L.i.f.e.g.o.e.s.o.n.

March 21-27th

Pday we drove on over to the mission office to pick up a bike rack for

the zone leaders because one of them was sick. Then we just went

shopping, emailed and planned for the upcoming transfer.

Our ward mission leader told us about an investigator that he found on

the blitz with one of the missionaries but we never go the information

for him. The member told us that he lived on Fir St so before FHE we

told him we would meet him there because he was running a little late.

The street stretched pretty far and we were worried we wouldn't find

our member or the investigator. We parked, waiting for our member when

suddenly he pulled up and said "this is it! You sisters found the

address!". We had no idea what he was talking about but it turns out

the spirit lead me to pull up and park right in front of this persons

house!! It's amazing!

Tuesday was an off day (not to mention it was super windy). We had

lunch with a member and some friends and I realized that... And I hate

admitting to it... But I might as well get it out there... I am

awkward. Yes, it's sad! I don't know how to hold a normal conversation

and I relate everything to the gospel! It's super weird! I never

thought I would come to this point, but it's here.

The rest of the day we got a lot of "no's". Honestly I've received

more no's in this area that I have my whole mission... Well except for

maybe Bullhead. But "no's" just mean "not now" to a missionary .

At night we met with the Zone leaders to plan for this transfer and

make a vision. We told them how today was rough and how I laugh at

everything, instead of cry, when I'm emotionally unstable. And elder

Branning was like "yeah you sisters look a little off today" haha

Honestly Wednesday and Thursday were rough. We didn't teach any

lessons with members or find new investigators.

Then all of the sudden on Friday it exploded! We more than doubled our

numbers just in 3 hours on Friday.

We also got to meet the new sisters in our district. All of them, even

the ones who have previously been in the district, have very distinct

and strong personalities. Sister Bedont and I look like plain janes

compared to them. So it will be interesting how these individuals all

work together! We are having mini interviews with them this weekend

which will help us get to know them better. Because they have some great

potential!

We have this new investigator, Jordan, we were teaching him and

talking about baptism and he was like "hold on let me check my

schedule... I don't have any plans this Wednesday, can I be baptized

then?" Sister Bedont and I were in awe!

Saturday we had to save some sisters. Sister Lellis was biking and got

a huge gash on her foot so she got 7 stitches. So we made a trip to

the urgent care and she should be okay in a few days.

That night we went biking too. When we were in the house my head light

worked but I tried it again when we were about to leave and it went

out! We called the owner of the casita to see if he had extra

batteries. Finally we hit the road and it's all Gods timing because

right as we had gotten off our bikes the girl we were looking for

pulled up! We taught her about the atonement and Book of Mormon!

Then we had a little extra time and biked down the street. To a lady

who moved from Oklahoma! I showed her a picture of the okc temple. She

said if she ever went to church she would go to a Mormon church. She

loves learning about church history. We shared Mosiah 16:7-9 and she

teared up a little and asked for a copy. We gave her our number and

raced back to the sisters to interview them. Mosiah 16:7-9 has been my

favorite scripture to share this week:

7 And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands

of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should

have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.

8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory,

and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.

9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is

endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is

endless, that there can be no more death.

While biking, I had trouble with my gears...ironic. Sister Bedont and

I compared it to the one video where the owner holds its little dog

over the water and it's kicking it's legs really fast like its

swimming... Haha yeah. That me!

Sunday I felt light headed the whole morning. I was eating a drinking

normally. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I did jumping jacks

during comp study to try and snap out of it but let me tell you that

didn't work either. Sister Bedont ended up driving that day cause she

was afraid I was just going to fall over and pass out! Haha it wasn't

that bad I promise!

Our investigators came to church and one of them, Collin, decided he

liked church and wants to be baptized on the 30th of April!

We had fajitas for Easter dinner. Typical for Las Vegas. The members

here are super thoughtful.

Dena gave us a bag of Easter eggs for us! So sweet!

Sorry this email is so choppy!

One more thing a member told us about an analogy that I loved! The

spirit world is like when your mom tells you to do the dishes before

she comes back home. Hearing the garage door is the breaking point. If

you've done the dishes then you're calm and in "paradise". But if you

haven't done the dishes then you're stressing, "fearful looking for

the fiery indignation of the wrath of [Mom] upon them" Alma 40:14

Just think about it.

Hope you had a great Easter!

Love you!

Sister Gier

The Way We Get By

March 14-20th

I screamed because I was so excited when you told me it was pi day!  Later that day we made pies mine was apple sister B's a berry. Just kidding but we did eat pies.  We needed it because last week was stressful.  We skipped sports and just cleaned and napped and relaxed.  I have not napped in 10 months.  Yes, 10 months ago I went to the MTC.
We had planned to visit a less active member who lived in a super gated neighborhood with security and high walls.  It looked like a resort.  We were not allowed to contact anyone on the streets but we prayed someone would approach us so that we could talk to them.  We went to the family's home and were about to start the new Easter video #hallelujah.  (if you have not seen it watch it)  Anyway, it turns out the less active member's girlfriend was there and she was a non member.  Long story short...she is a new investigator.
Tuesday, a ember took us to Taco Bell for dinner.  A lady came up to us and hesitantly asked if she could talk to us.  She told us her story of how she had been meeting with missionaries over two years ago but had stopped taking the lessons.  Now she is dating a man who is LDS and she wants to marry him and be sealed in the temple.  She wants to be baptized!  We met her at the perfect time.
On Saturday Dena was baptized.  She and I have the exact same bday!  After the baptism she came up and said, Now, I am one of you!  Later we drove to my old area and say Lance and Kalista's baptism.  There was a very strong spirit there at the baptism.
We had a transfer this week and for the first time in forever, I am keeping my companion for two transfers!   And if I stay here one more transfer I will have spent half my mission in a YSA.  Sister Lellis is in my area this transfer.
I hope you have a great Easter!!   Go to follow him.mormon.org!
With love,
SIster Gier

Up and Down

March 7-13th

We got a new car and did some shopping on day.  We went to a member's house for dinner and some fun games.   We played ping pong, putt putt golf and pool.   It was a gorgeous house.
On Tuesday, we met a man who argued that Moses came down with the 10 commandments and it did not say anything about the Word of Wisdom...but the guy was atheist...so why was he standing up for Moses and the 10 commandments?   I was with sister Lee in Boulder City for exchanges and we had some blue bunny ice cream!   We taught a lady who is getting baptized this Saturday about Temples.  She said she did not believe in eternal marriages.  Sister Lee later told me how sad my faced looked when she was saying that.  I guess I need to hide my feelings better.  The lady and her less active husband also struggled with believing Thomas Monson is a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is completely true.  They wanted archeological evidence of the Nephites and laments.  Afterwards sister Lee said , sister I don't know if it is all true, I want to believe it is but I can see on your face that you know it is true so I believe it is true.  I love the promise in the scriptures and it is also on my plaque, that the mysteries of God will be unfolded.  I know that if we study and pray and look for the answers God will give them to us when we are prepared.  I have a testimony and I KNOW that the Savior Loves and that Joseph Smith was a prophet called y God to restore his kingdom on earth again.  I know that the church of Jesus Christ of LDS is God's kingdom on earth.  I know this because the Book of Mormon is true and I know it and it shows on my face.
Next week we do not have exchanges so I am excited to be sister Bedont's companion!  And Kalista and Lance are getting baptized back in my old area.

Something Good

Feb 29-March 6th

Last Monday, we played "gotcha" and it took me back to the good old days when we played gotcha after seminary...Hmmm, I don't miss it that much!
We also had the chance to take a NAP!  It was so nice.  I have not napped forever.
For FHE they played glow in the dark volleyball with was awful because as missionaries we can't play with members because we get too competitive..Blah, blah, blah whatever...I really wanted to play!

Tuesday, we had interviews in the morning and training.  The Zone leaders gave training on the plan of salvation and how it applies to missionary work.  Each of us taught a different part of the plan and it came together really well.  Also during interview trainings we role played the Restoration and I acted the part of investigator.  I always thought that if I met the missionaries I would not be open minded enough to accept the gospel.  But the spirit was so strong I would accept their message.  It is true!  How could a person turn away something that is so true?!  It amazes me how many no's we get and how humble the people must be to say, "yes".
Ashley Cox, Zach's sister, came out with us on a lesson.  It was with a progressing investigator who is an ideal investigator.  Ashley bore a strong testimony of Joseph Smith and it was wonderful having her with us.  It made me miss Natalie because they are about the same age.

Wednesday was long.  We had MLC from 9-3.  As I was looking around during the meeting it felt empty.  I spoke up a lot more than usual because there are a lot of new missionaries in leadership so they can be shy.  It has been awesome seeing my confidence change throughout my mission.

Thursday we ate at Panda express - the favorite missionary eating location.  Then we went on exchanges.   Sister Green was my exchange companion.  Boy, did we have a lot of time to get to know each other.  STORY OF THE WEEK....
We were street contacting and this guy with his dog that kept barking at us.  Then sister Greene stuck her hand out like she was going to pet him but the dog jumped up and bit her hand!  Then the owner said, "I would not do that!"  Gee Thanks...Luckily the dog managed to both her right finger which happened to have a ring on it so it saved her finger from being chopped off but it bent the ring.  We had to chase down a member to cut off her ring because the deformed ring was cutting off circulation to her finger.  Then the mission medical office has us go to "urgent" care to make sure she would not die!  Notice how I sarcastically said urgent care..because when it was all said and done it took 3 hours.  So we had 3 hours to talk and get to know each other.  She is really nice and we like a lot of the same stuff.
Afterwards we taught a short lesson.  I did not think the lesson was anything super special but Sister Greene said that she was on a spiritual high and almost wanted torch.  Then she said it was the first time she had felt that way on her mission.  It put things in perspective that is for sure. I am grateful that I have an obedient companion and for the opportunity I have had to see miracles all the time.

Friday we ended exchanges.  We had dinner with a lady named, Jennifer.  She is always so great about missionary work.  (like the rest of the members in the ward).  We plan to do splits with her sometime.  One of us will go with her and ride the bus around and talk to people.  I am excited.  We taught a new investigator named Arthur.  He knew we were sent from God and basically knew the whole plan of salvation.  But the best part was he knew how the gospel could help change his life.  Oh and his men at the beginning said to him, "you need to get a job, your commanded to multiply and replenish the earth but here you are talking to church people with a beer in your hand!, ...Put a shirt on!...Lord have Mercy!.   I love sassy moms!

Sunday we went to the temple with Dena.  And then she fed us a dinner after church.
Today we received a new ruby red car!  I love it.  I know I am spoiled.  This is a fluffy mission. Ithink of my friends in other parts of the world eating stage foods and then I am so grateful God sent me here...because it is the best place in the world!   We had 5 investigators come to church!
Love you lots!
Sister Gier

Waiting For the Sun

Feb 22-28th

The weather has been super nice here lately, so for pday we went to the park and played in real grass! I seriously miss grass.
At FHE a member brought a freiend and she had some questions about the church and what missionaries do.  She was raised Buddhist and did not have much of a Christian background.  We were able to talk to her form a few minutes after the activity.  We taught her what baptism was since she had not even heard the term before.  I can just imagine how the girl must have felt hearing about things like having never been exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ before.
Tuesday we had exchanges and I went to the Stonegate ward with Sister Thornock.  On Wednesday we had district council.  Sister Thornock was great!  I learned a lot from her and she said she hopes we can be companions again sometime which would be awesome because she is super sweet.
Friday a sister was ill in Boulder City so we took her some oatmeal, jello, applesauce and Sprite.  We are the Zone moms.
Hunter from Bullhead City was baptized.  That is the 6th person from that I taught that was baptized and I have not been able to see any of them.  Oh well, at least they are getting baptized.

Love you lots,
Sister Kaila

Sister

Feb 15-21st

We had a trip to the Hoover Dam.  I did not think my companion would appreciate all the DAM jokes so I kept them to myself.  We took a tour of the dam as a missionary group and were able to access the tunnels and see the inside of the dam!
Tuesday we had exchanges and sister Chazen, a temple square missionary came with me.  We had a great day.  We taught plenty of lessons and had a huge lunch at Roberto's Mexican restaurant.  She is from South Africa so she has not had Mexican food.  Later we had a lesson with an investigator named Krystal.  Her family is hispanic so they fixed us tacos and there was no way to tell them no so I think I ate my weight in tacos!  e were stuffed driving home.  When we got home I realized that Sister Bedont had the key to the gate...in Boulder City...20 minutes away...but I had the key to the house!   I decided to scale the 7ft tall cinder block wall and jump down on the other side to unlock the gate all in a skirt!
Thursday morning we had interviews with the mission pres.  It was good.  I can not believe that I am one of the senior STLs in the mission and that I am HALFWAY done!  President has a lot of trust in me which is good and it is neat looking back and seeing how much I have grown.
Thursday evening we want to Church of the Vine Las Vegas.  Originally it was to talk to one of our investigators and his pastor but we ended up going to their young adult service with one of our members and e did not get the chance to talk.  If I got anything out of the trip it is this:  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints truly is God's Kingdom on earth today and the fulness of the gospel and the power and authority of God has been restored to the earth.  Hopefully our investigator will see it too.
Friday I went on exchanges with sister Snadoval and it was awesome.  We are fortunate to have been able to serve around each other.  We had a good heart to heart that evening and we were both in tears. She is a great missionary and special person.  I just love her so much.
Saturday we volunteered at the Saints and Sinners half marathon.   I received some weird tan lines that day!.
I love you, the church is true!

Happy

Feb 8-14th
We live in a member's casita and it is super cute and wheyey nice!.  Probably the nicest place in the mission.  My area is huge.  I cover over 4 stakes in the east part of Henderson and Boulder City.  Later today we are going to the Hoover Dam!  Whose.  The members here are great.  I was a little scared to go back to YSA because it was hard but we have been blessed!
We received a text this week from an investigator that we found our first night in this area.  He recently joined another Christian church but accepted the Book of Mormon and said he would pray about it.  The text said that we has been praying and wants to meet together with his pastor...st his church...So next week there may be a story of how we converted the whole church!
We had dinner with a lady named, Grace.  She served her mission in Oklahoma.
Exchanges went well this week.  Actually it was a miracle it went so well.  I had been praying all week that they would be effective and God answered my prayers!  It was neat seeing how the sisters were able to open up a lot (even those who hate STls) I know I am here for a reason and I know God is working through me to touch the hearts of all the people.   We had zone training this week which went well.  The zone is quirky and fun.  Saturday night we "heart attacked"the sisters and put heart notes on their door and streamers all around.  It was fun and I love how special it was to them because Valentine's Day as a missionary can be boring.
Wednesday, we were at a bus stop and this guy came up to ask us if we were Christians and we explained our purpose as missionaries and told him about institute and he said he would come but then he got on the bus.  So the next morning he called and asked the time and the address!  Its a first that an investigator called us first!.
We were on our way to institute class and sister Bedont asked if we could go back to the car and get a bottle of water.  On our way a non member who lives only four houses from the institute building approached us and said he was looking for a place to worship and thought he might as well try this one since it was so close to his house.  We explained our role as missionaries to him.  We were in awe as to how we just happened to be at the right place at the right time for him.  We gave him a tour of the building and gave a lesson to him on the restoration and the plan of salvation.  I would describe him as a mad scientist.  He is a 65 year old metaphysics who has hair similar to Einstein.  Very knowledgable.  He understands the basic concepts thoroughly.  Hopefully, he will continue to come to church.
After church on Sunday we had a "Linger Longer" with baked potatoes and chilli and salads along with a sugar cookie decorating bar.  YSA activities are fun.
I love you!