White Christmas! --- 12/19/12

There is so much to report on this week. You will be really surprised. :)

Mom, we met a couple last week that has recently reactivated and has been faithfully attending church meetings and everything. They have four children, and three of them are getting baptized on Sunday!

We are so excited. I can hardly believe the miracle that has unfolded. Soon, we will have an entire family that will be together forever.

We are still working with R***, but he hasn't come to church yet. He has a baptismal date for January, but we will have to change it again.

We are working with L*****. She is less active and really wants to come to church again. She's going to be there this Sunday. It was a goal we set weeks ago. She's a new mom and realizes the blessings that the church will bring to her baby. It's great to see her making all the changes that are necessary.

So, we had transfers today. And I was called to be a trainer! Sister Valdez, from Arizona, arrived fresh from the MTC yesterday and I'm so lucky to have her as my companion. It's a bit scary. We're both nervous, but we know we are where we should be.

Sister Portugal is serving with Sister Peterson in a different part of Olmstead. But she is still very close. :)

I'm looking forward to Christmas and I hope that you have a great holiday!

 

Bringing it...in the Bronx, 12/5/2012

Wow! Life is going great! Thanks for your package... It's going to be a long time till Christmas. :) The ipod is great! Thank you so much!

We don't have much time (again) so I got to go fast... And have got to email you first in the weeks that come. I usually save your email for last, but not anymore. I'll do better.

We moved into our new apartment on Monday. It was in much better shape than the last one. It's huge!! We live on the sixth floor and we can see Manhattan from our window. It's awesome.

We had a zone conference on Monday too. It was a really busy day. I was asked to speak on "Courage", which is one of the subjects for our Mission Theme. Isn't that funny? Courage is something I've struggled with a lot during my life and during my mission especially. I've studied it a lot. I want to share my talk with you.

Joseph Smith was an incredibly courageous man, but that courage came with time and testing and experience. Just like it does for us. If you recall the experience of the 116 lost pages, it was a time that Joseph learned the importance of courage (if you could tell more about that story for those who don't know it before emailing it out, that would be awesome... I don't have time to right all about it) In D&C 3, The Lord is talking to Joseph Smith afterwards. Read verse 7-8 first.

We learn that knowing God's character, knowing that He will support us is incredibly important in "not fearing men". God will support us in all that we go through.

Read verse 9-10

We learn that it is important to know that we are chosen. Joseph was chosen to be a prophet. Katie and I have been chosen to be full-time missionaries. You have been chosen to be a mom, a dad, a visiting or home teacher. We have all been chosen, and it's really important to know that.

And another thing that is important to know is found in Moroni 8. "Perfect love casteth out fear" That perfect love is charity. If we develop charity, we will not fear. They can't exist together. Pray for charity, seek it, and fear will leave. Beautiful, right?

That was my talk. I know that it's true. Courage is something that we can all develop.

 

We went to South Manhattan last week and saw the decorations at Rockefeller. So cool! We are hoping to go next week to see the actual tree. Haha.

 

We love serving here. It's an amazing opportunity.

I love you all!

Hermana Kindlespire

 

P.S. Pictures from the last few weeks. I told you about the Talent Show, right? Hopefully, otherwise that moustache picture won't make any sense.

Love you!

Mormon Helping Hands

http://vimeo.com/joshuabrown/hurricanesandy

In the Middle..The Bronx with Portugal...11/7/2012

We haven't been able to help out with any service opportunities yet. But it's predicted that this weekend we should be able to help. Although... that's just for city missionaries.
The mission home is still out of power and isn't expected to have it for another week or so. Crazy, right?

We turned the radio on way late last night to find out the result of the elections. We are a little sad about it, but hopefully it will do good. God is taking care of us.

OK... now the news I know you have been waiting for. Transfers.

My time in Inwood was great, but it has come to an end. I packed all my things and was sent somewhere else. But not too far....

I am now serving in The Bronx, the Olmstead ward. It's Upper Bronx. I am serving with Sister Portugal. She is from Peru, but moved to Virginia when she was 13 and met the missionaries there. Also with us is Sister Ritchie and Sister Peterson. We are white-washing the area. It's going to be an adventure! And we have already seen so many miracles!

I'm very grateful for my mission and the experiences I've had so far. Yes, I'm in the middle of my mission. But like President Uchtdorf said, "We are always in the middle."

Much love. Stay safe. I will too!


Pictures next week... left my camera at home again.

Love,

La Hermana Lindsay Kindlespire

Hurricane Sandy....and Halloween 10/31/2012

Happy Halloween! 

Look at my Halloween costume for this year. 

A Pass-along Card!

We are heading down to Harlem soon to have a Halloween party. It's been fun :)

My cough is still here, but it's not as bad as it was last week. It's improving, bit by bit. Transfers are still on. Changes coming up in one week. I've been super lucky to be in Inwood for so long, but a change has to be coming. We will find out next Monday. 

Waiting for the Hurricane to come was really interesting. We heard about it on Thursday and it quickly became the subject of conversation. We kept encouraging everyone to get prepared and prepared ourselves. We had candles and flashlights on hand. Water and food too. We originally heard the storm was going to hit Sunday. Monday morning. Monday at 4pm. Monday at 6pm. Monday at 7pm. Monday at 8pm. And that it was going to be bad on Tuesday morning too. We were playing the waiting game most of the day. But when it hit, it was pretty intense. Lots of wind, lots of rain. Lots of loud noises and sirens. But we were completely safe. No flooding from what we have seen. The subways are still down, but the buses are working again. Slowly, but surely we are recovering. 

We've spent the last two days sleeping and writing and studying. It's been nice, but we are so ready to get back out and start teaching again... After Halloween. :)

I love you! We are completely safe. I hope you enjoy the pictures from this week (And from the baptism). 

Until next week, take care!

Love, Hermana Kindlespire

Pictures: 
Elder Irizarry prepping us for the Hurricane
Halloween Costume 

Baptism

"Picking-up, Cleaning-up and Building-up" 10/30/2012

Dear Parents and Loved Ones,

Today has been a day of studying, journal writing, game playing and apartment cleaning. Many streets and county roads have been off limits to pedestrians while heavy equipment crews have cleared large trees, fallen rocks and debris and huge piles of leaves, limbs and branches. While all are "safely gathered in" they're also bored and restless.

This afternoon, those missionaries who were evacuated from low lying areas in Connecticut have been allowed to return to their apartments. Elders and Sisters have been given the "all clear" to reach out to branch and ward leaders to inquire as to member homes and clean-up opportunities. We've asked that they be back to their apartments as it gets dark. The fresh air and a little physical labor will feel good.

Tomorrow is P-Day for our mission. You should be hearing from your missionary about their experience over the past few days. As you write them back, you should know that I feel the Lord has greatly blessed our mission with safety and protection in large measure due to the obedience and faith of our missionaries. Every missionary has contributed to our coming through the hurricane without harm or incident by their focused obedience, faith and prayers. Please tell your daughters and sons that their personal worthiness has been the key factor in our mission's blessings. 

We hardly have the words to describe how much we love our missionaries. They lift us and strengthen us and empower us with their work ethic and love for the Lord. They obey with exactness, (which some of you will find hard to believe, but they do!), and they teach with the spirit and they serve with priesthood power and unwavering faith. It's no wonder to us why the the Lord protects them and prospers their work!

We'll move now into a phase of clean-up where we'll have the opportunity to stand side-by-side with neighbors and friends picking-up, cleaning-up and building-up. Our example of hard work and community service will be our Christian message. 

Thank you for sending us such wonderful men and women. They are really amazing! We are still without power or cell service at the mission home but I will continue to access information and communication from the office.

Thank you for your prayers and encouraging thoughts.

All the best,

Tom Morgan

Thomas B. Morgan

President
New York New York North Mission

"All Missionaries are accounted for and safe." 10/30/2012

Dear Parents and Loved Ones,

After a long stormy night we are in one piece. Every missionary has reported in. Some have been without power during the early morning hours  - all are warm and dry. We will ask the missionaries to again stay in their apartments today while major clean up work is performed by cities and counties. As work groups are formed in communities we will join in the secondary clean up work.

I apologize for not communicating earlier. The mission home has been without power since 8:30 last night with two large trees down on power lines blocking our ability to leave. As soon as one of the trees was cut in half and moved, I was able to get out and find a place with power. 

At this time the sun is showing through the clouds and the winds and rain have calmed. There is a lot of debris on the roads and in yards .

Again - All the missionaries are accounted for and safe. They have sufficient food and water and will be able to resume activities by tomorrow which will include assisting in many clean up projects. If you have any questions, please call us or send emails. I will respond based on our power availability.

Tom Morgan

Thomas B. Morgan
President
New York New York North Mission

Hurricane Sandy -- Letter From President Morgan

Dear New York New York North Mission – Missionary parents and Loved Ones

We hope you will find the following information regarding preparation and planning for Hurricane Sandy helpful.

As of the posting of this communication, Hurricane Sandy is still 300 miles off the Atlantic shores of New Jersey and southern Long Island. Winds continue to increase in strength in the communities of our mission but the full forces of Sandy is not expected to be felt until late this afternoon and this evening. As you may have heard from national news reports, all mass-transit operations have been suspended in New York City including subway, buses and trains. On Sunday afternoon, Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered a mandatory evacuation of low-lying areas in New York City and said the city's school system would be closed Monday.

The mayor called for a mandatory evacuation of residents living in Zone-A by 7 p.m. on Sunday. Low-lying areas in the evacuation zone include Coney Island, Red Hook, and other areas around the East River in Brooklyn, the Rockaways, Broad Channel, the Staten Island coast line, City Island, Battery Park City, stretches of the West Side waterfront and parts of the Lower East Side and the East Village - (italicized and bold are within our mission). About 370,000 people live in these evacuation zones. We do not have any missionaries living in the mandatory evacuation areas. If Zone-B requires evacuation, we will work with Elders and Sisters in the Union Square area and our Chinatown area, including one couple, to move them north to Westchester County. We have coordinated with members of the Westchester Stake to house missionaries if needed. 

Major bridges will be closed on a "case by case" basis or when the wind reaches speeds above 60 mph. It is unclear when transit will be up and running again after the shut down. Service should be able to return 12 hours after the storm, according to the MTA web-site. All of our missionaries in the city and the Bronx are reliant on the MTA for transportation. Some, because of very high housing costs, do not live in the area they work. Therefore we have asked our missionaries to hold tight in their apartments from 6:00 pm Sunday evening until the storm passes and we have issued an "all clear" announcement.

Missionaries living in the Stamford, Connecticut area were evacuated last night due to the risk of flood surges coming from high tide and high winds in the Long Island Sound. These missionaries have been relocated to Danbury, Connecticut and Yonkers, New York.

On Saturday October the 27^th all missionaries were instructed to prepare for the storm by acquiring three days worth of food supplies - in addition to what they already had on hand, refresh all water storage in accordance with mission water storage policy, test flashlights and assure a prudent supply of fresh batteries, having some cash on hand incase ATMs are down due to power outages and keeping cell phones fully charged while power is available.

 All companionships reported back as ready and compliant with instructions. We will carry out a “call report” protocol during the event to assess the safety and condition of each of our missionaries. Depending on internet availability, we will periodically update you as to the current status of the mission.

We feel very prepared and our missionaries are very obedient. Please continue to pray for safety and welfare of everyone in the storm affected area. If you have any questions, please contact me at 801-244-3601 or Sister Morgan at 801-573-4366. We love your missionary very much and are doing everything within our power to assure his or her safety.

All the best,

President Morgan

Thomas B. Morgan
President
New York New York North Mission
tmorgan@ldschurch.org

Amazing Grace -- October 24, 2012

New York is great! We've had a nice warm week. I bought some fall boots last week for $30.00. Super cute. I'm hoping they will last at least another season, but I don't think they will. We walk too much. And today we are getting winter boots, hopefully. I bought a few undershirts and sweater tights as well. You know my big puffy white coat? I may need that. Sister Taylor laughed when I told her the only coat I have is my wool one. haha. I'm getting really nervous for what winter will be like. 

On Saturday morning, we had a special mission conference with all the missionaries. Elder D. Todd Christofferson came and spoke. It was so awesome! Everyday, I am telling people about how God has restored his church. About how we have a living prophet and twelve apostles, just like Jesus Christ had. And here in front of me is an Apostle of the Lord, It was a wonderful experience. He talked about the Doctrine of Christ. This has quickly become one of my favorite subjects. 

Saturday was awesome. I don't have my camera today, so pictures will have to wait till next week. M*** told us the week before her baptism that she felt like the person in the first verse of Amazing Grace.. "Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see."  So, I had an arrangement of that in the folk song book that you sent me. (Thanks!) and learned how to play it in one week. Y****, a new friend of M***'s, sang it. And we performed it at the baptism.  It went so well!

On Sunday, M*** was confirmed. Elder Irizarry confirmed her. He was the one that originally knocked on her door. So he is really special to him. She was thrilled when she found out he would be giving her the blessing. It was a beautiful blessing, and after she was welcomed into the ward, she shared a nice little message. She said, "Thanks for welcoming me home."

On another note, I've had a cough for two weeks. I called Sister Morgan about it on Monday and was given some antibiotics. It should start working super soon. (Ojala que si)

Ok. That's all I have time for today. We may have more time in the afternoon, but I don't know. We are going to the temple and going to buy winter boots. 

OK. I love you! I thank you for all your support. Sorry I don't have a lot of details... I hope a few highlights here and there are good!

Love you

La Hermana Kindlespire 

NYC news, September 26, 2012

We had a great week in Inwood. It's such an amazing area. I'm going to miss everyone.... 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

but not for another six weeks. 

I'm staying in Inwood! Sister Taylor and I are still together. I'm really happy. I'm very excited to keep working here. 

I was super shocked, but I'm really grateful. 

This last week was great. We worked really hard with English Class. We made a big poster and walked down Dyckman handing out flyers and talking with lots of people. It was a blast. I loved it. 

M*** has a baptismal date! October 20th is going to be an awesome day. We are really excited. Thank you for your help and for keeping her in your prayers. She hasn't had too many headaches within the last week and is down to one cup everyday. We are so proud of her. She's now drinking coffee without any sugar, which I think is so smart. She's truly showing us that where there's a will, there's a way. 

That woman changed my life. She has so much faith. She knows she has found the true church and she wants to have generations follow her lead. It means the world to me. She's doing this right. I want you to meet her. 

Ps. I've been inviting the world to come to Utah to stay in your house. :) Especially during General Conference. So, you might have lots of random Spanish people coming over a lot. Haha

Sacrament Meeting in the English Ward was a "Sing-a-long" meeting, where we just sing hymns and listen to testimonies. It was so awesome!!

We went to Obispo Garcia's. He is an amazing bishop. They are from the DR and are very friendly. He is an English Teacher in a school and she stays home and takes care of the kids. Their kids' names are Nora and... I don't remember. I always call her bebe. That baby was born while I was here, and look at how huge she is! That's weird to me... I've been here for a long time. 

So on Monday... After district meeting, we left for a lesson and realized we didn't have our keys or our cell phone. So we went to M***'s and asked if we could use her phone to call the elders. Elder Irizarry had picked up our cell phone. And had locked our keys in the Family History Center in the church. Hahaha. That was a stressful situation. :) And so when we met them up, they told us the results of transfers. Another cycle in Inwood together.  But I say, why stop at 5 cycles? Let's keep going! 6 cycles in Inwood! :) No... I'll go where you want me to go.

Love, 

La Hna Kindlespire

(Mariachi) Band, Bangs, and a Barber Shop! 9-12-12

We're going to Chinatown next week instead. Today is the WTC Memorial. It should be pretty moving, I think.

Sister Taylor cut her bangs this last week. That was a fun adventure in our apartment. There was a Mariachi Band at a members birthday party.

I had to say goodbye to Amelia and Felipe Guittierez. They left for the DR and will be gone for about a month. Just in case I get transferred, I wanted to take a picture with them. I met Amelia my first night in the mission field. We went over to her house, and I didn't understand a word. I love that woman! She is so kind!

The other couple in the photo is Carmen and Rafael Rodriguez. They introduced Maria Reyes to the church and are largely responsible for her conversion.

We have been working really hard. I wish I had specific stories, but it's really just the same. :) We taught the Restoration to lots of people, the Plan of Salvation to others. We taught a bunch of people in a barber shop on Monday. That was really fun!
Taught English class. I've loved English Class. I've got to use my phonetics a lot.

Well, that's all for now.

Love,

Lindsay
kin 004. amelia and carmen
kin 001. cutting bangs
kin 002. mariachi band
kin 003. zeny familia and me at the birthday party

Want to Learn English? 9-5-2012

I've been reading the Old Testament Stories. I've forgotten a lot of them, so in my spare time I'm reading out of a Children's Book. It's been a lot of fun. I just finished reading about Elias and Baal. Such an interesting story. 

I finished the New Testament last Friday. Yeah! I feel like I need to read it again, a lot of it didn't make sense. 

We've taken our English Class up a level. We made new flyers, we added a morning class, we started teaching a beginner and an advanced class. I think it's going to be a hit. We only have a few students still, but it'll keep growing. 

M*** came to the English Ward this last week, and brought her five year old son. She loves the church. She always asks where we were 30 years ago. Amazing amazing woman. We taught her all of the commandments and requirements for baptism. She has no problems with any, except coffee. She's very addicted to it. She gets serious headaches without it. She's going to decrease her coffee until there is nothing left. I ask you to pray for her. Pray that she will be able to give up her coffee, and that her headaches will stop. I can't tell you how much I am praying for her. Everyday, everynight. And I know that God will help her! 

We met an anti-mormon this week... My first encounter... It's been interesting. He's texted us a few times. We just bore our testimonies. And we keep going... because what he says doesn't change the truth. :)

The Bishop moved into his new apartment. It's so nice, and pretty big. We helped them with the move on Monday. The Elders moved the heavy stuff, and we helped them unpack. We are hoping that we will be able to start teaching her sister. 

We went to the employment center yesterday and helped N**** start her job search. N**** is A***'s mom. It was a lot of fun. My first translating experience. Sister Taylor did most of the translating, but I was able to help out too. I AM learning Spanish. Hahaha.

Today, we've just been shopping and cleaning. We went to Costco... Man, I love that place. :)

OK... That's it...  Thanks for your love and support.  

I believe that Joseph Smith is a prophet. He bore testimony of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is at the center of our religion. We love him! We love him, because He loved us first. He gave his life.  

Love, 

La Hermana Kindlespire

"I'm not religious, I'm Catholic!", August 22, 2012

Inwood is still going good. Sister Taylor loves it here. I think I might not realize what a blessing this area, since it's my first one. Spanish is the first language, and it's not like that in other areas. Even in Manhattan. We are getting along really well. She reminds me a lot of Jenessa every once and

awhile.

She contacts everyone. It's great. I have never talked to so many people and never used my spanish so much. I still feel like I'm very inadequate in speech, but I try not to think about it too much. It'll come.

Last Wednesday night, we met M**** and M***** and J**** too. All three are new investigators now and we are excited to teach them more about the gospel. M*** is still progressing. She loves Joseph Smith and finds his story to be fascinating. N*** (A***'s mom) loves talking about our church. She likes what she's heard so far. I pray for her so much. I know that someday she will be baptized, and I hope that I will get to see it. 

Sister Sanders and I finished our food tally. This is how many times we were given a certain item of food when we went to a members house. The end result for the months of July and half of August.... 8 beans, 10 platano, 15 chicken, 22 rice, and 28 jugo. "La bandera" I explain what that is in the letter I just sent home. 

We've been very busy this last week. Introducing Sister Taylor to members and investigators and finding new friends and what not. It's been great, but there isn't really much to report on.

Alex received the gift of the Holy Ghost this Sunday. It was great. He is a good kid... He's a teenager, but nonetheless. He is a good kid. 

Today for Pday, we just went shopping and wrote letters. I'm planning on taking a nap once I'm done emailing. Just the norm...

Ok... One funny quote. We knocked on someone's door, and as soon as we introduced ourselves as missionaries, he said "Oh, I'm not religious.... I'm Catholic." 

And with that... I'm out. 

Les amo.

La Hermana Kindlespire

Big Changes in Inwood, August 15, 2012

We had a ward picnic on Saturday. And what did we eat? That's right! Rice and Chicken. And I had a little bit of a Dominican Avocado. See the picture... The Avocado is huge! It was really good too, not as flavorful as usual, but still delicious. That's the Dominican Way... Bigger. Dominican's celebrate more, cry more, love more, eat more. Everything is more. It's so great.
It sounds like Lake Powell was a lot of fun this year. It's hard to miss Lake Powell. But we had so much to keep us busy, I barely had time to think about all of you out there. :) But next year, please make Lake Powell as late as possible. I hope I can join you.

That is so cool that Zach got to baptize someone! Already a missionary! I'm really proud of him. It's hard to stand up for your beliefs, and I can only imagine that it's harder at basic training. I look up to
him. That's really cool!

The baptism went great. Alex was on time, there were lots of people there to support him. The missionaries sang, "Oracion de un nino" AKA: A Child's Prayer, and it went really well. He hasn't received the Holy Ghost yet, but he will receive it on Sunday.

We played our musical number on Sunday in Sacrament Meeting, I was extremely nervous, but it went wonderfully! My nerves were really bad... I was shaking so much, but the only way for me to overcome those nerves is to perform. Maybe by the end of my mission, I will be able to play without any shaking. That would be wonderful. :)

I agree that time has just been flying by. It doesn't feel like it's been 6 months to me. I mean, it feels like I haven't seen you for a long time, but I wouldn't guess that it's been 6 months.

So... Monday was shot calls. We found out all the changes that happen on the Monday before transfers. Elder Hill and Elder Dilliing are out of Inwood. Elder Hill was replaced by Elder Scaife. And Elder Dilling was replaced by...... Elder Bartlett! He was here when I first came to Inwood! And as we all know, Sister Sanders is out. Heading back to the Grand AZ. My new companion is.... Well, should I tell? No.... I shouldn't. I should keep it a secret.

No, I'll tell you.

But maybe I'll tell you next week.

Or the week after.

Or I could just tell you now...

OK. I'll tell you. :)

Sister Taylor is my new companion. She's from Georgia. She was just serving in Harlem with Sister Rogers. I think we will have a great time together. She seems like a hard worker and go-getter, and all that stuff. 

Well, I love you so much. I'm so grateful for this gospel, and I know that when we put God first, everything falls into place. I'm just starting to realize that. I never realized that putitng God first is really a process. It takes time to make Him your priority. 

Love you with all my heart, 

La Hermana Kindlespire 

6 Month Mark! August 8, 2012

Hola!

Sister Sanders birthday was a lot of fun. We made french toast in the morning, which is her favorite. The Yankees won 12-3. It rained during the game, but we lucked out with covered seats. It was really awesome. And some ward members threw a surprise party for her that night. It was a lot of fun. The APS came by our building at 10:00pm and dropped off her birthday package. She was so surprised. She loved the water guns. She thinks all four of them are for her. Haha! Thanks for making her birthday special!

There was a baptism on August 4th for Elsa. She is amazing! She is 22 and from the Dominican Republic. Sister Sanders and a member, Oscar, sang "Nearer my God to Thee", and I accompanied them. It was fun. And it went really well. I just followed the hymn book and added extra notes. I never would have been able to do that before.I've really had the opportunity to strengthen my piano skills. (Wow... it took me a long time to form that sentence in English. That's so cool!)

We've had a lot of activities and lessons the last week, and most of them have been talking about Sister Sanders leaving. It's been rough for both of us. It's hard to keep focused when home is so close, and often the topic of conversation. But we keep going! We are looking forward to our baptism this weekend. It's going to be wonderful! 

Our musical number for the baptism is "A Child's Prayer" sung by all the missionaries. It will be really cool! And then on Sunday, Sister Sanders and I are doing a final flute/piano number. We combined Love at Home and Love One Another. It's a Sanders/Kin original. :) We love it! 

Today, Sister Sanders and I are going on a split. She is heading to the temple to do a session with all the departing missionaries and the mission president. And I'm going to be with Sister Lavaki and Maldarizzi. I'm not sure what we will do. Maybe Natural History Museum? Sister Maldarizzi hasn't been there yet. 

Today... is my 6 month mark. Crazy, right? I celebrated by getting a new toothbrush. New toothbrush every six months... Just like the dentist says. I'll probably by something sugary throughout the day to celebrate some more. 

Well, I love you! Thanks for your support and love. You are the greatest mommy in the world. 

Love, 

La Hermana Kindlespire

August 1, 2012

 Last week for Pday, the museum we wanted to go to was closed, so we just played games in the church and played the piano and what not. It was a lot of fun. Sister Sanders went and saw the Phantom of the Opera, which she was singing for a few days after. She really loved it. 

We haven't gotten any mail from the office yet, so we are still waiting for her birthday package. Hopefully we will get it today. So, I've been hinting that she is going to be getting a package, but she's not expecting one from anybody. It's been really fun. She's going to be thrilled. Since she is going home so soon, she's hardly received any mail at all. Two of her family members told her that they sent her gifts to her home in Arizona. She always says, "I'm still here!!!" So, I know that your package is really going to make a difference for her. 

We are going to a Yankees game again today for Pday. This is a really important game for the season. The two top teams. It'll be really good. I'm sneaking in a peanut butter and honey sandwich, because I'm not going to buy nachos again. Too expensive!

Our baptism is for Alex. Did I tell you how we found him? Really, he found us and he is a miracle investigator. It's wonderful to me, because of my fast for July. I sincerely fasted that Sister Sanders and I could bring one more person into the waters of baptism before she left. And I knew that it would happen. I'm learning so much that the Lord gives us all of our righteous desires. So when we found him, I knew that we would have another baptism before too long. 

My Spanish is improving. I understand a lot, to the point where I'm usually just missing words here and there. Speaking is still very difficult, but it'll come. I'm confident in that. I'm learning a lot about following God's will, and about how much power one person has. And how often, the only thing that is limiting us, is us. I'm learning to step out of the way and align my will with God's. It's hard, but those are the days that I am the happiest. 

Some other fun things that happened this week: 

Sister Sanders reached her 18 month mark on July 26th. We had a mini dance party in our apartment, and I gave her some purple earrings. 

Our ward had a fiesta on Saturday... Wow. It was legit. Dominicans know how to throw a party. 

We had a great Sunday...Alex came to church and so did Martha! Who I've never talked about because, she never seemed really interested in the church. It was great to see her there. We are going to try to start teaching her again. OH, and for dinner we had bacon wrapped chicken ( a long with lots of vegetables) !!

Sister Sanders and I are going to do one more musical number together, her last Sunday. We are doing Love at home and Love one another. Still working on the transitions, but I think it will work nicely. 

I found out that I'm playing a musical number for a baptism this weekend. Surprise! Oscar is going to be singing Divina Luz AKA: Lead Kindly Light, and I'm accompanying him. It'll be interesting. 

OK... Well, I've got to go. It's time to head to the game. I love you so much. Thanks for you support and I hope to hear from you soon! 

Con Amor, 

La Hermana Kindlespire

Answers to Prayer-- July 25, 2012

It's good to hear from you, as always. I got your letter. Thanks so much! You should be getting a postcard from me soon. I'm glad that Dad's trip went well. I hope he will send some pictures! I'd love to see those beautiful mountains. I hope Nikki comes back sun burnt, exhausted, and happy. 

Sister Sanders love peanut butter and chocolate. She likes pineapple and coconut too. Although she is trying to lose weight right now. Maybe some water guns? One for me and one for her... so I can protect myself. :) She'll be thrilled to get anything. It's been great to work with her. I'm going to miss her a lot. She's taught me a lot. I'm going to ask each companion for a scripture of advice/encouragement throughout my mission. Sister Sanders chose 2 Nephi 33: 3-4. 

 3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great ^aworth, and especially unto my people. For I ^bpraycontinually for them by day, and mine ^ceyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry.

 4 And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people. And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it ^apersuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life ^beternal.

She's really lived that scripture too. I've seen how much she loves the people we teach and work with. She truly is amazing!

Today for P-day, I'm on a split with Sister Pipes. Sister Ortega and Sanders are going to try and see a Broadway play. We are just hanging out in the Bronx. We played board games with the elders from the Kingsbridge Zone, we're going to go to a museum later on, and maybe do a little bit of shopping or something.

What a cool story about Zach! What a good kid! I'm excited to hear all his stories. Basic sounds rough! But I know he can do it... He's a tough kid. 

We had a good week over here! We had a service project on Saturday. Mormon Helping Hands (Is that what it's called in English?). We went to a park and painted and weeded. We aren't just talking little weeding... Trees. We took out a bunch of trees. Well, we didn't. Sister Sanders and I ended up with the best job of all. We were in charge of check in and food. Some elders got poison ivy and almost all had blisters and scratches... I sat in the shade. Although I did get my hands dirty for a little bit. 

We had three investigators at church! It was a memorable Sunday. Sister Sanders spoke about remembering covenants. Beautiful, beautiful talk that she gave in a different language. Her Spanish skills never cease to amaze me. Elder Dilling and Elder Irizarry spoke as well. The pianist didn't show up. So my first time playing the piano for sacrament meeting was done in Spanish and with 3 minutes warning. Needless to say, it wasn't my best. I messed up like crazy! We changed the hymns on the spot, but we made it work. 

A*** and his mom, N****, were some of our investigators at church on Sunday. A*** has been having a hard time making friends. He's only been in this country for one month. But on Sunday, a miracle happened. R***** is a friend of his from the ward in the Dominican Republic. R***** just moved here too, and he is in our ward! Not only that... But N**** knows R*****'s mom, Ru**. Ru**was in the DR with N**** when her daughter passed away. They have been friends for years. They both cried as they were reunited. N**** knows that this was no coincidence. What's amazing to me, is that God knew when he first brought N**** and Ru** together, that years later they would have this encounter. And that it would be an answer to prayers for several people. Amazing, right?

I taught district meeting on Monday. It was about the Atonement. Preach My Gospel says:

As your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, your desire to share

the gospel will increase. (2)

I decided to take this as a challenge. I've been studying the Atonement for the last few days and really applying what I've learned. There has been a huge change! I definitely have felt the Spirit more. My desire has increased, and I have felt happier. I'm finally understanding how God's will is the best option. He knows what I don't. It's hard to submit to His will, but as I have made more of an effort to do so, I have felt myself becoming that missionary that I want to be. 

Above all of this... We have another baptismal date for August 11. I know that our investigator is ready for this step. They have been ready for years. Now they are finally going to do it! August 11th is Sister Sanders last Saturday in the mission. We are excited!

I love you. I'm glad you are doing well. Thanks for your support and your prayers. They've been making a difference here. You're wonderful!

Love, 

La Hermana Kindlespire

Hermana Tranquila - July 18, 2012

We have had a lot of success this last week. We have never worked so hard...We were teaching lessons on the streets all week long, and everyone we would share the gospel with would be from the Bronx or New Jersey or simply out of our area. But we kept going. I know that we reap what we sow... We didn't have to wait too long to see that that is true. We received four referrals last week... That is unheard of! Four referrals?? And from those referrals and our efforts, we now have three new investigators. A*** is 15, and he met with the missionaries in the Dominican Republic. His mom, N****, is really open to our message and is looking for the true church. And M***** is great as well. We still need to meet with her and get to know her more, but I was really impressed with her from the beginning. 

Other than missionary work, I don't have too much to report. I ate chicharron. I think it's pork, but it has layers of fried bread, meat, and fat. It was disgusting. Don't make it, Daddy. I gagged... I had to eat six of them. I had to say a desperate prayer to swallow them. 

English class is going well, we have students every class and they are hard workers. I am really impressed. English is a very hard language to learn. 

Sister Sanders got her haircut by a Domincian, which is a scary thing to do, but Angela Familia did a wonderful job. Her hair looks beautiful!

Sister Sanders birthday is August 1st if you want to send her anything. :) She is an amazing companion. I  rely on her so much, and she is always there to help me. I make mistakes like crazy. I'm really really good at making mistakes. :) But she is super patient and very loving. She's always hilarious and crazy. 

Zeny Familia calls her Hermana Loca or La Loca. I'm Hermana Tranquila or "Mi Amiga Tranquila." 

OK. Well, that's all for now. I love you very much.  Love you oodles and oodles. 

Con Amor, 

La Hermana Tranquila. 

Oh Say Can You See the Statue Of Liberty? July 11, 2012

Let me tell you about my week:
For the fourth of July we had Pday until 6, and then we had to be in at 8. On our way home, we decided that it was time to run through the fire hydrants.  We made a fort too. We moved our mattresses out into the living room and made a sweet fort. We took down the fort the next day, but we've slept in the living room for almost a week now. There isn't any air-conditioning in the bedroom, and it's far too hot at night to not have air-conditioning.
On Thursday, we had a dinner appointment with a member of the ward, M****. But when we went over to her house at six, she had forgotten about us. (Sad!) She is an event planner, and she had an event that weekend. She asked us to help her. She needed us to eat half a watermelon so that she could use the green part as decoration. Well, Sister Sanders is not a picky eater. There is one thing that she just cannot eat. And that's watermelon. So I ate half a watermelon by myself. I love watermelon, but that is a lot!
I went on a split with Sister Lee this weekend. She is from Taiwan and she is learning English. We had a good time. I taught her words like "Sassy" and "Vamanos". Poor girl, sat through 3 Spanish appointments. It was good language practice for me though.
That night we had a Honduran meal, bean and egg tacos. I'm not a picky person, but there is one thing that I struggle with... Eggs. It was rough, but I did it!

On Monday, we went to the church to take a break from the sun. We saw M**** and R**** in the kitchen. We went in and found a trash can full of moldy plates! There was a quincenera in the middle of June, and they had put the plates in the custodial closet. They had been there for almost a month, unwashed! So, we washed dishes on Monday. Lots and lots of moldy dishes. It was nasty, but R**** went an bought ice cream for us afterwards.
Today.... what a day! Since Hermana Sanders is leaving at the end of this cycle, she can pretty much go anywhere she wants on the Island. And since she is the only sister leaving, I get to go with her! It's really rare for a missionary to get to do the things that I have got to do. Today, was one of those days.

We went to Battery Park, saw the Statue of Liberty, ate gyros, saw the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. It was really quite a treat! I loved today. It was an amazing, relaxing day. :)

Well, I love you. It's been a really fun week. Sister Sanders and I only have a few more together. We are really working hard. We've had a hard time finding investigators. The last few days we met five or six potential investigators who all live outside of our area. But I know that we reap what we sow. We are sowing, so it's just a matter of time until we are reaping. I love this gospel. It is true. Jesus Christ lives and He is leading our prophet Thomas S. Monson. Love you,


Hermana Kindlespire

PICTURES!
kin004 - the dishes
kin001- the statue of liberty
kin002- me pinching the statue of liberty
kin003- me being a tourist

Baptism! -- July 4, 2012

Maria was baptized on Saturday! You will probably hear about a ton of Marias. It's an extremely popular name. Maria was President Morgan's first baptism (and mine too) so he and his wife came on Saturday. We were the first missionaries that they met, besides the APs. It was wonderful! I love them so much. They are so kind and loving and personable. I collected a few hugs from Sister Morgan. She is my Mission Mom for sure. All the missionaries just want to be next to her all the time. She's very popular. Three of their sons are here. They all spoke, and they seem like a great family. They just love each other, and being together.

Maria's baptism was beautiful. Her friend Carmen that brought her to church was able to make it. We were thrilled, because we didn't think she was going to be able to come. It was a miracle to see her there. We had her say the closing prayer. Her husband, Rafael baptized Maria. And we had a few speakers. Sister Sanders and I played "I Stand All Amazed" with our piano and flute skills, and it went really well. :)

So, on my chart I've just made guesses as to where I'll be in a few cycles. But my guesses change all the time. It's weird not knowing where you are going to be in six weeks. And life is very unpredictable.

Today for P-day, we are having a zone party. Playing volleyball and eating hot dogs. Someone is bringing KFC (just like fourth of july at home!). We have to be in at 8 tonight. We are going to build a fort and have a fun party tonight!

So, Inwood. The streets are very noisy. The cars passing have loud music, and the cars parked have the doors open and loud music. We saw a guy practicing the saxophone in his car a few weeks ago. There is always music. There are tons of vendors selling shoes, watches, and jewelry. People are always on the streets, because their apartments are so hot. We tract and contact a lot. We've had more success with tracting. That's how we found Ceri and Maria.

Near our apartment? There is a 99cent store on the corner, a cafe, a Dominican restaurant, and a Dominos on the same block. But within the next block we have Chinese food, 2 grocery stores, a Rite-Aid... Everything we need is within walking distance.

We talk about how we think our families would be shocked to see what we see everyday, but it has become so normal for us.

So, I was wondering if you could possibly send me some more piano music, especially just piano solos. I was asked to play a piano solo for zone conference, but I wasn't able to because I don't have any regular piano sheet music. Sally Deford has a lot of wonderful arrangements. That would be great!

Well, I love you. Always know that I love you. You are wonderful! I've got to go... we are eating hot dogs now. :)


Hermana Kindlespire

"Call me Maybe?"-- 6/26/2012

We've had a really busy week. We had Pday a day early so that we could all meet with President one last time for his final transfer. There were no changes in our district, and only a few in our zone. Sister Asregadoo is going to Kingsbridge with Sister Johnson. And Sister Lotuleilei is headed to Olmstead with Sister T.

Sister Sanders and I will be here until August 15th, and then she will be on her way home! :( I'm "killing her", as they say. But we are going to make it an amazing last transfer together!

We contacted, contacted, and contacted this weekend. It's my goal to just get really comfortable with contacting. Have you heard that new song by Carly Rae something? I never remember her last name. The chorus goes like this: "Hey, I just met you. And this is crazy, but here's my number. So call me maybe." It's all the rage out here, probably over there too. But that's what we do as missionaries. Ask random people that we just met to give us a call. Yeah... it's a little uncomfortable, but I know with time I will get good at it. And again... doing it in Spanish. That makes it tricky too. But I prefer it in Spanish more than in English. Weird, right?

M*** R**** has finally committed to a baptismal date! And what date is it? June 30th... That's right! She's getting baptized in four days! We are thrilled. She has been investigating for 10 months, and coming to church every Sunday. We are so happy that she has finally made the decision to take this leap of faith and join the church!

A quick experience we had this week. We were teaching a new investigator named A**. We were talking about Truth. A** asked us, "What is the truth?". I began thinking of big complicated answers, like "The Doctrines that Christ taught while he was here are the truth." "The revelation that we receive from the Holy Ghost is the truth." Sister Sanders, in her 17 months of missionary experience (She's such a pro) said, "I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint is true." It was amazing to me how simple her reply was. So simple! What a beautiful testimony she has. I'm grateful for her and what I have learned from her so far.

Love you all! Have a great Tuesday!

Love,

Hermana Kindlespire