I WANT TO KEEP IT FOREVER 6.27.16

F R I E N D S & F A M I L Y ☺️

This is going to be a long one....

Wow, Marysville has my heart. I wish I could box it up and take it with me for the rest of my life. This is the cutest city with the best people! Who knew that Marysville, OH existed and that I would fall in love with it? I WANT TO KEEP IT FOREVER. Unfortunately, I can't so I guess I'll be content with the memories I make here. I'll apologize in advice for the length of this email....the week was too good to take details out. We had lessons back to back almost of all week; it was incredible. I have NEVER felt so productive on my mission! I could tell you ALL the new investigators we got this week but I'll stick to the ones were we have met 2-3 times. Here we go..

T baptismal date of July 9th. Elders were teaching him. He wasn't responding to our texts this week and we found out it was because he thought girls couldn't teach boys..especially single men. (which is kinda cool that he had that concern to be honest)We resolved the concern and made him aware that we would always have a third woman. The elders told him at church that it required that he goes through the lessons to be baptized so he understands now. We will meet this week.

C: accepted baptism for Aug 20th!! Super awesome guy. He denied a baptismal date twice before Sister Clark and I got here. Our first lesson his member friend and him talked about not being pressured into it so I was super nervous to invite him to be baptized...luckily my companion was guided by the spirit and boldly stated that she was prompted to extend that date; he accepted!

K: met her Monday. Outside making fence when we met her. SUPER NICE. said she was agnostic...but completely beliefs in God. Seemed to have a concern with organized religion. We are trying to help her but she has more of an outlook that God is an easy God. She has kept the commitments we left so currently progressing but I'm not sure how far out meetings will go or how long.

X: met him on Tuesday walking his dog when a return appointment fell through. He is awesome! He said that just the other day is his grandma told him to go back to church. He said we were a sign from God. We continued to testify of the truthfulness of our message and then he said he never walks his dogs that way so there was a reason we were put in his path. He also said he got off work early for no reason that day and he never walks his dogs at that time...he said you really are from God! He shared how there should only be one church and we testified that Christ's church is here today. We set a return appointment for Thursday and had a chapel tour with Sister Cottle and Cj a recent convert. Cj bore a powerful testimony on his baptism and X accepted soft baptism. He said he really wanted to do the church thing. He also said that the sacrament would be like a reset button for him every week. He couldn't come this today because of work but is planning on coming next week! He is awesome!

T: met once so far but cool story! We went to meet a less active/part member family but they weren't home. I got in the car and turned it on so sister Clark could back me. My gps said we'd get to the dinner appointment 15 mins early and usually id just knock around the members but I had a strong impression we needed to knock that street. I got out and told sister Clark we can't leave that street. We knocked on Tony's door right then. We talked to him about our message and the Book of Mormon. He said with tears filling his eyes, "you know what, two days ago I prayed to God to send me someone to help me know what to do. How to help raise the kid I adopted. I strongly believe you two are the answer to that prayer." We testified that we were and got a return appointment! Right after that the less active/part member family pulled up and we met them too! How thankful I am for the spirit...leading and guiding in this work. If I didn't listen to the spirit we wouldn't have met tony OR the less actives/part member family!

D: met him Friday when we were walking to a return appointment. His dog ran up to us and so we talked to him. I asked if I could share a scripture and he said yes. As a pulled the Book of Mormon out, he asked if it was a Book of Mormon. He shared that after his stroke some elders taught him for a little. We had a return appointment the next day, with Sister Cardoza and Cj. Dan accepted soft baptism! He even came to all three hrs of church! He was a little overwhelmed due to his stroke he has a hard time understanding a lot of info all at once so we are going to work with him. We had a member take us to pick him up and another member took him home.

T: went for a return appointment, he wasn't there but she opened the door. We began to teach her. Is going through a lot right now.p especially with her teenage son. We had an incredible lesson with her with the bishops wife. She accepted baptism for August 20th put has some things that may prevent her from being baptized that day. She wasn't able to come to church but we will see her this week.

K: hahaha I love him. He is an older man and hilarious. He told us we would be wasting our time on him because we needed to go out of the country and save people but the Lord has people in that part of the vineyard. We talked to him through his screen door, okay we yelled through it since he is hard of hearing but he let us come back. We went yesterday, he came outside and we talked to him on the porch. We are currently helping him strengthen his faith in God.

Yesterday, despite the massive rainstorm, we met C outside a members house who has met with missionaries before who wants to learn more! We also met D yesterday who had a member friend who passed away...she believes the BOM is true! We are excited to teach her as well.

Wednesday night we had the HUGEST thunderstorm I've EVER been in. I was so terrified. Storms don't scare me but boy that one did. I forced Sister Clark to sleep in the bathroom with me for two hrs lol

I've learned SO much this week. I absolutely LOVE this area, Sister Clark, and the people we meet. I feel like I'm really learning how to be guided by the spirit in the lessons and throughout the day. This is probably the best I have felt my whole mission and the happiness I felt. I've always loved my mission but it's grown a lot the past week.

I know that serving a mission was always a part of Heavenly Fathers plan for me. Thankfully, I have incredible friends and family that helped me get here. I know that the Book of Mormon truly is the word of God. He has given it to us in this day and age to come unto Christ and to know the truth. We have a living day prophet today to help us as we walk the journey of mortality. One day we will live with God as eternal families because of the sacrifice of our Dear Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ lives today. I say these things humbly in the Sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Until next Monday..

XOXO,

Sister Detamore

Temple trip

Chapel tour

M A R Y S V I L L E. 6.20.16

Hello friends and family. (': Our p-day is a little weird this week.

We have the time from 10 am-12 pm to email then the rest of our o-day will be Wednesday 10am-4pm because we will being going to the temple.

So my communication time is very short this week.

Well, let's just say the past couple days have been crazy!!! My companion and I were doubled in and opened a new area that has been closed for awhile. We are in Marysville, OH. It's SO different from other areas I've been in. It's definitely country and our area is huge! But we love it (: I've never felt so needed in an area before.

Saying goodbye to Powell definitely was hard but I feel like I was put here for a reason. This area hasn't been worked the best in the past but we are going to change that. I have falling in love with this area is such a short 5 days! My new companion is Sister Clark from Manderson, Wyoming! She came out a transfer after me and she is incredible! I love her!!!(':

This ward is absolutely incredible! They haven't had sisters in over a year and they just wrapped their arms around us. Due to opening a new area, we had absolutely no food and very low budget due to it being the middle of the month but we have tons of members reach other and help us fill our fridge and cupboards. The Marysville Ward has a desire to help others (less active and nonmembers) receive the blessings of the restored gospel. I am so excited to work here with this ward!

We have two progressing investigators that we are so excited to work with! T is a medical student who has a baptismal date for July 9th. Due to his schedule, it's hard to get ahold of him but he is making changes so he can have more time for the gospel. He changed his work schedule so he could come to church more now! Please pray that we can get in more contact and he will be prepared for the 9th! Our second one is Clement, he is dating a member in the Dublin ward and doing great! He isn't read to set a date for baptism yet but we will get him there. Hopefully this week! Pray for clement to accept baptism please. Other than that we have a lot of finding time!

Yesterday we met an older guy named K. He didn't hear very well so pretty much we were yelling to him through his screen door. We had about a 10 minute conversation of him saying we would be wasting our time on him and him asking questions; he didn't want us coming back.

He looked me in the eyes and asked me why I was doing this for 18 months all day every day. That question hit me. I quickly pondered it and many answered fluttered into my mind....my eternal family, my best friends baptism last year, the temple. Etc. I bore a simple testimony of why I was on a mission. Throughout the rest of the conversation, his heart soften and we watch as the spirit worked with him. We testified that we had more to share and has he held the restoration pamphlet, he said "I guess you'll have to come back after I read this." We are so excited to go teach K again tomorrow and help him learn by the spirit. I'm grateful for this experience because it taught me why I was on a mission. My decision to serve became even more clear and deeper.

A from Powell was baptized and I was able to attend! It was such a beautiful day and I'm thankful I was able to watch her father baptize her. Sister Birchett and I sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" at the baptism. It was so nice to see her again. I love sister B❤️ It was also nice to officially say goodbye to some members. I definitely miss that ward. R came to the baptism and it made me SO happy to see her! She looked at me and said, "I could hear your voice in the back of my head telling me to get to the baptism. So I decided I probably should come." We were able to help her make incredible steps last week and I know the Powell sisters will continue to help her!

The past few days I've taken a walk down memorial lane. A year ago yesterday I received my mission call to the Ohio Columbus Mission. I remember that day like it was yesterday. My best friend, Kira, and I were at Walmart getting flour when my mom sent me a picture of the envelope. I remember jumping up and down in Walmart, screaming, and popping the flour all over us. I remember all the love and support I received from neighbors, friends, and family. I have reflected on the past few months and I'm thankful every single day that I chose to serve a full-time mission. There are days were it's thought but it doesn't change the love I have for the work. I've been able to strengthen my own testimony as I help others develop their own. I've come to understand who my Savior is better and what He has done for me. I've gained a deep testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I know this is exactly where I need to be. A year ago today, my best friend, Justin, was baptized. It was one of the most spiritual and special days of my life. I'm so thankful I was able to be a part of his journey as he learned of the restored gospel. I've seen the changes that have been made in his life because of the gospel, prepared and receive his patriarchal blessing and temple endowment.

This is a motivator for me every single day. I desire that for each of my investigators. Im thankful for EVERYONE who has loved and supported me while I've been gone. It's been such a huge blessing to have so many people cheering me on.

I know this work is true. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lords kingdom on the earth today. I've gained an absolute love for the Book of Mormon and I know that it is the word of God. I'm SO thankful for the restoration and the we have he opportunity to live during it. I know the Lord lives and He is my personal Savior. He is the Savior of the World. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Until next week, thanks for all the support!

XOXO,

Sister Detamore

Marysville ❤️

Someone sent me this pic haha

Ice Cream our favorite treat here in OH

Alyssa's baptism

Sister Clark ❤️

I got to hold a kitty ❤️

Cookies left on our doorstep

God IS in control 6.15.16

Hello Everyone, what a week and a half! I love missionary work so much

(': I wanna apologize now for the length of this email and the pictures/videos that will come with it. It's just been eventful in The Great OCM.

First off, TRANSFER CALLS......I'm being transferred and sister Birchett is training a new missionary!!! Yeah!, I'm so excited for her ☺️ I'm gunna definitely miss her though the last two transfers have been incredible with her!! Ah, mission friends are he best friends ❤️

Singing at the Clippers game was such an incredible experience. Before we went in, Sister Birchett and I talked to a homeless guy. Despite his place in life right now, I KNEW God was aware of him and loves him. I bore a simple testimony to this man that I knew that God lived and loved him. I feel so privileged to wear my Saviors name and to truly see people through Gods eyes. Tomorrow is 9 months and I can't believe how fast time is going by. It's been such an honor to be able to testify of my Savior and represent Him. I'm thankful for the months of head where I can strengthen my relationship with Him and help others do the same.

A Is so excited to be baptized. She will be getting baptized this Saturday evening; yeah! I have just loved helping her learn more about the gospel! ❤️She had her friend over last night during the lesson and the friend T wanted to pray. We taught her how to pray; it was her first prayer ever!! She even came to church today with A. She came up to Sister Birchett and said she tried to say a prayer by herself last night but forget how to so Sister Birchett wrote the bullet points from the "how can I know" section in the pamphlets. (':

T is probably coming to A's baptism so we invited A, brother and sister Carson to invite T's family! They said they would and they said it would be really cool to bring them to the gospel. We shared that it would be an incredible missionary experience for them!

So, May 28th we met a guy name J A who didn't have time to talk but told us we could stop by again. Well, we tried like 4 times and he either wasn't home or the family was headed out the door. On June 8th, we decided to follow up with him one more time. He let us in and said we could share our video because he felt bad for blowing us off so much.

After, we got into his religious background (Catholic) and how his family was finding a new church because they didn't agree with the teachings. He said that with all respect he didn't think the "Mormon church" was the place they'd feel at home. He had some misconceptions that we cleared up which led into teaching the restoration. He was completely amazed by the 1st vision painting I had on my iPad! We got talking about the Book of Mormon and I simple asked "why would it be important for you personally to pray about the Book of Mormon?" He paused and we sat in complete silence (I thought to myself, "ah he is self discovering right now!!!). He then humbly stated: "well, God gave me my life, my family, and so many other things. I guess I would show my gratitude to Him for those things by finding out if this is true." it was the MOST humble and honest answer I have ever heard my whole mission!!! We invited him to read and pray. Set up a return appointment and he said he would want his family to be there. Sister Birchett extended soft baptism and he said of course. She followed up with the question: "how would it influence your life if you came to feel this was true?" He stated that it would enlighten his life and change it. That he would come to know the full truth on what he needed to do in this life and what the truth was! This was the most incredible experience!!! It was cool to apply the training on asking questions that night after mini zone conference. We are SO excited to share more with J and his family. To help them receive the ordinance of baptism and make it to the temple to be sealed as a family!

We made some really great progress with R this week!!! We had a lesson in the church on Monday which was exactly what she needed. She said she had been dreading going there but she felt extremely peaceful. Yesterday we had a fantastic lesson once again and she agreed to come to church with us finally! We've been trying since we started teaching her. She truly is an impression to me though. She is so willing to follow the Lords will for her. We are here helping her recognize this is His will for her and I'm thankful I've been able to be a part of that journey. Please pray for R☺️

Monday Sister Birchett and I drew out the plan of salvation at a park and contacted people while we did it. It was such a fun experience. It made me realize how grateful I am for the knowledge of the plan that God has for us. Elder Richard G. Scott said: "God has provided a way to live in this world and not be contaminated by the degrading pressures evil agents spread throughout it. You can live a virtuous, productive, righteous life by following the plan of protection created by your Father in Heaven: His plan of happiness.....Know that God is in control." God IS in control. We need not fear because our loving Father in Heaven is at the helm. I truly have come to see that God really does guide us. He helped us and He has given us the gospel of Jesus Christ so that we can have protect as we walk through this mortal life.

SO much more to share but I'll stop there. You all can read my journals when I get home.

I feel so incredibly blessed to be a missionary at this time in the Ohio Columbus Mission. I know that this is exactly where the Lord needed me. I've been able to truly see His hand in my life and for that I'm humbled and grateful. I know the Book of Mormon is true had I've gained a strong testimony of that as I have served the last 9 months. I know that true joy comes from reading it and studying it. I know that families are forever and I'm thankful for the priesthood on the earth that allows my family bond to go beyond the grave. Jesus is the Christ. This is His church. I humbly say these things in the name of Jesus the Christ, amen. Until Monday..,thanks for all the love and support.

XOXO,

Sister Detamore

Click the link below to listen to us sing at the Clipper’s game!

https://www.facebook.com/592216410891872/videos/974418776004965/

Clippers game/ Huntington park

Chalk!

Our zone at mini zone conference

 

9 months

Plan of Salvation chalk

Last day with our prospective missionary

 

"Get Better or Get a Bitter", the choice is ours 6.6.16

Sorry this is late...we went to Indian caverns with our sister training leaders and their prospective missionary. But Wow, what am I suppose to say..this week has been fantastic. (': I probably could go on for HOURS about it but I'll try not to say too much and bore all of you!

First, a couple weeks ago sister Birchett, I and a couple other missionaries got asked to sing the national anthem for an audition for a clippers game (minor league baseball). Well, we found out on Friday that we will be singing! Tomorrow we will be singing the national anthem at the Clippers game. ⚾️ I never thought I'd be going to a baseball game on a mission?! I'm pretty excited and thankful I get to use my talents while I'm on my mission ☺️

Saturday, we got a prospective missionary! They do mini missions throughout the mission. For those who are unfamiliar with mini missions, it is where youth 16+ have an opportunity to see what missionary work is all about. They live with full time missionaries and are involved with everything. Just like a full time missionaries, the prospective missionary is set apart as such and expected to live as a full time missionary does. That means no contact with home or family during the week. Our missionary is a 16 yr old, named Sister Nufer. It has been a fun experience to show a young women how incredible a mission is! She was will be with us until Saturday morning!

Ahh, Saturday evening we had dinner with our investigator R! She has sight problems so all three of us made dinner for her! We had a lesson after with her. As we read 1 Nephi 3, I could feel the spirit so strong. The spirit was able to testify to me that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. My testimony of the Book of Mormon is one of the most incredible things that I have gained from serving a mission. The Book of Mormon has brought me so much comfort and peace.

That night we extended baptism and she accepted for July 9th!! My heart is swelling with joy. Please pray that R will recognize her answer that the Book of Mormon is true.

As we were contacting a guy this week, the following question was proposed to him: "if Jesus Christ was willing to give His life for you, what would you give Him?" As we asked this, I began to question it for myself. What would I give my Savior? As a ponder that I realized that there were things I want to give for Him to show my appreciate for the gift of His life. I invite all of you to ponder what you would give to the Savior.

Yesterday, a member brought his 10 interns to church with him. 4 of them being nonmembers from UGA. For everyone who knows my best friend Kira, she is currently serving on UGA. I talked to one girl in particular named S. She isn't religious and said she has a belief in God only when she needs something. I was able to bear my testimony of the strength that comes from having a relationship with Heavenly Father. She gave me her info and I told her I wanted her to talk to my best friend at UGA. It was such a tender mercy for me. Even if I'm miles away from my best friend, the Lord gives me connections with her as we serve Him. AH, SUCH A TENDER MERCY. ❤️

We saw SO many tender mercies this week; it was incredible! We got in contact with J again! He has been going through a lot so we committed him to read the Book of Mormon and set up a time to come back on Wednesday. We saw J (J and S...the last big house we knocked on weeks ago) and they've recently went through a lost so the plan of salvation will be incredible to share. We invited many people to church this week and didn't know how we would hit our goal because no one could come or wanted to. Well, Bro.Hunter brought the interns and we got the info on the interns and we had A there so we exceeded our goal! We needed one more less active lesson and we didn't know how we would achieve it and then we met a guy fishing and taught him a lesson later finding out he is a member who hasn't been in years! The Lord really is in this work. I've seen this week that the harder you work the more rewarding it is.

I have so much more to share but I'll stop there. I love this work so much. The past two weeks really have been incredible! I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know that it was written for us in this day so that we can find peace in this life and learn how to find peace in the life to come. I know that through trials we can learn and grow.

Through trials we can either "Get Better or Get a Bitter", the choice is ours. I know Thomas S. Monson to be a man of God and I sustain him as a prophet, seer, and revelator. We have a savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and loves each of us individually. I so testify in the name of My Beloved Savior, Jesus The Christ, Amen. Until next Wednesday due to transfers....(AHH TRANSFERS ALREADY) thanks for all the love and support!

XOXO,

Sister Detamore

'Tis the season for ice cream

Dinner at Rickies!

Pictures from the Indian Caverns

This life is not a dress rehearsal, it's the live show 5.30.16

I can't believe a week has already gone by and its ALMOST JUNE. Where is time going by?! I am pretty excited that it's summer! The downside to summer, is the heat and humidity. While we are out tracting on Friday I felt like I was going to die. But the upside to it is everyone's home, outside, and up late! They're definitely are a lot of perks to being a missionary during the summer. We had a ward memorial breakfast today and then went to the parade as a ward. It was so fun! 

Ahh. I LOVE YOU GUYS (': thank you so much for all the birthday wishes and love! You each made it so very special. My birthday was such an incredible day. It started with service at a local food pantry, singing for residents at an assisted living center, teaching lessons, knocking doors, and ended with some ice cream at the mission home ❤️

Alyssa is preparing for baptism on June 18th! Two days after transfers...so I'm a little nervous BUT everything will work out. We are going over the baptismal interview questions Thursday and then just planning and preparing. Oh, I love her!

We've been helping R more and also teaching her! We had a lesson yesterday on the Book of Mormon. We asked her what it would mean for her to come to feel that the Book of Mormon was true and she said, "it would be very important. You don't want to go through your whole life not knowing the whole truth. This life is not a dress rehearsal, it's the live show." That last sentence hit me...not only because I'm going to minor in theatre and do enjoy being on stage ☺️ BUT This life really is the live show. We are performing right now. In Alma 34:32 it states: "For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." I never truly understood that until I became a missionary and shared the gospel every single day. It is very important that we perform our labors now so that we can gain the gift of eternal life. Our loving Heavenly Father has given us the gospel of Jesus Christ so we would be prepared to live with Him again. 

The stake presidents sons and his wife just moved here from Utah two weeks ago for the summer. Karlie (the wife) got home for her mission in Hong Kong in October and we just clicked! She is so cute. Well, yesterday she came up to us during church and explained to us that she got a job to nanny a girl Sand that she was at church with her! We sat through Sunday school and young women's with her then had dinner at the Welches (we made sushi again!!!!!) and she was there! S is the cutest. ❤️ Her parents are open to her going to any church and hopefully, we will get to teach her some more. Yesterday during YWs, we had a lesson on the temple. The spirit was so strong as we discussed the importance of being worthy for the temple. Karlie showed S pictures of temples. S turned to me and said, "The Salt Lake Temple is my favorite temple." An hour before that she didn't even know what a temple was! What a precious daughter of God. It is divine placement that Karlie is Nanning her. I'm excited to share more of gods love to S. 

Anyways, it was such a great week with a lot of meeting new people and sharing the restored gospel. Oh wow, I love being a missionary (': I'm so thankful to be able to represent my Savior and share the greatest news to the wonderful people of Ohio. I've done a lot of thinking about my Heavenly Father and my relationship with Him. I constant wondered what I could do matter to feel like I was drawing nearer to Him. We were talking about Faith two weeks ago in church and our ward mission leader talked about Joseph Smiths faith. He wasn't expecting the 1st vision as his answer but he did have faith that God was listening and would answer his prayer. I came to understand that we have to have faith that God is there. As I prayed, I had faith that my Father in Heaven was there and that He was listening. That He knew me. He knew my strengthens, my weakness, and despite my imperfections, He loved me. This has changed my perspective on my Heavenly Father. I'm strengthening my relationship with Him by having faith and letting go of my doubts.

I know we have a loving Heavenly Father who does love and care for us. He has given us the Book of Mormon to find peace in this life and to know what we can do to live in the world today. We have a loving Savior who understands us perfectly; we are never alone because we have Him. I know this gospel is true and that this is Christ's doctrine that He taught as He walked the earth. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Until next Monday...

XOXO

Sister Detamore

AND IM SO HAPPY 5.23.16

Hello, Happy Monday to you all. ☺️ so a lot happened this week and I want to apologize in advance for the length of this email!
First of, I can't believe I turn 20 this week! So much has happened in the past year and I'm shocked how fast time has gone by. I'm feel so humbled being able to serve Gods children. This upcoming week will be a very bittersweet week for me. One of my dear friends will be going through the temple. A year ago today he came to my birthday party with us knowing little of each other and little did I know in a short three weeks he would be baptized, become my best friend, and go to the temple a year later! My heart is filled with gratitude for the opportunity I had to be a part of his journey this far. I've seen the gospel change his life and being a part of that has been one of my main motivators as I serve my mission.
This week we had Elder Zeballos of the seventy with us! It is such a neat experience as a full-time Missionary to be taught and instructed by a General authority. There was a lot that I took from that. One thing was that we invite others to come unto Christ not to go to Christ. We have to be standing next to Christ to do this. Our purpose states: "We invite others to come unto Christ by helping them received the RESTORED GOSPEL." Personally, I reflected on my testimony of the Book of Mormon, the plan of salvation, and restoration. If I, as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, am helping people come unto Christ through the restored gospel then I need to be doing that for myself. This week I've really Focused on finding more of a love and testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know as I do that, I will be more sincere in testifying of its divinity. I've really seen a difference in the past week as I have done that. I desire to share the Book of Mormon more and I desire to open it up more...I love it!
Wednesday we went out tracting and nobody was home. As we were getting ready to head in for dinner. We met an 81 yrd old named M weeding in her front yard. We asked if we could help and she said we were dressed up way to nice to help! So she accepted for us to come back the next day. We came back and helped her weed for an hour and then shared a brief message with her and her husband. She then allowed us to come back the next day to share more about the Book of Mormon. We took a member with us and had a great lesson! The member ended up staying for an hour after the lesson to just chat with M. I absolutely love M (': She grew up in Germany and she is like a grandma to me. Don't know how long we actually will teach her but hey, the gospel is for EVERYONE.
We knocked on a ladies door and we talked to her for about 8 minutes. She didn't have time to talk because she was cleaning her house and preparing to move. We asked if we could come by another time and bring her a Book of Mormon. She told us a day but explained that there was a huge possibility she wouldn't be there because her friends 5 yr old son wasn't doing well and if he passed away then they would be on the next flight out. Without thinking much about it I asked if we could pray for her friends family with her before we left. The next time we went back...she was there and waiting for us! She said she had a lot to going on with selling the home and her friends son. She asked where our congregation met and we told her there would be one closer to where she is moving and she was open to still meeting with the missionaries when she moved. She told us more of the 5 yr old boys situation and how there are a lot of prayers for that family but that "ours felt special". She said how we met her at a perfect time. She explained that she and her husband grew up in a church but didn't like the way they practiced their beliefs. She said we met her at a good time because they want to find a religious community to raise their daughter it. I was reminded of my childhood years growing up in the church and the joy it brought me...I testified of the blessings that come from being a member of the church. We have the opportunity to back to her house in the next week to share more. I feel so humbled to have met Kerri. I'm a complete stranger yet she has enough trust in us to share personal information of trials going on and letting us bear pure testimony to her. I feel so privileged to wear my Saviors name on my chest and have these incredible experiences with people I meet! ❤️
We didn't see S and J this week because of someone passing in the family but I'm so excited to share the plan of salvation with them!
We haven't seen J either ): he had to cancel the lessons we set up and now we can't get ahold of him. Please pray that we can get ahold of him...I know this is for him!
We met a guy named Don last Sunday and we had a lesson with him Friday and yesterday. There were so great! He isn't religious but does have a belief in God. Last night we introduced the BOM more and taught using it. We taught a very simple lesson and towards the end I had a thought come to mind..."you are committing him to read Alma 40...how about you read half the chapter with him now to help him understand it and start to keep his commitment?" I knew that was the spirit helping me to know how to help him! It was such a neat experience. As we read from Alma I thought to myself, "Here I am...in Powell, Ohio on a Sunday evening reading the Book of Mormon on the driveway in an old lawn-chair with a man I met a week ago. AND IM SO HAPPY."
A nonmember who is hard of seeing needed some service so her member friend from Florida told her to call the bishop and get ahold of the missionaries. We were able to go help her out and she had shared that she met with missionaries before. During the service project we talked about the Book of Mormon and the crowning event of Christ visiting the Americas. At the end of the service project, I asked if I could share with her one of my favorite chapters from the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 11. She gladly accepted. She sat on the couch and I sat next to her feet reading the Book of Mormon to her. There I thought to myself "here I am at a lady's house that I met an hour ago..reading the Book of Mormon to her on a Saturday morning. AND I AM SO HAPPY." It is such a peaceful and joyful thing to read the Book of Mormon with Gods precious children of Ohio. We have planned to go over this week to help her and she is willing to have us share more of our message! She even had the Book of Mormon on CDs and is going to look for them so she can listen. She even invited us over for dinner this week!
A member discussed sharing the gospel at church yesterday and she shared her experience of giving a chapel tour with us. She thought it was such a neat experience that we taught gospel truths with the paintings on the walls. She said a few days later some people from the community not of our faith were using the building. She directed people all night to the bathroom. She said two men walked out and she directed them to the bathroom then they said they were just wanting to look at the paintings. She then said she could give them a chapel tour. They gladly accepted and she proceeded to give them a chapel tour the same way we did with our investigator! It was such a neat thing to hear this afternoon at church. Because of our example as missionaries, a member was able to do the same for nonmembers...and people she didn't even know!
Wow, I'm sorry for the novel but thank you for reading it...<3 There is so much that happens and I just wanted to share it. This week I've gained a greater sense of love for this gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ. President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "Happiness lies in living the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ." As I have served the past 8 months, I truly have come to understand this statement better. I’M SO HAPPY. And you can be too (: We are given the gospel of Jesus Christ because our Father in Heaven wants us, HIS children, to be HAPPY. What a loving Father in Heaven we have. I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lords Kingdom on the earth today. I know that President Monson is a man called of God and receives divine guidance from our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ lives. He Loves. He reigns. I so testify in the sacred name of Christ the Lord, Amen. Until next Monday...

XOXO
Sister Detamore

 

He Is A Really Human Being 5.16.16

HELLO LOVELY PEOPLE (': what a week! Sorry this is so late we went to the zoo as a district for our district active. I feel like I have so much to share but I'll try to keep it short. First off, 8 MONTHS.

What?! I feel like I just got on a mission and now I've been out 8 months. It completely blows my mind how fast time is going by. This, again, has been one of the hardest things I've done BUT one of the best things I've done. I LOVE MY MISSION. I always think to myself what my life would have been like if I didn't choose to serve. Boy, would I be missing out. I've learned so much on my mission. I've come to understand who Jesus Christ is. I've come know that the Book of Mormon is true and have had many incredible experiences with it. I love OHIO. I love the companions I have had. I love the areas I've served in. I love the Daines. I love the people I've met. Wow, I just get emotional thinking about my mission. I'm starting to realize how fast it goes by and it's scaring me. Thank you to every one of my friends and family members who set the example of serving missions to me. I owe this to you all! I'm thankful for the beautiful family I have who have been such big examples to me. I'm thankful for my friends who lived righteous lives and were a light in my life.

Ahh...I'm just blessed by my dear Heavenly Father (':

Tuesday we spent all day knocking. We reached the last house and it was 8:45 pm....this house was huge. So huge we didn't know where the door was. We met S and J. They were the first people the whole day who would allow us to share the Hallelujah video. We began to testify after and John asked some good questions. We asked if we could bring them a Book of Mormon and share more. S said she was too busy and probably never would get around to reading it. I was prompted to testify to her that the book of Mormon can help her as a mother and will bring a sense of peace into her life. After that, she said that we are welcome to bring her a book of Mormon in the next week. We have an appointment to meet with them this week! It was such an incredible experience. We have been praying all day to reach our goal of two new investigators and the last door we knocked on was our answer! God really does want us to achieve our goals and I was able to witness that this week.

The other day we were doing just serve hours at a local pantry. While we are serving there we had a lady come up to us and ask if we could say a prayer for one of the customers. We were able to stand in the circle and say a prayer for the sweet lady we met. Because of this black name tag on my chest, I was able to have this intimate experience with complete strangers. How thankful I am for that. It was such an honor for them to ask us to do that.

We are teaching a less active family, the Carsons, who started coming back to church about 1.5 months ago! We are teaching there 9 yr old, A, and we set a baptismal date yesterday for June 18th! We are pretty excited for her! Yesterday we had a lesson on temples and the spirit was so strong. We discussed how they can be sealed as a family and it made me realize how special eternal families are. I know that the temples are the House of The Lord and what an honor it is that we can attend the temple!

Friday we had an incredible zone conference. It just struck me how real Christ is. He isn't some far out object or concept. He is a real human being just like you and me! He lives with a body of flesh and bones; He is ever so close to us. He knows us personally by name. The spirit testified this to my heart and soul. I was overcome with emotion of understanding that I have a personal Savior who understands me. He knows I'm not perfect but He does know I'm trying to do my best. But the incredible thing is that He isn't just my Savior, He is YOURS too. How comforting is that? We each have someone who has been where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. He can lead us as long as we allow Him to do so.

That night we went out to work. We parked in the dirt of an abandoned building and behind it was a guy on the phone moving tree branches. I had this feeling that we should talk to him but there wasn't an easy access to do so. I decided inside my own head that hopefully he would be there so that when we came back to our car the end of the night we could talk to him. As we were walking away to go tract the street we had in our plans something told me I needed to go back. I immediately turned around and started to walk towards him. Awkwardly yet bold, we waved to him and stood there waiting for about 5 minutes for him to get off the phone. We began to talk to him and before you knew it he

(J) was sharing personal stories about how he came to know who God was and personal experiences/hardships he's been through. We hadn't even told him we were missionaries and he said that we were a sign from God. He kept telling us that he felt like God had a plan for him but he didn't quite know what it was yet. We're able to testify of the book of Mormon and the restoration. We then set up a return appointment for tomorrow night! What a neat experience for me. It's such a sacred opportunity to learn how to follow the promptings of the spirit as I serve the Lord.

I am so thankful for the past 8 months. I have learned and I have grown. I know that the Lord is shaping me into the young woman that I need to become. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that each of you can receive an answer for yourself by reading it and praying about it. I know that Joseph Smith was visited by God the father and Jesus the Christ. We have the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today. I so testify in the Sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. Until next Monday..

XOXO,

Sister Detamore

Helped at a funeral luncheon and they gave me flowers!

8 months!

Flowers

ZOO Trip