November Already?

Dear family and friends,

I think my title says it all. Its the middle of November! Boy, time flies!

My email is a little late today because this morning we went painting! A lady in our ward is an artist, AMAZING artist and gave us a free session today, painting on canvas with oil paints. :) It was so cool! I think I am secretly an artist ;) Sorry Allison, I am taking over the title! Not really, but I did better than I thought! 

Miracle of the week:

On Saturday night, we went up to these really nice apartments to contact a referral. The person we received this referral from wasn't sure which apartment his friend lives in, he though it was building 12, apartment 1209. So we walked over to it and the numbers were only five digits. We knocked on a few of the doors, asking for help or if he lived there. One man opened the door and after making it clear to us that he was Jewish and not a prime prospect, he found us a map of the apartment and told us that 1209 was in building one. So off to building one we went, we debated whether to walk there or drive because the complex was huge but we walked. Once we were there, we walked up the stairs, where 1209 and 1210 were, across from each other.  We knocked on 1209, no answer. 1210, no answer. We had no plans the rest of the night because our appts. cancelled. We walked down the stairs, disappointed with our night because we hadn't really talked to anyone and no one was outside. Once we reached level ground, a car pulled in. We decided to wait until they came out so we could talk to them. Out came a woman, who turned out to be a member in our ward that plays piano in Relief Society. She's single and works a lot. Thought she was in trouble because the missionaries were knocking on her door! We ended up going to her apartment and teaching her the Restoration. The spirit was very strong there and she said that Heavenly Father knew that she needed to hear it. What added more to our joy is that she is kind of an expert at family history so she might be able to help Peggy find out about her family which is hard because they are all dead and she's adopted. The miracle of it is this: If we hadn't knocked on the doors in building 12, we wouldn't have known to come to building one. If we had driven over to building one, we wouldn't have ran into the member. If we hadn't asked her if we could share a short message with her, she wouldn't have felt that God answered her prayer that night. It's in the timing of things that we can truly see God's hand. 

There were other cool stories from this week but not enough time to share them. Peggy is hopefully going to the temple this Saturday and just walking around while some members do a session. We are so excited for her to feel the power and spirit of the temple. I love the temple and can't wait until I can go again. :) I know that families can be sealed for this life and for eternity, after death. I will be married in a temple of God for time and all eternity someday. I love family history, we need to do all we can to find our lost ancestors and do their work for them. God is perfect, and so is His church! Everything is so organized, Peggy commented on that. She is in awe that there is an answer to every question and a reason and a place for everything. I so so grateful to be a part of Jesus Christ's church, ran with the same power and authority He had from God. 

I am grateful to be a missionary in Tampa, Florida! Or St. Petersburg, right now. :) I know the Book of Mormon is true, and I have come to love it as I study it every day. It applies to me in my life and I know it comes from God. I invite everyone to read it, whether they have already or not. 

Love,

Sister Morgan 

 Me and my painting, the teacher only had to help me once! 

Us and our paintings, and Sister Gorman our teacher! She's been doing this for over 40 years. 

Another Week in Paradise

Hello Everyone!

This has been a great week, a busy week, which are the best weeks!

Thank you Brad, Grandma Morgan, and Sister Vanderhoff (Ashley) for sending me a letter this week, I love getting letters! 

Daylight savings stinks. It is dark by 6:30pm! It is so hard for us because St. Petersburg isn't the safest place to serve in, almost everyone tells us to be careful and stay safe. So tracting after dark is not the best thing to be doing. We are allowed to see members again so we are trying to fill our nights with appts with members and of course, investigators (first priority). But we have pepper spray so we're good. :) 

On Tuesday I had interviews with President. Its been forever- we haven't had them since June!!! I love President Cusick, he is truly inspired. He loves us so much and pushes us because he knows what we are capable of accomplishing. I had a great interview with him, he says that my mission is truly blessing my family and I pray that it is. I have the best family ever! I am grateful for loving parents who taught be what is right and what is wrong. My siblings aren't too bad either ;) 

I have learned two valuable lessons this week. 1. Being happy truly is a choice. After being sick I was kind of in a slump, feeling unmotivated to do anything. People have always told me you have to choose to be happy but I never liked that because I thought it was fake to pretend to be happy, that you are what you are. But this week I put it to the test. I woke up Tues morning feeling sad but during studies I prayed to make myself happy and have the spirit with me. During studies I gave myself pep talks in my head and asked for God to inspire me through the Book of Mormon to change my attitude and guess what? It worked! I was much happier and motivated to take on the day. The other lesson is 2. The faster you apologize, the faster you feel guilt-less. There were two instances this week that I was upset at poor Sister Judkins. They were small things that didn't really matter but it built contention, which drives away the spirit. One of my biggest weaknesses is admitting that I am wrong and apologizing. I usually just let it fume and eventually die down until I forget about it but this week I knew I needed to change. So after both instances I prayed for help to have the courage to apologize and then I put it to action and did apologize. And let me tell you, I felt so good! Why do we get into arguments and fume over them? It drives away the spirit and you usually can't remember the next day why you were even mad. Jesus Christ was quick to forgive, so should we be. 

Elder and Sister Smith got us strawberry shakes from Plant City, and it was the best one I have ever had in my life! :)

We tracted into a man this week who told us he didn't need to do anything for the rest of His life. He said he had a dream that he was playing golf with God so he knew he was saved. Yep. We gave him a Book of Mormon anyways. 

We had St. Petersburg stake conference this week. There were many speakers, including the Orlando temple president and his wife. I love the temple and miss it so much. Please, go to the temple! Do family history! Find a recent convert in your ward and take them to the family history center, it will bless both of your lives! 

Anyways, this is long enough. Love you all, remember LOVE is spell T.I.M.E. 

Love,

Sister Morgan

Fun little photo shoot! :D
Practicing with remote set up!

Sister Judkins' camera -- Me and then a selfie!

Sickness, Halloween, and Candles

Dear Family and friends,

Well its been a less fruitful week. 

I was sick most of the week with a head cold and so of course no one wanted us to come teach them or knock on their doors....so I was forced to stay inside for two of the days. And let me tell you- it is hard to be inside all day for two days in a row!!! So I slept and we watched The Restoration, The Legacy, and I'm A Mormon videos....yep, life of a sick missionary. :) I am better now, just a runny nose. Poor Sister Judkins had to stay in too but she didn't get sick so that's good. I am hoping that the sleep I got will last me for the rest of my mission but I have a feeling my body just needed to shut down and catch up on sleep for the last 9 months...

We had our ward trunk or treat on Sat, along with a chili cook off. It was a lot of fun, we talked to many people and invited SO many people to it. But everyone has their agency, all we can do as members and missionaries is invite. Its our purpose- to invite others to come unto Christ. 

I got a good-smelling candle this week that reminds me of the Fall season. I can't believe it the holidays already. Sister Judkins thinks I'm weird because I can just smell and stare at lighted candles for forever. I love this time of year, the weather is getting a little bit cooler here but not much. Its like 85 and 90% humidity... its great! :) 

I love Peggy, my recent convert, so much. She truly is amazing. It matters much more to me to eventually leave the mission with a few strong converts than to baptize the world and have none of them endure to the end. She is reading everyday and is progressing towards the temple. 

We had a cool experience last night. We were tracting and the first house that we knocked on, a man said we could pray with him. Then we taught him all of the restoration on his doorstep and now have a return appointment with him. We asked him if he found out that Jesus Christ's original church that He established was on the Earth again, would he want to be a part of it? He said yes. We are excited to teach him and help him progress towards baptism. 

I know that this church is true. We have a living prophet and apostles today who lead and guide Jesus Christ's church. I know that God loves us and give us revelation today. I am grateful for the priesthood and the blessing we receive from it. I know it is important for us to go to church weekly so we can partake of the sacrament, which cleans us and gives us a spiritual boost for the next week. I love hearing my friends being called on missions, it is so fantastic! They are hard, but they will prepare you for the rest of your life. 

I love you all,

Sister Morgan 

 Us by the bay

For Friday fun night we soaked our feet in listerine...pinterest idea

Ward Halloween Party, I went as Sister Judkins and she as me!

 A lady from last week's senior community event

Fun palm tree

 Peggy in her cute costume!

Sister Smith and I, my favorite senior couple sister missionary :)

"You're better than a dose of medicine!"

Dear Fam and friends,

This week was great and busy busy busy!

Sister Judkins is awesome. We work really well together. We are both in the middle of our missions and just want to be obedient and diligent so we can find those who are prepared. The Lord has blessed us this week with many referrals. 

On Saturday we were invited by a lady in the ward to the Mainlands senior community card party and raffles day. It was so much fun, there were probably 50 old ladies there (and 3 old men) and we got to talk to many of them, play cards, and such. Then we were in charge of being "show girls" of different baskets that you could win in the raffle. When they announced the winner, we would run the prizes over to them. We talked a while with a sweet old lady named Hazel, her accent was so thick from Boston. She told us we were "better than a dose of medicine!" 

We have one investigator that is progressing, we have a date set with her, Kassie. She is great, has a little boy and is engaged. She loves that we tell her everything is up to her, to pray and read the Book of Mormon to know if what we are saying is true or not. She says other religions just tell her what to believe and to accept it. She is coming along, but we don't get to meet with her often.

For my 9 month mark, we went to Olive Garden because I love it. It's where I went the day I went into the MTC too so it has a special meaning. I love Sister Judkins, we have a lot of fun together while we work hard so it's refreshing. We are planting many seeds everyday. One thing we love to do is blast her Mormon tab choir CD that has circle of life from lion king on it and sing in the car. :)

Last night we went to the St. Petersburg stake president's house and told him the Restoration in 4 minutes. It was scary, but we felt the spirit so strongly! It was a cool experience. 

That's all I have time for! Have a good week!

Love,

Sister Morgan 

 Me with a curvy palm tree

Sister Judkins plan of salvation:

 Mansion house by bay

 I found a sign that said hump ahead for my hump day, 9 months out!

 Celebrating hump day at the Olive Garden!

 Me!

Me hugging a palm tree, the Oregon "tree hugger"

Halfway Gone, Halfway There!

Dear family and friends,

Yep. Its true. This Wednesday marks my 9 month mark of being a missionary!!!! Isn't that crazy?

Let me tell you- it was super slow at first but the last transfer went by in the blink of an eye! Sometimes I am really happy about it but then other times I kind of freak out to myself and wonder if I've changed enough. There were so many things I wanted to do and be by my halfway mark and I don't know if I've accomplished everything that I wanted to. But I still have a lot of time left and I am determined to come back changed! :) 

I am still in St. Pete (thank goodness) and my new companion is..... SISTER JUDKINS!!!! She is so adorable. She was trained by Sister Sackley and Sister Sutton, who both came out with me. I already loved her before (I think I sent a picture of us home from the Rays game at the end of July). She is from Spanish Fork, UT and has been out 7 months. We are having lots of fun together and are obedient in talking to everyone we see. We are determined to help build up the St. Petersburg ward! 

I am so grateful for my calling as a representative of Christ. I know that He is my Savior and that He loves all of His children. He died for us so that we can overcome our imperfections and return to live with Heavenly Father again. 

I love you all and I am so happy to be out here in Florida! It is going to go by faster than I think! I know the Lord has perfect timing and a perfect plan for us. He will help you to change and reach your potential if you let him. 

Love,

Sister Morgan

Pics:

 Sister Vanderhoff and I one last time!

 I had to kill Sister Vanderhoff, but its okay because God's got her back! 

(What a terrible phrase to describe being the last companion at the end of the mission!)

 Went to the sponge docks in Palm Harbor when I was staying with Sis Capt and Brown

until Sister Judkins came!

Sister Judkins and I :) 

One Last Week

Dear family and friends,

This week was so bittersweet. I was lucky enough to spend every waking moment with my wonderful companion, Sister Vanderhoff. I love her so much. But it was also the last week I was able to spend every waking minute with her. :(  We have become best friends, and I know that God sent me here to meet her so that I could find a friend for life. I will miss her. But, she's not getting rid of me for forever. ;)

We were out with the people all week but sadly all the people were in their cars.... we tried seeing a few potentials but nothing really panned out. A lot of walking. I tell you, I am going to have those awful sister-missionary calves when I come home! Yikes. But it is good to be exercising all the time, when you improve your physical well-being its easier to improve your spiritual well-being. I have come to know this is true on my mission. 

We currently have two dates set, one is 11 and one is 12. Shaderika and Laquasha. I think Brad will like these names. We have only met with them twice and its hard to get in contact with them because its through their mom and she doesn't get back to us much so we will see how it goes. They are very cute and excited to read the Book of Mormon. 

I am sorry I am not very good at writing of specific experiences. I have the worst memory, I can't even remember what I ate for breakfast! There are always many miracles throughout the week. One of my favorite parts of being a missionary is praying with people. It is amazing to hear someone pray for the first time in their life. They are so sincere and really say what is in their heart. It makes me want to have more faith and more REAL prayers with Heavenly Father. He loves us and wants us to communicate with him. He answers prayers. Its never in the way I expect him to- I wish he would just tell me everything I want to know right when I am praying- but he expects us to act and to exercise our faith. Faith without works is dead. James 2:26. 

I feel like something big is coming- maybe this transfer is going to make me work super hard, and build my faith more. I am excited though because I know every trial is just strengthening me and helping me reach my potential. Its not easy to say that while I am going through the trial of course, but I know whatever it is is preparing me to be a better wife and mother and daughter and sister and aunt and granddaugher and niece...the list could go on! Next week is my halfway mark- can you believe that?!?!? So I have many goals set and needed to be set. I don't want any regrets at the end of my mission. I am grateful to be here and have this opportunity to serve the Lord. 

Love you all, 

Sister Morgan

 District

 Me

 Storm Chaser Vehicle

Lunch with the Smith's (missionary couple in Gulfport) 

 A HUGE smoker!

 We ate at a cute little southern place called "Urban Comfort". We had Hushpuppies and fried green tomatoes!!!! I had a comfort burger that was carmelized onions and melted gouda cheese. Sooooo good! Sister Van wanted some good southern cooking before she went home and I am glad she did! :)

A random tree with like 5 parrots! 

6 mins to write

Sorry family, I have about 6 mins to write this week's email! 

Fun week, watched general conference at the church and am so grateful to know that we have a living prophet and 12 apostles today! I invited everyone to go back and read the talks on lds.org when they come out! :) 

I am so lucky to have a great family and friends who support me. I have now learned how important it is to put God first, then my family and friends, then the world. We get so caught up in the little things that sometimes we neglect the big things. Remember the Savior and what he put first- it definitely wasn't the things of the world. I know that if we study the life of the Savior and the paths that he walked, we can learn quite a bit on how we should live now. My hope is for us all to be lights, and to dispel the darkness around us. Be a good example. Treat others right. Love everyone. Ask yourself "what area of my life do I need to strengthen so I can then go strengthen others?" Remember your goal is exaltation and that discipleship is the journey. 

I am sad that this week is my last week with Sister Vanderhoff before she goes back to Utah. I love her and am extremely lucky to have been her companion twice. She is going to be such a light to her family and friends! 

-- Sister Morgan

 Us!

 We did a service project last Saturday where we painted the inside of a school in Gulfport. It was a blast, I love service!

Funny!