Meet the Mormons

Family and friends,

On Thursday of this week, a program called "Meet the Mormons" was broadcast over in the UK. Perhaps it was elsewhere as well, but as far as I know, it was only over here. Basically, it was a show that followed around a missionary in the Leeds mission and sorta portrayed the church in a negative light. When I first heard about it from a member, I got super discouraged. In my head, I was thinking, "The work is already hard! I really didn't need this." Right then, another thought came into my head, "Why are you worrying? The Saviour Himself is over this church." And with that, I felt completely fine and at peace. And you know what? Though the program was negative, this was probably the best thing that could have happened to us at this time. People have approached us, asked us questions, we have been asked to come for a visit by former investigators and random people we meet. We even got another media referral! I This has taught me to trust in the Lord. Though I may panic and worry, it's totally in the hands of One who knows everything, the end from the beginning. One person we're friends with in the area even came up to us and said matter of factly, "It's a load of rubbish! You guys are great. I don't believe a word of it." And honestly, if God be for us, who can prevail against us?

So, our week was filled with weird questions, people, and experiences. But in the best kind of way. I absolutely loved it. I love being on a mission. This Wednesday is transfers. I have absolutely no idea what's going to happen, and I decided I won't guess this time like I did last. I haven't said goodbye to anyone. Usually in our mission, missionaries don't stay in an area more than 6 months. But I honestly don't know. I'll let you all know next week. Maybe I'll serve in England? Since that's where I was called.

Funny: One of our investigators had watched the Meet the Mormons show. She had texted and asked if we could come sooner than we had planned because she had loads of questions. We got into her home, and the first thing she blurts out is, "How can I go to one of those Mormon dances? They wear clothes! And have fun while drinking punch! Is that real?"

Sad: I've been feeling a tiny bit ill lately, but only slightly. It's more just annoying. My stomach constantly feels a bit nauseated. I have been notified that it might be a slight intolerance to dairy. So for the next few weeks, I've been asked to stay off dairy to see if it makes a difference. "And no more happiness!"

Testimony: This church must be true. It just has to be. With all the 18 year old boys and girls (and 22 year old me) that are asked to drive in Britain on the wrong side of the road with no previous practice and hardly any accidents, the Lord must be looking after us. Seriously, it's just not plausible without having divine help.

I love you guys! Jesus loves you. Hope you have a great week.

Sister Kuykendall

In our natural state

Cutest kids you ever saw. Some of my favorites from Newcasle Emlyn

The bad fermata

We had a super preparation day today, filled with sun and sports. Our zone all went down to a beach in Swansea and played football right next to the ocean. There were loads of people on the beach as well, and quite a few joined in. It was a really neat finding opportunity actually. Our transfers are coming up soon, and I'm just realizing that I may not be near the ocean for a long time after this. What if I'm sent to the middle of England? I'm really loving Wales. I don't know if I'll be able to handle it over there.

This week had some really cool ups and downs, but mostly one big down that sorta made us depressed for the rest of the week. We had a really solid (or so we thought) investigator that just this last week told us he didn't want to meet with us anymore. As he told us he wanted to be done learning about the gospel, some of the thoughts going through my mind were "I thought we were friends!" "How could he do this to us?" "This was totally unexpected." It was like a break up, but worse.

As we walked out of this lesson though, we were able to talk to someone really neat. Actually, we were pretty depressed, so I don't think I was up to talking to anyone. But this guy in his late 20's calls to us and asks us why we're dressed all nice. We explained that we're missionaries. He told us that he was atheist, but then proceeded to tell us of this experience he had at a bible camp when he was a teen. He explained that as someone was praying, he got this overwhelming feeling that everything was going to be okay. Essentially, he described the Spirit. It made me realize that God is so so aware of each person I meet and talk to and already know. God knows ME. He knows YOU.  

But here are some other moments from our week:

Funny: On Tuesday, we had zone conference in Rhiwbina. However, I couldn't even enjoy being there because I was stressing out about a musical number I was asked to be in with some other missionaries. We were all supposed to sing this song that sounded like EFY (and if you know me well, you know I really don't like that kind). It really sounded dreadful throughout, but the worst part was at the end of the song when we were all supposed to slow down for the last note. Like put a fermata on it. Put simply, half of us did, and half of us didn't, and we ended up just making everyone laugh instead of feel the Spirit. That's the end of my singing career.

Also funny: Boy about my age tried to give me a hug on the street as we were shaking hands. I sorta ducked down and he ended up hugging the air above me.

Sad: I'm dying that I'm missing the World cup right now. Seriously, dying. And it's also sad because during any sort of World Cup game, everyone seems to disappear. No one is on the street, and no one answers their doors. It's like a proper ghost town.

Testimony: I know my Saviour lives. I know He loves you and each person I talk to. I know this gospel has been restored through a prophet. Man, I love our prophet. I know the Book of Mormon is true because I feel peace when I read it.

One last thing, my mother has informed me that my grammar is started to get really bad. I'm sorry if any of you have noticed. I'll try to start reading through my e-mails before I send them. But I'm not looking over this one. Sorry.

I love you guys!

Sister Kuykendall

Me in a place called Cardigan

Football on the beach

We received flowers from a 3 year old 

Also, I found root beer here 

Milk

Friends and Family,

First off, happy birthday to my best friend. Man, Madie is 20? I feel old. And happy Father's Day to the best daddy in the world. I miss you a lot. But I totally agree with Madie: I have never missed my family less, but loved them more since I've been here. So, I love you all a whole bunch.

So honestly, this week was a little sad. Our investigator that came to church last week told us on Tuesday that he didn't think he'd be able to come to church ever again because he gets extreme anxiousness and mini panic attacks when driving in cars. He was in a super serious accident about ten years ago which he miraculously survived, but left him in a wheelchair for over a year. We were devastated. I had no idea that a little piece of news could make me as deeply sad as it did. He told us he'd like to continue to learn, but he wasn't sure if he would ever progress. Anyway, we continued with him throughout the week. On Saturday, he cancelled a lesson because he fell off his roof, so he was in the hospital. In my head I was like, "Really? This cannot be real." We decided to call by his house later in the evening, even though we weren't sure if he was home yet. We just wanted to check up on him and invite him to church. So, we prayed that miraculously he would say, "Yes! I'd love to come to church and then be baptised next week." As we walked up to the door, I expected a miracle. I wanted it so bad. We knocked on the door... And he opened! He said he wasn't doing too well, and sorry he had to cancel. We invited him to church and... He said heck no. He could barely move, let alone try and get over his panic attacks from driving and travel the distance. We walked away feeling really let down.

Sunday morning, we were both a little silent. This investigator had been quite solid, and seeing everything sorta fall apart made me want to run into a wall. On our way to church, we got a text from our investigator saying, "Sorry to be a pain, but could you get me a lift to church?" And then a text immediately after that saying, "Nevermind, I found a ride. See you soon." I was dying. I felt like it was a joke. We both hurried to church, and sure enough, there he was! With his back brace and everything. He explained that he'd gotten up this morning, and he didn't know why but he woke up and decided he was going to church. He found himself walking to a member's home around the corner and asking for a ride. He came on his own. This never happens. This was truly a miracle that I will never understand. I don't even think our investigator understood completely why he'd made a whole bunch of sacrifices to come to church. But in Sunday School, he admitted that he didn't know why, but he felt a burden lifted from him after coming to church, and a peace throughout the week that he'd never felt and couldn't describe.

Funny: Thursday night, after a long and sad day, we got back to the flat and were about to plan. As I walked across the flat to pray, I tripped over my bag, and landed flat on my face pretty hard. Sister Allred laughed pretty hard. I did too, until I felt this super sharp pain on my foot. I looked down, and the metal part of my bag had stabbed my toe super deep and ripped a huge part of my skin off on my left big toe. The bleeding didn't stop for a while, but luckily I didn't need stiches. But now I have special permission to wear sandals until it's healed. 

Weird Milk Lady: On Wednesday, we were talking to some people in Lampeter. One woman told me I was of the devil and a hypocrite because I drink milk. I tried to ask why, and she just kept saying, "Vegan life! Vegan life!" Sister Allred drinks about a gallon of milk a week, so I think it sorta upset her.

The ward: I've grown super close to this ward, and I'll miss it a bunch when I leave. I've made some really good friends. They even told me I was part of the family. I wanna stay here forever.

I love this. I love being here. Even the hard days are worth it. Do you understand how much fun I'm having? And how many cool people I get to meet? I get to walk around the streets of Europe and tell people that Jesus loves them.

Sister Kuykendall

My toe at a non-gross angle

Me with an Armenian that met Madie

Sheesh!

Questions

This week, as I was studying, I came across a study tip in Preach My Gospel. It suggested that we start writing down questions we are asked and find answers to them in our studies. I got super excited about this suggestion for some reason, and decided I would try it out. As we talked with people on the street, in lessons, whatever setting, I would make a mental note of their question(s) and write it down later. As I gathered all my questions together, I came to the conclusion that 90% of the questions stem from the same basic question: "Why do bad things happen?" We get this question so often, that I can almost predict our whole conversations. It's a valid question, and one that has taken me years to understand. Actually, I still don't completely understand. But as I tried to study for the answer, I realised something. If only good things happened to good people, and only bad tings happened to bad people, it would be too easy to be good. This life would no longer help us grow and improve and build character. Our trials are simply opportunities for us to prove our courage, strength, valour, and humility. Maybe you all knew that, but for some reason, this thought just seemed to click with me this week. A friend e-mailed me a quote from Elder Nelson that says, "With celestial sight, trials impossible to overcome become possible to endure." I love the perspective that the gospel offers.

I mentioned an investigator a few weeks ago that's really starting to gain this celestial sight. He's the one that was not liking the thought of giving up his tea and pretty much kicked us out. Fortunately, he allowed us to come back this week four times. Oh man, he's legit. Our first time seeing him this week, before we could even follow up on how he was doing with tea, smoking, and the word of wisdom in general, he solemnly declared that he'd given up tea. I accidently yipped for joy. It was somewhat humorous because he said it in such a serious manner, but I could tell he was proud of himself. He said that he'd prayed and knew it was what God wanted, though he didn't quite understand why. "But why not experiment?" he'd said. But we are stoked. This man is the most humble person on the planet. Though his progression has been slower than most, it has been perfect for him. I've loved being apart of it.

Funny: We talked to a woman at a bus stop the other day. She didn't really want to talk to us, but when she realised we had accents, she offered us her grandsons for marriage, saying "You look like you're from Hollywood! Look at those teeth! My grandson could use a woman." Self esteem shoots to a new high.

Change of scenery: I got to serve in Merthyr for a day this week. It has loads of church history there, so it's super neat to serve where great missionaries of the early church have served. The accent there is super wonky.

Sad: My heart broke over Madie's e-mail last week.

I love you all! This gospel is perfect. Jesus loves you.

Sister Katie Kuykendall

I got to sit on a tractor! Yay. This is my favourite spot because it's where the dog can't get me. And don't worry, I didn't operate it.

Love

Well, I'm still here in Newcastle Emlyn with Sister Allred. Because I thought I'd be leaving, I was super dramatic and started saying goodbye to members and everything. When we got the call saying I was staying yet another transfer, I was a little embarrassed, but that just meant that we had a bit more time to work this week than other companionships who were moving.

On Tuesday, we had a lesson with a man in Carmarthen. He's been taught on and off for years, and at this point in time he's going through a bit of a rough patch. He's had some custody issues with his daughter, and it just sounds unpleasant. Because of all the things that have been going on, his yard has been quite neglected. Both the front and the back yards had about 3 ft. long grass and weeds, bushes were weighing down with branches, and leaves were wet and rotting on the decks. At the end of our lessons with him, we always ask if we can do service for him. Each time he says no, he's been a bit overwhelmed, but he'll get around to it in the next couple days. Finally, we decided he really needed help with his yard, and we pretty much just informed him after this particular lesson that we would be there the next day at two to work in the yard. He sort of chuckled, and said okay. I'm pretty sure he thought we were joking, because the next day when we came with a couple in the ward, their lawn mower, gloves, and yard clipper things, he seemed quite surprised. I must admit, I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. It was a huge job, and I was praying the whole time for Papa Doug's help and inspiration. I knew that he'd know how to deal with all the work we had ahead of us. When we finally finished, he just sat outside in awe. We hadn't done a beautiful job, but he just seemed so grateful. I think he finally realized that we actually cared about him, that we consider him our friend. And though he's a tough guy, I even saw him cry a couple tears as we finished. After this experience, I was reminded of something I was told before I left for Britain: the mission is all about LOVE. I felt at that moment that I was sorta going back to the basics. I remember in the beginning when I didn't have any skills as a missionary, and all I could offer was my love to people. That really is what it's all about. It's so easy to get caught up in nit picky things, and how to do things just right so people will listen. But really, it's just that simple. Love is the key to moving this work forward.

Though we didn't see any huge miracles this week, we saw many mini miracles which added up to a great week. We met and got to know some really neat and interesting people. The times I love my mission best are when I can talk to lots of people about something I love - the gospel - and I can learn something from them in return. Each person I meet changes me in some way. I don't know how to describe it.

Funny: I'm not sure how many of you know what LARPing is, but it's an acronym for "live action role play." Basically, it's where grown people play make believe. They pretend like they are in a film or video game, and they act out battle scenes or something. We saw a huge group of LARPers on Lampeter University campus on Saturday. They were all dressed as people and creatures from Lord of the Rings and had plastic axes and swords and were fake stabbing each other on the football field. We asked one of the orks (spelling?) for directions, and he was super friendly.

Sad: We were served lamb yesterday for dinner, and when Sister Allred found out, she cried. She thinks sheep are cute.

Birthday: I had a lovely birthday! I wasn't wanting to make it a huge deal, but we had district meeting on that day and one of the elders in the district remembered so they brought me a cake. Other than that, it was a normal yet wonderful day.

Sorry for the massive e-mail. I love my mission. I love the people. I love you.

Sister Kuykendall

Classic phone booth picture

Flora from the Phillipines

My friend, Gloria

Tea

Family and friends,

This week was a bit rough, as it seemed like everything we'd planned seemed to fall through and go the exact opposite of what we'd planned. It was really stormy a few of the days that we had finding all day, and super hot and sunny for the day we had to drive to Merthyr Tydfil for stake conference, which took up most of our day. But that's okay, because I love this area. Transfers are on Wednesday, and I sorta have a sneaky feeling I'm leaving. I've started to say goodbye to people in the ward as well, so if I don't leave I'll be a bit embarrassed. We'll find out tonight what's going on, so I'll let you know next Monday.

So. With the lessons that didn't go as planned. There is one man that we have on a baptismal date for June 7th. He's absolutely incredible, and loves the gospel. He believes it and loves it, and he always tells us how the Book of Mormon gives him peace. He's been a miracle for us; however, this last week we had the Word of Wisdom lesson with him, which went very well, until we told him it included no tea. It's common setback for the British people, and I can almost predict their reactions now. We tried to help him understand and explained that this was something he'd have to learn about through experience and testing, but he wouldn't have it. He got pretty mad and asked us to leave. At the end of our lessons, we usually leave him with a chapter in the Book of Mormon to read before next time, say a prayer with him, and set up another appointment. Because we were practically thrown out, it ended quite abruptly. As we were walking out the door, still in our shocked states, he opened the door again and almost angrily asked what chapter he was to read in the Book of Mormon this week. I could tell he was trying to keep his pride, but he still wanted to read. I smiled to myself, and felt that though the lesson was a bit sad, we still won in a way. The Book of Mormon is true without a doubt.

I've been out for almost 10 months now, and people still remind me I'm over half way every time. I think I might start lying and saying I've been out for 6 months. It would save a lot of trouble. If I only could be at 6 months. Man, I'm still super jealous of Madie. I would love to go back to the beginning.

Funny: We started talking to this guy on the street a couple days ago. He was carrying a bag of what looked like pastries. I asked if he'd brought us lunch, and he replied, "It's weed, but sure if you'd like some." One day I'll understand the ways of the world.

Sad: I've made some really good friends in this area, and if I leave I will die inside. And I don't want to leave Wales. What if they send me to England?

I love you!

Sister Kuykendall

Ward buddies

We cut firewood for service. We're hardcore.

Pretty tree lined street in Wales

After a sad day

More miracles

Family and friends,

 

I've had a sneaky feeling that I'm leaving this area at the end of the transfer (May 21st) so we've been trying to live it up over here in Newcastle Emlyn. I absolutely love my area - though not as much as my first - but I'm really ready for new things. And I really wanna be out of this car and back on my bike!

 

I'm pretty sure that I start way too many of my e-mails with the line "This has been a week of miracles." And sorry to be unoriginal, but most weeks on a mission are like that. And this week honestly has been. To begin, there's a super cute family we've been teaching for some time now. They've been struggling to progress, though they love learning and feel that they have found what they've been looking for. We decided for our lesson this week we wanted to create an environment where the Spirit could really dwell and we could help them to come to understand the importance of reading the scriptures and praying. They have a one year-old daughter, and when we come, they sorta use the teli as a babysitter. It's usually pretty quiet, but it still distracts from the message and the Spirit. We decided that we would just pray really really hard that somehow the teli would be off, and we could have a nice environment for the lesson. When we got there, we saw the baby fast asleep on the couch. The mom was super confused, saying that she is never asleep at that time, but all I could do was smile to myself. I knew why she was asleep. It's so nice to have Someone so reliable to trust and rely on. Though this may not seem all that exciting or big as I'm explaining it to you, I just want you all to know what a big deal this is for me. I do not doubt that there is a God who knows me. And boy, what a humbling feeling I receive when I can see His hand in my life. I know He's real. 

 

Funny: While driving on a highway, we came to a herd of about 20 cows in the middle of the road. They seriously just sat there, and we couldn't back up or go to either side, so we ended up waiting on this tiny back road for these cows to move for like 45 minutes.

 

Sad: Some friends and family sent me pictures from about 4 different weddings. I think all the boys will be taken by the time I get home.

 

Family: I loved Skyping with my family! 

Confusing: My family got a new dog. I hope the dog doesn't touch me when I get back, or else I won't be living at home. 

 

Anyway, I love you! Jesus loves you. I love my mission. I love Wales.

 

Love,

 

Special K

Random bench we found in our travels

My cute Welsh friend

Mother's Day Skype with the fam

Cow friends

Merthyr Tydfil zone after football