Year's End

From the letter to the Mission President:

What a marvelous week, transfer, month, and year it has been! It is so wonderful to be here on a mission serving the Lord!  We have been working hard this past week!

My family is doing amazing! It was wonderful to be able to talk to them! They are all doing great!

We experienced so many miracles this past week! We were able to have a great lesson with C! He told us again that he doesn't believe that he has faith, but that he has the desire to gain it. We were able to have a powerful lesson with him. At the end of the lesson as we shared our testimonies he began to tear up. I felt the spirit so strong in that lesson. I know he did too. I know that C will get baptized! We do need to change his baptismal date because there are still some more things that we need to teach him. However, we are excited to keep teaching him and we have a lesson with him tomorrow.

We were also able to have a lesson with L. L is the father of the three daughters who want to be baptized. He wants his girls to be able to bear their testimonies and share with him and others what they believe before they can be baptized. The girls are planning on sharing their testimonies this Sunday. L was really excited when he heard that his daughters want to bear their testimonies. L really wants the best for his daughters. I can feel that L is opening up more and I just pray that he will allow his daughters to be baptized this transfer.

Hermana Faletau is amazing! Something I love about her is that she is so genuine. She is always looking for ways to serve others. She is also a really friendly with everyone. One minute we meet a stranger and the next minute we are all friends. I love that! I am learning so much from her! :)

This past Sunday I gave a talk in church. I talked about the role the Book of Mormon plays in our conversion. I shared my testimony about my grandparents who were converts and how the Book of Mormon helped them to know that this is the true church. I truly know that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. I know that [people] will get nearer to God by abiding by the precepts found in the Book of Mormon. I love reading from the Book of Mormon daily!

This week I also got to go on exchanges in Arroyo Grande with Hermana Soriano. It was so much fun! She had gone out with missionaries before her mission quite frequently. She is a great missionary who knows how to work hard!

I hope that you have a Happy New Year! I know that being a missionary, this next year will be one of the best! There is nothing better than serving the Lord!

Mom! It really was so great to talk to everyone on Christmas! It seems like so much has changed! But really nothing has changed, all at the same time! It is so crazy that tomorrow is my birthday! It doesn't seem like it. I just had a birthday! And also, how is it almost 2015? I can't believe it! 

So there is an Hermana in the mission that had to go home to have her gallbladder removed. She's back in the mission now, but sometimes still feels stomach pain. Perhaps lack of bile? Is there anything that would help her. When she talks to the person in charge of health, she just says that they tell her not to eat fatty foods. But I was wondering if you knew, or could find out anything she could do or take to feel better. Let me know if you can find anything. 

That's so awesome that Amber and Brady came down! I bet that was a fun surprise! Also yes, the Christmas party was really fun! That was a cute [baby] picture of me! I was so chubby! Haha thanks for sending the picture! Oh and Sister Felix also wanted me to tell you thank you for everything else you sent/did.

As for my bag, I think it's okay! It's pretty used, but I think it should last. I let you know if I need another! I really liked the first I had, but it was just a little too small. Still really cute though. 

I hope you are all doing great! It really was so fun to talk to everyone. Yes, a little weird, but still great! I love you all so much! Thank you for everything you have done for me! 

I hope that you all have a happy new year! If you go bowling, someone can play for me, and they had better win! Haha :)

Also, Hna Faletau and I are probably having way too much fun! We decided that we are going to be in a movie. It's called, "We'll Bring the World His Truth: Undercover in Saudi Arabia 

Hahah. It's okay! This is what I really look like!

I know it's dark, but exchanges with Hermana Soriano in Arroyo Grande! :)

There! Let there be light!

Have the best week ever! I'm pretty sure I will! :)

Con amor,

Hermana Killpack :) 

P.S. Oh so my question, "What are gas prices like in Idaho?"

I realized I just sent the picture haha. 

Anyways I have to go now, but I hope you have a great day! Stay warm! Also thanks for the Vocal Point CD you sent me. It's probably my favorite CD. Don't worry I won't ask for anymore CDs. I know I've asked for a lot. Also, I am wearing the cardigan you gave me for Christmas. It is so cute! I wanted to wear it before it gets warm again. Oh, and I'm also wearing my new shoes! They are so nice! Anyways, I need to get going! Have the best day! Love ya! :)

Feliz Navidad

From the Letter to the Mission President:

Merry Christmas! I love this time of the year! I have noticed that people have been more open to listening to us. It is so wonderful to be able to teach others about our Savior Jesus Christ. I simply love it!

My family is doing wonderfully! I am excited to talk to them in a couple of days!

We have been seeing so many miracles in our area lately. We had 4 investigators at church yesterday! I know that Heavenly Father is preparing His sons and daughters to receive the message of the gospel. We have been working hard and finding some great new investigators. 

This week we were able to teach A, L, and S, three sisters who are 12, 10, 9. They all want to be baptized. They have been coming to church, off and on for several years now. We are still working with their dad so that he will give his permission for them to be baptized. They have been taught almost all the lessons. The girls have been meeting with the missionaries for about a year, somewhat inconsistently. They know the church is true. We were able to have them practice sharing their testimonies for our lesson this past week. Their grandma, who is a member of the church, shared her testimony with the girls. It was powerful! I know that the girls will get baptized one day. I just pray that their dad will have his heart softened. 

Hermana Faletau is amazing! I simply love working with her! She is so loving! She is such a hard worker and really in-tune with the spirit! I am so grateful that I get to work with her this next transfer! I know that I will be able to learn lots from her!

This week I have been studying the Atonement. It is so amazing to know that we are never truly alone in anything. Jesus Christ knows exactly how we feel. One of my favorite scriptures about the Atonement is Alma 7:11-12. Jesus Christ suffered for us so that He could know how to help us! I am striving to develop the charity that He had. Because He loved us, He gave us the ultimate gift, His life. Anything we could give Him in return, could never repay Him. He doesn't expect us to repay Him. He just wants us to be happy. Pure joy comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ! I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. He is my Brother, and He has become one of my best Friends! I'm so grateful to be able to learn how to apply the Atonement more fully in my own life!

This week has been wonderful! Each day just keeps getting better and better! I am so grateful to be here serving the Lord this Christmas season! 

Mom! 

Yes, I should be calling sometime after 2 I think! I'm not exactly sure. So, sorry I didn't give you my full address. Who did you give it to? Will it affect anything. There is really no way for them to know what apartment # it is supposed to go to. We are so new that I don't even think the apartment manager remembers my name. Maybe I should introduce myself again? If anyone else wants my address maybe you could just give them the mission office address. That would probably be easiest. 

Yeah, I can call on dad's phone.

So here is my hair. You probably don't think it's that much shorter, but it is. I can tell. This is Hermana Faletau and I wearing our Christmas Candy!

We hung it up in our apartment for decorations. Don't worry, we are getting a Christmas Tree today. 

Hna Faletau is awesome! She grew up in Tonga and moved here when she was 13. She is fluent in Tongan and English. Pretty cool! She actually was raised by her aunt and uncle for a good part of her life. It's kinda a long story.

Before the mission, I really didn't realize how good I have it. I'm so grateful for all of the love and support I get from you. Thank you!

I am excited to talk with all of you. I'll admit, it seems weird that I can talk to you. I know it's only 40 minutes, but it's been so long. I'm sure we could just talk for days if we could, but we'll keep it brief. 

FELIZ NAVIDAD!

Talk to you on Thursday! It might be around 2:30, 3ish my time here. 

Merry Christmas! :) Love you all lots and lots! Have a wonderful day! :) 

P.S. My companion loves you! :)

December Transfer

From the Letter to the President:

This past transfer has been amazing! It flew by so fast! I learned so much and am excited for another amazing transfer! My family is doing great and are all excited for Christmas!

C came to church again yesterday! This is the second time that he came! He works two jobs and is very busy! We know that he is making sacrifices so that he can come to church. He is very sincere and truly has a desire to learn and help out his family. We absolutely love teaching him. He has great questions! 

We also found a new investigator this week named D. He has some Christian background, but hasn't been able to go to church too much because of his work. He has honest desires to learn more and committed to read the Book of Mormon. We are excited to be able to teach him more.

Hermana Smith is amazing! She has worked hard up until the very end. I know that even though her time as a full-time missionary is coming to a close, she will not stop doing missionary work. That is something that I love about Hermana Smith is that she really understands the importance of the gospel.

This past week I've been able to study Jacob 5 about the Lord and His servants working in the vineyard. I love this chapter so much! It is so exciting to realize that as missionaries we are a part of God's plan. We are here to gather Israel! We are here to find our brothers and sisters and bring them to the fold. How joyous is our work! 

This week we got to go to the temple! I always love going to the temple! What a privilege it is to be able to serve those who have already passed on! It was wonderful!

Mom! Yes, we are safe and sound. It rained pretty good for about 2 days. For one day we had a meeting and the other day we were inside planning, so we weren't out in the rain much. 

Yes, I did receive your packages. Thank you! It was so funny to get a potato masher! I will put it to good use though. 

It's kinda been crazy trying to move everything. So I need to talk with my new companion about the time we are calling on Christmas, but I was thinking maybe around 2? I will let you know for sure next week. And we will be calling you. My new companion is Hermana Faletau. She is Tongan. This will also be here last transfer. I guess I'm just "killing" them all. When you leave the mission, your last companion, "Kills" you. How appropriate for Hermana Killpack right? hahah

For Christmas we are having a Christmas Devotional. I think that we are split up into 2 groups. So we are going to be with a couple other zones. It is so weird that it is almost Christmas! It doesn't feel like it! Probably because there is no snow... 

That's crazy about the IF temple [closing]! I am wanting to go to the temple/ live at the temple after my mission! I know I can't, but I want to. 

Well let me know how this week goes for you. I love and miss all of you so much! I am excited for this next transfer. I will still be working in Santa Barbara and Goleta, but now I'll be living in Goleta. 

Yesterday Hermana Smith and I sang Noche de Luz (Night of Light) in sacrament.  In English it's Silent Night. I also led the music in Rs, played the piano for a baptism and said the closing prayer. We are definitely involved in this Ramita (Little Rama) Branch.

So I'm just preaching in paradise.

A hole in our wall. I just barely fit. 

My hair was long. Well longish. I went to get a trim today and they gave me a haircut. I'm kinda sad about that. That's what happens when you're speaking a different language... But it's okay. The Church is still true. 

And trying not to be too sad about my hair. It's okay, it is still past my shoulders... but shorter again...

We went to the temple this week for my Birthday!

Well thanks so much for all your love and support! I am excited to talk to all of you very soon. Please have a great week! :)

Con amor,

Hermana Killpack

Preaching in Paradise

December 8, 2014

From the Letter to the President:

My family is doing marvelous! They are all excited for Christmas! It brings me such joy to hear of all the ways that they have been giving of their time and talents to serve others this Christmas season!

Santa Barbara is fabulous! We had the most amazing miracle yesterday! Our investigator, C, came to church yesterday! He loved it! He stayed for all 3 hours of church. He was even participating in the classes. In gospel principles someone asked the question, "How can we prepare ourselves for the second coming?" and C responded, "We can study the gospel." It was amazing to see him interacting and participating. After church we had a church tour with him! The spirit was so strong as we explained about the sacrament and why we partake of it. C really like it. We talked about what our purpose is as missionaries. We invited him to be baptized and he accepted. We set him with a date for January 10! We still have lots to teach him, but he is willing and excited to learn. C's cousin is a member of this church and he also has a very supportive neighbor who is also a member.

Missionary work is so much more effective when the members and missionaries work together!

Hermana Smith is wonderful! I am constantly learning so much from her! She is very responsible and knows how to work. I am so grateful for her excellent example of leadership. She is so kind and loving! I love her!

This week I have been studying more of the Christ-like attributes. I was studying faith. I have been striving to increase my faith. With faith in Heavenly Father, we truly can do all things. I have been seeing countless miracles, this past week, as I have put my trust in Heavenly Father and exercised my faith.

We got to do service for a older woman this week! We helped her line her driveway with sand bags to prepare for the rain that we received. The lady was so grateful that we were able to help her. We also were able to help get some food ready to put into Christmas baskets for less-active members, or some people who are in need. I love participating in any kind of service that we can! It is so fun!

This week was phenomenal! It really just keeps getting better and better! I am so grateful to be a missionary! I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ! I love life! I love being a missionary! The Church is true! Life is beautiful! :)

Mom! Wow! Again. You. Are. An. Angel! Thank you so much! 

It made me very sad to hear about Elder Moreno's father. I had not heard that. Thank you for telling me. I'm just trying to think if there is anything that I can do for him...

Thanks for sending him a letter, and also Hermana Newland! She will love that so much! I told her, (and all my companions) that we are adopting them! The more people I meet, I find out more and more how special my family is. I'm so grateful that you all are supportive and faithful in the gospel. That really makes such a difference. Thank you! 

I hope Andrew had fun! That sounds like an awesome trip. 

Kyle's getting married this Saturday?! I didn't know. I didn't get an annoucement, darn. Maybe you could send me a picture of what their announcement looks like?

Haha well I don't know about knowing Spanish THAT well... I do know more than I started with, but I never feel like it's enough! There is so much more that I need to learn. I really want to study it in college when I get back.

That's so exciting to hear about Cody! I am so proud of him! He really has learned a lot and come a far way. I remember that I had a class or two with him. He was really funny! I'm excited for him!

That's also exciting for Aubrey! I can't believe how fast she and everyone else is growing up. It's crazy!  

That's so awesome that you will have the sisters for Christmas! Hopefully! Tell them that I say "les quiero!" Hopefully we'll have somewhere to go for Christmas... Also hopefully we can find a tree or something. If not, maybe I'll draw one. Don't worry about me, I figure out something!

Hermana Newland and I! We went on exchanges in SB! It was so fun!

Well thanks so much for all your love, support, and prayers! I really appreciate it! I love you all so much and love hearing from you! 

I took a picture at the Catholic Mission! Some tourists were looking for the front door and they were asking me if I knew where it was. I told them that I did not. I told them that I was a missionary, but for another church. It was funny!

Hermana Smith was just snapping pictures. I'm not really sure why I'm just smiling at this door?

Knock every door in Santa Barbara! :)

So, I'm sure you know, but... I'm preaching in paradise! :)

Sorry I only send you 2 pics at a time. They are pretty big

Gorgeous!

Haha this picture! I saw an Elder that had a picture like this, so I copied it as sort of a joke. Don't worry, I'm not serious. 

Also, Elote! It is the BEST thing! So delicious! Corn, with mayo, with chili, with butter! It kinda sounds gross, but it is so good! Can I just be Mexican? They have fantastic food! 

Well I hope you all have a fantastic week! Thanks mom for all that you do! I love you!

Con amor,

Hermana Killpack :)

Have a great week! :)

oh p.s. yes Hna Newland and I took a selfie, in the bathroom, like 16 year old girls... haha it was fun.

Love ya!

Tostadas for Thanksgiving

12-1-2014

From the letter to the President:  

Oh life is wonderful! So busy, but wonderful! This past week we had 3 exchanges and Thanksgiving! It went by so fast! I had the opportunity to work in Arroyo Grande with Hermana Tauiliili and Hermana Jeronimo! I also worked in Santa Barbara with Hermana Hurley! I am so grateful for the privilege to be able to work with these amazing Hermanas! I am learning so much!

My family is doing fantastic! I just found out that my sister and her husband are expecting their third boy! What exciting news! All my family is healthy and well :)

We have experienced a myriad of miracles this past week! We received a member referral. It is the member's cousin. His name is C. We were able to have a great first lesson with C! He had a lot of great questions and was very open to what we had to say. We are meeting again with him tonight and we are bringing the member to the lesson with us. 

Hermana Smith is doing amazing! She is always so positive! It is true that we have so many things to accomplish in a week, in a day, but she never gives up. She puts a smile on her face and goes to work. I love that about her. We are having so much fun together! :)

This past week I have been studying a lot about charity. I am learning so much! I am reading the Book of Mormon again with a focus on charity. I mark all the verses that include charity. It's amazing to see how much the scriptures teach about charity. I am striving to be more charitable, as I know that charity is a catalyst to all other Christ-like attributes. 

This week we have been able to participate in small acts of service. Whether it's taking out someone garbage, or opening a door, I know that as we seek out opportunities to serve, they will be given to us. 

I absolutely loved this week! It was crazy! I am so grateful for the power of the Atonement which gives us the strength to do all things. One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me." I, Hermana Killpack, can do all things through Christ which strengthen me! I love this work! I love my Savior Jesus Christ! I am so grateful to be a missionary!

-----

Mom! Thanks so much for the email and pictures! I cannot belief how much Spencer has grown! How tall is he? I was shocked! 

This past week truly was crazy! I don't know how we did it! 

So a couple nights ago Hermana Smith said that I was talking in my sleep. I was having a full on conversation for a couple minutes. She said it was like I was just talking to someone on the street. Like a street contact. I was trying to set up a return appointment. She said I was talking, and then I suddenly stood up and walked to the bathroom, after a while I came back and got into bed. 

When I woke up the next morning I recalled that I woke up (earlier in the night) in the bathroom. It was really weird. I was so confused as to why I was in the bathroom and how I had got there. I was so tired that I just went back to bed. When I woke up in the morning I had to go to the bathroom so bad. I think I slept walked (I have never slept walked before) to the bathroom because I needed to use it. In my drunken stupor (okay really just sleepyness) I just walked back to my bed. The whole situation was just hilarious! 

Normally when I wake up to go to the bathroom I run into a couple chairs and a post, but when I was sleep walking, I didn't hit anything at all! Hermana Smtih was watching me, so she told me. She wanted to record me, but it was too late. Hahaha! 

I guess I know how drunk people feel when they wake up and don't know how they got there. Well... kinda haha

Anyways, for Thanksgiving, we went to a member's house for lunch. She signed up for lunch so we didn't have Thanksgiving dinner. For lunch we had tostadas.

It was pretty good, but didn't really feel like Thanksgiving. It was really delicious though, and a lot of food! 

Yesterday we had an interesting dinner. We were eating a rice/cilantro/soup thing. It wasn't too bad. However, we came across some meat. We weren't quite sure what it was. Upon further inspection I knew what it was. Taking several anatomy and physiology classes I have had the opportunity, on several occasions, to dissect things:  cats, rats, and other such things. Even in college we studied cadavers for human anat and phys. We were eating liver. Of what? I do not know. Nor will I ever. But as I was eating it all I could think of were the things I have dissected. I have even held a human liver. It was a bit of a difficult dinner. Let's just say, the Atonement is real, and I used it. 

Exchanges with Hermana Tauiliili in Arroyo Grande! :)

Hermana Jeronimo let me try on her poncho. Do I look Mexican now?! :)

Also exchanges with Hermana Hurley! We couldn't get a very good picture because it was dark outside. 

Well thanks so much for everything! I'm not sure when I'll call Christmas. I'll let you know for sure. Thanks for the pictures you sent! I love them! Everyone is growing up so fast it's crazy! I don't even recognize Owen! 

Oh, so this is an adorable boy in Arroyo Grande!

I asked him If I could take a picture and he just posed for me. (Don't worry, I also asked his Grandma. I'm not a creep.)

He is just so cute! 

Maybe one day he'll be a model. But he's only 2 right now! 

Well I hope that everyone has a marvelous week! I am so grateful to be a missionary! This has been the craziest and fastest transfer of my life. We still have 2 weeks left and lots to do. We have another exchange this week and also MLC tomorrow. Should be fun!

I love all of you! I hope to hear from you all soon! Please be safe. Drive carefully on those slick roads! Have the best week ever! 

Con amor, para siempre, por supuesto

Hermana Ashley Rae Killpack :)

Happy Thanksgiving

From the Letter to the President:

My family is doing wonderful! They are excited for the upcoming holidays. I love hearing from them and I am so grateful for their support!

This past week we were able to have a great lesson with A. It was such a miracle! We invited her to be baptized on December 27th and she accepted! She really wants to be a good example for her 3 daughters. She loved the message of the Restoration. The spirit was so strong in her home. She committed to read in the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it's true. A has so much potential! She really has a desire to find "her" church. I know that we have what she is looking for. We are so excited to continue working with her!

This week we also met a man named C. We had a wonderful Restoration lesson with him as well. He had a lot of very good questions. At the end of the lesson, he committed to read the Book of Mormon. We were able to follow the spirit and teach according to his needs.

We also went on exchanges! I had the opportunity to go to Santa Maria and work for the day. It was so fun to work with Hermana Cuevas!

Hermana Smith is doing simply wonderful! We are having so much fun together! I really am learning so much from her! I admire her determination! She never gives up! She bears strong testimony to all our investigators.

I loved attending both Zone Conferences in Santa Maria and in Ventura! I learned so much at each one! I loved the focus on the desires we have. Do we desire to teach people to strengthen their faith? Or, do we desire to teach people so that we can report more numbers? As I have reflected on this, I have tried to teach people in a way as to strengthen their faith. We have seen so many miracles from doing so. 

Last night we were talking to a man that missionaries have talked with once before. He told us that he was busy and that now wasn't a good time. I thought about what I could say that would strengthen his faith. I started talking and the spirit guided me with the words he needed to hear. By the end of our conversation with him, he had completely changed. We were able to have a prayer with him. He was grateful that we came by and he was open to us coming back again. It was amazing!

I know that as we truly teach people, not lessons, we will see miracles!

This week we didn't have any planned service opportunities. However, as we are spending more time working in our area we are working to find some projects in which we can participate.

This week was amazing! It flew by! What could be better than 2 zone conferences and an exchange? This week we have 3 exchanges and Thanksgiving! It should be a great week! :) Probably the best ever!

Mom! Yes, I got the package! Thank you so much! I'm sending home a shirt and a skirt. I explained why they didn't work. But I wore the cute 3 quarter length sleeve shirt yesterday to church! So adorable! Thank you!

Yes, you could send the Christmas package here. I already have to move a lot of things. Don't worry! I can't believe it's almost Christmas, or even Thanksgiving for that matter! I guess when it's 70 degrees and you aren't with your family it's not really Christmas. But that's okay! At least I get to call you! I think I am still only allowed 40 minutes. 

I did not know dad was an Assistant to the President. Are you serious?! How did I not know this before! That's awesome! I'm sure dad was an amazing missionary! Yes, I know how he feels! Sometimes I wish we had more time to work in our area. But now, instead of both of us (Hna Smith and I) going to work in the hermanas' areas we are bringing one of them here (to Santa Barbara) and the other pair will work in the other hermanas' area. So this past week I went to Santa Maria and Hermana Smith stayed and worked in SB with another missionary. 

I feel like I look weird in this picture, but I'm sending it to you because I love the shirt. It is really comfortable! Thanks! :)

What gas is under $3? What are the prices in Idaho?

The Elders trying to break into a car. Some of the sisters locked their keys in the car. Haha don't worry, they called a lock smith. 

Hermana Newland and I at a Zone Conference in Santa Maria! We are both wearing the earrings you sent us! 

An adorable sewing kit that Hna Cuevas's mom made. Oh pinterest! 

Exchanges with Hermana Cuevas in Santa Maria! It was so fun!

Oh yes and by the way: Happy Thanksgiving! I am so grateful that you are my family! I am so grateful for all that love and support that I receive from all of you! I am so blessed! I am grateful to be serving a mission! I know that my mission is helping me to become the person that Heavenly Father wants me to become. I'm not perfect, I still have SO much to learn but poco a poco. I'm grateful that I am learning Spanish! I'm grateful that we have the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives! What a blessings!

That was supposed to be "what a blessing!" 

Anyways... 

please have the best week ever! Thanks so much for everything! I love you all! I know that I am doing the Lord's work! Please be safe driving to Utah! Tell Grandpa that I love him! 

Don't do anything that I wouldn't do (That means no watching TV, no getting on the internet, no staying up late, no backing up without someone to watch you, and no sleeping in) Haha just kidding, you can do those things.

Have a great week! I love you!

Con amor

Hermana Killpack :)