Suspension of Disbelief September 26

This last week was amazing. So many miracles. We prayed and went to work. Invited and rejection but at least they are thinking about it.

Tuesday- Exchanges with Sister Maxfield. She is just beginning her journey and was trying to gleam all she could from me. We made a great team. She's just full of energy. We taught Kierra and she was a blast. The Spirit kept telling me to wait 45 minutes and I decided it was time to go. Loaded the truck and leaving the park and down comes Kierra. Perfect timing. She was totally opening up and the Spirit was so strong. She would relate to Lehi. It was amazing as we just read with her. Drove back to meet with Mary. She didn't bail out on us a couple weeks ago. That was a relief. Showed the movie Joseph Prophet of the Restoration. It really bothered her that she was connected to Joseph. It seemed this week was exactly what we learned at Zone Conference to take their hands and place it on the iron rod. It was incredible.

Our Journey down to Spokane was uneventful. It just took a little more time than expected. I was thrilled to be driving in traffic again. =)

It was awesome to see so many missionaries that I know again. It was a blast to reconnect and get pictures afterward. Inspections of vehicles. They skipped ours. So we didn't end up leaving till 6pm. But it was amazing to be taught by another general authority. I really enjoyed and took notes of all the kind words we spoke of President and Sister Palmer. It was awesome to be back with Sister Hilton. She had a lot to talk about being gone for 24 hours.

Invited gloria to church and to be baptized. She declined both invites but agreed to start reading the Book of Mormon. When her husband Bob was told that we asked her to get baptized- Ask are you? and Why not? Even though he doesn't meet with us he is the greatest encourager we have.=)

Friday was a day of testimony. After dropping in on John and Judy and sharing 2 Nephi 29:7-11 Judy says she knows that's true. One step everyday! She even has a referral for us.

Michael's lesson was even more eventful. This young man Sean, knocked on the church doors to play the piano. We agreed and asked him to join us. He did after playing the most beautiful music. Michael turned to him and bore his testimony that this is true and his life has changed because of it and he should listen. We were so proud not to mention Michael accepted another baptismal date of Nov. 20th! We found out Sean is homeless and invited him to learn more, come to conference, and read the Book of Mormon. Which he responded I am not a Mormon. Sister Hilton shared how its for everyone to read. It was fantastic.

Saturday- We did service at the museum. The community members actually talked to us who were there for National Museum Day. It was incredible and such a productive use of time.

Mormon.org training Sunday with Bishop Peper was out of this world. Our adaptions to make it more user friendly paid off. At the end Bishop Peper turned the time over to me. It was intense. I implemented what President Palmer does, so now what? It was incredible to see the participation and excitement to use this new missionary tool.

Excited for another week.

Love and miss you all.

Love Sister Peck

Joy in the Journey- September 19, 2011

Hi everyone. Thanks for the influx of mail this last week. It made me happy.
We had a really good experience at the Youth Center here. Andrew, one of the teens talked with us. That's huge. Each time we go we make a little more head way. And Dave, hopefully one day will be interested, we stop by his place to establish trust and interest, was impressed we were there. A lot of community members have commented lately on our involvement in the community and they like it.

Hannah,8, impressed her mom of the information of the gospel she remembers form the Elders. =) It was awesome to see her understanding increase.

Ione- We are having a lot of success there. We have found ourselves in the hearts of the members there. They were pleasantly surprised to have us join them for their lecture on their lecture "Joy in the Journey". What was fun was being ready to share the gospel with the Dish guy at Brother Kough's. It was funny but oh that left an impression for Brother Kough. Kierra has really caught hold of the gospel. Chrissy left us a note that she was m.i.a. but sent us to Kierra's. She accepted us in. While going through the introduction to the Book of Mormon- she said I need to really pray about this for myself. Yeah. We just smiled. She also told us we don't have to ask to pray with her just do it. On Sunday, second lesson of the week, even though she'd been in the hospital she still read 1Nephi1! We saw a witness of her faith and willingness to see for herself. She also invited herself to Church. She's on. =)

Got invited by Sister Webster to Achievement Days which is now activity days. It was fun to be with the girls and share about our mission experiences with them.

John and Judy want to know. Eric brought Amanda to the lesson. Wow. She is coming back and the Spirit was so strong. Everyone but John got emotional. Judy is still unsure of different doctrinal difference but she knows she feels something good and gratefully the Elders sat with John Sunday and she went to Church. =) We still haven't found a permanent solution to the whole Sunday issue but it will come.

Had this feeling to go to Jennifer L.'s her boyfriends friend JJ was there and we had a discussion on religion and if God is there. I responded to his disbelief with questions. It was amazing the Spirit that was there as we engaged in conversation and sharing personal experiences. Jennifer was taken back that he had nothing to respond with a couple of times. We have a return apt. with him this week.

Finally got to see Michael again. We racked leaves and had breakfast with them. Found an article in the New Era about a lady who needed to give up smoking to be baptized and to know. He knows he needs to give it up but can't make that commitment yet. Prayers.

Saturday Stake Service at Clayton Fair Grounds. It was amazing. At least 200 plus people there. We painted and I got a flash back of Cheney. Daniel was there and I got to catch up with him and encourage him to go to Church.

All in all great week. We are excited for another week and teaching. Just have a good feeling. this week we have the truck inspection in Spokane at Zone Conference so we have made it spic and span because we want to win.

Hope all is well with everyone and now you're loved. This missionary experience is crazy but so worth it. It's true. The people we meet is not by chance it's all part of His divine Plan. This Gosepl is true and repentance is real.

Love Sister Peck
Spent a lot of time this week helping members create mormon.org profiles. Love it

Sept 12- The Corn Feed

Hi Everyone.

This last week was crazy. No surprises. We had weather in the the high 90's and low 100's. It was intense. Judy's lesson on the Word of Wisdom went better than we could have anticipated. It was awesome. The Spirit was truly teaching her. She even through in her Pepsi. We have all been soda free for 5 days. =)

Worked on invited everyone to come to the corn feed. It was amazing over 175 people came and a lot of nonmemebers. =) Finally decided to greet people in the food line. It was a good strategy. 3 of the people we teach came. Rose came and jumped right in helping. Carol brought a cake and Gloria brought her husband Bob. That was truly a blessing. He even helped the men tare down at the end. Brother Harp came and helped husk corn. That was a blast. Everyone had a good, safe, night. We meet a ton of people. It was amazing.

The night before. Spokane for a training on Mormon.org. We are thrilled. The media campaign will be an amazing experience here. Meet Elder Heaton, director of the MTC. I asked a lot of questions and called him on a few things. He made me feel extremely humble when he responded. Oh well. It got the other missionaries to contribute too. That was a positive result. They are really anticipating the growth of the Church here and it makes you excited just to be a part of it in some way. We'll be working on helping members know how to create a profile and how they can use it to invite their friends to learn more. I loved that while watching the mormon.org portraits that the uplift one feels is the power of the atonement. How beautiful is that. No where does the word get mentioned but you can feel it. Check out the web page and watch a couple of the video's. Almost feel like a sales person to the ward but all is good. Got the mayor to "agree" to making one. We are getting more and more support as the date of the release starts.

Saturday we went to Porter Carmen's baptism and were invited to share our testimonies. That was powerful. Really enjoyed feeling a part of the Branch and they appreciated it too.

Sunday- Stake Conference broadcast- Elder Snow, Holland, Packer and Sister Dalton. It was fantastic. Before we were warned that we might be sharing our testimonies because last years lack of connection left them in need, this year the men were able to connect to the Internet when the satellite was down and prayers were answered. =)

Sister Lyttle saves the day. She invited us to lunch and dinner and sent us off with a fresh loaf of homemade bread for Ann. It was a great way to come back into the heart of Ann. She still has a long way to go but you know when you see her the Lord is so aware of her. Don't give up on her.

This work is amazing. Crazy and stressful at times you just have to let go and follow the Spirit. i know this work is moving forward and we can be a part of it. Love you all bunches.

If you haven't yet make a mormon.org profile yet it is super easy click http://mormon.org/create/ and use your LDS account to log in and follow the instructions.

Sister Peck

Another Week- September 6

Hi Everyone.
We got a lot accomplished. Had a lot of cancellation but still found ways to teach. Fall is approaching already. It is crazy. Funny story. Went and saw Brother Hunsaker and invited him to the Corn Feed this coming Friday. We started talking and every objection he had about coming to church and other offenses I just knew what to say. He asked me how do you have all the answers and then turned to Sister Hilton and said She scares me. It was really cute. But I felt in the moment that the Spirit was working with him you could see it in his eyes. Each statement seem to touch his heart.
Carol prayed over us and let us read a chapter of the Book of Mormon. That is progress.
Rubie and family missed us we had a busy week. But were able to have family prayer. It seems that we have been doing dishes for meals. We love it.
Ann's lesson was a great opportunity for a lady who knows her from work to express all the thoughts she has wanted to share with Ann of how the gospel can bless her. It was sweet. I think a lot of us have those desires but don't share what we have.
Ione is growing. There is a lot happening there again. That is amazing. The Lord truly does answer our prayers. We had an amazing lesson on Christlike attributes from Preach My Gospel.
The Gospel is true and miracles take time but are so worth hoping for.
Have an amazing week.
Love Sister Peck

Not a red ribbon or a purple ribbon but a BLUE.-AUGUST 30

Hi Everyone!
Last week was exhausting. We changed all our appointments to earlier in the week and a lot of them canceled due to the cold bug that has already begun here. Judy is really frustrated that she hasn't received an answer yet. We told her that's how it works and to keeping praying and reading. This week we should have something worked out with the other ward so she can attend church. John prayed to know it this is true! That's huge for him.

The Fair was a success. It was extremely hot being in a barn for 12 hours a day for 3 days, but oh the experiences we had. One lady cried as we looked up her relatives and found them. It was truly amazing. People of the community actually talked to us and had a positive experience. Even had some express that they like having missionaries from our Church here. We had good member support and ate really well at the fair. Traded cards with vendors. Mormon.org cards were handed out in large supply! We were thrilled. Not to mention we got a blue ribbon for our booth. Pictures to come.

Our Ward got a new Bishopric Sunday. It was sad but sweet to have a trust in the priesthood. Rubie and the family came to Church. It was awesome. We actually had a Sunday School class in Gospel Principles and we taught too. It was one of those weeks were you knew you were support by strength not your own. The gospel is true and I know it so I share.
If you haven't already make a Mormon.org profile.
Love you all bunches.
Love
Sister Peck

Catch Up Two weeks-August 23

Hi Everyone!
I am so excited to hear that two of my nephews received their mission calls!!! And I'll be home to chat with them before they report. The Lord truly does know timing. Also Sister Hilton and I are staying! This is my last transfer and I'll finish here in Colville!
Ok the last two weeks have been crazy and so will this week. This week we are doing the fair. I was told we had the booth and thus giving me some control took over. We have great support from a few of our members and we have more participation now that we have a theme of genealogy and getting people to the family history center here. There is definitely a need and it is a finding activity. We are excited. Please pray that we find someone who can receive the gospel because of this effort. I know that your prayers help.
Judy is doing amazing. Two weeks ago we had a lesson on the Sabbath Day. She taught us through the Spirit and was determined to be at Church Sunday. She was. Unfortunately we were in Ione but we had some amazing experiences there with our new branch mission leader Bro. Divis and his sweet wife. At the Taylors we were able to teach a powerful plan of Salvation with their friend Monica, non member, who has been asking questions about the Church. Brother Taylor is truly striving to come back and wore his Church clothes all day Sunday to make a point that it is a special day. I was proud of him.
This past Sunday Ann and the girls came to Church. It ended with us being in the mothers lounge but she is talking about coming back. It is so sweet, her daughter, Gabriel always asks us to sing. It is super sweet and progress.
Last week was a temple week. It was amazing. First Tuesday we went to see Elder L. Tom Perry. We took a mission picture. What an experience to be with all the missionaries from our mission. Before it started the chaos of Rubie coming. It was diffidently a trail of opposition for her to come but she made it. Rich, her husband had a procedure in Spokane he came too. he had never been to the temple before so we took a temple walk. It was so powerful to teach there on the temple grounds. It was amazing. We have been trying to teach Rich but when a set of Elders asked if we were teaching him, he responded yea! We were thrilled and have pursued that. Yesterday we went during our P-day and played games with their family. It was amazing.
Shaking the hand of an apostle was amazing but being seated in the front row right in front proved the more impacting experience as I watched him greet all the other Elders and Sisters. It was a beautiful sight. I loved it and was observant of Sister Perry and Elder Clayton as well. I watched Elder Perry attentiveness to his wife as she addressed us. It was true sign of love. He taught us beautifully the Restoration. It was truly an event of my mission I will not forget hearing and witnessing that he is an ordained apostle of the Lord. To my shock when the program was announced I was to give the closing prayer. I was truly humbled and prayed throughout that I would be able to express the thoughts of all there and that the Spirit would lead my words. He did.
Friday was temple trip. It was so good to be there again and inside. The temple truly is an amazing place. The day before we had watched between Heaven and Earth with Gloria and Judy. Both extremely powerful lessons. Judy used the word feel. Which was huge. We are waiting on answers to prayers and being diligent. Michael wants to be baptized. He's just got to kick his habits. He is working on it. His faith has increased so much. It is so amazing to witness the change of heart. I have been truly blessed. I know that this is Jesus Christ Church. His gospel is the one thing that will make us happy and free. Invite and it will amaze what the outcome will be.
Love you all bunches.
Love Sister Peck

PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR!!! OCTOBER 3rd

Hello Everyone!

Sister Peck is officially coming home on October 3rd at 2:18PM. She's flying Delta into Vegas.

We will all be meeting at baggage claim to greet her home. Bring posters!! :)

Later that night we will be having a small dessert open house at the Leavitt's home where you can come say hi. More details to come.

HOPE YOU ALL CAN JOIN US.

Out of the Box- August 8

Hi Everyone.

Wow time is flying by. We had so many things happen this week. First next week we are taking our P-day on Friday to attend the temple. Our week has too many appointments that are standing to be able to go earlier in the week and on Tuesday the entire mission is gathering at Spokane Temple to hear Elder L. Tom Perry. It will be an amazing experience. We have invited Rubie to take us. We are hoping she'll be able too. =) Also tomorrow keep Rich, Rubie's husband in your prayers. He's having an operation done.

Miracles of the week- Mary didn't cancel even though she thought about it after her son had confronted her about meeting with us and wasting our time. We explained that we understand her expectations and that the Spirit is so strong there and the Lord is taking her on a journey to come back. I still am blown away at the power that comes as we all kneel in prayer together. It brings me to tears every time at closing.

Judy and John got a strong dose of us this last week but Judy's reception of us has totally changed. Where she use to object she now nods her head. We did service for them and she feed us dinner. Speaking of eating Brother Bares stuffed us Tuesday had to call in the Elders to help us eat all the food he prepared. It was ridiculous. But fun to spend time with him. We brought back the meal calendar and two families signed up for last night. We ate two back to back dinners. Good thing it was fast Sunday and we had room.

John prayed for us. It was beautiful at our Thursday lesson. I was blown away by his sincerity. Funny thing was getting a referral from the Church for him while we were at his house. Just had to laugh.

Ione was amazing. We had some break through with some of the members and I am sad we weren't there for testimony meeting. Donna came and bore her testimony. Bro. Divis said it was strong and brought the tears. I am thrilled for her and Sister Carmen bore her testimony even though she told us she wouldn't be doing that two months in a row. She spoke of how touched she was that we came to her home. We had fun with her kids and there truly is a power that comes from having the missionaries come into your home. Sis. Ervin opened up to us. I just gave her a big hug. I am so grateful to know that the atonement can mend our past and make us whole.

P.E.C. was an intersting experience. We got a lot out on the table. It was productive and several of the members asked me if I was upset afterwards, I responded no and made sure we were good. There were a lot of concerns and the ward felt distant from us. We had a good response to bringing back the meal calendar and having a member visit sign up sheet.

Just love it here and the people. Looking for miracles this week. Hope you are too.

Love always Sister Peck

Summer May Have Begun and it’s Huckleberry Season- August 1, 2011

Hi Everyone,

We had a crazy week. Lots of out of the ordinary. Rich, Rubie's husband, joined in our lesson. He even went and got his Bible and shared a scripture out of Isaiah. You never know the response you'll get from doing an object lesson. Mary kept her lesson with us even though she had a bad day. The Spirit was there so strong and she prayed. She wanted all of us to pray so we all took turns. My eyes filled with tears. It was amazing. After that lesson I missed place the truck key and it took us 20 minutes to find it. The miracle was how calm I was about the whole situation. Judy's church tour was a home run. She felt the Spirit but is not ready to accept feelings as an answer. We are still waiting to figure out how to arrange for her to come to church on Sunday. So remember that in your prayers. Sister Hilton is growing in leaps and bounds. It thrills me. This is the second time as senior companion that I feel this great responsibility to foster growth. Wow. She invited Judy to be baptized. So Judy is praying about Sept. 24!

We gutted Sister Angel's house. It felt so good to help her out. Sister Morton died but in reality it didn't that threw us into an emotional yoyo. It just shows how prayers are answered. And we have been able to see miracles with her daughter being here. Jennifer has been super impressed by how much we love her mom.

Lone was intense. They had down river days and i found myself filled with fear to talk to people. Crazy. It's been too long to get that way. So just said a prayer and started talking to people. Some more receptive than others but we did it. We spoke in Lone on Sunday about missionary work. After 5 minutes Sister Hilton was out of material but she lasted 10. I was proud. It was the first time I didn't feel nervous or worried about being prepared. A few scriptures and a talk and the Spirit and I were set. It was amazing. Only 5 in attendance were from Lone and the other 30 were visitors. One man came up and told me the man, Gary Boarders, in the article was his relative. Small world. Brother Collins, the High Councilmen over missionary work, shared his conversion story. He was converted in Las Vegas because of his girlfriend's dad's example over 35 years ago. It was an incredible Church service. Meet a lot of Canadian’s on vaction. Brother Divis, our new Branch Mission Leader and his sweet wife, spent Sunday with us going around meeting the members there in Lone and inviting them to read one page of PMG a day! It was incredible. The Taylor family was looking for an invitation back. They got one with a powerful promise. That if the dad will start reading one page a day of PMG and coming to church that the change he is looking for in his family will happen. It was great. 6 months and he is marking his calender.

I love the gospel. No where can you see the hand of the Lord more than in His work to assist His Children in coming home.

Almost forgot. I have an official release date. Oct. 3rd. Interviews were a highlight from last week. I was me. President and I had a great experience and I was challenged to decide for myself but his impression was Oct. 3rd and as I pondered and talked it over I was reminded of the blessing Elder Burrel gave me that the Lord was pleased with my service. It came in a small voice from Sister Hilton and I realized that I could do it my way or the Lord's and I let go of my pride and called President that night and told him I would go then. I felt peace after that. Pride can get in our way and all He asks is for a willing heart and an attitude of Go and Do.

Love you all.

Love

Sister Peck

A Week to Remember- July 25

Hi Everyone,

So this last week P-day was spent on the Templetin property with the Pugh's and the Elders. It was an adventure and learning how some respond to being in nature. Sister Hilton was so at home and picked up a snake and Elder Close was showed up and decided he better do it to. President Pugh took refuge and I took the pictures. Elder Grantham's second week was filled with firsts. District Meeting went into a spiral. Unfortunately, there are no out of the box experience. Tried but what can you do. Guess there is a first time for everything.

Tuesday morning got a call from sister Olson, the traveling sister, that we were going to do exchanges. She got to go to Ione with me and Sister Hilton and Sister Maxfield, of 1 week out in the field, covered Liberty Lake. It was a great opportunity and it was fun to teach with someone else and get an intake on our area. It went really well and Sister Hilton has really opened up since coming home. It seems it was exactly what the Lord needed to happen.

Tyler's baptism was amazing. It was fitting to him. It was weird no unplanned things occurred. It felt serial. Felt the Spirit so sweet as Sister Peper sang the baptism song. It took 8 priesthood holders and two sisters to arrange the people in the font but it all went well. Tyler just has the biggest smile. He said, "I feel clean inside and out." It was truly a great night. Sunday's confirmation was sweet and smile and Tyler was ordained to the priesthood. He'll be going on the youth temple trip this Saturday!

We had an out of the box experience with Sister Harp last night. She invited us over to feed us at church and we finally got to focus on her. It was amazing. Finally filled in those blank spots about the temple and what we do to go. She was in tears. The Lord truly does love each of us. She said she wished she could have me for a daughter in law. Not going to happen but it was really sweet.

The work is going well here. I love you all. I am grateful to hear that Laurel and the kids are doing well after their car accident. God truly does watch over us and there are angels.

Keep seeking to share the gospel. It is true. I did word study on the word true. It really made it stand out to me why we always say that. It because this His gospel as he wants it. It's our willingness to act on it.

Love you all heaps.

Love Sister Peck

July Showers Brings Miracles- July 18

Aloha!

So on bikes was fun and people do not know how to yield to a bike. But it was an adventure. We enjoyed the bike riding and the rain waited till we got the truck back. It was beautiful. All waxed and cleaned. Meet Bro. Anderson from CA and he took a picture of the Sisters with their truck to send to his son on his mission in Texas on his bike.

Tyler is getting baptized this week. Delaney made us dinner. It was her first company dinner. It was really good. She just got online and found a recipe of food that I could eat. Then at the end of the lesson Tyler asked if he could be baptized before the 30th because he wants certain people to be there. Yes! We were thrilled. So we are having a baptism this Friday so it does not conflict with the ward activity on Saturday. Everything is in place. During his run through of the interview questions he asked, "What makes you guys so awesome?" It is just an exciting time. He is excited and it should be a good spiritual experience for all.

Judy's lesson, John allowed us to play the Restoration DVD. I have never felt the Spirit more intense during that duration of the film as it was there. Judy fought it. She still has a lot of concerns that we just can't answer for her. It will only come through study, prayer, and personal revelation. Assured her that the answers will come just hold out. We made her a scripture chain about the questions she has. It's a chapter a day for a month. Sometimes its not as easy as we expect the answer to be.

Micheal's lesson was amazing. We did the combination of the commandments with an object lesson. He got it. The Spirit began teaching him during the lesson and he was telling us what he needed to do and how we could help him. He is finally in control of his conversion process. We discovered his hesitation for not wanting to chose a date. He doesn't want to leave his son behind by moving forward himself. He's praying about August 20th and has us calling him every morning to help wake him up so he can read his scriptures before work so the Spirit can help him overcome his smoking addiction. He was excited again and still is.

Friday we were suppose to go to Lone but I just felt uneasy about it. We finally decided not to go and the whole day just felt assured that we had made the right choice. The Spirit is such an amazing gift.

We got back in contact with Ann. That was a miracle. Sister Michael is doing her missionary work and we got to meet Gloria. She grew up with LDS friends and had her boys baptized into the Church but has never joined. She is now 71 and is thinking about baptism for herself. We have a follow up/lesson tomorrow. We are thrilled.

It seemed like the week was just escaping to fast but as we accounted last night we had 22 lessons. We are working hard and loving it.

Hope everyone is well and knows that I love them. Have a great week and look for how the Lord blesses you and thank Him. We have been truly blessed.

Love Sister Peck

I don't have to pack my bags!!!- July 11

Hi Everyone,
I made it through another transfer. Man! How time winds down. I realized I only have a couple more times waiting for the phone call to know if it's time to dejunk. :) Sister Hilton and I are both staying here in Colville. I am stoked because we have some amazing people we are working with. Tyler's first lesson was different but really good. It felt like a panel, except for the seating arrangement was backwards. He accepted a baptismal date but Sunday after the lesson was finished, he said he got his answer the night before after his reading and praying. He knows he should be baptized on the 30th and Church confirmed it for him! Just couldn't help but smile.

Mary, that we found, finally had a lesson and it was amazing. You could feel the goodness and all her concerns were answered. By the end, she wanted her boys to listen. We'll see tonight what happens. It seems to be all in good timing. that's what we have to remember. God has his own ways and we have to be able to recognize the time and be willing to act. Mary was willing to read the Book of Mormon by the end even though at the beginning she was not willing to accept it as scripture. The spirit can work with each of us if we are truly seeking.

Kina from Cheney is in Lone and we found her. It was a sweet reunion. Her new husband invited us to stay for dinner. We are hoping to help them finish building their new house up the river. I love service! The Branch is on board to help with a few small projects that are left. Love willing hands.

Rubie is amazing and finally proved to herself that the Church is true! Agency and the atonement. We are the only ones who profess that. Cool thing was at the time her discussion was going on I felt prompted at our district meeting to add her to our prayer list. Miracles happen and the Lord is aware of each of us. She is on her way back and I couldn't be happier for her and her family. Please keep them in your prayers. Rich just found out he will need dialysis.

In Lone on Sunday, one of the summer members brought his architect to church. He was from Hawaii. It made me so excited to give him his own Book of Mormon. He was so thrilled to be give the book. At the request of the member, Sister Hilton and I write in the front cover. I wrote this is how God links Ohana to Him through us taking acts of faith. It had my testimony but that has really just stuck with me. I love the Book. It's true.

We are ready for another week of miracles. even if it means chasing down people through the Church grass (Michael this Sunday escaping).

Love this work. While the truck is in the shop we will be on bikes the next couple of days. That's if i can fix my tire. Prayer and some air should work. Love you all and hope you are recognizing the Lord's hand in your lives.

Love
Sister Peck

WELCOME HOME-July 5

Hi Everyone
This last week was crazy. Lots of highs and lows. One low was being covered in Hives for 6 days. Benadryl and me are now best friends if weren't before.. Highlight was hauling hay. The Elders finally called for support and called us. It was an amazing day of service. Loved it and was able to find my place stacking on the tailor. I have never felt so physically exhausted in my life. It was an amazing bonding experience and you'll have to inquire when am home about the several incidents that will never be forgotten.

We had a lot of success finding this week. Saturday we tracted for 8 hours but have been blessed with member referrals. We are loving it. Told P.E.C. about the mission's goal and Brother Pepper came up to us after sacrament meeting and told us to go an invite Tyler. We did and we are meeting with him on Thursday. He's been taught before and of course I asked him his thoughts on baptism. He says its time for the lessons again.

Ann was a let down. She decided she can't fully commit to our Church so she couldn't came to Church Sunday. Broke my heart. She still wants to meet so we'll work on helping her increase her faith so she can make this next step. She missed a perfect fast and testimony meeting it was one of those Sundays you wished you brought someone to Church. But Brother Fitzsiomons made us an appointment with a man who was at Church Sunday. Way to be on the ball. We have so been blessed with miracles.

In Ione we have 5 potentials this week. Jackie, Quentins Aunt, has accepted to take the lessons at President Witts request. We are stocked and were able to meet her as we gave a spiritual thought/ object lesson at the Carmens, Friday night. I love when you can see the Lord's timing. =)

4th of July was good. The town was a Ghost town till 10 minutes before our pumpkin time. We talked to as many people as possible. It was a good week and we are ready to teach. Next week is transfers. So I'll let you know what happens next Monday. Oh we moved back into our old place today and it feels good to be home.

Love always
Sister Peck
We are truly being blessed. Sister Hilton and I are working hard and finding. We hope to be able to see these wonderful people grow.

The Animals-June 27

Hi =)
So first I want to tell you about all the animal encounters we've had this last week. On our way home from Ione we had a cow staying to the side of the road. Just there. I slowed way down and we started snapping shots to remember. Then Sunday on our way home we saw two Moose. One of which Sister Hilton caught on camera! That was for sure a highlight. Also an Elk and the normal community deer.

Zone Conference was a good reminder of living the gospel and it having application to you. It was awesome. Got to see Elder Webb and Sister Winterton. Totally an amazing feeling like Alma had to catch up with those who have the same commission as you and to strengthen each other. It was good. We are fasting as a mission on the 3rd to find and baptize in the month of July. We are really hopeful that we'll be able to see people make the changes necessary for making that sacred covenant.

Ann went on a Church tour. It was amazing. The Spirit was so strong. We had several highlights throughout. One in the chapel gathered around the sacrament table discussing the atonement and how it applied to her. It was intense. Later Ann told us how she had cried watching the Restoration DVD but it wasn't a sad cry. We were thrilled to explain that was the Spirit.

Michael is finally back on. He said I made him cry. But his heart is just so tender from all the circumstances with his son and he truly wants to change for the better. We are finding that a lot of the people we teaching are have a hard time reading from the Book of Mormon so we have turned to the Book of Mormon stories for reading commitments. It is truly amazing the tools and resources we have as the Lord's servants.

The Blitz in Ione was amazing. We were able to work along side the Elders. Elder Tibbs and Duvall found for us. We are way excited to be able to go back and teach them. Sister Hilton and I were assigned the huge apartment building. 60 doors and three responses and one from a dog the sacred me through the door.

Sister Morton here almost died. The Elders came and blessed her. Her daughter who is inactive called us from the West coast and asked us to get her a blessing. That was a miracle. We are glad she is better. The blessing was amazing and the most interactive one I've ever witnessed. Holding her hand, you could feel the peace that came over her as the blessing was administered. I love this gospel and know it's true. I know it with ever fiber of my being. It's sad to see the adversary work so strong against these wonderful people. But we are helping them build their faith to withstand the world and to make it home. It's a task. =)

I love and miss all of you.

Love Sister Peck

On Board- June 20

Aloha Everyone.
So this last week was interesting. We have two new people to teach! Ann and Rose. We finally finished getting Ann out of her old house. As we were dumping the recyclables off she asked how we get to be teamed up. I answered that we have a prophet and the 12 apostles aide in assigning us to an area and that we have a mission president who prays about who should be together. Her reply was you have the same structure as the original church. I just smiled and said yes we do with the the article of faith that relates. The Spirit is just working with her and after Sister Hilton's training on Church tours as a lesson we have one set up for this next week! We are excited and are involving the ward members. Rose has all the right questions and has been prepared. She is searching for answers and for her daughter in law after her grandson’s death 2 years ago. We are excited to teach in these moments and the Spirit comes so strong and we are able to answer the questions but are also inspired of what scriptures to use.

Judy really wants to know. We had a 50 minute lesson on how we are the Spirit Children of our Heavenly Father and that God is a perfected, immortal being and that this is His plan. It was amazing to teach by the Spirit. She has a sincere desire to know and Sister Hilton invited her to pray and she asked all the things we had invited her to ask God about. Just one of those moments you feel so blessed to be a part of.

Did a lot of finding activities, even went to the parade and meet a lot of people. It was great. We also got to be checked out form our deer incident and got to be seen by the ER because all the doctors here were booked. So much fun. Sister Hilton is having a lot of 1st exeriences with me. Found out if I had been transferred Michael wouldn't have meet with the Sisters. We'll be working on that.

This week is Zone Conference and we are going to do a blitz with the Elders in Ione so please pray we find there.

Love you all. More than you know.
Love always
Sister Peck
P.S. Britty Welcome home.

Spring could still come... Week of Service- June 13

Aloha Everyone!
First we'll start with the exciting news... We hit a deer on the way home Saturday night. I have a little whip lash but we are okay and the truck has minimal damage poor deer. Don't know how the story ended up for it and what I was supposed to do about it. It was sad. There was one that came right out and blocked our lane and the second one decides to jump in front of us. We were extremely grateful that there was not more damage and that we were protected by being in a bigger vehicle.

Now to more exciting things. We helped Ann move this week. The ward really came out and helped. It's not quite complete yet but she was really appreciative and wants us to start teaching her and her girls. The amazing thing was when the Elders came and blessed her home and gave her a blessing. It was beautiful. You could feel the peace and power in the priesthood and that she has a new beginning. I really grew in my admiration of the Elders we have here and for their faith.

Judy wants to know if the Book of Mormon is true. She prayed and hasn't received an answer but wants to know still. We found out by asking what their exceptions are again. Yes we are finally on track. Now we pray for her to receive an answer that she'll recognize. We are excited.

I got asked to speak yesterday on Thursday. It was a busy week and helping move Saturday at 8 am did not help in preparation. However the Spirit came so strong during the meeting. I was so grateful the Spirit was there and a gift was given to touch their hearts and mind on the atonement. I had a very captive audience. Sister Lytle called it a discourse. I had so much more to say but I knew the Spirit was using me as an instrument. It was truly a neat experience. I finally felt like I belonged in the ward.

Buddy Ball! Brandon and Heather invited us to do service by attending their last game of the session for those who have a disabilities. It was truly an amazing act of love to see these special spirits do something we all take for granted and their buddies joining in the fun. The smiles we on everyone’s faces. Talking to the parents about how God has blessed them was amazing. They talked about patience and love and how much their lives have been blessed since these angles joined their families. They were accepting of us being there and it was nice to be invited and to meet people who would normally not accepted us at the door.

Next week we'll be in a different home. The Michalke's are having all their family there for the next couple of weeks and it wont fit in the guidelines so we are awaiting where will be. So I'll let you know next week where I am.
I am still working on improving my health. We'll see what happens. But I know the Lord humbles us so miracles can happen. I love each day I get to continue is this work because it is more than me. I came to the conclusion how much the atonement has been an enabling power in my life especially as a missionary to go and do the things beyond my capacity. I love the Lord and am grateful for the many wonderful people He has allowed me to be a part of their live and them mine. Thank you for all you each do to support and encourage me from a far and I know that your prayers work.
Love
Sister Peck

Spring may finally be here but so are the mosquitoes- JUNE 6

Aloha!
Spring may be here. Amy in Coleville promised me and I told her I'd tell God. But with all the flooding that has been happening here, we have a surplus of mosquitoes and all my bites are reminding me of my BYUH days. I found a connection to home. While we visited Janet Thomas, we found out she was in Laie and met Mathew Maris. Made me jump with glee to hear about him and how impressed she was with him. =)
Sister Hilton is my new companion and I am amazed at all the different responses we have had from the community here. I enjoy the puns on her last name and how witty some of them are. She is really quiet and tiny. Some people have let us right in and others are avoiding us. Change is interesting to watch. We finally got back in contact with Brandon and Heather. The invitation to the ward activity at the end of the month gave us an excuse to visit. Heather was actually intrigued by the way family and spouse relationships are a focus of the church. She enjoyed the Family Proclamation and agreed with it. Was awesome to hear agree with it and have an interest. Patrick their son asked me who my kid was. She is so tiny. She has only been on her mission for 3 months and is from Cedar Hills, UT. 8 of 11 kids. She has a degree in English from BYU Provo. We are working on putting ideas into words. It's a new challenge for me. I am finally sick of hearing myself talk.
We survived our ride home from transfers. I have never prayed so much on my way home in my life. But we returned in safety. We did a lot of service this week, which has proved to soften the hearts of the people here. We are trying to be our motto for our zone Everybody Knows Us. It's working. In Ione we meet the x Major Ed. He has noticed us visiting one of the elderly ladies in the branch and that has left an impression on him and he said we can stop by and chat. Ione is still a little rocky but is gaining back some hope. Working on supporting our Ward Mission Leaders and working at being at events in the community. The members who know about it are excited for us to be there. I am working on being that beacon that attracts light.
I hope all is well and that your missionary experiences are many. I am so grateful for your prayers. I can feel the difference. I know that the Lord sustains me every day. I just trust Him and go forward. Love you all have an amazing week. The gospel is true and each of us can know for ourselves. It's truly amazing.
Love
Sister Peck

TRANSFERS BRING CHANGES- May 30, 2011

Aloha
Okay so I am staying in Colville. I am not too sure how I feel about that yet. There are some amazing people here so hopefully more miracles will come to pass. We shall see. Sister Hilton, just like the hotel, is coming and Sister Hinkson is going to Plumber, Idaho. It's on an Indian Reservation. I am a little envious. =) Her complexion should add to the adventure of serving in the summer. It's been crazy weather again. But we've been having some success. Victoria came to church! Her first lesson her best friend was there. We were blessed she has an instant fellowshipper! We are excited. In Lone, Kathy was on tract again. Lacey, almost two years old, knelt and folded her arms. It was one of those moments you know that what you're doing is worth all the rules and sacrifices. Memorial Day proved to be a test as everyone went away for the weekend. So we'll be ready for this week.
Funny story. How many dinners can the Sisters eat in a night? Because of miscommunications, we had three. We have hard time getting the members to have us over but Saturday we got our fill. Luckily we only had to eat two and I helped Sister Hinkson clear her second dinner. It's funny now but wasn't at the time. We now know that staying with the Demmings also means dinner and breakfast are included.
Change always makes it a defining moment of why you are here. It's to serve the Lord. I've seen so many miracles. It is amazing to know that He lives and that His work continues in our lives today. I have been so blessed to serve with Sister Hinkson. She has been good for me as President told her. The Lord knows us. He knows where we are and who we'll meet and how we can have a positive impact in others lives. Service with love helps to build the kingdom.
Have an amazing week. Don't forget you’re loved.
Love Sister Peck

Weekly Update- May 23, 2011

ALoha!
So next week is transfers and I am ready to go forward. Sister Hinkson is ready for change. I don't blame her. 7 months here is a long time. We got ambushed by our Ward Mission Leader on Sunday in Ward Council. Oi veh! I was restrained. Support and sustain our leaders. It was interesting and memorable.
Went to the doctor and am on some new supplements. They are really helping and we found out there was water leaking in the spare room down stairs. Life is full of adventures.
Sister Hinkson had a two and half hour dentist visit too. It was fun to run into Nick from Cheney and catch up with him while I was there. I miss it there but am learning to love this place to. That's what President and I talked about in interviews. We had a good chat. Ask if Lone can be repaired or if it needs to be closed. Also we are both praying about me going home October 4th. There is an option for Sisters and am waiting for his response. I feel really good about it but it's one of those bitter sweet things.
Michael is doing well but does not want to set a date. He's not ready yet and so we'll continue to teach him and help him develop friendships with some of the ward members. Kristen was so excited when we pulled up for the lesson. We made her an honorary missionary for the evening. It was so cute.
It's BBQ season. Brother Harp made us a feast Saturday. It was one of the greatest meals, everything we asked for. He's got great listening skills. I am glad that he's letting us still visit him. He's got a lot of potential. Now to just tap into that. Our Sunday dinner didn't know about my food allegies. I don't know if that's a good thing after being here for 3 months or not.
This week will be good.
Love you all. Keep looking for missionary experiences.
Love
Sister Peck

Weekly Update- May 16, 2011

Another week has come and gone. The weather is figuring out what it wants to do. Sister Hinkson does not do heat. Not in the least. So it’s an interesting combination. This week we'll have interviews. They'll be different in that we are meeting as a Zone. The Elders are all a little different and I am working on keeping my comments to myself. Its evidence the Spirit is working and refining me.
We finally met John and Judy after being here for almost 3 months. His family is LDS and he is reflecting on his life as the doctors have given him a time limit. But it hasn't seemed to sink in. We'll see how the Lord works in his life to help prepare him to make covenants.
We did a lot of service this last week. It felt good to express love this way. It's helping me to connect to the people here. We did the normal service at the museum. Helped a lady, Ann, move out of her office. Her family has experienced more than the average amount of drama and tragedy. Our hearts just go out for her. We helped Rubie do a mound of dishes, cleared land, filled in ditches. It's been fun. It made me reflect on how I received an education to be able to serve. I feel so blessed. To be a part of these people’s lives at this time.
It was a good mail week. Heard from Ryan Peck!, Ann and Nicole(from Cheney). I love it. Mail just helps you stay on track when you hear the words of those you love.
Michael had a BBQ for us and we've experienced our first mosquito bites of the season. Thanks for all the prayers with Kathy. Sister Ervin saved the day and called her. Kathy thought we were coming to take back all her things. No!!!! We were able to get her to commit to a couple of things. And she told us how she knew she was in a personal state of apostasy from reading the previous night from an Ensign article. She knows. Just needs the faith to act.
Hope all is well. Love you all bunches. Look for those missionary opportunities. This week I get to go to the doctor! And Sister Hinkson is going to the Dentist. We are excited for a scenic change but it always promises to talk to those who are ready for some interaction with the Lord's servants. I know this is true. And I know that faith allows the Saviors Grace to lift and strengthen you when nothing else can.
Have an amazing week.
Love always and forever
Sister Peck

Two Weeks of Updates- I am over the Hill- May 9, 2011

The last two weeks have been a roller coaster. I've hit my year marker. It's been full of a lot of reflection and setting new goals. It's hard to measure the change in myself. You can count how many times you've read a book or gone to a place but no way to measure the influence you've had. The best indicator is knowing that you have the Spirit with you. =) Teaching has become amazing. Especially as Sister Hinkson has shared more of her insights in lessons.
I was able to teach in District Meeting about conversion. It was amazing the Spirit there and the feelings. Right before it started Elder Fordham informed me that Elder Jordan went home for medical reasons. Let’s all keep him in our prayers. I bore my testimony. I've learned when I'll else fails bear your witness. Fun insight is that Sister Hinkson knew the week before I would train. Just a feeling she got. Good thing because I got called the night before.

Unfortunately I have to report that Kathy did not get baptized and has stopped making contact. We'll try again this week to reach out to her. She is so close but is holding back. It takes a lot to make a life time commitment and agency sometimes can be a major disappointment. Travis dropped us. He says he has received his answer about the Book of Mormon and he just cannot grasp that this could be true. It was hard because he wouldn't give or do anything to receive an answer of truth for himself. We were able to tell RaNae that she has a membership number. She truly light up. She belonged. She's got to learn what we believe but she knew she was numbered. There is always that thought of those scriptures of numbering His sheep. This was a moment in the recognition of knowing that you are His.
There are glimpses of Spring. This week’s forecast is in the 70's and we've got the haircuts for it. Pauline gave us new summer dews this afternoon! Feel a lot lighter.
Michael's lesson at Bishop's was amazing. He is preparing to be baptized. He became emotional a couple of times where the Spirit distilled upon him. He says he wants to feel the sun rays again like he did as a child. The gospel gives us hope.
The temple trip was amazing with Sister Michael. She calls us her granddaughters. It felt amazing to return to the temple. Miss attending more often.
Raylyn's had order as Evan, the dad, sat in on the lesson. It was truly amazing to teach and the kids mind. I loved it and felt hope for them eventually making it to church and to the temple.
I ate gravy. The most interesting meal I've had on my mission. It was soup but not edible. But I love the old man who made it anyways. I was the only one to stomach it. =)
It was great to talk to family on Mother's Day. I hope everyone had a great day and enjoyed celebrating the women who have made an impact in their lives. I've had so many women in my life to teach and emulate the attributes and character of the Savior for me. Thank you to every one of you who has made all the difference and the sacrifices you have made on my behalf.
I love our Savior. He's amazing. I am working on increasing my faith. Faith is what motivates- it's a power and a trust.
Hope everyone has a great week and remembers to share the gospel with those around you.
Love Sister Peck