McKenzee's Missionary Moments: January 16th, 2017

Hi,

Well this was the coldest, snowiest week thus far! It was crazy!

We started off Monday by playing in the slush that we thought was snow, I sent y'all pictures on Monday! Well then on Wednesday we just got smacked down with tons of snow, about a foot! And ever since it's stuck around! It's awful!

Tuesday we went on exchanges, I stayed here in St. Helens and was with Sister Mandin. She's really nice, she's from Canada and goes home in like 3 weeks! But it was a fun exchange! We had quiet a few appointments so we were running around all day! We volunteered at a place called community meals, it's a lot like meals on wheels in Portland. Here we serve food to anyone who comes and it's a lot of fun! It's just so funny being in St. Helens though. It's a pretty small town and everyone knows everyone. Most of the people here are born and raised in St. Helens and never leave! It's kind of crazy! Haha. Anyway, after we got out it started snowing and everyone one freaking out. Well we had a lesson to get to and then another and by the time we got out everything was covered in snow! Then before we went home we exchanged back and went home.

When we woke up Wednesday morning it was crazy! It had snowed about 8 inches and snow was still coming down! So we had a snow day and it felt so weird! Like I just had no idea what to do with myself. Ha We went outside and had a snowball fight with the kids who live in our apartment and then we buried one of the sisters! Then we came inside and cleaned and organized our apartment. And we just did a lot of talking. It was a lot of fun! I kind of enjoyed being lazy but we also kind of were going crazy! Haha then that night we played clue because Sister Bevan wanted to so bad and we painted our nails! It was great!

Thursday we woke up and it was still completely snowy and icy but we just couldn't stay inside anymore so we went out and walked around and just tried talking to people and we also took a bunch of pictures because it was exciting haha. Then we walked to this old lady's house and helped her sort through some ribbon and I shredded a bunch of papers for her. It was fun, but completely freezing outside!

Friday, not a whole lot happened. We had a bunch of our lessons cancel on us since there was snow everywhere and since we aren't allowed to drive in the snow we did a lot of walking! It was hard because it's mostly ice now and it's so slippery and I do not have coordination when it comes to walking on ice! It's nearly impossible and I slip all the time!!! It's so annoying! But luckily we were able to get some rides from some members, we were very grateful!

Oh and then for our dinner appointment on Friday, oh my lanta. First of all, I'm really not at all picky compared to what I use to be, but there are still a few things that I just don't like and one of them is tuna. I can't stand the smell and I definitely don't like the taste of it. Well lucky for me we had tuna macaroni. Ugh it was so awful, I thought I was gonna throw up. Lol. Just thinking about it makes me sick. It was gross. Then during dinner I started to realize that my cup isn't really that clean, oh wait neither is my fork, or my plate... I then turn around to look at their kitchen and it's just a complete mess. Dishes were just piling out of the sink and onto the counters and cat food is on the floor and in the sink. Needless to say I was disgusted. I then volunteered to wash all their dishes because I couldn't stand the thought of another dirty dish. Haha. So I spent the next 45 minutes cleaning all their dishes.

Saturday was my 15 month mark!!!! Woot woot!!! And it was a pretty good day! Betsy and Penny drove up to take us out to lunch and it was so good! I was just so happy to see them I almost cried! Haha. Then after we ate some of the workers came over with a cupcake and surprised me by sings, "happy 15 months" haha. It was hilarious but also so awkward. I was shocked and slightly embarrassed but it was sweet of them to do! Then, since we can't drive in the snow, Penny and Betsy drove us to our apartment so I could show off our junker haha. And it was so great because when we got home their was a nice little box for me :) it was so perfect mom:) THANK YOU! You're the best! And I loved all the sweaters:) seriously, I think your style is getting better haha, I'm so proud of you! Haha. But seriously, it was THE BEST!!!! Everything in it was so awesome:) :)

The rest of the day we had a few appointments and such, we were pretty busy. Which was great! I just still am in shock that I've been out for 15 months! Time has gone both slow and fast! I just am so grateful for the time out here but I'm also excited to see y'all again!

Oh and I forgot, we had a really good lesson with our PMF we are teaching! (Part member family). We taught about the BOM and he was just really opening up and understand more and it was a great lesson!

Sunday, we actually had church and I was so so happy! It's crazy how much you miss church when you don't get to go! I seriously love going to church! It just always feels like a home away from home:) and plus it was nice to get to know a few more people! Oh and I forgot, they asked me and Sister Bevan to speak January 29th!!! I'm a little nervous haha, and they asked me to be the concluding speaker so that I can fill in if there is extra time! So that's great haha. Hopefully it goes well...oh and then we walked home from church! Haha, don't worry the church is basically our backyard so it wasn't too far;)

Well you guys, I hope y'all know how much I LOVE YALL!

And I also hope y'all know how much I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, His gospel, and my Father in Heaven. I can't even put into words how blessed I feel to be apart of His great work to share peace and joy with all of His children. It truly brings me so much happiness into my life. I'm so grateful for the time I get to study too. It's literally insane how much you can learn when you take the time to read and such. It's awesome! How is your reading coming along dad? Hopefully good because mine is so great! I love it!

I love y'all to the moon and back!!!!

And I miss you guys TONS!

Please don't forget about me because I'll be home in 3 1/2 months;) hehe

Have the best week ever!!!

"Have faith, have hope, live like His Son, help others on their way."

Xoxo

Sister Batey