"Pass it on"

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Hey Everyone!

We had two members bring friends to church last week! Miracle.

So! The exciting news from this week is that Anna got baptized! Woohoo! But my goodness, it was a lot more stressful then it had to be, in a really hilarious way. We couldn't get a hold of Anna and we were planning on having her come early, explain more, give her more prep for the baptism and she slept in! So she was AWOL for like 3 hours. That's where faith comes in, right? Ha-ha.  She woke up about 10 minutes before her baptism and everyone was so worried about it, that we had to drive to her house. We had set almost everything up before everything got so stressful but we couldn't do the finishing touches. She showed up when her baptism was supposed to begin and we forgot to bring her a towel O_O hahaha. It’s so funny to look back on it, and embarrassing, but mostly funny. The sad part is that we didn't get any pictures with her in her white clothes. But really the most important thing is that she did get baptized and she has the Gift of the Holy Ghost and everything, everything is in God's hand. My favorite part of the experience was her receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. That part went perfectly. The Spirit was so strong, she was so prepared, so worthy and so ready for it. In her blessing it promised her that she would be OK in China and be a blessing to the people. She already is a blessing to the people there. She shares passages from the Book of Mormon with them and she is a gift to everyone that knows her. I really hope she goes to BYU for grad school.

Funny Story: Other than that, which really was the best part of the week, yesterday was another stressful day of hilarity. An investigator (who isn't even our investigator, or in our ward boundaries) wanted to come to our wards "Thanksgiving feast" since most of the people in the ward will be going home for Thanksgiving. But unfortunately his member friend told him the wrong time (an hour early) and the wrong address. So he called us, and told us that we had put him in "a hard situation" and expected us to fix it. Hahahaha. I think my face was turning red like dads when he's frustrated. We couldn't give him a ride, had NO idea where he was, and don't ride the buses in that area. *laughs* But sacrifice brings forth blessings. When we got to the place where he said he was, he wasn't there. However, it put us right next to a less actives house that we have wanted to visit which was way out of the way. We had a really neat lesson with him. His name is Yorbi. He's a special kid. I hope he ends up coming to institute and to church. He's ready, ready to repent, and start over.

Also, not really too important, but the Thanksgiving meal was incredible. =) My favorite part was obviously the mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce. I'm pretty sure the cranberries were from Massachusetts. =)

This last week we worked a LOT with the members. It’s our goal to individually talk to every single member and commit them to do missionary work in some shape or form. It’s been so fun. I love meeting them and seeing how awesome they are, becoming friends with them, and showing how they can best show their love for there friends by sharing the Gospel with them and letting their friends see that what brings them stability and happiness is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel so lucky to be in this ward. It’s been incredible to hear each of their testimonies and to testify to them as well.

OH! This seems like so long ago! BUT! Obviously I'm still in the La Jolla singles ward AND! Dun, dun, dun, dun! My companion is still Sister Steven's! I get to keep a companion for at least two transfers again! Hurray!! We were so excited! We have our own separate transfer meeting for the Battalion and the new missionaries take a tour while we sisters hear about transfer. They pick two sisters every transfer meeting to give that tour, and those sisters are the ones that are staying together. Well we were just innocently sitting in the transfer meeting, convinced that Sister Stevens was going to go back to Spanish speaking when out of the blue we were told WE would be the ones giving the tour! Best feeling ever! We were grinning from ear to ear. Almost all of the other sisters got changed. Only two or three companionships stayed the same out of the 11 from last transfer and we dropped a companionship. Life is crazy. Life is good. =)

Anyway that's a little snap shot from my week. OH! No, wait! There’s one more thing. We added a former investigator named Collin. Holy cow, he's another one of those investigators who is ready even though he doesn't know it. He plays the guitar better than anyone I've ever met in my life, seriously. A member who is fellowshipping him had us over to dinner with Collin and his family and he told Collin to get out his guitar and play something for us; so crazy, so good.

My spirits are high! I love this work and I love my Heavenly Father.

Have an awesome, possum week!

SMILE!

Sister Tardiff

My 7th Transfer

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Hello!

OK... crazy news of the week; It’s my 7th transfer starting tomorrow! WHAT? The people who have been here for my entire mission at the Battalion site are now gone. We waved goodbye to them as the bus came to drop them off at the airport. It’s really insane how fast the time has flown, and to be perfectly honest I had a nightmare about going home last night. I love you all dearly, but it’s a wonderful thing that I have so much time left.

This last week I would consider it being a week of refiner’s fire so to speak. We were doing everything we could to find people by working with members and meeting with people, but it was like going up against a brick wall. I'll be honest, I was a little bit frustrated, but it’s a good thing that I have Sister Stevens as a companion because she just has so much faith amidst everything and I love her so much for it. It was really incredible too, because when we talked about it, I was able to change my attitude from frustration to faith and endurance. Then miracles started to happen. I've learned a lot about personal attitude in this last week; about how faith and optimism are so incredibly important. I love a song “Walking in Sunshine” from the EFY CD “Courage to Stand Strong.” One of the lines says "Some times we forget how blessed we are. But it’s better when we remember, when we remember" It’s so true! I am so grateful for ALL the blessings that Heavenly Father has given me, and I am especially grateful for this last week because I've learned a lot about myself, and my weaknesses and just how very blessed I am. I just love this work so much! I'm grateful for the people and for the lessons and for church, and fasting. I'm just grateful for everything. I'd never trade it for the world. =D

This morning for companion study, since we're going to be at the Battalion after pday today, we decided to do the whole Battalion story. We were a little rusty because we haven't been there in four days but it was so funny. =) This Battalion and its story are going to be part of me for the rest of my life, and that is something that I am truly grateful for. They did so much because of their faith in Jesus Christ and their love for their Prophet, Brigham Young. I'm excited to give a tour again after four days. =) Bring it on world!

I've had some really good conversations with Sisters recently about the Atonement. The general consensus I've come down to is that we try to be as perfect as we possibly can - and then the rest - that's what the Atonement is for isn't it?

Some awesome things that happened this week: We got to meet with Will again. I swear he's just like Eric! It’s so fun to talk to him and teach him and help him understand what the Gospel is and how it can help him. He also went to the CES Fireside with us with Boyd K. Packer as the speaker and I think that was really good for him and for everyone else who got to watch it. Repentance is such a deep topic.  I'm learning more and more about it every single day.  We also got to teach someone named Maurisio. He's so cool. He has dred locks and everything and he has a deep connection with God and appreciates everything that he learns about God and our message. Also, Anna is just a gem as usual. She told us about how the Book of Mormon answers her questions and her friend’s questions and that she knows it’s from God and then she turned to me and said "Is that what a testimony is? Do I have a testimony?" I just love her so much and I'm so excited for her! It will be a great day indeed when she gets baptized.

My testimony of the Gospel is deepening each and every day. I love studying in the Book of Mormon and studying about Jesus Christ. I know this Gospel is true. I know it with all my heart and I know the Spirit can testify of it to each and every one of us. The Spirit is just a small taste of what Heaven will be like and I'm so grateful for it.

For this Thanksgiving season I want to say five things I'm grateful for every week and I'd love if you would do that too. =)

1) Being able to share the Gospel with others each and every day

2) My family

3) 7 - Eleven hot chocolate

4) Maps

5) Sister Stevens

Well... transfers are tomorrow, so for all we know life could be completely different next week. I'll keep you updated! I'm excited! I know the Lord’s hand is in this work, and everything definitely happens for a reason.

I am so happy! I'm so grateful to be here and I just know that I am having the perfect mission experience for me. Every step along the way is there because it’s exactly how it needs to be done. The Lord is just so perfect, and such a loving Heavenly Father in each of our lives. Sometimes He brings us low, but it’s only so he can lift us higher.

I love you all! Happy November 8th!

Love,

Sister Tardiff

Start of a new day

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Hello!!!

That's so sad that Halloween got cancelled in New England because of the Nor’easter. Also it’s hard to believe that snow is happening right now... because... well... we definitely don't have snow here. Hey. I feel like my blood has warmed up or something because when it gets below 65 I’m FREEZING. I'm not even kidding, shivering and everything. I've become a wimp! I’m sure you're all laughing at me right now, but I am very content here in the 70 degree weather.  =) Did a lot of the trees get blown down? Last I heard the leaves haven't fallen off so I imagine with the snow it probably caused a lot of havoc.

But Halloween here was super fun! At the Battalion since we were all required to be in early at 5:30 and were required to be on shift at the Battalion, we still ended up having a Halloween party. I'm going to send a picture because about six of us used the kazoos that you sent mom, and played "How firm a foundation" hahaha. It was so fun. The Halloween package was a great success! Everyone was so grateful and so happy! The favorite was definitely the Kazoo's and the slap bracelets. =D They say thank you so much, just as I do as well. =) I also gave some of it to ward members and our investigators.

Speaking of investigators, at church it was so cute. People came up to Anna asking if she was visiting and she would respond "Yes, I'm visiting, but I'm getting baptized!" She's so excited! She reminds me of the people in the Book of Mormon who found the Gospel and just want it so much. Also, she finished the Book of Mormon last night. I think she might be my favorite person I've met on the mission. She's just so special.

Other than Anna, this week was decent. One of the other investigators, who I just love a lot, is named Melissa! She has so much real intent, but she also has a lot of questions. That's really what makes the difference in people. When people truly have intent and want to know that it’s true, that's when it makes all the difference, just like that promise in Moroni, if you ask with real intent. I'm excited to be learning from all these people, and to be teaching. I'm excited to keep teaching her.

We are still trying everything and anything to find people to teach. Singles wards are so different from family wards and it’s been a wonderful challenge to really learn how to rely on the ward for help. We've been able to find and teach people who are prepared to hear the Gospel, but we know there is always room for more ideas in finding these people. I just love being with people in this area. I love teaching people my age. It’s been an amazing 5 weeks!

I hope you are all having an awesome week as well! Enjoy the snow!

Well! Sure love you!

Love,

Sister Tardiff

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! TRICK OR TREAT!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Hey Everyone!  HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! TRICK OR TREAT!

Have you read the ensign/new era article "Do the Math?" It’s about this rock solid Aaronic priesthood holder who ends up (basically) converting 26 people because he was sick of being the only active Aaronic priesthood holder in his ward. I can't remember if I got that from you Dad, or not, but if you haven't read it, please do. It’s really inspiring. =) Also, I'm really excited for the fast that the ward is doing. That always brings miracles! Didn't they fast before the Perez family and bring in the Marcantano family? That is sweet! I want to suggest that to the ward missionary in my ward. I think that would bring great miracles if it was implemented. =D

How many missionaries are in our ward now, 2, or 2 sharing with Weston 2nd?

I am excited to hear that you'll all be home for Thanksgiving! That will be so fun! Have a fantastic Priscilla Steak and could you possibly send me some!?... I just realized that here in the singles ward most of the singles are going to be home with their families... so we'll just have to find and teach the people who are staying! I'm becoming an investigator/spy here in the La Jolla Singles ward.

So this week was incredible! Well... it might have been a little frustrating at the beginning... but it ended really well! =D We got in contact with Tyler and Jenna (remember those people I met at the funeral with the Elliot’s?) Well I was on exchanges with Sister Burden (We were COMPANIONS AGAIN for the day! Happy day!) and they are in her area so we went and talked to them and they invited us back! It just worked out perfectly! Actually that day was a miracle day because we also contacted a referral, his name is Tin and we invited him to be baptized! Also... we might or might not have gotten into a locked gated community... the things I'm learning on my mission. =) I just know from the bottom of my heart that the Lord’s hand really is in everything. He knew many reasons why I needed to be in San Diego, and I've figured out some of them, but I'm sure some I will never ever know... and that actually just makes it a ton more exciting. =D

So, I'm sure you're all wondering about La Jolla singles though right? Enough about exchanges and the UC 1st!  It has been challenging to figure out how the Singles area works and what strategies do and don’t work. I know the key lies in the members and we've finally figured out at least a little bit to get into their homes and talk to them. Woohoo! It only took 4 weeks, not that bad right? I'm excited to work with them. This ward is really incredible. The number of people at activities is actually rather small though so somehow (probably by working with members) we're going to have to figure out how to buoy up the numbers so that more people stay active.

We are pretty much trying everything that we can think of. We're probably going to set up a booth on Mesa College, and we tried the bus stop contacting thing which is actually how we found Choyi by going to the bus to visit Anna!

How are the missionaries finding people in Weston? Do they have any new ideas that they've tried? I'm always up for trying new things... obviously, ha-ha.

Anna is doing so well! She is so amazing, and teaches me so much. I think I'm going to end up visiting her in China some time after my mission. I hope that's OK with you. She'll be baptized the first week in November I think. =) We added another Chinese investigator as well named Choyi. He is precious. He already considers himself a member of our Church. The language barrier is huge though. I'm learning how to teach really slowly... and very simply...  in order to make sure he understands what he is saying when he says "our Church". The last person of note for this week is named Will. Will reminds me a lot of Eric actually, which means we automatically became friends.  The amazing thing though is that he knows the Church is true, he just has concerns about baptism. I pray and hope for him that he will, because he is ready. So the work is going along nicely here in the La Jolla Singles ward, I don't know if I'll ever want to leave... But I guess that's what it was like in Chula Vista too. We are sent to places because we are meant to be there. I just have so much love for them, and I feel honored to be able to teach people who could, so easily, have been me. It’s a bit of trial and error but I think that was to be expected.

I love you all so much! I feel so blessed to be with you! Thanks for your love and support! You really are amazing examples to me!

Love,

Sister Tardiff

PS HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

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