tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69482089250444704092024-02-22T13:09:59.070-08:00SISTER MARTINA THOMASCanada Montreal MissionSister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-38675626272669355132017-07-17T16:56:00.002-07:002017-07-17T16:56:39.057-07:00another weekly update29th June 2017<br />
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Me and Sister Bolander in front of a river we found!</div>
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Hi everyone!<br />
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Wow this week has been so fun and so
busy! (Literally the way I start every email, you'd think I'd be a
liiiiittle more creative by now)</div>
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but here's a funny moment to start us off,</div>
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Sooo,
I know at least once in the past I might have mentioned Quebec drivers,
but I think I failed to sufficiently mention Quebec (specifically
Montreal) TRAFFIC. OH gosh it's awful! And all the drivers must have
taken the aggressive driving courses here because sometimes it's
terrifying. They do things you'd only think of people actually do in
movies. Quebec must be where they get all their crazy action scene
ideas. BUT anyways, this last week we were trying to make it back on the
South Shore after a meeting we had in Montreal, and we literally stood
at a light for 7 consecutive green lights before there was enough room
for us to actually fit and not being hanging in the middle of the
intersection. Pictures to follow.</div>
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THE TRAFFIC WE WERE THERE AT THIS LIGHT FOREVER!!!!! And everyone else
just kept going then they hung out in the middle of the intersection. it
was crazy!</div>
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Anyways, I
digress. Quebec traffic is AWFUL. Only comparable, in the words of
Sister Bolander, to the traffic in California. If that gives you any
reference point. </div>
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Also this week we had lots of
amazing experiences, we've started teaching Nicole with her husband,
Jimmy, there with us. We taught them the plan of salvation and it was so
special! Jimmy truly is the key because he is able to translate what we
say into Kinyarwanda (their dialect) and then able to translate more
simply to us the questions and concerns that she has. The teaching will
be able to go much smoother now with him there. (Before he was gone in
Alberta working, but he had to come home early because he was sick, but
don't worry he's better now, and they are doing so great!) And the whole
family came to church yesterday and the members love having them
there. </div>
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Sydney and Ryan are both doing well, sorry to have not
given an update for awhile, they are both coming along, but they are
finding it hard to come to church, so their progression has slowed down a
bit. But we are working with them!</div>
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And Marie, I
just have to tell you more about Marie. We've been teaching her for a
few weeks, and she's come to church the past month. And today when we
saw her to follow up on her scripture reading, she just told us about
how much she loves church and how much it is helping her put herself on
the right path. She is like a sponge. We teach her something and she
just soaks it up. She reads something, she understands, and she has
already started to live some of the principles and commandments of the
gospel before we have even taught them to her. She is truly a miracle.
We love her soooooo much. We always say that if we ever need a
pick-me-up we should just got see her.</div>
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We also
helped this last week at Assisted Living place for the elderly that we
usually do service for. June 24th is St. Jean Baptist Day and all the
French speakers in Quebec go nuts for it (it's like their 4th of July).
They had a big BBQ for all the residents and their parents, but because
the weather was kind of rainy we moved all of it inside. And the even
had a petting zoo, INSIDE. IN AN OLD FOLKS HOME! They loved it! And we
got to play with the animals a little and it was so fun. </div>
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Sister Bolander and I really love goats, we got a little emotional </div>
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Ohh, this week has been good, has flown by way too fast, and things are going good here. We are happy!</div>
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artsy sunset pic</div>
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Have a great week!</div>
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Sister Thomas</div>
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pretty river we found in a pretty little city</div>
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P.S. We drove really far out yesterday (close to the US border) </div>
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and I found
out Idaho actually has a twin. It's SO CUTE. </div>
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Getting me prepped for
Rexburg.</div>
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Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-26772435257280268052017-06-22T11:20:00.002-07:002017-06-22T11:20:52.162-07:00Gratefully Faithful, or Faithfully Grateful19th June 2017<br />
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Thomas, the best last name ever.</div>
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Hi everyone!<br />
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Happy Late Father's Day to all the
amazing dad's in the world. We are so blessed to have you and you are
inspiring and changing people everyday through your hard work!</div>
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It
has been a special week. So many special experiences that I feel so
grateful that I get to have. And now, today, starts the first day of my
last six weeks as a missionary. In the mission, we go by six week
periods of time that we call transfers. And for each of those six week
periods we have a little planner where we plan out everything we do
during our days. And today I start my last planner. How crazy is that?</div>
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There
were some things that happened this last week that I want to share, it
was with one of our investigators Godlyn and her six year old daughter
Murna. They came to church the week before and really loved, but they
were going on vacation this last weekend so they couldn't come, but
Godlyn wanted to have us over to have a lesson. To give more background,
Murna is a sort of rambunctious child, (kind of like me as a child,
mom, I'm sure you can picture it) very easily distracted and hard to
settle down. We've had several lessons with them, but Murna hadn't been
too involved, so when we arrived last Wednesday, Godlyn started by
telling us that she wanted Murna to be more involved that lesson. So we
started sharing more about Faith in Jesus Christ with them, and we
opened with them in the Book of Mormon to where a prophet compared
having faith to planting a little seed and nurturing it and letting it
grow. We talked about this idea with Murna, and she really loved it. She
started telling us ways we could help our faith grow, she told about
how she now understood what faith meant, and also, she repeatedly told
us what faith did, she kept saying "faith makes you happier! If you want
to be happy you have to have faith!" We were so happy, Godlyn included.
We almost didn't recognize this little girl who was telling us all
these amazing things. But that phrase "faith makes you happier" kept
ringing in my ears even after we had left the appointment.</div>
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Later
that night we had another special experience with one our members named
Sandra, a recent convert of only one year, and we talked to her about
Sundays, and why it's important and about how we can come each <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1679858007" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span>
to re-sign our agreement with God to try harder the next week. She
loved it, and we laugh and ponder the scriptures together and it was a
tender time. And then as we were driving home, after the day was almost
done, I was looking around me, on roads that I had driven for the past 5
months, and I just started crying!! I kind of took me by surprise, but I
was smacked with the idea that this wouldn't be my life for very much
longer. That I wouldn't be able to have experiences like that (in the
same context, with the same people, in the same way we do as a
missionary) everyday. And it hit me, that I would be leaving this place
that I come to love with my whole heart, way sooner than let myself
expect. </div>
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And that's a sad thing. I've seen so much growth and
so much happiness, in myself, but more importantly in others in this
past hear and (almost) a half that I'm left marveling. Being a
missionary is such an incredible blessing, is such an incredible
privilege, that I'm left just feeling eternally grateful to God that I
have even been given the experiences I've had to grow. </div>
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A few months ago a very wise man told me, "this is not your mission; this is the <i>Lord's</i> mission for <i>you</i>."
And how true I have discovered that to be. Everything that has
happened, all the smiles given and tears shed have been a gift from my
Father in Heaven, as He has given me experiences to change the hearts of
others as well as mine. And I'm just left feeling.. happy.</div>
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Nicole, Malcom, and Sister Bolander, my favorite people!!</div>
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I hope you all have a happy week. We deserve one.</div>
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love,</div>
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Sister Thomas</div>
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Tandoori chicken from a local indian restaurant (!!!) </div>
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it was only a 5
minute walk from our house, it was just discovered this week. SCORE</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-1727415454138959662017-06-13T17:13:00.000-07:002017-06-13T17:13:28.016-07:00Machetes and Charity (?)<br />
12th June 2017 <br />
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Hi everyone!<br />
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Sister Bolander had her first Canadian POUTINE YAY</div>
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Wow the sun is shining brightly on
Montreal today. It's hoooot outside. 30 degrees celsius with 90%
humidity. And our apartment doesn't have air conditioning, but it's okay
because it just give us more motivation to get outside and work. </div>
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This week has been so fun! We've been really busy, visiting a lot of people and trying to better ourselves as missionaries.</div>
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developing charity for others by walking around and trying to talk to them </div>
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We were able to spend lots of time outside talking to people as well. While walking around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_574204482" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span>
we ran into this old woma<span id="goog_1286275040"></span><span id="goog_1286275041"></span>n who was outside gardening. We went up to ask
if we could help and she said, "how much will it cost?" And after we
reassured her it would be free, she let us come and help her start
weeding. After a few minutes of talking we learned a lot. Her name was
Hazel, she was from Jamaica, and that the missionaries were actually
supposed to visit her, but never showed up, almost 11 years ago(!!). She
had one heck of a sense of humour and was cracking jokes the whole time
we were there. But I think my favourite part about the whole encounter
was that she was using this foot long machete to dig up the weeds. And
ya know, when in Rome, do as the Romans right? so we started using it
too. And it actually worked pretty well. She also gave us a quick course
in weeding 101, and helped us learn which things were flowers and which
ones were weeds. Sister Bolander and I grateful for resumé building
experiences like those we get to have as missionaries. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
it's easy to have charity for cats when you have such natural connections with them</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
also had a few of our friends at church with us yesterday. It was
really wonderful, one of our friends, Marie, is so smart and picks up
everything so quickly. We had a talk in Sacrament meeting about Charity,
something Sister Bolander and I have been studying recently and it was
so good. The speaker, Brother Feth, used both scriptural discourses on
charity in the Bible, (1 Corinthians 13) and in the Book of Mormon
(Moroni 7), it was so perfect and both Marie and Nicole really enjoyed
it. It was a special moment we had as we explained about how Charity,
and the way we define it in the church, isn't giving a large sum of
money to some organization, but how it is a deeper way to express the
word love. It's a perfect love, a love only parallel to the love Jesus
Christ has for us. Charity is the pure love of Christ, and is something
that we have to work very hard to have for others around us. To love
others the way that God and Jesus Christ love them, and to see them for
the potential they have to become something more. It's not easy to
obtain such a gift, but a prophet in the Book of Mormon tells us how we
can start, <br />''Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father
with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love,
which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus
Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear
we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have
this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen." Moroni <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_574204483" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7:48</span></span> (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7.48?lang%3Deng&source=gmail&ust=1497484035144000&usg=AFQjCNH6w5SFyzbUPwUb5FLTb9KagHbNkw" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7.48?lang=eng" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/<wbr></wbr>scriptures/bofm/moro/7.48?<wbr></wbr>lang=eng</a>)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister
Bolander and I have been working on this, to pray and ask the Lord for
help to have charity for those around us. It's yielded wonderful
results, and we know that it will continue to do so as we try and
acquire more divine gifts. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I hope you all
have a wonderful week, and that you can remember to be more charitable
to those around you, because "Charity never Faileth."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
you can never have enough cat encounters</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until next week,</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-90456517890743139762017-06-06T22:15:00.001-07:002017-06-06T22:15:38.289-07:00When your favorite day ever is SUNDAY5th June 2017 <br />
<br />
Hello everyone!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Can't believe another week has already pasted and June is already here. Time really is a fleeting thing. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_649646107" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span>
was my 16th month being a missionary. And I think these next few months
will be the best yet. So much is happening in this area and we can
hardly keep up!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
When you hit your 16 month mark and you're really tired...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Everyone and their child (not
the expression, but for this circumstance it fits) came to church
yesterday and me and Sister Bolander were running around the whole three
hours. It was the first time at church for three of them, and we tried
to have members help us welcome them and show them where to go, but man
it was crazy. But so fun. We talked to most of them afterwards and they
said they loved it and wanted to come back. For the most part it was
mothers and their children who came, so that was more fun to see how the
kids liked it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So to follow up from last
week, we went with Ryan to our dinner appointment at a local members
home and it was the best thing in the world. He loved it so much and the
members did so good at making him feel at home. He kept saying "this is
the second best meal I've ever had... and I haven't had the first one
yet!" He was just so happy to be there. It reminded me about how we all
have those feelings of wanting to belong and wanting to be loved, and
living in the hectic world it's hard to find either of those things
coupled with a good and wholesome environment. But I know there is a way
to have those feelings fulfilled, and it's through the gospel of Jesus
Christ and His church. That's what Nicole has kept telling us, she feels
so happy at church or whenever she is around church members because she
feels that she belongs, and she feels that she is loved and valued.
Church is where we have those feelings, we know we belong because we
realize we are all children of God, and we know we are loved because His
spirit is there in such abundance that it just gives you a bunch of
warm fuzzies. It has become a very happy place for many of the people we
care so much about here. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I get to feel warm
fuzzies whenever I get to help someone along their way back to God. I
get warm fuzzies when people feel happier and lighter after learning
more about the gospel. I get warm fuzzies when I get to share my
testimony about Jesus Christ. I love Him and I know that He loves all of
us perfectly. </div>
<div>
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear...</div>
<div>
We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4: 18-19</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTyA9Ovhh3ZjUWQycR-SjfDDv-0-VlvQNCIoUJj2yrXX0Y3Cq1LbtTG55BOU9qSZHe4WHNJqK7_g9iJLgUVakhfCpZPjESbca1tlk9yh6r3Vx05h6FXxtQcTjFpjYZFdqOedLnJIGw5A/s1600/DSCF0387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTyA9Ovhh3ZjUWQycR-SjfDDv-0-VlvQNCIoUJj2yrXX0Y3Cq1LbtTG55BOU9qSZHe4WHNJqK7_g9iJLgUVakhfCpZPjESbca1tlk9yh6r3Vx05h6FXxtQcTjFpjYZFdqOedLnJIGw5A/s640/DSCF0387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our favorite French family in the ward, we love sharing the Restoration with members!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all!</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-80822021071097783742017-05-30T19:43:00.001-07:002017-05-30T19:43:54.439-07:00Another Week Another Letter!!May 29th 2017 <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
One last picture by our old neighborhood, the beautiful Montreal Temple.</div>
<br />
Hi everyone!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week has been crazy, busy, and fun.
This week we moved from one city to another and it has been such a
blessing. Before, we lived in a predominately French area about 15-20
minutes away from where we usually work, which also used up a lot of our
kilometers. But now, we moved into a cute apartment that's like 3
minutes away from the church, and around where we usually work. We are
soooo happy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A cute park, by our old house. It will be missed!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Something fun happened this week
as we met with someone for the first time. Her name is Maria, she's from
here, and actually lives very close to our new apartment. She was met
by the Spanish speaking missionaries, while they were walking on the
street, and they gave her a Book of Mormon. And when we called her to
see if we could explain more about it, she told us that she was already
on chapter three and was really enjoying it. We were surprised but super
happy. So then we met with her and explained more about what it was,
why it's important, and how it was relevant for her life today, and it
was a great meeting. But the funnier thing is after a few days we texted
her to see how she was doing, then she told us, "the book is already
helping me in my life, last night it helped me resist temptation when I
went on a date!" We were like whaaat! It was so cool. It's incredible
what that book can do in our lives. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
With one of my favorite philippino families! Love them so much!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ryan is
doing great, he really loved church yesterday. We talked about how we
can look at people through Jesus' eyes, something he wants to start
doing. We also committed him to start reading the gospel of Mark, so he
could get a better idea of Jesus' life, and he has been loving that. He
is really starting to come to know his Father in Heaven and his Savior.
We are going to dinner with him at a member's home who lives by the
church this week! He's excited and nervous. He said one of his life
dreams was to be invited to a dinner at someones home. </div>
<div>
Sydney
came to church yesterday after the first time in awhile! He had to work
later in the afternoon so he could only stay for the first part, but he
really liked it. We actually had a lesson with him and a recent convert
from the French ward this last week. They know each other! They went to
high school together, and Sydney was shocked to see how much his friend
had changed by accepting the gospel. We just let them talk the whole
time. Sydney asked questions, and Lamin, the recent convert, just bore
such sincere testimony of all that he has come to know. The spirit was
so strong. </div>
<div>
Nicole came to church this last week too! She's so
wonderful. She really has the desire to understand. We got her a Book
of Mormon in Swahili this week. And it's good and wonderful, but man the
language barrier frustrates us sometimes, we just wish we could
communicate with her openly, and teach her in the language of her heart.
But we do the best we can with the materials we have, and we also know
the Spirit is the real teacher. She will grow in her knowledge and
testimony with time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Me, Marcus, Nicole loooove them!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So that's the update with everything. Today is actually Sister Bolander's two month mark. And the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_609771692" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3rd of June</span></span>
is my 16 month mark. We joked the other day about how, together, we
make a whole missionary. We laugh a lot and that's one of my favorite
things. I love that we laugh together. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Sister Bolander with a cat. She's dangerously allergic, but this members cat CHOSE her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was incredible to see</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, I hope you all have a great week! Be safe this memorial day (which doesn't exist in Canada <img alt="đ„" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f625" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f625" style="margin: 0 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" />)</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-85070034873147999612017-05-24T14:44:00.000-07:002017-05-24T14:44:13.916-07:00A Miracle in My Hands23rd May 2017<br />
<br />
Hi everyone!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Sister Bolander wanted to be artsy while we were by the water. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We call this one, future lookin' bright</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope you are all doing well, this week has been so wonderful, filled with happy moments! </div>
<div>
I
want to explain everything, but it may be a little difficult for me
because I got stuck with keyboard that is barely functional, so we'll
see how this goes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And we are emailing today
because yesterday we celebrated the birthday of Queen Victoria with the
rest of Canada, it's basically like memorial day for the states, a day
off, but no one knows why. We spent it by doing a service project in
downtown Montreal, we picked up trash and cleaned up some gardens. It
was wonderful! And the rain even stopped for the whole three hours we
were there. It was a miracle! (because it started raining really hard
right when we left, tender mercy!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This last
week we were able to start teaching a women named Nicole, who was a
referral from a member of the Spanish speaking congregation! She is
wonderful and we love her and her family to pieces already. Nicole is
from the Congo, but speaks Swahili and a little bit of English. We met
with her last Saturday and talked with her about her relationship with
God, and prayer, and then we invited her and her three kids to come to
church with us. She was so excited because she has been in Canada for 5
months but hasn't been able to go to church, and she was searching for a
place to go. So the next morning we met up with them and walked with
them, Nicole, Maxy (7), Marcus (6), and Malcom (3 months) to church. We
only got lost twice, had to turn around once, and had to make up some
games to keep the kids entertained, but we got there! (don't worry they
only live like 12 minutes away from the church, we just weren't familiar
with the best route)</div>
<div>
While at church, Nicole was so happy.
She kept turning to us and saying, "I love this church! This church is
perfect!" She was so happy that her family was there together. Her
husband is actually in Alberta now for work, but he should be coming
back in a few months. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But the real miracle was
last night. We had a lesson with Nicole and we brought the member who
told us about her, Jessica, who has only been in Canada for a month (and
she's already doing missionary work, she's the best)!! And it was so
wonderful. Nicole made us a delicious African dinner and then we talked
with her about the Book of Mormon. She had great questions, but the
thing that struck me was listening to Jessica, who spoke very limited
English, testify about the Book of Mormon and what it has done for her.
She said, "the book is a miracle in my hands." And that hit me. And
since last night I've been reflecting about my testimony of the Book of
Mormon, and I have come to realize that my words match hers. That book
is a miracle in my hands, in my life, and it has changed me forever.
We've taught many people this week more about the Book of Mormon, and in
preparation for that, I've been reading it and studying it very
intently, making sure that when I bear witness of its truthfulness, I am
doing so from my heart. And that study and that preparation, things
that I have been doing since the beginning of my mission, have paid off.
And now I can say truly, that the Book of Mormon is a miracle in
itself, and the things it has taught me about my Savior have changed my
heart. I understand Jesus Christ more now, I've been studying what He
said to people long ago by marking the times where His words are quoted
by ancient prophets. It has taught me so much. And studying it with the
Bible has enriched my perspective of how much the Lord loves us, His
people, in all areas of the world. I'm just so happy to know what I
know.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF96HtcJUiQWMq2UWb4-ITtxqwbYSLoL51YU6YESG54B0bx3NPrJBqwmPTRr0xHgp9DKD_bjX4Jr337s2BIfgGI_YInUCbZ7e4FSpYK9go6yxSTziQrqn2Bl1QNRUwFR52vO3RPuzC3pU/s1600/DSCF0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF96HtcJUiQWMq2UWb4-ITtxqwbYSLoL51YU6YESG54B0bx3NPrJBqwmPTRr0xHgp9DKD_bjX4Jr337s2BIfgGI_YInUCbZ7e4FSpYK9go6yxSTziQrqn2Bl1QNRUwFR52vO3RPuzC3pU/s640/DSCF0344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Made a map out of Alma 32 for Ryan, he loved it! He is doing so good :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I know that everyone can come to that
knowledge for themselves, it's not specific or limited to me or to
other missionaries, or members, but it's a knowledge that the whole
world can come to. And did you know that we actually give away <i>free </i>Book of Mormons' like all the time? Or did you know that you can order a free one online? just go on <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.mormon.org&source=gmail&ust=1495747563439000&usg=AFQjCNFVoxaKd6nMlFQXbD916iGjuRqs9Q" href="http://www.mormon.org/" target="_blank">www.mormon.org</a>, and bam its right there! Just sayin'.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, I love you all. Really truly.</div>
<div>
I hope you have a wonderful week!</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Got some sauce packets from Taco Bell and we fell in love</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-21753479164589146632017-05-16T18:53:00.002-07:002017-05-16T18:53:43.590-07:00Bonne FĂȘte des MĂšres!15th May 2017<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkiwk3e-XSoWKZVuVtc8yRMa9ltNMShjHqYMgztHdGQILbqq9amwVi-0GiAYpJM0-ZQ2pVXRCfXH1g5mZg2mdWMA14E1WLDwZd6vEW5BHfT5bMrlVCOM9sVpJ5nLtrn_dtgILV1YNiYs/s1600/DSCF0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkiwk3e-XSoWKZVuVtc8yRMa9ltNMShjHqYMgztHdGQILbqq9amwVi-0GiAYpJM0-ZQ2pVXRCfXH1g5mZg2mdWMA14E1WLDwZd6vEW5BHfT5bMrlVCOM9sVpJ5nLtrn_dtgILV1YNiYs/s640/DSCF0313.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sister Barnes (MY MTC COMPANION! wow is training at the same time with
me!!!!), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sister Simpson (the MTC companion of Sister Bolander, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
also I
know her her older sister so that's funny), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sister Bolander (love her
lots and lots), me</div>
<br />
Hi everyone!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wowowowowow, what a week. Last week
feels like a century ago. So much change this last week and so many
exciting things happened. First off, I got my new companion this last
Wednesday! Her name is Sister Bolander, she's from Arizona, she went to
three years of college at BYU before her mission, and she is basically
the coolest and I love her. She flew into Montreal <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2109291010" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Tuesday</span></span>,
so this is all very new to her. But she is so wonderful, and we've had
lots of speical moments together already, so I think it's fair to say
that we are both happy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And before I go any
further, HAPPY (late) MOTHER'S DAY to all the amazing mom's in the
world. We are so lucky to have you, thank you for all that you do, you
make this world a better place. </div>
<div>
Here's a super beautiful video about mom's that the church made, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-05-01-to-every-mother?category%3Dtopics/mothers%26lang%3Deng%26cid%3DHP_FR_12-5-2017_dOCS_fMLIB_xLIDyL1-A_&source=gmail&ust=1495069932711000&usg=AFQjCNH3dq29UXnIBXxjgIzKhzG6314oPA" href="https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-05-01-to-every-mother?category=topics/mothers&lang=eng&cid=HP_FR_12-5-2017_dOCS_fMLIB_xLIDyL1-A_" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Happy Mother`s Day :)</a> (it only made me cry a little okay)</div>
<div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
MY MOTHER SHE IS SO PRETTY! I was so happy!!!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
But
it really is my favorite day, and I got to see some of my favorite
people! Just seeing the faces of my beautiful mom, my amazing step mom,
my dad, and all my sweet family made me SO happy. It really was a
blessing to talk with them. And it feels weird to know that will be the
last time I see their virtual faces before I get to see them in real
life and squeeze their guts out. My goodness, time flies so quickly, and
I just hope it'll slow down a little bit before August. But, even if it
doesn't, I know Sister Bolander and I will enjoy our time together and
rejoice in all the miraculous things the Lord will do for us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
SELFIE!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I just want to share one special tender mercy that happened this week. </div>
<div>
There
was an older sister, Sister Poppe, in the congregation that passed away
at the beginning of May and this last Saturday was her funeral. And
sadly, because she was so sick, we had never had the chance to meet her,
but we wanted to go to the service in hopes of supporting her family
and friends. So, the day before the funeral, we were running around
going to different appointments and talking to different people, and as
we were driving, we were both super hungry, so we decided to pull over
and get some lunch. The restaurant we chose was the very glamorous
Burger King, but we were happy because they had a nice special going on
(don't worry mom, we're not regulars there). Anyways, after we finished
eating were about to walk out and and this man stopped us for a second,
and said "Sisters! I'm so happy to see a familiar face!" We were a
little surprised, because that's definitely usually not the response we
get, but we started talking with this man and it turns out he was the
son of Sister Poppe! He had drive down from Toronto for the funeral, he
was tired and of course a little sad, but he said it was so nice to see
us. Then we got to talk to him the next at the funeral, and all the rest
of his family, and they talked about how their brother had told them
about the experience and how much a tender mercy it was from the Lord
for Him to send us to a Burger King at just the right time. And it
showed me again that there are never any coincidences. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Remember that this week, there is a reason for everything!</div>
<div>
Until <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2109291011" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">next Monday</span></span>,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sister Thomas<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Coke in Quebec. Toi + Moi = <3 CUTE. </div>
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
SINCE WHEN ARE LAYS CHIPS LIKE THAT? We were talking to Ryan as he was
working at a convenience store and we had fun looking around when people
came in</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-30650220555332182772017-05-16T18:32:00.001-07:002017-05-16T18:32:49.347-07:00SURPRISE!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8th May 2017 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We had a dinner appointment with the daughter of my favorite person ever
this last week</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> (Sister Loute from my last area!!!), so we showed up,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">just so excited to see her daughter Foster, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">but then Sister Loute came
out from around the corner </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">and I about fainted I was so happy to see
her. I LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">MY HAITIAN QUEEN AND PRINCESS!</span></div>
<br /><br />
ââHi everyone!<br />
<br />
<div>
This week has been so crazy, another one full of
miracles and happy things. And if you've ever wondered what May is like
in Canada weather-wise, don't. It's not that great. At least this last
week the weather has been annoying. Still cold, rainy and windy. This
morning we walked out of our apartment and we think it was trying to
snow. Oh Canada, what are we going to do with you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But
guess what, as this last transfer came to a close, last Saturday night
we got a phone call, and we were told there would be some changes.
Sister Bascom will be leaving and going to Quebec City this Wednesday,
and her new companion will be my old bestie, SISTER ZOBRIST! (we laughed
so hard) and as for me............................<wbr></wbr>.. I'M TRAINING
AGAIN! (are you freaking out, because I was too, I couldn't believe it)
Sooooo, I will be receiving a brand new missionary, and most likely be
spending the last three months of my mission with her, here in this
area, I'm so happy! And soon enough I'll know who my new companion is.
I'm excited to meet her :)<br /><div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Our cute family in the ward who all speaks Sign Language, they were </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so sad to see Sister Bascom and her hands go :(</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Okay, so I have to tell you all the wonderful things of this week, get ready.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Funny things,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OH
MY GOSH it was so funny, we were walking out of Sydney's apartment
area, and we saw this older Chinese lady with what must have been her
grandson, and we were naturally so excited to talk to her, because I
love Chinese people and freak out whenever I see one. So we go, and
start talking to her in English, and she just looks at us, so we switch
to French, and then she goes, "habla espanol?" And were like WHAT! And I
try to start contacting her in the Spanish I know while at the same
time we are trying to call the Chinese missionaries on our phone, but
none of them are answering. Then as I start teaching/contacting in the
most broken Spanish I can muster, the Elders call back and start talking
to her in Mandarin. Then like <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2109291009" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">2 minutes later</span></span>
her bus came (dangit). And then the Elders told us she had moved to
Venezuela for a while and that's where she learned her Spanish, and had
just recently moved here. In the end, she wasn't really interested, but
we couldn't stop laughing about how we contacted a Spanish speaking
Chinese women. (Side note to the story, we tried to talk with the little
kid she was with and he was SO GRUMPY, it was hilarious, I was trying
to find something in my bag for him to play with, but man, he just
looked like he wanted to punch me, he must have been having a bad day)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
HAPPY THINGS!</div>
<div>
Okay,
remember Bryan, our super amazing miracle? Well, he started listening
to the Book of Mormon this past week, and read through all of the first
book of Nephi while at the night shift at his job at a local gas
station. He really liked it. Then later in the week, after coming to our
Tuesday night activity, he invited us and two other members over for a
BBQ at his house, and it was super fun, but it was so so cold outside
(AND IT IS MAY, WHY?!), Judy, one of the members had to borrow a scarf
from our car. But, in spite of cold, it was great. We had an awesome
discussion about church and church meetings while we were listening to
the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on his phone. He really is doing well. He
came to church yesterday, we had a special broadcast for the North
America Northeast area, and an apostle spoke, and he really enjoyed it.
Recipe for success!</div>
<div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Photographic evidence of our super awesome BBQ with super awesome friends. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another thing, we have been
teaching a mother and her daughter for a little while now, and the
mother is about to give birth. No like seriously, her C-section is
scheduled for this Thursday. But they are so wonderful! She had some
questions about the prophet Elijah in the bible, mostly because the mom
(her name is Godlyn) really liked the name and was thinking about that
name for her baby boy. So last night we went over and watched a few
bible videos about Elijah and had a great time talking about his faith.
And her daughter, Murnah, fell in love with the Gospel Library app we
put on her moms phone. She was so excited about watching different
videos about the Book of Mormon and the Bible. She even said "I want to
name the baby Nephi!!! That's such a cute name!!" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
also met a super cute old Phillippino lady at a local service project
we go to. We usually sing with the elderly people at a facility or paint
some of the older ladies nails, but this last week, we saw a new face
roll into the room and so we went and sat next to her and tried to sing
old French sings with her (none of us were very good at French so we
just laughed). Then we saw her again the next day, and she is so cute.
She doesn't really have family here, so she was really happy to have
visitors. And we talked to her about prayer and the love God has for
her, and she just looked at us and smiled so big. We love her. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
MAN,
how I love this area, its full of some crazy people, but oh, how we
love them. I love these members, the friends we have met, and all the
people I know that Heavenly Father will introduce us too. I'm excited to
show this new Sister how to have fun, how to laugh, how to teach, and
how to find joy in missionary life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm also
so excited because its T-minus 6 days until I see the beautiful faces of
my family! What a blessing that will be. I can't wait. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Everything is wonderful, hope everything is wonderful for you all as well. </div>
<div>
I pray for your well being,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYX1zCr60cQA8OFKKXNzHlE9bjJVStDdn24ooBdj8dbTavj-XNu1fYP0eMNce1lEYtUlUufDsqU3GXiolQ4y8qMNuvzuppr9sTu4dyqnH2lnxJsSbOLFafssVTPy0vkwR8w8GMpIhwlck/s1600/IMG_0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYX1zCr60cQA8OFKKXNzHlE9bjJVStDdn24ooBdj8dbTavj-XNu1fYP0eMNce1lEYtUlUufDsqU3GXiolQ4y8qMNuvzuppr9sTu4dyqnH2lnxJsSbOLFafssVTPy0vkwR8w8GMpIhwlck/s640/IMG_0464.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of our members has a BENGAL CAT. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever heard of them?!!
THEY'RE SO CUTE, and so fun! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(and actually super expensive, yikes) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But
we tried to eat dinner with them, but me and Sister Bascom </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
were just
memorized by this cat, she was so cute!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-46767379713083262762017-05-15T12:14:00.001-07:002017-05-15T12:14:49.239-07:00Miracles!!1st May 2017 <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Canada is SO beautiful!!</div>
<br />
HEY EVERYONE!<br />
<div>
This week was AMAZING! SO many miracles and I want to share all that I can with you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First off funny moment,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've
been meaning to write this for awhile now, but I always forget, but
Sister Bascom is fluent in Sign Language because she has a deaf sister,
and she has been teaching me some stuff and she's taught me how to pray.
And it actually is perfect, and I'm now realizing that I should have
learned ASL a long time ago, because I actually really don't like
talking sometimes, those times, specifically, in the mornings. Those
closest to me know that I'm not a morning person, and that
characteristic didn't just disappear as missionary, but to accommodate
that, I've started praying in Sign Language in the mornings, and I
really love it! So we've started vetoing talking in the morning (which I
love) and just signing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy, fun, tender, super wonderful things:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Okay,
this last week, while unsuccessfully trying to visit a member of the
congregation here, we decided to walk around and find some people to
talk to before we had to go home. And Heavenly Father guided us to this
specific street and were walking for awhile, and after trying to contact
some other people, we saw this man exiting an apartment building. And
we ran over and asked him what road we were on, because we really didn't
know, and it turns out he didn't either because he actually lived in
another city, but was randomly visiting a friend. We started talking and
walking with him, and talking to him about who we were as missionaries,
and what we do. We started testifying about Jesus Christ, and about how
He can help our families. And then he said something that really
surprised us, "Ya know, its like really funny and pretty weird, but I
actually had a dream once where two girls were talking to me in the
street about Jesus... and now here you are.." Our mouths just dropped
and we were so excited to tell him how mindful God is of him, and how
there are no coincidences. It's every missionaries dream to be an answer
to a prayer, or to hear that someone has had a dream about something,
and it was such a testament to us because we knew that Heavenly Father
was aware of him, and that He had prepared him to meet us. It was the
coolest thing, and then we saw him the next day after his shift at a
local coffee shop, and then he was able to come to church yesterday!
I've never met anyone with so many questions in my life, but he is
curious and so ready for answers. He said he has always believed in God
but never had been to a church before, so it was his first experience
ever yesterday. And he really enjoyed it. We had a super wonderful
meeting and we were so happy he was there. We will be seeing him a few
more times this week to answer his questions and continue sharing with
him the message of the Restored Gospel. He is so great! (I usually don't
mention people's actual names in my email, because of privacy and what
not, so if you want to know, we will just call him Bryan!)</li>
<li>Saturday
Sister Dinge and I were able to go to the baptism of our friend
Shatick! It was so cool to see him and see how much he has changed. I
met him once in the subway 4 months ago, and then saw him on Saturday
and I didn't even recognize him! He had changed so much and his
countenance was so much brighter and he looked so happy. It was such a
sweet experience.</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Me and Sister Dinge at Shatick's baptism </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(don't know why he didn't
smile, it was the only second he wasn't... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe he's just not a picture
person)</div>
<ul>
<li>We had another one of our friends come to the
family night last Tuesday, his name is Carl, and he had met missionaries
before, but lost contact, but he really enjoyed the activity and we had
a delicious dessert made by a recent convert, and he loooooved it. We
talked about forgiveness, and it was exactly what he needed to hear at
the time because of things going on in his family. Such a blessing!</li>
<li>We
saw Sydney again this last week. He really is doing great. He's been
reading the Book of Mormon on his phone and praying everyday, seeing his
change has been so fun. We taught him again about the Restoration on
Saturday and he understood everything. At the end he told us, "I went to
a Catholic school for 3 years, and I learned nothing about God, and you
guys have been seeing me for like 3 months and now I know so much." It
was pretty fun and tender that he was able to see how much he has grown
as well. We love him!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Oh, all of this
long email can't even begin to scratch the surface of how great this
week was. Just know that things are going amazing here, we are happy and
healthy, and the Lord is always by our side. We are so blessed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's some scriptures I was studying in the Book of Mormon today, (I really recommend the whole chapter!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>For
behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same
Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and
raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we
have of every kind?<br /><br />And behold, even at this time, ye have been
calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has
he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his
Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with
joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not
find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.<br /><br />And now, if
God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and
for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that
is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye
ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.</i><div>
Mosiah 4: 19-21 (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4.19-21&source=gmail&ust=1494961057550000&usg=AFQjCNHwKy23h2d0P8PBKASUs1Cv21omeg" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4.19-21" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/<wbr></wbr>scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4.19-21</a><wbr></wbr>)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lets
share with love everything we can with our brothers and sisters, even
if they might not deserve it, because God gives us so much love and
help, even, and especially, when we don't deserve it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a mini-missionary in our midst this weekend! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was from another
French ward in the South Shore.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was fantastic and it was so fun to
be with her and show her what it was like as a missionary.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She really
enjoyed it. :) </div>
<br />
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love you all,</div>
Sister ThomasSister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-43785785295283292332017-05-15T12:06:00.000-07:002017-05-15T12:06:21.552-07:00The Grave Hath No Victory!18th April 2017<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Easter!!!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Easter it wouldn't stop raining, so a member gave us a giant umbrella to borrow.</div>
<br />
Hi everyone!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bonne fĂȘte de PĂąques!!! Hope everyone
had a super wonderful Easter. It's such a special Holiday, and its even
more special as a missionary, were we have the unique opportunity to be
able to talk about and preach of Christ at every moment. It truly is
joyous time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last week I said I would make this
email more Easter-ish. So, here it goes. My companion and I were asked
to give talks this past Sunday at church, of course about Christ. And in
preparation for that I reflected a lot over things that have happened
in my own life and how because of those things my relationship with
Christ has grown. Through various experiences in my life Jesus Christ
has become more than just a person who existed a long time ago, who
taught good principles, and helped people. Jesus Christ has become my
best friend and as I've seen Him as the Divine Son of God that He is, I
have ponder about what He has done for me, and about what it means for
the rest of humanity. I've come to understand that Jesus Christ has
given me second chances and third chances, and unending amounts of
patience to help me change and become better. He has given me strength
and given me a source of peace to turn to. He has given me things to
hope for, namely, the possibility to live with Him again. He has
conquered physical death and given us the chance to live after this
life. He has given me the way to be united with my family forever.
Truly, "the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed
up in Christ. He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light
that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which
is endless, that there can be no more death." Mosiah 16: 8-9</div>
<div>
(<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/16.8-9?lang%3Deng&source=gmail&ust=1494961057657000&usg=AFQjCNEKvg8RPjPga2ARoQ6Y_xp3xipusQ" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/16.8-9?lang=eng" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/<wbr></wbr>scriptures/bofm/mosiah/16.8-9?<wbr></wbr>lang=eng</a>) </div>
<div>
<span class="m_4291986846162549757gmail-chunk m_4291986846162549757gmail-hl-id-19866060" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
I
know that Christ lives today, that He loves us and that He has prepared
incredible things for those who but accept Him and chose to love Him. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And that's all I want to say today. As for everything else, everything else is great. We are happy and healthy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9sRujAXd7hbKpmrG-9rOQY_01eGDTttrnwAr-FqYcPmTlz0aY_U3MYiH8bSYGSmgotNCkpsjrsXeMRFWpVOSdVyUfl2a5TntaRFbdikNqw6HTzfMazTAOpOS6hQoC1FV-oZLlgledIA/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9sRujAXd7hbKpmrG-9rOQY_01eGDTttrnwAr-FqYcPmTlz0aY_U3MYiH8bSYGSmgotNCkpsjrsXeMRFWpVOSdVyUfl2a5TntaRFbdikNqw6HTzfMazTAOpOS6hQoC1FV-oZLlgledIA/s640/IMG_0303.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We call ourselves the Cigarette Annihilators !!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(this is what you do
when you have an investigator that smokes, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you take their pack and then
rip it up,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but before you have to take a fierce picture to prove it)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
One of our friends lives right next to this house that has the most
obnoxious dog ever. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every time we go, me and him have a braking battle. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This time I think he won because I just couldn't stop laughing</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love you all,</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
P.S.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Poutine straight from heaven (don't worry mom, we'll eat here)</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-76833937380867131532017-05-15T11:54:00.000-07:002017-05-15T11:54:34.137-07:00Thankful for Gutters!10th April 2017 <br />
<br />
Hi everyone!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay, so I was going to start this email
off complaining about the constant rain we've been having this week,
then I was going to express the empathy I've developed for the
missionaries in rainy places like Washington. But, instead, I will start
this email off by saying how shocked I am at the fact that today I've
sweat. Its like 24 degrees right now. Which is like 75ish degrees
Fahrenheit and we cannot believe it. The sun is out and everyone is
happy. What a great start to the week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Funny Moment:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Okay,
last week I attached a picture of me and a recent convert, Sandra, who I
love so much. This last week as we visited her I left a note in her
shoe, and I assumed that we would be getting a call from her the
following day saying she found it. But then the next day came and there
was no call. And then a few days came, and the next time we saw her we
asked if she had found anything, to which she replied noooo. And then a
few days after that, <i>after </i>she had worn those shoes to church and
everything, she calls us back and she is just screaming. She was so
surprised to find it in her shoe almost a week later. We all laughed and
laughed. And I figured it was worthy sharing with everyone. So, make a
note, shoes are a good place to hide things.</li>
<li>Another thing, this
week I finally came to understand why we have gutters. They've always
been something that has troubled me. I've heard people complain about
gutters my whole life and just never got the point of them. But this
week it made sense. I think they were invented to protect missionaries
in rain storms. Because, I realized without a gutter I would get soaked
by rain running off the roofs while trying to talk to someone on their
porch. So. This week I was grateful to my Father in Heaven for the
simplicity and practical design of gutters. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Happy Moments:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>This
week we started teaching a girl named Milie, who actually lives right
under another member of the ward. After hearing about her from the
members, we wanted to meet her but had never found the right time, then
this week, the stars aligned, and we got to sit down with her for a few
minutes. And it was wonderful! We shared the Prince of Peace video with
her, to which her only words were "that was SO CUUUTE!!!", then we
shared the accompanied faith video, and we all almost in tears. Then she
started asking questions about everything we do and what we believe,
and we were able to teach her simply about the message of the
Restoration. She was so excited about it! She took the Book of Mormon,
and as we said we would like to leave that copy with her, she held it
tightly to her chest and was so excited to read and learn more about it.
She was SOOO CUTE. We'll see her again this next week. :)</li>
<li>About
Syndey, he is doing great. He has expressed the difficulty he has had
with making big decisions, like being baptized. He said that his mother
said that she wanted him to stay Catholic, and now, after his 18th
birthday, he is in the process of making his own decisions. And this
week we've really tried to help him identify God, and how God answers
his prayers. We've helped him identify the pattern, and the answer that
comes, so now we have to help him move forward with faith and continue
to ask questions. We also helped him understand how we can share the
gospel with his brothers and with his mom. We are trying to give him a
bigger picture that this can be a family choice, and how it can really
help them grow stronger. He's been inviting his family, and now it's
just up to them to listen, but we know with his example, and all that he
is doing, miracles really will happen.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
And
for a super happy moment, I talked on the phone with Sister Dinge this
morning about the people in my last area, and was so happy to hear that
many people are progressing and coming to church, and are having
wonderful experiences. AND! Shatick and a beautiful Haiti woman named
Sherly are getting baptized this weekend! Both people that Sister Dinge
and I contacted while we were together, but either who lived in a
different area, or who spoke a different language. But its so wonderful
how the missionaries here work together. One companionship may find, and
one companionship may teach, but we are all there united at the
baptism, and we are all there rejoicing that another one of our brothers
and sisters has made steps to come back home. What a beautiful Easter
gift. Best I've ever gotten!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay, hope I've
been able to pass off some of our happiness here. Things really are
wonderful. Wonderful, but not easy. Happy, but only because of our hard
work. And we work for our Savior, Jesus Christ, because we love him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have
a wonderful week and HAPPY EASTER!!! (I'll write a more Easter Themed
email next week. This really is my favorite time of the year, enjoy
every second!)</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
"And we talk
of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of
Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may
know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 2
Nephi 25: 26 (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/25.26&source=gmail&ust=1494960141459000&usg=AFQjCNF0KwHLT7JVgxr6n0tzL6LftRl6iA" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/25.26" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/<wbr></wbr>scriptures/bofm/2-ne/25.26</a>)<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Bascom forgot her camera today <img alt="đż" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f63f" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f63f" style="margin: 0 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /> (we like hers a lot more than mine)</div>
<div>
we even had some funny pictures. But, oh well. Until next week!</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-75562507048168884702017-05-15T11:52:00.000-07:002017-05-15T11:52:07.980-07:00Prince of Peace3rd April 2017<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Here was a literal blanket of snow we found a truck. ugh, Canadian weather.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
HOW!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11eGyU85Sn41x7dtsGGETV3sKAJtSk-iuKlS8wp8V6qpW8XtCQ1v3hS2cYySEgLVOTnuXPpTJCkexLctSKxztIlUZfHuFWx2az0v0UcqmXPTUuMyeqZ3RLEB6NTnTkub8a2keCIH772I/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11eGyU85Sn41x7dtsGGETV3sKAJtSk-iuKlS8wp8V6qpW8XtCQ1v3hS2cYySEgLVOTnuXPpTJCkexLctSKxztIlUZfHuFWx2az0v0UcqmXPTUuMyeqZ3RLEB6NTnTkub8a2keCIH772I/s640/IMG_0250.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
selfie with the blanket</div>
<br />
<div>
Hi everyone! </div>
<div>
So happy to be here on this BEAUTIFUL
(finally!!) afternoon here in good ol' Quebec. The weather has been
fantastic since yesterday and its finally making us think that spring
might be coming. </div>
<div>
This week was so good! We had General
Conference this last Saturday and Sunday, which was revelatory and
amazing and fantastic beyond words (I'll attach my favourite, ugh
Canadian autocorrect, favorite, talks at the bottom of the email). And
we have been able to start sharing the amazing Easter initiative with
people! It has lead to several very genuine conversations about
religions, philosophies and different lifestyles with many different
people. But one things for sure, the principles of peace are universal
and all encompassing. Again, I really invite all of you to go to <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mormon.org&source=gmail&ust=1494960141485000&usg=AFQjCNFTvEHUtRCp8GmyZgg1G67jdxkQ6A" href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">mormon.org</a>
and watch the video (its 2 minutes and 32 seconds long, you can do it)
and then scroll down and look at the various principles. There are
principles like, faith, compassion, prayer, and forgiveness to name a
few. Each one comes with different ideas to how to find peace through
the principle and comes with a beautiful video (the compassion one is my
favorite right now). It offers us simple ideas of things we can do to
really prepare ourselves for Easter. I started working on faith this
morning by reading some scriptures (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.21-43%2320&source=gmail&ust=1494960141485000&usg=AFQjCNF-_XXMXBLFIZ8j80M4SAMts9JibQ" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.21-43#20" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/<wbr></wbr>scriptures/bofm/alma/32.21-43#<wbr></wbr>20</a> scroll down until the highlighted verses) and it was a very very special experience. Scriptures speak to us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, here's an attempt at a more organized email. </div>
<br /><div>
Funny Moment:</div>
<div>
Okay,
here, and it must be just be in the South Shore, there are, what must
be, dozens of these lime green little Hyundai hatchbacks that we see
everywhere. We've turned it into our own little "punch buggie" game and
pretty sure I'll be getting a bruise sometime soon. THERE ARE SO MANY!
We don't get it. </div>
<div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Went and had a family home evening at a members house with our amazing
recent convert Sandra. We got teamed together for the activity, which
was putting together a puzzle, and man we were pretty disadvantaged
considering we had theeee most complicated puzzle and we tried to do it
on the couch. Mais, malgré tout ça, we did it! We put it together. I
love her so much. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy Moments:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Sydney
came to the chapel and watched General Conference with us! He came for
the last half Sunday Afternoon session and he really liked it, we were
so happy that he had the chance to see and feel what General Conference
was like. And we've made plans to visit him this next week and watch
with him a few other talks that he missed. He is doing well. We love him
and his family, which actually doubled this week, because two of his
brothers came back from their vacation in the Philippines, and we've
started teaching one of them! Teaching a family about the gospel really
is the best thing ever. So much good comes because of it. And Sydney is a
great example for his younger brother. We love them so much.</li>
<li>Alrighty,
so about a month ago we started teaching this super cute family from
India, Kulwind and Singh, who have two small children who are just the
cutest. It's been interesting to teach them, as they don't have much of
Christian background, but it's been wonderful as we have taught using
pictures about the life of Jesus Christ and have brought them Hindi
material. The husband, who is gone frequently because of his job as a
truck driver, is very kind and has a huge desire to come to church. We
have Stake Conference (a conference with the other congregations in the
area) this Sunday and, luckily, he doesn't work and he said him and his
family would be going. We are going to help them get there, but man we
have so much love for them and teaching them simply about the gospel is a
wonderful thing.</li>
<li>We used those Plan of Salvation cut outs again
(THANK YOU REBECCA) to teach one of our investigators, Dary about what
happens to us after we die. A young family friend of hers recently
passed away unexpectedly and it really rattled her. We were able to give
her the hope and happiness that comes with God's plan as we explained
exactly where her cute young friend was. It was a very personal and
powerful experience for her to realize where she, personally, wants to
be after this life. She wants to be with God and her family and friends
again. And she's beginning to understand what she must do to get there.
And we are right there with her. We also set her up to watch conference
at her home yesterday, and we are sure it was a great experience. We
invited her to write down some questions she had in preparation for
conference, and because we know she was ready to receive answers, we
know that God will them to her </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Sorry it's so long, but I hope everyone has a wonderful week, and to bring it back, I really invite you to visit <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mormon.org&source=gmail&ust=1494960141485000&usg=AFQjCNFTvEHUtRCp8GmyZgg1G67jdxkQ6A" href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">mormon.org</a> for those principles, they can change everything. They've changed me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love you all!</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNf_X5PzNoU5w59WZIQqeghjA814Zthk4_CnKBcZmQHRi6CWJ687a6rRTXz-7yRYdgJlLzZfR3Uef6-CNF7mnleMX1dNaiUh8KVFiWYd4HWsZ16yVuW0f7RhRSA6CmLI6hFNEdj9ZeDdI/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNf_X5PzNoU5w59WZIQqeghjA814Zthk4_CnKBcZmQHRi6CWJ687a6rRTXz-7yRYdgJlLzZfR3Uef6-CNF7mnleMX1dNaiUh8KVFiWYd4HWsZ16yVuW0f7RhRSA6CmLI6hFNEdj9ZeDdI/s400/IMG_0263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sister Bascom retried the bread recipe today and it worked beautifully! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ITS LIKE PURE GOLD (and don't worry its whole wheat flour)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Favorite talks: </div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/trust-in-the-lord-and-lean-not?lang%3Deng&source=gmail&ust=1494960141485000&usg=AFQjCNFDgu67dddznXBNz4wXilHAdvQ18Q" href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/trust-in-the-lord-and-lean-not?lang=eng" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/general-<wbr></wbr>conference/2017/04/trust-in-<wbr></wbr>the-lord-and-lean-not?lang=eng</a></div>
<div>
I love the idea, to not LEAN away from Christ.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/media/session_2_talk_12/5381833825001?lang%3Deng&source=gmail&ust=1494960141485000&usg=AFQjCNGGXcNy4XyAYeUXJin53J7SN1YPgA" href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/media/session_2_talk_12/5381833825001?lang=eng" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/general-<wbr></wbr>conference/2017/04/media/<wbr></wbr>session_2_talk_12/<wbr></wbr>5381833825001?lang=eng</a> </div>
<div>
Goals and Planning. What every missionary, and person needs to know. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/media/session_4_talk_4/5382435401001?lang%3Deng&source=gmail&ust=1494960141485000&usg=AFQjCNEBx7aUen5Gw9zyt2x7dkq95o7Huw" href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/media/session_4_talk_4/5382435401001?lang=eng" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/general-<wbr></wbr>conference/2017/04/media/<wbr></wbr>session_4_talk_4/<wbr></wbr>5382435401001?lang=eng</a></div>
Words
from a dear Prophet of God, who only tells us exactly what we need to
know and do. Listen to his counsel, I know that I willSister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-3826860784862046252017-04-13T19:22:00.002-07:002017-04-13T19:22:37.309-07:00Consistency Is The Key27th March 2017<br />
<br />
Hi everyone!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
After trying to contact someone, we found this door that had "Thomas was here" etched into it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
IT WAS CORRECT. THOMAS WAS THERE</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Running short on time, so I think I'll just try to summarize this week up into a few bullet points.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>We
have been teaching this family from The Philippines, a mother and her
son (we've been working a lot with her son, who has a very little
background with God) who we love very much, and there was a baptism in
the French congregation this last Saturday, and Leia and Syndey were
able to come! It was so fun to see them there, and even though it was in
a different language, they still understood the Spirit that was felt.
The young man who was getting baptized was actually one of Sydney's
friends from high school, so that was super cool for him to see a friend
choose to come back to Christ. Afterwards we talked with Sydney about
it, and in his own words, he said it was "AWESOME!" We were so happy. We
are seeing them tonight.</li>
<li>We started getting one family to read
the Book of Mormon before the end of the summer after I explained very
simply to the husband that if you only read 3 pages of that sacred
record of scripture a day, you are finished <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1868167457" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">within 6 months</span></span>.
JUST 3 PAGES. And he was very surprised, like "really its that
simple?!" and of course we were like, "yes, but the secret is
consistency." I really have learned that to be the secret ingredient to
true conversion in the gospel. We need to be consistent in our prayers,
consistent in our scripture reading, and consistent with our deep
reflection about the Savior. It's not easy, but I can say from
experience, it has made the world of a difference for me. Consistency is
truly the key. SO, everyone just THREE pages a day. Its possible,
completely do-able. Lets do it. This year.</li>
<li>Yesterday we found
this super cool woma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
n from Afghanistan, who has the cutest two kids, and
who was extremely open, and who had some amazing questions. We were so
happy to meet her, and to get to talk with her. She had honest, sincere
questions about God's true nature and we were able to simple answer
them, and frankly confirm previous thoughts she has had. It was super
cool experience and we are meeting with her this week. People really are
prepared by the Lord to receive light and truth.</li>
<li>ALSO, women's
conference was SUPER AWESOME, there is not enough time today, but really
we had revelatory experiences, it was incredible. And I can't wait for
General Conference next week, don't forget to watch it! <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.lds.org&source=gmail&ust=1492216443281000&usg=AFQjCNFLkaqV1CZ0d5SHFXHLUkmE21mvcA" href="http://www.lds.org/" target="_blank">www.lds.org</a> HERES THE LINK!</li>
</ul>
<div>
And
thats about it, I know no one really reads my super long emails anyway,
but I hope this little snip-it of our week will suffice until we meet
next Monday. I love you all. I am very happy to be here. I'm just really
happy. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A member had some GIANT SCRIPTURES </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THEY WERE SO HEAVY! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BUT SO FUN TO LOOK AT! </div>
<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
After knocking on this cute house and talking to a cute granddaughter, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a
cute grandmother gave a cute teddybear. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THAT SHE KNITTED HERSELF. it
was so cute.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a beautiful week,</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-28952471836300443812017-04-13T19:11:00.000-07:002017-04-13T19:11:19.479-07:00The Savior and A Shovel20th March 2017 <br />
<br />
Hellooooo friends and family,<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5QkRB6F9lIZH5CNaurlRi-pf89CNq8dRdUgDLJNCpw-ej0iSkyHhDzvkQ7dyQIC02vdcHvqjCPhFRPS1-NgRtFWzoXDwDsT_agRVjq4SjFoH7cz6GM0BvcSWH7VidjG40JAencnUw2U/s1600/IMG_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5QkRB6F9lIZH5CNaurlRi-pf89CNq8dRdUgDLJNCpw-ej0iSkyHhDzvkQ7dyQIC02vdcHvqjCPhFRPS1-NgRtFWzoXDwDsT_agRVjq4SjFoH7cz6GM0BvcSWH7VidjG40JAencnUw2U/s640/IMG_0194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THE SNOW ON OUR STREET</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
here we meet again,
after another week that has gone by like the blink of an eye. This week
was pretty unique, seeing that we had the worst snow storm since 1972.
Yeah you read that right. In ONE snowfall we had over 2 feet, with some
seriously crazy wind to accompany it, and the best part was that this
storm was after all the other snow had melted and we could see all the
grass and the hint of spring that was starting to come. But Canada,
bless its heart, has a way of crushing your spring-weather-dreams, by
sending a tempest in the form of fluffy snowflakes. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuduASACBJsbYrUiYF0oLYtkj7c-7hK64vymr1Gnf5JQY1xRSIWnFEdaCwUv-VsXDKMZwkkrsO2uDHx70JVoNKDcOQFRVd1ohZ_QBIiQ4bAzl28vIS-3fA_2_NFKDR2lEP0gfsafQgQs/s1600/IMG_0193%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuduASACBJsbYrUiYF0oLYtkj7c-7hK64vymr1Gnf5JQY1xRSIWnFEdaCwUv-VsXDKMZwkkrsO2uDHx70JVoNKDcOQFRVd1ohZ_QBIiQ4bAzl28vIS-3fA_2_NFKDR2lEP0gfsafQgQs/s640/IMG_0193%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THE SNOW IS BLINDING</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
BUT, we made it out
alive, and now, today, the sun is shining and the sky is blue. Go
figure. Anyways, continuing on, this week we got to do a lot of what we
call, "Service with a Shovel" (!!!) to try and help some people out of
sticky situations the snow caused and it was actually a lot of fun and
we met some fun people. We just carried a shovel around all day walking
around looking for people who might need help, and sure enough, there
were people who couldn't even see their car under the snow. Then we
started talking, laughing about the craziness of the weather, then the
conversations turned to a gospel topic and the rest was history. And
either we will be meeting some of those people this next week,or the
French missionaries will be meeting with them (because ya know, we find A
LOT of French speakers, because we are in a French town, but every now
and then we find a solid Anglophone and our hearts let out a little
cheer of happiness). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzu6i-yt13yafMJRRjF0termAgqNlUEFul24NJWiJ6e9qKWDcQuzrVuXo51gjdGixLm0w7EUe1ITPGpQfTOwLjGQHYMMq9QM9pqbyPXKTVsoLgRH_FDZk4ycB1ndtqmw05bAqnZlhzjc/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzu6i-yt13yafMJRRjF0termAgqNlUEFul24NJWiJ6e9qKWDcQuzrVuXo51gjdGixLm0w7EUe1ITPGpQfTOwLjGQHYMMq9QM9pqbyPXKTVsoLgRH_FDZk4ycB1ndtqmw05bAqnZlhzjc/s640/IMG_0196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shoveling to our car! it took 20 minutes!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week I've also been
able to focus my studies more on our Savior Jesus Christ and everything
that He did for us, to save us, to give us a second chance, and then to
ultimately give us the chance to receive exaltation. Throughout my whole
mission, I really have been finding myself turning more toward Him,
thinking about Him, and what He would want me to do, and over the
process of time, I have come to know Him better, my faith in Him has
increased as I have served and trusted in Him. I really do love my
Savior. I know that He is my Redeemer, our Redeemer. That He is my
Advocate with our Father, that He will plead my cause before Him,
because He is the only one that really understand, because as Isaiah
said, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>3 He is despised and rejected of men; a
man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our
faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.<br /><br />4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.<br /><br />5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he wasbruised for our
iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his
stripes we are healed.<br /><br />6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we
have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the
iniquity of us all. </i>(Isaiah 53: 3-6 <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/53?lang%3Deng&source=gmail&ust=1492216060293000&usg=AFQjCNFQKvdghYAE5DAKdUVEAMzwSzt6kw" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/53?lang=eng" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/<wbr></wbr>scriptures/ot/isa/53?lang=eng</a>)<div dir="ltr">
<wbr></wbr> <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He
has borne our sorrows and griefs, He has felt everything we have felt,
He really is the one we can turn to, so that we can find peace and rest
for our souls. (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/11.28-30?lang%3Deng&source=gmail&ust=1492216060294000&usg=AFQjCNGtjzf9vK_KVIkoT4L68mXQH6POPg" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/11.28-30?lang=eng" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/<wbr></wbr>scriptures/nt/matt/11.28-30?<wbr></wbr>lang=eng</a>) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love our Savior. I know He loves us too. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Trying to contact an investigator like...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a great week,</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-27220927876376214812017-04-13T18:59:00.001-07:002017-04-13T18:59:46.400-07:00Questions and Answers13th March 2017 <br />
<br />
Hi everyone!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay I have 10 minutes before we have to get off to tell you about my week, it's possible right? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
just got done having a super fun Asian feast at this authentic buffet
in town with a family in the congregation. The couple lives an hour
away, but they commute every week to come to church, and one thing we
recently discovered is that the husband isn't even a member! That
fascinated us, and we pondered and prayed beforehand about what we would
share with them as we were eating. We decided one thing, but things
changed as we got there and found that the wife's sister (who was a
member) and her husband (who also wasn't a member) were going to be
joining us as well. We had a lovely conversation, full of both of the
husbands asking us questions, them both having met dozens and dozens of
missionaries in the past, about why we decided to serve missions, about
each of our family situations, and what we have learned since becoming
missionaries. The conversation shifted as we began to talk more about
the scriptures and how they felt about them. The husbands were both
indifferent about the scriptures and talked about how they were hard to
read, or about how they had lots of wars in them. But we tried to help
the connect the dots as we taught about an overarching theme that is
found in the Book of Mormon that being the promise, "<i>that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land.</i>"</div>
<div>
Its
a phrase used by nearly every prophet in the Book of Mormon and it has
been an attention of my studies ever since I've become a missionary. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just
a simple phrase and promise. If we keep His commandments then we will
be blessed. We talked and mulled over the principle together and
discussed how God is bound to the promises He makes to us, and that He
cannot and will not withhold blessings from us if we are faithful to
Him. We testified to them of the blessings and the miracles we had seen
in our own young lives as we have kept the commandments and left them
with the assurance that it was not a principle only applicable and
successful for our generation or in our young lives, but that it was a
principle that universal for all of God's children. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And
then as we were leaving the restaurant, the wife's sister's non-member
husband (jeez that was confusing sorry, it would have been easier to
just use names, but its too late to go back now), who is from the
ORIGINAL Jersey (the small island in between England and France) and who
was leaving Montreal with his wife tonight to travel back there, he and
I had a wonderful conversation and I invited him to read the Book of
Mormon again, and to try to do so with new eyes. Giving it a shot so to
speak. And he agreed. And he, being very acquainted with the church
because of his wife and their family, also agreed to watch General
Conference (which is coming up in a just a few weeks!!!!), and I invited
him to ask questions in preparation, and to watch it and to see if his
questions would be answered. I promised him that they would, because I
had seen it happen in my own life when I watched conference last
October. And I told him about how it was the coolest experience ever.
Because I knew that Heavenly Father had answered my prayers, and it was
at that moment that I was explaining it to him, that a little light-bulb
went off in my head. And I guess its the principle I'm trying to relay
in this now very long email. The principle that God answers our
questions. First off, that He hears our questions, and then, in His own
due time, He answers them. If proof is needed for that, then we can turn
to the Restoration of the Gospel in these days. The Gospel was restored
to the earth in its fullness and glory, all because a young boy, who
was humble and had enough faith to receive an answer, asked a question.
What happened in that now Sacred Grove is proof to me that God answers
us. And that He is always there for us. And I guess that is what I'm
trying to say in this now, even longer, email. Hope it made some sense, I
mean I only had 10 minutes to do it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I
love all of you. We did a lot more than just that this week, and this
wasn't what I was planning on sharing, but that's just how it worked
out. Everything else is going really well. We are very happy and
healthy. But also cold, but I've learned that's just a side-effect of
living in Canada. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some Pictures:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmhhgMoXi-ffjwUNK9gueq3kFPjAyaIwugm5f8r5RjttcIajx2bkj-PiAEAlm1tQTv8XHJmWnOiBeu9_a9mTfoGyEVPG8wgEk1iWBKBvHVpkclazIba-Lsu7plgyDEI2oq1QBmLs4gEw/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmhhgMoXi-ffjwUNK9gueq3kFPjAyaIwugm5f8r5RjttcIajx2bkj-PiAEAlm1tQTv8XHJmWnOiBeu9_a9mTfoGyEVPG8wgEk1iWBKBvHVpkclazIba-Lsu7plgyDEI2oq1QBmLs4gEw/s640/IMG_0187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we went and partied for a whole 3 seconds with a cute family from
Argentina in the ward. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We love them. They're teaching me Spanish, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but
mostly just because I make them speak to me in spanish all the time </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KaY_yDsgHD-tRdRzPc8sEXgDs9cLB_6ZLG2YK_oxii_RjCnmb1xlC_YKXjLXIfYqsUBUSCvrbQUVHn2L8BE1FIYk40X3eEWXqGXlJhvwYLpvMXb5dasBr5UBHESNuAq7bBX9SYa_uDE/s1600/SAM_4141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KaY_yDsgHD-tRdRzPc8sEXgDs9cLB_6ZLG2YK_oxii_RjCnmb1xlC_YKXjLXIfYqsUBUSCvrbQUVHn2L8BE1FIYk40X3eEWXqGXlJhvwYLpvMXb5dasBr5UBHESNuAq7bBX9SYa_uDE/s640/SAM_4141.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's canadian so I have to give her poutine. it's like fuel for these people! </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
my attempt to make homemade bread last pday. we thought it looked like a brain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a wonderful week.</div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-23507578110062511372017-04-13T18:47:00.000-07:002017-04-13T18:47:08.567-07:00Hope Is A Happy Thing 6th March 2017<br />
<br />
Hi everyone!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Me and Sister Barnes are brought together again! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were able to go on exchanges and she made me pancakes for my 13 month mark. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Her's is technically the day
after mine because she entered the MTC Feb 4th 2016, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but we love her
anyway). Sooo sweet!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope all is well and that your March has
kicked off splendidly! Montréal is Montréal. Cold and cute. And we've
had a great week. So much as happened as we've tried to find people and
strengthen our connections with the members who live in this beautiful
area. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've visited a few members this week
who have been struggling in a little in their faith and just needed a
little re-boost. Specifically Jill, who had been a little overwhelmed
with the difficulties of life both physically and spiritually. When we visited her we decided to talk about hope and to help her set
some goals for the coming weeks and months to help her and her
testimony. We shared the scripture in Romans 15: 4 which says, "For
whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and <i>comfort of the scriptures </i>might have
hope." We added emphasis of the importance of reading our scriptures
when we want to grow and cling to our hope. And we read what we should
hope for in the Book of Mormon when the Prophet Mormon said, "And what
is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have
hope through the atonement 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." (Moroni <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1868167456" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7:41</span></span> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7&source=gmail&ust=1492216013512000&usg=AFQjCNGq0bD9O_-6Tw6gSaXS8ZugS7UHjg" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/<wbr></wbr>scriptures/bofm/moro/7</a>)
So, we are to hope for the joys of eternal life, gifts given to us by
our Savior. But how are we to understand and be able to rejoice in those
things? That joy is given through diligent and consistent studying of
the word of God, known to us as the scriptures. Thus, hope comes as we
understand God's plan for us and as we are uplifted by His Spirit, who
teaches and helps us understand the His words. So with Jill, we set some
goals for her to read the scriptures, specifically the Book of Mormon,
and she was so excited! She expressed how she's been feeling that her
fire was gone, that she felt empty and sad; but this goal excited her,
it gave her something to do and by the time we were leaving she was
walking on air. She had a purpose, she had something to work toward, she
knew where she was going. Goals are for sure a powerful vehicle that
can bring us increased motivation and increased hope. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To
follow up from last week, we saw Selena again, she is amazing. We
really love her. We talked to her more about the Plan of Salvation, but
then we talked more about the Book of Mormon, something she was already a
little familiar with and heard about from friends in her past. But as
we actually explained what it was, she realized she had been completely
wrong. She had thought the book was just a book about Joseph Smith and
what happened to him, but once she understood that it was actually an
ancient record of a people who prophesied of and knew Christ, man, you
should have seen her eyes. They were alive. They were excited, they were
vibrant. She was ready to know more. We then then shared with her
Moroni 10:3-5 which reads, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3 Behold, I would
exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God
that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord
hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down
until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your
hearts.</div>
<div>
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would
exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of
Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere
heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the
truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.<br />5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She
loved it. She "dog-earred" that page real quick and she expressed how
much those verses meant. We shared another scripture with her, which,
of course, she dog-earred. We left her with the resolve to read and to
ponder. It was a very successful lesson and we are excited to see her
tomorrow. People are definitely prepared to hear about this message. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Things
are going great here. We love it and we know the Lord works with us. He
works with you as well, His hand is always there. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Me and Sister Barnes again! She is still the Sister
Training Leader in the English speaking area (she's been there since
before I left Kirkland, aka a long time) but exchanges were so fun! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Man if I could be half the missionary
she is, I'd be set. Love her so much.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a great week! </div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-51936204129694460102017-04-13T18:31:00.002-07:002017-04-13T18:31:35.750-07:00Good Things to Come27th February 2017<br />
<br />
Hi everyone!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
This week has been good. I'm sitting
here reflecting and I'm always amazed about how fast it goes and all
that happens in that one week. This week we have been contacting a lot
of families in the ward, less active, and active, we have been finding a
lot and knocking and street contacting and it has been fruitful. We are
literally building our teaching pool and we are looking for ways to do
it effectively, such as by really communicating with the members and
finding through the resources we have been given. It has been going
well. Everyone, I hope you know how much I love being a missionary. I
really love it. It has become my life, it has become a part of me, the
love of this work runs so deep and I feel my boldness and courage
growing. I know that Heavenly Father has been there for us this week,
we've contacted a lot of people and we still have so much work to do,
but I know that He provides us with miracles. <br /><br />There was a
miracle just last night, we were out contacting and we went to place we
had previously knocked to follow up with some people we had met. But, we
were running really low on gas (like really low, I was a little
concerned, and we didn't want to fill up because it was the Sabbath, but
we had faith that Heavenly Father would help us make it) so we couldn't
move from that place until we had decided to go home, so we decided to
stay a little longer, to just walk around and try to find some people.
But, on the streets there was no one, it was cold, dark, and windy and
there was not a soul. So we started knocking a few doors on our way back
to the car. And after knocking 3 or 4 we knocked into Selena and her
son Lucas. Selena and her family are from Trinidad, but she is more
Quebecois than anything, BUT she's an Anglophone (score!) and she is
amazing. She is very open minded and actually had a few friends who were
Mormon growing up. She has had a very interesting life, with a PhD in
Anthropology and now working as a Yoga instructor, she is so open. And
Lucas is only 3, and we talked about families, after a prompting from
the Spirit, and she said that was something that she loved and was very
important to her, and she voiced that she was very happy we talked about
it and its importance. Then we talked about choices with her, and our
ability to choose (after introducing our pre-earth life) and then she
said, "I love that word, choose. I actually have that tattooed on my
foot!" again, our conversation was completely guided by the Spirit
because those things aren't usually the first things to come out of our
mouth. Then we taught her a little bit more about that, about how that
was a God-given gift to us, that we have that freedom, and she loved it.
And then we had to lead to get home on time, so we left her with the
Plan of Salvation pamphlet and with a firm appointment to meet again on
Tuesday. We were so happy. Heavenly Father literally provided us with a
miracle because we chose to stay where we were and to continue working.
I'm happy that we have the ability to choose and act for ourselves, that
God loves us enough to let us do that. It's such a sacred concept. I'm
so grateful for it. <br /><br />And that is just one miracle for this week
there have been so many more. I'm so grateful for the Spirit and how it
guides us, I'm grateful for Heavenly Father and His plan for us, I know
He loves me and is working with me here. <br /><br />Another thing I think I learned this week is the truthfulness of the principle - <b>you never know how much good you do</b>,
something taught to us by President Hinckley (the former President of
the church, from 1995 - 2008) . That is true. Two weeks ago at a meeting
with some other missionaries, the Elders in another area were talking
about their investigators, they mentioned one named Shatick, and my eyes
got wide and my mouth dropped, I knew that name. Then I asked but how? I
had forgotten. But then it all came back. Months and months ago, Sister
Torres and I met Shatick on the metro and started teaching him, gave
him a pamphlet, exchanged information and then sent off the contact to
the missionaries who lived closer to him. I had completely forgotten
about him. But the Elders started meeting with him, and he's come to
church and now he has a baptismal date(!!!). The same story happened
with the other Sisters in the area, but this time I hadn't forgotten
about him at all, his name is Keith, who we had met just as he was
taking out his trash last one Sunday night, and the Sisters started
teaching him and now he has a baptismal date and now both are attending
church. How amazing is that? Can you imagine how touched I felt to know
that these people were being taught, that they were making and keeping
commitments, that these people who I just happened to talk to had
started progressing? There are not words. I almost started crying after I
found out about Shatick. I was so happy. I had tasted of the fruit. I
had done something good, and other missionaries were benefitting from it
too, and best of all souls were coming back to the Savior. Oh, that was
a sweet moment. And I'm so grateful for them. You really never know how
much good you do. <br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So don't forget those
principles, even though I'm explaining them in a missionary context,
they are still true principles. That God is a God of miracles, and our
good works never go unrewarded. Those are true and eternal principles
all coming from our Perfect God, who is the source of all truth and
knowledge. I love Him and I believe in Him. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
hope everyone has a wonderful week, and know that I will as well, even
though every moment might not be happy, that the weather every day might
not be the best, and there will be people who don't care about a thing
we say, but know that I will have a wonderful week because I'm in the
service of the Lord.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Didn't take any pictures this week, so here's a picture I just took of Sister Bascom. She's so cute. :)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
With great amounts of love,</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-24811833716406614292017-04-13T18:12:00.001-07:002017-04-13T18:12:24.261-07:00New Things20th February 2017 <br />
<br />
hi from the South Shore of Montreal,<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
President and Sister Phillips, our wonderful Mission President and his wife, Sister Bascom and I. Ohhhh so much love.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wow wow, what a
week, it was busy and crazy but oh so successful. It all started last
Wednesday as the Mission President announced the trainers for each of
the eleven new missionaries, he called my name and then said "you will
be receiving Sister Bascom!" and after a big hug and initial laughs and
giggles our grand adventure started. We were both new coming to this
area, and lucky enough Sister Zobrist (who was just leaving this area)
was at the mission office as well, so she was able to give us the low
down on all the things that had been happening in the Greenfield Park
Area for the past six months. She was such a big blessing. She wrote out
copious notes for us and gave us a detailed ward list and all the
necessary information we needed to get started. And then we left the
city and started the 45 minute trip to our new area. Last week it had
been snowing A TON here, like ridiculous amounts of snow, well over 2
feet at least, and I had to drive it in. Before leaving I joked with the
Mission President that he was trying to kill me because I've told him
how much I hate driving in the snow before, and he just laughed at me.
But, we are happy to report that this week we have been A-okay, because
the heat wave that's hit the past few days has mettled all the snow!
Today was the first time since December I've worn my lighter jacket and
man, we are just loving the sun. Montreal weather is so weird. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister
Bascom is super great. A little bit about her, she is from Alberta, she
comes from a big family and has two adopted siblings (of course we
bonded over that), she played rugby and soccer so she's super sporty and
fun, definitely a hard worker, and she loves the French language.
Basically she came pre-trained, and I just get to help her adjust. We
both entered this area with a lot of energy and looking for ways to
serve and help these members and investigators. They are great, we
already love them so much and we are optimistic for the next three
months.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Found Sister Hoffmann at the mission office right before she had her
closing interview with the Mission President, now she is home :( but we
got a generations picture before she left. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grandma, mom, and grand baby
(it's just weird mission lingo)</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This week we have been going finding
crazy. Talking with as many people as we can, running after people to
ask for directions (and then talking to them about the gospel of
course), knocking doors, visiting members, making little goodies for
them so they like us more, and asking them to help us find people to
teach. And we've seen so many miracles of Heavenly Father leading us to
people who are prepared, we've found a lot, and it's been so fun. Most
of the people have been French speakers, because are area is primarily
French, but this week we are on the search for Anglophones!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
have to get going soon, we have a teaching appointment in a little bit,
so I hope everyone has a great week, next week I'll come more prepared
to get int the specifics of things, but pray for us and for the hearts
of the people we work with this week. We know Heavenly Father has
miracles in store for us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Took a picture of her shovelling snow because she's a pro. She taught me how to do it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a proud mom :)</div>
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
With our new friend Wilfred. He's basically the Guinean version of Morgan Freeman. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He sounds just like him too, we love him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bonne semaine! </div>
<div>
Sister Thomas </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Saying goodbye to Sister Dinge :'( I miss my Frenchie.</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-59483537750800140372017-04-13T17:54:00.000-07:002017-04-13T17:54:16.390-07:00Do I Even Remeber How to Speak English<div>
February 13, 2017 </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Hi everyone! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">happy birthday to me!!! Sister Dinge went nuts with the décorations, it was so fun :)</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What a week, what a week! We
ended the extended exchange with Sister Poulton last Monday evening so
Sister Dinge and I were reunited and got to work together again and be
together for my birthday! Sister Dinge was so sweet and we set up little
decoration and ballons, and I blew out some candles and it was special.
It`s weird to have birthdays, or big holidays on the mission, we wake
up and the mornings feel the same, we remember and know why we are here
and what we are supposed to do and rarely give anything else another
thought, so when these big events come around it`s a little different.
But nonetheless, it was really wonderful and and it was a day I won`t
forget anytime soon.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Some of my favorite people ever took us out to eat for a birthday dinner, it was delicious!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> I love them. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Continuing on... there
will be some big changes this next week because... don don don don! I`m
getting transferred! I will be leaving the beloved Ville Marie area and
going to the South Shore of Montréal (which means I`m finally leaving
the island of Montréal for the first time my whole mission, weird) and I
will be in the Green Field Park ward. Which is, as you can guess by the
name, English speaking!! And I will be receiving a new missionary and
welcoming her into the mission field! </div>
<div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Flashback!!! Took Sister Hoffmann on her last exchange this week,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> we`ve
been so blessed to be so close my entire mission </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">and then we got to be
together one last time before she goes home this week. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">She is the best!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am
honestly so excited to be training again, and in English too! Oh man,
don`t get me wrong, I love French so much and have loved these past 3
transfers (or 6 week periods) serving in this beautiful language, but
there is something special about sharing the gospel in your native
tongue, and I`m excited for this new Sister to experience that. I just
hope that I`ll be able to remember how to speak and teach in English,
because even now I sometimes have troubles with mixing French words into
my English conversations or saying English prayers, but Heavenly Father
will help us. </div>
<div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Saying goodbye to members is the saddest thing ever,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Sister Thelemaque has my whole heart :`(</span></div>
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Saying goodbye to the members
yesterday was bittersweet, as goodbyes on the mission usually are,
because we really grow to love everyone in the ward in a very special
way; but I won`t be leaving the area until this Wednesday, so there is
still time to see a lot of people, exchange hugs, handshakes, and
testimonies, and really enjoy the company of the spirit. I will miss
this area very much, but I know that Heavenly Father still has great
things in store for me and my trainee in Green Field Park. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">FrĂšre Thelamaque, the Bishop, and our recent convert Simon, they are so fun!</span></div>
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Anyways,
this week I promise we had lots of miracles, and I know the Lord is
working with us, and helping us find people who are ready to receive
Him. He does guide us and direct us, and I am infinitely grateful for
that. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">this is like the worst picture ever, but it`s just so funny so I have to
send it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">had a little party with Daniella after we read some of the
Book of Mormon Stories book</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> (it`s so cute it has pictures and little
summaries of the stories of the Book of Mormon, she loved it)</span></div>
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Have a wonderful week!</div>
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Sister (yay, I can pull my English tags out again!) Thomas</div>
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Took the other missionaries car for the day and tried to find parking in
the city. with the crazy snow we`ve been having it was the biggest
JOKE. it was like parking in antarctica.</div>
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Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-23016844573552840312017-03-20T12:02:00.006-07:002017-03-20T12:02:58.674-07:00le plan est réale<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Febuary 6th 2017</div>
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Hi everyone!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;">I tried to make my sandwich become a 1 for my 1 year mark, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;">but we were too hungry so it didn`t work, but it`s the thought the counts, right?</span></div>
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I`ve been pondering on what to share from this last week and was having a hard time deciding what to share, but then I came across an article on <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://lds.org&source=gmail&ust=1490122266763000&usg=AFQjCNEo5hKYhxSQPKewGntk5GwJMZyhow" href="http://lds.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">lds.org</a> about the Plan of Salvation. It was written by a young girl who recounts the expérience she had after a very dear friend of hers pasted away, she explained how difficult it was, how shocked she had been, but ultimately the peace that she was able to come to. (here`s the article: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/liahona/2017/02/youth/when-the-plan-became-real?lang%3Deng%26_r%3D1%26cid%3DHP_TH_2-2-2017_dPFD_fLHNA_xLIDyI-2_&source=gmail&ust=1490122266763000&usg=AFQjCNHRmCP-zmhOsSFKvQFbqVolpumQ5A" href="https://www.lds.org/liahona/2017/02/youth/when-the-plan-became-real?lang=eng&_r=1&cid=HP_TH_2-2-2017_dPFD_fLHNA_xLIDyI-2_" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/liahona/<wbr></wbr>2017/02/youth/when-the-plan-<wbr></wbr>became-real?lang=eng&_r=1&cid=<wbr></wbr>HP_TH_2-2-2017_dPFD_fLHNA_<wbr></wbr>xLIDyI-2_</a>) The title of the article is «When the Plan Became Real» and I was very touched by truth that this young girl presented. This week we`ve had several opportunities to teach the Plan of Salvation (God`s plan that He created for us) to members who`ve heard these truths before, and also to people who had never heard of the word Resurrection. And it was a wonderful experience as the simple truths were able to touch their hearts as well as ours.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;">Look at the cute cutouts!! I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. they`re so perfect in lessons, really thank you Becca. (and this week I added the little French sticky notes, now even my teaching materials are bilingual now)</span></div>
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We taught with visual aids that were provided from this last Christmas. Rebecca (huge shoutout Becca, they`re literally perfect thank you a million thank yous) sent me little cutouts of the Plan of Salvation and it was powerful as we taught with them this week. We taught about our pre-earth life as we layed down the soft little circle, and continued to simply explain each principle. And continued to testify as we helped them understand the word «Atonement» and what it meant for us. We shared of God`s love for us as we explained there was place that He prepared for all of His children to stay after they parted with their mortal body. And we smiled as we taught that through Jesus Christ we would be able to have a perfect body one day, because He conquered both spiritual and physical death for us. And then we shared the beautiful truth about how our families can live together forever in God`s presence and know complete joy; that was when their smiles got bigger too.</div>
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God`s plan is really so beautiful and so clear, that even a child can understand it, and they did this week as we showed them and helped them come to know more about their purpose here on earth, and their amazing divine potential. I have a testimony of that. And it`s been a testimony that has grown a lot, in the year it`s been since I became a missionary, and each day I still learn something new, and I`m so grateful for that. Time flies so fast, but I`m so happy to know that there is a purpose to all of it. The Plan is real.</div>
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I hope everyone has a great, safe, and happy week.</div>
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Sister Thomas</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;"> We brought a pizza for julie in the hospital because she kept saying that`s all she wanted in life. Challenge accepted, and the dream was fulfilled. We love her. :)</span></div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-36793316972909718642017-03-20T11:58:00.002-07:002017-03-20T11:58:22.380-07:00Beautiful, Cold, Snowy MontrealJanuary 30th 2017<br />
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Hi everyone!</div>
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It`s been a beautiful, cold, snowy week in MontrĂ©al, but we are loving it here and our hearts are happy. There have been lots of changes and moving piĂšces in the mission this past week and it`s keeping us on our toes! We had another team of Sister`s move into our apartment for a few days, and that was good to spend more time with them, and talk with them about each of our respective areas. And then this last Friday we started an exchange (where one of the companions comes with me to my area, and the other goes with my companion to their area) with another team of Sisters and we are not sure how long this exchange will last, but it has been so fun! So since Friday I`ve been companions with Sister Poulton, who`s from Texas and has only been on her mission about 2 months. Ăt`s been funny to see how many things we have in common and to laugh together and to work together. It`s been a blessing for the both of us.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;"> cute Sister Poulton </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;">with one of our investigators cats after we went over and painted a few rooms in her house </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;">(yes, the second house I`ve painted on my mission, I think I`m getting pretty good)</span></div>
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Speaking of how she`s only been on her mission for a few months, it`s been really fun to help her with her French, but there`s been one thing I`ve noticed about teaching with her that I absolutely love, and it`s that it doesn`t matter what I even say in the lessons, because it really is her words that the people remember. Now, what I mean by that is because I`ve had more experience in French and feel a little more comfortable with teaching, I am able to present a point of doctrine and testify and teach about it, which is great and everything, but when she talks, with her more limited and maybe a little more broken French, the people always pay attention. Each word that she uses is deliberate, and they know that, so even if she isn`t grammatically correct, the people undestand and are always so touched by the testimony she shares and the spirit that she brings. We`ve seen it over and over again in teaching scenarios and it`s been fun to help her realize the power that she has. I`ve learned a lot from her about how to teach the gospel to people, and I`m very grateful for that.</div>
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I`ll highlight one of those expériences to give you a better idea, this week we met Julie, who is a friend of a recent convert in my last area, Kirkland. And Julie has been in and out of the hospital for awhile because of some lung and throat problems she has, which has been very difficult for her. The other night we received her information from the missionaries in Kirkland and stopped by to visit her on Saturday. And, after getting lost a few times in the hospital, we found her and from the moment we walked in the door we knew something was different. As we walked in and introduced ourselves and told her we were sent by one of her friends, her whole face, which was rather solemn when we walked in, change into the biggest smile. She was so touched that we came to visit her and we were all a little teary eyed because the spirit in the room was very special. And then we started talking with her, told her about ourselves and she told us about her life, and some of the difficulties she`s been having, and then with Sister Poulton leading, we introduced the Book of Mormon to her and offered her one as a gift. Again, she was touched and could immediately feel of it`s importance. She asked us to write a little something in the front of it so she could remember us forever, and we left with happy hearts as we planned to come back the following day, Sunday. So, we stopped by before Church yesterday morning to see her again, and her countenance was just different. She was bright and happy when we walked in and it was tender as we started talking. She shared with us a powerful experience she had with the Book of Mormon the previous night, and it was then that Sister Poulton offered a very powerful testimony of the divinity, truthfulness, and power found in the Book of Mormon and in reading its pages. And I know I`m now only explaining it in very few words, but we will never be able to deny what was said and felt that Sunday morning in the hospital room. Julie now knows, after searching for something more in life for years and asking God to guide her there, the Book of Mormon will have an impact on her life, and will give her what she has been looking for.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gzTqKbq__LP7BfcXAMmKOLMspxMUdgWR_LnUvbaMuzQ48B7_zoDz6O-WQGZzjli6iwjC5E5q7wDi6kuzupYxys_GqBFrxwHZEvSMxuCwaWRpsX6lj7JWHI8Zawv1G5RSS4-0TVrqo-Q/s1600/SAM_3955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gzTqKbq__LP7BfcXAMmKOLMspxMUdgWR_LnUvbaMuzQ48B7_zoDz6O-WQGZzjli6iwjC5E5q7wDi6kuzupYxys_GqBFrxwHZEvSMxuCwaWRpsX6lj7JWHI8Zawv1G5RSS4-0TVrqo-Q/s640/SAM_3955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;">After asking her if we could capture the special moment </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;">Julie let us take a picture with her in her hospital room. I really love her</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
That is true, the Book of Mormon is true and there is power in its pages.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
I realize this email was little longer today, I apologize if it`s too long, but then again, I`m happy I can share my special expériences with everyone, because things like this don`t happen everyday.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
I hope everyone has a great week! Be safe.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Sister Thomas</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOcsq1a9-sxOVG_LE853hm8tRp_dofiGzY8ouB6usJ2Sryt2V27lRTl64GPrMvyfQVXp0KqtssIBENvJZGbXTvolCpOwCEog0ZSImijj-vOp3K6lJ5w_I5dFxvMIkIf5sQQ_OBEglyas/s1600/SAM_3956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOcsq1a9-sxOVG_LE853hm8tRp_dofiGzY8ouB6usJ2Sryt2V27lRTl64GPrMvyfQVXp0KqtssIBENvJZGbXTvolCpOwCEog0ZSImijj-vOp3K6lJ5w_I5dFxvMIkIf5sQQ_OBEglyas/s640/SAM_3956.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;">Some very very nice members let us come over for dinner yesterday and made us a beautiful feast of French food (because they`re from France, yay!) and it was amazing. It was a dish called raclette, which is kind of like fondu where you melt the cheese, but then we put it over potatoes and a rice and meat dish, it was so good.</span></div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-53003615698799686982017-02-07T15:17:00.002-08:002017-02-07T15:17:44.184-08:00It's on your face<div>
January 23rd, 2017 <br />
<br />
hi everyone!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
this week was great! lots of
blessings and miracles, as usual, and we`ve been able to see Heavenly
Father`s hand in every part of the work, He is definitely here with us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The
people we`ve been teaching have really intergrated themselves with
members of the ward here, coming to activities with us, making friends
and connections and most importantly learning and seeing how the
doctrine of Jesus Christ applies in our lives and then seeing a living
representation of how happy it can make us. That was so cool. Funny
story, Angelique, she`s 9, and she is one of the children of a family we
are teaching, and this week we started teaching her family about the
Plan of Salvation, and about how we existed before this life, after
asking them a few questions about what they thought and believed,
Angelique`s hand shot up and she said with confidence «On a choisi de
venir ici!!» which means, <i>we chose to come here</i>. Everyone was a
little shocked and surprised that she knew that, and then the family
looked at us and asked if she was right, and with big big smiles we
said, yes 100%. Then they asked her where she learned that, and she said
at church. How perfect is that? The whole family was taught by the
youngest daughter a very simple but powerful doctrine. The whole lesson
was very successful. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another sweet experience
happened on the bus just the other day. As we waited for the bus early
one morning, I started talking to an elderly gentlemen who was sitting
down. We continued our small talk as we boarded the bus, and as I sat
next to him, he looked at me and he said, «Mormon?» and I said, «yes,
how did you know?» and he said «<i>It`s on your face</i>.» I was a
little taken back by his response, but the smile I had just grew a
little bigger because I knew what he meant. He then looked at me and
said, in somewhat broken English (he was from Hungary) «you want to do
good.» He went on to explain how he was Jewish, but how that he`s always
respected Mormons and all the good they`ve done. It was a tender
experience as I ponder his words,<i> its on your face</i>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The
joy of the gospel is a beautiful thing, and it can be seen in our
countenance, clear as day, if we don`t try and hide it, if we don`t get
in the way for letting it`s blessings shine. I realized that, that day
where it was a little bit more than cold outside, that no matter what is
happening around us, no matter the weather, or the circumstance, who we
are, and how we feel about who we are, can and will show on our faces. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So
lets all try a little harder, to be a little better, myself included,
because the joy is something easily detected and desperately wanted by
the people around us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a great week!<br />
SĆur Thomas</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKAkibx_okbTwBQUwlIotuYtJYSkdQ9t1ruxWbpE0qwBGENUCuD9OHSIZNpgnpy2GnRHS26Irh_HPoKY-AvsDVgtggHCeLSwv1SsthvD2xAdpAi6UQgamqBXX2zGT69dGECIjnTCZINo/s1600/20170112_183324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKAkibx_okbTwBQUwlIotuYtJYSkdQ9t1ruxWbpE0qwBGENUCuD9OHSIZNpgnpy2GnRHS26Irh_HPoKY-AvsDVgtggHCeLSwv1SsthvD2xAdpAi6UQgamqBXX2zGT69dGECIjnTCZINo/s640/20170112_183324.jpg" width="360" /> </a></div>
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A picture of us and Daniella after giving her a chart about how to pray. She loved it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She`s doing so well. </div>
</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-42114637277376713722017-01-17T13:26:00.003-08:002017-01-17T13:26:43.751-08:00Teach the Children<div dir="ltr">
<div>
bonjour mes amis!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Again,
running short on time this week. Sorry for that, but this week has been
AMAZING, like AMAZING AMAZING. We`ve started teaching 2 new families,
both from the Congo, and have had the chance to find several more people
who want to come closer to their Father in Heaven. Sister Dinge and I
have been working a lot on our teaching skills and it`s been so good, to
practice with her as we study in the morning, and pray for these people
to find their concerns, and to really just do our best to make sure
these people can undersand and accept the gospel. Teaching is definitely
a learning process. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And some of our
investigators came to church this week! 3 of the children of one of the
families, and they loved it. The ward did so good at welcoming them and
making them feel loved. We are excited to continue to teach them. Again,
they`re from the Congo, and they speak French and Swahili and it`s been
fun to learn some Swahili phrases. And we got to give them some
pamphlets and a Book of Mormon in Swahili and the mom loved it! Everyone
will hear (or read) about the gospel in their own native tongue. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
had a few lessons with Daniella this last week, remember the cutest 10
year old ever? Last night we were teaching her about our life here on
earth and what we need to do, we showed her a book for children that
goes over the New Testament stories with pictures and little summaries
and she loved it. We taught her about Jesus` childhood and about when He
was baptized. She didn`t understand baptism at first, but then we
taught her simply and her face lit up when she understood. And for a
second memories of when I was being taught by missionaries when I
was young flooded back to my mind. I remembered the wonder and amazement
I felt as I learned about God`s plan of happiness for us, and I
remember longing to be in the Celestial kingdom, and to be with our
Heavenly Father and Savior again. I saw myself in this cute, innocent 10
year old girl and the feelings of love and hope I had for her almost
overwhelmed me. I also felt incredibly grateful for the two missionaries
who taught me, one Elder from Sweden and another from Arizona (I
think), as a child around the same age as Daniella. They were patient
with me and they were kind and I remember how much I loved hearing about
the gospel, even if I was a punk little 10 year old. I then felt the
incredible love of the Savior and the deep gratitude I had for
everything He has done for me. My life has changed a lot in those 10
years since I was being taught by the missionaries, and the only
constant thing in my life has been the gospel of Jesus Christ. And I`m
so grateful for that. That I was able to hear it, understand it, and
accept it at such a young age, and how that decision has changed my
eternity. And now I get to be here helping others change their
eternities. Now I get to be here and help give children that same sense
of belonging and undying hope that I felt. And those sweet experience
surpass everything else. I`m so grateful for my mission. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
week truly has been full of miracles and tender mercies. And Sister
Dinge and I are filled with gratitude and happiness and hope for the
coming weeks ahead. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope you all have a wonderful week, rememeber to smile!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-9977003234660781332017-01-09T15:01:00.000-08:002017-01-09T15:01:19.847-08:00Hi Everyone!January 9th<br />
<br />
<div>
hi everyone!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Don`t have much time today,
but this week was wonderful, we continued to find people who wanted to
hear about the gospel in the most unexpected ways. Heavenly Father
always blesses us with wonderful surprises :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One
of our new investigators is named Daniella. And she is probably one of
the smartest 10 year olds I`ve ever met. Her grandmother and her mom are
both members of the church, but they haven`t gone for a long time, but
after gettting in contact we made an appointment to meet with the
grandmother and Daniella was there as well! We`ve started teaching her
about the Plan of Salvation and she`s just eating it up. She has amazing
questions, and her comprehension for a 10 year old is something else.
She is a miracle. So excited to continue teaching her.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And
some of our other investigators came to church this week, and it was
their first time ever attending one of our church services, but they
loved it! It was a testimony meeting this Sunday so it was really cool
for the investigators see and hear the beautiful testimonies of the
members. I swear, these members are some of the most dedicated, faithful
people I`ve ever met. I want to be like them when I grow up. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2
different members shared their expériences as each were prompted to
give away a Book of Mormon for Christmas, and their stories were
remarkable, it really reminded me of how one of God`s greatest gifts to
us is His word, the Holy Scriptures. What a blessing it is to have them.
I love them so much. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope everyone has a woooonderful week, remember how much I love you, but remember God loves you more :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Thomas </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
âTrust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.<br />
âIn all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy pathsâ (<a class="m_-3684271515556339843gmail-scripture-ref" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/prov/3.5-6?lang%3Deng%234&source=gmail&ust=1484088900645000&usg=AFQjCNGLm3HAO7LC_Y37wb9iubBsVby97g" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/prov/3.5-6?lang=eng#4" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">Prov. 3:5â6</span></a>).<span><span></span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXJMM_Ae3JXU_tda7s3FqlxTVstelf_8WqN7UjyIeTGC6Tld5cldYcdHwofeIUklne_m6hAMQAj0J5VLu9NPbUs4AG1_3zwTxUxwxaM6qzWnNadg_Tfk9Yd1OrjImrxN0_ciTEafbrEw/s1600/DSCN1861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXJMM_Ae3JXU_tda7s3FqlxTVstelf_8WqN7UjyIeTGC6Tld5cldYcdHwofeIUklne_m6hAMQAj0J5VLu9NPbUs4AG1_3zwTxUxwxaM6qzWnNadg_Tfk9Yd1OrjImrxN0_ciTEafbrEw/s640/DSCN1861.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1) here`s a sneak peek of what weekly planning at a
church building/eating lunch/freezing to death because the room isn`t
being heated/having fun looks like. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
annnnddd
it turns out that`s the only thing we decided to take pictures of this
week. We have to learn how to photographically capture the
miracle-moments. We`ll work on that for next week</div>
</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948208925044470409.post-80498259845644141762017-01-02T19:21:00.001-08:002017-01-02T19:21:41.854-08:00le nouvel anJanuary 2nd <br />
<br />
BONNE ANNĂE MES AMIS!!!! :)<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy new year! we had fun at the party, we stayed for 10 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't worry, we were in bed by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_4291899" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:30.</span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
WOW. 2017 is here. It's
finally come. Even though Sister Dinge and I have been praying and
asking God to slow down time, it has caught up to us. This year will
bring with it a lot of changes, lots of things will be happening, within
the coming days and months, and now our prayers have changed to asking
Heavenly Father to help us keep up.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The week in
between Christmas and New Years is a week of reflection. Of how the
year was, and how the next year can be. And after a wonderful interview
with my Mission President I know what I want to be focusing on this
year. Peace. And the peace that can come into our lives from the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. I want to help myself find moments of peace, quietness
and stillness, which is difficult in the busy city of Montreal, and even
more difficult with the added business of being a missionary. Often
times we get too caught up in things that are happening around us, too
overwhelmed with the list of things that needs to be done, and I,
myself, am guilty of those things, and sometimes those feelings can show
on my face. Which is not the best circumstance for a missionary, who is
a representative of Christ, who should always be letting the Light of
Christ be shown in their countenance. So this year, while I still get to
be a missionary, I want to focus on finding that peace, that stillness
and tranquility, even in the busiest of times, and letting that be what
will draw people to the gospel. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think my
Mission President summed it up perfectly when he said, "there is a power
in being centered in the peacefulness of the gospel." That is true. And
that is my goal for this year, is to find that power, and to use that
power to help my brothers and sisters to find the way to true and
enduring happiness. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And going along with the
theme of a new year, this week included a lot of new people. We found
several people who are interested in learning more about the gospel, and
the best part is that some of them are families. Families that can grow
together in their knowledge and their faith, and families that can
support each other in the gospel. Families are so important and sooo
special. And we get to start teaching some!!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
In Haiti, there's a tradition where on New Years Day, they eat SOUP. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a picture of our soup party!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope you all had a wonderful week and that you've made meaningful goals for this new year. Make it the best year ever!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Sister Thomas</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."</div>
<div>
D&C 19: 23</div>
<div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Doing service at a members home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sister Dinge prefers that I take the selfies in this companionship.</div>
Sister Martina Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01724001885771001028noreply@blogger.com0