Week 62 - September 7, 2015 - Evansville, Indiana

Everything is going well here.  We are learning a lot and doing a lot.  We had exchanges this week, which were super fun.  We enjoyed it all!  

We had a lot of meetings this week, and such interesting adventures.  We had sad and good moments. We got to do a lot this week.  

Some of the pictures that I sent include the helmet that my companion needed.  She didn't have her helmet, and the Zone leaders went to Louisville and brought her back that beauty. We enjoyed that a lot!  We were able to test that out!

 Then we were able to so nicely find this cat. She absolutely loves us.  We named her Shirly and she comes running whenever we go over there.  It was super fun, and we enjoy being in her company.  Anyway, sorry for the horrible email.  I love you a ton!

Hermana Gamett

Happy Birthday Uncle Brett, Uncle Brad, LesLe, Cade, Justin, and Grandpa!!!

CURRENT ADDRESS:

3240 East Tamarack Court #607

Evansville, IN 47715

Week 61 - August 31, 2015 - Evansville, Indiana

Sorry there is no big email.  It has been an interesting day and week!  I love you all a ton, and I hope that you all have a fabulous week.  I am super happy and doing well.  We are enjoying the missionary work here. 

I love ya,

Hermana Gamett

Happy Birthday, Aunt Laurie and Boone!!!

CURRENT ADDRESS:

3240 East Tamarack Court #607

Evansville, IN 47715

Week 60 - August 24, 2015 - Evansville, Indiana

Never in your life will you have the same experiences that you will as a missionary.  Never in your life will you be so excited to head to the sketchy part of town, and chase down people.  Never in your life will you have the authority to talk to anybody, in any situation, about the gospel.  Never in your life will you have the total confidence that you can talk about Jesus with some people in Wal-mart, or some drug dealer on the street.  Never do you get to be totally awkward and not care one bit what anybody says about you.  Never in your life do you get to be friends with people from all walks of life, all different people, and come to love them so so much, other than on a mission.  Never will you get to grow like you do on your mission. 

I really love my mission.  I have learned so very much.  There is so much that I cannot explain, and what I can explain would take up way too much room.  My mission has changed me, and I pray that I will never change back.

As I have served a mission, I have learned some really important lessons, some of which include giving up your will to God.  Whatever you think you were supposed to do, may be something other than what the Lord has in store for you.  You have to trust his judgment.  I can't say how many companions I have judged before they came to me, but have become my very best friends ever.  I have friends here from all over.  I love being around them.  I love learning from them.  I love seeing them do amazing things.  How much better does it get?!  They have helped me find myself, too.

I have learned that when you give yourself to the Lord, he has the ability to bless you.  But you have to give it all.  Give everything up.  You have to understand that awkward, really is the new missionary cool.  You have to accept that you will be knocked down, built up, yelled at, loved, heartbroken, and driven nearly insane.  You have to learn that 6:30am is the best time of the day, and bed time at 10:30pm is the best thing of your life.  You have to learn that charades is the new Spanish, and it is possible to teach the gospel with it.  You have to learn that people are your best examples, and that a member's home really is the most spiritual place you will be in!  You have to learn that the Sacrament not only covers all the times you messed up that week, but it gives you the strength to move forward, to be strong, and to make the necessary changes in your life.  You learn that the new complex is really the simplicity.  You learn that cars are a privilege, but the Lord makes it work. You quickly learn that trying to impress anybody other than God, is the fastest way to failure.  You learn that motives behind any action are totally void and pointless unless they are based on charity and love.  You learn that fear is ridiculous, and a common theme for me.  You learn that agency is the ability to choose what you want.  It is not the ability to choose for others. You learn that some of the most faithful are found around you.  You quickly learn that other missionaries are usually the strengths that you pray for, and that is all sprinkled with humility on top!  You quickly learn that being perfect is not possible without the Savior.  You learn that you really don't have control over every situation, so deal with it!  You learn that obedience based on obligation isn't nearly as fun as obedience based on charity.  You learn that boldness is the best way to avoid wasting time over beating around the bush.  It also brings the spirit the fastest. The Lord calls you where He wants you to do things that are the best for you.  You can't forget that and you have to remember that it is in those times you learn the most. Lots and lots of things that I have learned!  These are just a few and I didn't even include the stories.  But I have learned a lot, and want to keep learning these amazing things.  I am so thankful for all of these opportunities.

I have also learned that people can like you and even remember you.  I also learned that I scare people.  I look angry when I am thinking, and my companions have all been afraid of me when they heard that they were going to be with me because of my obedience- Don't worry.  It all changed when they met me (not the obedience).  I think they like me now!

Anyway, I have learned a lot.  I have learned more things in the last week than I could even write, but one thing that has been a common theme the last little while is our Divine Nature.  So often, we are afraid of the person that is inside of us.  So often, we are in fear that the person inside will not be liked or she will be odd, but in reality that is just who God intended us to be.   It is that person we strive our whole lives to let out.  And, in reality, it is so simple.  Just be you.  Follow those feelings of right and wrong.  Don't be afraid of the girl on the inside.  She is who you are.  I have been so scared of her forever, but there is no need to be afraid.  It is who I am, and I am happy to be her.  Anyway, long, long email, but so much learned!

I am with Hermana Bown, and it is so much fun!  We have had some of the same companions, and now are finally together.  We have been out for about the same amount of time and have the same purpose.  We get along great, and I just love working with her.  Her Spanish is great so we are equal teachers ( hopefully it is not too bad on my part).  We have had such a great time so far.  We are both willing to work so hard, and are totally focused on the work.  I am soooo happy to be here, and I don't want to ever stop being a missionary!  I have literally seen miracles. I have also been reminded of who I was, and how far I have come.  I think that the missionaries that change on their missions are the real miracles.  I have seen so many people who have really changed, and I am one of them!  Anyway, I will quite typing now.  It really doesn't all make since, but here ya go!

  Also, I didn't play the piano too much in my last area.  I didn't feel like it had much to do with my purpose.  Here, I feel like it might be better, and the other day we stayed at the church for lunch and I tocared (played) the piano.  It felt really good.  I will send you all the video.  I love you all a ton, and I hope that you have a great day!

Love,

Hermana Gamett

P.S. still cant spell

Happy Birthday, Brit!!!

CURRENT ADDRESS:

3240 East Tamarack Court #607

Evansville, IN 47715

Week 59 - August 17, 2015 - Evansville, Indiana

Well, this week was great!  Rough and interesting, but great!  If only I could tell you half the things that go on.  Anyway, a good week!

This week we had a conference in New Albany, which is close to Louisville.  Two trips back to the home land in less than a week!  It was super fun.  3 sets of missionaries on the road and Sister Robinson at the wheel.  It was a super fun 5:00AM type of day.  We got there, and had an amazing conference by Elder Zwick.  It was really good.  There are definitely some things that I need help with, and I need to work on.  It was really good.  Plus, it was fun because he speaks Spanish and he used some Spanish words in his training.  The Spanish world is never forgotten.  We will make this happen!  

Anyway, we are having a good time.  We loved that conference.  

This week we also were preparing for a baptism.  He was ready, and lots of things had to happen to help him be prepared.  Long story short, on Saturday afternoon the baptism was off.  It was a little humbling to call everyone and tell them that it was off, but it was amazing to see the support of the members.  They were so amazing.  Anyway, bold day the next day, but it worked out all right.  I know that everything has to happen for a reason, and that the Lord's plan is not always our plan.  We have to accept it, though, whatever it may be.  Anyway, life is great!

That and Hermana Little is getting transferred tomorrow are only some of the many things that are changing and going on.  It has been a really great, and a really interesting week.

Anyway, more to come later!   

Love,

Hermana Gamett

CURRENT ADDRESS:

3240 East Tamarack Court #607

Evansville, IN 47715

Week 58 - August 10, 2015 - Evansville, Indiana

     

 

Wow!  What a week!

 

This week was a good week.  First, we started off visiting some of the people who are investigating the church.  Good, right?  Right!  Everyone is having their own struggles, and it is really cool to see how much the gospel helps them, in whatever aspect that they need in their life.  

So, we started out this fine week, and everything was going well. 

 

We decided that it was time to teach the Law of Chastity to one of the investigators.  Have you ever seen the Law of Chastity lesson on "The District"?  No?  I suggest that you watch it!  Then imagine it 10 times more awkward.  I have learned early on that you should never beat around the bush.  My boldness that could get me in trouble at home, works great out here.  So, of course we taught the lesson pretty simply. And pretty boldly! Pretty awkwardly. We covered a lot of things.  But, by the end, the investigator was waving the law of Chastity pamphlet around, and exclaiming that he was going to share it with all of his friends. We went home, and just laid on the floor replaying that experience over and over.  Fun times.  Well, we continued the week well.  Wednesday, we went to the family history center and taught about baptisms for the dead.  Pretty soon, Friday came around and we headed  to English class. We taught some great lessons that day, and eventually we were able to get over to Esteban's.  He made us tacos - the best tacos ever.  Then we had English class, which was super great!  He and Grandma Robinson are the best!  

 

Saturday, we headed to a small town named Seebree.  It was great!  We knocked into a Hispanic member, which was the coolest thing ever.  I was excited that someone let us in, and when I asked about their religious beliefs, my companion pointed to the picture of the temple on the wall.  Embrace the Awkward - my new and old theme.   

 

Sunday, we headed to church!  I love church.  It was great!  Talked to the members there, and then headed to Esteban's house.  We were all headed to Louisville!  I love that guy!  Grandma came and picked us, Osbaldo, and Esteban up to go.  Esteban prepared things for a sandwich.  We all headed out on the beautiful ride to Louisville.  We had such a good time.  We talked about all types of wonderful things.  That is when Esteban made that lovely video.  We got to Louisville, and took some pictures.  Then we headed in for the most inspired Charla that we have been to.  I was asked to play the piano when we got there, so it was quite the miracle that I knew a few songs.  I have been praying to get to use my talents and learn of them more, so that was cool.  It was also nice to be able to touch the piano again.  It was so amazing to see everyone.  There were people there from my rama quinta.  I  was super excited to see them all, and bigger miracle - they remembered me.  Anyway, it has changed so much, too.  As you can tell, I am a little overwhelmed with the excitement that came from it all.  There were so many miracles there yesterday!
 

One was the person that came with us.  He is absolutely amazing.  He really is a miracle.  Esteban and Grandma are incredible!!!  I got to hear Esteban's testimony, and go with him to what will probably be his last Charla (fireside).  That was really special!
 

The people from the Rama Quinta were there, and I didn't realize how excited I was to see them all again.  When we got there, I introduced Osbaldo to some of the people that I knew there, but once he met one person, they basically ditched me to go and talk to other people who are now going to come from Louisville to his baptism.  I can always count on them.  One time I was super pleased to be left!  Osbaldo told the whole world about his baptism.  I am a really happy hermana!  The talks and every testimony were exactly what needed to be said.  They were real people in real time, having the same problems, and they make such a difference.  I think that it is safe to say that all, or at least most, are converts.  I love them so much!  They do so much!

 

While I was there, I was talking to one of the Hermanas that I knew in Louisville, and she said that her brother was investigating the church.  I was super excited for her, and later, the brother  came to talk to me while I was talking to another member.  I recognized him right off.  I said, "I think that I know you," and he looked at me in plain English and said,  "I know you, too- you're the hermana that didn't call me back."  That one took me back.  We had talked to him for a long time outside of a member's house.  If I recall correctly, there was a lot of explaining, and maybe even some kindly telling him in a bold way, what we believed.  It was before I left Hikes, but those words really hit home.  Anyway, he has been investigating the church.  He opened right up to me, and told me that he still had some doubts, but that he was really looking.  I assured him that it would come piece by piece.  He told me, and his sister, and their family.  It was crazy.  I guess that just goes to show we make more of a difference than we think we do.  We also must not assume that one is not ready, when maybe they really are.  There are miracles everywhere, and you never know when someone you talk to may be someone's brother or sister,  and they have been waiting for this.  It was really cool, and one of the many highlights of my day. I guess the miracles are still coming in, even those miracles from Hikes.  Plus, Pablo gave us Qdoba cards.  Yes!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Well, long enough scattered email.  Sorry.  It really was more of a miracle than it sounds.  I guess I will just have to explain it all better later!

 

Love ya all,

Hermana Gamett

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Happy Birthday, McKenzie, Kayla, and Denton!

 

CURRENT ADDRESS:

3240 East Tamarack Court #607

Evansville, IN 47715

 

Week 57 - August 3, 2015 - Evansville, Indiana

So, this was a good week.  It seemed to go by very quickly, but at the same time I am glad that it is over.  New miles!  New MSF!  Life is going well!  We enjoyed bike rides, and car rides, and let me tell you - Kentucky and Indiana are beautiful.  My mission is just starting to fly by, and honestly, I am not sure where I should be.  It is crunch time, and there are a lot of things still left to do.  My mind is blown!

I learned a lot this week.  Hard work.  Heat and biking.  The importance of members.  IPAD struggles, and of course, a week without mint oreos can be a rough-diet week!

Anyway, life was good this week.  We were able to prepare the lesson for Sunday School.  I always pray hard for those lessons.  We are with native speakers, which is fine if they understand, but there are also a lot of returned missionaries, and that can be nerve racking.  It is in those meetings that you build trust.  Anyway, it started out rocky, but thanks to amazing Esteban it started to go well. The spirit was really strong by the end, and that is all that we need.  Grandma (Sister Robinson) also came in.  We really do just love them!  I love Evansville ward!

The True Church!!!

 

This past week was going well.  We had some ups and downs.  Some obvious lessons learned, and some humbling moments.  Super Duper Humbling.  Enough said!  Anyway, we never realize how much we have, and how it can compensate for what we don't know.  This church is amazing, and although I may not know where all of the amazing scriptures are, (and every one of my companions know that I can not remember names or addresses, or how to spell), I know that the Lord will help me.  Ok, in all seriousness...

 

As a Spanish speaking missionary in the United States, you are not immersed, and you learn Spanish from nearly every country that speaks that language. New phrases, new words, new everything.  It is really great, and really fun!  Anyway, we get to enjoy the company of so many people, and I can tell you that the gift of tongues is real.  So the truth of the matter is that I can speak fairly well.  At least I understand almost everything said to me.  That is, until the Spirit leaves.  A good indication that the Spirit is gone,  is that I can't understand a word that you said.  That happened 2 times this week, and I thought that I knew Spanish.  Thought wrong!  God knows Spanish, not me!  Quite honestly, I think that it was good that I couldn't understand.  From what I did get, I don't think that the Lord wanted me to open my mouth!   I have such a strong testimony that this is really God's work.  There are the obvious times when he is leading you and helping you out, and there are the times, when the Spirit totally leaves, and you can't say a word.

 

Anyway, talk about a scattered email.  I am all over the place today.  

This week was good, and we shall see what the next week brings.  I love you all a ton!

 

Hermana Gamett  

 

CURRENT ADDRESS:

3240 East Tamarack Court #607

Evansville, IN 47715

 

Week 56 - July 27, 2015 - Evansville, Indiana

Dear Everyone,

This week was a great week.  For the first time in forever someone finally came to church.  It was really cool to see how everything was able to play out.  The Lord had His hand in it, that is for sure!  Anyway, I have thought a lot about my mission and this theme kept coming into my head.

 

Becoming and being!

 

My entire mission has been an interesting experience.  Things have happened that I had predicted, and others have sent me through a loop.  All in all, there are so many important things that I was required to learn.  So many things that God must have seen in me as faults, but I have been able to work through.  I had no idea some of the things that I lacked, but through the experiences that I have had, my mind has been opened, and as a result we have received so much more help than I could have ever imagined.

 

So at the beginning of my mission in the car, I was asked by Dad what I would like for my scripture on my missionary plaque.  One came to mind, but not sure of the exact words, I chose another.  Soon, I thought of another.  Eventually, I found the scripture that I had originally desired, and have used that as my true mission motto.

Mosiah 23:10-11

"10Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth.

 11 Nevertheless, in this I do not glory, for I am unworthy to glory of myself."

As I have reflected over this scripture, and parts of my mission, I have seen that the Lord may have had plans for me that I did not anticipate, but nonetheless were for my good. 

 

I am also drawn to think upon the scriptures in Ether 12:27-28.  As I have tried to let myself be humble- that can be hard, he will make me strong.  I also think on the scriptures in Moroni 10:32, be perfected through Christ. It is only through him that we can make it through.  And I always think of the stripling young warriors and their desires to move forward, and be exactly obedient.  Seriously, the thoughts go on and on.   

 

It has been interesting.  In role plays I can do it right.  In person, I am horrible.  There are so many things that I didn't know that I had to change or that I was horrible at, until a lot of showing me by the Lord - Things like planning, and using Apple products, and humility in learning how to do something.  Things such as learning that you can't be perfect, so you have to mess up-AKA never becoming fluent in Spanish.  Sometimes people don't like you- that is ok.  Sometimes you have to shut your mouth and move on.  I won't give you all the secrets to my imperfections or too much detail, but I will say that you have to go back to the scripture in Ether that the Lord can make you strong.  I am learning that I should be so very thankful for all of my many weaknesses.  That just leaves a bigger gap for Heavenly Father to fill with His amazing power.  Like talking to people- helmet- skirt- bike-, you bet.  Boldness, just do it.  Honestly, if it feels right, just do it.  I have had the opportunity to learn how the spirit talks to me, and about real intent.  I have learned so much more amazing doctrine on a whole new level.  Did you know that Preach My Gospel, True to the Faith, and the Book of Mormon have all the answers to the crazy questions that are most commonly fought over in Sunday school class?- according to Hermana Gamett.  The Lord can do a lot with you if you just let him, and some of the most precious things will start to make sense.  I have also learned that some things go with you forever, like your inability to spell words, but don't worry they have spell check for that- or I can just talk into my IPAD and it spells it-Score!   I have learned that confidence is key.  It is not the ego that makes the person great, but the confidence that she has in the Lord.  

 

Those are all great things that I have learned, but there are some other great things that have recently come to my attention. 

 

Many times, we see ourselves in one path, but really God has other plans.  My mission did not really play out the way that I thought that it would.  I have been and am in situations that I didn't think about, and the Lord is showing me talents that I did not know that I had - and weaknesses that I must fix. Life is good, and I am blessed.  I have reflected upon my entire life, and there is no time to see an eternal perspective like there is now.  I don't really know that, but I am in the moment now  -- so now!

 

I plan and prepare and learn how to try to teach with the spirit.  Little did I know, that some of those inspired questions were going to be for my companions, not the people I taught on the road.  Who knew that the experiences that I had in high school, or college would place me in a position to help others?  Who knew that keeping a clean facebook profile before my mission would help me on my mission, as members and others search out my name, and family?  Honesly, I am learning a ton.  Anyway, this is not getting written as I had imagined it, but there you go.  I am so glad to be out here, and I pray that the Lord will help me solidify some of the things that I am learning-maybe he can help me love getting up at 6:30 every morning.  I LOVE MY MISSION!  So in the end, I am learning that the instrument that I thought I would be is not the same as the instrument that the Lord has in mind, but His instrument is so much better.

 

I love you all a ton, and I hope that you all have a great week.  Sorry for the scattered email!

 

Love,

Hermana Gamett

 

Happy Birthday, Dakota!  And Happy Baptism Day!!!

 

CURRENT ADDRESS:

3240 East Tamarack Court #607

Evansville, IN 47715