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Monday 25 November 2013

Kaibab Weekly :)

Well this was an interesting week had exchanges from Monday to tues and this was actually my first proper exchange where we switched companions cause there are now elders in the other stake. Anyway it was really good!!! I learned alot. It was scary but I think I did OK. we went out to Co city which was interesting - always is but Sister Larsen was super excited to be in Co City. They didn't have my papers for my drivers licence (I think they lost it) So I was not able to drive during the exchange but I think I'm glad - I think I am used to being on the other side of the road but every now and then things shock me. LOL and I was able to direct then at least :)

But it was good to get my companion back - it really was so strange to not be around HER for such a long time. Well we had interviews with our Mission Pres on Wednesday and that was really good :) I love him and his wife so much :) I'm really glad that they are here to help us and be there for us :)

Friday The Young Ambassadors came and we were able to go watch them, though it was all about love songs and we felt a bit uncomfortable (not sure if it was the songs or the fact that we were sitting RIGHT in front) But that is where our investigator wanted to sit and she LOVED it wow she was going crazy!! But she is great! I love her to bits! It's great we see her almost every day. She is getting baptized on 14 Dec!!! =D But she is just a "dry Mormon" but there were a few complications with timing. Anyway I'm just glad that she is making this step of baptism :)

It was sooo funny Sister Allen called our one investigator Pam.... Her name is Sue... And so I tease her about it often... She doesn't even know any PAMS!!!!! ok So it might just be funny to me but now whenever we do or say something that doesn't make sense we say PAM!!! Who are you!!! Its fun :) 

Transfers have been on my mind so much lately :( They only NEXT week saturday!!! ahhhhh.

It was soooooo cold this last weekend wow I think I need to get boots... lol There was snow on the mountains (First snow in our area) and there was sleet on thursday But its good when we have apointments at least then it's not too cold haha. It's warmed up a bit today :) so I think it was just a cold spell. But won't be surprised if it happens again...



We spoke in one of the Fredonia wards yesterday and I was the final speaker!! Ok I only spoke for 15 minutes at least but the topic was Missionary work... I'm sure our stake is getting sick of that topic right about now. but it would help if they would act and not just listen!!! So I encourage all of you to ACT and not just listen. Pray for a missionary opportunity today! you will be blessed with them. Don;t be scared you know this stuff :) Read Elder Ballards talk: "Put your trust in the Lord" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/put-your-trust-in-the-lord?lang=eng

I used quite a few quotes there for my talk. Oh and for those in SA Missionary work is not a "mission".... Think about it.

Though for the week:
"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and 
behavior.
"The study of the doctrines of the gospel will 
improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior 
will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so 
forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel"

I know that as we study the DOCTRINE of Christ found in the scriptures that we will change as a result :) (Alma 5) I love this gospel I love my mission so far. And I know that this is the true Church on Earth today!

Clouds today:



I might email next tuesday only because we have Zone Conference with a member of the 70 Elder Arnold. But will only find out later this week if we are going monday or tuesday or wednesday... So I hope you all can hold out till then :)

Love you all!


Oh PS I got a hair cut last week... with some "Bangs" lol
PPS we are getting a JEEP on saturday for our area!!!!! YIPPY!!!!!!!!! they are getting 3 new Jeeps and we are getting one of them!!! :D

All My Best,

Sister Karen Hollander
St. George, Utah Mission
107S. 1470E. Suite 304
St. George Utah 84790
United States



Monday 18 November 2013

What? an investigator in Co City????!!! =D

Good Day everyone!!!

It's been such a good week!!! Ok yes our one investigator that is on date has changed her date like 3 times this week but its ok we are just back onto the 14th Dec... She is so great we love teaching her but she does like to chat quite a bit... She could totally get baptised this week if she wanted to :) but - there is always a but... But WE will pray for a miracle!

We had such an amazing lesson with a less active Couple (she is active but he is not) He has been on a bishopbric before and they have been married in the Temple but he is currently chewing tabbaco and it's sad to see. And he wants to quit but has been struggling. But with our second visit after just committing them to pray together as a couple he has taken his own initiative and started to read the BOM on his own in private - his wife didn't even know about it. He also shared how he gained his testimony the first time of the BOM and he is already in 2 Ne so I really think that changes are about to happen in that family :) we are so excited for them! It's so great when those you teach DO what you ask them to.

On wednesday we GOT AN INVESTIGATOR IN COLORADO CITY!!!!! She is from the polygamist Crick in Mexico but she is actually the cousin of the Ward mission leader. Its so great and she went to BOTH sessions of General Conference and went to church this last sunday! I'm so excited to help her recognize the spirit and recognize the priesthood authority that we have. She is so great!

On Thursday we got ANOTHER investigator! Miracles have happened this week. But it is all through the members efforts. This lady has been fellowshipped by the Bishop of one of the wards and his family and we would not be able to get into their house any other way. So please remember to work with your friends and introduce them to the missionaries and work with the missionaries to help them come closer to their Savior. we can only ADD to what people already know!

I'm so grateful for this opportunity I have to serve here in the Kaibab Stake But I really am hoping that our area will get split because there is just so much work all of a sudden.

I encourage all of you to, in your families work out your own "Family Mission Plan" Maybe ask the ward what their mission plan is and see how YOU and your family can help the ward reach their goals. Identify families and make plans of what YOU can do with them. (Dinner, FHE, Church, Christmas fireside, Activity, Family Activities) When you gain a testimony of this gospel you wish to share it with your friends. Or even if you just start by reading Preach my gospel in your families. Use it in FHE.

I love missionary work. I love testifying everyday of what I know to be true.

Amla 37:6-7

" Now ye may suppose that this is afoolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by bsmall and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

 And the Lord God doth work by ameans to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very bsmall means the Lord doth cconfound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls."

What small and simple things are you doing to bring about the salvation of many souls?

I love you all!



All My Best,

Sister Karen Hollander
St. George, Utah Mission
107S. 1470E. Suite 304
St. George Utah 84790
United States

Monday 11 November 2013

Life in the Kiabab

Goood Afternoon all!!!

Not much time.

This week has been great. I love it when we are able to actually teach people! I don't know if I have been discerning needs as well as I could but it is a work in progress. And My goal this week is "It's More Important to be kind than Right" and I find that I really need to remember that. It's a quote I wrote down in my first year of seminary with Sis Debbie Pienaar as my teacher. How I love that Heavenly Father brings to your mind things to your memory things that you learned many many moons ago. It reminds me of my amazing Sister Deirdre (Deidz) who, when we were younger, whenever we got into a fight and i would stalk off and "slam" my door to sulk in my room would have that Christlike approach and made me a toasted cheese sandwich :) she has always been such an example of service and love. And I want to be like her when I grow up. There is still so much I have to learn but I am just so grateful that I have a loving and supporting family. Who really help me in my everyday life.

We have seen so many of the Lords Tender mercies toward us as a companionship. We have had rough times and good times and I know heavenly father keeps his promises - if you remember our scripture we used as our moto for our companionship: Alma 17:11
 11 And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good  examples unto them in me, and will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.

I know we are now seeing the fruits of our labours. But we needed to be patient!!

We went to the philipino resturant here in town and I think it is the most exotic food we will eat here besides mexican lol It was sooooo good though. a member in one of our wards own it so we ate there for free - crazy how often that happens.

Stake conference was this weekend for all the south and east parts of Utah. it was sooo goood. The adult session was all about the hastening of the work - and there was one lady who spoke who had such an amazing story to tell. She ran the "Grand to Grand" which is 167 Mile Race. (Don't ask me in Kms I don't know) And al that is provided is a tent. They have to pack everything else and then they have to run/walk with all their food and bedding and and and on their backs (20 Pounds). I don't have time to tell her story but here are some notes from her talk:

"Instead of asking Heavenly father to bless us we should ask the Lord what we can do for Him" - MISSIONARY WORK

"Live in such a way that people who know you but don't know Christ will want to know Christ because they know you" - Bishop H David Burton (Also Liezel's Favourite scripture)

People watch you and notice what you do. A Lady from China/Tokyo draw a picture of Julie and gave it to her and it was of Julie reading her scriptures every night.

Live so that you can serve someone TODAY.

She picked up two walking sticks on her journey and she said that they represented faith and works. At first she had faith, but as she shared her faith with those around her she put her faith into action and she said that faith without works is not enough.

I hope that we can all let our light shine, let our good examples be shown to all those around us :) And share our testimonies TODAY. I invite you all to prayfully select a friend today that could use the gospel in their life (Everyone) and invite them over for FHE, or dinner with the missionaries. We as missionaries cannot do it without YOU - the members.

I love you all.

<Sorry no pictures>

All My Best,

Sister Karen Hollander
St. George, Utah Mission
107S. 1470E. Suite 304
St. George Utah 84790
United States