Un Semana De Milagros (A Week of Miracles)

Part of my letter to the Mission President:

This week has been phenomenal! We have been seeing so many miracles!!! Yesterday we had an amazing lesson with a man named G.  He was so sincere in his desire to learn more. He listened to us intently. We invited him to be baptized and he said yes! He said that he wished he could be baptized tomorrow (today)!!! It was so amazing to see his faith and his desire to change his life for the better. Teaching G was such a blessing. I have never taught anyone so willing to learn more. He was excited that we gave him a Book of Mormon and he said that he was going to read it.  Seeing his faith and excitement strengthened my own faith. I know that Heavenly Father truly is preparing His children to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

We had exchanges this week! I was able to spend the day with Hermana Cannon.

Hermanas Killpack and Cannon

 She is a fantastic missionary and a wonderful example to me. I loved going to Simi Valley and teaching with her for the day.  We worked on how I could teach more in unison with my companion.  She was able to help me so much! It was so fun to be able to learn from her example! 

Yesterday we had the chance to talk to a woman who is a less active. She had been baptized when she was 11 but fell away from the church. She told us that there were some things that she did not agree with about our church. She told us that she did not like how we believe that only a certain percentage can go to heaven. We then went on to clarify that we did not believe that. That is a belief of a different church. We were able to find her concern that has kept her from coming to our church for so many years. It was definitely a miracle and a blessing. She then said that she would have to check out the Mormon Church again.

It truly is amazing to see the hand of the Lord in this word.  He is able to bring about miracles as long as we are willing, ready, and worthy to be instruments in His hands. 

This week we also had a lesson with a lady named E. She is so sincere in her desire to learn more. She is humble enough to ask us questions.  She likes how we explain the concepts of what we teach. She grew up in the Catholic religion. She felt that in her church they do not really explain things. She likes how what we teach makes sense.

Something I love about the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that is does make sense. It is simple enough that even a child can understand. I absolutely love my personal study everyday when I get to learn more about Jesus Christ. 

A goal that I have for my mission is to try and become more Christ-like.  I have been striving to develop the attributes of Christ. This week we had an interesting experience when we found a man who was completely atheist.  I can not understand how anyone could be atheist but we were respectful and listened to him and he explained why he believed that a God could not exist. We listened to him talk for quite sometime. At times it was hard what to know what to say. However it was almost time to leave and I felt that I should bear my testimony. For I could not deny the things that I know to be true. I simply said, "I know that there is a God, and He is my Father." I won't go on to say the words that that man said to me after that.  However I hope and pray that one day this man can know. There is a God. He lives. He is our Father. Jesus Christ is His Son. He is that Savior and Redeemer of the world. I am so grateful for the things that I know.  I too, like Nephi, have been born of goodly parents. I am so grateful that they taught me the truth.  My belief in God and Jesus Christ is my life. 

As I was pondering on this experience with this man I thought, "If I am truly to become Christ-like, I have to experience some of the things that he did." To compare what I have gone through, compared with Christ's life would be sacrilegious. As missionaries we only experience the slightest portion of what He went through. Christ was rejected of men. There were those who would not believe in Him or His Father who sent Him.  So if I am to become like Christ, I must walk the road that He walked. I am so grateful for the many opportunities that I am given each day to become more like my Savior Jesus Christ. 

This week truly has been un semana de milagros. I do not know how but everyday continues to get better and better.  I am so blessed.  I feel that the windows of heaven are open and blessings are being poured down upon me. I love being a missionary! I love dedicating my whole heart, might, mind, and strength to the Lord. I would have it no other way. I know that this Church is true and that I am a representative of Jesus Christ. 

That's great to hear that Josh is doing better. I have been praying for him. 

Wow we have 14 goats?! That is a lot! Crazy! 

So I will let you know when I can call you on Sunday on Mother's Day. I am so excited too! We will figure out a time and I will let you know next week. 

We go to church at 12:30.

Sounds like Andrew had fun at Prom. What it's already Prom that's crazy. 

Wow Mom, is sounds like you are doing a phenomenal job teaching your class! As teachers we often learn more as we prepare to teach. I love it! I wish that I could hear your classes.

It's so true what you said last week about sister missionaries. 

When can get places where Elders can't. 

Hahaha yes!

Tell Spencer that I think a kitten auction is an excellent idea!!! 

I love hearing from you! It sounds like you are doing great! Don't worry I will send pictures!

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We had the opportunity to plant some Oak trees with our branch for helping hands! 

It was so fun! I loved that good hard work!!!

Hermanas Brown and Killpack

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California, you have failed me...

[Note from the Mom...she hates spiders]

"Discouragement Weakens Faith; I Do Not Have Time To Get Discouraged"

Part of the Mission President letter:

"Behold there are many called but few are obedient. Any why are they not obedient? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of the world..."

This week was phenomenal! Words cannot describe the many blessings that I was able to receive this week. It truly has been a week of miracles. I absolutely loved the conference with Elder Nelson.  I loved all the counsel that I was able to receive.   I echo Elder Nelson's words, "The most exciting work in all the world is the Lord's work!" How very true that is!  I absolutely love talking to complete strangers, something that terrified me before my mission. It is so humbling to be able to work with the guidance of the Holy Ghost and rely completely on the Lord. I love exercising my faith in Him. Heavenly Father always keeps His promises when we are obedient, every single time!

We have a zone goal this transfer that has brought forth many miracles. The goal is that we cannot get back into our car until we have taught someone a restored truth and then invited them to do something.  Yesterday we were outside walking for nearly an hour trying to find someone that was home and that would listen to us.  I did not get discouraged.  Discouragement weakens faith. I do not have time to get discouraged. Rather, I get excited trying to separate the wheat from the tares. We had been walking for a while yesterday and we passed our car several times as we tried different areas to go knock. I was determined to stick with our goal. I had complete faith that if we were obedient the Lord would help us find someone.

We were able to find G. He was pretty interested in listening to us. He said he had gone to church about a month ago and had liked it. He said he wants to learn more and that he wants to come to our church. He was very nice and we have a return appointment for this Saturday. Finding G was truly a miracle.

I know that as missionaries we are looking for people to help and for people to teach. However, as we strive to teach others and help others come unto Christ, we (the missionaries) are being taught by the ultimate teachers, our Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.  I feel eternally grateful to be taught by the greatest teacher that ever lived. Every single day I am humbled by the grace and wisdom of the Jesus Christ.

I feel that as I have come to learn more about Jesus Christ and realize my own imperfections that I am becoming changed. I want to be changed through the Atonement of Christ.  I know that as I try to act as He would, I can be changed.

This week we had the opportunity to serve a lady. This lady has a down syndrome child and was frustrated and almost to her breaking point. We were able to say a prayer with her.  We then did her dishes for her and talked about what we do as missionaries. I was so grateful for the opportunity that we had to serve her and for Heavenly Fathers goodness in helping us to be at the right place at the right time to help this cherished daughter of His.  I have a strong testimony that Heavenly Father is mindful of all His children.  He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what trials and challenges will help us grow to become stronger. I am so grateful for every trial that I have had in my life. They have helped me to grow in a way that otherwise I would not have. I am grateful for everyday day.

Like President Utchdorf said, sometimes when we are looking forward to rainbows we forget to be grateful for the rain.  I am grateful for the "rain" in life. I am so grateful for the goodness of God. I am so blessed to be here in California as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This truly is His church!  It is true! It's all true!"

Hey! It's so great to hear from you! Yes I got your Easter package yesterday! Thank you so much! I was thrilled! That was so very sweet of Sister Smith to send me money! Thanks for the candy! The chocolate was SO good! Yummmm! Oh Jane on Easter again?! That silly goat! 

Yes! I gave a talk yesterday in our branch! I also sang with Hermana Brown and the Moorpark Hermanas. I talked about the Atonement and that it isn't just for sinners but also for everyone. I used part of David. A Bednar's talk about the Atonement. I absolutely love the branch members here. They are so very kind and loving! They feel like my family away from family!

I LOVE that picture you send me!

I am so touched! It really is wonderful to know that I have the support of my family members as I serve this mission. I cherish every letter, picture, or package I get from you. I am so grateful and blessed to have a family so supportive. Thank you so much! It really means more than you know!

I hope Josh is doing good. I have been praying for Him a lot. Hahaha tell Him that I would love to gladly share my piano music with him. All that really matters is that he is doing okay.

Oh what a beautiful family I have. I love it! I pray for you all every single day! I hope you are all doing amazing!

It sounds like yesterday was a fun Easter! Haha Benson is so funny!!! Well there is always so much more I wish I could tell you but never enough time! Hopefully I can get a letter send off today. I love you all so very much! Thank you for your love, support, prayers, and everything! 

Love you lots and lots!!!!!!!!!!

Con amor!

Hermana Killpack

Learning That Life is Much More Important Than Hair

Part of my letter to the President:

"This week has been so wonderful! I am always amazed by the tender mercies that I am given each day.  I love working in Thousand Oaks. I have gained such a love for the people here. We are teaching an older lady named R. R has been through cancer and is now going through many chemotherapy treatments. She is so faithful and is very sweet. Teaching her has been such a humbling experience. At our last visit she was talking about how she is going to lose her hair.  She told us that she knows life is much more important than hair.  She is going through such a difficult time in her life but she still remains positive. I have not heard one negative word come out of her mouth. It makes me reflect on my own life and my own challenges. I have never had cancer like R. My own trials seem insignificant when compared to hers. I am inspired and humbled by her example and want to be more like her. I made a goal to try and not say or think anything negative at all.  As a missionary, I have so much to be grateful for. I experience a myriad of blessings everyday. I am so grateful for R and the things I am able to learn from her.

Hermana Brown and I were able so have many great lessons this week. We are currently teaching a man named I.  He is intent on learning more. He wants to make right choices so that he can be a good example for his son. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families. I feel so grateful for my own family that taught me of Jesus Christ and His teachings.  I get excited every single day to go out and share the gospel with everyone I can.

My favorite part about being a missionary is seeing the change that comes into a person's life when they learn of and follow Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ truly changes people. It has changed me.  Last week I was able to see my companion from the MTC. I was shocked. She walked into the church building and was a completely different person. I felt such joy as I noticed how the gospel had changed her. I pray that I can become more Christ-like each day.  I pray that I can have the light of Christ shine through me.  I love everyday as a missionary!

The other day we were able to find a guy named T. We talked with him and came to find out that he had been in the Marines. He said while he was serving he went to church a lot. He feels now that his faith is weakening.  We were able to talk with him and share the first vision. The first vision is so powerful. Whenever I recite it the spirit bears testimony to me that it is true. I know that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet of God. I know that he did see God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to be able to share what I know with the people here. Even if what we were teaching was new to T, I wanted him to know that I knew without a doubt that these things were true.

I absolutely love being a missionary! I love learning and growing! I love relying on the Lord. He truly is blessing me in ways that I did not think possible! I know this church is true!"

Wow things sound kinda crazy at home! How is Josh doing?! I want to know everything! I will pray for him. I hope that he's doing alright! The gospel truly is so amazing! I'm sorry I don't have a lot of time but I will try and write you a letter today.

Guess who I saw? Elder Cody Robinson!  

(Note from the Mom...Ashley and Cody graduated together.)

Staying in Thousand Oaks

Part of my letter to the President:

 "The Lord has blessed me with so many tender mercies this transfer! I feel so humble and grateful for the time that I have had to learn and grow each day. Every single day is a miracle.  There is a special spirit that comes into our lives when we are doing the work of the Lord. For this reason it is easy to wish that my mission would never end. I know that after my mission is over, it is not the end. It is actually only a call to serve a life long mission.  I love being a full time missionary in the California Ventura Mission and could not picture myself doing anything else with my time.

We had our investigator A at General Conference yesterday. She has been so open to learning the things we are teaching her. I pray that she can keep progressing and can be baptized in the near future. 

General Conference was wonderful! I feel so blessed to have listened to the words of the prophet and his apostles. Their words were encouraging, uplifting, and fortifying.  I cannot wait to go back and studying their counsel even further. From General Conference I was able to realize areas that I can work on to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ.

Lately, we have been praying to find people that are prepared to receive the gospel. The Lord has been blessing us. I can tell the difference when a person has been prepared by the Lord. Even so, I know that with those who are not quite ready, we are planting seeds so that one day they may accept the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I wish that I could remember all the miracles that I have had this transfer. But, to be honest, I have had so many that I cannot count them. I know the Lord is truly pouring out his blessings upon us.  The Lord always takes care of our needs. Words cannot describe my feelings of gratitude for the decision I made to serve a mission. My mission service has truly changed my life. What is more important to me however, is that my decision to serve a mission is changing the life's of those around me. How can I not share this joy with my brothers and sisters? 

I love being a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know that this is His church. I know that through the Atonement of Christ all things truly are possible. I am incredibly grateful for the humbling opportunity I have to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Yo se que la Iglesia es verdadera. Con Dios todo es possible!"

Yes, I got your letters! Thank you so much! I absolutely love hearing how everyone is doing. It was very sad to hear about Libby. But it is exciting to hear the good news about the [goat] kids and kittens. 

Conference was amazing! I listened to all sessions in English except for the last one, Sunday Afternoon, we listen in Spanish. I can't wait to go back and read the talks!

Yes I love that scripture in D&C:

 “And now, after the many testimonies which have been give of him, this is the testimony, last of all, that we give of him, that He lives, for we saw him.” I remember at the Nauvoo Pageant that Joseph Smith said these words and it was so powerful. I still hear his voice (the Joseph Smith actor,) and I know that it is my testimony too. I know that He lives! 

Yeah you can send me a conference report. That would be great. We have dinner appointments whenever people sign up. It can be random sometimes. One week we might have a lot and another week we might not. The branch we are in is pretty small so I have had dinner with some members several times. I love the members here so much. They are so very kind.

Oh transfers! So Hna Brown is leaving to be a sister training leader. I am staying in Thousand Oaks. My follow up trainer is another Hermana Brown. I can't wait. I have been praying for her and love her already. I am really going to miss Hermana Brown but I know that with change comes growth. I am so excited!

I will try and write you a letter but today is going to be kinda crazy getting ready for transfer. Hopefully I get some time but if not know that I love you all and pray for you everyday. I LOVE being a missionary!

Love you all lots and lots

xoxoxoxoxo

Hermana Killpack