Adventures all around!

Last week;
So on P-day last week, my companion and I went to the Cherry Creek mall. For the most part, we just explored everything that was there (we only get an hr free parking there, so we left pretty fast). My favorite part was that I was able to buy some awesome pretzels and a cheap Colorado T-shirt. The mall was honestly smaller than I expected, and just about every store there was things with clothes. There was this one make-up place, and I asked questions to this guy, because I love people and I was seeing if I could pull-off my make-up knowledge. By the end of it, he gave my companion and I a free sample of sunscreen that protects your make-up. There are perks to just talking to everyone and making a bunch of new friends!

1st YSA;
I went to my first YSA activity/FHE Monday night, or at least I think it was my first. Our District Leader/ the Elder that shares City Park with us, invited our district to this activity to try and accomplish missionary work. We had a video message about Jesus Christ, played some sports, and had poster boards for people to write about how they feel God's love and when they pray. It was a party! I met a lot of new friends, destroyed people at Basketball/ knock-out (only basketball game that isn't dis-o for missionaries), and played frisbee. Sadly, there weren't really any visable results from this event, but I'm glad that we did it.

Injuries;

Funny story! My companion used the 3lbs weights for exercise in the morning. She never put them away, and so they were laying in the central most walked area of our apartment. Your favorite person here, stubbed/ jamed/ almost broke her pinkie toe. (My companion said that she purposely boobie trapped the room) Now, I know this sounds super duper lame, but my toe got all red and swollen, and a little purple. After almost a full day of walking, I told my companion my toe hurt, and showed her. She was both freaked out, and laughing so hard. She begged me to stay in, but I don't play that game, so I kept on going! After a day and a half, and many sisters and senior missionaries asking, I reported it to my nurse. Our nurse just said it would take time, and there was nothing else that could be done, so I refused to rest. I have taped it to my toe next to it, wore big boots the second day (super funny, but I needed extra room for the swelling), elevated it, iced it, and all that jazz, so I'm not being completely stupid. After 96 hours it's still sore, red, and swollen, but I think it's getting better/ I'm getting used to the pain. It really is pretty funny. Now, the picture below is one where I put theatre make-up on it to make it look gross and bruised to scare our worried STL. I know I'm insane for having theatre make-up on my mission, but I just can't help it.

Service;
On Saturday we had this awesome service project in City Park. My whole zone came and we set-up some tents, fences, tables, etc. for a down syndrome event/ walk that was taking place on Sunday. Most of us got there in time, and the guy in charged went over what we needed to do. For some reason, just about everyone was completely lost. So for almost 1.5 hrs I was telling everyone what to do, including my leaders. It was weird being in charge, but nice because everyone was looking up to me, and I didn't have to carry around most of the heavy stuff! It was a super fun service project for Sister Reynolds! Especially because everyone in my Zone is just so perfect.

Funny Moments;
>Before we left our apartment one day, my companion needed a pen... She grabbed the one on the counter.... little did she know, it wasn't an ordinary pen.. Thanks dad! We get endless laughs because of you!
>I've had 2 people step on my injured toe, a chair ran into it, and my companion accidentally threw her bag of beans on it, I don't think it's meant to get any better.

>We got a bunk-bed on Friday (Last transfers we got a bunk bed, then it was taken away from us, we'll see what happens this time). After the bunk bed was hammered in, and the senior missionaries putting it in left, we noticed that we had some mission bracelets stuck on there.

>I needed a change, so I moved around some of the furniture in our apartment. I got on the bunk-bed, jumped down to the couch and bounced on my bed. All was working as planned, except I hit my head on the ceiling right before I got to the couch. 

>One night it was pouring rain so hard! There was a giant clash of lightening and thunder and it freaked out my Alaskan companion. It didn't even phase me, but a car alarm went off.

Shout-outs;
-At the beginning of this week, I finished a puzzle. I grew up with wonderful people that gave me puzzles to do, and I appreciate that.

-The puzzle was called "Consider the Lilies"
-There was this place I walked past called "Stinker", I heard a familiar voice pop into my head.
-I met a Less-active guy. He's moving out, but we talked for a while about golf.
-I've been reading the Bible Dictionary, and in there it talks about an Almond Tree.
-I went to a service, and there were older Spanish speaking people, and they were playing poker. Funny thing, I understood every word they said, and not just because I'm trying to learn Spanish.
-I showed off my frisbee skills, thanks for the silly time you "taught" me how to play in the park.

So much love for all of you!! There's no way I could express it more!

-Sister Reynolds :)

Love my First Full-Time Mission!

Stake Fair;

Our Stake had a Fair and it was a blast! The only thing was, for most of it I was stuck inside of the church building. The missionaries were doing church tours for anyone who wanted one. I was able to take people around to different missionaries where they gave a little summary about Eternal Families, Temples, and Jesus Christ being the center of our church. It almost made me feel like I was a Visitor Center missionary. Also, it made me think of the good ole days of being involved with a play or working as a tech for some event. There was so much I was helping out with and running from place to place, including sneaking some food in from the fair so I could have dinner. There were a lot of people that came to this event, that we haven't had much of a chance to meet with. There was this one girl named Ashley that came, and I made her go around and invite others to come take the tour, she ended up bringing 3 other girls with her. I love when random, fun events happen!

Exchanges;

We had exchanges this week and it was a blast! I went to another area with a greenie of her second transfer.I love the people in her area so much, and I love her! From her area, I was able to see the mountains again! We stopped by a lot of people and we also heart-attacked someone. Most importantly, I was taken out to lunch by someone from my last ward! One missionary had a birthday, so this member, under permission from our mission President, took the six of us out.

What was super cool was that I saw her a day before, and she told me how she was taking all these missionaries out. I was so blessed to be able to re-connect with her. Most members I know don't remember many missionaries, especially if you severe in an area for less than a transfer. Kris Hersey, however, remembered my name, where I was from, and all that jazz. What was cool was that once upon a time my mom texted her telling her it was my birthday, but then I moved areas. Then I saw her again and she took me out to lunch, it making 14 months since I came out to the mission field. What a tender mercy it was. 

Random things!

^My companion was saying a prayer to end one of our studies, and she fell asleep in the middle of it.

^We took our car to Maaco for an estimate on how much the damage, before I drove, would cost.

^On exchanges, I went running and got an awesome picture.

^I got my flute!!!!!

^On Sunday, Ashley told me I was her favorite.

^My mom sent me a challenge about me and pictures. If you want to check it out, hit me up and I'll give you access! :)

^I totally destroyed/ trimmed my flowers. I'm learning how to take care if them... I think..

^My body is being weird and is getting used to having less sugar. 

^While driving at night, these cars behind me usually have their lights on pretty bright. I took a picture of what it does to me.

^Houses/ apartments here are pretty weird. One place we went to, we walked in the front door of the house, climbed up the stairs, then came back down to the basement to find the guy's apartment. Apartment buildings here are locked, so it wasn't an apartment building, but we did totally just walk into a house and explore it for a bit, kind of weird here. I promise we didn't trespass. 

^Or car told us it was 111° this week, I'm dying. 

^I went on an elevator with NO buttons, it was to advanced for me. 

Shout-out;

-Car's license plate

-At the fair, missionaries were wanting the DJ to play "Perfect"

-I use these magical growing sponges, and I gave one to my comp and she loooved it. Thanks Grandma Berta!

-On exchanges, for lunch we went to a place that reminded me of Steak & Shake, so good!

- Sister Reynolds! 🐵

I love you all!!

My schedule just feels so off because I was emailing just 5 days ago. Time in general as a missionary is super confusing! One day every week, we plan for the upcoming week, and it just feels like that weekly planing session happens about every other day. I love my mission so much, bu someone needs to tell it to take a breath and slow down!

Kids;

For some reason, the Lord has blessed me with the ability to be around so many kids during the duration of my mission. Some Elders near us, gave us a call and told us that they were teaching some kids, and they needed some advice. My companion and I went on and on about different things or ideas that they could try, it was awesome. At church, there was a 10 yr old girl named Ashley. Before church, I introduced myself to her, and connected with her for a bit. Right before it started, she came over and asked to sit by me, and I was really able to bond with her, and get to know her more. Our 12 year old Recent Convert, Ryan, was sick the past 2 weeks, and he finally came to church again. Ryan holds the Aaronic Priesthood, but is currently too scared to pass the Sacrament. Little 8 year old, Nicole Montiel, is always so cute, and she never ceases to run up to me and give me hugs. Maria Chavez is a grandma of a Recent Convert, Brizeida, and her little sister, Lali, who wants to be baptized. Over the summer the moved to El Paso to be with their mom, they were living with Maria, but then she had surgery and got really sick. Maria is now recovering, and she might get the kids back, and if she does, we'll be able to start teaching them again! I love my mission and the little children I can grow a relationship with!  

BUS!; 

Been asked out on a date, hung out alone with the bus driver, talk to lots of people, meet crazy people, have lots of fun! Sadly, we are no longer allowed to share the bus pass/ the car because it hasn't been officially approved yet, but we're hoping that our car coordinator will get it approved. If not, I'm thankful for all he fun times we've been able to have on he RTD!!

Miracle;

Alrighty, this is an actual miracle. I've told a handful of people this and they say I have a very positive attitude, that m companion was the lucky one, or just think that I misspoke. Know, that this event legit made me so happy! :) So, my companion and I was talking from one bus stop to the next, ready to head home for the night. Then, here comes this car along the side of the road, pretty normal stuff. There was a puddle, and i went through it, not a big deal. Then! Out of no where, I get dunked with water from head to foot! It. Was. So. Fun! It was like I was on a movie, or like someone was purposely trying to splash the missionaries. I, being the generous soul that I am, accidentally protected my companion. It was late at night, and I was soaked, but I started getting a little chilly, but I wouldn't have traded that moment for anything! :) <3

Challenge;

Be yourself!! Bring yourself into everything that you do, and enjoy it to it's fullest! This week, while walking around from place to place, I decided that I would actually smell he flowers along the way. I also have a couple of whiteboards in my apartment, with some random school supplies. On the bus rides, I talk to some crazy people, while my companion looks away scared. Be safe, be smart, but be yourself! :)

Shout-outs;
-Saw a sign that said "Modern Bungalow"

-Found IBC Root-beer at Wing Stop

-Also at Wing Stop, an Elder pointed out the song playing, Perfect by Ed Sheeran

-At Wing Stop, I had BBQ wings, thanks family

--Sister Reynolds

From Yours Truly :)

Sorry for emailing so late in the week, P- day wad moved to Wednesday because Monday was Labor Day, and today we went to the temple. *says over a very echo-y microphone* For your entertainment, Sister Reynolds presents *drum rolls* another random email!! *crowd goes wild*

Learning Spanish;
One day, while my companion was meeting with someone for an hour, I worked on my Spanish. Now, I've been reading the Spanish Book of Mormon and going through some missionary Spanish books.

Exercising queen;
There's not a noticeable difference, but I've been working out pretty hard recently. I've also been slowly working on my diet. All my guys out there, and GA people, I want you to watch yourself! I'm working-out, and when I see you all again, I'm going to destroy you on a running and arm-wrestling competition. Boom!

Fish;
I was going to put this as a shout-out, but it was too important to put it so low. So! To explain, we has Zone Conference this week. The theme somehow ended up being about fish. The APs came in and had some fishing gear on, and taught us how to fish. Later on, President Savage gave us a different analogy about being a fish, and how that relates to missionary work. It was an amazing Zone Conference! Now, every time I've seen a fish this week, or heard of the name, I know that I'm doing good, surprisingly somehow they keep popping up everywhere.

Yellow Fellow;
As you all know, I love the color yellow. For proof, here's some yellow things I've bought and ate in the past 2 weeks. Lemons (duh), bananas, pineapples, corn, cheese, chips, and Mac & Cheese. Your welcome for this weird paragraph about the foreign food I eat :)

Random videos;

My companion and I found out how to start a video, pause it, and then continue it later. It's been super fun take random videos starting in one place, and then continuing on somewhere else. If anyone wants to see a super goofy video about me, my companion, the bus, downtown, etc. let me know, and I'll be able to hook you up real easy ;)

Bus rides and Colfax;

Man, I love riding the bus! This week, I noticed how scary and sketchy riding the  bus can be. Colfax at night is pretty bad. Our wonderful District Leader is suuuper protective over us, and even if we have the bus passes, he will NOT let us ride the 15/ Colfax bus at night. Know that we're still safe because we have an Elder who is basically like a super protective dad. I have learned, that some of my schools and activities I've been in have prepared me for some... interesting moments I've had while on the bus, or while I had to wait for it.

Shout-outs;
*I just have to call out two friends. I won't say your names, but I think it's hilarious and adorable how sad you seemed when I didn't email you this Monday. I love both of you.
*There's this Elder in my ward who refuses to eat any vegetables. I know someone who's dead/ in a coma/ will be alive in April, who was like that before she went on a mission. 

*Endless love!! Y'all I've gotten so many packages and letters, like one every other week for the past 2 months. Everyone here thinks I'm super popular now. I love all of you and the love you give me, you're my favorite!!!

--Sister Reynolds

Endless amount of miracles

Challenge;
Notice all the miracles that happen throughout your week. Here are just a few of mine! :)

Miracles;
♡We haven't seen the Montiel family in a while. Sister Montiel texted us and said that Nicole was missing us. We came over after school had ended, and surprised Nicole. Nicole ran up to me, hugged me, and just cried. I felt so loved by this adorable 8 year old, I love her with all my heart!!
♡Another opportunity arose for us to ride the bus. The people on the bus aren't... perfect souls, but I had a blast!
♡One day when we had no dinner, so I just took a 40 minute nap instead of eating food. It was sooo nice, but when we left I felt so out of it. I was backing up my companion, and an adorable lady yelled to me "You look so pretty!" Totally surprised me, and woke me up!!.

♡I'm now the DD/ Designated Driver. Usually I wouldn't put this as a miracle, but I'm more terrified of my companion driving than me. I'm pretty good at parking.
♡I haven't been getting fed much this week, but one night the Stake President's wife, who's in our ward, asked the Elders if they needed dinner. The Elders then hooked us up and made sure they could feed us too.
♡The Zone Leaders gave us our mail along with the City Park Elders' mail and laundry. Since City Park doesn't have a car, we drove pretty far to their place, which was scary on our miles. It was pretty cool to check out where they live. 

♡My mission is doing something called The 7 Day Challenge. To quickly explain it, each day the missionaries go out and seek for specific people in our ward as a way to find more people. In the center of Denver, we're not having the best luck, but it's great to know that the whole mission is doing the same specific something each day.
♡We had lunch with this potential investigator Liza, with a really cool member. I'm pretty sure she's just curious to learn about another faith where women play a strong role, but we'll see where it goes. 

♡At District Meeting, we brought Elder Graham, a greenie straight from the MTC, some graham crackers. Our district got a real good kick out of it, but poor Elder Graham hasn't been feeling too hot his first week out. 

♡We saw this less-active member named Vaughn in the hospital. He is super funny, goofy, and polite. He's also super crazy! The first time we saw Vaughn, he was in the ibc and had all these wires hooked up to him. He was super bored, so he kept texting us, and eventually we had to pay him a visit. There was a screen monitoring all these different things, when we asked him a bout it, he rang a nurse in and made her tell us everything, Vaughn likes bugging the people working there because he wanted a friend. The next time we saw him was because he kept telling us that he got moved and he had a really solid investigator for us, we had to go check it out. We got there, and the nurse told us "I don't know how you two got here, but.... you got into the most trouble maker room here". We taught Bill, the roommate, about the Book of Mormon, and it was pretty good. Vaughn (40s) and Bill (late 60s) were so fun to be around and see!!!!
♡Finally! We found Rhode Island and we got all 50 states while we were serving in City Park! 

Shout-out,
-Thanks to my mom for letting me steal some of her clothes to where someone called me pretty.
-Thanks too my annoying dad who made me parallel park worth real cars to get me ready for City Park!
-To all my people who graduated with me, the ward I'm in is CP and I'm the CP2 missionaries. The second high school I went to was CO, just thought it was funny.
-While out tracting, it gives me comfort that there's someone/ people I know who are doing the same work as me in other places.
-It's official, you're popular around the missionaries I serve around because of your never-ending amount of things you send.
-Thank you for all your prayers and support. 

--Sister Reynolds