Address Update as of 11/18/2014- Short Term Address

Mary got transferred to be with sister whose companion was put in the hospital. They are holding a fast sometime today or tomorrow for the sweet sister. Mary does not know how long she will be there, but until further notice, her address is:
Sister Mary Mitchell
530 Jefferson St.
Greenfield, Ohio 45123

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful

Hello Again.

Let's get this out of the way now: The weather. We are expected to get four inches of snow today, but it is still coming down. Tomorrow's low is going to be 7 degrees. There are not enough tights in the world to make this a comfortable winter, but missions were never about comfort anyway.

Monday: We ran around all day being super crazy busy, so it didn't feel like much of a rest day. We got our hair cut and I talked to this super nice lady from South Africa. At the end of the night we had the greatest first lesson with June and her wonderful family that I mentioned last week! I still can't believe how golden of a referral they are, and that they were referred by Gahanna. Who knew that I had such specific reasons to be in Ohio, of all places? 

Tuesday: We did quite a bit of contacting in Downtown. It was pretty unsuccessful. I have never met so many people who are willing to just openly smoke weed on the streets either. Always an adventure. We had Mcdonalds for dinner and then went to ward council. It is my first time attending since I've been on my mission, so that was refreshing. 

Wednesday: Zone Conference in Galloway. We were there from 9:00 am until 4:30. It was quite the experience. We sang "Children Holding Hands around the World" and it was only the tiniest bit awko because my companions stopped singing halfway through the sisters verse so I had a micro solo. Sorry President! we had dinner with an awesome family. They fed us split pea soup. Did you know that is actually pretty tasty. The things I've learned in Ohio. Go figure!

Thursday: I literally can't remember a thing.

Friday: Weekly Planning took a century and then we totally forgot about an appointment we had and tracted instead. Time to repent!

Saturday: Stressed out about finding a ride for someone who ended up not being able to come to church as soon as we made arrangements. Sigh. 

Sunday: It was cold and dark, and we ran through a bunch of wet leaves.

So basically, it is great to be a missionary here in Ohio, even when it is tough. I've been studying the life of Jesus Christ, and I can't believe how much I didn't understand who He was and what He went through. He is so remarkable and magnificent, but relatable and loving too. He did all he could to set a straight path for us to follow, so that we could become what our potential is. Because He loves us. Everyday I try to follow that path even more closely, and I am so grateful for the patience and mercy Our Father in Heaven has for me as I stumble. Every second is worth it. 

Love you all 

Sister Mitchell

 ....4 days later...

No Time!

Loved ones,

I miss ya. I love Ohio. Do I say that enough? Because I do love it. I can't imagine serving anywhere else. 

 I'm out of time, but this is the highlight of my week, that I shared with my President:  

Marble Cliff 2 has seen it's own share of small miracles. God is so good. Sometimes I forget how much He knows and is preparing for me, before I can even comprehend it. There is a family being taught in Gahanna. I began teaching them with Sister Loder, and we grew very close. They are pretty busy, so a little flaky, but their desire is high. Yesterday the sisters in Gahanna went over and taught the second half of the Restoration. Rebecca (the mom) had her sister June over, so she listened in. By the end of the lesson both women were crying. June, the sister, wants to learn more and felt the spirit so strongly. It makes perfect sense to her why we would need a restoration. The wonderful Gahanna sisters said that they would love to send sisters over. June has some anxiety, but to her relief, Rebecca could vouch for the sisters because she already knew them. June lives in our area! Rebecca knew me, and encouraged June to listen! How great a blessing! I am so grateful that God has trusted me with this opportunity to help His children.

Love you!

Sister Mitchell

Mary's NEW ADDRESS as of 11/4/2014

Sister Mary Mitchell
3406 C Wilson Woods Dr.
Columbus, Ohio 43204

Write and Send her up :)

Searching for a Gallbladder in the Heart of Heart of Hearts...

So all I can remember about Monday and Tuesday is that we had the best correlation of my life at the Godle's, and that we had a blast taking a youth out with us all day Tuesday.

Then came Transfer Call Wednesday. We get the call in Payless that I am leaving and Sister Loder is staying. Sad, but not surprised. It was a bitter sweet experience. 

I don't know what I was expecting to hear at the transfer meeting on Thursday, but I know that I was dumbfounded when they said "In Marble Cliff 2, Sisters Baldridge and Stewart will be staying. They will also be receiving a third companion Sister Mitchell."

Well this was unexpected...

I have been transferred to Columbus Ohio, and I couldn't be more excited.

Our area consists of 4 main sections:

Upper Arlington: SO RITZY. Like, super Posh. There are houses with moats out here... Wo unto the rich?

Grandview: OSU College housing. We only get teach some of the people we find here, the others go to the Campus missionaries. 

DOWNTOWN: YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT! I love Downtown! We can just walk down the street, contacting. It's a blast. 

German Village: A Historic Preservation from the 19th century. Google it. I'm in paradise

South Side: The ghetto I've always dreamed of. 

There are a lot of reasons that this is just the craziest thing to happen to me on my mission. 

This area was opened last August, and then shut down in June. It was then opened again in late July. One of my companions, Sister Baldridge had already served here, when the area was opened last Aug, for 7 1/2 months. She got put back in last transfer for the second time. Then her companion went home, so Sister Stewart was put in 3 weeks ago. Both of them go home next transfer, in December. President told them that he put them together so that he could close the area when both Sisters went home... but here I am.  

President Daines doesn't like trios and said that he would do all he could to avoid them at all costs. 

But here I am. 

*Sister Daines approached us after transfers and told us that Pres. pondered a lot on who could handle a trio, because there were uneven sisters, and picked us.* *Trios are hard for missionaries.*

Sister Stewart was delayed 6 weeks in starting her mission, because she had to have emergency surgery to remove her gallbladder. So, she technically shouldn't be here this transfer, but is. 

We figure since it such a weird decision to stick the three of us in an area that should be closed, that the Spirit MUST have made it. So we are searching for Sister Stewart's "Gallbladder Miracle."

I am anxious to see why I was needed here. 

I love my mission. I know that my Father in Heaven has a plan for me. He has one for you too. Follow it, and you'll find more happiness than you can imagine.

Love ya! 

Sister Mitchell. 

Mary's NEW comps in her Trio :) 

The last door she knocked with Sister Loder in Blacklick. 

Her sweet Gahanna Girls

First day in Columbus

Change of Seasons

Things are wrapping up quickly as ever here in Gahanna as ANOTHER transfer comes to a close. Oh dear... 

Monday: Wasn't P-day. You'll see why... Had dinner with a cute member family. They had a beginners piano book, so their 8 year old girl and I messed around until dinner was ready. She determined I am a prodigy. No biggs.

Tuesday: P-day, TEMPLE DAY. being able to go through for a session was such a Tender Mercy. The week before we went had been the worst week of my mission. I had never wanted to be in the House of the Lord more. And Because God is SO good, he sent another tender mercy my way. On the previous Saturday we were able to attend the sealing of a less-active family that sister Loder reactivated. The first live sealing for Sister L. What a great one. I am 1000000% more appreciative of the temple now that my use is limited. The Columbus Temple is gorgeous, and you can literally be in the presence of God there! 

Wednesday: District Meeting where we talked about our five fold purpose: to find, teach, baptize, retain, and reactivate. We discussed how we can more fully fulfill all of these responsibilities each day. Later we met a really cool kid named K who is searching for truth. Jackpot! We discussed the Plan of Salvation with him and he asked how he could learn more... good things. 

Thursday: A great "Come to Jesus" lesson with Dan (literally). We asked him if he would follow Jesus Christ if he knew that He had more in store for him. After he said yes, we testified of the truth of that. Dan "is certain" (his own words) that the BOM is true, but doesn't understand priesthood or a prophet. After 4 months of meeting with him he finally committed and came to church this week, with his daughter!!!!!! Oh Dan...

Friday: Service and dinner with our lovely family the H's. It is such a blessing to know them.

Saturday: Took Kelly to a Less-active lesson and her and Sister G just hit it off! Being a friend to those who need it is truly a Christlike task. Please, watch for those who you could help. Finished the night with Stake Conference. President and Sister Daines spoke, along with Elder Gerard of the seventy. The theme was Hastening the Work. every person there left more inspired to join in the cause of Salvation. I love it!

Sunday: More conference, and other random stuff. 

On Wednesday I will find out whether or not Gahanna will get to keep me any longer than 6 months!

Here is a C.S. Lewis quote that I stole from another inspiring Sister. I thought it went well with this weeks theme. 

It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendours. [C. S. Lewis,The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses

Love you all

Sister Mitchell

Hey Hey Party Peeps!

This week was just how we like them, quick and busy! 

Monday: We biked to the library for the first time, and then went discount warehouse shopping. #goodday

Tuesday: Started off our day with another first: A lesson with a Jewish family! They are so incredibly smart. I love it. We met the wife a week or two ago while we were walking out from our apartment complex to a lesson. I had my quad open, trying to find a scripture, and she stopped me to comment on my "big dictionary." That started a lovely conversation, we talked about how she used to see missionaries in California all the time. It ended in her inviting us to come meet her family whenever we pleased! That my friends, is scripture power. Flash forward to Tuesday and our lesson with them: they are some of the friendliest people I know. The husband said he'd read the BOM. We have high hopes. 

Wednesday: We had our monthly Zone Training Meeting. It was a little lengthy, but super inspirational! We role-played pamphlet teaching as a zone, and it was powerful. Later that day we went up to the wonderful Pataskala for the first time in a long time. Oh, I love the cruze. We ended the night with a correlation meeting. Hooray!

Thursday: All I remember was having a dinner with a new family in the ward, the Holley's. They are too fun! 5 boys and 1 girl. Felt like home!

Friday: The H's took us out to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory for Sister Loder's 40th Birthday. I had Pumpkin Pecan cheesecake... oooh fall.

That evening we met an adorable teenage girl who is really good friends with one of the Young Women in our ward! That is such a blessing! We can't wait to start teaching her. The Spirit whispers that this is going to be a good one... 

Saturday: Saturday, Service day! My favorite! In the morning we had a lesson at Starbucks (not desirable) and had a great conversation with Mark about the Restoration over Caramel Apple Cider (desirable). We practiced pamphlet teaching, and Sister Loder and I both felt really good about it. In the afternoon we helped put on a Halloween party for disabled adults at a member's home. It was just the festive fix I needed, although now we are swimming in candy. Saturday night was AMAZING! All six missionaries in our ward did a service project with the, one and only, Godles. We split wood! That's right. Full lumberjack status, except we used a really fancy splitting machine that was super fun. The people we helped out are Catholic/Jewish and are SO PREPARED. We had a inspired conversation about prayer and a foundation in Christ. I'm sure we will be teaching them very soon.

Sunday: Sister Loder's (actual) birthday. Wonderful times, my friends.

I love you all so very much.

I have been working on being more grateful, and it just makes me so happy. So thank you all. Your love and support mean the world to me. :)

Sister Mitchell

Screen Time

Hey hey, what's happening? 

So this week... oh buddy. 

Tuesday: We cried. We learned. We were uplifted. We had Specialized Training, with President Daines. WE WATCHED MEET THE MORMONS!!!!!

That's right, your eyes do not deceive you! President got permission to screen it two weeks early for the missionaries in the Great OCM! It was splendid!!! Everybody should watch it. Everybody should take non-members to it! Someone should send it to me once it gets on DVD. Haha. 

Wednesday: The beginning of the end. We had District Meeting and were afterwords informed that it was the Elder's week to have the car. We had no idea. Neither of us had bikes, or a plan how to get from Reynoldsburg back to Blacklick, a 15 minute drive. So the rest of the day was a stress-filled blur of trying to find transportation from Reynoldsburg-to-Whitehall-to-Blackilck-to-Whitehall-to-Reynoldsburg again. I can't really tell you what happened, I just know that I am so grateful for our truly generous ward members who helped us out in our time of need. Oh, I love these people. 

The next two days we tried to find bikes. Easier said than done. Sister Loder is only 5'0, making most bikes impossible for her to ride. 

The rest of the week was hectic, trying to figure out how in the world we were going to make it 8 miles away to our progressing investigators to get them to conference...

At least we will have the car next week for Sister Loder's Birthday, and a whole lot of damage control. 

I absolutely adored conference. It is just what I needed. I have recently been studying Christ-like attributes, and how we can best fulfill his commandment to "be perfect even as (He) is." Conference held quite a bit of personal revelation for me, no surprise. If you haven't already, watch it. Don't forget to pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost to impress to you, what you can do to better follow the example of our Savior. 

P.s. My favorite was Elder Robbins. What about you?

Love you. 

Make good choices.

Return with Honor,

to Heaven, that is. 

BYE!

Gahanna welcomes me...for the 5th month :) 

Sister Loder finally found a bike her size 

Tender Mercies

My beloved friends and family

This week was one of the toughest and most fulfilling. Literally every appointment we had was canceled, so we just showed up at people's houses all week. Missionaries aren't exactly polite, but we are persistent. It turned out surprisingly well. What was best is the fact that I've worked harder this week than I ever had before. Even though our numbers were't as great as they usually are, Sister Loder and I both slept well knowing that we exhausted every amount of energy and tenacity that we had. 

I think the satisfaction and peace I felt from this week's work apply to life in general as well. When we think about it, we shouldn't be discouraged by the fact that we fall short. We know we aren't perfect, Heavenly Father knows we aren't perfect. There was a reason that an Atonement was needed, because no matter how hard we try we will never be perfect. It is only through the grace and mercy of our Savior, and our Heavenly Father, that we can receive Eternal Life. When we've done all we can, and we still don't measure up, we can find contentment as we lay our success and sorrow at the Savior's feet, and give it all to him. All the glory, shame, heartache, joy and everything in between. He suffers and rejoices with us. He comforts us and bears us up when we are striving to do what he's asked. Russell M Ballard teaches, "It is impossible for us to fail when we do our best and when we are on the Lord's errand. 

This is where we see that any failure and the feelings of sorrow, discouragement or worry come from either NOT giving it are all or NOT being on the Lord's errand. 

This life is tough. We are all laboring for our own Salvation, as well as our loved one's. Please don't do it alone. Give all that you have, and let the Lord do the rest.  

The Lord lives, and loves us. This is my testimony. 

Have a fantastic week!!!!

Sister Mitchell

Adventuring in Gahanna!

Calling My Name

Well well, It's been a short 4 days since I last emailed, but there's always something to say about missionary work!

On Saturday we attended the Columbus Temple's 15th Year Anniversary with the the H Family and brother H's non-member mom. Oh boy... I needed that. I did not realize how much I missed the temple. There were displays that explained biblical temples, the Plan of Salvation, Family History, and the history of the Columbus Temple itself. I t was an uplifting experience, and we had the opportunity to see some other missionaries who we have missed. I am so grateful we were able to go. We took a tour of the temple grounds with the girls. At one point we took them into the entryway between the outside, and the actual inside of the temple. 

I have not been so strongly tempted in quite a while. I had to physically hold myself back from throwing open the doors and running in. I had forgotten just how powerful the spirit of the temple is. When I saw all the smiling faces of the temple workers, and felt the overwhelming peace coming from that room, I realized just how much I missed the temple. It is so important to me to live worthy of that great privilege. I would die of happiness if I got to go through, so don't expect emails after the 15th..... because WE ARE GOING TO THE TEMPLE THAT WEEK! Oh, I just can't wait. Do me a favor? You don't have to wait. Go in my honor? Thanks! :)

Brother H's less active daughter felt that same spirit I did, because she broke down sobbing. She's never been to the temple, we'll fix that. 

I sure do love you all. 

have a wonderful week!

Sister Mitchell 

"The cutest diner to ever exist"

Mary's view driving home each night.

Transfer P-Day

Famous ice cream!

Temple open house with the chicas!

Here We Go Again...

Dear loved ones, 

Today we received transfer calls! I can't believe it's been six weeks from the time Sister Loder and I became companions. This transfer just flew by. My mission is moving faster and faster, and I really don't know what to do about it!

Some highlights from this week:

We met a great family, the Kenny's. They were referred to us by another set of missionaries who know a member who is their friend. Lesson learned? Missionary work involves A LOT of hands. It's a mom and her four girls. They are so friendly. We taught them a little intro lesson with Kami and it was splendid. Kami was perfect for fellow-shipping, and the girls love to pray. We have high expectations! Two of the girls came to church on Sunday. It's been fun, and unexpected how many kids I've been teaching. #momtraining #missionsarereallyjustschoolforraisingastrongfamily 

Fall happened over night. Literally. One day it was 100 degrees, the next I was wearing a sweater and scarf. That was an adjustment. Although, I can't wait for the Holidays! 

Football season has finally hit Ohio... it is pretty inconvenient for missionary work, but what do you do? #teamOSU

We found out that we will be sharing our car with a set of Elders in our zone so..... i'm a biking missionary! I would be super stoked, except that I don't have a bike... awkward. The sharing starts tomorrow. We'll see what happens!

I honestly can't think of what else happened... 10 days sort of blur together when you are a missionary. 

Today we had a great Zone Activity where we played Soccer and Ultimate Frisbee. It was not as painful as I thought, maybe I'm improving at sports... Or I'm just getting used to being bad. :)

Well, I'm staying in Gahanna with Sister Loder for another 6 weeks. I'm happy, and am excited to see what the transfer holds! 

Peace out boy scout,

Sister Mitchell

How Great

Hello hello! 

This week... the kind of week that reminds you why you are on a mission in Ohio, laboring in the nasty humidity.

The pay off? So much joy. How great shall be your joy? Let's see if I can do it justice...

 Monday: We had a service P-day! Those are starting to become a usual for us. I love serving, so it's no big deal. I however detest 100 degree humid weather. Never thought I'd miss Utah...  We packed up a single member's garage after her movers ripped her off. We essentially played life size Tetris., and it consumed nearly the whole day. 

Tuesday: We had lunch at Indochine with a member family, which is a Vietnamese/Laotian Cafe. The food was to die for, but the best part was the owner of the restaurant. He was this cool little Asian dude who started out by asking us how many wives he could have if he converted to our church, and ended at agreeing to give the Book of Mormon a read and meeting with missionaries. He's Buddhist but had recently been studying the bible. He even brought it to our table to show us. 

Wednesday: The Big Walnut Creek Sisters brought their investigator to Zone Meeting and he sang Amazing Grace to us. Keith is the most soulful, sweet black man I've ever met. He'll be baptized in no time. Later that night the girl's had their "interrogations" (interviews) with our District Leader. It was completely hectic. YW's and Activity Days were going at the same time, so we spent the rest of the night corralling the girl's into the classroom and trying to finish the tithing lesson. Oh boy. One of our girls is 8, so she got to be interviewed by Bishop and there was a pretty decent sized line, so we waited as patiently as we could. In Erin's words, they all "bombed it!" We celebrated and set up the program for the Baptism.

Thursday: We spent a good chunk of unproductive hours finishing things up for the Baptism. We visited this wonderful family. We tried to go over and offer service and instead we walked away with two jars of delicious pickled goods. How does that always seem to happen?! Our members are much too good to us here. #soblessed. That evening we had a lesson with Dale again. We taught the Restoration. Oh, he's a funny man. He is so accepting. If only we could get him to church!!

Friday: It's 10:30 in the morning, and we are going over to the church so that we can get a bigger suit for Elly. We begin to unlock the door and this lady appears in the hallway. She has the expression that would make you think we are thugs with guns storming into the church to kill puppies. She even extended her arm out in a "stop" sign. I mean, really? I have a Missionary Tag on! It's not that foreign of a thing for me to be entering the church.. Once we get in, she asks us if there is a missionary conference going on today and we explain that we are just there to pick something up. She tells us that that is good because she has the ENTIRE building reserved for the next two days. *Chaos ensue* We inform her that we have a baptism at 3:00 pm the next day, and she says that won't work..... Long story short, no one reserved the building as they should have, and this stake music lady was not very willing to work with us. Luckily, I have learned to bite my tongue on my mission. Facial expressions... I'm still working on that. We ended up having to fill the font Friday night (illegal) and then setting up for the baptism right at 3:00, and having it start at something more like 3:30.... 

Saturday: Baptism Day! It was chaotic, stressful, and perfect. We managed to start the baptism around 3:30. Kim gave a talk on Baptism to her girls and it was just so sweet. Brother Hodgins gave a splendid talk on the Holy Ghost. The elders sang When I am Baptized, and it  was excellent. It was hard to keep all my joy and excitement in check. Then came the big dunk! I feel for the girls.. the water had to be pretty cold after sitting there all night. They bore testimony afterward, and Elly shared that she knew the church had been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith, something both her and her mother had struggled with. The spirit was tangible. The whole room felt light and glowy. 

Sunday: Confirmation and Fast Sunday.... couldn't have asked for anything better. Not only did Amy share her testimony on Jesus Christ, but KIM (who we previously had to bribe to come to church on Fast Sundays) bore her testimony on the Holy Ghost, right after her daughters had received it. You couldn't write better Poetry! 

It has just been such a blessing to witness miracles here in Gahanna. Sometimes we get so discouraged and we lose faith in the idea of miracles. I even fall into the trap of recognizing that miracles happen, and are available, but forget that they can happen to me. 

Please don't let this thinking block your faith. Miracles can happen to you. They do. Every single day. Sometimes it is just hard for us to realize the little miracles God is working that lead to life changing moments. Have the humility to ask for our Father's help, have the sensitivity to look for miracles, the faith to accept them, and the charity to be someone else's and....

Great shall be your joy.  

This is my joy,

Love Sister Mitchell 

Where did this week go?!

News Flash: It is September... what? I hit my 4 month mark on Saturday. Woohoo! It certainly does not feel like it's been 4 months. 1 month? Sure.  A whole year? Sounds about right... figure that one out. Time is a funny thing.

Monday: "Elders and Sisters, this is as close as you are going to get to a rave for 2 years..." We played glow in the Dark dodge ball as a zone. All the balls had glow duct-tape, and we sprayed ourselves with broken glow sticks. Splendid time in the Ohio South Stake. That night we had an FHE with a family. We taught about CPR. The three things that help us to stay spiritually "alive": Church, Prayer, Reading of Scriptures. It went well, because they kept all their commitments! Hooray. 

Tuesday: Exchanges. Oh the fun. I stayed in Gahanna (again, I'll be here forever) with Sister Hunger, who is new to being a Sister Training Leader. We had a good time. We got a good chunk of tracting time in, and I got to learn some of her techniques. You can never have enough practice knocking on doors. 

Wednesday: District Meeting was great and spiritually uplifting as usual. We had a correlation meeting at Brother Konneh's house and he fed us this African... Peanut Butter? It's delicious. We had the smoothest restoration contact that I've ever had on my mission when we saw this guy pull into his driveway. Sadly, we later found out he was more interested in a date than the restored gospel. It was probably too smooth of a contact.....

Thursday: On Thursday we had the opportunity to serve a less active family. They are good people with a lot on their plate. They have two family members who have disabilities. Playing and talking with them reminded me of peer tutor. Ah, nostalgia. For dinner we went over to the Hodgins. How do I describe the Hodgins... Spectacular. They take care of their missionaries, I am certainly indebted to them. Also, they terrorize us. *See Pictures*

Friday: Weekly planning, which always seems to go longer than planned, especially since it is a baptism week. Another lesson with our investigator family. We strive to make daily contact with people who are being baptized that week. It all ends up blurring together, but I do remember that one of them gave up coffee and tea!!!!!!! This is major, people. Their mom is such a good example to them, and has really grown in her testimony of the WOW since her baptism. We come to know that principles of the gospel are true and righteous, when we live them. We can never know if something is right until we put faith in our Savior and take the plunge. I'm so grateful for the expressions of faith I get to witness everyday.  

Saturday: Basically every appointment we had fell through, but our backups were solid enough that the day went by quickly. We went to the baptism of a member boy, and then took the girls in our investigator family to Starbucks to get cream-based drinks. #butterbeerlove #whoneedscoffee #notthesegirls

Sunday: Church is wonderful... but sometimes so stressful. You want the atmosphere to be perfect the first time an investigator shows up. I've been working to remind myself that, of course it will be the right atmosphere, no matter how crazy the 5th Sunday discussion on temples gets. It's Christ's church, people will love it? #andtheydo #truedoctrine. 

That night we did service for a woman who fell down the stairs 2 weeks after giving birth and needed to move apartments. The adversary... don't let him get you down. She was amazingly positive. We gad a really good conversation and helped her clean. We have a lunch set up for next week, It's going to be great. 

Well my friends, there's the recap. Last week flew by, and I just know this week will be the same.

Enjoy your circumstances and opportunities now, because you won't always have the same. Sometimes I think about how it will feel to take off my tag for good in 14 months, and it inspires me to work harder, and enjoy myself even more. Let us all be inspired by the fact that one day we will stand before our Savior and account for the time, opportunities, gifts, blessings, and trials that we are given here. There's always joy to be found in the journey, and no matter where you go, God's light will be there. 

I love you all! 

Have some fun, be good, serve your Savior well!

Mary M

Skyline Chili with Sister Loder!

Gahanna District "G-Crew" 

The Hodgins "terrorizing" Mary and her comp with Love ;)

Doozy

I could sit at this computer and struggle to adequately communicate the experience that was this week and this one word would still wrap it up more fully: Doozy. 

To begin with, allergies are the worst. I know this, because I have been sent to the allergy capitol of the universe. Being sick on a mission is by far the worstest. I am blessed to have the Lord's support. #thankHeavenforprayersbeinganswered

Last Monday: We played the usual kickball with the District and the Crouses. You'd think I'd be better at kickball by now, but...nope. Later that night we had dinner and an FHE with our family. We organized a 30 Day plan for the girls and set their baptism date in stone for the 6th of September. The only resistance we got was from Aaron, who wanted to be baptized sooner. This is not a common complaint for us. It's outstanding, but this family is just outstanding in general. After the lesson we watched one of them do the ALS Ice Bucket challenge... "social media fast" blessings. We celebrated by playing Table Hockey. A different side of Sister Mitchell was displayed that night. 

Tuesday: I mowed a massive lawn. The work wasn't too bad. The humidity on the other hand... Since when is it 90 degrees outside at 10:00 am? completely whack. But hey, service is worth it. If I could just do service 24/7, I think I'd be satisfied. No problem can't be solved or made lighter when you look outward and help someone else. I have leaned heavily upon the doctrine found in the talk "The Character of Christ" this week. It's a Bednar. look it up, you won't be disappointed.  

Wednesday: We had another excellent Gahanna District Meeting. We took a picture organized by height. The tallest Elder is 6'8 and Sister Loder is 5'0. We make a perfect staircase. The Youth Missionary Challenge that we've been working for a month now had it's closing ceremony that night. The YW won, so the YM had to make them breakfast for dinner and put on a skit for them. After district meeting we decided since it was our idea, we could put on a dance of gratitude. Enter in G-Crew: The thuggiest missionaries to ever hit Columbus. We danced to a remixed Love at Home rap, and made complete fools of ourselves. It was wonderful. The youth deserved it. We saw many miracles from them accepting the challenge to share the gospel. There is even a baptism coming from one of the most prepared YW I've ever seen. Moral: You never know who God is preparing. Give everyone the opportunity to hear the gospel!

Thursday: Zone Conference happened. I needed to hear what President had to say so badly, and I didn't even know it. Listen to your leaders, they are Heaven's Angels. It was wonderfully inspiring for me, I just hope that the sound of me coughing up my lungs wasn't too distracting from the spirit for everyone else. That night we met a family of five who is totally going to get baptized(#optimism). The dad lived by the West African MTC for years and has met dozens of missionaries. Talk about exposure to the church. 

Friday: Weekly planning, a lesson with the family that didn't go so smoothly... well have to recap the restoration again. I'm definitely learning a lot about how to work with kids.

Saturday: Who even remembers... We worked hard.

Sunday... oh Sunday. One of the hardest days of my mission yet. After Wednesday the rest of the week had just started to roll downhill quickly, and it felt never ending. I faced rejection, confusion, feelings of inadequacy, and a little touch of devastation. But as always, I was blessed with the opportunity to live the principle that I teach, The Atonement. I was cleansed, sanctified, and enabled by my Savior's sacrifice this week. I prayed for strength and grace. I prayed for peace and support. None of my problems went away, but Heavenly Father bore me up. I am so grateful. D&C 84: 88.

This week was a doozy, as is this email. If you've made it this far, thanks for listening. Remember your potential, and the only way to reach it. Look to Him. 

Lots of Love

Mitchell 

Gahanna means Hell in Yittish

Don't let my subject line scare you. I certainly have not had a "fiery brimstone" sort of experience here in the beautiful Gahanna.

It's been a great week of Summer. Can you believe that it's almost September? Time is precious. 

Let me just tell you, nothing is worse for missionaries than Holidays or other events. Back to school was this week, and it felt like everyone was too busy to meet because of it. I remember when we tracted on the 4th of July.... people here do not like their cookouts interrupted. I pray that the spirit of Christmas will help the situation come time to knock on Christmas Eve.

The family we are working with has been progressing wonderfully. They are all on date! Can I get a Woohoo? I just love this family so much. Every time I am with them I feel even more strongly that we were meant to meet each other on this Earth, and that we were friends long before my first day of my mission. The best part by far, is that I see them going to the temple together. I see the boy going on a mission. I know they'll all raise there own families and teach them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know I'll never have to miss these people for good, because they'll be with me for eternity.  

We are working hard with some of our other progressing investigators and always trying to find more people to teach. It's tiring, but I like being busy. it makes the work move fast. Plus, hard work is fun work. don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. 

For a moment or three of ridiculousness: 

Bugs. Are. Evil. One of the things I was grateful for when I got my call to Columbus is that I wouldn't have to deal with South American Jungle "bug" monsters attacking me. I was so naive.... 

I live in a den of spiders. Literally. Our apartment door is infested with the eight legged beasts. I have probably seen more spiders living in Ohio for three months, than I did in the other 19-ish years of my life. There is one spider in particular that haunts my dreams. His name is Aragog. He lives, like millions of his friends in the kitty corner crack of the plastic that is between our doorway and the side of our apartment. He's the size of a quarter and comes out at night to hunt.

My legs are battered. I've never had so many bites at once. Also, fleas: those are legit. They bite humans. I have scars for proof.

On a happier note, I had Skyline Chili for the first time the other day. It's actually pretty great, and the first time you come in it's free. Free = happy sister missionary. Then we were recognized by a guy who knows a few Mormon's and has a BOM. Something I've learned to be true: When you follow the spirit, there is ALWAYS a reason to where you are, when you are. Find the why. ask for God's guidance and you'll receive it. I am so blessed to find the "why" to Gahanna, Ohio, my mission, even my life. The over arching reason is Love. 

How is life in the other 4 letter state? 

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Mary Mitchell 

It's been FAR too long

My friends. Life is wacky, no? 

I couldn't tell you what happened before last Wednesday if I tired, It's all a transfer madness blur. 

Wednesday: Transfer week P-day. I didn't sleep remarkably well the night before, way too anxious. All the missionaries went to the church to play Minute to Win It as a Zone and wait for transfer calls. Me and Sister Garner were destroyed. I won one game, and it was pretty embarrassing. Apparently I have a talent for emptying a tissue box full of ping pong balls by shaking my hips. But, all is well. As a missionary you learn to #owntheawkwrd. 

Finally the transfer calls came. President Daines started his first transfers with a BOMB. 13 of the 23 missionaries in my zone were transferred. 70% of the mission's companionships were affected. It was a madhouse. No one was safe, whether you'd been in your area for 6 weeks or 7 months. 

We got the call that it was Sister Garner's time to move onward and upward. I am very happy for her. She has a chance to expand her horizons and grow some more. I'll miss her too.

In our ward we had us sisters, a trio made up of two Zone Leaders and Elder Mallory, and the Whitehall Elders. We expected some change since Elder Doermann was finishing his last transfer, and sister Garner had been here for 7 1/2 months. What we didn't expect was the trio/zone leaders to be TRIPLED OUT. They're all gone. That's pretty rare. Out of the 7 missionaries in our ward only I and Whitehall stayed. Then... Elder Pyt in Whitehall got a text at 2:30 in the morning that he would actually be transferred anyways. Anarchy. Now It's just I and Elder Carroll. 

The rest of the day was chaos as we tried to say goodbye to every heart that Sister Garner had won over her 7 1/2 months here. It was an emotional night. 

Thursday I received my new companion Sister Loder. She is 19 years old and from South Jordan Utah. Sis Lola has been out for 9 months, and was in one area that whole time. That's as rare as a two-horned unicorn. I'm only her third companion as well. I think she's digging the change. 

I love having Sister Loder here. She is super chill and has the same priorities and goals as I do. We're both passionate about not only classic missionary work but reactivation as well. Have you heard about the new refocus the first presidency put out for missionaries and less active work? If not, look it up. It's time to go to the rescue of our lost brothers and sisters. 

Moral of the story: Change is hard. That is the best part of it. sometimes God asks us to step out of our habits and comfort zones. I know that in the past I would get so obsessed with understanding why things needed to change and what it meant for me, that I missed the sweet tender mercies that come when you trust God and follow him willingly down any path he leads you. Sometimes those paths don't make sense. Sometimes nothing seems to come from our sacrifices. But I assure you, if God has asked you to do it, It is only for your benefit. he loves us so much more than we can understand. 

Everyday I fall short. Everyday I mess up and do something ridiculous. 

Everyday I improve. I am stronger every time I fall, and rise from knees in prayer. I am so grateful.

The work is hastening here in Gahanna. The hastening is working on me. How about you? 

 Much Love from Ohio!!!!

Mary mary

Mary's new companion...Sister Loder :) 

Sister G and Mary's friend from home, Amy. 

Letter Home to Young Women at Girls Camp

(Since this girls camp has come and gone...I figured I could post this on the blog. It was so inspirational, I couldn't resist) 

Girl's Camp Letter: 

Dearest Young Women of the Orem 3rd Ward.

I just love you. I hope you know that.

I have learned many things since being on my mission but one of the greatest things that I have realized is just how important member missionary work is. Sharing the gospel with people you know is so much more natural and successful than just finding people to teach by tracting. Half of the baptisms we see here in Ohio are from member referrals. Our Heavenly Father intended for us to share the happy message of the gospel, whether we are serving a full time mission or not. 

So who are the perfect member missionaries? When I was your age I surely didn't think myself. I was young, inadequate, and lived in Orem Utah where everyone was already a member, right?

Wrong, so very wrong.

 It teaches in D&C 4 that if you have desires to serve God, you are called to the work. Period. Do you desire to serve our Father in Heaven? Well congrats. You are officially responsible for the call you've been given, to spread his gospel! You have all been told time after time by modern day prophets that you are a member of a chosen generation, that you are commissioned to build up the Kingdom before the Second Coming. 

You all have a unique situation where you are exposed to new people almost everyday. Your social pool is larger than your parents.The young people you meet are more ready to hear the Gospel, and change their lives so they can be closer to God. You are blessed with boldness. You are blessed with time. You are blessed with strength. You are blessed to be in this gospel, with firm testimonies of your Savior, at a young age. You are so blessed because God loves and trusts you. 

I was sitting where you are just a year ago. I know that it is easy to feel inadequate, scared, or hesitant in sharing the gospel. But if you remember nothing else from this letter, remember this:

God loves you.

He has prepared you to be here at this time, with these strengths, and with these weaknesses. We will never be dirty, broken, or weak enough to lose the love of our Father. He has the power to completely change us, the power to reveal who we really are: Divine Daughters of God with potential we cannot imagine. 

He does not need perfect, experienced, mature people to be his missionaries. He needs you. 

He needs young people who realize that they are blessed to know Him and His plan for them. Young people who are willing to put their faith in his love and transforming grace. Young people who are willing to serve with all their heart, might, mind, and strength. He needs you to come to him, and be made whole. 

I know that it is through the love of our Father in Heaven and the Sacrifice of His Son that we are able to find true happiness. As we strive to follow his will for us, we will find more joy than we could ever imagine. We have much in store for us, all we need to do is ask. I have never felt more love than when I became a missionary and felt God's love for the people I teach. It is breathtaking. We are all priceless in the sight of God. I want nothing more than for all of you to feel God's love for others by serving them, and in turn, come to know just how much he loves you personally. 

It is our responsibility to share this knowledge. God has trusted you to teach others by example, word, and deed. Thank you all for your service and for being true disciples of Christ. Never forget that we promise to take his name upon us. Everything we do should live worthy of his name. Do all you do in love, love for God and all his children, and everything will be just fine. 

I love you and can't wait to hear about your missionary experiences. 

Sister Mary Mitchell

It's that time again...

T-minus 10 days until Transfers.

Where does the time go?! I swear that some days drag on for years, while the weeks just melt away before my eyes. Mission time is a strange thing.

Tuesday we had exchanges with the STL's. I stayed in Gahanna with Sister Burningham. It was all around a pretty good day. I definitely know the area better than I did last time I was the one leading here on exchanges. The fact that I am nearly useless when it comes to directions is something I have discovered about myself here on the mish. I will most certainly have to end up buying a GPS soon.

Transfers... let the anxiety ensue. There is a 99.9% chance that Sis G will be transferred. It's more than likely I will not be. That means I will have to know the area well enough to keep the work moving along as I introduce my new companion to Gahanna. It's time for me to put on my "Big Sister Missionary Skirt" and get to work. Being out for only 3 months, there are a lot of things I fall short on. Many things that I should do better, understand more, and have greater confidence in. 

But that's all okay. I have sufficiently pondered and prayed about this stress, and I've come to the conclusion that I will be ready for whatever God asks me to do. He knows me perfectly. He knows whats I need and what I can handle. He will test me, stretch me, and challenge me, but he will also always be there to help me through. It sure is going to be a fun ride! 

This past week has been a great one, and I am just so grateful for the time I've had with Sister Garner in Gahanna. 

Have a wonderful week!

 Sister Mitchy

Week 12

 Dearest loved ones!

I only have a few minutes here but I just have to share the miracles that I witnessed happen this week.  

Kim is baptized. Kim had been taking lessons for a year know, and had been off and on date several times. She had major issues with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon after being anti-ed. Her husband, Bro H has recently pushed Kim to take lessons again and said that he knew she would be baptized on July 18th because of a dream. We set a date for Kim to be baptized the day he told her that, but we weren't sure it would happen. 

True to the promise God gives us, with hard work and faith, the righteous things we strive for can be accomplished. In the space of two weeks Kim read the BOM, prayed about it, gave up coffee and tea, and took the ultimate leap of faith by being baptized. 

She is so incredible, and is already serving the ward with her rock solid testimony of the Savior. 

She has three daughters who we are beginning to teach, so that their family can be temple bound. God is good! Look to him. Love you all.

Sister M 

OHIO IS SO RAINY!

Week 9- Happy 4th of July

Happy belated Fourth my dear family and friends! 

This week was essentially a party for Sister Garner and I. Missionary work is often missionary fun, and I just love it. 

Monday we had a wonderful Zone funday at the bowling alley and I got to see Elder Seth Taylor! I can't believe that all three of us missionaries from the Orem Stake are in the same zone here in Ohio! #Werepresent #mitklinglor5evar. Later that night we had an FHE with the Crouse/Johnstons, the Whitehall Elders, and Kim's family. We taught an FHE on how to have FHE and then played pictionary. All around it was a successful night! 

On Wednesday we had a specialized training where we met the new President Daines and his family. They seem to be awesome people. Sister Daines has a very cool conversion story, and a strong passion for missionary work because of it. We sat in zones and waited while each new missionary took turns going up and shaking their hands. It took forever and a half, but it was nice because we got to spend time with our new zone. I really like everyone I've met. It's going to be a great transfer.  

Thursday we had a good day of finding and a spectacular lesson with Kim. We are working on concentrating our prayer and fasting efforts on Kim and John. John has been out of town all week, but we are already seeing miracles with Kim and her family. The Lord is so eager to bless and help us, he's just waiting for us to use our agency and ask. So ask! 

Friday was terrific! We got to spend the day celebrating America weekly planning and then at a Cookout at the Goudies. The Goudies are amazing people, and they just have the funnest backyard ever! They're the kind of couple who has always been missionaries, and always will be. We saw one firework set off and it was a beautiful thing! 

Saturday, all of the 7 missionaries in our ward spent some time doing a little yard work at our bishop's house, and then we all had breakfast together! Bishop does this thing he calls a Pancake Challenge. It's basically a fight to see if who can last longer: Bishop making batter, or people eating pancakes. Bishop is an old pro and had never been beaten before. But as he put it, "it took 7 missionaries and a backstabbing wife (she joined our team) to take him down." In reality he had enough supplies to keep going for hours, he just conceded because the Elders were making themselves sick. #blessalloftheirhearts. 

After that we went to.... THE ZOO!!!!! Columbus Zoo has been called the best in the country. We live about thirty minutes away from it, so I thought I'd never get clearance to go. To our surprise when Kim invited us to go with her and her family, President allowed it! Hooray. The tigers were AWESOME. The tiger is certainly my spirit animal. 

Sunday we experienced a tender mercy from our Father in Heaven. In the past year or so that Kim has been taking lessons from the missionaries, she's never really enjoyed church because it's so different from the Baptists. It's generally a little bit of a struggle to get her there, and enjoy it. This week we prayed, fasted, followed up, prayed, and prayed again to have Kim and her family to church on Sunday. We even offered breakfast Sunday morning. So we show up at their door at 8:00 am on Sunday with things to make French Toast. We knocked a few times and no one answered. Finally, Kim's 13 year old daughter came to the door and told us they were all asleep. We were worried that'd be the end. But with the help of Brother H we got not only Bro H and his son, but also Kim and two of her daughters to church. The best part?! They enjoyed it this time! Despite all the differences, they found truth in the things being taught. I am so grateful for the influence that God has over us, when we allow that influence to work on us. I am so grateful for the power that the gospel; has to change people. The power to soften Kim's hearts, and to make me strong in faith. 

I love you all. I know that the influence you have as Latter Day Saints is more than you know. You are disciples of Christ, I hope none of us forget that. 

Sister Mitchell

P.s. I'm still (mostly) the same old me, so here are some music suggestions:

Ye Elders of Israel by The Lower Lights - My current mission anthem

How Deep the Father's Love for Us by Mercy River - Potentially the most beautiful lyrics I've ever heard

Pics with Sister Garner at the Johnston wedding a few weeks ago: 

2 Months!!!

Hello my beloved friends! 

It has been a while since I've had a chance to email because of transfer craziness.

If you don't already know, I am staying in Gahanna with Sister Garner for another 6 weeks! I am happy with that fact..now. Originally I wanted Sister G and I to both leave. Sister Garner agreed. Now, you have to hear me out. We don't hate each other, or the area. The problem is that we actually love it here too much. At the conclusion of this last transfer Sis Garner hit her 6 month mark in Gahanna. It's amazing that she's been able to stay for so long and meet so many great people, but on the other hand that is a third of her mission. 

During transfer week we switch our P-day to Wednesday, the same day we receive information about whether or not we'll be moved. If you are being transferred you have Wednesday night to say goodbye to everyone and pack, and then Thursday morning you meet your new companion. 

Sister Garner and I hit a 110 on the stress level just thinking about transfers.. I cannot even imagine the real deal.. 

Transfers are a big deal not only for missionaries, but investigators, ward members, and leaders too. Everyone wants to be prepared and naturally they make predictions. By Tuesday night half of the ward members had written Sister Garner off, sad as they may be to see her leave, and the other half were convinced with enough prayer she would stick around another 6 weeks. Honestly, at this point I hadn't really thought about what I wanted to happen, I just knew that no matter the outcome, hearts would be broken. It's a consequence of having a missionary in an area long enough to build the strong relationships that get work moving. Oh what a paradox!!!. 

 After much stress laden deliberation, and anxiety driven discussions, Sister Gee-wiz and I came to the conclusion that the most probable and beneficial thing to do would be to send her off. Here was our thinking: 

Sister G had been in the area for 6 months, so one more transfer would mean 7 1/2, at which point she will hit her year mark. That's not really typical. The members love her so much, and she returns the feelings, that it will be incredible difficult for everyone to move on when she leaves. We thought it'd be best to rip it off like a band-aid. Ultimately we both decided that there just needed to be a change for the area.

We were wrong. 

Late Tuesday night I prayed with all my heart that Gahanna would see the change it needed, and that if that was to have Sis Garny leave, so be it. As an answer I had a dream where we were trying to invite one of our most progressing investigators, Kim, to church. We knocked and knocked but she wouldn't answer the door because I had a new companion. I woke up and I knew that Sister Garner would stay, and that it was because of Kim. Kim is married to a convert who wants her to be baptized very badly. Kim has been being taught by missionaries (originally Elders) for a whole entire year. She is baptist and struggles with the BOM, Joseph Smith, and Priesthood Authority. Looking forward, there were a lot of obstacles to overcome. 

So we made it our mission. Our transfer goal is to baptize John and Kim. WE will be the change that Gahanna needs to see.  

Miracles happen. We had an amazing lesson with Kim and her husband. He bore the strongest testimony and invited her to be baptized, on a date that he had a dream about. SHE ACCEPTED. 

I am reminded of the Bible Dictionary definition for prayer as I write this story. "Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others the blessings that God is already willing to grant, but are made conditional on our asking for them."

God knows best. I learned by praying that I can be the change, and that with Faith, we can work miracles. 

I love you all, as does He. 

Sister Mitchell 

New Personal Best!

Ice Cream with Alexis

Ello erry'body!

One word for this week? Eventful.

We had mini missionaries up until Saturday. It was quite an experience. Our Mini was named Sister McMarrow. I liked her a lot. She was a little spit-fire from a town 25 minutes away from Gahanna. She knew most of our teenage investigators and a few of the members. She was a bold little missionary, and had a fun perspective on the work. However, I do not like being in a trio. It's just weird. Watch, now I'll end up in a tri for the rest of my mission. #jinxed

Last P-day we had a Zone Funday where we played Ultimate Frisbee and made t-shirts. Every companionship in our zone had a mini, and the ZL's had two, so in total we were 32 missionaries strong. It was a much needed break.I miss hanging out with my peers in large groups. It gives me a chance to relax, which is something that's been hard on the mission. I love big parties, they're so intimate. #catchthequote?  

Wednesday we had a lesson with Alexis where we read stories from Christ's life, talked of faith, looked at paintings of him, and shared our testimonies of how he has helped us. The spirit was incredible. Sister Mickey (mini), our favorite teen-member Lucy, and I all started crying. Can I just say that I have never cried so much in my life! It's ridiculous! Crying has never really been the way that I've felt the spirit before now. Normally the spirit speaks to me through a special kind of enlightenment/understanding in my mind, but now I feel it much more outwardly. Rarely do I bear testimony without crying, and I think it's all for the people I'm teaching. My strongest testimonies are always accompanied by tears, and maybe that's because my investigators need to see that. It's a very tender experience when they start crying, because I am.  It's amazing how if we hand ourselves over to God, he will mold us into what we need to be to benefit ourselves and everyone around us. I Sister Mitchell am a cry baby and proud of it!

The best part of our lesson with Alexis was her Grandpa, Homer. We have tried several times to invite him to sit in, and he's always turned it down. Not this time! He sat in, told us we made a lot of sense, took a BOM, and agreed to continue meeting with us! the power of Christ... you don't even know! We started talking to him and found out that he is TOTALLY PREPARED for the Gospel. I can't wait to see what happens!

Thursday may have just been the craziest day of my mission. Confession: I struggle with tracting. It's just SO WEIRD. Teaching? Awesome. Service? Sweet. Street Contacting? Party-time. Door Knocking? Immediate dread.

I just can't get over the fact that I am interjecting myself into someone's personal space, pushing a message not widely received, and not backing down when doing it. I was having a hard time envisioning tracting actually working. So, I prayed about it. I told Heavenly Father that I would invest every bit of faith and confidence I had into knocking doors that day, and see what happened.  

We found 6 New investigators that night. That doesn't happen here.Long story short: FAITH. You can't just have it, you gotta use it.

Overall this week Sis G and I won our zone competition for having someone on date, and led the zone in New Investigators, with a weekly total of 9. Our zone is leading the mission. We are so blessed......

.....But there is still opposition in all things.  We had to drop a family that missionaries have been working with for almost a year because they just have no desire. We found out about some tough hurdles Alexis is going to have to overcome, and John's parents are nearly stopping him from having any contact with us.  

Alas, all is well. 

Funny moment of the week: That one time we sat in front of an African American
investigator family who chanted "shots, shots, shots!!!" When they were passed the sacrament. The mom whispered behind me, "ooh. They messed up, they must have run outta wine!" Needless to say it was they're first time at church, and no one warned them. BUT, now they're baptized. #atonement

LOVE YOU ALL!!!! 

Sista M

Alexis and John