Sister Kindlespire - 4/25/12

Our apartment is actually on the first floor, and you can't see it from the outside, unless we sneak into a creepy alleyway. It's small, but perfect for two people. We have a lot of fun. Hna Sanders has been in Inwood since December. And before that she was in Connecticut and White Plains, NY. She loves it here, and so do I. The ward is incredible. Each person is very charismatic. A lot of people dress up really fancy for church and wear their hair up in unique hairdos. Spanish people have a hard time singing on tune or in rhythm, but they sing with more feeling and more spirit than I have ever heard. The choir sang my favorite hymn this Sunday "Divina Luz". I loved it so much!

So last weekend, I developed a cold, but I think we got it. I slept almost all day on Friday. And felt so much better the next day. And I've felt healthy since. We had our interviews with the mission president. . It was great!  And better still, I didn't even cry! Lots of people cry in interviews, I've noticed.

We focused a lot of our attention last week on Church Attendance with absolutely no signs of success. We invited 5 people to church, and no one showed up. We were pretty sad, but we know that God has a plan! And we've seen that plan a bit clearer already this week. On Monday, one of our investigators asked about where he can attend church! And on Tuesday another investigator came to the Young Women's activity and is planning on church on Sunday. We will continue to focus on church attendance, because that is where our testimonies become more solidified.

Daddy, you should make avena. (I think that's how you spell it). It's an amazing drink that has oats and cinnamon in it. It's delicious, especially in the morning. I love it.

Sorry the email is a bit shorter this week. We are completely out of time. We wanted to do email earlier, but myldsmail.net wasn't working, so here we are. :) We went to the Natural History Museum - pictures next week. I learned a lot, and my brain hurts a little. There is a gem room.... yeah. A room FULL of sparkles. I loved it. Phooo! It was probably my favorite.

Well, I love you so much. I love this gospel. The gospel is perfect, the church is perfect, the ordinances and the organization is perfect. The only thing that isn't is the people. These is the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that is why everything is perfect. Because He is perfect. We are trying to become like Him, but sometimes we forget. The members of the church are human, but the head of the church - Jesus Christ - is perfect. I love knowing that God has given us the restored gospel again. It makes a difference everyday, whether you are on a mission or not.

Families are forever!

Love,

Hermana Kindlespire

4/20/12 -- Text with picture attached - :)

We got a text from Sister Smith (the mission president's wife) last Friday. It just said "Interviews in Inwood today. We love your missionaries!"

That was such a nice surprise.

It's not easy being Green ... 4/18/12

I can't believe David's braces are off! What a "capo" (That's cape in most places, but in Chile it means stud)! This first week has been a lot of fun, but quite an adjustment. I felt that my first week in the MTC lasted for months. This week has been similar. It feels like it's been a month, but it's been a good month. Today for Pday we are going to 125th to do a bit of shopping. I have two short sleeve shirts, and that is not going to be enough for the summer that is ahead of us... We can wear sandals too! So I'm going to buy a cute pair. After that, we aren't sure but we will find some fun things to do.

Hermana Major was in Inwood for 7 months! And she loved it. She is now in Connecticut and she is going to tear it up. It was really good to see her. I hear stories about her all the time from my companion and from the members of the ward. You can tell she is a good missionary. They all miss her so much!

It was so crazy to see Amanda! And to know that Nikki was talking with her just on the other side of the phone.

(**note..Amanda is Nikki's friend from school who was visiting her brother in NY over spring break. Lo and behold the missionaries knocked on their door...and by missionaries I mean Lindsay and her companion. Amanda notices Lindsay's unusual last name and asks "Do you know Nikki?" ....and she did.**)

I hear Nikki is brunette again. That's cool. Does she like it?






My companion is so great! She works hard and knows what she is doing. Her spanish is so good, and she is willing to help me with mine. We're a good team. She's teaching me a lot.

I got your card. Thank you so much! Yeah, I got it on Tuesday, so about three days. But if the mission president said to send stuff to the mission home, do that. The AP's area is in North Manhattan, so we see them almost everyday. No worries ;) So, let me tell you about my week!

Wednesday night, I met Ramona and her family who are all members. I had Dominican food for the first time. It is really good! But really basic. It's mostly rice, lettuce, and meat. The following night, we met with a recent convert, Griselda. She fed us rice, tostones (fried green plantains) and maduros (fried yellow plantains). Dominicans love to eat "con con", which is really just the burnt rice at the bottom of the pan. So we've had that a few times. It's actually really good.

On Thursdays we get to do service with Elder and Sister Wheelwright at the New York LDS Employment Center. It's at Union Square. It is a huge privilege for us to get to go there! Missionaries aren't allowed past 59th unless it is approved by the President, which brings up another thing we are excited for. On May 5th, we get to help out with the Revlon Walk at Times Square. All the missionaries in Manhattan are going to be volunteering there. It's going to be awesome! We can hardly wait.

On Friday, we ate Peruvian food with a less active member. It was so good. I successfully at chicken with bones in it, which is quite a big deal for me. And we ate the best beans I have ever had. They were unique to Peru and unfortunately, I don't remember what they are called. But wow.... delicious.
We went on the George Washington Bridge and were able to see the New York Skyline from there. Beautiful, beautiful view!
Our relief society had a cocktail party, so we invited everyone that we knew to come. And it came to pass that Maritza, an investigator, was able to come! She was able to make some friends and get to know the people in the ward. She speaks perfect English, but wanted to come to a Spanish ward.
I also met a lot of the sisters in the ward. This ward is incredible and each person is so characteristic. I love Dominicans. They are who they are, at all times.

On Saturday, we went tracting and that's when we ran into Amanda. So crazy! On Manhattan Island, running into my little sister's friend? Yeah. It definitely wasn't a coincidence. In the same building, we met Paola. She invited us back to sing and to talk about God. So, we are excited for that. She also gave us a referral for her daughter.

Sunday was incredible! I was worried about the church meetings. The Dominican accent is really hard to understand, so most of the time I stay quiet and lost. :) It will come with time. But actually at church, I was able to understand a lot. A lot more than I was expecting! It was Elder Hill's birthday on Sunday. We went over to Miguel's house and had a good meal with his family. We watched the Testaments and then bore testimony of Jesus Christ. It was so good, and the Spirit was so strong! Miguel and his family speak English, so we taught in English and that was great for me.

Monday... we worked hard! Our goal this week for new investigators is 4. And Monday, we found 2. One of those investigators is Paola's daughter, Hilda. The other one is Maria. We met her daughter last week, and she invited us back. Her daughter wasn't home, but Maria let us right in and we taught her the Restoration. She soaked it up! She highlighted James 1:5, and even Moroni 10:3-5! We are going to meet with her again soon.

Yesterday, was more relaxing. I took like 3 naps. We worked so hard on Monday... You know when you go running, and if you sprint from the beginning, you won't make it very far. The same principle applies in missionary work. I need to learn to pace myself. I just want to preach and teach! :) I'm so green.

I love this gospel, and I've loved the opportunities that I have had so far. I miss you all so much, but I know that my mission will only be for a short time so I'm trying to focus on the people more.

I know that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. I know that the gospel has been restored, and I'm grateful for the blessing to be raised in the church!

Love,

Hermana Kindlespire

Ps. I've included more pictures!
A view of New Jersey and the Hudson river
Yellow rice, and con con
Maduros and Tostones.
George Washington Bridge, the New York Skyline, and my district.
Graffiti on Broadway and Academy, super close to where we live.

4/11/12 -- First Area...drum roll....

Two emails in one week and two phone calls too. What a treat!? It was so good to talk to you! A bit surreal. I've been inside for two months, so I've lost half of my social skills.
I've decided that planes make me really sick. Next time I travel, I am definitely going to be bringing Dramamine. But I have arrived safely in New York with no permanent damage ;) (No damage at all sorry, that was a bad joke).
So, the only glance of New York City that I have had was of the skyline when landing in Westchester County. I haven't been in the Big Apple yet, but I should get that chance within the next month or so.
I'm trying to add as many details as I can... I hope you approve :)

After landing, the Mission President and his APs were waiting for us and we immediately headed for the mission home. President Smith is so kind and caring, and so is his wife! They are incredible. I just know that these next three months with them are going to be memorable. At the mission home, we introduced ourselves a little. There were 14 missionaries that went to NYCN this transfer. 4 sisters, and 10 elders. We ate an incredible meal and yummy cake that tasted a lot like Aunt Shanna's raspberry/pretzel stuff. It was so good!
We continued to talk about rules and things that night and went to bed at 8:30pm... which is 6:30pm MST and I was still exhausted. We woke up at 6:30am... which is really 4:30am MST, and again, I was still exhausted. But I think I will adjust soon enough to the time change. We had fresh, warm bagels... So good. The Mission President spoiled us. After breakfast we had a few training meetings from President Smith, and he gave us our first area.

I am serving in......
.
Northern Manhattan. Inwood, to be exact. It is the Dominican Republic. I am in the minority. I've only been here a few hours, but I have only seen about 8 Caucasians. It's going to be so much fun! I can't wait to understand their culture and their language too. Their Spanish is different than what I learned in the MTC, but I'll be able to understand it soon.
My companion is Sister Sanders. She is from Arizona and has graduated with a degree in Special Education. She is so great! I really think that we will be able to accomplish a lot here. And guess who her previous companion was... Sister Major! Sister Sanders likes Pleasant Grove too. :)

Tonight, we have a dinner appointment with some members. I am so excited to have some authentic Dominican food, and to speak in Spanish and hopefully receive some referrals.

I love this gospel! It is true!

Love,

Hermana Kindlespire

PS. Here are a few pictures for you, and a little bit of an explanation:
Hermana Major, Hermana Kindlespire, and Hermana Sanders at our transfer meeting.
The final picture of my MTC District including our teachers, Hno B and Hna Gywnn.
Me changing my watch to New York time.
I barely made the 50 lb limit, packing to leave the MTC. I was really impressed with myself and wanted to share my accomplishment :)
Hermana Rogers, Hermana Noble, and Hermana Kindlespire at our last temple trip.

Salt Lake City, Detroit, New York! -- 4/10/12

*** We got a phone call from Sister Kindlespire today as she left the Salt Lake Airport this morning on her way to New York! She was excited, nervous, happy, and enjoying being out of the classroom. She had trouble getting everything packed and was up till 12:30 a.m. trying to make it work. She ended up carrying her pink polka-dot towel and she had her tiny travel alarm clock in one pocket and her little valentine's teddy bear in the other. We were able to talk to her for about 30 minutes before she had to go. Then she called again from Detroit and we spoke briefly. She said the flight and landing were really rough. She said that they had already spoken with someone in the airport about Christ and she thought that was really great. While I was on the phone with her they called her flight. Lots of "I love you" s and then good bye again.

Here is part of the message she left on my phone when I didn't pick up the first time she called in Detroit. "I am so excited to get to New York, only a few more hours and I'll be there. Know that I'm loving my mission and loving this chance to serve the Lord."

Tonight she begins her mission in earnest. Last I heard P-day was Wednesday so it's possible we'll get more details tomorrow.**** by Kaye

Tomorrow...New York! 4/9/12

Thanks for your email! I think about how the Elders in my district are all 19 years old, and that makes me feel really old. :) Oh! I saw Elder Zach Porter last week. He took Katie to prom. He is leaving tomorrow too. I didn't recognize him, but he said I looked a lot like Katie...

Thanks for the pictures too. I look funny when I sing :) but I'm okay with that. Singing was so much fun! I can hardly believe that was a week ago. It seems like much longer.

This past week was unique for sure. After meals, gym, classes, or anything, I would think (or say outloud) "This is our last class on a Wednesday..." "This is our last gym on a Thursday..." I am really excited to enter the field, but I am really nervous as well.

We had a really fun opportunity last week as a companionship. When the new missionaries enter, their first night they spend time in mock lessons with real investigators. Our companionship was asked to be the missionaries in these mock lessons. It was really intimidating. I remember thinking that those missionaries knew everything. I do not know everything. We spoke with a man who had just moved to Orem and is very Catholic. He shared his testimony, and we shared ours, and then the new missionaries took over and by the end of the lesson they had challenged him to start reading the Book of Mormon. It was incredible! Our second lesson didn't go as smoothly, but we learned a lot about what we need to improve on.

We received a new district in our zone this week. They are amazing! I knew immediately upon meeting them that they would be very successful missionaries. Since Elder Fales and Barnard are leaving tomorrow, we needed new zone leaders. Elder Hone and Elder Morley were called after being here for less than 36 hours... Yeah, they felt a little overwhelmed, but they will do an incredible job. I know it.

On Friday, we had in-field orientation. We talked about all the things that we haven't focused on very much. Working with members, having faith in our ability, planning, etc. Speaking of which, work with the missionaries...They need your help to be successful. We met a ton of people from "The District", and that was pretty entertaining to see some "celebrity faces".

Easter Sunday was beautiful! President Packer came and spoke to us, and the entire congregation was able to partake of the sacrament with the senior apostle presiding. It was an amazing experience! His words were so strong. He talked about the power of missionaries. We still had testimony meeting with our zone, which I did in Spanish. I made several mistakes, but I think that they were able to understand my point. We then had a departing devotional, and received instructions on leaving and things to remember in the mission field. And our last devotional in the MTC was the BYU Men's Chorus! They did an amazing job! I loved it. They sang "La cucaracha", and pulled out fake moustaches and maracas. It was hilarious! I even got to see my good friend Bobby Hale after the concert for a second.

Well, today is the day. The last day in the MTC. It seems surreal. I just can't believe it. I'm ready to leave, but at the same time, I'm not ready at all. I know that this will be a hard adjustment, but the Lord knows that I am ready for it. So yes, I need to have faith in myself that I am ready too, but my faith in God is carrying me right now. If He says I am ready, then I am ready. I will go, I will do, I will be happy.

There are a few things I want to add on to my list of reasons I am on a mission. I am on a mission because all His children that are here on earth, desire to return to live with Him again, even if they don't remember. I am on a mission because it is only through the ordinances of this gospel that we can return to live with God.

I love this gospel very much, and I am so grateful for the blessings that I have received because of my knowledge of the restored gospel. I love you too!

Love,

Hermana Kindlespire

Family: I will talk to you tomorrow.

Conference was amazing! -- 4/2/2012

I'm so glad that you were able to make it to conference. I was looking and looking for you, but I didn't see you. I was a little sad, but it was nice to know that you were somewhere in that huge room.

Conference was such an amazing experience! That conference center looks so much bigger from the other side. I was in shock. Elder Nelson came up to us before the meeting started and thanked us for being there. It was so great to be so close to true prophets of the Lord. Hearing the words of God through His chosen leaders. What a miracle it is! And to sing my favorite hymn, Lead Kindly Light... I couldn't ask for anything better than that. I just love that hymn! It really was an amazing experience. Once in a lifetime. It makes me think of when I was impatiently waiting to get to the MTC. I should have trusted that God had a reason for asking me to wait a bit longer. He knew I would have this opportunity to sing in conference, something that I have always wanted to do. I love God! If singing in the choir wasn't enough, the messages were meant for me and for the people I know I will be meeting in a week. I took so many notes, and I learned so much. I can hardly wait to bring people to hear the words of the prophets for next conference.

Oh... Sidenote. I think I was paid one more time from Chrysalis after I left. Would you check my account and make sure that my tithing gets paid for that last check? Thanks!!

We got our travel plans last Friday. It was really exciting, but really nerve-wracking. I'm actually leaving. The MTC has just felt like school. It's been difficult, but nothing compared to what happens in the mission field. It's just a weird realization that I will be in New York in 8 days.... weird. weird. :) I am so excited!

We fly out on 04/10 at 7:05am, we have a lay over in Detroit between 12:45-2:15, and we will get to New York at about 4:00pm. I can call immediate family members, so I need the phone numbers of Daddy, Heidi, Kristi, Katie, and Nikki, unless she will already be with you. So, I can call whenever is best for you. Just let me know. :) Thanks for the calling card! Thanks for the cute skirt too. I absolutely love it. :)

This week our tri-companionship has been chosen to help teach the new missionaries. It's really intimidating. I remember when we came in and I was saying, "Wow... those missionaries are really good teachers." Now it's my turn. It's funny, because I don't consider myself a good teacher. And we will be teaching in English, which we haven't done for a few weeks now. It'll be a fun experience.

I loved Elder Neil L. Andersen's talk this conference. I thought of 1 Nephi 8, or maybe he mentioned it in his talk, where the people that partook of the fruit and then were ashamed after the notice the people mocking them.... Are we found in that group? Are we saying, "Do others think I am Christian?" or are we saying, "Does Jesus Christ think that I am Christian?" I know that is something I need to work on. I need to show my devotion to Jesus Christ more and prove to Him that I am a Christian by following His example. I love the Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He is the only way and the only light to be found in this world. Let's follow Him!

Love,

Hermana Kindlespire