Sister Holm: “Wo men shi chian jiao shi!"

Ni Hao!

We stayed with the Richmond Chinese sisters for one night while in Vancouver for transfer meeting/mission council and they taught me how to say, "Hi, we are missionaries!" (subject line above) and "Sister Holm." So, ever since we got back to Osoyoos I've been practicing non stop in case they transfer me down there, which isn't likely. My terrible white girl attempt at Chinese is driving Sis L crazy. Oh well. She can practice being patient.

We spent a good portion of the week down in the lower mainland. Wednesday - Saturday. On Tuesday we caught the greyhound bus from Penticton to Langley and stayed with the Surrey North sisters.

Thursday was transfer meeting. We weren't getting transferred but we did have to go down to pick up a vacuum and have interview with President. So we had the privilege of attending transfer meeting, okay? Haha. We had some inspiring training for President and Sister Tilleman, the senior office couples, and the assistants. The assistants training were about when Nephi was told to go and build a boat. Nephi didn't just say "okay God, give me some tools.." he asked where he could find materials to make the tools. I loved that because as missionaries, we can't just say "okay God, give us some baptisms.." we have to ask where we should go in order to find those who He has prepared. Anyway, that night we stayed with the Port Moody sisters.

On Friday we were blessed to be able to attend Mission Council, which is when all the Zone Leaders, Sister Training Leaders, and mission presidency discuss how the mission is doing and ways we can improve. It was an HONOR to be there. President had told us a couple days earlier that we would be going, but we had no idea how inspiring it would be. It went from 8am to 6pm and the spirit was there the entire time. I'm so grateful for our leaders out here in the Canada Vancouver Mission. They are truly called of God. Sis L and I were in awe at the types of concerns and solutions that were brought up. I guess I just forgot that there was more to BC than just little old Oliver/Osoyoos!

It's also amazing to see how the work is hastening in the entire province. I know that the Lord is blessing our mission because of the counsel of President Tilleman, "Work hard. Love the people. Be exactly obedient." I testify that the last one is extremely true! I've seen it change our area and bless us with more miracles! Sister Larsen and I then had interviews with President. Ah... I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful that went! That night we stayed with the Richmond Chinese sisters, which was a hoot! They had to take us to the bus at 5 am the next morning.. poor things. Bless them. The bus ride was nasty, but Sis L and I just passed out. It's rare we time to just sit back and sleep. We already stick out pretty bad (skirts, tags), but carrying around a vacuum tube didn't help. After the 7-hour bus ride, we had to wait for our branch mission leader to pick us up and take us to our car. So.. being the losers we are.. we pretended to be ghost busters for the 20 mins we were waiting. I wouldn't say my mission has changed me... but it's definitely made me care a lot less about what I look like in public.

I am so grateful to be out here. It's challenging, frustrating, and tiring.. but anything worth it in this life usually is. I'm so grateful for my Savior and the sacrifice he willingly made for all of us. I know that it is only through baptism that we can truly access the atonement. I'm so grateful for the example that Christ is, especially His humility. He was willing to come down here, suffer for our sins, and STILL give the glory to our Father in Heaven. Incredible. I know that this gospel is true and that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ that glorious day in the sacred grove. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and goes hand-in-hand with the Bible. I'm so grateful for this gospel and the many blessings I've seen from it. I know that it will bless the life of every soul who chooses to listen to our message. Thank you for all your love and support! Happy Valentines Day! Remember who loves you most...

xoxo A