Interrupted flight? No way!

Sister Morgan's flight has been interrupted by Delta computer glitch!

"It's the final countdown..."

Hello my people! 

Just so you know, I haven't counted the days at all actually. But I can always trust in my wonderful companion to tell it to people when they ask. haha. 

Missionary life is the best. I am going to miss it so much. People keep asking "are you excited to go home?" and I say no. Not because I am not excited to see my family (I am super excited to see everyone) but because I have met a lot of amazing people here in Florida and am going to be sad that I can't see them anymore. I know there is facebook and facetime but its not the same as in person. I have been able to fix so many weaknesses of mine and bear my testimony every day. I also haven't had to face the world- the news, the media, the negativity, while being a missionary. Not that its gone but I've been able to ignore it or use the excuse "we don't watch TV because we're missionaries". I have grown spiritually. Now I actually do squint at the sound of shouting or cussing. Before the mission I was accustomed to hearing it. Now I feel coldness when someone does that- the spirit just goes away so quickly. I have been blessed to learn from church leaders out here of the what's and what-not-to-do's in a calling. Same thing with families and parenting- the do's and don't's. Wow, if I could just list all that I've learned we'd be here for days. I did write down 100 things I've learned which I'll share later with family. 

Anyways, let me give you an update!

Will and Tequila are doing fantastic. In fact, they GOT MARRIED yesterday!!!!!! I'll send pics later. (No pics this week because I want you all to look forward to seeing me!) But yes, they still want to get baptized and will be right after I leave. Sad I am missing it...could I stay 2 weeks longer? ;) But that is what the Lord wants and I will get to see pictures later. 

Marcos is doing alright. We may give him to Spanish sisters because some things are getting lost in translation. Sister Nasman and I started up a Book of Mormon class this week and it was a success! We had 4 investigators there, 1 recent convert, and 4 returning members there!!!! We explained what the Book of Mormon is- that its another testament of Jesus Christ from people and prophets that lived in the Americas at the same time as the bible- and went through the pictures and introduction. He came to that and it really helped. Group settings are some times really good for people. 

We have a few others we are teaching like Emily and Celeste who are progressing but we only see them once a week because of distance and busy schedule. They'll be baptized someday. 

Well, I am not sure what missionaries usually put in their last email home...my testimony is that Jesus Christ lives, his church is on the Earth today organized exactly the same way He had it when he was in Jerusalem. I know that the priesthood, the power and authority of God is used in the church today. We can only live with God again if we have faith, repent continually, are baptized by the proper authority- the priesthood authority, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. But if we do these things now, we will know our purpose and have so much happiness. I love my family, I am grateful for their example. I know God is our Heavenly Father and loves us so much. I know why I am here and God's plan for me. Please share your testimony with others, don't keep it hidden. If you want to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints go to mormon.org or lds.org. 

Thank you for the love and letters-emails I have received throughout these past 18 months. 

Love, 

Sister Morgan

And one more quote for the day:

"Does the Lord really need to get a twitter account before we will follow him?"- Sister McArthur

Rain!!! 

Sammie, Will, Tequila, Sister Nasman, Me, Sister Nelson, Brother Nelson

18 Months

Hey Everyone!

Last Thursday I hit my 18 month mark. What did I do to memorialize the occasion? We went to Chick-Fil-A! And it was good. :) 

This week has been incredibly busy! There was one day that all our plans cancelled but besides that it was pretty great! Right now we have a few people we are preparing to be baptized. Will and Tequila, Sammie's son and almost daughter-in-law are preparing for baptism in mid-August. We also have a man named Marcos who is but is still hopping around to different churches. We also met a few others this week that we invited to be baptized so we'll see how it goes. 

This area needs help with less active work. Yesterday in Relief Society we watched a video and talked about reaching out to those who just need a friend and that is why they have stopped coming to church. If you don't know this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a lay ministry, meaning no one is paid its all volunteer. Well, one way that we account for the members and make sure everyone is taken care of AND know we love them is through home and visiting teachers. I want to focus on visiting teachers. For each woman in the church, there are two women assigned to them. They are to share the gospel with them, be their friend, and make sure their needs are taken care of. It is exactly what the Savior would do. When every set of visiting teachers do this, every woman is taken care of. Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world where everyone does this on a monthly basis or more. Everyone has busy schedules. So many women look on this as a burden, not a blessing. It really is simple what we are asked to do - be their friend. So I challenge anyone reading this that is a visiting or home teacher to be friends with those your are assigned to. Get to know them and their families. Don't do it because you have to but because you love them and want them to feel close to the Savior. If you aren't a visiting or home teacher, just be a good example and show love and exercise charity to friends and family and strangers. 

That was a big paragraph! Anyways, I love you all. Thank you for your support. I love being a missionary even when its hard. I don't want to leave my bubble and go into the real world but it has to happen eventually. I am excited though to share the experiences I have learned from on my mission with all of you in person. Thank you for everything!

Love, 

Sister Morgan

Pictures from this week!

 Storks!

And Us!

If the Lord is willing and the creek don't rise

Hello family and friends!

The subject is my southern phrase of the week. I hear it everywhere and finally asked someone what it means. I love serving in central Florida. There's all "Free, white, and 21" except that might be kind of racist...sorry. 

Marrissa was baptized yesterday!!!! We have to wait until next Sunday for her to be confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. So happy for her. I sent some photos. 

Other news- Sammie's oldest son and his fiance are taking the lessons and we are preparing them to be baptized. The Gospel is so great. I am so lucky to have been Sammie's missionary and I can't wait until they can become an eternal family, sealed in the temple!!!!

Yesterday in Relief Society we had a great lesson on temples and family history. If you don't know what that is, check out mormon.org or lds.org for more info. I know that temples are the closest thing to heaven on earth. You can feel closer to family there than anywhere else. I am going to be married there someday and continue to make covenants with God. Mom, you should post a picture on my blog of the Portland temple. 

I am working hard and teaching as much as I can! I am so grateful for my decision to serve a mission. It has changed everything. This is Christ's church, restored to its fullness on the Earth. I know it with all my heart because the Holy Ghost has confirmed it to me and nothing or no one can convince me otherwise. I am happy when I keep the commandments and draw close to my Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Love you all, 

Sister Morgan

I don't know if you can see it, but those two dots in the bottom left are alligators! They live in the lake by our apartment. 

 A little bit better view.

 This is definitely my coming home outfit. ;) 

A special deal at Good Will. 

 A storm is coming!

 We ate at City Star, a new restaurant in Bartow that an investigator works at. 

 This was on a door we were knocking on.

I finally got a picture of AMI- an Anna Maria Island sticker! Made me think of Aunt Margaret :)

Selfie of David, Sammie, Will, and Tequila. Sammie made us super good meatloaf on Saturday! 

 I had a baptism! Marrissa was baptized on Saturday!!!!! Catalyna was baptized last year. 

Their parents aren't members but their grandma and great grandma are. 

 Two more from Marrissa's baptism. 

Week 77?

Hello!

So the other day in ward council the Sunday school teacher was talking about church schools. He said "BYU is the church school, but Rexburg is the Lord's school." haha It was funny, I agree!

Wow, what a week. We had more members come out with us and teach than ever before probably. Sammy is on fire, she has come out with us multiple times and just asks us when she can come out again. Also, her son and his finance said they wanted to take the lessons! We taught the Restorationon Friday and are excited to keep teaching them. Sammy is such a missionary, she is good at sharing how she felt when she was baptized with everyone. It was a busy week, busy is good. We packed a lot of dinners so we wouldn't have to drive back to the apartment and waste miles. 

Marissa is getting baptized on Sunday if all goes as planned which it should. We have found different way to teach them so they understand. Marissa is 8 if you don't remember.

Honestly, this week is a blur now. We taught a lot and had some fun along the way! This next week should be good too. I can't believe what day it is. The time is flying by. I am giving it all to the Lord right now and just asking for strength to do all that He wants me to and that I know I can do. 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

3 Nephi 5:13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life. 

Love you all,

Sister Morgan

 4th of July! Eating very unhealthy but thats okay! 

 We found giant emoji's at Walmart with Sammy. The second one is me being sad that I am ending my mission soon... even though I know its a laughing so hard you are crying emoji. 

 Friday fun night. We did face masks and I looked scary. :)

 A map of my mission.

 Ruby Ave!!!! 

 City of Bartow, where we spend a lot of time

Hardees instead of Carl's Jr!

Happy Independence Day!

Howdy!

Wow, where has the time gone? I was talking about emailing home but I guess it also goes for my whole mission! 

Changes, changes, changes.

So on Monday we all went to the park and tried to find alligators but ended up teaching a lady on the trail instead. When we got back to the car, we saw that President Cusick had called us. Sorry President, but that's never a good sign. We called him back and he said that Sister Conrad was needed in Seminole. She left 3 hours later! I cried super hard. I miss that Sister! But that's where the Lord needs her right now. So I had trio life for 5 days, people! It was the best five days ever. We worked super hard and had fun. 

The next day I woke up sick. We went to the gym and I tried exercising but had to stop. We only went to appts scheduled already for the day and cancelled some. The next day was the same but got better throughout the day. So the week slowed down for us but will pick up again!

Shout out to the Andersons, they surprised me! I thought someone was breaking in and it took me a moment to register who they were but then it hit me! I am so happy and feel blessed to have had them think of me and stop by! Love you guys!

On Thursday we had a conference with the new mission President and his wife, the Coopers. They are adorable and loving towards each other and us! I am glad to have them even for a short amount of time. 

On Saturday Sammy got baptized!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Spirit was so strong. Sister Nasman played the Cello and I played the piano. She was so prepared, we weren't even worried. It was a beautiful day and she is so happy. 

This morning we had a ward breakfast for the 4th of July. Bacon is the best!

Spiritual thought:

"The gospel is true, it's now my job to be true to the gospel." 

And:

We are all children of God. 

Love,

Sister Morgan

 Peterson Park - Lakeland

Pday in Lakeland

 P-Day at Peterson Park, looking for alligators! Too cloudy so didn't see any

 When I was sick

First time trying real Sushi....raw fish and all!

 Sammy's baptism!!!

 

Sonny's bbq to celebrate Sammy's baptism!

 My mission bike that I need to sell ... hopefully before I come home! :)

Zone development day from May

Trio Lifeeeeeeeeeee

Hello!

So it may look like I got transferred, but I didn't. We got the email Monday night saying we were both staying. Tuesday we get a call from the AP's saying we are receiving. So this transfer I am in a trio!!!!!! Sister Conrad joined us and she's awesome! Its been a lot of fun and we've been busy busy busy because the elders in our area were transferred so we absorbed their area book as well. But do not send mail to my address, because we ended up moving on Saturday to the elder's old apartment.

 My new address is: 4425 Jamie Court #105 Lakeland, FL 33813

What else is new? I have 11 people set to be baptized, the most at one time on my mission! I am so excited to be teaching all these people and seeing their lives change. Sammy is set to be baptized on Saturday. :)

Some thoughts from church:

We had the topic of forgiveness again, I guess we all need it again! 

-Keep a journal and write in it at the end of each day, atleast one way you've seen the hand of the Lord in your life that day. 

-"Heavenly Father will not give us more than He can help us handle."

-You need to decide beforehand how you will react when something really hard happens.

-An idea to let go of forgiveness is this: Pick a date on the calendar and say "after this day, I am letting it go." It works!

-We are not defined by the worst thing we've ever done. 

-The teacher told this story. Once there was a man who picked up a rock for every time someone made him angry and put it in his pocket. His pockets got so full, he started piling the rocks in his house. Soon his house was full of rocks. When hearing of this man, a local school decided to take a field trip to his house to look at all the different rocks. Someone asked why he had so many and he told them why. A child suggested that he should count all the times someone said something nice to him or he did to someone else. The man hadn't thought of that before. He decided instead of picking up rocks, he would plant flowers in his back yard instead. He became a great gardener and a happy one too. 

I liked this story, I may have left some things out but the overall picture is there. Don't harbor rocks, plant flowers instead. 

I love you all and wish for everyone to look for the good, not the bad. 

Love, 

Sister Morgan

Sister Conrad, Nasman, and I

Sammy, our investigator being baptized on Saturday

Katalina and our date set, Marissa

 We made 7 layer bean dip!

Sister Conrad

Boots, the apartment cat

Goodbye apartment!

Alice, our neighbor, and our trio

Aren't I so cute? Sister Conrad drew this of me!

Random trailers next to the highway