November 29, 2010

I had the best day of my mission so far on Saturday!!
Leading up to Saturday was kinda crappy. We had to cancel a lot of our
appointments cause Sister Nelson and I have been sick with this
miserable cold that will not go away!! Bug!! It was caused by the fact
that we woke up Tuesday morning with a couple inches of snow!! We got
up early and played in it. We made snowwomen and put our nametags on
them. It was soooo much fun! I was a Popsicle when I came inside.
This week has been so chilly. I have learned to layer my clothes
really good to try and stay warm! So Thanksgiving on Thursday was
alright. We were supposed to have dinner with a family, but we
couldn't get a hold of them. We ended up eating at a recent converts
house. It was weird to only have dinner with 4 people. I definitely
missed being around family, food and games. It was okay though. Later
that day we went to the Egberts house! They have 3 girls who are all
so much fun... they like the idea that I have 4 cute brothers at home
:) We played games with them, ate pie and watched Toy Story 3! What a
cute movie! We were gonna watch the Last Song, but then we found the
other. The ending was kinda sad, I was teary eyed. I was glad that we
got to hang with them! Emily, the oldest, is 18, she comes out with us
a lot. At the end of the day I couldn't help but feel so blah. We
didn't work and we wasted the day. I love being able to work my butt
off, it was not the best day of my mission... at all.
BUT Saturday was soooo amazing!! It all started when Luke got
baptized! He has been investigating for a while now. He completely
changed his life around and it was great to see him get baptized. 2 of
the priests in the ward sang Be still my soul for the intermission,
they did a fab job. I love being at baptisms. The spirit was super
strong!! Luke's family all came to support him. His sister is in the
ward and we found out another one of his sisters is a member. Half are
now members, we are excited to help the rest of his family. So after
that baptism Emily drove us down to Eugene!!!!! I got to go back for
Kevin and Robin's baptism!! Oh my it was amazing!! I loved seeing them
again. They were all so glad that I came back for it! I was literally
floating on a cloud as I watched them go under the water and come up
so clean. I was so grateful to be apart of their life and see the
change that took place as I was able to teach them! I am also so glad
that president let me come back for the night. I also got to see
Stephanie and Omar again!! I love them sooooo much. They will be my
best friends forever! I ran down the hall and gave her a big hug when
I saw her. She just had this big grin on her face. I also got to see
my fav family again, the Petersens. Man, I loved it so much!!
President came to the baptism. He had me take a little walk with him.
He asked me how I felt. I couldn't even explain to him how happy I
was. I was smiling from ear to ear. I told him that it was the best
day of my mission. He told me that this is what missionary work was
about, finding those families. He told me to do it again in Sweet
Home. That is what I am doing. S Nelson and I have a magnificent
obsession of finding a family for Christmas. It will be awesome!!
My prayers were answered Saturday night. At the beginning of my time
in Eugene I was praying for a family that would unite the ward
together. That prayer was answered by Kevin and Robin's family! Yaya
is still getting baptized on Christmas. What a wonderful thing this
will be for their family. In a year they get to go to the temple and
be sealed as a family forever!! This is what missionary work is about.
I feel so blessed to be apart of this wonderful work. So many
miracles!
I love being a missionary. It was such a good day! It got me even more
excited to get out and work to find people that are ready in Sweet
Home!!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. X-mas is coming up, give
the best gift, the gospel!
I hope you all have a great week!! I would love to hear from you all :)

Love Sister Glasgow XOXO

Happy bday Cannon!!!! Hope it is a good day full of lots of surprises
and kisses haha, BIG 16!!!!!

November 22, 2010

So the transfer was rough. I cried like a baby when I had to leave.
The elders in the transfer van were so scared to say a peep to me. As
we were driving away I realized that I should be happy to go to a new
area, meet new people and share the gospel with the people in Sweet
Home. I thought a lot about my area and the miracles that I was able
to see. I learned so many things from the people and my comp. BUT I
LOVE Sweet Home!! I was really nervous that I would hate the area and
just want to go back to Eugene, but I absolutely love it. Plus my
comp, Sister Nelson is bomb! Her and I get along great and we have so
much fun! She is from Houston, Texas... I haven't had a comp from Utah
yet.. haha!! She likes sports and we are the same kinda person. I love
talking with her and we work super hard!! We taught more lessons this
week than I ever have in my mission. So many people are prepared in
Sweet Home, it's great!!
First off, I know that I was sent here for a reason.. first being the
Dablos- Udiarte Family!! It is a really long story and lots of
backtracking in order to tell the story, but in short. We talked to
people, got referrals and found this sweet family!! The day we finally
contacted them we had 30 minutes to spare and they invited us in and
we talked about the Book of Mormon. We went back and asked them if
they read and they did!! Hallelujah! The mom said that she started
crying when she started reading, she said that "maybe that was my
answer to know it is true." It felt so good to be with there family!
The ward had a Thanksgiving dinner and they came and were
fellowshipped by everyone. It was great! I wish I had more time to
tell the cool story, but I will get a chance someother time. I just
know that the Lord was guiding us and giviing us the strength to
everyone that we saw so that we could find this family!
Luke has been investigating for about 7 months and is getting baptized
this Saturday which is really cool. He is kinda a goofy guy, but he
loves the gospel and has a testimony. Oh yeah.... the Elders in Santa
Clara called me on my bday and told me that Kevin and Robin are
getting baptized on the 27th... Saturday!! I am so stoked cause I get
to go back to Eugene for the baptism!! The daughter, Yaya is getting
baptized on Christmas by her dad Kevin.... so tight!! I love that
fam!!
We had so many investigators at church yesterday. The Lord has really
blessed this area. I am grateful to be here. Endless amount of
miracles already and more coming.
My birthday was good. I got my package on Wednesday and Sister Nelson
hid it so I couldn't open it until Saturday morning. Thank you so much
for it!! I loved the outfit!! The night before I left Eugene,
Stephanie and Omar took me out to Beppe and Gianni's Italian
Restaurant.... sooooo gooooodd!! They got me cake and cupcakes and
sang happy bday to me. They also gave me a gift card, so I bought some
boots, my feet are nice and warm now. The whole zone sang happy bday
to me on friday. All in all it was a good day, we taught lots of
lessons, I was glad I didn't have to tract on my bday :)! Thanks for
all the bday wishes, it meant a lot to me!
So it snowed yesterday. Yeah, snow!!! Not really, it is super cold
here and will only get colder. It's in the 20's, 30's and 40's. I wish
I was in AZ weather.
Sweet Home is great. Not much to do here. Everyone smokes, no one is
married, and they live off the govt. BUT I love it still! There is a
lot of work to do, but I am so excited!! We only have one ward and
they are so great!! They all want to help. The youth are rockstars,,,
they always invite friends to mutual and church. We take the laurels
with us on apts. The work is great!!! I have been able to focus on the
work and that has kept me busy so I don't think about Eugene.
Hope everyone has a great Turkey Day. Don't get hurt playing football,
eat lots of pie and the next day have fun shopping and eating turkey
sandwiches!!!

Love Sister Glasgow XOXOXO

November 15, 2010

Thanks for the letter mom, it made me cry!! This week has been full of so many emotions....
First off, Emma's baptism was amazing!! She is just an amazing little girl with so much love for the gospel. She wants to do everything right and good. Her mom gave such a wonderful talk about baptism. The spirit was so strong. As I was watching Emma, tears were streaming down her cheeks. She knew that this was something that she needed to do. Heavenly Father was definitely smiling that day. Emma's brothers, Cole and Easton gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. They love Emma so much and are proud of her. Cole is not a member and he was very touched by the baptism, I hope that he will get baptized soon!! I was so grateful to be apart of this families life. They have come a LONG way in the last couple weeks and Emma's decision to be baptized has really helped their family get back into the church.
When I first arrived in Santa Clara and Junction City I was so excited because I realized that I would be able to be here for my birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas... plus I get to be with a comp that I love dearly. Well that plan was shattered on Saturday. President came to Emma's baptism and said, "You know you are getting transferred right??" The few days before this I had been hearing rumors that we were getting whitewashed (elders coming into a sister's area). I didn't want it to happen. We have so many people preparing and have been prepared for baptism. As I heard President MacDonald say this, I was able to feel at peace and know that he is inspired and that this will be okay. So there you have it... I am being transferred tomorrow at 10am. At least I know where I am and who my comp is. I am heading a little North of Eugene to Sweet Home. My comp will be Sister Nelson, I have met her a few times, seems very sweet. I have been very sad and happy all at the same time. I have had a rough time saying goodbye to people, especially Brad, Jackie, Kevin, Robin, Stephanie, and a huge long list of people in the wards that have been so great! I haven't actually cried until I started reading your letter mom and then as I type about leaving it makes me sooooo sad! I love this area, I love the people and I did not want to spend my bday, thanksgiving and christmas in a new area. The elders that are coming are so awesome though. Elder Bauer was the Assistant and will finish his mission in the area. Elder Nygren is pretty new, but he is also excellent. If anyone is going to take over the area, I am grateful that they are. I spoke to E Bauer last night about the area. He is so excited to come and work hard. He feels bad that we are leaving in such a crucial time of our investigators progression, and is sorry to take over at the peak. I have trying to stay positive and I KNOW that everything will work out, it will just be hard. Mission transfers are not cool, but I know I will love Sweet Home!! S Stoehr served there, so she has been telling me all about it. S Stoehr is going to CENTRAL POINT!! I am so excited for her to go to my baby area! We have been talking about all the people and investigators and recent converts. I think it is a good thing that we both know that each of us will love our areas where we serve cause I loved Central Point and she loved Sweet Home.
So we went to Brad and Jackie and said goodbye. They are kinda upset that elders are coming, but we told them to keep in contact and that the elders would do wonderful things. We said that "when" they get baptized, we will come back for it. I will miss them so much.
Kevin and Robin were out of town for the past few days, but they got back last night so we could go say goodbye. I am bummed that we can't teach them anymore, but since I am only about 40 minutes away, I get to come back for the baptism! The Elders said they would be updating us with all the people so we know what is going on.
I feel so grateful to have been here for 3 short months. I feel like I just got here!! I have learned so much about myself and my comp has taught me a lot! I am grateful for the friendships that I have made, I know they will last forever :)!! Although change is hard, I learn and grow. I am excited to get to Sweet Home and work hard. I will love all my areas so much!!
I hope everything is well back in Mesa! I miss you all so much!! Since I am being transferred right before my bday, S Stoehr and I are celebrating it today. We are going bowling with the elders and gonna have fun on our last day here!!! Stephanie is really upset that we are leaving, but her and Omar and talking me out to dinner for a bday dinner tonight! I don't want to say goodbye to her! We have been such good friends :)!! I just hope that I am close to Eugene when they get married in the next few months and around when they go to the temple next October!!
Tonight we are going to say goodbye to Emma. She was so glad that we were here for her baptism. The ward has really taken the family under their wings and I know they will be okay! Saying goodbye's are crappy. Sorry if this email sounds depressing, it just caught me off guard. I am doing okay, I promise. Today is gonna be a blast!!
I love you all!! I miss you all like crazy, but I love being a missionary! I am excited to write next week and let you all know about the new area. Please pray for Elder Nygren and Elder Bauer as they come to the area on Wednesday!! Pray that they will pick up where we left off, they will see miracles in this area!!

Love Sister Glasgow XOXOXO

Hello family and friends!
I am emailing kinda early-- we have A LOT of things to do today!
I am looking forward to Emma's baptism on Saturday. She is SOOO excited. Every time I see her she has a HUGE grin on her face. She is this cute red headed, freckle faced girl. I love her so much! She was so excited to get her program all assigned-- I don't think she is going to sleep very much this week or maybe at all on Friday night. Last night she was dancing around the room :). I love seeing the change in people as they make steps, keep commitments and beam with the Light of Christ. Her family is very supportive of her and they are thrilled that she has made the decision to get baptized!
Kevin and Robin are still progressing towards baptism. We went over to talk with them a few night ago and Kevin left early. I was kinda bothered that he left in the middle, especially cause we were talking about baptism. I later realized that he left cause he didn't want to put any pressure on Robin. Kevin told us that he is ready to get baptized and has been ready for about 2 weeks. He wants Robin to be baptized too, but knows that she will be ready when the time is right. We helped Robin clean out her garage and move things into their house. Last night Robin told us that she feels ready to be baptized. The last time she took the lessons she felt she was just doing it for her family, but this time is completely different. She told us of her experience... in her words: "I struggle with my faith. I never know if it is really God helping me or if it is just coincidence. I have always gone back and forth between science and evolution and having an actual God. Well I made a deal with God. I told him that if he was real, that he would show me by sending someone to me. Well then, you showed up. I have thought a lot about this and their is no scientific answer that will back it up. I know that he answered my prayer." YESSSS!!! It was amazing to hear that from her! We spoke to her about faith and her eyes were opened and she learned so much. They are praying about the date in November... I kinda jokingly told Kevin that we could have a baptismal service for him in a couple days.. haha! I love this family so much. They have been so amazing to teach. I learn so much from their family. They have so much strength and power and they teach their kids in righteousness. I am glad that I met them :)
I got a call from Sister Longhurst in Central Point this week. She told me that Nate Baker got baptized!! I was so happy for him and his family! He was kinda cynical when I left and I guess he listened to General conference and was really touched by it. There family is working towards the temple and hopefully his 4 girls will get baptized with their mothers consent. I love hearing about my old area and getting to find out the work that is being done.
We had stake conference yesterday. It was a broadcast for 36 stakes in Oregon. We got to hear from Elder Pieper, Elder Hales, Sister Dalton and President Uchtdorf. I was grateful to hear from them. We also attended the adult session on Saturday night. I was able to listen to powerful testimonies about the Temple. I can't wait to go back!
We had a District meeting on Friday. The more and more I am on my mission the more I learn about service and love. Those two things have brought me where I am today. I reflect on the times when I have been so happy, and it is because I love the Lord. When we got baptized we covenanted with God that we would take upon ourselves the name of Christ. That means all of his attributes, qualities and characteristics. We ultimately become one with him-- the word atonement= at one faith. I am grateful for the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on my behalf. I make so many mistakes and I know that I can be free from those burdens, guilt and sorrow. I am here as a missionary to say the things that he would say, do the things that he would do and be the person that he is. I am grateful that he has given me the opportunity to serve among his children. What a joy it brings me to be here in Oregon! Thank you all for all that you do! I love hearing from you and appreciate the love and prayers!! Peace from Oregon... until next week :)!!!

Love Sister Glasgow XOXOXO

November 1, 2010

Well I thought I would have some crazy stories to tell about Halloween in Eugene, but I saw maybe 5 people dressed up last night!!
Let me tell you all about my fantastic week!!
Last Monday we played dodge ball with our zone, about 30 missionaries. We also had a BBQ and played around the world pool... I killed them all! Dodge ball was so much fun. I was the only sister that would play, the elders can be a little bit rough. I had a blast though. The assistants came to play with us and I was loving it so much! I was pretty sore the next few days though... I don't use my shoulder like that very often!
Tuesday we had a lesson with Jamie. We gave her Book of Mormon on tape for her to listen too. She is really scared to leave her apartment. She told us that she lived on the streets, in shelters and in the woods for the last 12 years. It was so sad to hear about her past, things that I don't really want to know, but I know it helps her feel good talking about it and getting it out of her life for good. She is bipolar and has schizophrenia along with other things. I am glad that we are able to teach her and let her know about the Savior and how he truly heals us when we have faith in him, repent are baptized and receive the holy ghost. It has been great for us to be there for her. We taught Stephanie that night and had a wonderful lesson about the priesthood. I reflected on the priesthood and how it has helped me in my life. I am grateful for the lessons that help me and teach me. Missions are like that. I help out, but in the end, I am being helped more than anyone. Service.... so good.
Wednesday we read the Book of Mormon with Brad and Jackie again... they didn't read and I wanted to pull out my hair. They aren't progressing yet. I want this so bad for their family, but I know that they will be ready when it is right. That night Sister Abbott and Sister Losee came down from Willamina and spent the night. It was so fun to talk with my trainer again. I love her and I am glad that she is happy. Again, I felt like we just had a sleepover and we laughed and told funny stories about the mission all night long. Don't worry I got some sleep :)
Thursday we had Zone Conference. Elder Kukuchi from the Seventy came and spoke to us. He was so funny!! We spent 8 hours with him... it was a very long day. We had only a 35 min lunch break and then it was back to learn. He came to tour the mission so he talked a lot about the good things that we are doing, and the things that we need to work on. The good things: We are baptizing like crazy, but he promised that if we would be 100% obedient to the morning schedule (up at 6:30am, exercise, eat, get ready and be on time to studies) that we would double, triple and quadruple our baptisms. It was so amazing to hear the promises that are in store for our mission as we focus on being more obedient. He chastised a lot of the missionaries for sleeping in. He had each district stand up and say what they were not doing. It was really scary, but everyone did it and we all committed to working harder and being obedient. One of the things that really stuck with me is being active in the church and staying active in the church when we go home. What is it that makes us fall away? We should be learning Christ's Doctrine, Listen to the Holy Ghost, Pray, Read from the Book of Mormon, and attend Church. By doing all of these things we can receive personal revelation. That will be my guide and is my guide forever. Do those things and it will be easier. I know that these are the typical primary answers, but that is what works!! Why not be obedient to that?? I was so grateful to be with the 100 missionaries at the conference. There is something about being around missionaries, it boosts me up and makes me want to work hard. That night we had dinner with Cindy Anderson. She is going to come to church next week!! We met with Kevin and Robin that night too. Wow, it was a powerful lesson and I learned a lot from them. Kevin is VERY spiritual and told us an amazing story. It brought tears to my eyes as he was talking. Some background before I begin his story... Kevin and Robin took the missionary discussions 5 years ago. They were not married at the time and things got a little messed up, they were a bit offended and didn't get baptized. Over the last 5 years, missionaries always show up in their different houses and states. About a year and a half ago Kevin's dad died and it really shook him up. Last Sunday they came to church and the kids loved primary. They got a CD from the Primary to practice for the program if they want to participate. Now for the story from Kevin's perspective: "5 years ago I was given a gift, but because I was young and prideful I passed it up. I was crying on my back porch one day and then someone would show up. I would automatically say, No it is gonna be too hard, I don't want to give up some things. I thought nah, I don't want to do it. Then things would be okay for a little while and then something would happen and I would cry to God and then someone would show up. Again, I would put it aside and ignore it. Well I was again praying one day and I felt my dad's presence and I can remember the words that he said to me, 'Kevin, you have something so great and you only have so many chances. The Lord is patient, but you need to do something about this.' I have really been thinking about things and pondering about the church. On Sunday when we came to church and I saw my kids run out of class so happy, that made me so proud and I know that this is where our family needs to be. I can't put that aside. The kids have been listening to that music non stop for the last few days. I know that it will be hard, but I know this is the path that we need to take." Whoa!! I wanted to scream and jump up and down!!! I am so excited for their family. S. Stoehr and I are so excited to know them. I was grateful to bear my testimony and confirm the things that he said. The spirit was felt and they know that it is good. We hope to have the baptism on the 13th or the 20th of November.... now that would be a great bitrthday present!!! Good stuff!!
Friday and Saturday were alright, nothing too special happened. We went to the ward trunk or treat and ate with my fav family, Petersens!! I loved all the cute Halloween costumes!
Sunday... Happy Halloween!! S. Stoehr and I bought orange and purple tights and we felt very festive. haha! We had church, went to visit some people, got candy and had dinner with the Wintch's and Bair's. Those people are some of my favorites!! They cooked a yummy casserole inside of a pumpkin, it was gooooodd!! BUT one of the best things that happened that day was when we taught Emma Bartley (11 yr old). We taught the Plan of Salvation. Emma gets it, she understands it. At the end of the lesson we invited her to be baptized.. I thought she was gonna fly off her chair. She was so excited!!! She came over and gave us big hugs. Her mom went over and was going to start hugging her and Emma said, "Mom, don't hug me, you are gonna make me cry!!" Tears were all streaming down our faces and we listened to Emma telling her mom that she was so happy and she knew that this is what she needed to do. I am so excited for her!! We had to be inside by 7pm last night because of all the trick-or-treaters. Actually we had to be at President and Sister MacDonald's house by 7pm!!! We got to go to the mission home and study with 12 other missionaries for 2 hours. We all shared stories from the Book of Mormon, asked questions and had a great discussion. We ate yummy caramel corn and chocolate. I was so grateful for that experience. Never again will I be a missionary on Halloween. I am grateful for President, what a wonderful person who is guided by the spirit in everything that he does. I loved being in their home again. It brought back many memories from 7 months ago when I entered the mission field... so great.
Well this week was great!! Thank you for everything that you do for me :) I love and miss you all! I hope you all had a great Halloween :) Have a good week... Peace from Oregon!!!**