Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice!

Hey Friends,

What a strange week. Well. Just a lot of weird ups and downs.

I'll start with this. On Wednesday we went to the car warsh to warsh our car (if you are from Washington you really say Warshington) and I left my wallet on the ledge. I didn't realize I had left it until the next day and so when we went back it was gone. It was pretty devastating to say the VERY least. I like couldn't sleep or do anything because I just felt so dumb about the whole thing. Sister Gardiner was really nice and kept telling me that everyone loses their wallet and it was a mistake and the Atonement covers even that but I still just felt so stupid. And I was worried about my license and my debit card and my temple recommend and I loved my little Mexican wallet so I just could. not. get. over. it. So I fasted on Friday that maybe it would turn up or something and we had Zone Training and it was about trusting God and giving thanks and it helped me to feel a lot of peace. President McCombie spoke to us about a time in his mission where he was praying to God and saying, "I would give ANYTHING to see so and so be baptized." and then the peace and assurance came that he would be baptized and all would be well. It really stuck with me through the meeting and then I went on exchanges and I just decided to stop worrying about it. And as I prayed to break my fast my first thought was Anthony and Joel. And not about my wallet. And I was thinking more about how I want them to progress and be baptized. And I really want to see them make it back home to Heavenly Father. And I said, "I would give anything to see them be baptized." And the thought came to me, "but what about your wallet? would you give that up too?" And I knew instantly that I would. I had been praying that a miracle would happen and the car wash people would call me to say that they did find it after all, or that maybe some kind person sent it home to my family's address but then when I was praying I realized that wasn't really the miracle I most desired. The miracle I really wanted (and should've been fasting for) was that Anthony would continue in his desires to know truth, or that Joel would feel the Spirit prompt him in the right direction. And so I don't think my wallet will turn up. I think that is what happened between the Lord and I. I know he keeps his promises. I know Anthony will be baptized instead.

And that is perfectly ok with me.

I'm also staying in Cheney. And training. Again. 4th times a charm, eh? But I am excited because she is almost certain to be a Spanish speaking Sister and I've been waiting a loooong time to have a Spanish sister again. Oh, I can't wait. But I'm said to see Sister Gardiner go. It was a way fun transfer. Like fun all the time. She taught me a lot about being joyful (and silly). We were a good balance and I'm just so happy we had such a good time and we saw so many miracles. She is going to Lewiston YSA and she is going to light that place up. I have loved all my companions so much. What a tender mercy.

In other news, Satan doesn't let up on golden investigators. Not for one second. Anthony came home Thursday to a flooded apartment. Like reeking, awful and wet. Unlivable. So while I was on exchanges, Sister Gardiner helped him move his stuff and he seemed homeless and the whole situation was strange but he really appreciated our help and the scriptures. He came to Stake Conference on Saturday and so did Joel. But neither showed for Sunday's sessions. It was kind of tough. I think Joel sent us his farewell text because it seems like he has a lot of pressure from his family. He told us that although he loves being with us, we just don't understand because we are not in his place. It was pretty sad because I just love Joel so much. I know he'll get there. Maybe not now but I know we've rocked his understanding of Christianity and I think it will tug on him for a long while before he finally recognizes that IT IS TRUE. Anthony loves the gospel a lot but he has some strange ideas about a few things. He loves the Godhead and the plan of Salvation and the Book of Mormon and he can't wait to be baptized but something about the whole thing feels a little odd. We're not sure what it is and it's not that we don't feel good about him because we do and we always are excited to teach him. But it is just different. I don't know how to say it better than that.

We are reeeeeaaaaally looking forward to school starting soon and more people here in Cheney. Lots of potential. We'll be teaching tons!

I don't know what else to say.

Except I love ya. I love the gospel. I LOVE my Savior and I am grateful that His Atonement covers every mistake, even lost wallets. I know He lives and that God loves all His children. ALL of them.

Peace,

Hermana Em

*Editor's note: Some kind soul found Emily's wallet and turned it into the local police station. They then contacted my dad to let him know, and all is right in the world again!! Thanks for any prayers that went her way this week :)

behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men

Queridas mias!

What a happy birthday! Thank you SO much for ALL the emails and letters and love. Sister Gardiner popped out of bed singing happy birthday and she had decorated my closet with a sticky note banner of "happy birthday" and she also blew up some little "cherry bomber" balloons that have been hanging out on our book shelf for probably the last 12 sets of missionaries. It was so fun. Since it was pday we didn't have a lot of food in our fridge but we did the best we could and made a little hashbrown, egg, and biscuit breakfast. The potato and biscuits were courtesy of Sister Johnson (yep, two transfers ago :))
 

Then I opened my little package! Stationery galore. I could not have been happier! And I love the messenger bag. And the stamps and everything. We hung the banner immediately. It will probably stay up forever. It's been a fun day. We got some Papa Murphey's and then we are going bowling and picking up some Froyo 'cause there is a new place that just opened this last weekend!
 

This week has been crazy. Sister Gardiner and I have had a lot of heart to hearts. We've been learning a lot about open, honest communication. And it's been really character building. We are a good team. I think we've had a lot of powerful lessons. Not just for our investigators. A lot of members will text us after our lessons to tell us how much they needed the message we shared. It's been a nice blessing to see that we are making a difference.
 

Joel, bless his heart, just isn't receiving his answer. It doesn't mean it won't come. And I trust that the Lord will show it to him when the time is right but how do we know when the time is right? He is gone all this week visiting family and I think it will be a good break. I think he knows the Book of Mormon is true but he just doesn't want to admit it. He need to be compelled to be humble, in the best way possible. Oh I love him.
 

We are working on finding. We need more people to teach. School starts in September for Eastern and I cannot wait. Because that means there will be PEOPLE here in Cheney! Hallelujah.

We had Zone Conference this week. We received a training about really applying the Atonement and keeping our lessons centered on Christ. It has had a powerful effect on us. I love my Savior. I learned so much about who He is and what He does for me this week.

I love you all so much! Happy birthday!

Hermana Em

Here's lots of pictures, ok?
 

Last week we made cookies with Hannah and Ellie McCombie. I think they are the cutest girls on the face of the earth. It was SO fun.

Zone conference with sister kunkel, sister dishong, sister senger, sister mullen, and sister webb.

And here are some birthday celebration pictures including a wall of the many cards she has received.

Yea, if the Lord saith unto us go, we will go

Oh happy day!

It feels like this last week was maybe 6 weeks in one. I'm hoping this next week will fly though because Sunday is the "do or die" phone call. I'm dying. Trying not to die or think about it too much, but I'm just squirming to find out.

On Tuesday I went to Missionary Leadership Council which used to be just for Zone leaders and the APs but now Sister Training Leaders go. What a treat. It was so fun. SOOO inspiring. I learned so much and the spirit was so strong. Just being in a room with all these hard-working, dedicated missionaries was awesome. We talked about pride and overcoming stress. Sister Mullen could be a general authority. Her words always pierce my heart. After the meeting President Mullen pulled me aside and asked me to be brutally honest with him about where I wanted to be when the mission split. I told him that I would go wherever, I would be happy to serve wherever but that in my heart of hearts, my deep desire was to be on the other side. He assured me that he wouldn't put me anywhere until he knew with certainty that that is where the Lord wants me. It has helped me feel a lot better because I know that the Lord knows best.

After MLC we did exchanges with the South Hill sisters. Sister Corbridge came with me to Cheney. She is darling. She came out 3 transfers ago and now she is training. She felt a little overwhelmed and we talked through a lot of her concerns about planning and stuff. I'm really grateful that I've had companions that planned well. Trained me well and now I am able to really help the sisters here because that seems to be the biggest struggle for these new sisters. I showed her how to use the area book and to really try to plan meaningful activities. Of course, I'm not really an expert. But I gave her my best. We found two new investigators while she was here, which was awesome!

We had a lesson with Corey on Thursday about the Word of Wisdom. He's such a solid kid. He's only 18 but he's been through a lot of tough stuff. Word of Wisdom is definitely his struggle. He is sincere and wants to know. I always feel a lot of love for him when we teach and I really think he feels the spirit and recognizes us as servants from the Lord.

Friday I went to Lincoln Heights with Sister Guyer. She's a visa waiter to Brazil and then Sister Yedigaryin from Armenia (and temple square) came with Sister Johnson. It was a crazy exchange. Just wild. But it was great to help Sister Guyer because she's been going through a hard time (all new missionaries do) and so I think she was able to calm down and feel peace in her heart. She's going to be an incredible missionary.

Then I came back and we had dinner with Porche. We thought she was going to go home for the summer but she decided to stay last minute! Miracle! We were sooo happy! She wants to be baptized in her church in California by her Pastor there but he told her the best thing to do to prepare would be to continue to meet with us and attend institute so we'll see where she ends up by the end of the summer :)

Saturday we had a lesson with Corey and Chris and it was amazing. We watched the "Your potential, Your privelege" video from President Uchtdorf. The spirit was tangible and we read Alma 48 about Moroni and how they could be that man in their family. That God sees so much potential in them to become examples and leaders. It was really powerful. They totally see how this could bless their lives.

We had two similar miracles this week. We made cookies for a less-active this week and the first time we stopped by she wasn't home, so we decided to stop by a second day. We stopped first at home to grab the cookies and when we walked out we ran into this girl who looked like she knew us.
"Are you the new sisters?" 

"Yeah! What's your name?"

It was this girl April who the other sisters taught for a while and then she fell off the face of the earth. And then we walked into her and got her address! Totally amazing.

AND THEN on Sunday...well ok. Back story first:

My first week in Cheney was tough. We had a really hard time. We called everyone in the Area Book. One night I literally went through every name of formers. Lots of voicemails and lots of people who moved or weren't interested. Of all the numbers I tried there was only one name that stuck out to me: Alex. I felt impressed to write his name down to try again. So we did. We called and called and called. Then he answered. He had moved back to Cheney! And he gave us his address to try him. So we went and tried and tried and tried. Never home. His roommates hit on us. AND THEN on Sunday we were walking home and this guy on a skateboard gives us a funny look. He says, " are you the Mormon missionaries?" "Yeah, what's your name?"ALEX! THE Alex we've been looking for. I've had a really good feeling about him all along. We set up an appointment for tomorrow. Fingers crossed. 

Welp, I know the Lord loves His missionaries. I especially know He really loves me. I'm grateful for that love. I'm grateful I know I'm a daughter of God. I know this work is true. I know we have a prophet. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It's changing me a lot.

God speed,

Hermana Em

And it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul.

*Editor's note: The formatting is a little crazy, sorry in advance!

Dearest Dears,

I love Cheney. I love this area. We are seeing SO many great things happen here. I'll start at the top 'cause this week was chock full of GOOD things! This email is a little long-winded. Sorry!

On Tuesday We had a dinner appointment at 6:30 and so after p-day ended at 6, we had 30 minutes to see a miracle. Our original plan was to go to an apartment complex and try some potentials but we didn't think that would use our time wisely. For whatever reason we decided to try a less-active member who lived close by. She wasn't home but as we were walking to the car to head to dinner we saw this guy playing with his dog outside. We went over and started talking to him. The only member he really knew also happened to be the guy we were having dinner with in a matter of minutes! Not a coincidence. Totally the Lord's tender mercy. We gave him a Book of Mormon and invited him to come to Friday Forum at the institute (they teach a lesson and then FREE lunch! hello?? perfect for investigators!) Then at dinner we asked Brother C. about his friend Cameron and he told us he would invite him for dinner for Friday too, so we could teach him a lesson. SO perfect because I can testify that unless an investigator is connected to someone (a member), they won't progress. WE need the members, so this was golden!

And also side note on Tuesday, we ended up going to those apartments we originally wanted to try and we met Bryce smoking in the stairwell. He was a guy we had actually met earlier that weekend. We bore sincere testimony but he just didn't feel like it was right for him at the time and he thanked us and went inside. So we went down the stairs and into the parking lot and next thing we knew we was calling out to me: "Sister Judd!" So we turn around and he asks to speak to me alone. My heart was pounding because I thought, "ohmygosh. i'm about to get asked out on my mission?!!!" But we told him that as missionaries we always stay within sight and sound so he could just talk to both of us. He just wanted to let me know that I was doing a great job. That he really felt something when I spoke. He said, "whatever you decide to do after your mission, you'll have absolutely no problem getting there." He just wanted to compliment me to tell me that I was eloquent and powerful. How neat, huh? Totally boosted my confidence that I am the Lord's servant and I do have power when I speak!

On Friday we had exchanges. Since I'm a Sister Training Leader (who knows why this title is forever long,and sometimes the Elders like to joke by saying "Sister Training Leader Judd! Sister Training Leader Judd!" It's funny. you have to be there.), I conduct the exchanges. Before the craziness we had already planned to exchange with Sister Senger even before her companion left, so it was really great that she got a companion on Wednesday to have someone to trade with us. Sister Carruth is a mini-missionary from Ritzville, WA and she is waiting to get her call any day now! She came here with me, and Sister Johnson went with Sister Senger to Geiger Heights. She was a little sad to leave the area because Friday was a full and awesome day. We had dinner with Cameron and it was awesome! He is so prepared. He grew up in the Catholic church but he doesn't agree with it anymore so he's been trying to explore other faiths. The first thing he said was, "thanks so much for the Book of Mormon. No one has ever given one to me before and I've always been curious!" Like how cool is that? The lesson was so great and he was so attentive and thoughtful. He asked great questions about how we could know for himself and Brother C. really helped him to understand how the spirit works. I'm super grateful that the C. family are already great friends with him (even if they are in the family ward), because they are a great connection for Cameron. It immediately links him to the church and makes him feel more comfortable. We're going on a church tour tomorrow and I'm so excited. Cameron is really golden.

The Elders in West Terrace ward found this guy named Corey a couple months ago and finally decided it was best that YSA teach him because he's 19 and he wasn't progressing in the family ward. So we went to see him on Saturday night. He lives in Airway Heights which is like 20 minutes from Cheney so we went with an RM sister in our ward. It was a wild adventure getting there and we were lost and a little late and we really didn't know what to expect because the Elders in West Terrace aren't my favorite and I just thought it was going to be a bust but we went in determined to feel the spirit and help him feel it too and it was incredible! Corey's friend, Chris joined in on the lesson and we just started asking questions to understand why he wouldn't come to church. We found out he has not been praying but that he does want to know. So we taught the importance of prayer and how to recognize answers. They asked us how we knew it was true and we all bore our testimonies. The spirit was so strong and then we invited them to be baptized on June 29th and they both said yes! Corey came to church yesterday for the first time! The Elders taught him for 2 months and he never went and then he went yesterday. Milagro!

And Porche came to church and she is really progressing. She isn't sure if she wants to be baptized yet but she loves institute and President McCombie and if it's not now (probably not because she goes home in 2 weeks) I know it will be later. The Lord is preparing her!

Then last night at 8:15 we weren't sure what to do with our evening. We didn't have the car and so we were walking and not super close to anyone we thought we should try. But we finally decided to walk to see Bianca, a potential investigator who is a little interested but she always is a no-show at appointments. We figured we'd meet people on the street as we walked and so it'd be worth it. Then we passed this house and I just felt impressed to knock it. We hadn't knocked any other house on the street but this one felt right. Emily answered. Typical laid-back college girl without any belief in God. She wasn't raised going to church but she had respect for those who did have Faith. We asked her a few questions and she decided to come out and talk with us on the porch. We followed the spirit and the lesson was so powerful. We showed her the mormon message, "Earthly Father, Heavenly Father." and she really loved it. She loved how simple it made God seem. We testified that Christ's gospel is simple and it has been restored in it's fullness and beautiful simplicity. She said, "I'm going home to Seattle in a week, is there anyway to learn about this there??" So we got her info and we'll send the missionaries her way in a couple weeks. It was one of the most amazing moments of my mission because she wasn't interested at the start but the spirit touched her and a light went off. SO cool! We are instruments for the Lord.

We walked home and Sister Johnson and I were floating on a cloud. There is nothing greater than being under the influence of the spirit.

Love y'all lots!

Hermana Judd

that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren to the knowledge of the truth

Hey cutie cutes!

We've had a crazy week. Super full. SUPER full. On Monday night as we were teaching a lesson outside the institute building, Sister Senger (who is serving in Geiger Heights) pulled up with all her bags and just joined in on the lesson with us. We've yet to pry the details from Sister Senger because it's confidential stuff, I guess, but all we know is that her companion wanted to go home (it's her 3rd week and she was haaaating it) and so President Mullen paired her with some Senior Missionaries for a couple days and so Sister Senger was companion-less. So she joined us.

If there is one thing I've learned on my mission it is to not get too comfortable. Don't start loving everything too soon because the moment you do, the Lord will pull a fast one on ya. Sister Johnson and I were hitting our prime and getting in the groove and then the Lord decided to send us Sister Senger. Who is great. She is a hoot. She's 27 and she is also studying Art Education. But it's always different to adjust to a third person after you've gotten into routine and are finding your jive. My whole mission has been pretty fast paced. All of my companions like to go, go, go and work, work, work. And this week was preeeetttty slow. The work went well. We saw tons of miracles and have 4 new investigators! But I just felt like we were moving at a glacier pace and it was a strange adjustment for me and still is because I just want to move! I want to go and find and teach!

But it's been a good week of learning. Sister Senger got a new companion in the form of a mini missionary and she leaves tomorrow. So it was just one week of different but the Lord knew we probably needed it.

We did a lot of campus contacting this week because there was a "Mormons Next-Door" presentation on campus on Thursday and so we helped advertise for it. Not a lot of people came to the actual presentation, but we did meet a lot of great people and had a lot of good contacts. I'm super grateful for this experience on a college campus because I really feel like it will change my whole life especially my BYU life.

We are really earning the trust of our members here and we've received a lot of referrals. The other day bishop wanted us to call this guy named Cody who's whole family is LDS and his brother served a mission but for whatever reason he was never baptized. So we called him but he's busy right now so he wanted to wait to meet. BUT miraculously he gave us the number of his friend, Jenelle, who he says is going through a super tough time. So we call her and meet with her and she is golden! Her best friend from high school is LDS and has given her a CTR ring and she just has only good things to say about the church and she REALLY needs it. So pray for her because the adversary is going to work super hard against her (already is!)

We got dropped by two investigators yesterday. Jake is this really, reaaaaally awesome guy but he is stubborn. He is being fed a lot of anti things and so he just wants to stay at his church right now. He's really respectful and he was kind of sad to drop us too. He said "i really do care about you guys and i hope we can still be in touch." It was very much like a sad break-up. He's going home to Yakima in two weeks and his best friend there is LDS. Maybe if I get called to Kennewick I'll meet up with him this summer and his heart will be softened! Hope so!

About 172983712 other crazy things happened this week and a lot of miracles and it was good for Sister Johnson to see that those times when there is a dry, rough patch, it's always closely followed by wonderful, miraculous things.

I love my Savior. I really love the work He asks us to do. I'm growing a little bit each day and I feel so incredibly grateful that the Lord cares enough about me that He's giving me these experiences. He can see my potential and He knows I need this to get there. And I really do appreciate that.

Welp, love y'all!

Hermana Em

I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be.

Well I just had the most miraculous week of my whole mission. Every day was full of miracles and lessons and SUNSHINE! It was wonderful. The work is picking up and we have so much potential here. I had never felt so happy to be here before.

And then transfer calls came. I'm sweeping in to train in Cheney YSA branch and Sister Sanchez is sweeping it to train in Wenatchee. Which means we are both being swept out. Like all of our hard work, everything we did from the ground up to find people and earn the trust of our members will be swept up by two new sisters. I have maybe cried twice before this on my mission but yesterday I shed real tears. I felt like Hugh B. Brown in his story of the currant bush.

I just kept looking up to heaven and thinking,

how could you do this to me? after all I've done to measure up? how could you do this to me?

And then in the same way the quiet voice came to Elder Brown a voice came to me,

“Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I didn’t intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and someday, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down.’”

It was a simple reminder to me that this is God's work. The miracles we have seen didn't come from me or my talents. They came from the Lord. I did work hard here and the Lord knows that and He's pleased with me. He didn't ask me to move this boulder (even though when I first got here I was certain I'd get it going fast), He asked me to push. And I did push. Got pretty strong here in the Valley from all the pushing we did. We didn't see miracles by way of baptisms but we did see miracles take place in the hearts of the members. We started from zero here and now the new sisters will come in and have fresh soil and newly laid seeds to reap a mighty harvest. I know it's not me. Yeah, I know that I am nothing. As to my strength I am weak. Therefore I will not boast of myself but I will boast of my God. 

And the Lord always does surprise me with things far better than I could imagine. I'm going to the English side for now and that's pretty hard for me to swallow. But I know I'll come back to the Spanish work and I'll love my time there. I'll look back and be grateful that God is cutting me down a little. 

I didn't want to leave Moses to come to the Valley. But the learning and growing I've done here means everything to me. Spokane Valley is so, so dear to my heart. And so it goes with missions. Lots of changes. Lots of learning. Lots of good, good experiences.

We don't have a lot of time today because we have a million things to do to get everything ready for the new sisters and for packing to leave tomorrow. It's been a crazy day. Fear busting this morning again. Always fun. To keep you updated on the work here: Dusty (garage sale guy) is so sincere. He read the restoration pamphlet and intro to the Book of Mormon like 6 times. He has a real desire to know the truth. We've prayed mightily for him and I hope the sisters have lots of success teaching him. We are still teaching Veronica S. We got really real with her last week and told her she has to keep commitments and show God she wants to know and then she will receive her answer.She's been reading in the Book of Mormon with her family each night and so we're thrilled for her. We found a less-active named Ivan R. that we've been looking everywhere for. He moved and changed phones so we couldn't find him and then one day we knocked on his door! God is amazing. Ivan's really ready to come back to church. We asked him when we could see him and he said, "any day, any time. I'm so willing to do this right now." We are working with some families that are referrals from members so that is awesome. 

I really was super bummed to leave my Spokane Valley after all these good things started to happen, but I know I did my part here. I truly worked as hard as I could and now the sisters will come in to see the wonderful blessings here. I'm excited for them to keep the work moving forward. 

I will miss Hermana Sanchez dearly but I'm super excited for the new adventures coming this next transfer. I hear YSA branches are a blast. Yay!

Love you all, love being a missionary, love, love, love this gospel!

Hermana Em

* Hermana Em sent this link for those of you who have not seen this Mormon Message.

http://youtu.be/Rr8xvw0cgw0