A Missionary Christmas

Wow! What a long week.

Let me just say, Christmas on the mission is the BEST. Mainly because you get to focus on Christ, and the reason for the season, and over the last month, I have learned SO much about Him, and what He's done for the world.

Sometimes you look at people, and you think of the trials and the mistakes they've gone through, and you wonder how they'll ever make it to the Celestial Kingdom, and it's because of our Savior that they will. He Atoned for them. period. end of discussion. and they can choose to accept that whether it be in this life, or the next. Ultimately we would want to choose it in this life, so that we can be happy, but some won't. But those who are supposed to make it to the Celestial Kingdom WILL make it, because of our Savior. Because I have learned this, I have been able to develop so much charity in my heart for the people here in WV who have it way worse than I do.

On Christmas Eve we went to a members house. They're the Hunters, and they are seriously so awesome! Their oldest is 7, and she's so cute! We ate lots of food, and the kids acted out the Nativity. It kinda made me miss home, but I know I'm out here for a reason. The next day, on Christmas, Sister Marsh and I woke up and opened all our presents. I got a bunch of new skirts! YAY Thanks mom! Then we did our studies that morning. After studies we went over to the Drennens, and they had breakfast for us. It was the best, because it reminded me of breakfast my dad would have made. They had Tabasco sauce and everything :) After breakfast we went and Skyped our families! Sister Marsh went first, and it was fun getting to know her family. My family was in Texas this Christmas, so I was able to talk my Grandma and Bubba this year! What a treat! I love my family so much, and I miss 'em like crazy! After we Skyped we ate dinner at a part member family's home, and then that evening we went over to some friends house, and we played some games, and ate Spaghetti.

Essentially Christmas on the mission is the best. I love my family, and most of all, I love my Savior. I'm thankful for this season I've been given to strengthen my relationship with Him, and I love all that I've learned of Him. I invite all of you to prayerfully study the Book of Mormon this year, and to learn all that you can of our Savior.

I can easily say that I'm truly converted to this gospel, and I pray that everyone can one day learn the things that I've been learning. I love this gospel, and I'm so lucky to have parents who have raised me to learn and serve my Savior.

Have a good week!

Love, Sister Kirkby

Merry Christmas!

Hello everyone! It's not been too long since I've shared an email, because last week was transfer week, but I'm so glad I get to stay with Sister Marsh for 6 more week. I've definitely learned a lot from her, and I'm glad the Lord is allowing me to continue to learn from her :)

IT'S THE CHRISTMAS SEASON! Merry Christmas! I hope all of you have had the chance to go to the website christmas.mormon.org The videos on that website are fantastic, and the church hires the very best of the best to make videos that are inspiring and that bring the Spirit so strongly. I've had a goal to testify of Christ in every lesson that we have, and it has really made this Christmas season special, as I remember Him, and focus on why He was born. I know the Savior was sent for all of us to overcome our sadness, our trials, and our weaknesses. Take time this week to focus on the presence of Christ, rather than the presents under the tree, and it will make your Christmas a lot more special.

I know my Savior lives! I know He loves me, and I know He loves you!

Merry Christmas!

Love, Sister Kirkby

Carless, Bedridden, Baptized

Hello!

Transfer news is in and Sister Marsh and I are both STAYING! YES!

This week was the longest week of my whole mission life, but it was also SO good! So, my last email, I had described the sickness that Sister Marsh and I were hit with... well, it didn't get better. On Tuesday, we were so sick that we decided to get rest and not leave the house. The next day we discovered that something was seriously wrong with our car, so we took it in. After they had checked it out, the mechanic told us that "he would not advise us driving it, because it might blow up". It was a little dramatic, but we "ain't gunna risk it". (as the West Virginians would say) so we said they could keep it, and they told us we wouldn't have it back until Monday..... ugh. 

It's a good thing Sister Marsh got super sick the rest of the week, because working without a car is impossible. ;) But seriously, poor Sister Marsh. the best way to describe her was "dead". At one point, I was in another room, and we got a phone call from our district leader. I thought she was asleep, so I didn't bother to go wake her up. I finish my conversation with him, and I hear her calling my name, so I go to her and she says "I would have gotten up to come and talk to him with you, but I'm paralyzed." bless her heart.

She was able to get feeling better for our baptism on Saturday! It was wonderful to see our friend Tommie enter into covenants. The Spirit was so strong, and I feel so blessed to be a tool in the hands of our Father at this time. This work is real. It's the most important work on this earth, and I only have 9 more months to consecrate all of my time and choices to the Lord. I know He is please, and that's all I desire is to please Him. I am so blessed.

Never forget that the Lord is in EVERY SINGLE detail of our lives. He knows what's best for us. That's what I've learned this week :) I would never trade my mission in for ANYTHING. I've learned so much, and I'm glad I get to continue to learn.

Love, Sister Kirkby

the sickness blues

It's been an awesome week, despite Sister Marsh and I being sicker than sick. We don't really know what's wrong with us, but oh boy, are we coughing up a storm. The other night I couldn't sleep AT ALL (probably until about 3:00 was when I fell asleep) and I was coughing so hard. Sister Marsh was out, but apparently I was bothering our neighbor, and she came up and rang our doorbell at about 11:30. Scared the goodness right out of us, and she was just offering cough syrup. I thanked her, and told her that we already had some, as well as apologized. It was still a nice way of her saying "shut up, I'm trying to sleep", though. :)

Every winter I get this nasty cough, and I think it might be Asthma related, but oh well, we'll push through, right? I haven't coughed this hard since i've had walking pneumonia, but we've already been to the doctor, and she said nothing was wrong with me... whatevs.

We had our friend who's ready for baptism at church yesterday, as well as a new friend! They're both really awesome! We should be seeing a baptism this Saturday! Keep her in your prayers, because Satan will be harping on her!

Well, happy December to all! It feels like yesterday that I left the MTC. Time as a missionary is a weird concept.

Love, Sister Kirkby