The District.

Well, this week, there wasn't anything "huge" that happened; just a lot of little miracles and again, seeing God use us as His instruments each day. But, I thought I would take some time to talk about my district, because I love it so much.

With one exception, we have been together since I arrived in April. We have been told that we are the "most unified district" in the mission, and I believe it. We love each other! And, last PDay, we were able to relax and have the best time at the senior couple's home. We played Farkle, Uno, and other games, made brownies & ice cream, and just laughed. That was the best part. Pure fun and laughing together. Plus, they got to see a little of "Crazy Sister Peacock" (Zach and Jenni, all those game nights...remember?). It is so fun to be in the company of these missionaries -- to see each other grow and learn along the journey. We had Zone Conference last week, so I'm including a few pictures from that day.

It's also funny (to me) that I'm the oldest in our district :) Elder Spencer was talking about how he graduated in 2012. I said, "Hey! Me too! From college." Hehe. They're always surprised by that. But, I've learned, that no matter the age (we range from 18-22), we learn much from each other. It's been humbling and gratifying!

What else? We are having Elizabeth's baptism on Friday, Sept. 6 because of a Branch Activity on the Saturday. So, that's really exciting! Her husband saw us running one morning and gave us a big grin and rolled down his window to talk to us. It was really exciting because he was a bit standoffish at first (he is also Muslim -- not sure if I'm mentioned that). But, he told us we were welcome anytime at his home. We're hoping her family will be at her baptism to support her!

Oh, I also want to share a link to a talk that our Relief Society President, Sister Stenquist, gave yesterday. It was actually made into a book "One Drop at a Time" but you should read/listen/watch this if nothing else! I don't know if I especially like it because Grandpa Peacock was a beekeeper (it's all about bees), but did you know that a single bee, in its lifetime, only contributes about 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey? Yet, with all of their efforts together, they create something wonderful. Sometimes I am hard on myself and think of how small my contribution may be, but it adds up. I can't do it all. We can't do it alone. But when we work together (which is hard for me, at times), we do great good in the world.

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/be-anxiously-engaged?lang=eng

Also, there is a scripture (James 1:27) that talks about "pure religion" and that pure religion is, in essence, service. I know that as we serve as missionaries, we will find. As we find, we will teach. And as we teach, we will bring others to Christ. We started working with a senior center (where seniors come to socialize; not a care center) a few months ago, and we have been working with them lately on family history. This last week, two people (one was a staff member) approached us about getting started on their family history! That was super exciting. Plus, I love the older people we are working with there. It's fun to talk about missions and what we do and to be able to serve them and talk with them a little each week. But, as we serve, we are able to teach.

I guess I always find something to say, even when I don't think much happened! But, enjoy the pictures and I love you all! Thanks for everything, especially the prayers :)

Sister Peacock

Our district with President and Sister Calderwood. Left to right: ZL Elder Smith, Riverhead Elders Baker and Spencer, Pres & Sis Calderwood, me, Sis Hale, DL Elder Nelson and his comp Elder Martherus, and ZL Elder Nemelka.  MOST UNIFIED! :)

Mi companera y yo. Hermana Hale!

Our cute little Zone 10

 Puts my height into perspective. Meet Chris. He's 8.

surprise visits, ants, and an auction.

Those three words describe this past week, but you know I could never leave it at that! This week has been the fastest, I think, of my entire mission. We're now onto week 3 -- so nearly halfway through the transfer. I really feel like August has flown by.

This week we had a lot of experiences that showed us how the Lord has His hand in all we do, and especially when we STOP and LISTEN.

First, an update on Elizabeth! We taught her three times this week, twice with awesome members. We were able to take a member who had come with us before (in June) and as we left the appointment, she said to us, "SHE IS GLOWING!" She continued to say that she couldn't believe it was the same person as before. It's so incredible to see that change, and I don't think I'll get tired of writing about the difference we see in her. Sunday was her birthday, and we stopped by to teach her a little lesson. She had saved us birthday cake from a party the day before, and as we finished the lesson, she asked, "Can I get baptized on September 7?" She was choosing to get baptized sooner! We couldn't stop smiling and I finally had to say, "THIS IS SO EXCITING! I feel like it's MY birthday!" She just started laughing and smiling too.  I have come to feel so much love for her, for her daughter Naazi, and her son Abraham. They bring such joy to the appointments, even when we have to pray each week that they will be quiet and not running around...and it rarely happens. But they are a light too. So, now we have a baptism to plan that is two weeks away, and I think it'll be here before we know it! Pray for her continued learning and to be strong in the next few weeks, as I know Satan tries especially hard at this time.

This weekend we had a BBQ fundraiser and auction for the youth in our branch. I had never been to a dessert auction before, but it was so much fun! The missionaries definitely felt loved as well, as each of us received a homemade cinnamon roll (although, mom, yours are just unmatched by any others!) and trail mix "anonymously" donated. The branch president from Hampton Bays showed us a video on mormon.org, and it talks all about my mission! So, here is the link to check out:
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormon-missionary-life

I know those sister missionaries! I've been on exchanges with Sister Allen. That was really exciting to watch. And, even as I sat there, listening to President Calderwood on video, I felt comforted hearing his voice.

Saturday night after the auction, we had about an hour left and decided to surprise visit a member family in the ward. We'd tried to get an appt with them, but it's never worked out. We drove the 15 minutes to their home, and ended up chatting with the wife for a half hour. She invited us back this week and was so warm and welcoming. Sometimes, I think we just have to make the first step and then start building that relationship. I'm excited to work more closely with their family.

In other surprise visits, we took Mirna along with us twice this week and ended up visiting two less active Spanish women. Mirna ... is awesome. Each time she speaks, I feel so blessed and grateful that she is a part of this journey, and that I was able to be a part of her return to the church. In the near-five months of working with her, she hasn't ceased to share her testimony of faith, even with the many, many trials she's endured in her life. Last night, we visited a LA who is rather negative and refuses to move past a certain event in her life. Mirna said the things that needed to be said, in a loving way, but in a way that we couldn't. Mirna also started her calling as branch chorister on Sunday :) I nearly cried just watching her from the audience, fulfilling a calling! She was so nervous, but we just kept smiling at her and encouraging her. And, hopefully she will be able to go to the temple this fall to receive her endowment. We talk about it a lot with her; we just need a temple prep class. I can't wait for that to happen! What a blessing in her life!

And, two things from my personal study this week:
"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author & finisher of our faith."

I love that scripture! One, because it mentions running, which makes me happy, but also, run with patience? Sometimes, I feel like patience is more like p--a---t---i---e--n--c--e. You know, it's long. It's a process. But, RUN with it. We can do this! We can win the war.

Second, here is a quote pulled from the August ensign:
"So much of life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment." --Thomas S. Monson

I sometimes have a bad attitude. I get down. I get discouraged. And more often than not, people can tell. But, I have a goal to really focus and CHOOSE how I respond. I need to be happy and I CAN be happy now. We have all the information and rights to happiness; we just have to accept it.

Tomorrow is our zone conference and I can't wait to be edified by what will be shared. I love, love this mission & these people! And, President Calderwood said our district is the most unified in the mission. I definitely can see that. We have way too much fun, working hard, and serving the Lord! The miracles are in abundance. I think the miracles are really everywhere, everyday, we just sometimes forget to look. It seems easy on a mission to see all the miracles, but if you look, I think you'll find them in your life too!

Okay. Wow! Long email today, eh? I just type fast! I love you all and truly cherish the emails you send! They mean so much to me and the support is immeasurable!

Until next week,
Sister Peacock

 Me and Abraham, Elizbeth's son

Sandberg, Hale, and Peacock (reunited again!) at Matt's baptism.

Riverhead Missionaries at the auction (E. Spencer, Baker, Hale, and me!)

Me and "Dack" (refer to previous posts)

how great is your joy?

There have been many events that have happened this week, but I want to focus on the "main" things, which all happened in the last few days! It's been a whirlwind week of emotions, that's for sure. I think that's how missions are, though.

Thursday night, we went to scout camp and met some of the stake young men leaders and youth, and then stayed for part of the testimony meeting. IT WAS AWESOME. Brother Blom had challenged all of them earlier in the week to "plant seeds" and at the beginning of the meeting, he asked them again what it was they were to do. A chorus of young men yell out, "PLANT SEEDS!" and then hands shot up in fulfillment of that. We were so touched, as Bro. Blom said it all started with our "member missionary program" and his family. He told us that at the end of the week, 12 boys told him that though they had been "on the fence" about serving a mission, they were now going to do so. How great is the joy?

Next, we were able to talk to Dack again, and he told us he started reading the Book of Mormon. And he loved it. That made us super pleased, and then he gave us his number and got ours. This will prove critical later on in the story.

Friday morning, I'm reading in Preach My Gospel about baptismal services (bc the elders' investigator Matt was getting baptized Saturday and he had asked me to speak) and I read that this is a KEY event for investigators and that often, after attending a baptism, they go on to be baptized themselves. I was thinking, "Oh man, we don't have anyone who has said they could come." We get a text from Dack and then he asked about the weekend ... DOORS OPENED. We invited him to attend the baptism.

Saturday, we taught Laura again. She is quickly progressing. She told us she had one cup of coffee this week, and that she felt guilty after drinking it. She had been working 100+ hours and overnight shifts, and made it by with one drink the whole week. We were so proud of her for that! She then asked us about the baptism that night and said she wanted to come, even though she had ZERO sleep since the night before (meeting with us just half hour after her overnight shift ended) and starting working again at 10 that night.

The baptism was a beautiful thing. Really. Dack came, Fernando and Osmar came, and Laura came, along with her boyfriend and his three children (Elizabeth would have come if she was in town). It was so great to see all of them there! Dack told us he had questions and wanted to meet with us later this week :) Hoorah! Fernando said he felt "warm" and it also seemed to spark something. Laura already wants to get baptized, so this only intensified that desire. But, overall, it was just a beautiful night! Matt chose to get baptized in the ocean, which was really something. And there was just a glow about him. Even though we weren't his "missionaries", I felt a joy that is unmatched with anything I've experienced. My heart felt like it was about ready to explode!

But that's not all. We had met with Elizabeth earlier this week, and had talked about the Word of Wisdom again. She had struggled with that before, saying she couldn't give up coffee and drinks wine at family parties. This time when we brought it up, she said, "Well, I know that keeping the commandments bring us closer to God, and if we don't keep them, we're in darkness. I can drink juice at the parties..." How great is that joy? Sunday, she came to church & even offered the prayer in Sunday School. Sincere prayers from an investigator are beautiful. Then, we met with her after church. We asked her about baptism, and we were able to SET A DATE with her! So, we have the date set for Sept. 14. I can't even describe the change we have seen in her from April until now. She has changed so much! As sister hale and I were teaching her, both of thought "wow, Elizabeth is really beautiful." When we first started teaching her, she seemed a little homely, never smiling or laughing or speaking much. Empty of emotion. Never asking questions. Now, it's not like that at all! We feel that divine love for her, for her worth as a daughter of God. And you can see that she is seeing it more in herself too. She has the light of Christ and really, a brighter countenance. I don't know a better way to end the week.

Also, a scripture to share from my personal study this week: "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." (1 Peter 3:15).

We have the ability and the duty to share that light that we have that so much of the world doesn't. I promise it's worth it. Be an example. Open your mouth. The Lord will help you, and He will bless you!

I love you!

Hermana Pavo

miracles, birthdays, and transfer calls!

To start off, I will put everyone at ease and let you know I will be staying in Riverhead for my fourth transfer, along with Sister Hale. And, as a fun fact ... at the end of this transfer, Sister Hale and I will have been companions for nearly 6 months. As in .. 1/3 of my mission. Crazy stuff, right?

Anywho, we have seen some amazing miracles this week. Friday was our "Miracle Day." We were writing about it in our journals Friday night and I counted 9. Sister Hale counted 21. So, you can see there is a variance there, but nevertheless, it was a beautiful day. Do you want to hear about it?

Good, because I'm going to tell you :)

Here are a few of Friday's miracles:

1. We were doing a lookup of someone who had previously requested a mormon.org visit. She immediately recognized us as missionaries and was, at first, a little standoffish. But, then she opened up and told us that she had been baptized years ago. Then she invited us in and told us more about her life. She said she sometimes drives by the Plainview Chapel (about an hour away) when she has hard days. She was shocked to find out Riverhead had its own chapel now and said, one day, she knew she would go back. The time isn't yet for her, but I have no doubt a seed was nourished when we visited her. She kept saying, "it's so funny you are here because my mom just went to the hospital ..." and "...i really needed this visit.." But everytime people think it's so "coincidental" it just reminds me ... it's really not. God directs His work :)

2. That was the first miracle of the day, and this was the final on Friday. Sister Hale and I stopped by Elizabeth's (a former investigator) house. She has come to church a few times since we stopped teaching her in June. We ended up having a great conversation. She told us she had read nearly to Helaman, and could give a pretty detailed account of what she had read. Sister Hale and I kept glancing at each other because we could SEE a difference in Elizabeth. She had always listened to the lessons, but never had much emotion. Her answers used to be very "to the book" but now they were thoughtful, and sincere. She talked about growing each day, learning being a process, and the Spirit. We had previously invited her to be baptized and asked again if this was something she was still preparing to do. She said it was and we both felt the Spirit confirm that it was okay to begin teaching her again. As she offered the closing prayer, we again felt a confirmation of the Spirit and of her personal growth. When she closed, she opened her eyes, smiling, and said, "I'm getting better, aren't I?" We were smiling from ear-to-ear and probably crying too. But, when we were able to meet with her again on Sunday, she told us that it's the little things -- going to church, reading and praying daily -- that have brought her closer to God. That's what we teach all of our investigators (and everyone else) but she seems to really understand that it's a necessary step. We talked more on Word of Wisdom, and again, we saw that this time, she was really listening. She was focused. Instead of just committing, she said she needed to read it, search it out, and pray. We were thrilled with a sincere response! So, we are hopeful that she will continue progressing. Pray for her.

Other miracles of the week?

We met Sonja a few weeks ago, and though she had juked on our appointment, she called us Friday night after her father passed away suddenly. She said she needed to talk to us because she knew we were sent from God. We spent time listening to her reminisce about her father, but then the doors were also opened to talk to her about what we believe about life-after-death. It was a very connecting experience and she felt very calm and happy with what we believe, knowing her father isn't gone forever. I'm so grateful we were in the places we needed to be weeks ago so that we could help Sonja now.

We're also now teaching a woman that lives in Hampton Bays. That's a different branch with elders that work there in our district, but she specifically requested the sisters. We had a great conversation with her too! She was taught by the missionaries in 2009, and has recently started visiting the church again. She actually lives with her boyfriend, who happens to be a less active. But, she has full desire to get baptized and then one day sealed :) The main problem right now is that she is still married and her husband is refusing to sign the divorce papers. So, that complicates things un poquito. But, we are excited to work with her as she really has a hunger for the truth.

And we had exchanges on Wednesday. I was able to work with Sister Chipman, who (small world) served in a RS presidency with Hollie King at BYU and then was taught Spanish by Sarah King at the MTC. Yeah, it was a fun exchange! She is a rockstar missionary who has been out for about a year. She is a sister training leader in the mission and I learned so much from working with her. Though our appointments fell through, we still felt like it was a successful day, lead by the Lord :)

Finally, to wrap up the week, we had a lesson and dinner at the Bloms on Saturday night. Well, we walked in to the kitchen to find ... a birthday party! I had mentioned it was mom's birthday that day and so, we had a proxy birthday party of sorts. I love them. It was so sweet and touching! We had balloons, streamers, cake, candles. And then they sang to me, recorded the video of all of it, and he sent it on to mom later. It was pretty special of them to do that! Also speaking of them, we have been teaching them this past transfer our "member missionary" program. Well, Sunday, we saw it in action! We were on the street with their family, and Brother Blom passed out at least three mormon.org cards, and was talking to everyone. He never hesitated to mention the church, and even invited a young boy and his father to scout camp. His oldest daughter joked, "This is the monster you've created!" And Sister Hale and I said, "Yes! We did this!" Of course, it wasn't really US. But, it was really exciting to see!

Anyway, each day brings new miracles & I'm excited to continue working in Riverhead and seeing the growth here! Fall is on it's way, I think, judging by the cooler mornings, which also makes me super happy.

Love you all!

Hermana Peacock

 

Me and Sister Chipman

After a lesson with Osmar (on the left) and Fernando (on the right) along with the Blom kids! 

Celebrating mom's birthday with ice cream cake. It was good, mom! Don't worry. 

Gabraiyle, me, Maeley Blom

 Brother and Sister Blom (my mission parents :) )

 Jaiden, Maddie Blom, Hale, and me (mission siblings)

Celebrating Elder Nemelka's birthday with a giant beetle we found and kept for him!