Week 24: Horsetail Falls

Who is ready for a hike?

Only a couple of weeks left together.

Beautiful Columbia River

Waterfall

Behind the falls

Pretty brave, balancing on rocks

Look Mom, Sister Olsen is crazy fun!

Photo bomb? Sister Depew are you there?

Week 23: Sacrifice

Well friends, it was one of those less than enjoyable weeks. We are
finding a lot, and no one seems to want to listen. Yesterday, we
knocked on this one house, and we introduce ourselves, and he tells us
to "keep moving, he's Jewish" and quickly closes the door in our
faces. While he is doing this he snapped at us in a 'get out of here
motion'. Oh boy the Shelbylyn was almost unleashed! That is the first
time someone snapped at me. I think in that instant all I could do was
be polite, then once I turned my back I had some negative thoughts.
All is well though! Christ, prophets, and apostles have suffered much
more than what I have. I need not complain. My venting tangent is over
now.

We had a zone companion study with President Taylor this week. The
topic we discussed was sacrifice. We read the talk sacrifice by Elder
Oaks from the April 2012 general conference. Basically what I got out
of this meeting with President: my sacrifice is a sacrifice, but
comparatively, not a big one. Plus I will be overly compensated for my
sacrifice. I am sacrificing my family, my time, my everything to serve
the Savior. It is a small thing I give. I am in debt to my Heavenly
Father. I was born in the gospel, I have a good family, I know simple
truths that many do not know. God has given me so much. I can
sacrifice 18 months of my life to strengthen His kingdom. I think of
the scripture D&C 82:3 much is given, much is required. I have been
given the gospel. I want to share what I know to be true. Why would I
want to do that? Because of the great joy, and peace I have in this
life because of it.

To those who read this, know this. I love God. I am proud to be His
missionary. I would not subject myself to this lifestyle if this
gospel was not true. If I did not know it was true, I would have gone
home months ago. I will sacrifice with a willing, and loving heart. I
desire to share this true gospel with those who have desires to come
closer to Christ. I just pray my shortcomings will not hinder this
great work to which I am called to do. People ask all the time why do
I do this? Because it is true, and because God prompted me to do so.
It is my testimony that Jesus Christ lives. I know this is His work
that I am doing. He loves us! God loves us! They are so aware of each
of us, and our personal circumstances. The gospel that Christ taught
himself is in fact upon the earth once more. I say these things in the
name of my Savior, and Redeemer Jesus Christ amen.

The only real mail for this week.

Got my hair cut off.

I cooked a real dinner.

 

Week 22: It's a small world after all.

Okay so this week I found out that a member in my last area, his mom
works at this old people home next to the church building. We went
there to see if we could volunteer there. She came out, and started
talking to us, and asked us how long we have been out, and I told her
that I was in St. Helens. She told us that her son lives out there.
Well turns out that it just so happens that her son is the one who
made sure that the missionaries did the hula hoop contest at the ward
Luau. It was nice talking with her for a little. Then later in the
week I was talking to Sister Olsen, and I found out that her cousin
was my friend in middle school. Yep the one and only Brianna Bell.
Haha crazy right? And then... So let me preface this. The first day I
got here I met Brother and Sister Nordstrom. That name sounded
familiar, but I couldn't put a face to the name. Well fast forward to
when we went over for dinner the other night. They had their
granddaughter's senior announcement out. I looked at it, and I
recognized her! I was like I know this girl! Brianna Nordstrom from
Las Vegas. Yep that's the one. Then I asked if they knew the
Ellsworth's. They said yep they sure did, and showed me a picture of
them at the temple from a couple of weeks ago. Aww it really is a
small world especially if you are Mormon, just saying.

Happy Fourth everyone! It was hot here. We didn't have any set
appointments that day, so we were out knocking on doors. Which was
kinda silly because everyone was gone. After dinner we just stayed in,
and did some planning because by then everyone was enjoying their
festivities. Then we went with the other sisters that we live with to
their ward block party. We had permission to stay out, as long as it
was with members, and we texted the zone leaders when we were home
safe. We had until 11:30, but we came home at 10:30. Boy yesterday was
a struggle! I took a lunch nap. I love bedtimes. I do not think I
would have ever said that in my life, but I did.

Haha okay side tangent.. I have gotten so tan that people are starting
to ask me what nationality I am. I mean seriously? I am not even that
dark. I just tan easy. I tell people white. They look at me with this
oh expression on their face haha kinda funny.

This was a good week. We are out working hard. I know the area a
little bit better. Which makes me feel better. I am in need of some
light summer tops though. The struggle. It's real. I would much rather
have the dry heat of Vegas compared to the humid heat of Oregon. It's
kinda hard to look happy about the gospel when you are all sweating.
Just saying. I keep having to remind myself that I do not sweat, I
glow. People are always amazed that we are out in the heat. Then they
tell us not to work to hard. No, I can not do that! That would mean
people wouldn't have the opportunity to hear this great message I have
to share. Oh how I miss the rain!

I love you all! Hope everyone has a great week ahead of them.
Love,
Sister Slattery

The Nordstroms

 

Are we not just so cute!

Silly Sister Olsen

Seriously?