Power of Trios

It feels so awesome to be in a trio again! For a long while now, we've been asked to get 10 actual contacts everyday. These past few days the three of us have been on fire! Also, it makes things so much more interesting with a small party rather than you and only one other.

To entertain ourselves, Sister Christensen and I decided to make/ add to our coin jar. Every time we see a coin on the ground, we pick it up and just let our tiny piles grow. Now that we have Sister Pease, we told her of this new way of life. The only thing is, we have a car now, so it makes it a little harder to find them with less walking. Plus, there's three of us, and so it's more likely that another one will pick it. It's a fun, random activity.

On Friday, we had an adventure of things happen. I was gone most of the day at MLC (Missionary Leadership Council). I left a bit after 7, then carpooled a lot, and eventually made it to the church. There were a total of 5 of our companionships, each companionship had one STL. My companions spent the morning at our apartment and cleaned-out our whole room once again. Friday was the last time that they were spraying our place, and I'm glad that's over with. Then, to my surprise, MLC ended not too long before dinner and my companions picked me up in a car! Miracles do exist!! We no longer have to be on foot, it's crazy. I'm still making Sister Christensen drive until they tell us that I'm the DD (designated driver), which it's not official yet, but I know I probably am.

Last night we went over and taught Sarah. She is the cutest thing ever and I really love her! Her faith is so huge and she's willing to keep all the commitments we give her. Just like it is for all of us, life isn't easy for her all the time. She really wants to be baptized, but because of things outside of her control, there is something she had to follow first. We will continue to teach her all the lessons and get her to read more in the Book of Mormon.

During our lesson, these Elders called us. We ignored them, but then they called again. We decided to answer it, and at 8:30 at night they were driving over to President and Sister Savage's (the mission president and wife) house. They asked me to join. We finished our lesson with Sarah and then ran on over! We discussed some things concerning Meet the Missionaries. I was finally able to offer a lot of my ideas on the table about what should be done, and my companions were in the room next door just hanging out. The Savages know little about stage hand and sound, but the two Elders know a pretty good amount. I felt super special to be in such a small group discussing my passion and really being heard. Somehow, we were only there until 10:15 and didn't go way over. As missionaries, we get up at 6:30am, have to be outside doing missionary work from 10am-9pm, and then lights out by 10:30pm. This week, the musically talented missionaries will meet 4 days and have practice for 3 hours one day, and 5 hours the other three. There's a pretty big likelihood that I can really join them. I've been waiting to be apart of this since the middle of October (that's when I talked to President and he said I could be in it), and I've heard about missionaries doing this since even before that. First the two Elders that I was with last night were called to be in it. They created all the songs. Next I was asked to be in it. Then just pretty recently, 2 more Elders and 4 Sisters (who are mostly extremely new to the mission) joined in. It's been a fun and interesting process!

Shout-outs;
-At MLC they told us to be like a lion.
-I contacted someone in Spanish!!

-Sister Reynolds :)

I just got here!

My brain is totally fried for all that has happened this week and a half, I can't even remember what there is to report on.

Over a week ago, we took a little trip to the mission office so my companion could pay a fee, we could return some bug spray, and so I could say by to the wonderful Elder and Sister Etherington. I remember when they came into the mission for the very first time. I met them in the mission office, and then the very next day I was in Georgia. When I came back, I became very close to them, and they really mean the world to me!

At the beginning of last week, we had an event change our life.Wednesday morning we took our car into the shop. Tuesday night our Malibu was beeping at us and saying that our Engine Power was Reduced. We contacted our car coordinator and asked about what we should do. He told us to take it in and have people look at it. We called ahead of time, and they wouldn't let us schedule an appointment. We took it in to a guy who goes by the name Tall Tom (yes, he actually is pretty tall). Anyways, we asked him how long he think it'd take, and he said that he'd just contact us when it's done. We expected that it would take about two hours.... and now it's been over a week. As a result, we've been walking everywhere, including through different weathers where they have actually grounded cars because of how unsafe it became. We rode the bus once, hurt our toes, carried many hand warmers around, slid many many times (it's a new talent that I'm calling Slippery Trickery), walked half an hour one way on multiple occasions, became really dizzy, on the verge of becoming sick, was uncontrollably shivering inside for over four hours, I think my pinkie toe is broken, I somehow was bleeding from a nice big space on my leg onto my tights, etc. I love these random adventures. I think it's super fun and funny!!

Meet The Missionaries: I don't have much information on this, but I know what songs are being sung and the dates of it all going down. They let me listen to everything on Monday, the first day the missionaries were practicing on the stage, and it was pretty good. I also joined the practice that was on Wednesday as well. There's been a lot more practices, but I was just popping in. There are a lot of ideas that they're thinking about implementing, but nothing seems to really be making sense. I'm not too positive on all they want me to do yet, but I have totally blocked the whole thing and have created different set and prop lists. Hopefully I can start being more involved, but right now I haven't done much. However, I am excited to be able to follow these missionaries around the mission and do whatever they'll let me do!!

Other stuff from this week is included as follows. We were kicked-out of our apartment, even though we don't have a car, for 8 hours so people could spray anti-bug stuff. Went to a talk about institute by John Bytheway. Did service at a Food Bank. Had a lesson and a church tour with Tony, and he didn't end up coming to church. Got stuck in the middle of our area, with no car, far away from our apartment and church building, and couldn't get a hold of anyone for a long while. Skipped going to one of our wards because we didn't have a way to get there, now we don't cover that ward anymore. Met some of the greenies when the music missionaries sang to them after practice. Got a ride from basically everyone we know. Experienced near death. Most importantly, had fun and partied!

Transfers were today, and I saw a lot of my old Elder friends. I reconnected with so many of them, and they helped let me know that the clock is ticking. My reality is so shaken-up. My companions, Sister Christensen and Sister Pease, were making fun of me and telling me that I'm in the denial stage. The truth is, I'll be a missionary forever, the end.

Shout-outs;
-I taught the less active member twice since last time I emailed. He's about 61, plays golf about every weekend, and he lived off of Andrews street (at a house that used to be owned by his family) in Edinburgh.
-Thanks for the black gloves to keep my hands warm!
Special Shout-outs;
*I thought about you almost every day to try and figure out what should go here. Now I can't remember anything I thought of..*
-At these one members house, they had 4 little girls, each girl had completely bleach blonde hair.
-Ummm... something about make-up or hair..
-Other things and stuff.
-More stuff because I love ya!

Sister Reynolds :)

Sister's Are the Top Dogs

It's super weird, some people are counting down the days until when I go home. They informed me that I'm now in the double digits, I don't like this decrease in time. Also, heads-up, my P-Day next week will be moved to Thursday due to our transfers coming up. For now on, every 6 weeks it will be that way!

Last P-day we had Zone P-day! As the usual and typical thing to do, we played some sports. It was a little crazy, yet pretty fun. We have a really big zone, so I feel like I don't really know anyone here, but they all seem cool.

Sister's Conference was on Tuesday! A little more than a third of the sisters in the mission got together to have a special meeting. We had some senior sisters give us some really good trainings, they fed us lunch, we did some silly activities, and also had a fashion show. For the fashion show, we were showing the other sisters what was and wasn't appropriate to wear on a mission. I was a dis-obedient missionary, who could've guessed. Of course, I was overly dramatic with the jewelry and crazy outfit, I made the sisters laugh and have a good time. Also, one of the senior missionaries texted one of our APs, who actually came out with me, and asked him who he knew that could help set-up some computers to a tv for some presentations. Apparently, this Elder suggested me. Fun fact, just because I know theatre tech, doesn't mean I know tech tech, but I was more than ecstatic to be specifically called up and help out. The more I talk to others, the more I find out how Sister Savage told tons of people that I was going to be apart of an upcoming musical fireside called Meet the Missionaries!

We had exchanges with the sisters that I'm over. I went over to their area and we had a blast! I was with Sister Haderlie and Sister Draney, and I pretty sure they're the absolute sweetest sisters in the world!! It was actually almost scary how perfect the two of them really are, I love them. They taught me how to do OTC (Online Teaching Center), it was so cool how missionaries can literally talk to anyone anywhere. If you're ever curious on talking to missionaries, just go to mormon.org

#LightTheWorld | Mormon.org Come participate in our worship services, activities, and programs. You can feel the joy of the gospel as you get involved in a community of fellowship, service, and love. mormon.org

and start a chat or request something. There's so many people online waiting for those who want to talk. 

We went to choir practice for the first time in the Red Leaf Ward. We were really impressed by how well everyone sounded and by the amazing choice of the music.

Interviews with President Savage were on Sunday. We discussed a few things about the areas and my companion briefly. Then we got to the good stuff. President Savage was telling me how they were progressing on the Meet the Missionary practices on a musical stand point. President explained some of the struggles and ideas. I told him how I was practically going crazy just sitting in the background waiting. As someone that has been as involved with theatre and the whole process as I have been, I feel like I have to be in the center of the whole creation. I was informed that they didn't want to waste my time, so they've been holding off a little until I fully come into the picture. I had the chance to ask President Savage what exactly I was doing. He said that he wants me to help out with the lights and props and all that jazz. Then more specifically, he wants me to work the sound during the performances. He asked me if I would be okay doing that, and I'm all in. They might be ready for me to jump on the ship by Wednesday, but I'm not going to count on anything. Performances for this start at the end of February and go until sometime in April. I'm super excited I get to do one of my top few dream jobs while I'm serving the Lord!!

Shout-outs;

-Only reason I knew how to help-out with Sister's Conference was because of having to hook-up some video gaming units.

-My ward mission leader/ a senior missionary/ the Elder who is the secretary to the mission president/ a recent convert of five years/ Elder Martin loves Bruce R. McConkie. In fact, that's his favorite person and he reads all of his books!

-My companion loves the Fruit Smiles fruit snacks.

-Too many kids know about and play Fortnite, I'm glad I learned some things from you before I came back out.

Sister Aubrey Kaye Reynolds :)

Another Week of Gathering Israel!!

I greatly apologize, but my motivation to write these is really lacking today. A quick update on my week!

☆Bed bugs- Funny story, we had bed bugs. Which, in fact, all started having names. Only one if them bit me, and I blame that on the one that Sister Christensen named. We had to completely tear-up our bedroom, and then we were kicked out of our place for most of the day. We also went to this super sketchy place to throw all/ 100%/ literally everything we own/ nothing left in the closet or drawers of our laundry into these heat, like burning heat, dryer. It was super fun, and now all my clothes smell pretty gross, most of them have shrunk, and they're extremely wrinkly. I really enjoy when crazy things happen, but I just have to figure out how to get new clothes or fix my old ones. 

☆Car tow warning- My companion is a little off when parking. One day we parked to go to our apartment, did a little studies, and when we came out there was a bright orange sticker telling us how we can't do double parking or our car is going to go bye bye  

☆Stuck in the snow- It has snowed a lot recently. One day, we were parked uphill and stayed at someone's house for an hour or so, as we were dealing with bed bug stuff, and when we came out, it took multiple tries to figure out how to get our car to move. 

☆Zone conference- Zone conference was pretty good. The Elders from my old zone have decided to not disown me. At lunch time, my companion and I were trying to figure out where to sit. Three sets Elders, 3 are still greenies, the other 3 are training them, called us over to sit with them. I'm so thankful for them and their love towards the both of us, it made my week!

Shout-outs;

-I'm really becoming a fan of guacomole now, I'm prepared to see you when I come home. 

-My favorite face to make is still \(^.^\)

☆Sister Reynolds☆

Here Comes a New Year!

I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas!! The years just seem to come and go, I don't know how I've been out on my first full-time mission for so long. 

On Christmas Eve, my Zone and I went hiking up Flatirons and it was so fun! I realized that I need to do better work-outs in the mornings. Once everyone made it to the top of the mountain, we all sat on two giant rocks that were hanging off the cliff and read Luke 1 and 2. The Spirit was so strong and I loved being with some of my best friends! As we hiked down the mountain, half the time we just slid down because of how much ice was present. It was loads of fun. That night, a member took us out and we caroled her neighborhood with her. It was cool to see how many neighbors she had befriended.

Christmas Day was a blast! The call home was a struggle to get the wifi to work. After many attempts, we were finally able to work things out and I was able to talk to everyone.

I love and miss my family, but the phone call just felt like a regular conversation with them. It won't be too long until I get to bug them in person. We had Breakfast at one house, watched 7 Brides for 7 Brothers and ate a little lunch somewhere else, then we watched Trolls (not my choice), and the forth house we had dinner and played some games. I would say it was a well-filled Christmas season!

(Shane got married on the 29th in the Houston Temple. Sister Reynolds was there in spirit.)

This week we are teaching two new people. One of them is Terry. He is an older gentleman that loves cars and has two really expensive ones. We've taught him the Plan of Salvation and will continue giving him the lessons. On Friday night we were knocking on some doors and found Esmeralda. She is super cute and is a little younger with a 15 year old boy. She said that she knows she needs to be getting closer to God, and knows that we came over to her house for a reason. Saturday night, we also taught her the Plan of Salvation and will see where she goes. While leaving her place, we went to the parking lot to find that someone blocked our car in. The neighbors were mad that we took the spot where they usually park. We didn't so anything illegal, but they threatened to call the police. It was funny, and we almost did the same. 

We have been working on finding more people to teach and cleaning up some records that have been kept. It's been a super productive time as a missionary in the Boulder area! I can't wait to see what next year holds. There are exciting things that are about to happen here in Colorado, and I'm ready to be able to participate in those. I'll keep all of you updated as the time goes on!

Shout-outs;

-After Christmas dinner we played Skip-o

-We also played Nerf Gun wars

-Then we played a board game version of an escape room

Sister Reynolds :)

Absolutely Crazy week!

 Transfers were on Thursday, but we got Sister Couper Tuesday night. She is an amazing missionary, is from the Salt Lake Temple Square Mission, and is actually from Scotland. Her accent is gorgeous!

We had our transfer meal with all of the missionaries in the Stake. About 15 minutes before it started, the Elders gave us a call and asked me to give a training. According to them, I'm the STL again and they wanted to utilize me last minute. They're awesome some leaders and I'm thankful for them! After dinner, we went carrying in our Stake President's neighborhood. It was a little difficult going door to door with a ton of missionaries and their family, but we totally killed it! 

The members we live with are on a short two day trip, and they asked us to take care of their two tiny dogs. Of course, I was more than happy to have two new pets.

The Shitzu sleeps with the members, and offered them sleeping by us, and I gladly accepted. It's been a blast looking after them. Unfortunately, my other two companions aren't so happy and are pretty grossed out and just uncomfortable. They listen to me pretty well. All in all, let's just say we're practically besties! 

Last night we came home, and the fire alarm was just going off. The fire alarm downstairs had a dead battery, and wouldn't shut-up. We called our Zone Leaders and they convinced us that it wouldn't be a bad thing to go to the store on a Sunday and get a battery. The two dogs that we're watching were totally freaked out! I took them out back so they were away from the noise. A few minutes later, I opened the door, and saw them staring at me from a distance. I left them alone, and when I came back, they ran to the other side of the house. My heart went out to them, so us with our missionary tags took a fun trip to Walmart. 

They're seriously super cute though! We came home today and I took a short nap. While I was laying in bed, they came over and tried to jump on the bed. Since the other two sisters don't like them that much, they tried calling them to go to the kitchen, but they were too determined to come and lay by me. The little one shakes every time I leave her, they're just precious.

Randon things; Got blessed by this women, my companion was super light headed and sort of fainted, had a Christmas Party, my Zone listened to the idea of doing a white elephant gift exchange last week, another guy answered the door practically naked, went to a wonderful place called Sweet Cow, gained 5 new potentials, went to Firestone,

did a quick service with the old District, went to a Book of Mormon class, stopped-by a lot of people and knocked some doors around them, did a Flashmob in Boulder

and had practice in Arvada, a few kids spit on us and threw our stuff, and just have too many things to even express over an email. 

Well, have a wonderful Christmas for me please!! Hope you're all safe and sound and stay your beautiful selves!

Shout-outs;
-Jake, your twin slept with me. Copper, it wasn't the same without you. 

'Tis the Season

I just love December! I love the cold and the wonderful Spirit of Jesus Christ. Light The World is still going on. This week my companions and I did "Light the Community" this week by baking cookies and giving it to the police officers and fire fighters. It was pretty fun!

There were exchanges this week, and I had a blast. I was with this amazing sister that I'm over, and she's such a sweetheart. Sister Belnap is a missionary that I love for a trillion different reasons. We slept in the same apartment as this other companionship on exchanges, and it was a real party. We also did service with their Zone, and I for a fresh view of other missionaries I have yet top run into this far out here. 

 On Wednesday we went to the temple. It was a really spiritual and uplifting experience. "I love to see the temple,  I'm going there..." whenever I can. I was able to relax from some not so fun things going on in the world, and I'm very grateful. Sister Savage found me while in the temple, there are great things that are awaiting my arrival starting in Janurary, I'll keep ya'll posted! 

On Saturday our lovely 10 year old that we're teaching got baptized. Aiden is pretty cool, and he's also pretty crazy. We're working with members to better help all the needs he has. I'm so excited for him and what the gift of the Holy Ghost will do for him now and throughout the rest of his life. 

This week, and throughout most of this transfer, I've gotten myself into a lot of fights. In the place I live, the speed limit ranges from 35-60, and I follow the posted speed limit. On some roads, my little friend doesn't know the real speed limit, so I get yelled at pretty often. What do I do? My stubborn self fights back. No matter all my efforts, TIWI always seems to win. I love TIWI, but I've got places to go and be, and so

do the other cars around me. Usually, TIWI does keep me in-check, it's not nice to make me look bad when I'm really just following the street signs. 

A super exciting and fun thing that I'm just absolutely in love with is that my District is coming up with the outstanding musical number. We have another zone conference coming up in the next week, probably because Christmas is right around the corner, and they asked each District to do something. Some districts are only having a select few people participate, but all 8 of us are going all in on what we've got planned. As a theatre person, I'm right on-top of a lot/ basically most of the ideas. We have a piano, guitar, and flute player. There's three different languages involved. There's good movements and actions going on. It's a pretty fun melody we have. Overall, it's the best thing this mission will ever see. It's not that good, but reach out to me for the video!! We had a Christmas Party Saturday night, and the 5 Elders were invited, by the first counselor on the bishopric, and they asked us to perform something. Out of nowhere, we all grabbed our stuff, and performed in front of one of my wards. We weren't really prepared, but oh man, I loved every minute of it. 

Shout-outs;
♡I love random, unexpected things! This week, while I was with missionaries on my Zone, and the senior ones that work in the office. I got a small package from an unknown source. In the package was..... Santa.. coming down in a parachute... I doubt understand it, and I can't figure out who sent it, but the missionaries and I are just in love with it! Thank you so much from whoever it's from. For you, here's this shout out, and only one this week. I love ya!!

Sister Reynolds