elders and some members and non-members and played football(soccer) after we studied and then we went with Sister Gardner to visit some people she told us about, Maria and Evelyn. Maria is about 82 and she lives with her daughter. Maria only speaks spanish so Sister Dias does all the talking and I kinda just sit there and smile. Maria is so sweet!!! After this we went to go and visit Sister K. She is less active but this woman is so loving and sweet. On the first bus we took we met a SUPER drunk man. He just kept on talking, on and on. I told him we were missionaries and he told us he was Catholic. He offered us his Vodka which we kindly denied. Haha crazy people you meet. We missed two buses to Sister Kangals house and we were an hour late. But she had a ton of cake for us to eat when we got there. We talked with her and gave her a prayer rock(put it on your pillow when you wake up and on the floor when you go to sleep.) 

Day five(Sunday)- We studied then we went to church, Elder Burt(our district leader) gave a talk. After Church we went to a baptism for Nina. After the baptism we decided to go and vist this lady named Lorna, but she wasn't home.. :( so instead we decided to Chap(tract) we knocked on so many doors, met so many practicing Catholics, got told no so many times. This Gospel, This Church has brought me so much happiness in my life and people get mad when I try to share it with them.. I don't think they would be mad if I offered them £500. This Church is worth so much more!! UGGGHHHHH. Anyway. So after we failed at this we walked to the bus stop to head on our way to the church for a CES Broadcast. At the bus stop this lady walked up and stood there. She had on the cutest shoes I've ever seen in my life. They were sparkly loafers, you know just my style. So I told her that I liked her shoes. AND BAM we were in. She asked us why we were here in Scotland? oh you know we are actually missionaries for our church. Oh what church is that? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we told her. Oh Mormons? Exactly we said. She told us that about two years ago these 2 Mormon boys came to her house and gave her a leaflet(pamphlet) but never came back. We invited Debbie to hear what we had to share with her and she so sweetly said that she would love to. We will meet her on Thursday! AHHHH The Lord answers prayers. For sure.

Day 6(Monday)- Went grocery shopping.. it was horrible.. I hate £'s it is so confusing and expensive.. ughhh.. But we got what we needed with £2 to spare. NICE! 

 

Well everyone, I love you. Heavenly Father loves you. I am so excited to be able to Serve this mission for the next 18 months. This is where I am supposed to be. I would love to hear from you all The Post takes about 2 weeks for letters to get here but it's worth it! Heavenly Father's Church is on the earth again. It has been restored and will never again be taken off of the earth. We can be with our families forever. Jesus Christ has paid the ultimate price for each of us. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! Hope all is well. Till next week ~Love Sister Stribling

Week 2 Provo MTC "Excited to go into the Mission Field tomorrow"

　 　 　WOO HOO! I have made it to the end of my stay at the MTC, We are leaving tomorrow at 9:25, We have a 25 hour trip and 4 layovers before we get to the Mission home in Scotland. We are so excited, but kinda sad... We will get new companions, new trainers, and might not see each other for a long while. But you know what, I am so fine with it. And here is why... The Lord is in charge. If we give him the reigns he is able to lead us down a road that is much easier than the road we would be wandering down and getting lost in by ourselves. When we are able to trust in the Lord, enough to allow him to do whatever it is that he sees fit, that is when miracles happen. We had a devotional last night by Sister Nelson. Yeah that's right.. Russel M. Nelsons wife. She is so awesome. She read us part of a conference talk by Elder Scott.  In it he tells of what he thinks Jesus Christ said to Peter, after asking him if he loved him. Jesus Christ needs Disciples, truly true disciples. People that will follow him no matter what the consequences are.

　 　 　 I am so excited to go into the Mission Field tomorrow, WE HAVE SO MUCH WORK TO DO! It just makes me happy knowing that people will be able to know what I also know. T-24 Hours! I love you all so much, Thank you for every thing! I will talk to you all soon.

 

Where in  the World??!! is Scotland/Ireland

Cheese-y Sisters Wagner & Stribling

 Elder Martin and Elder Villanueva; Sister Wagner and I, We make the most of "freetime"

 

Sister Stribling and her companion Sister Wagner & Sister Skagen & Sister Reed

Sister Wagner and I, Sister Skagen and Sister Reed...... Oh and Elder Udell

 left to right SISTERS- Eyre,Stribling, Goates, Graham, Davis, Skagen, Hirschi, Reed, Wagner.

Elders left to right, Lindsey, Villanueva, Hansen, Jensen (photobomber),

(nobody knows who the Elder with the red tie is....)

 

Week 1 @ Provo MTC "I am so stoked about it!!"

So this week has been pretty great, I Have learned so much, and I am so happy to be preparing to serve the Lord. It has been tough getting used to being SO busy all the time but my wonderful companion helps me not to go crazy. We go to a lot of classes and it helps out a lot, "seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word." So that's what we're doing! Not gonna lie this week felt like at least 12 weeks but if you can make it until Sunday you are locked in there!

Today there is a whole new bunch of missionaries coming in so now we get to tell every single person we see with an orange dot "Welcome to the MTC!!!" This morning was very uplifting and all of the love I can feel from you all is helping me so much! im here for another week so don't worry there's still time to send letters (; OH!, dearelder.com is great for that because we get them the same day, and its free so that's pretty amazing. Yesterday we had a devotional by the Primary General President, she touched on a lot of great points, about how we are here to proclaim the truth to the world! Sunday night we heard a talk by Elder Bednar, and it was AMAZING. In this talk we are told to turn outward towards Christ instead of turning inward during hard times, or trials. and that was for sure very eye opening. He told a story, about 3 young ladies got into a car crash, one was pronounced dead at the scene. Elder Bednar got a call to go and identify the girls and to tell the news to their parents. The single mother of the girl that had passed away was told of her daughters passing, and instead of screaming and fighting with the Lord, all she said was, "Okay, now that we know the other girls will be okay we need to inform their mothers that they are fine." How much faith In heavenly fathers plan would you need to have to be able to do something like that? A TON. 

I am so happy that i get to share what i know is true, something that I love and has blessed my life so much, I get to share it with the people of Scotland and Ireland. In all of Ireland there is only about 3000 members, out of 5 million people. Let me say that again in case you think you read it wrong, 3000 MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OUT OF 5 MILLION PEOPLE THAT LIVE THERE. Now maybe you think I am super sad about that... I am not. I am so stoked about it!! Think of ALL of those people, all of them God's children, he loves them so much, but all of those people have yet to hear of Christs restored gospel. We have a lot of work to do! but with the Lord all things are possible. I love you all so much and want to thank you for your support and love in this new adventure of my life, I pray constantly for all of you and can feel you doing the same. 

     The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Gods church in our day, I know this to be true. I love this Gospel with all my heart and cannot wait for the time i am able to devote to the Lord and to serve him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.

~Love, Sister Stribling 

Week 1: I Got This

October 22, 2014

The MTC is amazing.  You can feel the spirit everywhere you turn!

After Cheyna & Nathan picked me up from the airport (where the Elder we met, Elder Jacobs, was so kindly waiting with me) we went to eat lunch and it was Thebomb.com  As Always, thanks Ohana Grill! (Met another Elder there.  He is going to Argentina)  So then we went to a special 7-11 that sells li hing mui so we got some.

Then I was dropped off curbside & some Elders helped me with my bags and showed me where to go. We got our name tags & were taken to the rooms.  We heard some talks by the MTC President, his counselors, & their wives.  So we got our companions & went to about 5 more hours of class!  My companion is Sister Wagner.  She is so amazing!  She is such a sweet & loving person.  It’s kinda infecting m.  We get along so well & teaching with her comes so naturally!  The Lord knows exactly who I needed.

October 23

We went to dinner @ 4:50 & sat by some random Elders & turns out one of them is from Hawaii.  He lives in California now & he is going to Florida.  (Elder Lauoki)  So we talked about all the good food & guess who had Li Hing everything to share!  Me J  So he was super happy & I was happy to share!

Today we had woken up @ 6:30 (without any problem may I add)  --breakfast, class, class, lunch, class, gym, dinner & that leads to right now in my day.  The spirit here is so great & you feel love for all the Sisters & Elders.

@ 10 o’clock on Oct 23

I became overcome with a spirit, not a good loving one though.  I felt anger and very inadequate.  Cried for a good 30 minutes.  Then our Sister training leader came to see us & took me to a scary stairwell to talk.  I told her about my concerns and feelings and she was able to quiet all of them.  She made me say out loud “I can do this.” & “God loves me.  I can do this.” 
THIS IS HARD WORK!

I have been called to this work, as it says in Doctrine & Covenants.  The hour of your mission is now!  I Got This!

I love you all & am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve the Lord!

I Love this Gospel!      

Love,

Sister Stribling