I've perfected my Knock!! And some insights to what is happening at the Durfee house hold.

Ok, so let me tell you a secret, that won't be a secret anymore after I tell you, bahhaha! :) The Durfee sisters are very much best friends with each other. We love each other very much. I am saying this because we are able to do amazing things because of each other. That is my secret!! I also have another secret sometimes we fight with each other!! Betcha didn't know that! :D haha! But in my opinion all best friends fight sometimes, right? If they didn't they wouldn't be best friends. My sisters and I are best friends!! :D I love them very much!! I would die for them.  Ok, I am off my soap box now.

 Which leads me to say that we sang a Japanese lullaby on Saturday for a talent show that our church was doing. We did it kind of last minute too. It was quite amazing. We learned the song on the road trip that took Sharlee to the MTC. The song is called Forusato (sp.?) Anyways, we also had a girls night on Friday painting our finger nails, and toe nails while watching Pirates of the Caribbean. We, as a sisterhood love doing stuff together, and we are, and will be forever friends. I think that we have become so close because of how we grew up together. Our parents raised us, of course, and my mother always explains to us how she wants us to be friends with each other. She tells us this because she knows that if we are friends with each other than when times are hard we can rely on one another. So with this being said, I have learned from my mother that family is forever, and will be the number one thing that one takes from this life. I will leave you with this, until Shar's next letter!!  -Josie

Shar's letter-

I actually might not be kidding when I say I've perfected my knock... but luckily I am. Maybe not for long though right? From my experience on a mission we as missionaries find entertainment in the weirdest things.

 

Its been an amazing week! OH! I should start with the beginning right? Yeah I think so too. It was actually last Monday. Unfortunately Preparation-Day isn't a full day of amazing luxury, it comes to a quick end at 6 pm. By that time we should be out working, knocking, walking, driving, etc. We headed out to make an appointment that the other sisters had set up and gave us because the investigator was on our side of the town, but we forgot the address that they gave us and couldn't find it. We felt awful but decided that it was best to go visit a less-active. We were visiting this less-active (a young teenage boy) we have at a very VERY poor trailer park. Mostly Hispanics live there. (In fact pretty sure we met the only white person just a few days ago) The thing that I don't get really is that we will see super nice new Cameros/other fancy cars and then they live in these very run down trailers. Its really very sad. ANYWHO! We taught Jonathan (the boy) and then hopped into the car to again look for the missed appointment because the sisters called us and gave us the actual address. As we were driving we get a call. It was in Spanish so I didn't understand all of it but, It was a lady, Lupe, calling and asking to have the lessons! She got our phone number from Jonathan! How cool is that?! And then... well we forgot the address again. We stopped at a house, Sister Espinosa said we would knock at this house and ask if they knew a Robin. We said a prayer (we always say a pray before a lesson) and a lady walked out of that house. It happened to be ROBIN!! She's golden (meaning really accepting of the gospel). We have an appointment with her tonight so I'll let you know how that is. But how amazing is the Lord eh?! I kind of needed a day like that because the Sunday before we had knocked on doors and were rejected again and again.

 

The next day was just another spiritual high! We taught Pattie, (bless her heart), and she told us that she's been having doubts lately about her decision to be baptized. We were sharing with her how there is opposition in all things... At least we were trying to share. The phone kept ringing (Like 3 times during that lesson) and! As I was reading about the opposition that Joseph Smith experienced before he had the first vision. You know that really intense scary part. (and if you don't know what I am talking about, get a Book of Mormon, preferably from missionaries ;) and then read Joseph Smith History and the very back). <----Thats me doing missionary work even in this e-mail. But like I was saying before we were sharing that part, talking about a real being from the unseen world, then we get a knock at the door. We might have jumped. It was another interruption! Satan really didn't want us to share that message with Pattie! But we kept going and soon the Spirit took over and we bore testimony. I cried, Sister Espinosa cried, and Pattie cried. Us and the Spirit: 1 Satan: Forever 0! It was a great victory! :D

 

Knocking on doors has become more and more easy the more I do it!(: There was actually a day where I enjoyed it! Crazy huh? I thought so too! But that might be because the weather was kind to us. Who knows!

 

On Wednesday we went to go contact Lupe, the girl in the paragraph before that called us. She wasn't home but her son, Eduardo, was. He's golden as well. Really open and excited to learn more! We went to visit Eduardo the next day and to see if we could talk to Lupe this time. His little sister answered and said he was in the shower but her mom was just over "there" talking to some of her friends. The end of this story is that Lupe thought we were Jehovah Witnesses and that's why she called >.< but was still willing to listen to our message. We haven't gone back but hopefully she's just as golden as her son.

 

Saturday we had a baptism of Sam, the eight year old girl I talked about in the last email. Don't remember?... I asked her stuff dog to be baptized. Got it now? haha It went really well! She wasn't scared at all! And it gave our district an opportunity to ask investigators with a baptism date to come see how it will be done! Sister Espinosa and I had one, and of course that was Pattie. The other sisters had one and then one of the sets of elders had one as well! It was pretty amazing! And Sam did missionary work by inviting some family that weren't members to the baptism!(: Plus there was cake so that was great! haha

 

One last story (because it really has been a great week). Two weeks ago we talked to a man (who lives in that poor trailer park). We were able to share a message and give him a Book of Mormon. In fact he was the man that I gave the Spanish Book of Mormon too. The one I said like three lines to? Well, we had been trying to get an appointment with him, (his name is Santiago by the way) for a long time. I first thought there was potential but we would show up and he wouldn't be home. Then on Saturday night we actually had a lesson with him! Yeah! And then he said his wife wants to listen too so we scheduled an appointment for next day (Sunday). That lesson was... amazing (I use that word a lot sorry)! The spirit was so strong and both of them are golden! The wife's name is Lupe so hopefully in the future I can help you distinguish it from the other mentioned Lupe. Lupe (Santiago's wife) shared a hard trial she had to go through and the spirit was so strong. She was crying and even Santiago cried! We walked away from that lesson just skipping with joy! (Seriously)

 

Overall we have had a really great week. We only taught 15 lessons (Our goal is 20 a week) but We have now 4 amazing new investigators! The Lord really does bless us!

 

Okay so now I have a challenge for my family and other members who might read. If we are asking the Lord for missionary work he really will provide. He has placed those people around us for a reason! So watch this video and then pray for a person you can touch this week! I will follow up with you next week! http://bcove.me/vw9x3n2x (Just in case that link didnt work http://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/members-and-missionaries?cid=HPL2P09W02044&lang=eng) In fact look at this website its kind of awesome! :D

 

Love you guys so much! Keep smiling and remember, Don't Do Drugs and Stay Sweet!

 

Hermana Durfee!

 

Oh and Pictures! (Not much this week sorry).

Picture 1: It was a really wet day! And Pioneer Day! Look how white I look to my companion

Picture 2: Colorado's sky really is beautiful!

I asked a stuffed animal to be baptized

So I guess I'll start with the title as my first crazy story. Its not a lie, I really did ask a stuff animal to be baptized! There is a 8 year old girl, named Sam, in our ward who is having a hard time deciding to be baptized for a few reasons. One she is afraid to put her head under water. The last time she went swimming she got a crazy ear infection from the water. Now she's terrified. We decided to visit her and help her with her new decision of being baptized. The other reason is she is very VERY shy. We were having problems talking to her because she doesn't like people talking to her face. Not only that but her younger brother is noisy and distracting. During one of those distracting moments she had gone to her room to introduce me to her Build-A-Bear dog named Bo. I soon figured that if I taught Bo the lesson she would listen and then answer like she was Bo. So in that way I taught the dog Bo the first lesson and the importance of baptism. I then asked Bo if he would follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized. I then turned to her, "Will Bo be baptized?"

"Yes."

"Will you be baptized Sam?"

"Yes!" It was weird but at least we got through to her. The next time we visited her, her mom informed us she went to the pool and practiced dunking her head under water. I then again had to teach Bo a lesson. Who cares, its effective.(:

We have been really working hard on Less-Actives. The first family is the Ross family. The mom is kind of loco but the Dad is really receptive and the kids really want to go back to church. The other is a man named Ricky. During our visit with him we were able to have a nice lesson. He did mention, however, that Moroni was so cool that he might get a tattoo of him... I didn't understand how that even seemed slightly right to him. hahaha WELL! This past Sunday, both the Ross family and Ricky came to church. Not only that but Ricky has been listening to the Book of Mormon daily! I understand that its the Spirit that is working on them but I can't help but feel like Ammon, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, when he says, "Yea, 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, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.” (Alma 26:12) I am just glad that I can be that instrument for the Spirit to work through.

Service this week was fun and interesting. We have done several projects through out the week. My favorite was when we made sleeping bags out of old blankets and sheets for those who live on the streets. The one we did on Saturday... well wasn't as fun. We found ourselves in the middle of nowhere chopping off the heads of a weed called a thistle. The flower/head part is where the seeds spread and so to keep the weed contained you get rid of the seeds. The sun was so hot and I was pretty convinced that I was being fried. However, I endured and the Lord, being the amazing person he is, blessed so I wasn't burnt to a crisp. 

The hardest thing that my companion and I are going through right now is that we have to split the area between an other set of sisters. We find ourselves with a ton of investigators at first and then they come to us saying the original split isn't working because they are using a lot of miles on their car. So we try again and now find ourselves with hardly any less-actives and investigators. We are trying really hard to be Christlike but that's hard because well... we are human. But that is the whole purpose for us on earth, to overcome those weaknesses of the flesh. We continue to pray to our Heavenly Father for guidance in this decision. Hopefully we can find an answer that will be good for everyone!

Another thing that I am not liking very much is tracting. I find that my fear for calling is about the same when it comes to knocking on doors. Again and again I find myself having to really rely on the Lord for his help. 

One thing that I love about Colorado is that everyone here owns a dog! And if not a dog they have a cat! Instead of being cooped up in the MTC and being super animal deprived, every person we meet with has some kind of animal I can pet! In fact our top progressing investigator, Pattie, has three cats! I can"t help but think of how awesome that is only because she is 77 and totally a cat lady. 

Speaking of Pattie! She has a baptism on the 17th of August and I am so excited for her! Like I said above, she is our top progressing, which means she's keeping all the commitments we leave her and is getting really close to baptism! She has the sweetest spirit! I said this to my companion, "If I only baptize Pattie while I am on my mission then I will be a happy girl." That is how powerful she is! She is even trying to get her daughter to take the lessons. Look! She's being a missionary and she isn't even a member yet!

My District Leader here is named Elder Hoyt. Now you might not have heard of him but maybe you have. The only reason I say this is because he played on the BYU football team. He is like 6'7 and actually pretty amazing! He feels the Spirit so strongly and is really just a big teddy bear! Its so nice to have a person to talk BYU too, Especially because you have a companion who is a UofU fan! haha

Okay, since I already left you a spiritual thought in a few paragraphs above I'll just sign off! Don't stop being amazing guys! Keep the lord in mind! And Don't Do Drugs!(:

Love Hermana Durfee

Picture 1: Is of the beautiful sky in Colorado after a storm(:

Picture 2: Just a buffalo in the middle of nowhere!

Picture 3: Just some awesome Minion cupcakes that someone made for us!

Lookin like a Fool with my Spanish on the Ground?

So a little update about what is happening at home!!! :) Brought to you by me, Josie Durfee!! We haven't been up to much lately. Although I can say this, this whole summer has been full of my family, which I have mentioned that before. But I know this, I am so grateful for that because I am heading off to the big big world in September, haha (just a little town in Idaho, really, but still!!) I am going to be on my own. I have had the opportunity to get very close to my mom, dad, and sisters. Usually people say that they are going to go see a movie with their friends over the weekend. Well, let me tell you I saw a movie with my family!! :) We celebrated my dad's birthday this last Saturday. We went to Chile's for dinner, did a little thrift store shopping, and then went to Despicable Me 2!! And can I just say that, that movie was the funniest movie that I have seen in a very long time!! It was very cute!! I recommend that whoever reads this should go see it!! :D Anyways, so I just want you to take this little thought from me before you hear from Shar, it is that family is never to be taken for granted 'cause your friends will come and go, but the one thing that will be forever constant is your family. They will be there for you always. And I know that we all have different kinds of families, but that does not matter!! Anyways enough about me, let's hear from my wonderful sis~

 

 

These pictures are older but I thought that they would add some variety to the blog!! ~ Josie

 

Shar's letter:

 

Okay,

 

So I am going to start this off with the paragraph of the email before so I can finish telling you about my first day and then on to my first week!

After we arrived we then proceeded with a ton of different information stations about driving, service, manners, referrals, etc. I was so tired and I had a hard time staying awake. I also got to eat really food! I was so excited and it tasted so good! around 5ish, I think, I met my companion. Her name is Hermana Espinosa and she is a native Spanish speaker. She lived in Mexico for all her life and about 5 years ago moved to Utah. She's 19 so that's a little weird in fact she'll turn 20 in October and then right after that I'll turn 21. But besides that she's great! The more I get to know her the more I love her. While we do companionship study during we talk in all Spanish  I can understand most but again where I struggle is speaking. I know if I continue to work hard the Lord will help me.

We had more meetings and dinner which lasted a long while. We didn't get home until 9:30 and then we did planning. I wasn't able to unpack hahaha actually I just finished unpacking today. I can now say that I am officially moved in! 

Okay so what I'll do now is tell you about some awesome stories of my first week in Colorado. I was assigned to the Fort Lupton ward. Its a pretty big area and there are a ton of horses and farm land around, reminds me a little be of home. There are quite a bit of Spanish speakers here but not a ward. So I attend an English ward. Now on my companion doesn't really like trackting (sp?) but what we do instead and specially after the Missionary Broadcast is we focus on members and in-actives. However, she wanted me to knock on some doors. My first and second door were pretty normal. Normal meaning the first one talked to us but said he wasn't interested and the second one the parents weren't home but gave us a time to come back. The third door was actually a referral  We knocked and I began to say, "Hi I'm Hermana Durfee and this is Hermana Espinosa. We are missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Lat....." They shut the door. And the crazy thing was I wasn't devastated. I might have laughed. I honestly hope we do some more door knocking. Though what we are doing right now is super effective. 

I have been able to give away 5 Book of Mormons! 2 Spanish ones and 3 English. Haha one of the spanish ones went like this. Sister Espinosa was talking and then handed me the Book of Mormon. I was so nervous. I turned to the man and said, "Es El Libro de Mormon. Es central a nuestra iglesia. Es por usted." Yep that was pretty much it. Hermana Espinosa was laughing so hard after that and I was because well... I defiantly need to work on my Spanish. (For those who don't know what I said, "This is the Book of Mormon. It is central to our church. Its for you." hahaha oh man. I laugh even now. 

One of my favorite parts is interacting with the kids. One of our investigators, Eve, has two kids, one is 5 and the other 7, and while we were visiting her they just loved us... aka me. ;) During the lesson they wouldn't stay quite so I tried to find something in my bag that would entertain them. Of course all i had in there were journals, a spanish Book of Mormon, my planner and the white bible (the missionary rules). I gave them the Spanish Book of Mormon and the girl asked, "Is this a bible?" I told her it was in a way. After that anything that I pulled out of my bag was a bible. It was so cute! Another time was we were trackting in a poor trailer park where mostly Hispanics live. As we were teaching someone we contacted (The same one I gave the spanish BOM in the story above) he had two little girls. They kept handing me flowers they picked. I loved them. And right after that we ran into another little girl, who was about 8. She said to us, "Who are you?" 

I said, "Well we are missionaries!" 

"Do you want to get my mom." 

"For what?"

"To teach the people!" I think my heart died with happiness right there. Curfew was already upon us, but we quickly walked to her trailer to get her address number and told her we would be back. We went to contact her yesterday but there was a huge baby shower going on so we just walked passed. But we will definitely return.

I love having dinners with the members. That's mostly where we try to get referrals. That is one thing I want to challenge my family. If the missionaries ask for referrals try to think of some names. Missionary work would move along much faster if members were helping us with finding. I have had some crazy dinners though. One was with the Ramirez family. It wasn't that crazy but she has two goats and she milks them! I was reminded of you, Mom, and Betty, our cow. She also had like a cream cheese that we ate with crackers. (also a reminder of home). If there is anyway you could send me some milk let me know! ;) Another crazy dinner story was with the Greenlands. They are less active and we are trying to get them to come to church but she works and he babysits while the kids take naps. I have actually heard that excuse, "One o'clock church is during our baby's nap." more then once. The only reason why it was weird because she said that when she was investigating the church... demons were attacking her. Now, I believe there is opposition in all things and I also believe that, Satan is real and so are his followers, but she said she was getting burned and scratched during these episodes... I don't know what to think.

Speaking of weird and slightly scary, we were looking for less actives and we knocked on a door that we thought was a member. We heard voices and thought someone was home and waited for them to get the door... nothing... so we knocked again. Then at that moment someone came and looked through the slit of the side window. We could only see her eyes. Hermana Espinosa said she was shaking her head and it looked like she was saying something. Hermana Espinosa thought she wanted us to go to the side window so we do but nothing. Did I mention that the house was completely dark? Then we heard the same voices again but still now one opened the door.... So we left. I hope we never have to go back!

What we do here in my mission is a lot of service. I love it! Wednesday we work at the food bank in Fort Lupton, and then on Friday we work at a lake called Barr Lake. Saturday was Lake Appreciation day, supposedly, and we went back to the lake. They were getting rid of some sort of tree along the canal. It was hard work. As they were cutting down trees our job as missionaries was to drag the large branches up a hill to the wood chipper. It was hard and really hot but totally worth it! I am really glad we do a lot of service. During this service we aren't supposed to preach the gospel but if they ask we can set up another time with them. 

Okay I have one more story before I have to go and it will tie into my spiritual thought. Again we were looking for less actives and we went to the house of Nathaniel Buelo. It was late so we were a little worried but he answered the door. We asked him if we could share a message and he shared with us that he was born in Utah, had grown up Mormon but decided that it wasn't for him. He didn't want us to share a message with him and asked us to not come back. I was so sad and baffled. I wondered how people can loose their testimonies. I wondered how Nathaniel lost his. Now, for the spiritual part. Please for those of you who do have a testimony. Don't loose it. Keep the basic commandments of God and really endure to the end. I can testify that if you continue to do the right thing and follow Jesus Christ the blessing will pour like rain! I have received so much because of this gospel! 

I love you all! Hope everything is going great! Don't do drugs and stay sweet!

Hermana Durfee

Flatter than you expected

Surprise! Another unexpected email from a girl serving a mission. AND nooww... I am actually in the field! Before I tell you who my companion is I'll give you guys an update on what happened my first day in Colorado (serving as a missionary of course!) Oh and I don't know how long this will be because its only been a twoish days in the field.

First, I didn't really think that saying goodbye to my teachers and district would be hard... It was however. I have plenty of pictures however at this library I am not exactly sure where to plug my camera in. Which is weird because you think that they would have some place to plug an Thumb Drive... (And well I left it outside in the car) It was hard but I did however do it without crying. I am going to miss struggling to learn Spanish with my district and using subjunctive wrong in my lesson with my teachers. haha

Now what you all have been waiting for! It was a really REALLY long day! First off, I woke up at 1:45 because my companion was getting ready. Then around 2:15 we headed with her bags to the travel office. And then... you drop them off. I gave her a huge hug, thanking her for being a great first companion and then left. No tears nothing... Is that bad? I mean I feel sad but even now I still haven't cried. I know, I know, I am heartless.... hahaha. We headed back to the residence in hopes of getting an hour and 15 minutes of sleep before it was my turn. To bad that didn't really happen. My head kept spinning and I was getting stressed. I wasn't sure if I had packed everything or if my bags would be over 50 pounds, and of course my stomach was giving me problems but that is normal. 3:45 comes around and its me getting ready this time. The two girls get me to the travel office, I return my key and lock and get on the bus. 

I was super blessed to have two other elders from my district. Elder Deem (he is in my same mission so we were on the same flight) and Elder Hamblin. Especially Elder Hamblin! He's a sweet heart. In fact all of us girls agree that Elder Hamblin was by far our favorite elder in the district. When we got to the airport the truck that had all of our luggage wasnt there yet so now you have a ton of missionaries hanging outside the airport. There was quite a lot of us. Elder Deem and I were assigned to a specific group all flying to Denver but we couldn't find them. When the luggage arrived we (Elder Deem and I) grabbed our stuff and heading to check in our bags. (Its around 6:30 now) We were already given our boarding pass so we just stepped in line for checking our luggage. Both of my bags weighed only 50 pounds so we were all good! We went through security (which seemed to be so much easier as a missionary, don't ask me why.) and went to call our parents! (This whole time wondering where our group was)

We arrived at our gate and immediately saw phone booths! Now at first as my family already knows haha I had some problems with calling. I totally forgot the number my dad's work phone, the one he wanted me to call. So I called Mom thinking she would know. (Every time I call it uses a crap load of minutes on my phone card) She didn't know so then I called my dad. There wasn't a way for him to do multiple calls on his cell. So he gave me his number and I told him I would find buy another calling card. I bought another one and successfully called my dad on is work phone. Technically I had about an hour to talk to my family so that was what I was going to do. The MTC said that as long as we had minutes and didn't miss our flight we could talk as long as we wanted. 

I was able to talk to everyone expect Alison (my sister-in-law). It was so nice! It was then that the tears came. I didn't shed that much but I really wanted to. I miss you guys so much! I am not exactly sure how much into the call we were in at least 15 - 20 minutes when another sister missionary taps me on the shoulder and says really rudely, "I really need to talk to my parents too so can you get off." I was shocked but being the better missionary ;) that I am I wasn't willing to create contention. I told my family that I had to go and said goodbye to them. The next time being Christmas. It seems o very far away!): Elder Deem who was talking still to his parents didn't join me for at least 10 minutes. While I was looking around me I saw a group of missionaries at the same gate. My guess was that they were my group (which I was right by the way). What drove me up the wall was that the rude girl happened to be on the same plane and in the same mission. I had to keep reminding myself, "What would Jesus do?" "What would Jesus do?" He would forgive her. So I did, but I still secretly hoped that I would have to sit next to her. 

Luckily I didn't(: and I was happy. I sat by another elder.... Elder Lafaluente??? not really sure... I made good conversation, because I would be the one asking him questions he would answer and then never ask me. I should have just read my scriptures because now... well... he wont leave me alone. -sigh- Story of my life I suppose. We arrive at the airport and met the Mission President and his wife. I love them already. we pack our bags and head to the Mission Home in Broomfield, which by the way is technically out of my mission because of how the mission boundaries changed. 

After we arrived we then proceeded with a ton of different information stations about driving, service, manners, referrals, etc. I was so tired and I had a hard time staying awake. I also got to eat really food! I was so excited and it tasted so good! around 5ish, I think, I met my companion. Her name is Hermana Espinosa and she is a native Spanish speaker. She lived in Mexico for all her life and about 5 years ago moved to Utah. She's great! 

Gahh... we have to go. I'll finish giving you the update next week's email(: We have some lessons planned today, all in english.

I love you so much! 

 

Charlee is officially in Denver!

 

 

Posted by Alex Durfee

 

A little about what has been happening at home, and 'The End... of the MTC'

Josie here:
So, this summer has been family, family, family!! It has been amazing!! In honor of Independence Day, I would like to share a few thoughts. These thoughts consist of what I have thought about since that eventful day, which was Thursday. I have been thinking about how blessed I am, we are as a nation to be able to menial things like post updates on a blog, or get on facebook. We are able to do this because of the country that we live in. We live in the land of the free. This country is truly blessed, in the scriptures, it is called the Promised Land. This land is truly promised. We have been blessed to have the rights stated in the Declaration of Independence, and the rights stated in the Constitution. I read the Gettysburgh address on Thursday for a program that my family does every year, and I saw that we also have rights that are stated in that. I just want to leave with the thought that the country we live in is truly blessed! We have the opportunity to do amazing things because of those who were before us. With this I am going to turn the time over to my amazing sister, with her last e mail from the MTC.

Shar's e mail:

Well! Here is my last e-mail before I email you in Denver Colorado! I really only have 2 and a half days left here. I am so excited! Even though my Spanish isn't perfect and I probably have a ton to learn I am ready to leave this "Wonderful Paradise" they call the MTC. Though there were a few things that I didn't enjoy really, I want to let you all to know that I really did enjoy the MTC. I have/had a great district, a great companion, and amazing spiritual experiences while I have been here. Its not so much as a prison because I did have fun. However, I am so ready (as ready as I can be) to serve the people in Colorado. On Monday, all four of us will wake up around 2:15 am in the morning to drop my companion who needs to be at the travel office at 2:30. The other girls have to come with me because I can't be alone walking back. Then in a hour I need to start getting ready then at 4:15 they will drop me off at the travel office. My flight leaves at 8:30 am and I'll get in CO around 9:30 where I will be taken to the Mission home and have new missionary orintation and stay the night. Tuesday I will be given my new companion and will go out to work! I am slightly nervous. haha Though I hate to admit, it has gone by fast. I now only have 17 months left on mission. Crazy thought.

 

This week was pretty uneventful until Wednesday. However, on Sunday I ran into Daniel Myers with his sister. It was so nice to see him. I gave him a handshake but wanted to give him a hug. There are a few girls here who actually have boyfriends in the MTC with them. I can't imagine how hard it would be to just give them a handshake if I had a hard time with one of my friends. On Wednesday I did what is called Hosting. If you remember when you dropped me off a sister was there to help me with my bags and take care of me for a little bit. Well I did that for a sister today as well! Though, I don't remember her name. She had these huge bags and you know me and my incredible strength! It was so easy! ;) Totally kidding. When I first saw them I knew I was done for. haha. But it was good. She's heading for the Philippiens. I told her about Grandpa and Grandma's missions there. I also have sympathy for those who have to learn a language harder then Spanish. I took her to her classroom and there was the teacher imedietly tallking in tagolog (Sp). If I was overwelmed with Spanish then I don't know how they feel. I was only able to host one girl because there was so many other hostestess that were big on getting a ton of girls. I wasn't going to break their streak.

 

Yesterday, the 4th of July, AND In-Field Orintation for me! Probably the coolest thing during In-Field was that Daniel happened to be in my group. I was even able to take a picture with him! (look below). It was a really long day. First off, I'll admit I wanted to be with my family. I really wanted BBQ but all is well and I knew what I was sacrificing to serve the Lord. There was one point where we were given a scenario. We were in the airport and we were to go up to someone and give them a short message and a pass-along card. Daniel decided to come up to me. I was the "investigator" and he was the missionary. He asked where I was heading, I said, "To KC to spend the 4th with my family." He mentioned he was heading to Idaho for a mission. He then was unsure what to say next. He look at me for help and I gave him some pointers. That experience was the very first time I was ever grateful to be at the MTC for six weeks. Not that Daniel isn't ready to go out into the field but because I have been here longer I feel more experienced. After the scenario, I said a small prayer to my Heavenly Father thanking him for my time here.

 

Now on to last night. It was crazy. First off, at the BYU football stadium there was a concert going on (Kelly Clarkson and Carli Rae Jepson). So that we wouldn't be outside during that time they had a Fourth of July devotional. The speaker was really short but after we watched 17 Miracles. I don't know how much I like that movie. Its so amazing and powerful but I cry through the whole thing! Then they did let us go watch the fireworks and gave us icecream. Its not as great as it would have been to be with my family but I did enjoy it. As missionaries we are really entertained easily, which makes it more entertaining that we know we are easily entertained.

 

Now about letters. You CAN still use DearElder. However they charge you the amount of the stamp. It still makes letters easy, because typing is so much faster then writing. So keep that in mind. I believe my new address is 1250 Main St. Broomfield CO 80020. That is technically the mission home but so I don't have to give you guys a new address each time I am transfered, they just send letters to me from there. (Mom or sisters, please post this new address on my Facebook!) Oh! Mommy, I did get all your letters. It was just bad timing when it came to my handwritten one.(: And just another reminder. Don't use DearElder tonight, Saturday, and Sunday. They don't print dearelders after 12 pm on Friday and then don't print until after 12 pm on Monday. I won't receive any of them since I'll be in the field at that time. I want to say thanks to all those who did write me and also apologize for those who haven't received a response. I am so busy! And I try my hardest to reply to those who do!

 

Before I leave I do want to leave with you my testimony... IN SPANISH! Yeah!

 

Yo se que Jesucristo es mi Salvador. Estoy agradecido por Jesucristo. Yo se que Ël surfrió por mis pecados pues puedo ser limpio. Yo se que José Smith es la profeta de la Restoracion y Thomas S Monson es la profeta hoy. Yo se que la iglasia es verdadero. Estoy agradecido por el Libro de Mormón y la direción da en mi vida. Yo se que el Libro de Mormón es verdadero. En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amén.  

 

(To those who know my mistakes I realize I there are some.)

 

Sorry for the short email. Like I said before, It was pretty uneventful until Wednesday. I love you all so much! And the next time you will hear from me will be after I have spent a few weeks in wonderful Colorado!

 

Don't Do Drugs and Stay Sweet!

 

Hermana Durfee

 

PS.

Picture 1: Daniel is so dorky! I was so grateful to see him though while I was here.

Picture 2: One of the last pictures with my companion.

Picture 3: Us, four girls, watching the fireworks!(:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its a small world after all!

Its a small world after all!

 

I am not kidding! I have like 30 examples of how small this world is, mostly how small the Mormon world is! (And yes 30 is an exaggeration) The first one is I see Karen Rose all the time! For those who don't know her, she was in the singles ward back in Missouri, we also hung out some while both of us attended BYU. She's heading to Brazil but is learning Portuguese on the same building and floor as me! I love seeing her! Its so nice to see a familiar face often. Another missionary that I have seen a few times was Sister Myers. Pretty sure she forgot my name because when I first saw her (The day she came into the MTC) she had to look at my tag hahaha but since then we've ran into each other two other times. I haven't seen Daniel yet! I keep looking for him. He came this Wednesday correct? I hope to see him before I leave! Another small world moment was this Thursday. My zone received another district of just elders. One of the elders name is Elder Brimley. During the summers in Missouri a girl in my ward Layne Williams would have her cousins visit for like a month. There were two boys Jory Brimley and his younger brother. Now, Jory is the one I knew best because he is my ageish. The Elder Brimley that is in my zone is his younger brother. I saw his face during breakfast and knew I had seen him somewhere. While I was eating it came to me and then later in the day I asked him and I was correct! YESSS! Win for Me! The last moment was while I was at the broadcast this Sunday. I totally ran into Sam King (another person from the singles ward in Missouri). I've always had a small crush on him (tiny bit) and I shook his hand and he was so surprised that I was Hermana Durfee! It is always so nice to see a familiar face even when you don't know the person very well. Again I hope to see Daniel before I leave. He'll be leaving the MTC the same week that I do. I'll keep my eyes peeled!(:

 

This last Saturday was probably the hardest day on mission so far. It was late in the night (on Friday) and I began to doubt my decision to come on a mission. I cried a lot... Then I started praying. I prayed and prayed for a good solid 30 minutes. I prayed for everything. For comfort, for a confirmation that I was where I was supposed to be, my family, to not to be homesick, for everything that came into mind. I didn't receive much comfort during the night besides the wonderful gift of sleep. When I woke up the next morning (Saturday) I decided I should fast. I studied my scriptures hardcore that day and still wasn't receiving much of an answer. Then during class when my favorite teacher, Hermano Barfuss, was teaching I got a confirmation. He was doing a demonstration of the first vision to one of the elders in my district. It was so wonderful, so spiritual. I could see Hermano Barfuss tearing up and I let a tear or two fall down my cheeks. I knew that, that experience was an answer. However, Heavenly Father, being as wonderful as he is, gave me another confirmation. My companion and I had to teach Eric that night. We weren't really getting to Eric and we were on our fourth lesson. This lesson was totally opposite. He said along the lines that he knew God was listening, that God loves him and wants to help him. I about cried in that lesson! It was so amazing! I then officially knew I was doing what I was supposed to be doing! Isn't the Lord amazing? Our other investigator, Israel, is also progressing really well. He finally agreed to be baptized in our last lesson. I knew he was so close and so ready! He really amazing person! He is also played by Hermano Barfuss so that might be one of the reasons I love him so much! So even though I had one hard day I've had several amazing days that make up for all the negative feelings, moments, days etc.

 

Okay! -claps hands- The Broadcast! Before the Broadcast the choir director let us know that most likely not all of us would be able to sing because of how many of us there were. He asked us to come to terms with it and understand that he wanted all of us but had prayed and prayed and that was the answer he got. There were so many people at the gate waiting for it to open so they could get a seat at the broadcast to sing. It was kind of sad. I mean I did walk to the marriot a little fast then usual but there were missionaries pushing and running. I didn't we were representing Christ very well at that moment. My companion and I were able to sing but just barely. We were in the alto section the second row to the back more near the isle. During the first song there's a part where they actually show the back of the choir and they zoom in a little and I can see myself. You might be able to see me if you review the clip which is already up on lds.org. But more likely you wont notice me unless I was able to point me out(: Some people (like my companion) were upset about not getting on camera but it really wasn't a big deal to me. I just wanted to be able to sing and the Lord gave me that.

 

During this week because the Mission President Training we've had so many apostles on campus. (campus meaning the MTC) I tried and tried looking for President Ames and his wife but I didn't see them and now everyone is gone. It was a little sad but again not really a big deal. Anyways, a lot of the missionaries thought we would have an apostle speak at our Tuesday devotional but were disappointed.... only for a little bit though. The speaker was Janice Kapp Perry. She wrote As Sisters In Zion and a ton of primary songs! It was pretty awesome! The best part was when she was talking about the first thing her husband said to her. She was warming up her clarinet in the HFAC building at BYU, he came up to and said something like this, "Those lips look like they could be used  for something better than playing the clarinet." Right after she shared that with us and while we were chuckling her husband got up from his seat and grabbed her face and kissed her! We were all shocked and laughed and laughed. Elders actually stood up and gave him a standing ovation! It was so great!

 

Alright its time for me to leave, but there are two other things before I go. One, this coming Monday, the 1st of July I will only have a week left! It finally feels like its going fast! And I think my companion and I are getting it down, language and teaching!

 

Two, I'll leave you with a spiritual thought. Hermano Litznberger, one of my teachers, said this, "You.." (meaning missionaries and members) "...appropriately and properly represent Jesus Christ." I was reminded of the kid saying, "What would Jesus do?" We take that saying so lightly, but I realized how appropriate that saying really is. Really think to yourself, what would Jesus do... It could change a decision in your life. Jesus Christ is the perfect example and the purpose of this life is to TRY to become perfect like him. He has made the path for us laying down brick by brick and all we have to do is follow Him. Keep that question in your heart and seriously contemplate it.

 

I love you guys so much! Keep your heads up! I pray for all of you!

 

Hermana Durfee!

 

Alex here, Charlee leaves the MTC soon so if anyone wants her new address please just comment and we will make sure that is clarified.