Letter Dated Aug 21, 2013

Well hi there!

Another great week out here in DC! I love it out here!! Seriously, the weeks go by WAY too fast! But, life it great! I have another list for you this week! Let's get into it, shall we? :) Again, They are in no particular order. Just however my brain works...

·   Old: I feel like I say this every email now, but I feel OLD. But, at the same time, my spirit is the most alive it has ever been! I love that so much! Let's just hope my body and mind can keep up with my spirit and all of its growing!

·   Transfers: So, part of what is making me old is transfers. Not only is this the end of my 8th transfer, but I also have to help with transfers as the Area Trainer. So much of this week was spent with a pencil and paper and a headache. But, the other trainers and I were able to come up with a pretty good sketch of what we think would be good transfers for the sisters this time. Let's just hope it doesn't get completely changed when we meet with the AP's on Friday ;)

·   Who is man's best friend?: Yep. Dogs. I LOVE dogs. Being away from my dog has made me love dogs even more (I miss Juice!). So basically, I run to every dog I see! So this one time, I run over to this super sweet mutt and start talking to her owner. Turns out he's looking for someone to walk this dog after his back surgery! And he asked us because we were church people. After we explained that we're missionaries, he said he'd love to take the lessons! Those missionaries are lucky, lucky kids. They get an awesome guy to teach, and a sweet dog top play with! (Side note: Also that day, I saw the most beautiful pure bred Great Dane! it was SOO cute! I want one :P)

·   Jocelyn: My heart is missing a chunk! Dear, sweet Jocelyn is on her way back to Idaho. I miss her terribly! She has been such a great example and an awesome friend! Good news is she'll be in Idaho... When I get back to Idaho. YAY!

·   Jordan: Oh, Jordan. He's quite the trip :) BUT! Guess what he's seriously considering?? That's right, a mission!!! Ah! I'm so proud of him! He would make such a fantastic missionary! The spirit is so powerful when he testifies! And he has a great story :) Pray for him while he makes this big decision, please :)

·   Exchanges: So... Exchanges are always fun. Especially when you get lost and leave your mission. Yep. That happened. I was on exchange with Sister Sottili, and we got lost on I-495 (yes, I know it's just a loop. We missed our exit). When I saw a sign for Dulles Airport, I knew we weren't anywhere close to where we needed to be. Oops. What's life without a little adventure, right? :)

·   Gremlins and helium: So, we all know I'm weird right? Well, as you would expect, so are my children. Sister Jorgensen also has a funny voice which she talks in quite often... Hers is the gremlin voice. Maybe I'll record it sometime so you can hear it. It's hilarious. Mine is the helium voice. It's fun. Then! When you put the 2 together, it's even better :) This is the source of much of our daily laughter.

·   Shoes: I bought 2 left feet last week. 

·   Best friend: There is a tradition in my ward where at the end of sacrament meeting, all the new people have to stand up and introduce themselves to the entire congregation (it helps when there are non-members at church!). But this past Sunday, a guy stood up and introduced himself as Danny Schneider from Idaho. I just about laughed out loud! Jess, I think I have seen what Danny will look like in 10-15 years. :) If my camera hadn't been dead, I would have a picture for you.

·   Dutch: Dutch is hard. Sister Croese tries to teach us sometimes. Well, not really. She actually just has us repeat her, then she laughs at our miserable failure. 'Tis fun. But sometimes, we'll learn a word, then just replace it with the closest English word. Names are not excluded from this practice. Short story long, her boyfriends name is Jeroen, and that has been replaced with Raccoon. :)

·   Dan Gentry: Okay, let's go back to the days of Bowie now. At the end of my first transfer there, we started teaching a part member family, the Gentry's. Well, Brother Gentry is getting baptized on Saturday!!! I'm so excited for him! He is completely different from what I knew while I was teaching him (I saw him back on Sunday). the gospel is a gospel of transformation! (I didn't get to go to Little John's baptism, so I probably won't be able to see Dan's either. Sad.)

·   Kim and Gaffz: So our new investigators haven't done much investigating yet. It's kind of like they're terrified of us. Every time we try to set something up, Kim replies with, "AHHHHHHHHHH", and then communication from there is useless. But, we keep praying something will happen soon.

·   Scriptures: I made a note to write about Alma 26: 35-37. But I don't really remember why... So how about this. You read those between now and next Wednesday, and tell me what you think about those, eh? Okay, good deal!

Alma 26:35-37:

35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all ^apower, ^ball wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a^cmerciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.

 36 Now if this is ^aboasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a ^bbranch of the tree of Israel, and has been ^clost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us,^dwanderers in a strange land.

 37 Now my brethren, we see that God is ^amindful of every^bpeople, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

I think that's all I have for this week. Just know that I love the work, and I know the church is true. And, the Lord definitely takes care of his missionaries! Thank you so much for your love and support and prayers! I love you all!

Love, Sister Bullock
 

Sister Jorgensen and Sister Bullock sing in Aug 2013

Julie Sieron saw Kelsey at the VC this weekend!

Our Bishop's wife, Amy Landers, visited the Visitors' Center on Friday Aug 23rd!

There is a video of Kelsey on the Washington DC Visitors' Center facebook doing the hula! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4621026463644&set=vb.228255190518950&type=2&theater

An Interesting and eventful week Letter dated Aug 14, 2013

Hey there!

Welp, this has been an interesting week! Lots to talk about and lots to say so let's get started!!

I made a list so I'll start with that. These are highlights from the week, they're in no particular order):

·   White Oak Ward: On Sunday, I had to go on an emergency exchange so one of our sisters could go to church while her companion was in the hospital (she's okay, don't fret). But it just so happened that they are serving in White Oak! So I was able to return to the ward I started in! On my 11th month mark! (Almost). Twas very fun :) I love that ward so much!

·   Little John: For this one, you have to think back to when I was actually serving in White Oak. I was teaching a 10 year old named Little John. HE WAS ADORABLE! But his aunt was holding him back from being baptized. Saddest thing in the world. BUT! Then I went to church at the White Oak ward and guess what!! Little John is getting baptized on Sunday!!! Ah! I was so excited :) And so happy! Tender mercy for sure :)

·   Elder Krenz: So, a while ago, I wrote home about how Sister Croese talks about her boyfriend a lot. Well, her family found my blog. And read that. So they teased her about that and she still teases me about it. It's great. Well, history is about to repeat itself. It's safe to say that Sister Jorgensen talks about her boyfriend a lot, too :) It's adorable! He's serving in Ukraine right now so she has a trinket or 2 from him. Super cute!

·   Naked man: You're not a real missionary until you've seen a naked man in a public area. I must be a really old missionary, because this week I saw my 3rd naked man.

·   Freddy: Dad! remember that time you told me about your pet wolf spider on your mission! (I think that's a real story...?) Well! I have one, too! His name is Freddy! He lives in one of our windows (between the screen and the glass). Don't worry, he's safe and we're safe :) It's so fun! We love him!

·   Visitors in the Visitors' Center: So, I had a pretty great visitor this week :) It was so fun to see a familiar face! It was like a breath of fresh air! I really believe it was a blessing to help me not discouraged at this point in my mission! Now, I am ready to work even harder, and make these last 6 months the best 6 months ever!

·   Time; I've decided that I don't like time. This week I was told that Sunday will be the day when I'm exactly 6 months from being released. Not cool. Time is dumb. Mission life forever!!

·   SIERRA: Once upon a time, there was a beautiful little girl who was the cutest little girl anyone ever knew! She would hide in cupboards, sing into the garden hose, and pretend to read books. It was so adorable!! And then, one day, she grew up. And now, she's turning 17 this Saturday! WHAT?? How could that happen? The good news, though, is that she's still adorable :) Happy bershday, Seeetser. I love you so much!

·   Finally: We. Have. Investigators!!!! AH! Finally! We're so excited! And they seem golden! Their names are Kim and Gaffz. We met them while talking to people at a metro stop! I guess we looked a little lost, because they came up and asked us if we needed help getting somewhere (ha!). But we got to talking to them and ended up inviting them to church. Then, we all received revelation, and Sister Croese voiced it, "We're actually on our way to an activity at the church. Would you like to come with us?" And they did! It was awesome! They liked FHE, and they'll be in church on Sunday :) They are so great!

Well, those are my exciting moments for the week :) I hope you enjoyed them because I sure did :) Thank you all for the support and love you have sent me over the past 11 months! You are so great! I love you, I love you, I love you! Have a great week, and remember that Heavenly Father loves you so much. He is so aware of you! Let Him help and guide you.

Love, Sister Bullock

Flowers from a special visitor

Visiting Sister Nakatsuka in the hospital

"Look what I found!"  A Wall Drug bumper sticker! Mom's note: For those of you who have never been to Wall Drug....It is in South Dakota and you view signs coming and going for more than 100 miles!  It's a cheesy place, but a ton of fun too!  We have eaten Buffalo burgers there too

A busy week....Letter dated Aug 7, 2013

HI!

I survived the jungle!! The weather is much, much cooler this week! It's kinda nice, but I don't like being cold. I guess I can't have it all, eh? ;)

I have been a very busy Sister this week! Although, I feel like none of it has been anything really towards finding investigators :( But it's all things that HAD to be done... It's an eternal internal battle. Oh, well. It's been a good week though!

Friday I was in meetings all day (from 10 to 4)! Then Saturday we had to do weekly planning and we had Visitors Center shift. Then Sunday we had church and other meetings, then spent like 3 hours talking to people out on the streets! That was cool. It's always fun to meet people. Monday we had zone training, some time to practice for Night of Music and Inspiration (I'm singing again... I don't know why people ask me to sing. I don't sing! But oh well. Sister Jorgensen is singing with me so it's fine, I guess.) Then 3 lessons with less active members of our ward. Tuesday we had full studies and Visitors Center shift. And between that, I got pulled into a trainers meeting at the Visitors Center. (My poor companions have to put up with me.) 

And then today we had another private tour of the Capitol, but this time with Jocelyn! It was the best tour ever :) I don't want her to go back to Idaho :( Also, President Cooke's daughters (Carolyn and Elizabeth) came to the city with us! They are so cool! I love them so much!

The group! The 2 girls with us are the Cooke's daughters, Carolyn (the brunette) and Elizabeth (the blonde). Love them!

  I loved the speakers balcony...

Out on the speakers balcony!

But unfortunately, that was our week. We don't have any investigators still :( I'm really ready to start teaching again! But I guess Heavenly Father wants me to learn patience this transfer. Patience, and the ability to rely on my Savior and just to place everything in His hands. I literally can't do this alone, so He's going to be the reason I survive this transfer. Well, Him, and my companions. I love them so much!! I have the best companions in the world! We get along so well and laugh all the time. We've filled 3 (almost 3 1/2) pages in our quote notebook already :) They make this drought so much more bearable! I'm so grateful for them! I just wish they had investigators to teach...

So, I've gotten some questions about exchanges! I would love to tell you about them! I go on 8ish exchanges per transfer. They are whenever I schedule them to be, so they don't all happen at once. We (as Visitors Center trainers) go on exchanges with the sisters so we can help with transfers. On exchanges, we find out what the sister we're with could need for the next transfer, then we can bring that to the meeting where we put new companionship's together! It's kind of cool, but very hectic and a little intimidating to me. But, the Lord knows what He's doing, right? I still love working with President and Sister Cooke! They are great! I talk to them so much more than I ever thought I would. They have put so much trust in me it's kind of scary! But since I'm a Visitors Center trainer I see him all the time. He's new, I'm new and so we're both trying to figure some things out together. It's cool. Plus, he is SO concerned with all of his missionaries happiness and well-being! It's adorable! He has me call him once a week just to tell him how I'm doing. Thoughtful, eh? 

Oh, by the way, mail is back to normal. Just a fluke :) No worries!

Anyway, this is a really boring email. I'm sorry. Just know that I love you and miss you and I love the work I'm doing (or trying to do). The Lord is so aware of us, it's amazing! Hopefully I'll have more to report on next week! Thank you for your love and support :) I'll see you sooner than you think! (Weird.)

Love, Sister Bullock

Temple

Mormon.org

Had to

My companions and I at the city last week!

I love them!

 In the sculpture garden downtown, there is a wishing tree... So we put our wishes up!

  A wish I found on the wishing tree :)

Kelsey Temple. That's right, I have my own temple.

Hello from the jungle! Letter dated July 31, 2013

Hello from the jungle!       

The weather has been a little humid this week so I feel like I'm in the jungle. I'm hot and sticky all the time! But, it's better than being cold and having dry, cracked skin, I suppose! It's a love/hate thing.

I love my life right now! Double training is so awesome!! I love both of my daughters (mission term. Maybe I shouldn't use it? I don't know. Oh, well...)!! I love being with them! There isn't a day that goes by without us laughing super hard and writing something in our quote book! It's great! So some of you asked how studies go in the morning since I have to do different things with them as far as the 12 week training goes. So let me tell you! This was such a cool moment with Heavenly Father where He just laid it out for me and showed me how to do it! So The first hour, I'm with Sister Croese doing the second 6 weeks of training, and Sister Jorgenson is doing personal study. The second hour we're all together planning for our day and learning about mission rules. The third hour I'm with Sister Jorgenson for the first 6 weeks of training and Sister Croese is doing personal study. then! In the fought hour, my companions do language study and I have personal study time. So, 4 hours of studies in the morning gets the job done. OI! It's a lot but it's okay. But yeah! So things there are great! 

OH! But we found out today that with our new apartment, we have to use quarters for our laundry... I never have quarters on me so I guess I'll be finding ways to get quarters each week now haha :) Such is life! 

I don't have anything to report with our investigators... because we don't have any... But we're working on it. We did whats called "chalk talk" this week where you draw with chalk on the sidewalk and talk to people about it. Usually you draw the temple or the plan of salvation or something of the sort. I'll send pictures when I can. 

Today we went on a special capitol tour! the senator of Utah invited all the sisters for a special tour! And we were actually in the capitol at the same time as President Obama. Cool, eh? 

Oh, Elder S isn't in my district :( There is another sister that has a visa waiter and they are in a trio so it might be her. Oh! and we're in a new district! We're not with our Hispanics anymore! It's just us, the Elders in our ward (who also happen to be the zone leaders), and 2 French Elders (one of them is the district leader). 

I haven't really done much as a VC area trainer yet so not much to report there... Except I can tell you that exchanges are real exchanges where you trade companions for a full 24 hours, and then you trade back. It's going to be such a great transfer! I'm so excited! YAY! I love being a missionary, and I love being able to work so closely with the Cookes! They are just wonderful people and I love them so much!! Ah! SO GREAT!

I can't believe I'm almost down to 6 months!! What?? Where has the time gone? this can't be real! 

Oh, one more random thing! Apparently the mission office is holding our mail hostage for unknown reasons... So if I'm not writing you back, chances are I haven't received your letter. Or you haven't written me. Or I run out of time on p-days. Sorry about that :)

Anyway, I love you all so much! Thank you for your love and support! You're all the greatest!! Love you and miss you!

Love, Sister Bullock