Week 32: She got a penpal!

Hello! This week was really good. Really really good. Missions are fun. But also really hard. I might have said this last week, but we've been working with our area book a lot  because there are literally 100s of people in that thing from 2005-present and it's overwhelming. But also fun. I love organizing and cleaning things out. 

Social Media splits was amazing! Actually, planning it was really stressful. We didn't have a car of our own, so we had to rely on members all day to pick us up and drop us off. But, a lot of times appointments fall through so you end up doing backups and then you aren't where you tell the members you're going to be. Does that make sense? I don't know. But I don't have time right now so I'm not even going to re-read this. But look at #clevelandldsmissionaries and find me. I'm famous. Just kidding. Gotcha!

Ohio weather doesn't make sense. One day it's beautiful and warm and sunny, and the next there's a dreary rain storm. But the skies are always SO pretty. I love it. Also I almost just spelt "skies", "skys". And that would have been silly of me. 

I GOT A PEN PAL THIS WEEK! That was definitely my highlight. We were taking chats at the VC and this girl came on asking about a missionary pen pal service. She isn't a member. I told her I wasn't sure what she was talking about (it wasn't DearElder) but that I would be happy to write her. She said she wants me to teach her about the gospel! So I'm really excited. Though, I'm not sure how to teach through letters. Because I won't be able to tell how she takes things... so it'll be interesting. 

But yeah. The church is true. And I love it a lot. My testimony is growing ever stronger. And that's a good thing. So the end. I love you all!

Love,

me

A letter from Sister Heckert, who lives with Jayne

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Hello there-

So my name is Sister Heckert and I live with your daughter (or sister) Jayne.  She serves in Kirtland & I'm in Kirtland North, so we get to interact a fairly good amount.  I just wanted to write & let you know how wonderful Sister Livingston is.  I love her and am so happy I've had the chance to spend some time with her while we are serving missions. She loves people here so deeply and sincerely & is truly such an amazing example of charity.  I think she tends to be hard on herself but she really is doing INCREDIBLE things for the people in Ohio--whether it's long term residents or people who stop in for a tour.

She always makes me laugh.  HOLY COW is Sis. Liv funny.  Probably the most hilarious sister in all of Kirtland.  She makes everyone laugh.  Which is something we as missionaries REALLY need.  She is also incredible at teaching & testifying.  I am grateful for her testimony and her y . 

I hope I get to meet you one day cause I've heard a lot about you & if you're anything like Sister Livingston, you're probably ridiculously cool.  Have a good week! Don't worry about writing back.  I just wanted to write a quick note.

Love,

Sister Heckert

Week 31: Stone Quarry with Touch Drill Marks and Social Media! (Last Paragraph)

First off, I would just like to formally congratulate Elder Trentman. Why is he so cool?!! I'm so happy for him! Ahhh he's going to be so great. I know it. (Chancey Trentman just got called to serve as the youngest zone leader to ever be called in his area.  He's feeling very inadequate and humbled by this leadership opportunity but we know with the Lord on his side he will do a great job.)

Second off, hello. This week was fabulous. Allow me to tell you about it:

Last P-Day  (Preparation Day:  A day they have "off" to prepare for the week and get mundane errands and necessities done) we got to go to the Stone Quarry where the saints got stone for the temple. You can still see the drill marks so it's really neat. Being here just makes everything so much more real. I don't know how else to describe it. But I love it so much. The more I learn about the early saints, the more I love them. They had such strong faith and were so devoted to doing whatever it was that God asked of them, giving up anything/everything on the way. I want to be more like that. 

We took lots of tours this week. It's getting really busy, like to the point where sometimes we don't eat lunch till 3pm because we're out on tours all morning. And I love it. It's so neat how even though we're taking people to the same rooms, all of the tours are different. My favorite thing is when people come in and are just so touched by the spirit that is there. And when people really appreciate the buildings and the history that is there. Sometimes I think I take it for granted--getting to live in such a spiritually rich environment. 

We had exchanges on Friday! Exchanges are always fun. Except for I met this little boy in the area I went to and he kept asking me if he could sit on my lap, which isn't allowed. I didn't really know what to do. So, I was a mea to him unfortunately and just said, " Nope!" Hopefully he'll forgive me.

Also, this Saturday we're having what's called "Social Media Splits" where we'll be going out with members all day. They will be taking pictures of us, then posting them on Social Media such as instagram, twitter, facebook and whatever else is out there. They will be using the #socialmediasplits #clevelandldsmissionaries and #adayinthelifeofamissionary hashtags. So if you can, it would be great if you could like/share pictures of me that you see. Okay that sounds super vain. But it's something we've been asked to ask of those back home so that more people can see the pictures and we can spread the gospel more using social media. It should be really cool. 

And that's it. I'm just really happy for Elder Trentman right now. Okay. Have a nice week everyone! I love you. 

Love,

Sister Livingston

Week 30: Without Christ I am Nothing

Hello! We were at the Visitor's Center 4 days this week. I feel like there was someone I partially knew that came in who I wanted to ask about, but maybe not. Oh! Actually, this is it: Elder VanLeewen or something. I'm not sure. A bunch of sisters told me he came in with his family and asked for me. He served in our ward and knew our family apparently. Do you guys know him?

I had a dream that I forgot to do a homework assignment, and I woke up feeling really nervous and sick, but then remembered I'm on a mission--no homework. One of the many blessings that come from serving a mission. I don't miss homework. 

Anyway. We also had a Zone Training Meeting and a few other meetings, as well as Stake Conference, leaving us a total of 1 full day in our area. It was kind of sad. But, there were still little baby miracles that were seen which I am grateful for. Without them, missionary work would be impossible. We were able to meet quite a few people who have potential. And they're all girls, so hallelujah! Teaching men was hard. Especially during the winter because we couldn't just meet outside, but we couldn't meet with them inside. You know?

This week, yesterday actually, we went street contacting and met a man who had 9 cats. Nine cats. What in the world. Can I move in? Just kidding. We also met a little old lady while trying to stop by to see some less actives. She let us in and had 4 cats. So many cat people.

I love my mission. Really, just everything about it. Even the things that are hard and really stretch me. But, I need the stretching for multiple reasons. 1) I'm short. 2) There is so much room for improvement in myself. And I've come to realize just how nothing I am without Christ. Literally. Without him, I am nothing. John 15:5. Love it. So I am forever grateful for him. I know that he sacrificed himself because of his eternal, perfect love for us. And because of that, we are not only able to be forgiven of our sins so that we can be worthy to live with Heavenly Father, but we are able to lean on Christ and receive comfort and strength so that we can enjoy life's journey through the hardships that come with mortality. I loved Elder Holland's talk and how he pointed out that there's no way we  could come to understand, even a little bit, the Atonement if there hadn't been a fall, because it wouldn't be necessary. It was a neat perspective. Elder Holland has a lot of those. 

I have to go take another load of Madame M's stuff to Goodwill now. I love you guys! Thanks for everything. Have a grand week.

Love,

Jayne

Sister Clarkson, the cute little less active in the pink, is my favorite person ever.

Week 29: Guess who rang the Kirtland Temple bell on Easter morning?

Hello. You may be wondering whom it was that rang the bell in the Kirtland Temple Easter morning. Well, I'm here to tell you: It was me. Sister Jayne Livingston. And it was pretty neat. 

This week the VC sisters were able to do a lot with the Community of Christ for Easter. On Thursday night, we attended their "Maundy" service. We didn't really know what to expect. But we went in, and we could tell that we were going to take the sacrament. There were loaves of bread on all the tables, and little glasses of--wine. Shoot. All of us sisters had a slight panic attack and weren't sure what to do. Luckily  for us though, it was actually only grape juice. It surprised me that they had the same sacramental prayer as us. Which makes sense, because they read from the Book of Mormon. I just wasn't expecting it. 

Friday, they held a little Black Friday service in the Temple. It was interesting. They had their president of the 70 come preach to us. There was just a different vibe. Like, he kept saying, "Amen?" Then the congregation would reply, "AMEN!!!" I've never been to another church before though, so it was a pretty neat experience. 

Then on Sunday, we didn't do anything with them because of General Conference. Which was amazing by the way. I don't think I had ever been so excited for conference. But I loved it. I'm sad it's over. At least for the next 6 months. I'm excited for the Conference Ensign edition to come so I can study it.

Then on Sunday morning, we had a "Sunrise" service in the temple with the Community of Christ. It was also different, but a neat experience. I just really like our church. A lot. But that's when we got to ring the bell. It was pretty cool.

We had transfers this past Wednesday. And guess what! I'm still in Kirtland. 5 transfers, one area. At this rate, I'll only serve in 3 areas. But I love Kirtland and I'm not ready to leave yet. So thank goodness I'm still being trained by Sister Allen. Because yes, she's training me. 

That's pretty much it. We're spending more time at the Visitors' Center now that it's warming up and more people are visiting. It's nice having more time there, but I wish we still had more time in our area. We need 8 or 9 day weeks or something. That would be perfect. 

I love my mission. It's not what I expected it to be at all, but I love it. I love how close it's allowed me to grow to my Heavenly Father and Savior. I know that He lives, and I know that with him, all things are possible. The only thing that is restricting us is, indeed, ourselves. 

I love you guys. Happy Easter and Happy April. 

Love,

Jayne

Week 28: I held a baby!

Hello! This week was good. We found 2 new investigators. They were actually both formers that we just stopped by, and they let us in! I'm not too sure about them though. They've both met with missionaries for quite some time years ago but are pretty hesitant to make commitments. Maybe we should try threatening them? Just kidding. Also, why is everyone in Ohio Catholic? And why do they all own so many dogs? Sheesh. Like, every door we knock on: *dogs go crazy* *opens door* "I'm a devout Catholic, thank you." *shuts door* *dogs go crazy* Goodness gracious.

On Monday, we were walking into an apartment complex to meet with an older lady in our ward, then all of the sudden we saw Madame M walking in the parking lot! With her cart filled with more goodies, of course. I honestly don't know how she does it. We went to help her and the 3 of us struggled to get everything in her apartment. Also, her apartment is completely rearranged. But how? There's hardly room to walk. And she's tiny! I don't know. But it fascinates me. She's a little cutie. 

Hurray for Madame M!

Hurray for Selfies!

Also.... I HELD A BABY. Audrey Decker, to be exact. We went over to their house to do some service and Sister Decker was sitting on the couch with their new baby. I was in the Kitchen mopping the floor with my little assistant, Nolan. Then Audrey fell over and hit her head. She was just laying on the floor crying, but I didn't really know what to do so I just looked at her for a little bit. Then I was like, "Okay, this is a good reason to hold a child." So I helped her stand up, then she just melted into my arms! And it was wonderful. Except for I was nervous so I ran her over to Sister Decker and only got to hold her for about 4 seconds. Still though. Pretty cool.

On Friday, we had our Kirtland Sisters Training meeting and it was all just focused on the last week of Christ's life. We all went around and just read stories about Him in the bible. Then afterwards, we watched a slideshow that contained a bunch of pictures of Christ while "I Feel My Savior's Love" played in the background. The spirit was so strong. I think the thing that impressed me the most was seeing the pictures of Christ with individuals. Yes, the pictures of Him speaking with large groups of people were amazing, but for some reason I really loved the pictures that were of just Him and one other person. It showed how aware he is of each of us. And he cares for  us. Not just as a whole, but as individuals. And then you think of what it must have been like to be Heavenly Father. I'm not a parent or anything, but I can't even imagine what it must have been like to Heavenly Father to send His son to Earth to die for us. We were talking about it with a less active in our ward and she said, "It was a horrible thing, but it was the best thing." So true. I know that Christ lives. I know that he knows and loves us each individually. And he loves us perfectly. 

I love you guys. Maybe not perfectly, but a lot. That's still pretty good, right?

Love,

Sister Livingston

Week 27: Bumping into Lots of Greats Grandma

I've been tricked! It's not actually Spring weather, unfortunately. Yesterday it was sunny and looked warm so I just put on a little dress and we left for church! It felt cold outside cold, but I just dealt with it. Then we got in the car-- 26 degrees. Sneaky, Ohio. Back to the countless laps in the gym at the church, I guess.

But this week was good! I took a nasty call though. Some guy called and was just asking ridiculous questions. Then he just started saying some rude/crude overall mean things. Meaner things than anyone has ever said to me. It really shook me up for some reason. But I'm just a baby. And once again, Brother Decker saved the day. Somehow he always knows what to say. I just love him a lot. 

Sometimes I wish people couldn't see our name tags. Because sometimes.... we do things that don't look the best, you know? For example, dropping off loads and loads and loads of creepy, gross, dirty things at Goodwill that Madame M gives to us. We did that this week. We just dumped if off on the sidewalk and scurried away, hoping no one saw us. And also, there's a less active in our ward and the guy who owns her house stopped paying for the trash guy to pick up their trash. So we just got all of her trash and put it in some huge trash bags, shoved it all in our glorious minivan, and drove away. And the whole time her neighbor just stood there watching us. We looked like we were homeless people searching for food or something. So embarrassing. But so funny. 

We have an appointment right now so I have to go. But isn't it P-Day? What's going on? I don't know. But I love you all! Have a wonderful day and week and month.

1.  My buddy.

2.  Johnson Home!

3.  Just some selfies with my lots of greats grandma.