life

I chose to title this post life, because that's exactly what happened. Life happened. For those Who know, or don't know, or just curious, i have decided that it was time to tell what happened. Maybe to help answer question's and to let a whole lot of healing in, and to move on. The reader digest version of My story goes like this. I made The decision to serve a mission in January 2012, but then completely chickened out. I moved to Arizona and had what Is still to this day or was, The Best year of My life. But, fall came around and That feeling came into My stomach, you know that feeling when you know you are supposed to do something? Well, i had it and i knew i needed to go on a mission, so i once again restarted The process of preparing for a mission, which was not an easy task when two blood clots and lupus sit at The top of your health resume. I got turned down once, gave up, but then two months later i told myself it had to be done and My mission papers were submitted 7 days later. 12-12-12 will forever hold a special place in my heart. I received my mission call on January 11th and entered the 

MTC on the twentieth of February. Now, to save time, i'll just say that it was the best. Mission are simply the best. They are hard, you cry and you struggle, but then the most amazing thing happens and it's magical and there are not words to describe how much they mean to you.

but life happens

and nightmares come true

and you go home


and you go through all emotions. you're torn on what to do next. Do you stay and fight or do you just simply move on.

That decisions was something that I really struggled with. I had family and friends all telling me what I should and shouldn't do.

I was lost, and hurt, and confused

But, I realized that sometimes life just has to happen. I have a sick body. A blessing given to me by an all loving Heavenly Father, which I have only chosen to seen as a burden. I have slowly and quite painfully come to the realization that he wants me to be happy, truly happy, and like most of us know we need a little darkness to fully see the stars. 

and we need the rough time

to make the good times better

and we look back at the ninety three days I got. The sweetest, most treasured days and remember how I almost had none. Sometimes, I think that I gave up too easily and should I have stayed in fight and gave it another good. 

  but he wants us to be happy, including me
and that involves trusting in his plan,
and seeing the darkness as a gift rather than a burden

Todo lo puedo en jesucristo que fortalece

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

How to survive the MTC part 2

• The first couple of days at the MTC are the most overwhelming days of your life. The Second day at the MTC will be the longest days of your life. Prepare yourselves for it now. It's completely overwhelming and you are thinking to yourself about how you regret everything. it will be okay. Just make it to Sunday, and then the time at the MTC flies by incredibly fast. Missions are really interesting. The days are long, but the weeks fly by and in no time you will be off to your mission. 
• You get these little cards at the MTC with the picture that you submitted with your papers. You need to have this card at all times, so bring a lanyard or the MTC bookstore has these really cools lanyard things. You also get $8.00 a week on your card, which is perfect because on each floor in the dormitory there are vending machines with so much food and perfect way to beat the late night hungers. Especially on Tuesday nights because you skipped dinner to go to devotional. 
• If you are learning a new language, you get a set of scriptures in that language. 
• The MTC bookstore is the best. It has everything in it, so you can buy study material, candy, um more candy ( no wonder my gall bladder broke) You can also buy MTC sweat pants (BUY THE SWEAT PANTS) and the stripling warriors mama's boys shirts. It is a Men's shirt but I just had to have it. I love representin that Helaman's army. Oh, and you can get everything engraved at the MTC bookstore...for free! It truly is the happiest place on earth. 
• be prepared to wait for your visa..for like a really long time. It will come eventually. Everything works out in Heavenly Fathers time. Don't stress. be cool and enjoy the ride.
• Bring your patriarchal blessing. I know this may sound like a no brainier, but I forgot mine and I really wished I had it during my time at the MTC. You can also get it laminated for like a nickle.
• Once a week you have a service assignment, where you just clean for like an hour and half. It's kind of fun and it gets you out of the classroom. ( be prepared to spend like 11 hours a day there)
• Most of the time in your classroom in your district studying by themselves. you see your teachers for like 3 hours.  Usually once in the morning and then in the evening.
• If you are learning a new language, you use this computer program called TALL. It is incredibly obnoxious, but my best advice would be to use it for your good. It is there for a purpose and you can learn really good grammar techniques from it. Also, it's sign off song will be stuck in your head until you reach the Celestial Kingdom.
• On your very first day, be prepared for your teachers to only speak to you in your mission language. It is so scary! BUT IT GETS BETTER. I promise you. 
• This girl in my zone had a 42 minute wall sit and gym and currently holds the record. I dare you to break it.
• The musical numbers at the MTC are the craziest, most amazing thing ever. It's like America's got talent-mormon style. This really isn't advice but be prepared to be amazed. If you are amazingly talent, audition!
• Getting a seat in Choir is a challenge. be prepared to leave an hour before it even starts. The choir director is amazing by the way.
• You WILL have the moment where you are walking out of devotional with a trillion other missionaries and you get you lost from your companion and the first thought that goes through your head is "MY GOSH, THEY COULD BE SINNING!" relax. everything will be okay. Disclaimer: you probably shouldn't make obnoxious bird sounds like I did. I'll be mature one day....
• Get the bottom bunk. Life is just easier on the bottom bunk. 

How to survive the MTC

Now that I am at home and resting my useless gall bladder. ( I named him Goliath) I decided to make a list of all the stuff that somebody should have told me about serving a mission. Hopefully this list can help a future sista out!

1. The MTC is the greatest place..if you make it that way. Your attitude will depict exactly how your time at the MTC will go. If you are happy and excited like I was, then the seven weeks ( or however long you are going to be there for) will be the happiest and greatest time of your life. If you just want to go and get out into the field, like every other missionary does, then you will see the MTC as just a waste of time. PLEASE do not have this attitude. I will look back at the time i spent at the  MTC for the rest of my life and I was so incredibly blessed to have been able to spend it with the people that I got to spend it with.
2. The MTC blankets are straight up the nastiest things you will ever see. Bring your own sheets and blankets. Oh and bring two pillows. You will be thanking me....
3. Skip dinner on Tuesday night and get a good seat at devotional. Small sacrifice but it is so worth it. 
4. The 2M gym is the coolest and nobody uses it. Be cool and use it.
5. You are NOT a real missionary at the MTC until you play four square. It will be the most intense game of your life. Elders do not mess around.
6. Bring a journal just for devotional talks. You can keep this throughout your mission and have General Conference talks in there also. 
7. This one will be hard for most people to take in. DO NOT bring a lot of clothing. It's extra weight and I promise you that will only wear not even half of it. You will buy more clothing on your mission and people will just give you the cutest clothing ever. this I promise you. Again, you will thank me...
8. My Favorite thing about P-Day at the MTC was going to every floor and looking through the give away boxes. When missionaries leave the MTC and are trying to make weight limit for their luggage, they just give away adorable clothing. (if they only had read the above rule) My friends and I on P-Day would go to each floor and ransack those boxes. We called ourselves the P-DAY Pirates, REMEMBER THE NAME. 
9. I brought tons of shoes with me. Some things cannot be sacrificed. I recommend more shoes, less clothing.
10. If you want to send pictures home in your emails, you are going to need a USB card drive for your camera card. Be a cool kid and have one of these. You seriously will be the most popular person in the Laundry room. If only I had a brought one...
11. So, my district was insane but on P-Day we woke up at 5 AM and did laundry at 5:10 AM and nobody was there and we would write letters and eat breakfast and then go to the temple ( we had the 9:10 assignment) and then we go back to our dorms and sleep all day. It was party in the USA. I highly recommend doing this.
12. The last p-day my district had together, we did a district picnic and it was so fun. I wish we had done this more. Make your district do this. 
13. If you are learning a new language, speak it all the time. In the classroom, in the cafeteria, while your brushing teeth, everywhere and anywhere. You will sound like a buffoon, but Heavenly Father will notice your efforts and will bless you with the Gift of tongues so much sooner. This is something I highly, highly recommend.
14.  Write in your journal every single day. This is something that I wish I had done. The MTC is once in a lifetime opportunity and you are going to want to remember it. 
15. On each floor of the dormitory there are couches and there was often sisters crying on it. They were called the "cry couches" DON'T CRY ( okay you can cry) I promise you it gets better....and worse. But it's supposed to be like this. This is how being a servant for the Lord is supposed to be. He loves you so much and if you are doing your best and giving your all, he is so happy. I promise.
16. Ask the Elders to give you a blessing. They will be so happy and honored that you trust them enough and I promise you that it will one of the best blessings you have ever received. The priesthood is the coolest. 
17.  Bring pictures of your family and put it on your planner. You can look at them everyday and it will motivate you to share the gospel because the gospel truly does bless families and you will want all those you meet to have the same blessings that we have, in knowing that families can be together forever.
18. The wrap bar at the MTC is the yummiest. I only ate wraps and cereal. There is also tons of cantaloupe. 
19. be prepared to become best friends with the Elders and Sister in your district. You will love them so much and they will mean so much to you. The second you meet your companion, just choose to love them. They were picked for a specific reason to be your companion and you can learn so much from them if you choose to do so. My companion and I were perfect for each other and I miss her so much! ( shout out to Hermana Gomez!) 
20. This journey is incredible. Being a missionary is crazy and life changing, but one of the best decisions that you could ever make for you and your future family. Your testimony will grow, your knowledge of the scriptures will grow, and your love for Heavenly Father and the Savior and his Atonement will grow. The missionary life is the craziest ride you will ever ride but it so worth it and there is no need to ever be afraid, because you are never alone.

Benched

Sigh. This week was a doozy and I really, really wish that had not happen. To make a really long story super short, I got sent home to have my gall bladder  taken out.

 

and it sucks.

 

but I am know that everything happens for a reason

and there is a reason why I am home

and sick

and away from doing what has made me the happiest I have ever felt in my entire life.

 

I trust my Heavenly Father

and I know with that his plan for me

is greater than I can ever imagine...

My First Baptism Story

Ladies and Gentleman, Last week I had my first baptism.....and it was a disaster. Everything that could go wrong went wrong that night. *preface: Abner and Maria are perfect. They are the example of prepared and I love them so much. A week before their baptism, they were really freaking out and we promised them that everything that night would be perfect and they need not to worry. We were SO wrong.

Saturday night rolled around and we went to the stake center to get ready for the baptism. We ended up finding a regional stake dance going on. Yup, like 500 youth awkwardly dancing to Justin Beiber. perfect. Now don't get me wrong, I am a total fan of the Biebs, but "if I were my girlfriend..." doesn't really bring in the spirit that a missionary desires for the baptism of their investigators. It took some time but we were finally able to convince the DJ to play the music as low as possible and when the actual ordnance was taking place to turn the music off completely. 500 teens HATED us that night.

One of the reasons why Abner and Maria were so nervous for their baptism was that they were scared that a ton of people would be there. We assured them that 20 people TOPS would be there. Wellllllll, the beloved Relief Society president called and texted every single person in the ward to tell them about the baptism. The baptism area had around 60 people, we had ran out of programs, had people frantically setting up chairs, the district leader was laughing his head off at us, and were getting really funny/creative comments about the fiesta going on next door. My favorite comment of the night was

"THIS IS THE HIPPEST BAPTISM EVER!" 

I am pretty sure my response was like "this is the worst night of my life" So, we got everyone seated and were ready to go until we realized that we couldn't find Maria. Oh, you know the person getting BAPTIZED. So we were running around frantically trying to find them and every time we ran past the gym we would cover our ears and start saying the first vision in Spanish. We are so cool. We finally found Maria'a Mom and asked "Donde Esta su Hija" She said Walmart. Apparently, when she drove in she saw like 9000 cars and realized that she needed to go buy more food. bless her heart. She finally showed up, got changed, we took pictures, and tried our hardest to ignore Beyonce. ( this was a trial for me because we all know that B and I are tight) 

The baptism service started and It was so wonderful (minus the screaming mob of youth every time 1D was played) Maria's brother gave the talk on baptism and it was so beautiful. He really loves her and was so excited for her to feel the happiness that he felt. It was perfect. Maria and Abner looked so beautiful in white and I am so greatful that Heavenly Father trusted me enough to be there to see them follow the example of Jesus Christ. Maria could not stop crying. The spirit was so strong. She even said that she was so grateful she did not wait to get baptized. Happiest day ever. 

The rest of the service was perfect. It didn't even matter that we could all hear Michael Jackson's Thriller going on during the rest of the talks because Maria and Abner had chosen to follow the example of the Savior and we were all so touched by their faith. Sister Reed sang "Mas Cerca Dios De Ti" ( the Spanish version of Nearer My God To Thee) It was so beautiful and the spirit  was so powerful.

I said the closing prayer and I thanked them in it for the example that they had set for us, to put their fear aside and have faith in the One who gave his life for us. I also said that they would have the opportunity to attend the temple in a year and that they could be sealed forever and ever and that they should never lose sight of this goal. 

I remember walking out exhausted and sooo ready for bed. We walked pass the door where the youth dance was going on and "party in the USA" was being played. and I laughed so hard and then Sister Stroud, Reed and I talked about the Party that Heavenly Father must had been having in Heaving in knowing that two of his children were on there way home. 

Shrimp for Jesus

This week flew by! So exciting when you are busy! Utah is no longer freezing ( it will probably snow tomorrow JUST because I said that) I don't love Utah, but I love the people, oh how I love the people. 

 This Hispanic people are my people. They are so sweet and they eat like really good food. 

So, the other day we were teaching one of our investigators, who is getting baptized with his beautiful wife in a couple of weeks ( music to my missionary ears) and he wanted to know our "diet" So, we started teaching him about the word of wisdom  and he said "wait...what about catfish?!" and we said "um, you can eat catfish" and then he said "welp, I know you can't eat shrimp, but I'll give it up for Jesus" and we quickly informed him that he COULD eat shrimp and we just told him that he could not drink alcohol or do drugs :) 

But it was just so sweet to know that he was willing to give up anything, even shrimp, to follow the Savior. I get to witness the most beautiful thing as a missionary and that is watching someone come to the realization of how much their Heavenly Father loves them. I am so blessed. 

The Church is True. The Book is blue. 

Hermana Fastle

p.s I finished my very first journal. I feel so accomplished! 



Things I learned this week on my mission!

• Utah is freezing
• Utah is a dry desert where you have to bath yourself in lotion
• Josh Groban cures all
• My companion and I got a new car on wednesday. 2013 corolla is my best friend.
• People in Utah like to answer the door while not wearing any clothing.
• Men in Utah like to answer the door in Utah while not wearing any clothing. my life.
• This lady made me eat meat and I was crying and then she told me it was soy and life was not so bad. Most terrifying/delicious meal of my life.
• Everyone will and has laughed at my spanish
• All of my investigators are named Maria. all of them.
• THEY ARE GETTING BAPTAIZED.
• members are the greatest.
• Tostadas are the most delicious meal ever.
• Utah is still really cold.
• Wendy's is no longer good food. I love home cooked meals.
• my alarm clock hates me
• you can automatically tell who is hispanic by looking at their house. Christmas lights and 900 cars would be the main indicator.
• When you tell me me you are already a member while holding a beer in your hand and your house smells of cigar smoke, I know you are lying.
• EVERYONE hides from the missionaries.
• Saying that you are not home is a pretty good indicatior to me that you are home, especially when we can see you in the window. People these days.
• Mission life is crazy.
• Patience is key.
• The Book of Mormon is true. Joseph Smith WAS a prophet.
• I really love my family.

Pollo es carne

Welp, they kicked me out of the MTC and it was quite sad, but I did
survive my train ride. We got to the Mission home and took pictures
and ate breakfast. We then went to the Draper Temple, which sits on
the side of a hill and looked out to the valley. Elder Thomas ( one of
the AP's) was trying to be spirtual and tell us that this was all of
our mission and the first thing that popped into my head was
"everything the light touches is yours" and just started dying of
laughter. I will take something serious.one day.

I then found out that I was going to be companions with Sister
Stroud. ( I am so lucky), and then I found out that we are
whitewashing an area. (which is chaos in spanish btw)

I am living in West Jordan, Utah and living with members in a
basement and It's really nice (another plus) It's just really, really
cold.

I love the members of the ward. I love the hispanic culture. they are
my people. I can totally now see the hispanic in me . They love food,
and they love to talk. ( granted I can't understand a single thing
they are say) but I love them, I have also never received those many
kisses on the cheeck then i did this week.

Friday was probably the funniest day so far on my mission. We went to
a lady in our ward for dinner. My companion told her before hand that
I did not eat meat. We got there and she said " Usted no comer carne.
Yo comer pollo? I then explained that Pollo was CARNE, and then I ate
rice. She started asking me lots of questions about my family. I told
her that my sister was getting married and she then asked me in all
seriousness If I was getting married. I told her "maybe" She then
proceeded to tell me all of the members of the ward I could marry,
even her 14 year old son with a moustache. yes please. Oh, she was
also extremly upset when I told her that I did not a quincenera.
later, that day I got my arm stuck under my seat while we were
driving. I don't understand how I do these things. It was hilarious
and a good reassurance to me that I am still the same person.
On saturday, we went to a farewell for a missionary going off to serve
in Paraguay, she made my farwell look like a funeral. These people
KNOW how to party. Also, that morning during zone workout my companion
got hurt, and was given permission to stay home and rest. Naps are
blessings from the Lord.

Sunday was insane. We went to 5 corralation meetings. Crazy eh? The
members are so helpful and they have such a desire to help my mission.
I also bore my testimony in complete spanish and I felt like running
down from the pulpet and having a rocky moment. We taught our first
lesson last night. It was in a garage with a lady and her daughter in
law. Her son was the scariest man I have ever met. He was huge and
mean and was yelling about jesus drinking wine. It was crazy. We will
be teaching her again next sunday. It was a really big eye opener and
testimony builder to me. People really do have problems and the Gospel
and the savior's atonement can help them. I love being a missionary. I
have never been so scared walking up to people, but "in his strenght,
I can do all things"

All is well. The church is true. the book is blue. Estoy agracida por
una oportunidad a hacer la obra del Senor.

 

Hasta Ver and Temple Square

Sigh, Well Tuesday came and they're gone. My district and some of my best friends have left to their mission field and I am so happy. On Monday night, we sang "Hasta Ver" ( This is what the missionaries call the Spanish Version of "God be with you till we meet again") I know that God WILL be with until we meet again. Technically, Tuesday was kind of dramatic and brought a lot of tears. Things just happen to be ten times sadder when they happen at 5 AM and it's pouring rain. Mother Nature did a pretty good job of setting the stage for a dramatic goodbye. After I hugged all of the sisters in my district and gave those elders a firm handshake, I was walking back to my residency feeling pretty low about myself. I know that my Heavenly Father really knows me, because he always teaches me lesson when I need them the most. As I was walking back to my residency, being drenched in rain, I notice that two sisters needed help with their luggage, So I helped them carry their luggage to the travel office. I know that does'nt sound like much, but it was exactly what I needed at that time. I know that when we are sad, and going through a hard time, if we put the focus not on ourselves, we can be healed. I so greatful that my Heavenly Father loves me enough to teach me these lessons when I truly do need them the most. Elder Stoneman, PROVO'S BEST MISSIONARY, left later that day. He told me that Salt Lake City was not ready for me and that I was going to do really good things. I miss my district so much. They are going to be the best missionaries. California, Texas, and Utah are pretty dang lucky.

 Welp, I began my Visitor Center training and really has been so much fun. The first day was hard to get into the grove, mainly because I was still suffering from separation anxiety but it slowly got better and seriously has turned out to be so much fun. I am so amazed at how much my Heavenly Father blesses me. He has given me so much and I in turn am so blessed to be able to serve him. This is not a sacrifice by any means. Visitor Center training is so different because we actually have the oppurtunity to talk to real investigators. We used the mormon.org chat and answered some of the questions people had. One person asked if Animals went to heaven ( the answer is yes, Doctrine and Covenants section 77) I did not realize that Visitor Center sister got to contact and teach people like this. My mission call gets better and better everyday.

On Friday, we did VC training at temple square where they gave us a missionary from temple square and we were companions for a couple of hours. THIS IS WHAT HEAVEN IS LIKE. My companion was from Argentina, we got to speak so many people who spoke Spanish. It was so fun to be able to talk to them for a little bit. My Spanish knowledge is very, very small. The sister missionaries who serve on Temple Square are so blessed. They have such a great mission. Being that it was the Friday before General Conference, the square was packed.

It's crazy to think that my time at the MTC is almost done! I leave on Wednesday. These seven weeks have taught me so much and I am not the same person who came in on February 20th. I am so excited to see who I am in 18 months after I have been shaped into the person my Father in Heaven wants me to be.

 All is well. The Church is True. The Book is Blue.

 Hermana Fastle

p.s I will still be annoying when I get home , do not worry ;)

Pictures!!

 

Blessed are they that hast not seen, and yet believed.

This week was my favorite. But, I am quite certain that every week here at the CE CE EME is my favorite. This place is camp. I love it so much and I am sad that my time here is ALMOST up. Lucky for me, I get another week before I get to be a "real" missionary. On Friday, Hermano Sangers, wrote a letter and gave each of us a pass along card that reminded him of us. This is what he wrote to me. " Sister Fastle is a disciple of extreme faith and patience. Being a missionary isn't easy, but you would never know if you met Sister Fastle. She posses a gift to be patient as she learns and is determined to stay the course until she has done all she can do. The picture of Mary praying with the child Jesus reminds me of the patience and love that Sister Fastle posses in order to truly become the son and daughter of God" It meant so much to me.

 Easter was so special here at the MTC. Yesterday was the best day of all. It started by waiting for an hour, sitting on the floor of 18M for the special sacrament meeting. We had heard all week that a  General Authority was coming, but we had no idea who it would be. Elder Stoneman told me it was Holland. I cried. You do not joke about Holland. It ended up being Bishop Cosse( this name is french) His message was so sweet. He spoke of the conversation he had with Thomas after his resurrection. He was not with the disciples when Jesus first came and Thomas did not believe until " I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger in into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe" ( John 20:25) 8 days later, Jesus visited the disciples and Thomas was with them. Jesus tells Thomas to "Reach hither thy fingers, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand and trust into thy side and be not faithless, but believing" Thomas does and says " My Lord and my God" "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that hast not seen, and yet believed. (john 20:29) His message was that we need to strengthen our testimony of Christ.

Our district sang " A child's prayer" during fast and testimony meeting. The spirit was so strong. President Peer aka P-dawg cried. I love my district so much. We had the departure devotional. President Mcnally said that we were going to be somebody's missionary. Sunday night devotional was given by Sheri Dew. She said that the savior was not our last chance, but our only chance. He is the answer to ALL of our problems.

Easter is my favorite Holiday. It was hard being away from my family, but I know that the best way to show my love for my Savior is share the message with the world that He lives.

 The church is true. The book is blue. All is well

 Hermana Fastle

Be Of Good Cheer

This week went by so fast! I don't really know how time has flown by so fast. Oh, on Tuesday we went on a scavenger hunt looking for Elder Gee and Elder Worthlin because they had to get there visa's and they couldn't be found, so our district was in charge of finding them! Let me tell you, finding anyone at the MTC is basically impossible, mainly because every elder looks the same and the MTC campus is huge! But alas, we found them! Service for the day.

 This week we learned the best reason to be a missionary. This week was rough. I just spent a lot of time focusing on the things I do wrong. My teacher, Hermano Snyder pointed that out. It is just something that I really do and it kills me mentally because I just beat myself up over my little mistakes. I am realizing that I cannot be perfect without my Savior and through his atonement, he makes up for my inadequecy and realizing that if i endure to the end and do my best, he'll make up for the things I lack. So I should be of good cheer. " Wherefore, be of good cheer and do not fear, for I the lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ that I am the son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come"

 The Church Is true. The book Is blue. All is well.

 Hermana Fastle.

One Month!

This week flew by! Geesh! my time at the MTC is quickly coming to an end. So grateful for my experience here at the MTC. My district is honestly my best friend. On Wednesday, we had an "interesting" experience where we went around the room and shared one thing we like about each other. It was the longest, sweetest experience ever. Elder Taylor "broke" me when he said that he wanted his sister to be like me. It was so sweet. I can't believe that I will be celebrating a month of being on my mission. Time has flown by so fast.

 In Mark, A young man came running to the Savior and said " What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" The Savior replied " Thou knowest the commandment, Do not steal, do not bear false witness, defraud not honor thy father and mother" The young man replied "And he answered and said unto him, master, all these have I observed in my youth." Jesus said " One thing though lackest, go thy way, sell whatever thou hast, and give it to the poor, and though shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and take up the cross, and follow me." "And he was said at that saying and he went away grieved for he had great possessions."

I have learned this week that the "riches" in this story are sin. How easy it is for us to remember to the BIG sins that we have in our life, but how unwilling we are to get rid of the "riches" we have in our lives. The savior suffered for these sins, and the price for them is already paid. Alma 7:15 tells us " Forget the sin that easily besets us, and show your God you are willing to repent"

 We should all strive to get rid of the "riches" that keep us from truly following the saviors example. I hope to one day be able to sell my "riches" and take up the cross, and follow him"

Reminder that he already paid for these sins, so when I take up the cross, it won't be so heavy.

 The Church is True. The Book Is Blue.

 Hermana Fastle.

 

Yo No Hablo Espanol

This week flew by. I am a little shocked by how fast it went. It has been decided that I am the worst spanish speaker ever. It's really bad. I feel like I am the worst spanish speaker. ever. It's really bad. Motivation to work harder. I did however have a really cool experience with spanish. Hermana gomez and I were giving a lesson to our investigator, valentino. I was understanding nothing and I was getting so frustrated. I just randomly would say stuff that I knew would go with what I was understanding. I felt like I was adding nothing to the lesson, At the end of the lesson, I asked if he would be baptized. He looked at me and then started talking to my companion. I thought to myself "great... i blew it" We ended the lesson and left. On the way back to the classroom I started apologizing to for how bad my spanish was. I had tears in my eyes and I told her sorry I was for ruining her lesson and with my random spanish and then asking him to be baptized. Hermana Gomez got the weirdest look on her face. She said " Hermana do you understand what just happened?" "No" was my reply. She said that everything I said was perfect and when I asked him to be baptized, HE ACCEPTED. FIESTA EN MI CORAZON!. It was incredible. My companion and I had our first experience in the TRC where we teach volunteers and they give us feedback on a little sheet of paper. One of the question was " What happened during the lesson?" There response: They tried baring their testimony in spanish. Another question said " What will you take away from this experience?" She said: "I will continue to pray for the missionaries" It was so funny.

 We got new roommates. Hermana gains and Hermana Shreeve. I love them so much. Hermana Shreeve and I are basically the same person. I want sam to marry her. She is stunning.

my district is still the funniest thing to ever happen to me. The elder stoneman quote of the week: " If i didn't have a novia, there would be a lot more repentance in this district!" I die of laughter everyday. I am so happy and glad that I have chosen to serve a mission. I am so looking forward to my Visitors Center Training and getting out to Salt Lake City and sharing the knowledge that has blessed my life so much. Hopefully In better Spanish. All is well.

 The Church is True. The book is blue. all of my love.

 Hermana Ashley Fastle

CCM

Hola! I survived my first full week here at the MTC of what us spanish speakers call the CCM. I love this place. I am being so spoiled here. I sometimes see sisters outside crying and I wonder "am i doing this right?!" "am i supposed to be this happy?!" I have seriously been blessed. My companion is amazing. I love Hermana gomez with my whole heart. We have so much fun together.  She is always quoting movies. her favorite is from father of the bride 2 " MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ARE PREGNANT TOGETHER?! YOU MUST LET ME DO THE BABY SHOWER!" she does it perfectly and I now really want to watch that movie. Please all watch that movie for me. This week was great. I learned so much and had so much fun. Honestly, I am in Heaven. I hope it's not weird to love it at much as I do. My district is so close. we have so much fun together. We are usually dying of laughter. Elder stoneman is the funniest person I have ever met. I can't even describe how funny he is. Provo is going to be laughing a lot that's for sure. I know that the Lord knows how much I love to laugh and that is the reason I am in this district.

 This week flew by. Monday's are my favorite day. you get to wear pants and take naps. Today, Hermana gomez and I are venturing to the outside world to go get my blood checked at BYU. Pray I don't get married ;) On tuesday, my district had purple day or "Morado Martes" The funny thing is that it was the Elders idea. Wednesday was the most spiritual experience yet/ We watched a  video about a woman named maggie and we were able to identify her needs. She was alone and my heart hurt for her. The gospel cures all hardships. I don't know maggie but I pray that someday she can have the happiness that I feel. This is the reason I am a missionary. Oh,on wednesday I ordered a wrap, hate half of it, and then realized it had bacon in it. Started crying. Hermana Gomez was dying of laughter. I no longer eat wraps at the CE CE EME.

 Friday, brought another spiritual experience. I woke up sick on friday. Being sick here is the worst. I decided that i needed to get a blessing and Hermana Hunter ( one of my roommates) said that I needed to pray on who should give me a blessing. So I did and the name of an elder popped into my head from my district. I can't stand him. at all. but... I asked him and it was the most beautiful blessing I have ever received. He later told me that he really needed to give me a blessing and that he needed to feel needed. The Savior works through us and I didn't really mind. I'm good at being sick. 

Saturday was so fun. Our "investigator" became our teacher. my companion and I started saying " in Soviet Russsia, you no teach pedro, pedro teaches you" we think we are so funny. Anyways, Mistro Sangers was supposed to be teaching us about stress. He took everything out of his pockets and told us to follow him. We walked down the stairs and then he went out the door and started sprinting with the ten missionaries running after him. he ran around for five minutes and then a opened a door, ran up five flights of stairs, walked to the other side of the building, ran down another five flight of stairs, and back to our room. We got there and he said "now you are stress free" MOST STRESSFUL EVENT OF MY LIFE. The whole time I thought i was going to break my neck and my ankle. Later that day Mistro Snyder showed a mormon message. It was about a gardner who cut down a bush because he desired that bush be a current bush. The bush seemed to be crying " why would you cut me down" "why would you hurt me" The gardner then said that " Current bush I desire you to be a current Bush and when you are full of fruit, you will thank me" The video later said how thankful he was the lord loved him enough to hurt him. I think of my trials of my blood clots and lupus and I am so grateful that my Savior loved me enough to hurt me. I would not be the person that I am today without them.

I am so grateful for this experince. I am learning spanish, and having lots of fun. All is well. The church is true. The book is blue. 

   Hermana Fastle. 

Welcome to the MTC!

Hello, I am alive! The MTC is amazing! I still don't beleive that I am an actual missionary! It still feels like a dream. Every time I look at my name tag it totally takes a minute for be to comprehend that this is real life. The MTC is cray. This place has so many people here. On Wednesday, 1,000 missionaries arrived! Is that not amazing?! I am so grateful to be here. My companion is Hermana Gomez. She is 19 years old and is from Utah. She is going to Texas, Fort Worth. It's funny, because she was born in Sandy and is going to Texas, Fort Worth and I was born in Texas, Forth and I am going to Sandy. She is amazing. We work really good together. We have 3 bunk beds in our room, but only two set of companion, so we have spread out in the room. My district has some of the funniest Elders ever. I am always laughing at the jokes we come up with. We all are working really, really hard to learn Spanish. Our Teacher, Maestro Snyder is amazing. He is going to make us really great missionaries. The food here is vegan paradise. On Saturday, I found soy milk in the Cafeteria and about cried. BEST.DAY.EVER. I eat a wrap every single day in the wrap bar. I am really healthy or trying my hardest to stay healthy. We have gym period twice a week at 6:35 in the morning and once at 4:25 in the afternoon once a week. I usually just run on the elliptical. No surprise there. I love it here. I love being a missionary. The spirit here is so strong.

 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go school in China? I feel like the MTC is really close to that. Every second of your day is planned out.I also spend all of time climbing up stairs and swiping cards to get into every single door. I should apply for a top secret job after my mission because I am really.really good at it. You wake up at 6:30 and then you're studying until 9:30 at night. I'll never be the same. Spanish is hard. I pray everyday, for el don de lenguas. I know if I work hard and then work even harder it will come to me.

 

The mission experience is incredible. I feel my saviors love everyday i put my name tag on. I went to the temple this morning, and it was the sweetest experience. I love the Gospel so much. It makes me happy. I have been so blessed to grow up in the Gospel, and now I get to get the experience of sharing it in Spanish. We have an "investigator" named Pedro. He is from Hondorus. We are giving him the lessons...in spanish. Yo no habla espanol mucho. I'm trying my hardest to learn as much as possible, everyday.

 

It's so cool to see where everyone is going. Where the Lords needs them. I was so fustrated at first with my mission call. I wanted somewhere exotic, but the Lord has need of me In Salt Lake City. I have been reassured so many times by the spirit here that I am truly going where I need to be.

 

All is well. I am so happy. The Church is True. The book is blue.

 

Hermana Fastle.

 

 

Adios!

"The time has come," the Walrus said. Okay, So I remember being little and watching that part in "Alice in Wonderland" and being so unbelievably freaked out and yelling "THEY ATE A BABY?!" (that child grew up to be a vegan ha) anyways, that has nothing to do with anything I wanted to say in this post. I guess I just wanted to make it not so serious.

Tonight, I will be set apart as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I wouldn't have it any other way.I never thought I would serve a mission. I was confident that I was not the person for the job. Actually, growing up, I was convinced of two things: 1) I would never serve a mission and 2) I would never, ever,under any circumstances live in Utah. just look at me now! The Lord knows us, he knows our desires, and our weakness. The Lord has called me on a Mission  I've known for quite some time that going on a mission was something that I needed to do, but I did not want to do it. The spirit slowly worked on my and after a year of debate, I submitted my mission papers on 12-12-12. It was honestly one of the happiest days of my life.

The Savior is my best friend and the knowledge that the I get to spend the next 18 months sharing the gospel and the sweetness it contains has been the greatest blessing in my life.

The Church is true. The book is blue. Till we meet again.

RM. Temple square and back.

I think the best advice for anyone going on mission is to hear stories about people who have done the whole mission thang. Their experiences  and why they decided to serve can really uplift the soon to be missionary ( that would be muah) They know what they are talking about and I have received the best information from them. Whitney Ward is my beloved sister. We were on trek together, and we all know that once you're in a trek family with someone, you're family for life. We also went to school in Arizona together. She really is the bee's knees. I don't understand that saying at all. Someone explain that me? Anyways, I love her. I know she was an incredible missionary. I saw her once at Temple Square in all of her glory. and she gave me a hug. BEST DAY EVER. Her story made me tear up.. 

You can tell a lot about a person from the way they introduce themselves. Mine goes like this.

 “Hi I’m Whitney Ward. I’m from Fredericksburg VA, I’m currently pursuing a degree in biology, at BYUi, and I’ve been home from my mission about a year and I LOVE PIE!”

I never thought I was funny growing up, maybe funny looking, but I never thought I was humorous. In fact when people laugh at my jokes or things I say I still look at them strange, like” why are you laughing at me I’m not funny.” But I guess it makes sense, I can’t take anything serious (like ever) so in a world of stressed out college students, the one laughing at them self is funny. In like a, there’s something seriously mental with you type of way. For example I love telling people that I can make duck noises just by chugging water, Or I the fact that I hate purple otter pops. Have you ever seen Marcelle the shell with shoes on? It’s like my favorite you tube video ever! Sometime when I have a lot of homework to do I’ll just put it on and work away. I love looking back at notes I’ve taken from class because I right in a different color of pen every day. My favorite is purple.

I served my mission from August of 2011 to January of 2012 in the Temple Square Mission. At first I was like, what, no way! Temple Square? GROSS. I want to serve in like Africa and eat bugs and rough it out. Instead I was sent to a mission, where grace, charm and freshly ironed we a must. Definitely not my style. However I grow to love it and found that different events though out my life had prepared me for specifically for my mission. That is one thing I love so much. Our Heavenly father knows all of his children so well and so thereby he knows where we will do the most good. Wherever a missionary is sent is exactly, where they are supposed to be.

                I always wanted to serve a mission. I can remember as I nine year old telling my mom I wanted to serve a mission to china or somewhere, and then come back and marry the man of my dreams.(Little did I know at that time, china isn’t open currently for missionary work.) However I had the opportunity to serve with many sister’s from main land china. My favorite companion, Sister Zhang (Pronounces jang), who had only be a member of the church a year was from China. Anyway I’ve been back a year and still no man of my dreams to be found.

                There was a brief time in my life, where I wasn’t very active, and I knew that I needed to shape up my life. I never once had a doubt the church was true. I was just being spiritually lazy. In 2008 I meet Bryan Bryce. We worked together tutoring math at Easter Arizona College. I fell hard for him. I knew that if I wanted to marry a man like that I needed to turn into a type of woman he would marry. That was the kick in the pants I needed to get my life back in order. Once in order I became very excited again about serving a mission. I was getting ready to put my papers in when I met Jordan Lee.

 He played the guitar and spoke Hungarian. I was super into him. We started dating and I put off putting in my mission paper. I can remember the first thing I ever said to Jordan was “I’m going on a mission soon.” I had to laugh when he proposed that I don’t go a mission, and that we get married instead. I highly considered it until one day we were sitting in devotional together and I was told in a very clear way,” you will not marry Jordan you will go on a mission.” I actually looked over to see if anyone else had heard that loud booming voice. No, they hadn’t. It was just for me.  It was an answer to the question I had been asking in my prayers for a month. So with that I told him no, he said he wait, but he didn’t. We broke up, and he got engaged to another girl, two weeks before I entered the MTC. I’m so glad he did. The really funny thing is, he was the only one to guess where I would serve my mission.

 I was set apart as a missionary and I never looked back. I was fully committed to the work the Lord gave me to do. For all of you wondering if you should stay together with you boyfriend, don’t. Break it off fully and save yourself the heartache. If you guys are truly meant to be, he will be there when you get back. But let me tell you. You probably won’t want him. You will have changed and grown so much, your tasted in guys will have changed too. The guys I date now are nothing like Jordan.

 You will come home a returned sister missionary, the cream of the crop, and because you gave the Lord, your very best for 18 months, he will give you best in return. That covers boyfriends.

                I had been home 9 months when they announced the age change for sister missionaries. I was watching general conference with my FHE bros. We all shouted for joy when we heard. Later that night when my roommates returned from being out of town we all hugged. All of us had served missions and agreed that we were mighty jealous of the new age limit. For me personally I knew I wasn’t mature enough at 19 to go. I needed those extra to years to learn and to grow to serve the Lord better. However I see today’s 19 year olds and I know they are ready. I feel lied to sometimes. Growing up, we were told we were the chosen generation. Now I look at the youth and know they were wrong. You guys are indeed the chosen generation. I’m so excited so many sisters are going. I think this has really taken away the stigma of sister missionaries. When I left for my mission, there was still a little bit of the “Oh she went on a mission because she couldn’t get married” mentality. I’m so glad that is gone now.

                The best part of serving a mission is the love to gain for others. Wait no, I take that back, the best part of a mission is how much you come to love the gospel and how much your testimony is refined, wait, no I take that back too. The best part of a mission is seeing people’s life change for the better. Wait, no….I think you get my point there are so many wonderful things you gain from serving a mission. Enjoy every moment of it, because before you know it, you’ll be home a year writing down advice for future missionaries, tearing up because you mission meant so much to you. It will be hard, so be prepared. I’ve heard it called the Best two years of your life. I tend to disagree with that. It’s not so much the best two years of your life, as it is the best two years for the rest of your life.  Your mission will refine you. Every day you will think of the lessons you learned on it. Good luck to you all and keep the faith. You have 14 million members of the church praying for you. That’s a lot of blessings.  

Doctrine and Covenants 80:3-5

3 Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss.

 4 Therefore, declare the things which ye have heard, and verily believe, and know to be true.

 5 Behold, this is the will of him who hath called you, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sister Ward in all of her glory

Sister Shout Out! Meet Sister Henson.

So, alot. like a.lot. of girl are going on missions these days and it's beyond awesome. Huzzah for sister missionaries! So, I felt like it would be cool to give a shout out to some girls who have chosen to say good bye to their family and friends for 18 months and serve.

...

Please meet the soon-to-be Sister Hailee Henson. 

I "met" Hailee one day when I was stalking mission calls on Instagram, she will also be my companion in the MTC
because everyday there I am declaring that is  "choose your own companion day"



1. Tell a little bit about yourself (name, age, where you live, go to school,major, etc)

-My name is Hailee Henson, I am 19 years old and I live just north of Salt Lake City, UT. I went to school in Salt Lake and I am currently a medical assisting major. Ultimately, I would love to major in music therapy and work with cancer patients!

2. Five random facts about you.

I loves peaches. Peach scented/flavored anything. I am completely terrified of heights. I love anything and everything having to do with music, and my current iTunes library is at just over 20,000. I know every word to the rap at the end of Wannabe by The Spice Girls. I love being called Hai.

3.   How did the age change with missionary service affect you?

 I have always known that serving a mission was something I wanted to do. I remember watching the Saturday morning session of conference as President Monson announced the age change. He changed the young men's age to 18, and I thought to myself, "he HAS to change the sisters' too!". I was convinced it would be lowered to 20, though. My jaw literally dropped when he announced that sisters could serve at 19. My phone was flooded with texts from friends reacting to the news. It was an awesome moment.

4.Give some information about you mission call.

I have been called to serve in the France Paris mission! 

5.  What was it like opening your mission call?  

- opening my call was incredible. I wish I could relive that moment over and over and over again. I remember getting to the line in my letter that says, "you are hereby assigned to labor in the......" and just laughing. My dad served his mission in Paris just over twenty years ago, and we have joked since I was little that I would go to France on my mission, and I couldn't believe that it actually came true! I was able to have my family and best friends with me when I opened my call, and man am I lucky to be surrounded by such awesome people.

6. What are your biggest fears about serving a mission and how did you overcome them or how are you working on overcoming them?

- my biggest fear with serving a mission is learning a new language. I can't say that I've overcome that fear by any means, but I'm learning that the best thing I can do is trust in The Lord. He knows my heart and He knows what I am capable of. He would never give me more than I can handle. I know that I will be blessed for working my hardest.

7.  What are you looking forward to most about serving a mission?

-I am looking forward to being able to watch people's lives change. I think it is such an incredible thing that I have this knowledge of something that has the power to make people so HAPPY, and to spread so much hope. I look forward to the moments when you can see in someone's eyes that they GET it-that they understand how much they are worth to our Heavenly Father.

8. What is the best mission advice you have received?

-My best friend always tells me to trust what I'm doing and have confidence. I think that is the best advice I have received from anyone. If you are willing to commit to the work, you will be blessed!

9. What are some tips that you have for preparing to serve a full-time mission?

-PRO. Pray, read, obey. Receive your endowment ASAP and go to the temple multiple times every week. The stronger you feel spiritually, the more confident you will be in every other aspect of your mission.

10. Your favorite scripture and why it is your favorite.

-D&C 122:7-9. I love this scripture because it shows us that God is with us, always. No matter how low we may feel, the Savior understands.

uplifting songs.

Weird things happen after you get your mission call. You get into a mindset that you are going on a mission and therefore most live by mission rules. You're up by 6:30 reading both scriptures and preach my gospel, going to the temple, exercising ( say whaaaat?!) for 30 minutes a day. Missions do strange things to people. Another thing that happens ( or what happened to me) is that music just isn't the same anymore. I decided to not listen to  Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj every single day, all day long. It's just not the same anymore. I decided that I needed to listen to more uplifting music and it made such a change in my life. My favorite radio station of all time is K-LOVE. Seriously, change the radio station in your car to this now. You will love what you hear. Since my decision to ONLY listen to uplifting music, I have found that my thoughts have been more Christ centered and that I am just a happier person. I created a list of some of my new favorite songs. 

(superbass is no longer my numba 1 go to song. who would have thought?)

1. "Gold" by Britt Nicole

This song is poppin. I dance to this all the time.

2. "Kings and Queens" by Audio Adrenaline 

3. "Worn" By Tenth Avenue North

I love this song. I feel like this song describes the hardships that

are faced by Missionaries. 

4. "All This Time" by Britt Nicole

Back to my homegirl britt, How can anyone not be in love with her songs?

5. "Hundred more years" by Francesca Battistelli

This song is just so sweet. :)

6. "Heaven is the face" by Steve Curtis Chapman

This song is really moving. I hope you enjoy it and find peace like I do

every time I listen to it. 

8. "Whom shall I fear" by Chris Tomlin

9. "Blessings" by Laura Story

This song describes how sometimes the Trials we face really are blessings in disguise.

10. "Draw me nearer" by Meredith Andrews

I saved the best for last. No words to describe how much I love this song and how much it means to me. The lyrics are so powerful. I especially love the line "never let me go" It it such a beautiful song with such a perfect message. I hope you can fall in love with this song like I have done. 

Sister Missionary Poem

AS I PREPARE TO LEAVE THIS PLACE BEHIND

MY THOUGHTS ARE TURNED ABOVE

TO MY FATHER AND REDEEMER

I FEEL THEIR FERVENT LOVE

THE TIME IS GETTING CLOSER

WHEN I'LL SET OUT ON MY WAY

I BEGIN TO COUNT THE WEEKS

THE HOURS AND THE DAYS

THE BEGINNING OF A JOURNEY

A TALE I’LL SOON CONVEY

OF THE STRUGGLES AND THE JOYS

I’LL FEEL ALONG THE WAY

I’M SURE THE WORK’S DEMANDING

AND THE HOURS WILL DRAG ON

AS I FACE THE TAXING TASK

OF TEACHING ‘TIL THE SUN IS GONE

THERE ARE DAYS I’LL BE DISCOURAGED

AND NIGHTS I’LL MISS MY HOME

MY HEART MIGHT JUST FEEL EMPTY

I MAY FEEL UTTERLY ALONE

ALTHOUGH CONCERNS SURROUND ME

I MUST ALWAYS FACE MY FEARS

AND KNOW THAT THROUGH MY TRIALS

MY SAVIOR WILL BE NEAR

I’LL STUDY SCRIPTURES DAILY

PONDERING THE WORDS I READ

I KNOW THAT IF I DO THIS

THE LORD WILL TAKE THE LEAD

WHEN MY HEART BECOMES DISCOURAGED

I KNOW THAT I MUST KNEEL

AND UTTER WORDS UNTO THE LORD

HIS LOVE FOR ME IS REAL

FOR I KNOW I AM HIS DAUGHTER

HE SENT ME HERE TO EARTH

TO PREACH OF HIS TRUE GOSPEL

AND LEARN OF MY GREAT WORTH

IN MY LIFE HE’S NEVER LEFT ME

AND I’M SURE HE NEVER WILL

THROUGH TRIALS I WILL FACE

I MUST LISTEN AND BE STILL

IF I MAKE SURE MY HEART IS OPEN

AND I’M FAITHFUL, KIND, AND TRUE

I’LL HEAR THE SAVIOR’S WORDS RING OUT

DECLARING, “I LOVE YOU!”

SO AS I SERVE HIS MISSION

I KNOW HE’LL BE MY GUIDE

AND IF I FOLLOW IN HIS WAYS

HE’LL BE RIGHT BY MY SIDE.