Hattiesburg, MS - Week #12

Sister Scott and Sister Kendall finding out that they get to remain companions for this transfer!! 

                                                                        Whoo hoo! 

Sister Kendall has been on fire in Hattiesburg.  She has only been out 6 months on her mission, but has spent ALL 6 months in Hattiesburg.  McKennah feels super blessed and that her prayers were answered by getting to spend this transfer with her.


Hey everyone!

Things are going great here in Mississippi! I am loving it here. As of today, it is the first day of my second transfer!! Super crazy, time flies by when you are having fun! I am so sorry, I failed to mention in my last email that today (tuesday), is P-day! This transfer Sister Kendall and I will continue to work together here in Hattiesburg. We have had a lot of progression with all of our investigators the past two weeks. Our goal is to have 2 more baptized by the time Sister Kendall leaves this area.

Lately, Sister Kendall and I have been tracting like crazy because everyone has been busy because of summer and we don't have any appointments planned. On Friday we tracted into a lady named Florence. She has had a super hard life. When we had knocked on the door, she was scared to open it because she thought we were her boyfriend. Her boyfriend is the father of her two beautiful children, however he has been physically abusing her and his kids. A week before we met her he left. Once he left, she went to her mothers house to hide from him for a while. Her mother is also not married, and has a boyfriend. Her boyfriend was sick of seeing Florence and asked if she would kick them out. So, she got kicked out of her mother's home and her boyfriend left her. She now has some financial shoes to fill in. Mississippi, as many of you may know is the poorest state here in the U.S. There are not any jobs available right now. She knew she had to provide for her kids somehow. Now she sleeps with men at night and they pay her to do it. She hates it. She asked us if we could help her, and I looked at her as tears are streaming down her face and said,"Yes we can, through the atonement Jesus Christ all the things that seem to be unfair in life can be made right through his atonement". We stood there in silence for a couple minutes and then she said,"Okay, I will try this." We have not met with her since we met her yet, but we are going to be stopping by this week. If you all don't mind, will you say a prayer for her? It would make a huge difference.

I have a strong testimony of the atonement. I know that Jesus Christ died for us, but more importantly he lives. I know God has a plan for us, and the only way we could return back home is through the savior Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for my Savior, I am grateful that he has carried my pains, burdens, and trials. As members of the church, we have a great message to share. We have promised blessings, and answers to questions. I love my mission. I am grateful to be here and serve my savior in Mississippi. I can't wait to hear from you all this week!

Hey MOM!

Wow! Nick has his farewell! So weird, so much is happening in such short time. It sounds like you guys are busy for the rest of summer. When does school start? Are they already starting? Summer flew by for me. I can't believe I am already starting another transfer. Sister Kendall is with me for ANOTHER TRANSFER! Wahoo! We were super excited, here are some pictures! Today is Sister Kendall's 6 months mark! We are waiting to be reimbursed so we can celebrate! Yeah..about the budgeting, my church card has been acting weird since I got it. The mission president told us we had 160 dollars on our card when we got here, but come to find out, I had 80 dollars for the transfer. Because, I came in the middle of the transfer, I had half of 160 we should have had! My card has been weird ever since. There were some transactions I wanted to make with my church card and it wouldn't work. When I first came all I could use was my personal card. We have been really blessed with dinner appointments. This past couple to weeks were really hard. We didn't have any appointments. We come home at about 9:00 or 9:30 and that is when we would eat, we come home and we are super exaughsted from the day we just go straight to bed after we plan, and forget to eat. Then in the morning we are starving but don't have food or money. This transfer we are going to figure out how to make it work. We hope that the ward will sign up for dinner appointments. This ward LOVES the elders but don't care for sisters. We are trying super hard to gain that relationship with people in our ward, but it is just really hard. Things are good here though! We will be asking another investigator to be baptized on Monday, it should be awesome! Miss you so much! Hope you all are doing well!

Hattiesburg, MS - Week #11

Hey ya'll! 

Man, this week has been amazing. I feel so blessed to be out here serving the Lord and witnessing the little daily miracles that I do as a missionary. Missionary work is fun, and it really is a ton of work too! This week we had our investigator Brandon baptized on July 17, 2015. The service was beautiful, and the spirit was very strong there. Right as the service started my mission president and his wife walked in! We were so shocked and super nervous to see them. Sister Kendall and I gave a talk at that service and did not expect to see them! Usually mission president's are very busy. It is a rare case for them to show up, however we made the best of it and he told us good job thankfully!  For those of you who don't remember, Brandon was a referral given from the headquarters in Salt Lake City. These kind of referrals don't happen very often, and when it does they usually just want a bible. In Brandon's case he sincerely wanted to know more about the gospel. He was really searching for truth and after several years of waiting for the answer he finally found it. We found him about 3 weeks ago, and he progressed super fast. The Lord really does prepare his missionaries with those who are ready for the gospel. I have a strong testimony that God is aware of us. He loves us, and knows what we need and what we can handle. A Scripture comes to mind, in D&C  76:11-13 it talks about testimonies. I know Jesus Christ lives! He has prepared a way for us to make it back to our heavenly father. Without the atonement, we would not be able to return. I know these things are true!

Hi mom!

WOW that is the LONGEST LETTER EVER! But, I loved it. Thanks for taking the time to write it all down for me. It looks like you girls had a blast! I am so glad it turned out! I knew it would (; I miss girl's camp, and all the girls!   This week was awesome!  This is the LAST WEEK OF MY FIRST TRANSFER. wow, that flew by SO FAST. Today Sister Kendall and I are going on exchanges and I am SUPER NERVOUS. We have already had one exchange, however I was in Oak Grove (where STL's live) and Sister Kendall stayed here in Hattiesburg. This time I will be staying in Hattiesburg, and she will be going to oak grove. Last night Sister Kendall and I planned lessons for today, and I am super scared. She had me do most of the planning by myself to give me an idea of what it would be like without her here. It was awful, and I was really having anxiety doing it. My heart was racing, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. I am super nervous for transfers. On Saturday we get to find out whether Sister will be staying or leaving. After that planning session by myself I realized that I need her to stay even more! If she doesn't stay I will have a new trainer for the next six weeks, and I really don't want that to happen for a couple of reasons 1) I am so used to how Sister Kendall trains me. 2) I JUST ADORE HER 3) I am not ready for her to go yet. I just learned from President that Sister Kendall is the number one sister in the field. He paired me up with her because he expects me to be number one too! She is a great missionary, and it just makes more sense to me if she would stay for one more transfers and finish training me! She has been in Hattiesburg for 5 and a half months long...that it pretty long for a sister missionary to serve here. This is the only area she has served in so far. I am putting a lot of faith in the Lord right now. I hope she stays.  When you mentioned how you feel like my missionary experience is like a TV Series, I completely agree! And this week you will be on a cliff hanger until next tuesday because that is when transfers happen, and when P-day will be. Please pray that she will stay, I need her here. I don't know this place, or have the relationship with my investigators or ward yet. 6 weeks would be perfect! Sorry this is so long...but I am just freaking out a lot! I am doing good though, loving my mission! I am working hard! 

Brandon spent Pday with the missionaries and posted these pics

Hattiesburg, MS - Week #10

MOMMA! I was super excited to email you today. I have had a lot on my mind this week! Before I forget, I am going to answer your question about my daily schedule. I will start with Monday because that is the only day that is different than any other day. Monday is P-day, we wake up at 6:30, and we clean our apartment until 7:00. Then from 7-8 we get ready for the day. at 8:00-9:00 we have personal study. 9:00-10:00 we have companionship study, and we also plan lessons for the day. Then right about 10:15/30 we go and email until about 12:00. Today we came in late, and we had to run to a couple stores so we are short on time today. Then we have lunch at about 12:30, today we will be going to CiCi's Pizza! And then from 2-5 we go and play at the church with other missionaries! We play handball, or human foosball, or mofia, or signs. I LOVE P-days..,they are so chill. Then from 5-9:00 we have our appointments or tracting. 9:30 we start our planning session for the following day. On Tuesdays-Saturday we do the exact same thing in the mornings. At about 1:00We really start our day. We tract, visit with members, or have appointments to be at in between 1-9:00. If we have a dinner appointment we come home at 9:30. Then we plan again and are off to bed by 10:30every night. We plan our schedule for every second of the day. It is so nice knowing what we are doing, and use our time wisely. It is SO IMPORTANT TO PLAN. When I come home I will most definitely use a planner. It really is so helpful. On Sundays we have our church meetings at 11-2. Then the rest of the day is like normal. 

So, girls camp is this week huh? Well that just flew by! Some of my favorite girls camp experiences are just being with the girls, and spending time together as a ward. I was always in such great company and that is all that mattered to me! You have always been good at planning these types of activities. This is the perfect calling for you. You are just like the girls and they LOVE YOU. Will you please tell them all hi for me? And also that I hope they are having a blast? Girls camp was my favorite. There is something special about all the girls, and the spirit, and being in nature. It was my safe haven and my favorite place to be. Tell them to enjoy every moment! It seriously goes by so fast. I am so grateful for their testimonies, and for being my friends. I love them so much! Take a ton of pictures for me. I will most definitely pray for you. I have always prayed for you, and think about you often. At least everything is ready to go! It sounds like a blast. What in the world! Shayla had her farewell?! How is she feeling? How is Wendy? Man that is so crazy. I can't believe Parker is home, and Josh anderson. SO WEIRD! I love missionary work. It is so FUN, and super TIRING. I also want you to know that I have been really good at writting in my journal. I have only missed a few days! Well, I just want you to know I am doing so good here. I love these people with all my heart. Even though their accents are hard. HAHA on side note, a few people have told me I have an accent? They always ask where I am from and they say that I have an accent. HAHAH I think that is hilarious. Love you mom. Please send lots of pictures this week! I will continue to pray for you! 

Good morning everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful week, I know I sure did! Before I forget, I was wondering if I could get everyone's home address? I would love to send letters, and maybe get some from you all too! Thank you for your support, it means a lot to me and my family! This past week has been awesome! We have two new investigators and they seem to be really interested in the gospel. We also have Brandon's Baptism this Friday!! YAY! Please keep him in your prayers this week, it would mean a lot for us. We are so excited for him! On the first day I arrived here in Mississippi I met a woman named Shirley, she is 80 years old, and has the biggest heart ever! She has been meeting with the missionaries for the last 5 years, and she still hasn't made the decision to be baptized. About 4 months ago, she became really sick and didn't want to meet with the missionaries anymore. My companion who has been serving for 5 and a half months now has been here while she been sick the last few months. My companion said that she knew Shirley would eventually get baptized. She never gave up on her. Shirley would always make these excuses about why she wouldn't want to be baptized. Her main concern was tithing. Shirley owns over 15 cats. She also works full time Monday through Saturday. She has been working so she could take care of her cats. Shirley said she couldn't commit to tithing until her cats were taken care of. On Sunday we asked Shirley to come to church, and she said she would. When she came we asked her  again to be baptized and she said no. We asked the bishop what we should do, and he said that she could be baptized, as long as if she commits when she is financially ready to pay her tithing. So, we had the prompting again to ask her to be baptized again and she said YES. She will be baptized this Saturday! We are so excited for her and know that this is the right thing to do. It is just amazing and a great testimony to me that we cannot give up on someone even if there is a little spark of interest. Shirley finally decided to be baptized after 5 years of meeting with the missionaries. I am so lucky to witness this baptism. I know that the church is true. I know that the spirit testifies of simple truths. This is true happiness, and we are so blessed. I am excited to hear from you all this week. Be safe, and enjoy the rest of summer! 

here is the fun fact for the week..In Mississippi, they call grocery carts "boogies". Also, all the woman when they greet us they kiss our cheeks! It is so sweet!

Hattiesburg, MS - Week #9

You 

Hi mom!  

This week has been really good.  We have done a lot of tracting, everyone was busy because of the fourth, we kept tracting forever and no one listened to us!  I haven't really been discouraged about it. Tracting is actually really fun!  Sister Kendall and I have been having a blast together.  I am so glad you are seeing tons of pictures!  Brandon ended up coming to the luau.  He loved it!  He is still going to get baptized on July 17th.  He told us he had some questions, but he thinks it won't affect his conversion.  We will be meeting with him today, so please say a ton of prayers for us and Brandon!  We hope he will still want to do it!  He asked me to speak at his baptism.  Hopefully it will go good!  The 4th of July was SO LAME.  We had a dinner appointment with the Hinton family, and they actually don't like SISTER MISSIONARIES.  We really have no idea why they invited us over.  Well, they invited the Elders, so maybe they felt like they had to.  When we showed up Kallie (the daughter) talked with us for a minute, and then we literally sat in the corner while they met with the elders.  No fireworks, no parades, no nothin.  I really missed home that day.  i really have never been so alone on my mission.  I am really excited for your package!  We will check the mail today!  YAY, YAY, YAY!!  I love you mom!  I hope everything is going good.  I am doing great and as happy as I can be.  Love you! 

This is my home!!!

Hey Ya'll!
How is everyone doing? Thank you for your emails, and letters. I have received so many. I am fixing to send some back to you all! I hope everyone had an awesome fourth of July! In Mississippi, they don't really celebrate the fourth. It was so weird! No fireworks, no barbeque meals, no parades, no nothin! I was so surprised. My companion and I made the best out of that day the best we could! It is such a blessing to have all of the rights that we do. I know I take them for granted sometimes, but we are truly blessed all the time. Yesterday was fast Sunday,hope that everyone enjoyed their fast! There is more meaning behind the fast than starving yourself, it is an opportunity to feel inner peace, and gain strength and be filled with the spirit. Yesterday we went tracting, and we started our fast early that morning, and broke it at 6:00 pm. Heavenly Father really took care of my companion and I, neither one of us complained that whole day. We were so focused on the missionary work we forgot we hadn't eaten! I testify to you all that the power of the fast is real.You will receive strength. You will receive personal revelation. If we will just forget ourselfs and remember why we fast. I promise you will have a richer experience. I love you all! Thanks again for the emails and letters! I loved them!

Hattiesburg, MS - Week #8

Hi Mom!  

The sisters have a super small area...the elders on the other hand have a big area.  Last transfer, they closed an area and combined two different areas into one.  So, they have more work than we do, but I love it!  We are retracting the same areas that Sister Kendall tracted when she was being trained.  She told me that we retract them because God has a specific place, specific person that we are to help while we are serving our mission.  She has taught me a lot!  I am lucky to have her as a trainer.  I have just learned that there are "apostate missionaries".  These are missionaries that are disobedient and break the rules.  I have heard many crazy stories about some missionaries, and I just want you to know that I am going to be exactly obedient.  I am going to continue to work hard and be strong.  I love my mission.  As I come to know my investigators I love them.  They all come from many different backgrounds, however God has allowed his missionaries to see them the way God would see them.  It is so cool.  I see many miracles everyday.  I know that God watches over his missionaries and blesses them as we are obedient. That is so crazy you went to a catholic mass!  The people in Mississippi are not catholic.  It is very rare to come across them.  Everyone is baptist here and are strong in their ways.  I had another bible bash just yesterday as we were tracting.  We have to be so careful because a lot of the time when these people open up their doors to you, they just want to fight with you, persecute you.   I have been so frustrated because these people are so RUDE.  The only thing I can think of is bare my testimony.  I know what I believe.  I used to be so passive about my beliefs, but with these people I am strong headed.  I have to stand up for what I believe.  I LOVE MY MISSION.  It is hard but, every time I think it is hard a blessing comes.  I love the gospel!

As companions they seem to be getting along just fine!

McKennah, Sister Kendall and Karen Bach

Hello all!

I can't believe another week has come and gone!  I have great news as of Friday, I can say I have been on my mission for a MONTH!  Time flies by when you are having fun.  Last week I told you all a story about my first Bible bash, and i can tell you that I have been in 2 MORE.  Crazy stuff.  I do not like bashing, and arguing about doctrine, but apparently that is a thing they do in the south.  As a missionary, our purpose is to help invite others to come to Christ, and in Bible bashes we are not really fulfilling our purpose.  I have made it a goal to fulfill that as much as I possible can.  This last week, my companion and I received a referral from headquarters.  On the referral they give us their name and address, so we decided to drive over there and see what was up.  2 weeks prior Brandon Crouse (referral) had been searching for truth.  He was on LDS.org and searched the whole website.  He loved, loved our website.  There was an option on the website to "find missionaries" and that is how we got the referral.  Brandon is an awesome guy, he was super interested and loved the restoration lesson.  He loved it so much, he invited us to come over the next morning.  That morning, we went over and gave him the Plan of Salvation lesson!  He loved it.  I kept getting the prompting to ask if he wanted to be baptized, but I ignored the prompting and thought "why would he do that?  Maybe he isn't really as interested as he seems?  Maybe he was just being nice."  Well the prompting got bigger and bigger, than I finally got the guts to ask him, and he said YES!  He will be baptized on July 17th.  We are so proud of him and his decision to join the church.  He came with us on Sunday to all 3 meetings.  I am so impressed with his testimony.  He has been searching his entire life for this to happen.  I just want to bear my testimony, that I know that miracles are real.  We as Latter Day Saints CAN help our brothers and sisters.  I know that as we put our faith in God that we can really see miracles like this.  BELIEVE in yourself, BELIEVE that your testimony can influence others, and I promise good things will come of it.  Love you all.  Be safe this week! PS-  This is Brandon in this picture.

Hattiesburg, MS - Week #7

Hey Ya'll!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!  I can't believe I have been here for a week...time has flown!  I love it here in Mississippi!  Fun fact for you all (I will do this at the end of each of my emails), Here in Mississippi there are no sidewalks, so everyone walks on the road.  Weird, right?  And on every street corner there is a different baptist church.  If you are not baptist here, then you are Mormon.  All the baptist have different beliefs, I wouldn't even call it a church organization because it is not organized!  The people are super nice though, everyone refers to each other as ya'll or sir/ma'am.  I have had a hard time adjusting to their accents...these people mumble and talk way fast. I have had some pretty awesome/interesting experiences while I have been here.  One of our investigators Annie, is a very sweet girl.  Her best friend is Mormon, and so she was really excited to meet with us.  The first night we met her she gave us dinner, and then the second time we came she made us cookies and they were delicious!  When we goth there we planned to teach the plan of salvation..come to find out she wanted to teach us.  She pulled out her bibles, and her online research papers, and tried to teach us how our church was wrong.  While she was talking to us she claimed that "she was Esther and was above all virgins, and women", weird right?  The spirit of that room was awful.  My companion and I were there for 3 hours listening to this women.  While we listened to her I was sick to my stomach.  She was saying many awful things about our church, and we couldn't do a thing about it.  She was the nicest Satan I have ever met!  After that experience my companion and I walked to our car, and we were so upset.  I wish I stood up for my beliefs in there.  I was just so shocked about everything that happened I could't say anything.  The investigators can argue all they want about doctrine...but they can't argue my testimony.  I KNOW THIS CHURCH IS TRUE.  I know Thomas S. Monson was called of God.  Jesus Christ is the Head of this church.  Joseph Smith did see God the Father, and his son Jesus Christ.  I challenge you all to share your testimony with one person this week.  Whether it is with a member, or a non-member, see how they react!  Maybe they will share theirs with you too!  I can't wait to hear from you all this week.  

Dinner appt with Karen Bach

Hattiesburg, MS - Week #6

Hello!  It has been a wayy crazy week!  I just flew into Jackson just yesterday morning!  I AM SO EXCITED!  My new comp is super cute.  I love her so much already.  My first area is Hattiesburg, apparently this is the area where the baptisms happen!  I am starting off on the right foot!  We have 3 appointments planned already!  It is crazy!  I am pretty scared but excited.  The humidity is a very REAL thing... I just got here and I am dying, I think I am going to be carrying a lot of lotion and deodorant....I literally have to hold my breath before I go outside.  It hits you like a ton of bricks here!!  For all my friends who are about to serve missions you will hear this over andover again from your mom and the MTC staff., "try to be EXACTLY OBEDIENT and you will have a successful mission".  So, keep that in mind.  Also, the MTC was great..I really miss it actually, but I know this is where I need to be!  I have also heard from other missionaries/people that this is the place where the Bible Belt happens, it is so TRUE.  What I have learned is, you don't want to fight with your investigators, we should LOVE them.  They can argue all day with doctrine, but they can't argue with testimonies.  I know that as we bear our testimonies, we will touch the hearts of our investigators, friends, family, etc.  They are so much more powerful.  Here is a picture of my mission president, his wire, and me! And here is a picture of my grandma (comps trainer), my mom (very first companion), and me! (daughter, and granddaughter) 

This is a pic on McKennah's first Sunday in the ward, from Jacque Fitzgerald's phone.  Bishop Fitzgerald's wife!!!

And that night they had them over for dinner feeding them both their most FAVORITE meal....Chicken Alfredo!  The members love the missionaries in Mississippi!  I LOVE it!

1st Devotional in the MTC....

Here is a funny story....while I was at the MTC, for our very first devotional, I fell down many, I mean....MANY, MANY stairs.  I fell in front of over 300 new missionaries.  I WAS SO EMBARRASSED.  My comp and I played it so cool, however, if there were any missionaries in front of me it would have been a domino!  One after another!  You say I have changed...I suppose some things just don't!  Here is a picture of the stairs....

Hattiesburg, MS - Week #5

McKennah told us she wouldn't be flying out until Tuesday morning.  So I was a little startled when I woke up to 2 missed calls on my phone!  Some kind people at the airport let McKennah and her companion borrow their phones to call home.   I missed a couple of her calls.  A blessing in disguise- as I have listened to her voicemail numerous times.  I did call her back and we were able to talk with her for a good 10 min.  It was short, it was sweet, and she sounded like she had aged 20 yrs!!!

 McKennah and Sister Bartsch heading to Mississippi!!!

Hey there Momma and family!  As of right now I am typing on a computer in MISSISSIPPI!  I love it here!  My first companion is Sister Kendall and I love her already!  When I met her, I just knew we would be companions!! My first area is in Hattiesburg, and they say it is the most successful area so far!  I already have 3 appointments with investigators tonight....super nervous.  But I know that it is what I should be doing!  I will be sending pictures and emailing back and forth with people between 2-5; so just be on the lookout!  I love you!  Hearing everyones voices was so sweet!  That's funny I sound old.  HAHA Ya'll sound the same to me!  Thanks for all the support! 

And the BEST surprise EVER!!!  My sister in law, Tina's- sister in law Debi....who is from Mississippi.  Has a sister living in Hattiesburg.  Whose husband is the BISHOP of a Hattiesburg Ward.  It's a small, beautiful world!  Rests a mother's heart!!!  Communication travelled fast....

Later in her P-day after notifying her we had a connection with someone in Hattiesburg, I received this letter!

MOMMMMMMMMMYYYYYY!  He is the bishop of our ward!!  He wants to make a dinner appointment with us sometime.  He actually called us like an hour ago to talk to me briefly.  It caught my companion off guard when he called, she usually doesn't receive phone calls very often from him.  Anyways, just arrived in Hattiesburg.  It is beautiful!  I can't believe I am here.  We just talked the whole way, no music was needed! HAHA.  Well I am doing awesome.  Super tired, but it is worth every minute!  I have such a great desire to be successful and change to be a better member and missionary.  I just want to be an all around good person.  I feel like I was a good person at home, however, I could be SO MUCH BETTER.  There is never enough room to grow.  I have so much on my mind and I wish I could share with you every detail.  I haven't even started my group email and I need to get on that!  Love you mommy, I miss you terribly, but I couldn't be doing anything better.  Why is it just you emailing?  Tell those boys to get on it!  AND DAD! Freak...you're not the only one I miss. I love you, I love you, I love you!  Hope all is well! 

MTC- Provo