On the road again!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Greetings!

So today it’s approximately 10:30 AM and ALREADY we've been on a hike! We got special permission and everything so we woke up at 4:40 in the morning (GAG) but it was totally worth it! We took some really beautiful pictures of the sunrise on top of Mount Cowles. It’s a really short hike, only a mile and a half or so to the top, but it was really awesome. I've been wanting to go on a legit hike for my entire mission and we finally got to do it! Almost all of the Battalion sisters came so we had 20 girls and then the three Assistants to the President on this trail. People probably thought we were a sports team or something ha-ha. My camera was left at home though so I'll have to send you pictures later. It’s really cloudy right now/smoggy? But that made the pictures even cooler because the sun came up and it looked like we were floating on clouds. =) It has been the best start of the day ever and later tonight we might be in a real good place to take a nap. =)

But! That's not the most important thing that happened this past week. The most important thing was definitely teaching Anna. She, seriously, is the most prepared person I've ever met in my entire life. She is a referral from the Mormon Battalion! We taught her the word of wisdom and Anna is from Beijing which has a lot of tea, obviously. She expressed concern about it, but when we explained it, and the blessings that came from it, she told us she got it, and even though culturally she would still be asked to prepare tea she would use self control and not drink any of it. I really felt like I was on a Preach My Gospel video. Every time we teach her I feel rejuvenated and refreshed and just so Spirit driven. I pray to meet more people like her every day.

Also, I went to my first luau ever! (I think) The ward put it on as a ward activity and we had two investigators come and the ward is INCREDIBLE. I think that there were probably 20 non member friends that came to the luau and hopefully will keep coming to activities. It’s like a missionaries dream come true. We were able to get to know a lot of the ward members AND their friends. Woohooo!! I love this ward so much! I love teaching and being with people my own age as well. It has been an amazing experience and I know the Lord has been blessing us so much with the people we are able to teach and with the members we've been able to meet. He is truly rewarding us for our intents and efforts.

We met two really amazing new investigators this week. One’s name is Laura and the other is Liz. They aren't related at all but they are way cool. Laura has a lot of Mormon friends and she is so prepared as well and Liz has had Mormon friends and she's just willing to learn. I love this area so much! I don't think words can adequately describe it. I got a call from Sis Pelfrey yesterday and she gave me updates on Chula Vista and I still have this overwhelming love for Chula Vista and for the members and people that I've met, but my heart, I can safely say, is centered on La Jolla Singles. It was a huge answer to prayers.

We realized that we don't have that many potentials/formers to work with so we also tried this new technique of being creepers that talk to people at bus stops hahahaha. We only tried it yesterday but it was a good trial run, and through practice I think its going to bring miracles. The Lord will set people in our paths that will be prepared and willing to learn, especially with the Temple in the background. I'll keep you updated on that street contacting technique.

Sister Stevens is another answer to prayers. She is awesome!! She's so happy. We make a really good companionship if I do say so myself. =) Already I've learned a lot from her. I've been thinking recently of how many companions I have had, and initially I was looking at it through others eyes, perhaps thinking that I'm hard to get along with etc., but I've realized now, that it’s again Heavenly Father answering my prayers. I've asked him from the very beginning to help me to become the best missionary I can be, and by being with so many different companions and Sisters I'm able to learn and adapt and develop strengths that they have into my own life. Someone at the MTC once told me, that by the end of the mission (if you've done it right) you will be the culmination of all the positive traits that your companions have had. Apparently I've needed a lot more positive traits =P but I'm so, so, so grateful for this opportunity to learn from so many Sisters. It’s a huge blessing.

So we just keep rolling, and having fun, laughing and sharing the Gospel. Life is good! =)

Do you have any funny stories? Do you need any hand written letters from me? Do you have fun plans for Halloween?

I sure love you, each one of you individually. I pray for you often. =)

Love you!!!

~ Sister Tardiff

And so it begins... =)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Hello my favorite people in the world! =)

How is your week going? How have fall festivities gone? We made caramel apples last week! They were yummy. =)

This week has been crazy. I'm not even kidding. We have gotten SO lost, so many times. It was funny... but also... not at the same time because we're on the Lord's time and we can't spend that time being lost! It has gotten to the point (because I was the designated driver) that yesterday we actually called President Clayton and asked if we could switch designated drivers because in Sister Steven's words I (Sister Tardiff) "have a better idea of where we are going and you're not even looking at the map!" It was really funny! President Clayton gave us permission so for the first time in a LONG time I'm not driving. It’s Weird. I think I'll enjoy it though and we'll be able to get to the places we need faster and more productively. =) Our area is HUGE. We cover the entire North Stake as part of the La Jolla Singles ward. I'll be able to whip around San Diego like no body's business by the end of my mission. =)

This last week has been a blast of fresh air! It’s been awesome to white wash. Sister Steven's and I came in on equal grounds and we're just trying everything and anything that comes to our mind to help this area progress. The ward is also incredible. It’s made up predominantly of women and a lot of them are return missionaries. =) Our plan is to get in with the members and through them to find and teach those who are prepared and those who have instant friends. I know that there are people here, and peoples friends who are here who are so ready to hear this message. It will be stellar.

Sister Stevens is from Layton, Utah and she is really an incredible, incredible missionary. She was switched from Spanish to English for this transfer and she is the most positive person I've ever met in my entire life. She was a beautician and she just laughs and works and it’s been awesome. I'm going to learn a lot from her. =) On a random side note; for the first time in my entire life, I let someone wax my eyebrows, ha-ha, but just because I love Sister Stevens... and because it was free. =)

What's been something new you've tried this week?

We have some awesome investigators and most of them are Asian. =) So cute! One's name is Anna and she is the MOST prepared person I've ever met in my entire life. She came to church and she said that she'd never had this feeling before, and that she felt good, and loved. She's from Beijing, China. 0_0 I love her to death and the Gospel is helping her so much already. Every time we teach her or get a text from her it just makes my heart happy.

On the Asian note; the Battalion now has the tour in Mandarin... which means that I've taken a tour in Mandarin! Except I'm speaking in English and just hearing other people speak in a crazy language. =)

The Battalion has been so good! I am really, really, really glad that I am back. I’m not sure if you all remember my going on a mission story, but a Sister Evans from the Winter Quarters Historic site looked at me and told me I should pray about going on a mission. When I found out I was going to be going to a historic site myself I wanted so badly to be able to do that same thing for someone else. I think I did. Yesterday I relieved a tour around 3 and as I walked in one of the ladies said that she recognized me from the temple and then again at the Mormon Battalion. The younger girl told me that partially because of meeting me at the Mormon Battalion and this trip that she had decided to go on a mission, and now she is going to serve in Campinas, Brazil, leaving in January and her mom piped in "you were very influential" That was an amazing experience.

So, moral of the story: historic sites are legit.  =)

Funny story; amidst this last week of getting lost we called the zone leaders to get directions to the place where we were having district meeting. We forgot to plan on lunch so we just grabbed the caramel apples we made the night before and jumped into the car. As we were driving to the building the Elders passed us and Sister Stevens and I just saluted them with our apples. Ha-ha. We make a really awesome companionship. I'm stoked for this next transfer. =)

Well that's most of my week. I'm happy as a little clam and so excited to hear from you all!

I love you so much!

Sister Tardiff

Surprise, Surprise!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

So....

This has been an interesting week that's for sure. It's about to get a lot more interesting though. I am back at the Battalion which is exciting! On my first tour in the enlistment room I took the tour with Sister Newman and it was the most peaceful, happy, "this is right" feeling. I was bubbling with happiness. This is where I'm meant to be. The Battalion is my home.

I got to say goodbye to everyone I needed to. Erica Jackson came to church last week! That was AWESOME, and we went and tried the egg experiment on her too and it totally tanked, like hardcore tanked. It was the funniest thing ever. Sister Croker cracked the egg shell too much so she couldn't peel it properly so when the egg got sucked into the bottle the egg exploded EVERYWHERE. The four year olds thought it was the best thing in the world... but that is definitely the egg NOT enduring to the end, ha-ha. Erica and I laughed for 5 minutes straight. She's one of the most special people to me.

My new area is La Jolla (pronounced hoy-a) Singles ward. YEAH, it is Crazy. I'm in a singles ward. The people are from ages 18-30. Whatt?? That's my age! It’s a completely different ball game but from what I could see it’s a really great ward. I get to have a lot of practice with member work.

This means, I’m working with people just like me 8 months ago or me in the future! How cool is that? Do you have any suggestions as to how to preach the Gospel to people like me? Hahahah.

I'm feeling a little bit inadequate because I'm also pretty much whitewashing it (gray washing? ha-ha) without a companion.  My companion, Sister Haggerty who's been in the area 5 months is REALLY sick. So during the times I did have the opportunity to go in the area, I was on exchanges with other sisters. She's going home tomorrow to recuperate and I have no idea what will end up happening with me or the area. The Lord has given me another opportunity to grow, and I know he'll help me. I trust him, but it’s going to be challenging. I'm grateful for the opportunity, but also... stressed.

The area is SUPER pretty. La Jolla is so different from Chula Vista. They're both rich areas, but La Jolla is a city, and everyone has their head phones in, most people don't believe in God and there are very limited Hispanics. I miss them! Ha-ha. But I do get to see the ocean a lot. This makes me truly very happy.

Sister Haggerty is also amazing! She's really bummed about going home, but I know that if it’s the Lord's will she'll come back as soon as she possibly can. Even though we've only been together a week I've learned a lot from her, and we've been able to grow together.

There are two investigators I've met so far. Lacey who doesn't know if God is there, but is willing to figure out what she believes, and Mads, who we got to teach a lesson with beer bottles strewn EVERYWHERE from the night before. That was an interesting lesson, ha-ha. This will be a way different experience, and I'm excited for it. I trust and I walk forward!

That's pretty much my week. A lot of unknown still in the future. So... I guess I'll let you know next week who my companion is and what's going on. =) Such is the life of a missionary heh.

I love you!! And I'm so glad that you are all so amazing!

*hugs*

~ Sister Tardiff

September 27... a memorable day

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Hi Everyone,

So.... today I got a call from the Zone Leaders and Elder Scoresby told me that I needed to pack my bags because I was leaving Chula Vista, but he told me to go to the normal transfer meeting, not the Battalion transfer meeting... so it's possible that I'm going to another area and not to the Battalion. I'm really sad, and excited... but at the moment mostly sad, because I really love Chula Vista, the members, investigators, the less actives. They all have a piece of my heart and I'm leaving it behind tomorrow. I think it's really good that I got a little bit of warning because if I hadn't been thinking I was leaving and then it was thrown on me, then I would be devastated right now, but the Lord knew it so he prepared me a bit. I'll let you know where I am going next week because I won't find that out until tomorrow.

But! This last week was really good! Rigo and Ivan's house has been a gold mine. I never thought I would experience something like this as an English speaking missionary, but this house just keeps giving. I feel like every time we go into the house we add another investigator, and somebody else wants to listen to us and to learn more. It's been so COOL. Rigo is really funny.  He bought us ice cream the other day, he still plays video games, and he's on a semi pro soccer team.

I said goodbye to Miranda - she is on her mission as of tomorrow =) Colorado Denver Spanish speaking. She spent days with us just doing missionary work. We're good friends, we'll be letter buddies ha ha.

Also, yesterday we met one of the neatest people I've ever met. A coach, and Olympian of speed walking from Columbia. About half of the conversation was in Spanish. =) Woohoo!! He was fascinating though. He goes to Eastlake and has a belief in Christ and invited us back any time. His name is Enrique.

My favorite experience of the week: Lois. Yes, like the person from Superman. We met her while eating at Panda Express. We just starting up a conversation with her about college and we got to the topic of religion (how convenient =) ) and she thought that we didn't believe that Jesus Christ was our Savior and Redeemer. We talked to her, and testified and showed her that we loved her, but more importantly that her Savior loves her. She cried and smiled and we set a return appointment. She said I remind her of her niece. We were able to meet with her again yesterday and she knows that we were supposed to find her in Panda Express and she knows that we can help her. She is so special to me. I put her in Sister Crokers capable hands to baptize. We had a connection and the Spirit  there was really strong.  It was a really incredible experience, and I realized I needed to be in Chula Vista for 7 months so that I could find her in the last week of my transfer. She kept looking at me and smiling. It was I think the best experience so far of my mission. Especially because at the end of a kind of lame day, she called us and wanted to see us, and hear from us.

Funny story: The Elders were, in district meeting, comparing their names and asking the district who has a better name. Merril, or Whitrod. MERRIL or Whitrod. And then elder Whitrod pipes in with "WHIT ROD" ahaha, typing doesn't do it justice. Then Elder Scoresby came in with "Scoresby" which somehow led to how Hispanics can't pronounce his name and the conversation goes something like this "Escor... Escor..." "Scoresby" "aaaaah! Escoresby!" Way funny.

Funny story 2: We exploded a glass bottle. You probably think I'm joking but I'm not. Heh. We were practicing for an object lesson with eggs about baptism by fire, where the suction of the egg and fire sucks the egg into a glass bottle but we didn't have any rubbing alcohol. So we decided to use hairspray. HAHAHA. Hairspray definitely gets the fire part going. The fire exploded about a foot out of the bottle and I was like "put the egg on it! put the egg on it!" and Sister Croker (who is a bit more sensible) just started blowing on it to put it out. So like the intelligent Sister missionaries we are, we decided to try it again... (yes that was my idea) and this time we tried to get a picture! So we put less hair spray in, lit it, it exploded WHOOSH and then I put the egg on the top and PLOMP it like shot to the bottom of the bottle. HAHAHA. It was awesome. I'd totally do it again but its too intense to do with investigators so we're going to get some rubbing alcohol.

So that's pretty much how life is going right now. Funnier every day, things are happening... and I'm getting transferred. So my life is going to be completely different come next week. I'll let you know how it goes. I know that I'll go where the Lord needs me.

I love you all. You are my favorite people in the world!

Love,

Sister Tardiff.

Dun, Dun, Dun, Dun !

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Hello!

Mom I got your package! Woohoo! It made me really happy, especially the Red Sox shirt. =) The Red Sox shirt fits (It is a child Large). My companion was actually really funny because she looked at it and I said "how does it look" and she said... "big!" Which is hilarious because it fit perfectly for me, she is just used to tighter shirts. =)  It’s awesome! This is the first Red Sox shirt I've ever had!

I feel so loved by you all! I know that you're praying for me across the country and I really appreciate it. You are a real support to me. =) The best family and friends in the world.

Alright! So... this week! I FINALLY got caught up in my journal for the first time this transfer, which means, yes, this transfer is largely undocumented but it’s exciting because I'll be able to document everything from now on, hopefully. =) The most amazing part of this week I think was being able to meet a man named Jose. He was a street contact, we were walking around a mobile home and I saw him watering his lawn, and naturally I went up to talk to him. He is the most humble guy ever. It was amazing because this imagine came to me of him having the priesthood, and being baptized. I think meeting him changed my mission a little bit just because I honestly know nothing about him except that he's ready, and that I was meant to talk to him. He told us when we left that we made his day. Hopefully, we'll be able to see him again.

Martha and Jacob dropped us. =( We were both kind of crying. She did it over phone so we made one final appointment and went in with our guns blazing. We told her exactly what we're offering, and she knows it. She said she would go to church one more time, and that she likes the Book of Mormon. The reason she dropped us was her husband and his anti-Mormon family. It’s not over yet, we're not going to give up on her, just give her some time to see her life without the Gospel.

We met the COOLEST family this week. Their names are Rigo and Ivan (brothers) and their children, Nick and Sam (Rigo's) and Ivan and Lily (Ivan's) They haven't been to church since they were seven and they want the Book of Mormon and religion in their lives. Also, they play soccer so I know that you would all love them. =) I have high hopes for them. They're both recently divorced and family is really important for them.

Also, one of the amazing things that I've been able to experience this transfer is the members of the ward. And I know I've said this over and over and over again, but this ward is such an amazing example of the Gospel works, and every time I go over to strengthen them, and encourage them to share the Gospel, and give them the Apostolic witness that they'll find someone in 90 days, they end up strengthening me, and firming my resolve of really what I want later in life. I came on a mission to serve the Lord, and he just gives back in ways that I didn't even imagine. It has been a blessing for sure.

Funny story: We have a man in our ward named Brother Buhanan. He wears a bow tie every week to church. =)

Funny story part two: I went to my first SPANISH activity. Like ALL in Spanish. Granted we only stayed for 30 minutes because we were only trying to get a less active there named Sam but it was way funny. We were walking into the activity and I turned to Sister Croker and said "this is going to be a disaster" and she just laughed at me. It was all good. =)

That's a snap shot of my week! Hope you're all doing awesome! Sure do love you!

~ Sister Tardiff

A life without....electricity!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Heya Everyone,

It’s me... the used to be homeless, leased out Battalion, trying to learn Spanish missionary that's in San Diego. Remember me? =) Yep! I'm here! And I survived the blackout! Woohoo!! Actually the blackout was the best day of my mission probably. Everyone was home and could anyone be busy? Nope, there was no electricity = no gas pumps working, no TV and no distractions. It was the best thing ever except for the fact that the stop lights were out. That was kind of scary but fortunately we obviously survived so that I can tell the tale. =) That day we were also on semi exchanges. We had another Sister who just joined us for the day. I learned so much from her. She is an extraordinary missionary. I love being with other missionaries because I can learn from each and every one of them. Anyway, the black out was awesome! We got to eat some good cake, talk to EVERYONE and then the moment we drove up to our house, BLING the lights came back on so we could have dinner. =) The Lord takes care of his missionaries.

We had MTE again with President Clayton and it was really good. We talked about obedience and about member work. Working with members is fun. It’s been really good for me to be able to have time to focus on both investigators, potentials AND members because they are all important. I love the quote in Preach My Gospel by Hinckley that says that everyone involved in missionary work knows that there is a better way than tracting - and that way is through members. When members become the source through whom we find the majority of our investigators the work progresses faster. It’s been fun to meet a lot of the members of the ward and challenge them and promise them blessings. I'm excited for what will happen in approximately 90 days. =)

The longer I've been here in Chula Vista the more I've realized just how lucky I am. I've been lucky for my whole life. This ward is an amazing example of how a ward should work, with families that are super functional, happy, and involved in the Gospel and missionary work. It’s just been a huge blessing to see the example of so many people now that I'm looking for it. I imagine the same is true for the missionaries serving in the Weston Ward. There are just so many amazing families and amazing examples. Just by being who you are, mom and dad, you're teaching the missionaries more than you can possibly imagine. I came here to serve other people and more I'm here the more it really seems to be that other people are serving me, temporally or by their example.

Here is something that you will think is funny: Sister Croker thinks I'm organized. Hahahaha. =) I have been improving slowly in that particular area of my life you'll be happy to know, so it’s not entirely that she's confused, ha-ha.

This week was a lot better. The work has progressed rapidly. =) A lot of really awesome things have happened, including getting a less active a friend who's had situations very similar to Sam's. The less active kind of reminds me of you dad, except for obviously the fact that you have always been active.  He has a mustache and he loves the Gospel so much. It’s just that he's gotten out of the habit of going. I have an outpouring of love for him. I pray all the time that he and his family will go back to Church.

We got to go to a Mission President’s fireside. =)

OH and I taught a lesson over candlelight while the power was out! How COOL is that? I felt like I was back in Joseph Smith's time and it was hard to read the scriptures but it was awesome. Seriously, I'll take a black out any time.

That was pretty much my week. We lost our phone unfortunately. We think we left it on a table somewhere. It’s making missionary work a bit slower but we keep moving forward until we get ourselves a new phone or find it. I'd prefer finding it.

I love you all so much! Keep up the good work!!

~Sister Tardiff

PS - We found our phone! Woohoo!!

Considering the circumstances

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Heya!

How is everyone doing? I want to hear from you all! =)

So considering the circumstances this week with ANOTHER road trip to San Marcos (this time it wasn't my fault! But now I'm getting to know that drive really well and soon I won't even need directions and the 14 lane highway won't phase me at all =) and some other things that just didn't quite fall in our favor (I'll tell you about one of them later) I've had a lot of time for self reflection. It’s been interesting. I've been in the same area my entire mission and to some it might seem like I haven't had so much success. But I am here to tell you otherwise. I've learned, I've grown, and with me the area has grown and developed. It’s been really good that I've been here for me, and hopefully for others, and I have seen the people that I've seen, taught the people I've taught, and strengthened the ward and people that I've been around, including my companions.

Sister Newman and I were talking a few weeks ago about companionships and Sister Croker and I redid that conversation last night.  As a companion (and this can be friends, missionary companions, spouses, etc.) the Lord has given us stewardship over that other person, and in the end he is going to ask us "how well did you take care of my child? I put them in your path so that you could strengthen them, and lift them and help them, how well did you do that?" and we are going to be accountable for that. Friends are such angels, such blessings from heaven. It’s really an amazing and humbling responsibility that the Lord has given us to look out for them and love them. =)

But, last week was a week of humility I would say (and I'm saying this with a smile by the way because I learned a lot from it, not because I liked it); appointments fell through, nobody was home. It was interesting. As I said, It was a time for self reflection; spiritual boot camp so to speak, ha-ha. We did see the hand of the Lord amidst it all, and this next week I know will be awesome. Yesterday was the start to it. =) We were able to see Martha and her brother Jose and teach them the plan of salvation, and for them the importance and what exactly repentance is- I just love them so much. She still hasn't had her baby but she's in mom mode. She loves her family and she knows what her role is. She told us she'd be baptized if she and her husband could do it together. =)  So no set date yet, but it’s in the works. Happy day. =) It’s funny because we weren't able to see her all of last week, and frankly I was really upset and worried about it. She is my sister and I want her to have the happiness that I have. Finding her home yesterday was a tender mercy, and the lesson was exactly the way it should have gone.

We also got to meet with Michell again, that cute Asian lady. She rocks my socks. She's really an awesome individual; it’s just rather unfortunate that she doesn't have a phone ha-ha. *looks happy* She's got a special place in my heart.

The other good news of the week is the two less actives that we ran into; Josephine and Alyssa. They both invited us in (not quite like Isabelle) but they invited us in and are ready I think for us as missionaries to be in their lives. It’s been good.

Funny story:

The other day we were driving back from the Battalion and we got egged on the road. It’s no joke and we had a member in the car! What??? Who carries EGGS in their car? And she had kids with her! She flipped us off and everything and got another egg out and said to us "I have more!" before turning off the road. It was INSANITY. Also it probably didn't help that we were all laughing out of the sheer weirdness of it all, so that probably made her madder, ha-ha, but it was crazy, and funny. I hope it never happens again. Lots of people were looking at us. The story behind why we got egged was because I guess I accidentally cut her off? I checked the mirror and everything and I thought I was good *shrugs*. I think she just wasn't paying attention to the fact that the light turned red and she was still going 45 mph right before a red stop light but she got mad at us. So we had to get permission from our Mission president’s wife to get the car washed so the egg wouldn't ruin the paint; that poor member in a day in the life of missionary work I guess!

Other funny story:

We ran into Joe from the Galactic Federation by accident. We were trying to check up on a potential and I guess I got the wrong number... because Joe opens the door and was like "Sisters!!!" And I was like.... "uhhh...." hahahaha. He had more information to tell us but we moved on to our next plans ASAP. The members we visited got a kick out of it. =)

Anyway I love you a lot! I can't wait to hear from you and see how you're all doing! =)

Love ya!

~ Sister Tardiff