Hi Everyone!
This last week has been amazing. Melissa baptism will be examined here in this email. Friday during planning we received a phone call from Melissa. Her boyfriend’s brother, who was suppose to baptize her and his girlfriend, who was suppose to give the talk on the Holy Ghost could no longer make it up. The next words I remember over hearing was can Sister Peck give the talk. I was privileged but didn't know when I would be able to prepare anything for her. I said a silent prayer and the inspiration came over the next 12 hours. Oh yes all night I woke up and would write down the impressions that came to mind. Don't worry Blaine this talk was way shorter than Jordan's and no one had to time me. See there is improvement. =) I related the gift of the Holy Ghost to that of a gift but how it differs and how we use it and related how our hands show our willingness to do the things we are prompted much like that of our Savior. I was almost in tears as I felt the Spirit in the room at this young women’s desire to follow the example of the Savior Jesus Christ. Even so much so that she like Lamar had a few immersions as well. Ralph the first time slipt up on the words and it wasn't brought to the attention of the Bishop until they were changing already. I just laughed and figured why not. Melissa was so willing to get back in the font. The drain had already been pulled but Ralph was determined to get her in and out again and didn't want to wait. We reopened the doors and with about a 1'-1.5'. He tried again but she wasn't completely immersed but the 3rd time was a charm. I felt so privileged to watch Melissa make this commitment to become better and to live beyond the norm. On Sunday, she received the gift of the Holy Ghost it was awesome and for the first time she partook of the sacrament and she just glowed. She has such an inner strength from knowing who she is and who are Savior is. Watch out for her. She'll be unstoppable.
Tracting is our favorite. No one is home but we continue to find new ways to find. So earlier Saturday morning we went street contacting at the farmers market here. It is a great way to find and just for the community to see us. Maybe they'll be a little more inclined to open their doors and listen to the message we have for them. I truly love the people here. The Lord has prepared me for this place at this time. I am so grateful for all of you who have shaped me and witnessed my life. I love my letters I receive. I truly feel encouragement and love as I read your words. I hope all is going well and I continue to pray for all of you.
Also in Church news I got to read a nice article about BYUH's trip to China. If anyone would send me their own story I'd love to hear about the amazing things that are happening from that school. Keep finding opportunities to share the gospel your offering them happiness and treasure of untold worth.
In the mission news letter every 2 months the outgoing missionaries leave a short glimpse of inspiration this one really stuck with me. "A promise to try is a promise to fail so just promise to do."- Elder Stevenson. If your struggling with something whether it be reading your scriptures. saying your prayers, sharing the gospel or maybe saying you’re sorry or forgiving yourself or some else or a variety of things maybe starting to be healthy, just make a promise to do it and the results will happen.
I love you all bunches.
Love always and forever
Sister Peck
Friday, September 17, 2010
Happy Belated 4th- July 7th
Hi Everyone,
We have another baptism this Saturday. We are so excited. Melissa is so ready. She really understands who she is as a daughter of God! This time we'll make sure there is enough water in the font and Melissa isn't terrified of the water.
Interesting stories- My bike ate my skirt. They say once you learn how to ride a bike you never forget. I seriously doubt that or maybe it's that I didn't learn how to ride in a skirt that presents a problem.
Sister Adams and I have our hands full and we get to do a lot of tracting. It is a blast. We meet so many wonderful people. This week have a My Servant Joseph put on by the students here in Moscow. So anytime someone didn't want to listen or said they weren't interested we invited all to come. It should be a great week. We are hoping for a lot of referrals from this so we can go and invite people to come closer to Christ. It is amazing. Yesterday we had Zone Conference. The Church has changed it's policy worldwide for Zone Conferences and Presidents interviews. They will happen quarterly and the new program will be introduced next May that I was in the pilot program at MTC. It is going to enhance the work so much. I am so excited. In the MTC I dreaded role playing but it is beginning to be a great tool to learn. I am so privileged to work with amazing missionaries here. It is truly amazing to be part of Gods army. Am learning to be more bold and understanding the importance of the message we have. Yesterday President inquired who we are and why we are on a mission. It was amazing. 2Ne 31 and 3 Ne 5:13. I love to see the change of heart am having to the work and to life. I wake up every morning more excited and happy. I am truly understanding who I am and what I can become.
Mom I got your package. Thank you so much. I am not quite sure how the mail works here. I get all your letters on the same day. Elder Fordham got your letter. I hope your writing all my MTC district.
Savanna you are amazing. Thank you so much for sending me that talk and sending Sister Adams a b-day card.
Grammy and Pappy I got your letter! Tell everyone hi from me on your adventures.
I hope everyone is doing well. Please send me updates on what you are all up to. I love letters!
Alma 5:6. Read this. It is something I never noticed until my scripture study the other day. Apply this and you'll see amazing things happen.
My sizes:
shirt M'
Skirt 10
shoe 10
Best thing is Sister Fa'anunu sewed my backpack it should hold for a while.
Love you all.
Sister Peck
We have another baptism this Saturday. We are so excited. Melissa is so ready. She really understands who she is as a daughter of God! This time we'll make sure there is enough water in the font and Melissa isn't terrified of the water.
Interesting stories- My bike ate my skirt. They say once you learn how to ride a bike you never forget. I seriously doubt that or maybe it's that I didn't learn how to ride in a skirt that presents a problem.
Sister Adams and I have our hands full and we get to do a lot of tracting. It is a blast. We meet so many wonderful people. This week have a My Servant Joseph put on by the students here in Moscow. So anytime someone didn't want to listen or said they weren't interested we invited all to come. It should be a great week. We are hoping for a lot of referrals from this so we can go and invite people to come closer to Christ. It is amazing. Yesterday we had Zone Conference. The Church has changed it's policy worldwide for Zone Conferences and Presidents interviews. They will happen quarterly and the new program will be introduced next May that I was in the pilot program at MTC. It is going to enhance the work so much. I am so excited. In the MTC I dreaded role playing but it is beginning to be a great tool to learn. I am so privileged to work with amazing missionaries here. It is truly amazing to be part of Gods army. Am learning to be more bold and understanding the importance of the message we have. Yesterday President inquired who we are and why we are on a mission. It was amazing. 2Ne 31 and 3 Ne 5:13. I love to see the change of heart am having to the work and to life. I wake up every morning more excited and happy. I am truly understanding who I am and what I can become.
Mom I got your package. Thank you so much. I am not quite sure how the mail works here. I get all your letters on the same day. Elder Fordham got your letter. I hope your writing all my MTC district.
Savanna you are amazing. Thank you so much for sending me that talk and sending Sister Adams a b-day card.
Grammy and Pappy I got your letter! Tell everyone hi from me on your adventures.
I hope everyone is doing well. Please send me updates on what you are all up to. I love letters!
Alma 5:6. Read this. It is something I never noticed until my scripture study the other day. Apply this and you'll see amazing things happen.
My sizes:
shirt M'
Skirt 10
shoe 10
Best thing is Sister Fa'anunu sewed my backpack it should hold for a while.
Love you all.
Sister Peck
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
PICTURES
You got it..... Sister Peck just sent some pictures. ENJOY :)
Homemade dumplings with rice flour. The Carlson's are soooo nice.
Amazing District Leaders :)
Homemade dumplings with rice flour. The Carlson's are soooo nice.
Amazing District Leaders :)
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Sun is out and I am ready to work
June 28, 2010
Hi Everyone!
Savanna we are at the library today and of course no go on the pictures. I'll send the card. =( sorry. You don't have to use all the photos.
This last week I feel so blessed by the many letters I received. Thank you bunches. As Casey use to do. Shout Outs.
Peck Family I loved my cards and working hard.
Grammy and Pappy I am getting your letters and I love them.
Cub, Tess and Laurel I got your letters I love them! And I love you.
Lois sent me an incredible letter. Thank you for the photo book of me as a baby.
Lindsey look for a letter in the mail this week.
So I am staying in Moscow! I am so excited because we have some investigators who might not have done well with a change and am excited to stay with Sister Adams. We are buds and enjoying teaching together. This is will be short but “Lamont's” baptism was amazing! He had to be immersed 4 times. I'll write the story to Savanna to share with everyone.
Story From LETTER: “Lamont” is SOOO scared of water, but we didn’t find this out until the day of the baptism. He was immersed 3x and ran out. None of them counted. We calmed him down and then told him he had to do it again and tears came to his eyes. The 4th time Brother Keller stood on the steps and said words of comfort and “Lamont” was finally fully submersed. It was beautiful. I never want to forget this tender moment of faith and conviction to follow the Lord. He has truly changed. He just glowed. He’s home. When Bishop Miller welcomed him to the ward he spoke such beautiful words of “Lamont” and the man he is becoming.
I was so excited about teaching about the Plan of Salvation with Grace I related the Celestial kingdom to California amusement parks. She got my excitement and laughed when I told her my family has a rollercoaster fetish. (Thanks Laurel for teaching the joy of rollercoasters)
Sister Adams had an amazing birthday! Three parties with the members and the missionaries here. Plus the Lord blessed us with a potential from Las Vegas! He's coming to Church this next week. He even called because he was out of town last week. We are so excited! I have to write president and only have 40 mins online. I love you all. My testimony is growing so much. If anyone has insights on a change of heart send it my way. Damion said if he knows what has to happen to observe the difference from where he is now he'll convert and move into the church. lol.
Love you all. Hope you're looking and having missionary opportunities.
Love always and forever
Sister Peck
Hi Everyone!
Savanna we are at the library today and of course no go on the pictures. I'll send the card. =( sorry. You don't have to use all the photos.
This last week I feel so blessed by the many letters I received. Thank you bunches. As Casey use to do. Shout Outs.
Peck Family I loved my cards and working hard.
Grammy and Pappy I am getting your letters and I love them.
Cub, Tess and Laurel I got your letters I love them! And I love you.
Lois sent me an incredible letter. Thank you for the photo book of me as a baby.
Lindsey look for a letter in the mail this week.
So I am staying in Moscow! I am so excited because we have some investigators who might not have done well with a change and am excited to stay with Sister Adams. We are buds and enjoying teaching together. This is will be short but “Lamont's” baptism was amazing! He had to be immersed 4 times. I'll write the story to Savanna to share with everyone.
Story From LETTER: “Lamont” is SOOO scared of water, but we didn’t find this out until the day of the baptism. He was immersed 3x and ran out. None of them counted. We calmed him down and then told him he had to do it again and tears came to his eyes. The 4th time Brother Keller stood on the steps and said words of comfort and “Lamont” was finally fully submersed. It was beautiful. I never want to forget this tender moment of faith and conviction to follow the Lord. He has truly changed. He just glowed. He’s home. When Bishop Miller welcomed him to the ward he spoke such beautiful words of “Lamont” and the man he is becoming.
I was so excited about teaching about the Plan of Salvation with Grace I related the Celestial kingdom to California amusement parks. She got my excitement and laughed when I told her my family has a rollercoaster fetish. (Thanks Laurel for teaching the joy of rollercoasters)
Sister Adams had an amazing birthday! Three parties with the members and the missionaries here. Plus the Lord blessed us with a potential from Las Vegas! He's coming to Church this next week. He even called because he was out of town last week. We are so excited! I have to write president and only have 40 mins online. I love you all. My testimony is growing so much. If anyone has insights on a change of heart send it my way. Damion said if he knows what has to happen to observe the difference from where he is now he'll convert and move into the church. lol.
Love you all. Hope you're looking and having missionary opportunities.
Love always and forever
Sister Peck
A Week of Leadership
June 21, 2010
Happy Belated Father's Day.
This last week was one of learning. I had my second interview with President Palmer. He is absolutely an amazing man. Love just radiates from him. We discussed charity. It was so powerful. I am really beginning to understand who I am and the role I pay not only as a missionary but as a daughter of God and as His disciple for life. I could feel the Spirit working and changing my heart.
This week we met Tony, a vagabond. He's a big black man from New Orleans, who makes his route every 18 months. He really took us off guard especially since there were only three of us in the institute building. He was friendly and loud and wanted someone to care for his needs. He drew me a picture of Jesus. He said I was cold hearted because I am from Las Vegas. So I guess I needed Jesus more than the other Sisters. Bruce came to give him a ride. You could literally feel the presence of the priesthood. It was amazing to be able to realize the security it brought. Sister Adams and I became worried when we never heard back from Bruce. We eventually did and were glad that not only was Bruce safe but Tony had made it to his next destination of Pullman. He made it and the next night he was back! He wouldn't even talk to Sister Adams and I and took "Lamont" and Gentry outside. They took him to motel and Brother Jenkins explained Tony to Sister Adams and I. Even though Tony was scary and demanding he was the as he said the best looking bum I ever saw. My heart really goes out to Tony. To be a wanderer and to choose to stay. I know God loves all His children, especially those who are lost.
“Lamont” is amazing! He is getting baptized on Saturday. He has truly changed. He just lights up. He was so excited to plan his service. He chose the most random Hymns to be sung. Here's how the gospel changes people. "Lamont" has had a hard life, when I got here he still wasn't coming to church. Then he started coming. Now he sits wherever, it doesn't matter by whom and assists in cleaning, setting up, and participates in class. He hurt his knee and we had gotten him a ride yesterday and when it was 20 to he called to see if he needs to start walking to church in the rain. He gets it. He is a miracle. His life looking up and a new begging is what the gospel has in store for all of us. The ability to see our potential as children of God and then become it through repentance and covenants.
Friday night Elder Pearson came from the 1st Quorum of the 70. It was amazing! Not because he was here. The message could have come from anyone but it was indeed the message. We are the Children of God and as we change our identity it shapes our reality. For when we know who we are we become that if we choose to change(for the better). He talked of the Frontier to see miracles and that our prayers are indicator of knowing our relationship with Heavenly Father. Faith really is essential in our lives and the gospel. But we somehow choose to limit God. We limit our faith by doubt, discouragement, distractions, lack of diligence, disobedience, disbelief, and eventually denial. These things all combine together- one leads to the next. Please see where you could increase your faith. Once we understand true doctrine we have the capacity to change, to exercise our faith. P.S. I got to say the closing prayer. Coolest part was that it felt like it was just me and Heavenly Father. I am beginning to understand my own identity as his disciple. Elder Pearson is coming to Las Vegas this Fall. He if comes to speak in your stakes invite your friends to come to church.
Jenn taught her first lesson on Sunday! It invited the Spirit. Her whole focus was on Jesus Christ and how when he was here He loved everyone. The love was not continually. It was extended to everyone. Love truly is the motivating factor. When we are loved we want to change.
We are putting some major miles on my feet. We've meet so many neat and amazing people this last week. It's hard to capture all the words of how I feel but I love them. I am growing and learning. My Zone Leaders are amazing and can make a classroom an environment to teach with the Spirit.
Thuy is doing amazing! She just glows and loves being a member. She has already set their temple date as 6/12/12. So their marriage anniversary, her baptism date will all be the same. When we thought it might be three years- Aaron said that was too long to wait but the leap year will make it all happen. I am so excited for them.
Hope everyone is doing well. Next week is transfers so we shall see what happens.
Love you all. Thank you for your support. You are all in my prayers!
Love always and forever Sister Peck!
PS I heard from Sister Lisonbee. She is in Maine.! She is not having as much fun with me. jk. But It is great to hear from my MTC district. v
Happy Belated Father's Day.
This last week was one of learning. I had my second interview with President Palmer. He is absolutely an amazing man. Love just radiates from him. We discussed charity. It was so powerful. I am really beginning to understand who I am and the role I pay not only as a missionary but as a daughter of God and as His disciple for life. I could feel the Spirit working and changing my heart.
This week we met Tony, a vagabond. He's a big black man from New Orleans, who makes his route every 18 months. He really took us off guard especially since there were only three of us in the institute building. He was friendly and loud and wanted someone to care for his needs. He drew me a picture of Jesus. He said I was cold hearted because I am from Las Vegas. So I guess I needed Jesus more than the other Sisters. Bruce came to give him a ride. You could literally feel the presence of the priesthood. It was amazing to be able to realize the security it brought. Sister Adams and I became worried when we never heard back from Bruce. We eventually did and were glad that not only was Bruce safe but Tony had made it to his next destination of Pullman. He made it and the next night he was back! He wouldn't even talk to Sister Adams and I and took "Lamont" and Gentry outside. They took him to motel and Brother Jenkins explained Tony to Sister Adams and I. Even though Tony was scary and demanding he was the as he said the best looking bum I ever saw. My heart really goes out to Tony. To be a wanderer and to choose to stay. I know God loves all His children, especially those who are lost.
“Lamont” is amazing! He is getting baptized on Saturday. He has truly changed. He just lights up. He was so excited to plan his service. He chose the most random Hymns to be sung. Here's how the gospel changes people. "Lamont" has had a hard life, when I got here he still wasn't coming to church. Then he started coming. Now he sits wherever, it doesn't matter by whom and assists in cleaning, setting up, and participates in class. He hurt his knee and we had gotten him a ride yesterday and when it was 20 to he called to see if he needs to start walking to church in the rain. He gets it. He is a miracle. His life looking up and a new begging is what the gospel has in store for all of us. The ability to see our potential as children of God and then become it through repentance and covenants.
Friday night Elder Pearson came from the 1st Quorum of the 70. It was amazing! Not because he was here. The message could have come from anyone but it was indeed the message. We are the Children of God and as we change our identity it shapes our reality. For when we know who we are we become that if we choose to change(for the better). He talked of the Frontier to see miracles and that our prayers are indicator of knowing our relationship with Heavenly Father. Faith really is essential in our lives and the gospel. But we somehow choose to limit God. We limit our faith by doubt, discouragement, distractions, lack of diligence, disobedience, disbelief, and eventually denial. These things all combine together- one leads to the next. Please see where you could increase your faith. Once we understand true doctrine we have the capacity to change, to exercise our faith. P.S. I got to say the closing prayer. Coolest part was that it felt like it was just me and Heavenly Father. I am beginning to understand my own identity as his disciple. Elder Pearson is coming to Las Vegas this Fall. He if comes to speak in your stakes invite your friends to come to church.
Jenn taught her first lesson on Sunday! It invited the Spirit. Her whole focus was on Jesus Christ and how when he was here He loved everyone. The love was not continually. It was extended to everyone. Love truly is the motivating factor. When we are loved we want to change.
We are putting some major miles on my feet. We've meet so many neat and amazing people this last week. It's hard to capture all the words of how I feel but I love them. I am growing and learning. My Zone Leaders are amazing and can make a classroom an environment to teach with the Spirit.
Thuy is doing amazing! She just glows and loves being a member. She has already set their temple date as 6/12/12. So their marriage anniversary, her baptism date will all be the same. When we thought it might be three years- Aaron said that was too long to wait but the leap year will make it all happen. I am so excited for them.
Hope everyone is doing well. Next week is transfers so we shall see what happens.
Love you all. Thank you for your support. You are all in my prayers!
Love always and forever Sister Peck!
PS I heard from Sister Lisonbee. She is in Maine.! She is not having as much fun with me. jk. But It is great to hear from my MTC district. v
Enter in to learn, Go forth and Serve
June 14 2010
Aloha All!
This last week has been amazing! Four weeks in the mission field and counting. I am in a rush when I write these so please know am trying my best to use my grammar and spelling tools but there just isn't enough time for that always.
Sister Adams and I find ourselves with fewer investigators this last week. A lot of no shows to appointments and then we got dropped. I wasn't as devastated as was Sister Adams. I just know the seeds are planted and hope that she'll develop over time. So because of the lack of teaching we have been tracking the town of Moscow, which is about 20-30,000 in population.
Coolest experience. We were knocking on a football player’s door - He is studying philosophy and the words came out of relating Aristotle’s Allegory of the Cave to missionary work. It was brilliant and he said he was content watching the shadows on the wall. Sad but true. It was neat because I have not thought about Political Science 200 in such a long time. It shows how the gospel has relevance in every subject.
If you haven't read "Your Happily After" in the 2010 Ensign open it up and read. It's become one of my favorites. We really can have our own adventure and become the hero or heroine of our own lives. For one of our investigators, our goal has been the search for eternal law. How I wish I had my notes from Dr. Smith's class on natural laws. There are things that we exist in that govern us and one is that we have agency. That is the most profound and amazing gift that God has given us. Our ability to choose him or not was a concept that Abu, an African grad student here, was taken back at this gift. That it is really our ability to choose. He is in awe at the youthfulness of those that serve missions. That we would stop normal living to serve God. I was really touched by that.
Remember this week:
At the OBars for dinner and their son Gunnar had lost his mouse, for the computer, and we had just shared a message on prayer, and I with the best intentions told him that if he prayed that God would help him find it. I got in a response a strong remark form a four year old- NO HE WILL NOT! I was shocked. His dad explained that I was right and he then offered up a very skeptical prayer of help. I have to do some follow up on that to see if the mouse was found.
I did my first training- Savanna the talk on diligence in teaching was awesome. I still looked like a total spaz. You can call a girl to be a missionary but you can't change her all in one day. But it was good. It was on asking questions in a non-intimidating way. I am a work in progress and this is something I am working on.
Mom-I need you to ask Elliot for Jimmy's meat sauce recipe please.
If you have any missionary experiences please share them with me.
I got to attend my first baptism this Saturday. Thuy became a member, along with her brother in law, Isaac, 8. It was beautiful! Amanda an investigator of the Zone Leaders was my favorite to talk to because she was so amazed at the feelings she felt there and the peace. If you haven't been to a baptism in a while find out when there will be one near you and invite someone who you feel would benefit from being in attendance. “Lamont” who says he is never excited or not easily excited expressed his excitement for his own baptism.
I love the priesthood. I miss being around my RM friends, for that reason among others. At Liu's lesson this week Byron came and there was a completely different feeling. The priesthood brings order to chaos. It's amazing and I am so grateful that it has been restored and that members here are so willing to assist the missionary work in any way.
Brother Neal how was the wedding? Amy progress on having the missionaries over?
Darcie thank you for my letter! I love the picture on the back. Check the mail the end of this week for your letter.
Vaka, I found your letter you wrote me over 2 years ago. Sorry about that. It was amazing to hear from you and hope all is well and that this message finds you some how.
Grandma Hansen that is amazing that you were able to contact the missionary who baptized you! I love stories like that.
This work is true and the Lord is beginning to not only do a great work her in Moscow but with me. I feel my responsibility even more of my call to have Charity and to share the message of the restored gospel and for fulfilling my commitment to BYU Hawaii and the Church to serve in the world and to spread peace. Thank you for everyone that has taught and helped me develop in to the young woman I am today. Amazing things are happening here. I feel truly blessed to be entrusted with the Lord's work here. Love you all.
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