Happy Easter

Holy Hill

HAPPY EASTER!!!

This past week was really exceptional.

Monday: We went to Holy Hill with about 4 other sets of missionaries!

& it was pretty foggy so it looked like Hogwarts! 

The Bacillica was beautiful. We met a Carmelite- it was fun for us to talk with him and see the comparisons with our own missionary experiences.

Tuesday: District Meeting- Said Good-bye to our District leader Elder Moffett! & celebrated his birthday.

Wednesday: 1-6 week training in OshKosh. It was incredible to see the changes that have taken place since the last time I saw my friends from the MTC! It was refreshing to realize that they had overcome obstacles too and that everyone survived their first 6 weeks!

Thursday: It was suppose to be planning day- but we had too many appointments to even think about planning! Talk about a great problem to have.

Friday: But Planning is super important! & if you don't plan- your appointments fall through. Really. It's the craziest thing.

So we planned our hearts out! Bring on Transfer #2! Team Osmond and Westra are staying together!

Saturday: Stake Conference! Everyone 12 years old+ was invited to come. The theme was missionary work! And almost ALL of the 15 youth speakers were from our ward. Like What?! It was amazing to sit there and realize that we had been priveledged to teach their friends about the gospel. The members are the real missionaries here. I have never seen such courage! They get it. & because they get it- the Lord is sending people who are prepared because He knows the ward knows how to fellowship, stengthen, and love them!

Sunday: EASTER!!

During personal study I studied Christ's life. For companionship study we watched the Lamb of God and then after sang I know that my Redeemer Lives! The spirit in our little apartment was so powerful- i KNOW that my Redeemer Lives. The truth of this statement was so penetrating to the heart.My eyes filled with tears. I am so grateful for the Hope that comes from knowing we can have 2nd chances, clean slates, and new beginnings.... Because of Him.

I am incredibly grateful for the enabling power of the Atonement.

Moroni 7:41 was a scripture I found this week that I have been sharing with everyone!

"And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold, I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atronement of Christ and

the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise."

Sitting in Stake Conference was surreal. This church building was where my mission began. I hadn't been back since I had first arrived! I reflected on who I had become. What I had experienced. How different I really was! How my perspective on a lot of things had completely changed.

How the Lord had molded me into... ME, in only 6 weeks.

I'm still in shock. hah!

I can't imagine the things that will happen in the next 16 months.

Now the trick is to continually apply those things that I have learned... sustain the growth.

Keep moving forward! but it really is important to step back and realize how far you have come! (Something that took me 6 weeks to understand, I have been super hard on myself. Have Faith that the Lord has the power to change you for the better) It makes you grateful and motivated!

Steadfast & Immovable in Christ!

Love, 

Sister Osmond

Good Bye Elder Moffett

Together Again!!

It's How I Live My Life!

So Wisconsin...

Home of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen!

Also: there is roadkill everywhere.

This is a wonderful place.

5 Things that happened this week:

1) I went on Exchanges! [with Sister Zebley- a Sister Training Leader.]

I had to show her the area and take the lead in the planning and contacting.

It was beyond scary. I didn't feel like I knew enough... but that's what was cool about it: I found out I actually did!

In the morning I felt inspired to teach the words of wisdom to a less active who picked up smoking. (she doesn't know we know- but her trailer wreaks of cigarette smoke.) I was scared out of my mind- but went forward with faith knowing that if the spirit prompted me, then she needed to hear it! I had never taught the word of wisdom lesson before so Sister Zebley taught me how. It went really well! Then we went to go and visit a member, Gonhuild Stefoniak. (a 92 year old German woman) She lives in a care facility- we helped her refill the bird feeder! She can't hear so we basically signed to her that Heavenly Father loves her and she agreed to pray in German at the end! She gave us a bunch of Saltine crackers on the way out! She had saved for us from her meals throughout the week. She is SO sweet. On our way out, there were about 65 grandmas and grandpas gathered around for a big Birthday Month Party! The only way to get passed was to walk in from of the stage... so we quickly excused ourselves and walked through. Then the woman in charge said- "Join Us!" We looked back and noticed that there was a man with an accordion wearing a chicken hat. Then we looked at the crowd and a few others with chicken hats on too! We ended up doing the chicken dance with about 10 other grandmas and grandpas! Old people everywhere doing the chicken dance! It was the happiest moment ever. Sister Zebley and I laughed until we cried.

We ate at Noodles & Company to finish off the night and have comp inventory. (there's one on every corner here!)

2) Gullian-Barre Fatigue strikes again!

I am really struggling with adjusting to the schedule. I have felt really fatigued in the mornings and your time in the morning makes or breaks your day! 

I have been super scared! I thought, "I have to get this under control- and QUICK! 

Before it turns into a bigger problem.

I prayed about what I should do and Sister Westra helped a lot. She had a previous companion with a similar situation. "There is a lot of peace that comes from making a plan and sticking to it. Let's figure this out!"

I wrote President Cutler about it in our weekly emails and told him how I was feeling and my plan of action. (Committing to live the schedule with exactness for a solid week- & then after that, making necessary adjustments) 

Sister Cutler called me less than an hour later! After talking with me she called the Medical Missionary (who lives in Missouri now, but used to live in Salt Lake and was the doctor for many general authorities.) She reconfirmed the plan:

"...If she keeps this schedule, her fatigue will dissipate over time, to the point where it won't be a problem at all. A nap here and there might be necessary- but if she pushes through the exhaustion- she will have new-found energy!"

Mosiah 24:14-15 really helped me a lot.

THE STRENGTH I HAD THIS WEEK WAS INCREDIBLE.

It was a success. I feel Peace having put it to the test.

-Experiment upon the Word!-

3) I tried Anchovies for the first time. "Ew."

Gourmet pizzas at the Knutsen's home! We had a great time, John (their violin teacher was over, that's why we went) who we had previously taught about the Restoration. He had committed to read the Book of Mormon every day for 5 min. so long as Sis. Knutsen practiced the violin every day for 5 min. (haha) He told us he had been reading- even while on his trip to Paris for an orchestra performance. After we finished quizzing him on the Book of Mormon and eating a blue cheese, pear, and honey pizza- he played for us a repertoire of quick Classical pieces, Lord of the Rings, Fiddler on the Roof, Harry Potter, and Star Wars. Yup one of the highlights for this week.

4) Faith in the Five!

1.Danielle 2. Bob 3. Lauren 4. Sam & 5. Anna

*Almost all of them came to church!

I know this is because we Set Goals in Faith on how to help them progress and Pray for them every chance we have! 

5) We saw a one-legged Seagull with nacho cheese ALL over his beak. Real Life.

Anyway, Remember this...

When asking new member Anthony Burns, (He just passed the sacrament for the first time yesterday!)

"What has the Book of Mormon meant to you?"

His response was---

"It's How I Live My Life!"

People know who you are by the way you live your life.

Happy Easter!

This week reflect on all Christ has done for you personally.

We are made Alive in Him. 

mormon.org/becauseofhim

Steadfast & Immovable in Christ

Love,
Sister Osmond

Pictures!

Zen!

"Happy Little Trees!" -Bob Ross-

Oil Painting last Monday (p-day)! 

All Green Meal! 

at the Bishop's House before our lesson with Bob. 

(...because I'm a "green" missionary. aka. Brand New!) 

Our District with all of our weapons! 

(that keep us safe in da getto)

including OUR BRAINS! *not pictured

General Conference Spring 2014

General Conference Spring 2014

 General Conference was Amazing! 
 I loved that this very true principle was reiterated again and again:

We NEED to Read the Scriptures, Pray, Love each other and BUILD EACH OTHER UP, & Obey the Commandments with exactness...

because we NEED the spiritual protection & the promised blessings from Heavenly Father in order to survive the chaos of the storms of life!

No more backdoor, We must always take the Front door when defending the people we love and our Testimonies of the Truth.

I know that the Atonement of Christ Redeems AND Enables us. We have a BRIGHT and Glorious Future ahead as we humble ourselves and show our Heavenly Father that we have a desire to change.

I know that I still have so much to learn & I received so many answers to my questions during general conference. It was also amazing to see the questions of the investigators that watched with us being answered and to see their faces light up as the spirit spoke to them through the words of the General Authorities, Apostles, and our Prophet- Thomas S. Monson. 

Alma 7:23. And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

Prayer is Real & our Faith is what it takes for Heavenly Father 

to pour out His blessings upon us. 

Steadfast & Immovable in Christ

Love,

Sister Osmond

Letters Home

miracles are happening everyday right here....

Keep Praying. I know there is great power in prayer and I can feel your love and support! 

Truly- it gives me strength.

Dad: You are Pro. For real... & you better believe me when I say that Mister. ;)

Something I learned this week:

It's not about what you do that defines your success, 
it about where your heart is when you do it.

that principle pertains to life!  It's about the things you are DOING, the Lives you are influencing,& having faith and confidence in the goals you set. That faith and confidence comes from Christ. Knowing that you are STRIVING to live in alignment with Heavenly Father's loving commandments and honoring your covenants with Him.

...it's SO not about the numbers!

"these people are not lifeless objects disguised as a baptismal statistic..." 
-Elder Holland- (They are our friends!)

Good Luck finishing up those PBS specials... that's a BigaOne! 

I'll definitely be praying for the things you mention in your emails to me.

& Thank you for saying this: "I'm so proud of you not because of what you do..
but for who you are.

Wow. That is what Heavenly Father has been really trying to tell me all week, and then to hear it from you meant more than you know Daddy. You are in-tune. Keep Listening to the Holy Ghost- & he will tell you what you should do. (2 Nephi 32:3--- my favorite.)

Mkknnn,

Sister Osmond

Mom: YES! The Women's Conference!! I totally had that sweet thought come into my mind during the opening song of the meeting... "Mommy and Bella are watching this right now too!" It brought me a lot of peace. Savor Moment! On lds.org it said that this was most likely the largest worldwide gathering of women- Ever. & That's how we presented it to investigators when we invited them to attend with us. None of which were able to come but that was really extraordinary to them and our miracle investigator Anna said, "I can promise you that if I can't go tonight, I'll for sure go to church with you girls tomorrow!" um.. OKAY. I guess that's alright.. HAHA! But Dreams come true! She came and sat by us half way through the sacrament meeting the next day and I was able to whisper to her why fast and testimony meeting was a unique and a special Sunday. 

She looks just like India Aire!  I'm Serious. & When we were at her house on Saturday I felt like I should tell her that eventually... so I did after church... 

[FAMILY- GET THIS: (!!!)] She loves India-Aire! haha

i told her that I have "I am Light" engraved in my CTR ring and that it reminds me to choose the right and strive to share the light of Christ with those I meet. She goes, "I want to order those for my daughters!" Moral of the story: The Lord has been preparing you your whole life for moments like these. Although seemingly small- they can make a huge difference in someone's life. & YOU are the only one who can connect with them in that way! Heavenly Father is so aware of all of His children. Right Time, Right Place, Right Person.  ... no one that I've talked to knows who India-Aire is.. but Anna did! 

We're teaching her this week and we were able to meet her daughter the night before she went back to college at the University of Kentucky... it was freezing and she let us in. She explained to us that she had met some "boy missionaries" about 5 years ago. 

I taught Brittany the Restoration and gave her a Book of Mormon while Sister Westra talked with her Mom. (Anna) We've been texting Brittany and she is studying the Book of Mormon with her friends at college and is in contact with the missionaries there. She thought it was amazing that we would leave college and family behind to teach people about Christ! and between Anna and Brittany- the word is spreading in their circles family and friends. Anna said, "I know that this was from God: you girls showing up the night before Brittany left. She needed to see that there really are virtuous women out there doing good things." I feel so grateful that we were "the missionaries" who were able to meet and teach them. I'll keep you posted...

Anyway Mommy... Covenants was a major theme of that meeting which I thought was amazing. & I just kept reflecting on the temple and that beautiful experience I was able to have with you in the Salt Lake Temple. Wow- so grateful. 

Thank You for being a beautiful example of what a woman should be.

I love you,

Sister Osmond

Zak: OK! OK! OK! I'm freaking out... You made A'cappella! (I'm not surprised though!!!)  You have an great voice Zak. Also, YOU WENT TO THE COLOR FESTIVAL. I looooved the picture. You look like such a Man! & I miss the mountains. They looks so white next to the your colorful outfits! Also... I was dying laughing because your description was Spot On! haha! Also, I can not believe I have been out a month either! My mind is blown. It's so cliche but it's cliche for a reason... "The days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days." Something that I really learned this week that I wanted to tell you specifically about was how cool Prayer is! (Alma 34:17-25) You can literally pray about anything and everything. Heavenly Father wants to help us but we have to first express a sincere desire to know. If you have a question- ASK. I can promise you it will be answered! So glad the term is over bud! ouch! fresh start! & Spring break is coming up soon...? I love you my handsome friend. Keep Christ the center of your life and "all things will work together for you good." Thank you for your example. I love reading your emails. I love pictures so when you have them send them- & tell everyone mom dad wyatt and bella that too!

I love you more than you know and I think about you all day, e'ery day.

Love,

Sister Osmond

Ps. H.L. Cox Jr. who used to play for the Florida Gators is giving us some referrals.. crazy- haha! Apparently Sister Westra and her other companion met him when they were visiting someone in the ward- he was in the neighborhood.

Wyatt: HEY YOU!! Um... can i just say.... YOU ROCK! Talk about disapline!! That is impressive buddy! Tell me: How and when did this motivation kick in? Motivation is a crazy thing and sometimes hard to obtain! so wow, you're the coolest. It really is by small and simple things that great things are brought to pass!! I was overwhelmed with everything I had to learn/ felt like I was expected to know "as a missionary" this week--- then I thought of an analogy.... think of a brick wall. You have to stack each brick carefully in order to build a strong wall, otherwise it will collapse! So this week I am working on the: "listening and asking inspired question" brick. It takes time. It's so unproductive if you try to focus on all the other walls around you and how strong and impressive they are! Guess what? they're all made of the same stuff- remember this is YOUR wall! choose what you want to work on based on the type of wall you want to become. personalized to you. Heavenly Father loves all of us the same but will bless us based on our specific needs. We all need different things so ask Him for help. He wants you to succeed! BOOM BABY!! that helped me a lot this week. I look at your lucky charm all the time! I have it in my desk drawer. Thank you Buddy. I love you with all of my heart! I'm SO glad you stop, roll, and pray! it's the only way... to stay safe from the fires of today! ;) Good Luck with everything. YOU LOOK AND SOUND LIKE YOU ARE HAPPY!!

You're the Best,

Sister Osmond

Ps. I will think of some of the funny stories I have and share them next week! there are a lot.

Bella: Hey Beautiful! How was the Woman's conference? I was totally thinking of you when those 8-12 year old girls stood up to sing! Did you watch it at the church? I thought about you and your amazing faith! I also thought about your scripture white board sign on your bedroom door and how you teach ME! I'm so excited for you to go to girls camp. My testimony was totally strengthened every time I went and it's a PARTY!!! What are the dates? is it in June?  Send me pictures! By the way- I went over to teach a lesson at family in our ward's house and they have little girls- they made us cake and hair bows and the 2 year old was singing Ariel and "everything is awesome" and once there was a snowman! I was like... "Bella would think this was the cutest thing!

Good Luck with everything- You are so strong. Virtue is the light that you have, that's why people are drawn to you.

Love you Birdie!!

Sister Osmond

Okay, so I wish I had more time to write. Seriously. It's a little frustrating! haha!! 

I never have enough time for letters on P-day! 

But life really is great. I feel my Savior's love & Everyone is so kind. 

Well, almost everyone!! haha! I had my first door slam a couple days ago! mile-marker!  
It wasn't even a door SLAM! She opened the door and when she saw it was missionaries she just didn't say anything, she didn't even make eye contact and then she shut the door... before she did I said-”AWWWWWW”... OUT LOUD!!  it was hilarious! 

Seriously though, So many stellar people in the ward! Including lots of young dental student couples and their little kids! & Everyone has connections to Provo. So grateful to be from both Provo and Missouri! It's the greatest combo for my mission here in  
"Wiscon-Repentance."

I can't wait for conference!!

Hard moments conquered everyday.

Victories and miracles galore!

XOXOI LOVE YOU ALL!

Steadfast and Immovable in Christ!

Love,

Sister Osmond