Week 53: The Spirit in the School of the Prophets

Greetings, friends. 

This week was really great! Though I'm not too sure what all happened. I feel like it was preparation day just yesterday! Weird.

I get to stay in Shaker Heights for another transfer which I am absolutely THRILLED about! #shakerboundbaby! I just really like it here. Like, a lot. Bill is getting baptized on Saturday! We had our first lesson with him on August 28th, and he's getting baptized on September 26th. Less than a month. It's so crazy! That never happens here. Well, rarely. Veeeery rarely. But when we told our WML about moving Bill's baptismal date forward so much, he was like, "Are you sure he's ready?" We explained that he was. Then yesterday Brother Rhodes, WML, took Bill from church to work and afterwards he said to us, "He's definitely ready. His understanding is incredible." YEAH IT IS! Hes' so neat. 

#siteelders

Last Tuesday, the Elders had their Preparation Day on Tuesday because it was Transfer week. But we were serving at sites, and they all came in and wanted to take a tour-- That's just something they do the Preparation Day before transfers, especially when elders are leaving the Kirtland zone. It's like a last hurrah kind of thing. So Sister Beck and I took them, but we made them give us the tour based off of what they remember from bringing investigators and what not. Plus they threw in some random ridiculous "facts". It was so funny! But then we got into the School of the Prophets, and two of the elders really took control and buckled down. They just talked about how special that room is and how blessed we were to be in it, and the atmosphere completely changed! They invited us all to kneel down and pray to re-dedicate our missions to Heavenly Father. We all did that at the start of our missions, and the spirit was strong, no doubt. But get that room full of Elders and Sisters who have done nothing but pray about, study and preach the word of God for the past 3-18 months, and there is nothing better! The spirit was SO strong, I didn't want to leave. I'm just so grateful I was able to experience that. It was so neat to see the contrast of everyone before the School of the Prophets, and in the School of the Prophets. The spirit--it's a powerful tool. 

The Baby District

I don't really know what else to talk about. But I do know that Christ lives, and I know that He is the one leading and directing us today, through His servant, Thomas S. Monson. I'm grateful for the knowledge of a Savior who died for me and you and knows us individually, perfectly and eternally. It is only through following him that we are able to make it back to live with our Heavenly Father, who is there for us every step of the way, but is SO eager for us to return to him. I am so excited to go home (not Auburn home) ((gross)) (((just kidding, its' a good place))) and speak with them! It is going to be the best reunion of my life. 

I love you guys! If you have time and they have the need, feed the missionaries soon! They'd probably really appreciate it. :) Have a wonderful week.

Love,

Sister Livingston

Week 52: One Year Out and One Happy Girl!

Hey, ya little rascals.

This week was so good! Again! At Mission Leadership Council, President announced that more Site Sisters were going to go full-pros, so that we could have more elders in our Stake. (We have like 26 Sisters and 8 elders in our Zone. Nuts. (Grapenuts)) So I was TERRIFIED that I would get sent full-pros! Not because I don't want to experience that, I really do. But because I'm not quite ready to leave Shake! I love love LOVE this area. So I was just real scared. But we got transfer calls last night and I'm STAYING!!!!! Oh, blessed day. I'm so happy. Because this means I will be here for Bill's baptism! BEST DAY OF MY LIFEEEE!!

Speaking of Bill, he is on FIRE. We taught him the Word of Wisdom this past week. But we first followed up to see how his Book of Mormon reading was going. He said it was good! But that it made him laugh. I wasn't expecting that answer and didn't know what to think of it. I was a little scared, actually. But when I asked what it was that made him laugh, he said, "Because I can relate so well to Nephi! We're like the same, and it was just funny to me!" What in the world! So that was glorious. Then we started reviewing Joseph's role as a prophet. We asked what his understanding was of whom Joseph was, and he said, "Well if I remember correctly, he was the first modern-day prophet for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was able to receive revelation to guide the people and opened the path to a new faith." Speechless. Yes, Bill, that's exactly who he was. Is someone whispering the answers to you or something? Crazy. So then we taught the Word of Wisdom. We gave him the pamphlet and let him read the little box that lists the things that we don't use. He said, "The only thing I've had a problem with is the last one--harmful or addictive substances. I drink Pepsi, but I actually quit 2 days ago and have the headache to prove it!" We explained how Pespi is fine. But he was like, "No it's not! Not according to these guidelines!" HAHAHAHA Bill! Why is he so cool?! G-O-L-D-E-N. So golden. So we just told him to not judge members if he sees them drinking soda. Also, he came to church yesterday and it was the best Sacrament Meeting we've ever had. He loved it and said he's going to try to get work off next week. And he's looking for a new job. I DON'T DESERVE THIS!!!!!! It's so exciting!

And that's my life, everybody. Bill is doing amazing, I get to stay in Shaker, I get to be with Sister Beck for another transfer, I'm still living with Sister de Kock, and I know that his gospel is true. What could be better? Sweet nothing. 

I love you all!

Sister Livingston

The Childrens

Met them on the street

and they wanted to take pictures,

And that we did!

Have some DQ

Then take a hike.

Jayne and Elder Jones must have met at EFY?
Spiritual Giants--Both of them! :)

Week 51: A Week of Miracles

Hello! This week was what I like to call a week of miracles. I have 3 stories to share, bear with me.

1. Fey:

At the day long meeting a few weeks ago, Elder Bennett really touched a lot on talking with everyone and truly seeking the elect. He reminded us that our cars are not a shield or bubble where we no longer have to talk with everyone. If you see someone while driving whom you think may be elect, pull over and talk to them! And that, we did! Last Monday, Sister Beck and I were driving to our appointment and we both saw this cute little lady walking on the street. We looked at each other at the same time (#compunity) and said, "SHE'S ELECT!" So we pulled over and went to approach her. She started walking towards us so we said hello, then she came closer and really started to look closely at my name-tag. She saw Christ's name and said, "Oh, my Sister!" and gave us each the hugest hugs. She then told us she loves anyone who believes in Christ. We told her about the Book of Mormon then gave her a copy and she was so excited! She held it close then said, "You know, I was walking on the other side of the street, but the Spirit told me to walk on this side, and now I met you and have this new book!" She then proceeded to tell us that she was only in Cleveland for 2 days for a wedding, but lives in Florida. Usually, that would be an unfortunate thing for a missionary to hear because that means they don't get to teach the person. But since we serve at the Visitors' Center, we get to call her and teach her online! The timing of everything was such a miracle. 

2. Sister Franklin:

Sister Franklin is a less-active member in our ward. She lives about 1209743 miles away from everyone else we're working with though, so it's hard to get to her at times with limited miles. I saw her once with Sister Finlinson, and we just talked about how God is our Loving Heavenly Father. I don't really remember any of the specifics of the lesson though. But then on Friday, we went to go see her. She told us that last time I had said something about her having a ward family who loves and cares about her or something, and it really stuck with her. I had no idea! But she really opened up to us. She told us why she had stopped coming, even through she knew it was true. But she also expressed how she was afraid to come back because people would be mad. But we, I mean the Spirit, helped her get over her barriers and SHE CAME TO CHURCH!!!! AND SHE BORE HER TESTIMONY!!!!!!

3. Bill:

Bill is our investigator whom we found while biking. We have seen him two times since I last wrote home about him. So our first lesson was the one where he asked if we had ever heard of the game telephone. Then our second lesson, last Tuesday, was on the Plan of Salvation. But before we even started, he sat down and first thing he says: "You know, I've been thinking about the concept for Modern day Prophets. At first it seemed like a foreign concept to me, but the more I've prayed and read this book, the more I know that we are in need of a living prophet!" Hallelujah! Then we started to get into the Plan of Salvation. While talking about the Earth life he explained how we all CHOOSE where we will end up after we die, depending on how we live our lives. Spot on. Then we got to the Spirit World and he said, "You just answered my biggest question! I've always wondered what would happen to those who live in 3rd world countries and never learned about Christ, and this answeres everything." What in the world. So we invited him to be baptized and he said absolutely! Then we set a date. He said he would make sure he gets that day off of work so that he can be there. SO GOOD! Then last night, we taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we asked what he understood about repentance, he said, "To me, repentance means change. It's not necessarily always saying you're sorry for things you've done wrong, but it's about continual improvement." I died. Then we talked about enduring to the end, and he said, "I really love the concept of never giving up and the fact that I'm finding a faith that really encourages that is really exciting to me." AHHHHH!!!! So then at the end of the lesson, he asked how we got into this whole mission thing, because HE WANTS TO SERVE A MISSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What. Just. Happened. Talk about elect! Holy smokes this gets me too excited. 

So, sorry this email is a mile long, but miracles are happening over here and I LOVE IT!!! And wanted to share. Now I'll send some pictures and stop typing. I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Love,

Sister Livingston

Cover photo for my new single, "Eat some Grapenuts" (I have a new love for grapenuts.)

Sunny Eyes

Wait, do we like each other or something?

This is what happens at 5pm on Fast Sunday after a day of biking without food or drink and you're stranded in the Church's kitchen for dinner because your dinner appointment canceled. 

I went on exchanges with a Hawaiian princess and we are now Truckers.

Welcome to the Teaching Center! It's a wonderful place.

 Ignore my sweaty helmet hair, but look! WE FOUND A CAT.

A Note From Sis. Beck (Jayne's companion)

Hello Sister Livingston;s mom! 

I just wanted to say thank you sooo super much for the skirts you sent! You have great taste and they are exactly what I needed! THANK YOU!

P.S. Sister Livingston is such a great missionary, being her companion is such a blessing and she really knows how to get the work moving!

Hope all is well over there in Auburn :)

Love,

Sister Beck

Week 50: Rubio's Anyone?

Heeeeeyyyy! It's me, Sister Livingston. 

This week was fabulous. It all started out with the endless day of meetings, which I loved SO so much. We woke up at 5:50, left by 6:30, stopped at Panera, got a bagel or two, spread some cream cheese one it, ate it, then drove to the west side of Cleveland where we started our first meeting at 7:45. This meeting consisted of President and Sister Brown, Elder and Sister Bennett, the Assistants, and all of the Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders. Elder Bennett told us that he didn't have anything planned. Nothing! Not for that morning meeting, not for the half mission conference later in the day, not for Mission Leadership Council later that night. Sweet nothing. He just wanted it to be a big council! And it was amazing. It all stemmed from the question, "How is the adversary getting to the Ohio Cleveland Mission?" We all just had to be really open and honest about things we had noticed, whether personally or in those we are over. It was really neat. Then Elder Bennett told us that that morning meeting was kind of the rough draft for the Mission Conference, which started at 10. It was SO good! I've never been to a meeting like that before--no structure at all. Simply the guidance of the spirit. Then that meeting ended at about 4:30, and we were on to Mission Leadership Council. That started immediately, and lasted until 8:45. There, we just discussed how we could help the mission carry out with the things we learned that day. It was really great! And really draining! And I loved it!!! We didn't get home until 9:45. And it felt like midnight. 

Then on Thursday, we were on bikes again! But here's the problem: the Elder who was letting me use his bike got emergency transferred, and the new elder who came in is quite a bit taller than the former. And.... I didn't quite fit his bike. Midget legs. So it was a struggle all day long. But it worked out and we saw many miracles! I really hope I don't leave this area any time soon. I love it too much. And I love my companion too much. She has really taught me a lot, and I am forever grateful for that. Plus, she thinks she's a cat. Match made in Heaven.

We were able to meet up with one of our potential investigators that we met while on bikes last week, and he was so excited to meet with us! And let me just say, that's not too common here in the Ohio. Or in many other places, I would imagine. But it was so exciting! It felt like a dream. So we had our appointment with him on Friday, and while talking about the Bible he asked, "What are your thoughts on the Bible? Have you ever heard of the game telephone?"

...... I love comparing all of the different translations of the bible to that game. Then we started to talk about the Book of Mormon. "Oh yeah! I just ordered one a few days ago! It should be coming soon." Then he proceeded to tell us that he was going to start to look for a new job so that he could come to church. Who is this guy?! We didn't even talk about keeping the Sabbath Day holy.  Dumbfounded. Heavenly Father is being very good to us. I'm really grateful for it. And I love seeing others get SO excited about the gospel. It makes me so happy.

I really love my mission a whole lot. Everything about it, really. It's far from perfect, but it's perfect. You know? Though I wouldn't mind a Rubio's Bean and Cheese Burrito every now and again. 

Have a wonderful week! I love you all. 

Love,

Sister Livingston

Week 49: Heeeeyyy! (Look who is on a bike in a skirt!)

Hello hello! First off, I'd just like to say that I'm really happy right now. I don't want to be weird about it though, so that's all I'll say.

This week was so good! We borrowed our Zone Leader's bikes a few times and saw SO many miracles. I think the elders were a bit nervous for our safety, though. But we're alive and well, so no fear. Riding boy bikes in skirts is a little tricky though, because the bars are higher and don't exactly love skirts. But it all worked out. We found lots of new investigators this week! We've been really blessed in our finding efforts lately. I love it. 

One of the best things is when you teach someone, then someone else in their household finds the Book of Mormon, then starts to read from it, then asks if they can take the lessons. Then you die of happiness. I've realized that missionary work is so much more exciting when there are actual people you have to work with. And bikes. But one of the worst things is when you're expecting some of your investigators to come to church, but they don't come. It kind of hurts a little bit. Good thing there's always next week though. 

I also took a lot of non-member tours this week. Solo non-member tours. Those can be scary, because there is sooo much that you have to explain in order for any of the tour to make sense. It's kind of like a fire-hose. A lot of times they end up great, and a lot of times you feel emotionally exhausted and drained afterwards because of their attacking questions. Especially when you're on your own. But, that's all part of the mission experience, I suppose. Though most missionaries don't have to go through it on their own. Well, neither do I. I always have Christ and the spirit by my side. But what I'm saying, is most missionaries are ALWAYS with their companions. But not here, my friend! 

I went on exchanges to Kirtland again! Except for this time we mostly saw people from the other side of the ward. The side that I didn't cover. But, that includes the Deckers! So fun. We just did a quick stop by to say hello. It made my day. That, and teaching a lady who had 5 cats. Obviously.

On Wednesday, we have meetings all day long. I'm not even kidding. MLC from 7:45-9. Then a Mission Conference with Elder Bennett from 9-4, then another MLC with Elder Bennett from 5-8. Hooooly smokes. It will be grand. I'll let you know if I live through it next week. 

I love you guys!

Love,

me

We like to pretend we ride a tandem bike.

The Elder closest to me is the one that's Carter's twin. So freaky!

They look more alike in person, but you can still kinda tell.

Week 48: Hi Bishop Jenkins!

Hi!

This week was great, yet again. We found some more investigators and are continuing to teach them. None of them are on a date yet though, but soon! :) Hopefully. 

We also had Zone Conference this week, which was great. We've been talking a lot about how we can better work with members and help them with their missionary work. Being a missionary has made me want to be the BEST member missionary, because I can now see how vital they are in full-time missionary service. So so SO important! It's a little tricky though, because it's hard to meet with many of the members in our ward. They are all you families who have very time constraining jobs. We get fed maybe once or twice a week, so it's been a little difficult to work with them and get to know them. But I still love this ward! It's really growing on me.

Funny story: So while we are not taking tours at the VC, we are online chatting with people and making phone calls from mormon.org. This guy named Lee came on and said he was looking for a ride to church--specifically to the Poet Smith building. When I saw him typing that, my heart skipped a beat. "Poet Smith as in the one in Auburn?!" Then next thing ya know, he adds, Auburn, CA. I DIED!!!! So then I looked up his address to see which ward he would be in and he lives in the AUBURN SECOND WARD BOUNDARIES!!!!! What in the world. I died. So crazy. So we had to call the Bishop: Bishop Gary Jenkins. Holy smokes. I KNOW HIM!!! Is this really happening? What's going on? Can missionaries call  people they know? Am I even allowed to do this? So many thoughts were going through my head! I told Sister Beck to call him just to be safe, so she did. But I was still on the line listening. So I hear Lisa answer, then say she's going to go get Bishop Jenkins, then I hear him say hello. Then Sister Beck introduced us and said we were serving in Ohio, and Bishop Jenkins says, "Who am I speaking with again?" "Sister Beck and Sister Livingston" I started to laugh. So freaky. "And where is Sister Livingston from?" He knew, and I knew. But I remained quiet. SO weird! So then Sister Beck tried to explain what was happening with Lee, but she didn't actually know the whole story, so I had to jump in. "Hi Bishop Jenkins! It's Sister Livingston!" Laughter. Then we chatted. And it was wonderful. That was the first time I had ever gotten to speak with someone from home, other than on Christmas and Mother's Day. It was so fun. It actually made me a little home sick afterwards, but I smile whenever I think about it. It was definitely a tender mercy. Bishop Jenkins, thanks for the chat. :) It was great speaking with you. So yeah. That was really fun. And weird. And probably a once in a lifetime opportunity. Jealous? Jkjk. 

This morning we got to take a basement to bell tower tour in the Kirtland temple. Usually that costs $25/person, but the Community of Christ let us do it for free! It was so cool. So we started in the basement of the temple and got to see all of the original beams/stones/nails, then we went onto the main floor and got to walk all around, even sit on the original pulpits. Usually people don't get to do that. The we got to go into a crawl space between the lower two levels and see everything there, then up through all of the other stories until we climbed a ladder and got to see all of Kirtland from the Temple bell tower! SO AMAZING! It was so neat. It's so real, people! This truly is Christ's church, restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know this for two main reasons. First, because I get to serve in a place where so much of the development of the early church took place. That is physical evidence. No one would ever create the sites that our church has, had these events not taken place. No one would go through all of the events that the early saints had to go through, had they not known without a shadow of a doubt that it was true. And no one would make up all of the stories that these men and women went through, unless they were really bored and really smart. Because it all makes sense and ties together. It's true. I know it is. But my second reason for knowing that it is true, is because I have felt the Spirit whisper to me that it is true, and nothing can take that away. It is amazing to be in this place, to get to walk where not only Joseph Smith walked, but where Christ appeared. I get to be here everyday--there is nothing better. But it's not the historical facts that make it so amazing, it really is the spirit that is felt here. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to serve in such a sacred place. I'm not sure what I did to deserve this call, whether in this life or the life prior, but I sure do love it with all of my heart and wouldn't trade it for a thing. So thank you for all of your support! I really appreciate and love all of you. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Love,

Sister Livingston