"This is Kirtland"

(pictures will be forthcoming - I hope)

THIS IS KIRTLAND!!!!! Best play ever. Maybe not. But it's pretty awesome. The Sisters get to go and pass out comment/referral cards and talk with people. We were assigned to go on Friday and Saturday night, but Friday I was nearly on my death bed, but I did get to Saturday! "The word of the Lord is coming to Kirtland." Great music. Let me tell you. But really, I'm being serious. It made me even more grateful to be serving where I am.


Because of "This is Kirtland", training meetings, and transfers happening next week, we've had way more time at Sites this past week than usual. On Wednesday, Sister Carter took our visa waiting sister, Sister Reed (going to Barcelona on her mission), out into our area while I stayed at sites with her companion, Sister Frisch. Sister Reed and Sister Frisch are "full site" sisters. So they ONLY serve at Historic Kirtland Visitor's Center. Sister Frisch had never gone tracting or taught a lesson to an investigator, so I thought it would be good for us to go on exchanges. Sister Frisch goes home next week due to her 18 months being up. We had a grand ol' time together. Basically, we're the same person. We have the same sense of humor so every tour we took was a...riot. There was a family from AZ on tour with us. They had just picked up their grandparents from their mission in PA. 3 daughters, their husbands, and children. There were three 16 year old boys who were also a hoot. Afterwards we said goodbye and then they called us down to take a picture with us. We were laughing hysterically with them. Then Sister Frisch made the observation that we have the sense of humor of a 16 year old boy. Awesome, I know. We took another tour with a family from Las Vegas. The daughter had just arrived home from serving her mission in Palmyra. She trained Katelyn Stone! Crazy. So on the tour was just the daughter and her parents. Probably the most powerhouse missionary family I have ever met. Both the parents run and they always carry pass-along cards when they go. They were teaching Sister Frisch how to be a member missionary when she gets home. It made me so happy. And the daughter was everything I hope to be when I get home from my mission. Both Sister Frisch and I just wanted to be around her the whole time. It's amazing how many truly wonderful people I get to come into contact with every day. And not just from OH; from all around!

Today Sister Carter, Sister Houston, Sister Stewart, and I went to Middlefield, OH! AMISH COUNTRY! We took really great pictures so I'll be sending them your way tomorrow morn. Tonight we have the Emma Festival at the Kirtland Temple. It's a celebration of the hymnal and Emma Smith. The Kirtland Sisters were invited by the Community of Christ to sing a few hymns. I just feel really blessed.

Things have been tough with the ol' tummy of mine. I have a dr.'s appt. for next week, though. Poor Sister Sorensen (the Mission President's wife) has been hearing from me every day. I asked her if she would be excited the day I go home. Haha? Anyways, we'll get everything sorted out. Thank goodness for the knowledge that the Lord is completely in control of everything is happening in our lives. I have a really comforting feeling that I won't have these issues my whole mission. I keep reading 2 Nephi 4. There are so many sisters here who have truly blessed my life and who have made this journey a whole lot easier. Unfortunately, most of them are going home next week. But I know that I was sent to Kirtland this transfer for a very good reason. There are some days that I am in so much pain that I can't even take tours. But we have a Call Center at the sites so I can just sit down and make calls, or take inbound calls. In fact, the Apostle Paul called me the other day (I'm guessing a prank call -haha). I felt so honored. :|

The Church is True. There's no way it couldn't be. I see so much light coming to people's lives as they accept this message. Read "None Were With Him" by Jeffrey R. Holland [if you're interested this is the talk Nicole is referring to]. I've been thinking about that talk a lot lately. The Atonement is so real. We all have been given that chance to start anew. How beautiful is that!

Love!
Sister Hill

P.S. I just really need skirts. (I asked her what else she needed - crazy mom!) The clothes you sent are BEAUTIFUL. Everyone said, "Your mom must know you really well." I'm so glad you got to go out with Kristen, too!! I'm jealous. The red skirt might be a little short but I'm going to try it and see if someone says something. Haha. Yikes. I really just want a skirt to go with that cute black shirt you got me from Anthro. I wear the same dark denim skirt every day, basically. It's wearing out already.

Took really awesome pictures at Amish country today! Sending them your way!! With descriptions!! Get excited. "When they get here darling daughter...when they get here!"

I'm eating super healthy now. Gluten free! I didn't even buy homemade Amish bread today. Or Amish Peach Pie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm desperate for good health. Nicole must be desperate because she's  made pie a food group!

I love you forever and ever. So glad you and pops are going to the temple together. Many, many blessings there. Did you hear that newfamilysearch just added like 300 million new names to peoples records? You should check it out. Do some work for our long gone ancestors. Dang, I miss the temple. Also, I can't wait to show you around Ohio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sis Carter and I serve in Chardon, right? Right in the middle of this beautiful town is Chardon Square. There's a knitting store AND a bike shop RIGHT next to eachother. It reminds me of my parents every time we drive through. Which is every other day basically. It's called Chardon Square. It's cute. We'll go there.

I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response to her dad's email:

First of all, how did you hear about "This is Kirtland"? Haha. That's so funny. I saw it Saturday night. If you guys come out here with me July 2012, we can see "This is Kirtland" and then go up to the Hill Cumorah pageant! Sweeet.

I'm so happy about Grandpa! I bought a Book of Mormon to write my testimony in and send to him but I just wasn't getting around to it. And then I saw on the records on the computer at sites of people who had accepted to have missionaries over, "Jettie Hill". My heart stopped. Sister Golightly is INCREDIBLE. I'll send a picture of her. Maggie Golightly is her name. She's the cutest. She even called Lyndie and was crying after she got off the phone with her. Lyndie was just talking about how amazing our family is. And she talked about your accident. Then Lynde asked Sister Golightly if she had ever met you. Sister Golightly said no so Lyndie said she was really missing out and it would be worth her while to give you a call. Hahaha. Lyndie's so cute.

That's so fun that Sadie gets to take swim lessons too! Those two are going to be pros when I get home.

Maybe I'll convert Lebron's family and the good news will spread to him? There's still hope. Unfortunately, sisters don't serve in Cleveland. But I'll talk to the Pres.

Love you lots!! Keep doing missionary work, Pops. We are so blessed when we do so! Preach My Gospel tells us that our love for the Gospel grows when we do missionary work. And D&C 18 teaches us about the worth of souls. Keep up the good work!!!!!!

I love love love you!
Love,
Sister Nicole

Rollercoaster Week and A Real Conversation

This week I not only have Nicole's email to post but thought I'd share some of the short "messaging conversation" she and I were able to have (my part will be the orange italicized text):

Hello from Kirtland, OH! It's been a crazy week. I've been feeling super sick again. Last night was ROUGH. One of the Sisters that we serve with found out six months into her mission that she had Celiac's. I was talking to her yesterday about what I was feeling and she started laughing because it was exactly what she experienced during her first transfer out in the mission field. She made me some meal plans so I'm going to try a gluten-free diet the next little while and see if that doesn't help. Something needs to happen or Sister Carter's going to punch me.


Not only have I been feeling like death this past week, but we had to stop teaching Millie yesterday. She's progressed as far as she possibly can right now. Cigarettes are just more important than eternal salvation. We left on a good note, though. She said the closing prayer after our lesson and just cried and cried. She said, "Dear Lord, thank you for bringing the Sisters into my life. Please keep them safe on their missions. In your name, Amen." It was so sweet and so heartbreaking. Then we took pictures in front of the trailer with her and her son, Billie. I'll make sure to send those. I love Millie with all my heart. Heavenly Father is definitely aware of her circumstances.

We went to meet with a less active woman in the Branch, Isabelle, who is 92 years-old and in a hospital. Sister Carter missed the turn so we pulled into a little apartment complex. Church insurance requires that the passenger must back the driver out always. So I got out of the car to back the car out and I noticed this older African American gentleman sitting out on the patio. I got a pass along card, walked up to him and began talking about how our families could be together forever. His seven year-old granddaughter came out and talked as well. Turns out, this man's wife passed away exactly one month ago while driving with this seven year-old granddaughter. He has friends that are LDS. He was really wonderful. Unfortunately, he doesn't live in our area, so we can't teach him, but we got a referral for the other sisters! Then we met with 92 year-old Isabelle Neill. She talked for two hours straight about her favorite son, Bobby. She also doesn't think she's a member of the Church.

On Thursday, we had a really great Zone Conference. It helped me get re-excited about being a missionary. We talked a ton about member involvement. It's the member’s responsibility to find and the missionary’s responsibility to teach. SO GET TO WORK. But seriously, people are much more likely to stay in the Church if they have a friend. We also really need members at our lessons. The Chardon Branch is pretty good about being willing to come teaching with us. Just offer to the missionaries in the ward that if they ever need someone to go teaching with them, you're more than willing. It's such a blessing. And sharing the Gospel just deepens our love for Heavenly Father so everyone wins. After Zone Conference, we met with a less active 14 year old who I just really love. She even came to Church on Sunday which, without going into a ton of detail, took a TON of courage. I was so proud of her. Sister Carter and I have big plans to help the Young Women's program in the Chardon Branch. Later Thursday evening, we met with a part-member, less-active family. The husband wanted nothing to do with any religion. The wife and two boys are members but the wife experienced some really tough things in her ward and stopped going. But we had a lesson on prayer with the whole family, INCLUDING the husband. Everyone got out their Book of Mormons. EVEN the husband. The lesson was powerful, the Spirit was strong and I received a prompting that Brother Siebold needed to be committed to baptism. Then, Sister Carter asked him to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized on September 25th. WHAT! WE WEREN'T EVEN PLANNING ON ASKING HIM TO BE BAPTIZED. He said it's been something that he's been thinking he needs to do. The family asked about being sealed together and doing the work for their deceased family members. It was awwwwesome. We told all the sister missionaries that know this man and none of them believed us. It's such a miracle and tender mercy from the Lord.

4th of July really was like any other Sabbath Day here. Except we had dinner with two families from the Branch and it was the perfect 4th of July dinner! They bbq'ed steak, chicken, and pork. Delicious potato salad, jell-o, chips, watermelon, cherries, beans, and rootbeer. We had a lot of fun and then taught the families on the importance of member missionary work. We made the kids practice answering tough questions that their friends might ask them about the Church. We heard fireworks while laying in bed last night. That's cool, right? Proud to be an American. Also, I love Ohio.

So, that's what's been happening in the 440. Pretty sure Sister Carter and I will continue to be companions next transfer. Which is funny, because I think she might go crazy. We're COMPLETE opposites. COMPLETE. The Lord works in mysterious ways. It's good, though. We're learning a lot from each other. We just have to meet in the middle. One is very serious and the other doesn't know how to be serious. We just need balance.

I'll make sure to send pictures WITH descriptions soon. We're so busy right now. There's no time to breathe. The play "This Is Kirtland" is going on right now and I'm so excited to go see it! Love this place. Even if the humidity causes me to not be able to breathe. What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger, right?

I love you all. Read Mosiah 4:2 and keep up the good work.

Love,
Sister Nicole Hill

So glad you can email – we thought the library would be closed. As for you and Sister Carter being COMPLETE opposites - opposite can be a good thing but DON’T lose that wonderful sense of humor and playful personality! Uncle David believed that the Lord has a sense of humor!

The library is closed. I'm e-mailing at the sites. woohooo!

Those skirts are SO cute. I love them. I'm pretty sure they would be long enough for me. I'm in desperate need of skirts now. Ah, I'm so needy. I think a white skirt would be super cute with that black Anthropologie shirt you sent me. And I really like that necklace and the red scarf that you sent pictures of! You've got good taste, lady. We were going to go to Amish country today for P-day but I was really sick last night and this morning so we're just going to take it easy today. Also, thank you SO SO SO SO much for the cookies!!! I kid you not, they were gone in less than 20 hours. Everyone wants the recipe. SO good. And Sister Kingston devoured my Sweet, Salty, and Nutty Trek Mix. Haha. These sisters are like savages. It's really quite remarkable. Also, tell Stinka (her sister Christina was nicknamed "Auntie Stinka" by Madison, which in no way actually describes her) thanks for the Mrs. Fields box with cookies and brownies. The box is a sunshine and it's really cute. I love mi familia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How are you doing, Momma? How's the temple? How's the exercising coming? Are you going to have the missionaries over for dinner with Scott and Amy?

I love you forever!!! Tell Trev I'm proud of him for being a college student. I'll write him a letter today. Did the little girls get my package?

Love,
Sister Your Daughter

Sorry about the tummy problems – you can thank me later. The girls got package late last night but haven’t opened it yet. Anything else you need?

Just some treats from Trader Joe's would be AWESOME. I'm going on a gluten free diet these next few weeks so maybe some gluten free things? I don't knooow. Will you answer my questions? Nobody ever tells me what's going on at home. C'moooon. Oh, can you tell Jaime McMurry to write me? I really want to talk to her but I don't have her address!

Everything is good here at home. Dieting is hard but exercise is getting easier. Dad’s my trainer but I have to remember not to show him my angry eyes when he pushes for one more sit-up. Had to have my temple dress repaired so we couldn’t go for a little while but we’re going Friday when Dad get’s back from Seattle. Trevor is doing soo much better and Brother Mahkorn is still working on him. I’ll get on the calendar for missionary dinners next week and then off to Nana’s before the reunion. She wants me to go through boxes! Uncle Mark and his family and Auntie Kim will be there so it’ll be fun - Uncle Mark and dad can go for bike rides. All is well – MISS you though, but I have such a beautiful, peaceful feeling about where you are and what you’re doing.

That's so wonderful!! Brother Mahkorn is a gem.

Our training meeting for the Kirtland Sisters is in the Kirtland Temple tomorrow!

And we get to sing at the Emma Festival on July 12th. EMMA FESTIVAL!! I'm so excited. Emma Smith is my hero. I get to talk about her every single day. Love this place.

I used to portray her for seminary classes. It started with Bro. Kirkham and then went on to others. I love Emma too and feel she was one of the most misunderstood people in our Mormon history. That is sooo exciting. You’ll have to take pictures – AND then SEND them to me. Your blog needs pictures (or I’ll start using your “healthy” baby pictures!!) – Sister Talbot had a pic with you guys and bananas. It was cute, funny, silly – where are your pictures like that???
How’s the humidity – do you get used to it?

I know! I talked to Sister Twogood about that when she came out here and we were in Emma's kitchen in the Newel K. Whitney Store. Your love for Emma has carried on to me! I don't know how Sister Talbot got that picture! So just steal her pictures and we'll be okay. I'm sorrrryyyyy. There aren't enough hours in the day.

I h8 humidity.

I'm so jealous for your Idaho/Utah adventures!!! Write me lots of stories.

Just keep taking pictures and I’ll improvise on your blog until you can send me some :) Maybe I’ll use cave drawings or something :) No worries – I KNOW you are busy with the Lord’s work so I can wait for pics!
Love you bunches!!

And while we're waiting for pictures from Kirtland I'll skip the "healthy baby" pictures and share a couple of pictures that capture Nicole:

Nicole with Madison at their favorite restaurant "Spegie" Factory

Nicole as Titana in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer-Night's Dream"

Friends Having Fun in S.F.

Nicole and Madison After A Charity Run

Married?!

We got this letter in the mail from Nicole yesterday.  I had to share...too funny!

28 June 2010

Mother and Father,

First off, do my siblings have my address? Just curious. I’m glad I have parents that write me, so thank you for taking the time. It means the world to me. [Nicole put her address here…a reminder and a hint…funny girl]

I forgot to mention a few things in my email! The other day we were out tracting with a girl from our branch. It was my turn to do the approach. So a man answers the door, I tell him who we are & the message we would like to share. He then looks at us and says, “You’re Mormon sooo do you all have 1 husband?” Sister Carter quickly replies, “Yes!” and then I explain that we aren’t married, but he proceeds to ask again and Sister Carter sticks with her original answer of “Yes!” We’re all thoroughly confused and he says, “So you’re all married to the same man?” At that moment a huge storm came (with tornado warnings, mind you) and we want to explain to him, but he’s telling us that we need to quickly get back to our car (which we did). But I was so offended that he thought I looked like a polygamist! UGH, the nerve of some people. Somewhere out there, a man is telling his friends about the three polygamist girls that came to his door. That’s ME!

How’s everyone doing out there in the real world doing? I would love to hear stories, if you don’t mind.

I hope you two are still going to the Temple every week. It’s such a blessing that is easily taken for granted! I miss it but am excited to go with you guys someday soon! We took a man on our tour today whose wife died 1-1/2 years ago. He goes to the Temple every day, basically. But the Temple is closed on Monday’s so he came to Kirtland to stay busy. Some people are so strong. He’s only been a member 4 years, but has such a love for the Temple. It was incredible.

Momma, Sister Talbot has this cute, long necklace with a picture of the Kirtland Temple on one side and her first initial on the other. Her mom has one too but with the Kirtland temple and a picture of Sister Talbot. How cute is that? (I’m hinting right now.)

 Dad, keep sportin’ the Ohio gear. I’m so glad you emailed me those pictures! It brightened my week! [Read Moromi 7.]

"Sportin' the Ohio gear" Nicole sent for Father's Day

Thank you for all you do for me!! For always sending me exactly what I need & writing such beautiful letters!

I love you forever,
Sister Nicole

Let's Go for a Swim!

Every time I walk outside, I feel like I'm swimming. It's SUCH a good feeling. Also, my sarcasm is at it's peak out here. I had a tough week, but the past few days have been incredible and a testimony to me that there is no greater work.

Thursday evening I got a page that I had a visitor downstairs. So I ran down the stairs and who did I see?? Sister Twogood!!! How crazy is that? It was really good to see someone from back home. She updated me on the family. Sister Carter and I got to take her and three of her friends on a fun tour. I stumbled a lot, but hopefully they still had a good experience.

This fabulous picture was taken by my dear friend Janice Twogood who had the opportunity to be given a tour by Sister Hill and her companion Sister Carter - aren't they adorable young ladies?  Janice said Nicole did a great job and they all had a special experience in the School of the Prophets.

This picture is a little blurry (taken from a phone camera) but a cute one of Sister Hill conducting the tour.  Thank you Janice!!

On Friday, 1600 people came through Historic Kirtland!!!! Sister Carter and I weren't supposed to go in that day, we were assigned to go out in our area, but we decided that our service for the week would be to go in and help out. And thank goodness we did. We took three really wonderful tours. The last two were youth groups, which was really neat. You could feel that some were really struggling and the Spirit really put the words in our mouths that they needed to hear. Maybe they were laughing hysterically while I was talking, making me really self-concious, but I survived. And then afterwards one of the young men told me that I have really funny facial expressions. I never knew... Buuuut anyways. So after the fun and games at Historic Kirtland, we went out into our area. We had dinner with a less active couple whose son gets home from his mission in December. We talked about how important it is for them to start preparing to go to the temple with their son in December. I thought about how incredible that would be for me to get home from my mission and have my whole family in the temple with me. I cried a lot during that dinner. I'm excited to see their progression because it's something they really do want. And I'm excited for their son. What a blessing that will be for him! We finished dinner and stopped by an investigator who was drunk and promised us he would be at church on Sunday. Well, he wasn't. Never expect a drunk to keep his promise. After that we met a man who stopped going to church seven years ago. The missionaries before us said that when they met him, he said, "I'm not a member of that Church." But when we knocked on his door, he graciously let us in. His best friend is a woman in our branch so that's a plus. So we talk boldly asked him why he stopped going to church. You want to know why he stopped? Because he likes his Diet Coke. My response to him? "Well, sir, my father is a wonderful man and he drinks Diet Coke." So, dad, thanks for letting me use you as an example. Haha. This man had really silly concerns and we told him they could be easily resolved. Hopefully he'll call us oooor we'll have to go a knockin' on his door once again. We know where you live.

Saturday, we took two life changing tours. The first one completely changed my view of my mission. It was a father, mother, and their 17 year old son, Andrew. Andrew has a severe disability that keeps him from talking, making eye contact, and really any form of communication. We were in the School of the Prophets and the Spirit was definitely there, as always. Sister Carter had just given a memorized account of John Murdock seeing Jesus Christ in the School of the Prophets. And then Andrew makes eye contact with her and starts bearing his testimony. He talked about feeling the Holy Ghost and how much Heavenly Father loves us. I looked over at his parents and they were weeping. They couldn't take their eyes off of him. I could not control the tears. A truly powerful experience that I am so grateful Heavenly Father allowed me to witness. It was really miraculous. After that we took a tour of three siblings, their spouses, and children. We've never had a tour with so many kids under the age of 7, but it was so fun. We sang "I am a Child of God" in the School of the Prophets. There's a lot of love here in Kirtland.

On Sunday, I realized what true anxiety felt like. As I talked to other missionaries about this, they expressed to me that this feeling only gets worse as you go through out your mission. Would you like to know what causes it? People at church. Seriously. You get SO nervous about people preaching false doctrine. The particular event that caused my anxiety was in Gospel Principles, with one nonmember and quite a few less actives. The teacher started talking about beer in the temple. The lesson was on scriptures. I couldn't breathe. My companion was pale. The other two sisters looked they were going to explode. It's truly a fascinating experience. One of the perks of being a missionary. You should hear other missionaries stories about things that members have told investigators. The Church MUST be true because the people would have destroyed it long ago if it wasn't. Anyways, Millie hasn't been coming to church even though we find her a ride every Sunday, but she's been coming up with great excuses the past two weeks. So yesterday we went to visit her and see what's up. We had a great lesson with her and talked about the importance of baptism. She confessed that she really HAS been smoking. That little turd. So Sister Carter asked if she really did want to be baptized and she was just silent. So we told her to think and pray about it and we would meet with her again Wednesday. It breaks my heart because I really love her, but I know Heavenly Father will bless her. After we visited Millie we did a few stopped by a few other people in the trailer park. We walked up to one of the trailers, saw people sitting in the front room, rang the doorbell, blinds suddenly closed and then there was silence. We rang the doorbell again. Silence. We know they're home. Knocked on the door. No answer. WHO KNEW SO MANY PEOPLE WOULD WANT TO AVOID ME? It's the nametag and long skirt. So then we were off to go tracting. But as we got in the car, I felt that we need to do a stop by. So I told Sister Carter and she said, "Okay, let's stop by Tina. No, we'll stop by Jay. Nope, we need to stop by Tina." Neither of us had met her, but the missionaries found her tracting about three years ago and said she believed everything, just has a few issues she needs to iron out. She's in her late 20's and lives with her fiance and 5 year old daughter, Angelyna. Tina has, like, 6 degrees and is obviously intelligent. So I let Sister Carter talk to her while I played with Angelyna. I want to cry talking about these two. Angelyna reminds me SO much of Madison. I even told her that she would be good friends with my niece Madison. I don't know if Angelyna has even been to church but she brought me her Book of Mormon and said to me, "Want to learn more about God's love?" SERIOUSLY??? COME TRACTING WITH US. PEOPLE WON'T HIDE FROM US! Oh my goodness, I cannot explain the joy in my heart. She is so precious. She even looks like Madison. I want her to go to Primary. I know she would love it. I love her and her mom so much already. And we only met for a short time. It's crazy what being a missionary can do to you. Immediate love.

The computer here at the library is going to kick me off in three minutes so I must be off. But I love you so much!!! The downeast shirts were perfect. I'm wearing one right now! I'm glad you got your package, dad! The pictures made me sooo happy. And the part about Brother Owens talk on not judging. Haha. Best parents in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
Sister Nicole Hill

My famous daughter?

While at the MTC Nicole relates how a camerman from CNBC came in while she and her companions were practicing their teaching. CNBC was working on a story about Mormons in Business.  Thanks to the diligence of my friend LaRee we have a record of a small moment of that experience.  Watch closely - at about 1:08 - you'll see and hear Nicole sharing a message as she sits with her other 2 companions.  Also in the video is my cousin Jon Huntsman, Jr. - interesting story from CNBC.  Enjoy!

Kodak Moments from Sister Houston (Nicole's MTC companion)...

Thanks to Sister Houston and her wonderful mom Danette we have a few more great missionary moments captured in pictures!

Sister Houston and Sister Hill at 4:00 am (looking good ladies!) on their way to the SLC airport bound for Ohio

Sister Wright (even though it appears she has 2 names) & Sister Hill after the blue team lost in Ultimate Frisbee.  Is my girl a sore loser or just wishing she could be shopping on PDay?!

Beautiful Kirtland Sisters sharing a park bench.  How is it my girl looks so tiny when she and gorgeous Sister Houston (far right) are the same size?  I'm starting to think she knows how to play up the "little pixie" thing!

OHIO OHIO Ohio…

Nicole Arriving in Cleveland and the Kirtland Temple Photo She Took on Her 1st Day (waiting for new pictures)

So here I am, sitting in the Willoughby Library. [sigh] Every day here seems so unreal. Sometimes I see things and I get really excited about being able to bring my family back here. Kirtland is such a sacred place. This Friday, we have about 300+ people coming through the historic sites. It's gonna be craaazy. But I would rather give tours than sit in the Phone Room and call referrals people left. The other night I found a card from an FLDS woman (polygamist) and was really excited to call her. Unfortunately, she didn't answer, but I'll try again soon. Tonight we have a bbq with the Community of Christ. Games and free food! I'm pretty pumped, let me tell you.

PEOPLE

-So we're continuing to teach Millie, even though she can't read the Book of Mormon. But she's trying really hard. I made her pinky swear that she would never smoke again and so far she's telling us that she hasn't. Pinky promises can be REALLY powerful.

-One of the less actives we've been visiting came to church yesterday! That was really great because she hasn't been to Church in quite some time. The branch members were really great about fellowshipping. I was proud of our little branch.

-Christy got baptized!!!! I'll send you a picture of her, Sister Carter, and I. She's so strong. One of the most beautiful baptisms I've ever been to. Sister Carter and I had to fill up the font, but this particular font takes four hours to fill up. So we just hung out at the church all Friday evening. We were sitting in the men's bathroom (where the font controls are) and it was really dark. And then I started to think what if I had been able to see this little scene a year ago. I thought it was funny. But I think most things are funny. Anyways, Christy's parents and sister are not members but they came to the baptism! And Christy's mom asked for a Book of Mormon. Sis. Carter and I spoke about the Restoration while Christy was getting changed and then when she came out, she bore her testimony. Ah, that girl is such a rock. I love her.

-Another investigator, a 20 year old girl, came to church yesterday! It was a big step for because she kind of suffers from social anxiety. It was great to be able to sit with her and explain things to her. She has a lot of faith.

-Last night Sister Carter and I invited ourselves over to Sister Bringas' house for dinner. Sister Bringas is from Peru (I think I told you about her last week. We had dinner with her and her sister last Sunday too.) Anyways, we went with two other sister missionaries that serve with us in the branch. Sister Bringas loves Trader Joe's so we had yummy brown rice spaghetti with meat sauce. Sister Carter and I provided the salad which was quite delicious, as well. And then sugar free ice cream for dessert! (One of the sister missionaries that came with us is diabetic and the other has celiac's.) We always have fun with Sister Bringas and her sister Adrianna. We then went to a fireside with them at the Kirtland Visitor's Center. It was for investigators about Heavenly Father's love. All of us sang "I Am a Child of God". The Spirit was definitely strong there. I think Sister Bringas and Adrianna enjoyed it as well. I HOPE they did, at least.

-Met with a man named Eric. He has a mohawk and is super cool. Burns incense. Has 6 million books about every religion in the world. His wife thinks he's crazy. Anyways, he just asked a bazillion questions for an hour and a half. I was exhausted afterwards. He said next week he wants to talk about the Church's stance on homosexuality. I'm like REALLY excited. He totally believes everything we believe, he just doesn't see why he has to get baptized in this life if he can do it in the next life. He'll come around. I know it.

Middlefield, OH is in our area (Google it). Sister Carter said we can go there for Pday next week. AMISH COUNTRY!!!!! Dreams do come true.

In the Boynton home, there are 8 sisters. Sister Houston lives right down the hall from me! And Sis. Carter and I do have a car on the days that we are in our area. We live basically on sites so on the days we're in Kirtland, we just walk. We bring food to make at sites so if anyone has fast, easy, healthy recipes for me, I would be eternally grateful. There is no oven or stove at sites, but there is a fridge, freezer, microwave, George Forman grill, blender, and sink. I am desperate for ideas. I refuse to give into the statistic of sister's gaining weight. Everyone I've talked to here has gained at least 10 pounds. Midgets cannot afford to gain 10 pounds.

Yesterday, Kirtland was having a Strawberry Festival (SIDE NOTE - NOT as cool as Roseville's.) at Kirtland High School and they asked the sister missionaries to come sing at it. So we did. We sang "Popcorn Popping", "I'm so Glad When Daddy Comes Home", and some other songs. Sister Kingston sang a solo! She has SUCH a beautiful voice.

Read 3 Nephi 11.

There is no denying that the Church is true. Miracles happen every day. I thank Heavenly Father every day for giving me this opportunity! Kirtland is truly a sacred place. We can learn so much from the early Saints. So I'm glad Nana is studying up on Kirtland!! Everyone should be required to. The School of the Prophets is such a special place for me. Read D&C 88 about the School of the Prophets. Heavenly Father uses names for it that usually only reserved for temples. I realize now how vitally important is to live our lives that we are always worthy to have the Holy Ghost. There is so much power from the Spirit. So be good.

Love,
Sister Hill

Thank you for those sweet, encouraging letters! They mean the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to write those, type them, find pictures, and quotes! I felt very special. So thank you, thank you!!!!!!

I LOVE Sadie's outfit!!!! Hahahaha. Thank you for sending those pictures! Ah, she's so precious. I love that outfit. Dang. We watched God's Plan for His Family last night at the fireside and I started crying. Ugh, I hate when I cry during cheesy movies. But they showed the cutest baby in her crib and I started to think about how I'm going to miss my nephew as a BABY. He's going to be so old when I meet him. But it's okay. I'll suck it up.

Thought I should show you Sadie and "the outfit". Looks like her Auntie Cole 

Again, thanks for the clothes and the sweet letters!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!