Week 39:#blessedbeyondmeasure

This week was a little bit sad. Mostly because President and Sister Vellinga are leaving soon, so last week they had a "Mission Tour" where they met with different Zones to give us words of wisdom and say their final goodbyes. I cried like a baby while we sang our Mission Song for the last time together. Then afterward when we were all shaking his hand, he looked me in the eyes, smiled and said, "I love you, Sister Livingston" and told me how proud of me he was. And then I cried some more, naturally.  I am so grateful to have leaders like the Vellingas. I have been able to learn so much from both their words and their way of living. I'm really going to miss them. But, we still have transfers next week so I'll get to see them one more time. So dry those tears up, friends. 

Also, at our Zone's Mission Tour, we played a musical number. There were 2 violinists, a viola and a cello. And the accompanist. We played "Come thou Fount". It was a really pretty arrangement and made me miss playing the violin. Except for I'm not that good at it, so that's unfortunate. I'm also playing at our transfer meeting next week for the final goodbye. Yikes. 

This week I went on exchanges with Sister Barfuss in her area, Euclid East. It was great. She's hilarious and I love her passion. It's so neat being a Kirtland STL because when we go on exchanges, we go with the other sisters in the VC, so we already know each other. It's kind of like just going on an exchange with a good friend for the day. Except for the Missionary Handbooks says not to go on exchanges just to get with a friend, so I'm doomed. 

We also had Stake Coordination this week. So we got to see President again to discuss the missionary work in the Kirtland Stake with our Stake President and the ZLs. That's why I'm happy that I get to get an STL. Because I get to go to meetings and listen to President speak more than usual. #blessedbeyondmeasure 

Really though. I am blessed beyond measure. The hashtag just makes it funny. On my mission, I've really been able to solidify my testimony which, to me, is the greatest blessing. I know that Christ lives. He is my Savior and I love him. I love that I've been able to come to know him more personally, but I want to know HIm even better. I know that Joseph Smith truly did restore Christ's church and I'm grateful for all of the sacrifices that went out in our behalf so that we could enjoy the blessings of the gospel today. And trust me, there are many. I love my Heavenly Father. I love the gospel. I love my mission. And I love you guys. 

Thank you for you love and support and have a wonderful week!

Much love,

Sister Livingston

Week 38: The hula, the temple, 7 wives for 1 brother and a farmer's tan

Hello, hello you wonderful citizens of my family. It's me.

This week was great. Last night, we got to have a little combined FHE with all of the VC sisters/senior couples and the Community of Christ. We had a barbecue, then went on a hike and saw the most beautiful view of Ohio there is. You could see the lake, and all of Cleveland in the distance. Ohio is SO pretty. I love it. Also, we learned how to hula. Okay okay, tried. But mostly I'm a robot so it didn't work out too well.  

I was hardly with Sister Finlinson at all this week. On Thursday we had a Zone Training Meeting, then afterwards we went on exchanges with Sister de Kock and Sister Adame, who are the other sisters who serve in our area. Two of us were at the VC (Adame and I) while the others were in the Area. Then on Friday we went on exchanges again, and I got to be with Sister de Kock! So much fun being back with her. It felt so normal and I loved it. Probably because I love her. Then on Saturday, Sister Finlinson and I were finally  back together, but actually not really. We were at the VC and it was super busy so we were split up all day taking solo tours. We spent 45 mintues together from 9am-9pm. Being split up with my companion is like a guilty pleasure. Not because I don't like my companion, because I definitely do. I've loved                                                                                                all of them. It's just exciting because it's so different. 

Also, we just got the best news that's ever existed. President emailed us and we can now to go the temple on our missions! I'M GOING TO THE TEMPLE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love that place so so so much. And I miss it too much. I was okay with not going for 18 months because it meant I was serving Heavenly Father and His children all the time. But now, I get to do that AND go to the temple. So I'm happy.

And that's my news of the week. 

Okay. I actually have a funny story. While I was with Sister de Kock of Friday, we got a HQ referral, who had requested the Restoration DVD. So we went to deliver it to him and teach him the Restoration! IT was actually someone whom we had given a pass along card to, so that was neat. First thing he says is, "Isaiah 4. Read it." So I started to read it and it was about 7 women clinging to 1 man. Then he told me to stop. We were pretty confused, but then just taught the restoration. He was all over the place. But at the end of the lesson, he was like, "The only reason I would join the Mormons is so that I could have 7 wives." Then he proceeded to tell us about the 7 women who are after him. It was funny. Then he started telling us about electric dreams that he has. And it just got weirder and weirder as the lesson when on. Don't worry though, we told him that we couldn't offer him 7 wives, but we could offer him greater happiness, peace, joy, guidance and comfort than he had ever experienced. He didn't love that answer too much. 

Missions are the best and I've decided that everyone should go on one. Especially if you want a farmer's tan and have never had one before. Because, it will happen. Trust me. 

I love you guys! 

Love,

Sister Livingston

Week 37: Nothing better than a soft bun. Except maybe a baptism.

1. Thank you for the new shirt, mom!
My face doesn't accurately portray
how I feel about it, don't worry.

Hello! 

First of all, I'm sorry for not telling you that I wouldn't be emailing on Tuesday. I hope you guys didn't cry too much. Just kidding. Not even funny, knock it off. We had a Mission Leadership Council meeting with President Vellinga and all the ZLs/STLs on Tuesday. And it was amazing. But, it was also so depressing because President Vellinga leaves in less than a month so that was his last one. I love him so much! He is amazing. When Chancey was talking about how his Mission President does things at transfer meetings after the departing missionaries share their testimonies, I just thought to myself, "Wait. President Vellinga is your Mission President, too?" Because that's exactly what he is like. It must be a Mission President thing. So in tune with the spirit, so adaptable in what they say, so inspiring, so encouraging, so loving and so proud of us. 

2. "Just" cats? What does that even mean?

On Friday we went on exchanges. This time, I got to go to the Kirtland North area with Sister Merritt! So I was back in my old ward. :) Though, a different area. It was so amazing though! Also, guess who fed us. Brother Decker. What. A. Blessing! It was really fun to see him again. Plus, the burger was delicious, so that's a plus. The buns were so soft. But not like a soggy soft. Just soft. You know? I really like going on exchanges with all of the sisters here. It gives me a chance to get to know                                                                                              them better, and I learn so much from them. 

3. MLC

Also, I forgot to tell you this last week. But two weekends ago, we weren't allowed to leave our apartment because of some rioting going on in Cleveland. So it was really exciting. Except for I was sick so I stayed home anyways. Because I'm a weakling. But it was still exciting. Your'e welcome.

On Sunday we were able to go to a baptism in our ward that the elders have been teaching. It was amazing! I love baptisms. This one was especially good for some reason. The spirit was just very strong. I love the spirit. It makes me happy and it makes me hope my mission never ends. So I think I'll just live here forever. Thank you. 

4. My buddy, Jordan.

                                                                                                    We took some pretty neat tours this week. It is always a great experience when we get to witness righteous mothers and fathers taking opportunities, like being on sacred grounds, to teach their kids the truths of the gospel and to share their testimonies. It makes me want to raise a family of my own and be a perfect mother. That's not too much to ask for, right? Speaking of mothers... 

Congrats to Carter and Jackie!!! Jackson is a cutie. I love him. I don't even know him but I love him. And I'm sad that I couldn't have been there for it. Well, after the whole birthing experience. And cleaning the baby part. But really. I'm happy for you two. I love you guys! 

I hope you are all happy and know how much Heavenly Father loves you. If you're not sure, just read the Book of Mormon. Then you'll know. :) I love you guys!

Love,

Sister Livingston

Week 36: More Kisses and Back to Old Tricks

Hello!

I don't have much to say, but if you vote for me, all of your wildest dreams will come true. 

But really. I actually don't have much to say. On Friday we went on exchanges. I went to the Euclid Area with Sister Guinn, with whom I lived when I first got to Ohio, so it was really nice! We went to an Assisted Living Center for service, and this cute little old lady kept staring at me, so I went up to her because I thought she needed something. I bent down to talk with her, then she kind of perked up, and started getting real close to my face. I thought she was going to whisper something so I got closer, then she grabbed my face and gave me a big ole smooch on the cheek. Like, not just a little peck. It was like 3 seconds long. I was a little weirded out. But then I got to thinking and was like, "Okay, she's just a cute little old lady who is very affectionate with everyone." Then I walked away. 

A few minutes pass, and I saw her staring at me again. And again, she looked like she needed something, so I asked what I could do for her. Next thing ya know, another smooch! This time, probably 4 seconds long. "Okay. This is a little weird. But she's still just cute and old."

I leave. Then a few minutes go by, and I see her walking up to me. Once again, I thought she just needed to tell me something so I lean in so she could whisper something to me (you'd think I'd learn). Another. Kiss. 4 seconds. Then she looked at me, smiled and asked, "Do you have a man?" 

.......And then I felt weird inside. Not so cute anymore. So I ran away and wiped my cheek off lots of times. 

We went to a frozen yogurt shop this week and once we got inside, my inner former Schoolhouse Yogurt Employee came out and I went a little nuts with putting the lids on everything, wiping the counters, putting the serving scoops back in their holders, pushing up handles, etc. It was great. 

On Sunday we got to go to the John Johnson Farm in Hiram, Ohio, which is where a lot of really neat things took place in the history of our church. Usually just senior couples give tours there, but during the summer they have the young Sisters who serve in Hiram give tours there. However, none of them really knew the tour yet, so Sister Finlinson and I got to go (she served there last summer) and practice with them! It was really neat. I would love to serve there as well, but most likely won't ever get to. It was especially fun because Sister Heckert is serving in Hiram now so I got to spend the day with her. And I really love her. And sometimes I just want to live with her again. 

The more I think about it, the more amazed I am with the opportunity that I have been given to serve in such a significant place in the history of our church. Before serving here, I had NO idea how much Ohio impacted the early church. No idea. And I'm still learning everyday! I love it so much. I'm excited to come back some day and take you guys on a tour with me. I might cry though because I love it so much. I love learning about the early saints and their courage and faith, but especially about their love and devotion to following our Savior. Theirs are examples that I look up to and need to be much better about following. 

I love you guys! Glad to hear Carter made it to
China safely, but also sad that he's not with Jackie. I hope all goes well with everything! I'll keep them in my prayers. I'm excited to see the little guy soon. :)

So much green.

Look what the cat dragged in.

Love, 

Sister Livingston

Look who had dinner with Jayne!

Jayne's Aunt Linda and Cousin Hillary made a surprise visit to Kirtland, and by chance ran into......YOU KNOW WHO!  Sister Jayne Livingston!  Aunt Linda generously treated them all to a nice dinner!  Hillary returned home from a mission in Washington DC South just days before Jayne left for her mission to Kirtland in September 2014.  What a fun place to meet up and catch up!

Week 34: The Red Bar

Hello! I want to tell a story so here it goes.

On Friday, we went and did some yard work for a member in our ward. She asked if either of us wanted to mow the lawn and I said I would be happy to! So I did. And for some reason it was really hard and really heavy. Heavier than any other lawn mower I'd ever used before and I felt like a wimp. But they have a pretty big yard! I could tell I was getting blisters on my hands, but I just kept on going. Once I got to the very end of the yard, their son came and lifted up a red bar that was on the handle. I asked what it did, and he said it made it so that I wouldn't have to push it! I then finished the last two strips of grass in about a minute. It made my little journey so easy! Afterwards, I tried to be like my dad and Brother Decker and find a way to relate it to the gospel. Here's what I came up with:

The red bar is like the Atonement. Whether or not I used it, it was there. It was there to make my load easier. It was there to assist me, and to even push me forward when things got hard. As soon as I used the bar, everything became much easier and I wasn't as miserable in the hot humid sun. That is exactly what the Atonement is there for-- Whether or not we know it is there, whether or not we use it, it is there. I didn't know that that red bar was there, and I didn't know of the power that it had in easing my burdens. But once I learned of it and used it, I was happier.  Likewise, there are many who aren't aware that they have a Savior. Someone who has died for them and taken upon Himself their imperfections, weaknesses, sadnesses and infirmities. I have felt the power of the Atonement in my life in numerous ways, and I know that it is real. It has allowed me to be happy, to become better, and to grow. And that is why I decided to serve a mission. To teach others about the "red bar" that is there, but they don't know about or aren't sure how to access it so that they, like me, can experience the enabling power of Christ's Atonement. So there you go. It's kind of silly, but I liked it.

Transfers are this week, and I'm actually leaving my first area this time. I think I cried more after church yesterday than when I left my last church my last Sunday in Auburn. Either that's a really good thing, or really bad thing... I don't know. But I didn't think I would be so sad to leave! I really love the Kirtland ward. 

I have been called to serve as a Sister Training Leader. I'm still not sure which area I'll be over, but President called last night to ask if I'd do that. Of course, I said yes. If you want to know how I'm feeling, go ahead and read Elder Trentman's letter from a few weeks ago. He summed it up perfectly. 

It was so nice speaking with you guys last night! It went by too fast. But I love you all and hope you are having a wonderful week. :)

Love,

Sister Livingston

1. Ohio is pretty.

2. Left hand

3. Right hand

4. My little friend who helped me take chats and make phone calls

Week 33: Dreams, Hard Work, Lessons and Love

Hi! It's me. Sister Livingston. 

This week was so good! We were at the Visitors' Center 5 days this week. And the two days that we were in our area were P Day and Thursday, which is when we have our District Meeting, then weekly planning, then Ward Coordination. So basically non-existent. But still full of many miracles! We received 2 HQ referrals and were able to contact them both, offer the item they requested, introduce the Book of Mormon and get a return appointment. They are both young moms with cute little families and it's only my biggest dream to teach a family. Too bad I'm leaving next week. Well, not for sure. But most likely for sure. I've been here for 5 transfers and transfers are next week. Looks like it's time for me to grow up and leave my first area! I'm sad about it. I love this ward so much. I feel like it's my home ward sometime. No offense, LOP. I love you guys, too. 

Sad news of the week: Brother Decker got released as our Ward Mission Leader. It makes me want to cry. I was able to learn so much from him. Like how to use a table saw and how to build a table and how to build a fence and how to be happy even when everything around me should make me sad and how to love people more fully.  Long sentence? You're welcome.

We took two really amazing tours yesterday. We were reading the testimony of one of the men who met in the School of the Prophets when sacred events took place, and they couldn't even read because they were so touched by the spirit. It's always a shame when I have to bear my testimony after reading John Murdock's, because his is so powerful. Will I guess shame is the wrong word. I love sharing my testimony with others. And I suppose all testimonies are strong, are but it's a big task to follow John Murdock in testifying. Does that even makes sense? Probably not. Especially if you don't know what I'm talking about. Ir you have question, I'd be happy to answer them. In Kirtland. We're open everyday from 9am-9pm. Just in case you were wondering. 

I can't believe that next week is already Mother's Day! What in the world! Hopefully this time I won't have to be like Ariel and not speak. Because I don't know sign language. I'm excited to speak with you guys. I really like you guys, you know that? It's true. I love my family. The end. 

Have a good week and I will see you SOON! :)

Love,

Sister Livingston

1.  Meet My Friends

2. Welcome to the Ashery. 

3. CHEESE!