Working as a Trainer!

Here's my Companions! Sister Worrall is the one in the purple shirt, Sister Bell is in the blue!

Letter #36- Changes Are Wonderful

June 29, 2015

Dear Everyone,

Hello! Hope all is going well back at home! This week has been the best! There has been a lot of changes in the last couple of days!

President and Sister Brinkerhoff went home yesterday morning! President and Sister Hancock are here today in the Mission Office! I got a new companion, Sister Worrall (who is NOT allow to go home)! Just kidding, she'll be done with her Mission in about a month and a half! I don't approve, but unfortunately it has to happen. Together, Sister Worrall and I, are training a New Missionary! Her name is Sister Bell, and she is a LION! :) When Sister Worrall goes home, I'll be finishing her training. As the packet has said, "The responsibility to train a new missionary is a SACRED TRUST from YOUR MISSION PRESIDENT and from THE LORD!" When I was told that I was going to train, and when I read that part, I feel an honor to take this part of responsibility to be an example! I have gain trust from my Father in Heaven that I can uplift, love, strengthen, help, comfort, (the list goes on) a new missionary! I don't know how many times I have been giving THANKS to my HEAVENLY FATHER for trusting me and allowing me to have this opportunity! I am grateful to have Sister Worrall here to help me a little bit, since she got to train a couple of times!

I love these Sisters so very much! I'll tell you all a little bit about both of them. Sister Worrall is from Oklahoma! She's been out for seventeen months! I love having her as a companion because she is in tune with the Spirit! She was my Sister Training Leader when I was in Ammon area, and I am grateful to be her companion for her last transfer! Sister Bell is from Kansas City, Missouri! She's been out for five days! I love having her as a companion because she is freshly new (learning and experiencing, and adjusting) :) I love that she strive to put her trust in the Savior and just talks A LOT! Which is good!

I feel happy and successful and very grateful to be serving with these Sisters! We are working hard and looking for every opportunities to serve and talk with everyone!

On Wednesday, Sister Worrall and I went out with a member. We were talking with everyone! Then we felt impress to go to the Griffith's. We went over and it was just Marie home. She's less active. We talked about the Atonement and the Savior. At the end I told Marie, "Marie, I have just one question for you," I made direct eye contact with her, "What is holding you back from going to Church? Is it because you don't have support or a friend there?" Right when we asked that question, tears were just rolling down her cheeks. She cried and said, "I don't know anyone here. And I feel embarrassed to go to Church by myself without Jason." We listened with love and I continue to ask her questions. Sister Worrall then asked, "Would it help if you had Visiting and Home Teachers here?" She said, "YES!" ** You don't love those that you teach or those you're around. . .until you understand them! You have you ask questions, you're not interrogating. . .you are showing love! That is one way how the Savior loved His people! **

Later that night, we were planning. We pulled out the Area Book and looked through some people we could visit. I looked through that Area Book probably more than twenty times! But there was a Teaching Record I have never seen before! So we planned to see them the next day. The next day, we picked up Sister Bell from the Mission Office. We had a member coming out with us. We decided to go on splits. Sister Worrall went to go see the new name with the member, while Sister Bell and I were tracting together. We came back together and report! Sister Worrall was able to set up a return appointment with Angela! It was amazing!

I ama running out of times! But I wanted to share that experience because, we went with what the Spirit told us! We listened carefully and planned the way the Lord has prepared for this person! It was great!

Love you all!

Sister Hatch. 

A few Pictures....

June 22, 2015

Zone Activity! Whip Cream

SISTER RICHIERICH!!! :)

Letter #35- Inspired Questions Brings Miracles!

June 15, 2015

Dear Everyone,

This week has been a little bit hard, but I have loved seeing people changed!

My wonderful companion, Sister Vere, and I were able to teach a young boy who has inactive parents. Before I go any furthur, I would like to flash back to when we first them.

My companion at the time, Sister Ikimau, and I were tracting in this neighborhood. As we were walking we saw this man outside, across the road, smoking. I will be honest, the thoughts in my head were, "Oh, that guy looks scary! He's not going to want to talk to us!" But then Sister Ikimau and I quietly talked with each other about whether or not to talk to him. We went anyway! We told each other, "Let's just go talk to him!" We crossed the road and the whole time, the man has been watching us. We smiled and greet ourselves to him. He had a rugged look on his face, but I could feel something. After we got to know him, we asked inspired questions. His name is Kelley. He left the Church when he was seventeen. Never went back since. We asked him if we could come back, he said, "You can come back, but don't talk about Church with us."

After a few times, Sister Ikimau and I would go back. We would some how sqeeze a few things that talked about the Atonement, Family, or committing them to take the lessons. I remember when Sister Ikimau was tearing up as Kelley and his wife, Pat, talked. After the lessons, I asked Sister Ikimau if everything was okay. She said, "Sister, as he was talking, I could just imagine I was in the Savior's place. Just listening to them share their experiences. . ."

Sister Ikimau and I asked Kelley and Pat, "Would your kids like to take the lessons?" Kelley would respond, "Only if they want to, but we're not going to force them into it."

We didn't stop. One time we were walking and we saw their daughter, Barbara, outside in her hoodie. We talked with Barbara for a while. She told us that one of her friend have just passed away. Sister Ikimau and I talked with her about the Plan of Salvation. We gave her a Plan of Salvation pamphlet.

After trying to catch them home for a few weeks, Sister Ikimau left Pocatello.

A couple days after transfer, Sister Vere and I went with a member to their home. We had a chat with them for a few minutes. Their nine years old, soon to be ten this week, son came out and stood on the porch with us. His name is Joe. I watched Joe for a little while, then I looked at Pat. I asked her, "Pat, you said that if your kids wanted to, you'd let them take some lessons?" She nods her head. Then I asked both Kelley and Pat, "Would you support them in it if they did?" They both said, "Yes." Then I asked if it was okay if I asked Joe. I turned to Joe, "Joe, would you like to take lessons?" He was excited and he said, "YES! YES! YES!" His parents asked us, "Could you explain what it is to him?" Sister Vere and I briefly explained what we teach and talked about baptism. We extended a Baptismal invite, then we set up a return appointment.

I could remember leaving that home feeling so happy and overjoyed! Ever since that day, Sister Vere and I prayed and prayed and PRAYED for Joe and his Family! He literally wasn't off our mind!

That next week we taught the first lessons. We begin briefly the "How to begin Teaching" bullet points. We taught the Restoration and it was amazing! The Spirit was there, Joe asked A LOT of questions about the Priesthood! At the end of the lesson we committed him to read the Book of Mormon, to start out reading one verse a day. Then his Mom, who was in the lesson with us, started to tell us that she wants to start coming back to Church! For the first time, she admit that she was a member of the Church! We invited them to Chruch, Pat said, "Once when I get done with some school work,  I would love to come!" Which will be this upcoming week. We invited Joe, he said, "No thank you." He may wants to come with his whole Family, which is wonderful!

We set up a return appointment for the next week.

Again, since we left their home. Sister Vere and I prayed everyday - all day for the Family!

That next week we had our second lesson. We did some follow ups and open with a prayer.

We taught the Plan of Salvation. Joe has a little short-term attention, but as we were teaching him, I notice that he was literally glued to the lesson. He wondered and asked questions. At the end we asked a few review questions. Joe got almost every single answer! Right there and then, we asked Pat, "What are your thoughts about Joe being Baptize? Is that something you or he would like to do?" Pat nods, "I just leave it up to him. If he wants to be Baptize, that is great!"

And he does! Sister Vere and I are still praying much for Joe! We're planning to set a Baptism date next week!

I love being a Missionary! I know that The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored this Latter-day! I know that President Thomas S. Monson is the living Prophet today! And I know that we are on safe course as we follow the Prophet, who knows our day and what we need. I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know He loves us and that He was willing to pay the price for us, so that we all can be clean! I know that the Book of Mormon are the words of Christ. And by reading it, you will come closer to our loving Father in Heaven.

I love you all!

Sister Hatch.

Letter #34- Serve Others, Love Yourself!

May 25, 2015

Dear Friends and Family,

This week was outstanding! I have loved putting the Lord's trust continually, as we show the love and concerns for others!

Before Sister Ikimau left to Shelley, we visited a few people. One of them is a lady by the name of Rose King. What Sister Ikimau and I have called her was our "active investigator". Which means they pay their tithes, they fast, pray, attend Church regularly, read the Book of Mormon, etc. They just won't get baptize! We started with an opening prayer. As I closed the prayer, I had this bad feeling, I wasn't sure why. Right after the prayer, Rose express that she basically wasn't happy. She sounded a little bitter as she went on. She claims she has a stronger testimony than anyone else, that she knows the Church is true, that she knows the scripture better than anyone else. . .she just went on slapping her jaw off! I just listened, I looked at her in the eyes, and then it came to me! Sister Ikimau testified a few times, answering her questions, but Rose declined or told her off! I felt the Spirit tell me to let Rose know something. I sat up against the edge of the couch, my heart was pounding FAST and LOUDER, and LOUDER! I went to share what the Spirit was directing me to say, but every time I went to open my mouth, she continued on! Eventually the topic was changing, I still felt the need to share what the Spirit told me. I kept trying to speak, but Rose kept changing topics! My heart was racing, until it finally slowed down towards the end of our discussion.

I can't explain exactly what the Spirit wanted me to say, but it was strong! I could feel it! After the lesson with Rose, we discussed together how the lesson went. Sister Warren was with us, since her companion went home. Sister Warren said, "The important thing for Rose King today was to feel understood." We probably couldn't say much, but to just listen with love. And that's what Rose needed. As we discussed, Sister Warren asked, "What does Rose need? There's something deeper that she needs more than what she have expressed. Because obviously, she would be baptize by then!" We talked about that we need to pull the wires and ask the hard questions! I am trying to figure out Rose. And I think Sister Vere, the amazing testimony she has, can help fix Rose's problem!

On Sister Ikimau's last night in Pocatello, we went to go see Anthony and Stormy. I felt so sad for Anthony. As his wife shared what he have done and said the other day, she told him to "give up drinking or me and Evony." Anthony loves his Family so much, but of course he is addicted to drinking. He decided to give up drinking. We asked how he was feeling, he said, "Embarrassed." Sister Ikimau and I talked with Anthony for a bit. Anthony then got up and walked out for a smoke. We could hear him yelling from outside, he was filled with anger. As I write this, it makes my heart aches and I just want to cry for both Anthony and Stormy! I want to help! We told Anthony that coming to Church is going to resist the temptation of smoking or drinking. And with Church, it'll help him and Stormy to quite arguing or fighting so much. I know that attending Church regularly with the desire to go, will strengthen your relationship with Family! And Church will help you change to become a better person as you partake of the Sacrament.

Sister Vere and I met with Chris! Chris was the young man that Sister Ikimau and I met, he was working on his Chevy truck. We went over to him, "Hi Chris!" "Hi!" He said. We talked with him for a few minutes. He was putting a new Radio Station in, because he was on his way to Washington in about a few weeks. We asked if he read the pamplets or the Book of Mormon. Chris said, "I have read two chapters of the Book of Mormon." We asked if he felt anything as he read it, he said, "I feel that I am not alone." Every time we meet with Chris, he is softening up. We shared 2 Nephi 5:27, "And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness." Chris smiled as we testified of that scripture. We asked if we could close with a prayer, he smiled, "Yes!" After the prayer, Chris looked at all four of us (we had two young women with us) and he said, "I will be looking forward to be meeting the four of you again." He smiled again! We told him to have a good day and walked away. When we got furthur down the street, I couldn't stop smiling! I was so happy for Chris! I know he will someday meet officially with the Missionaries! So grateful for this experience!

For personal study I read my Patriarchal Blessing. I asked Heavenly Father to show me what I need for the day to share with others. I couldn't help but to be filled with great joy as I read my Patriarchal Blessing and feel the love of God. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of all of His Children circumstances and He knows each of us personally! If you don't know that, I want to invite you to look into that. Prayed to Him, seek to look at others and love others as the Savior would love them, if you don't have one - get a Patriarchal Blessing. I know that you will realize you are not alone, Heavenly Father is taking care of each of us.

I love you all!

Sincerely,

Sister Hatch.

Our Zone went on a hike for the last time together

 we saw snakes everywhere!

Doing our poses :)

HAHAHA! We all have some intense or silly faces!

JUMP!

 All four of the Sisters!

Sister Ikimau saying good-bye to some of the boys

 Transfer site!

We forgot our umbrella. . .got SOAKED from the rain.

Letter #33- "I know that Joseph Smith was the true Prophet"

Hello Everyone!

Oh my goodness! Okay, first we got transfer called this week! Sister Ikimau is leaving! I'm sad to see her go, but so excited for where she's going! Sister Ikimau is going to SHELLEY! I was born there! And we both think she's going to "die" there. Sister Ikimau have four months left on her Mission. My new companion is Sister Vere (pronounce as Veh-dae). She will be "dying" with President and Sister Brinkerhoff. (She has six weeks left). We're both excited for this transfer!

This week has been good. Remember those people who ran away from Sister Ikimau and I on the hill? You're going to laugh about this, but we just had dinner with them this week! We went up to their home at dinner time. Sister Peck, the Mom, invited us in. We sat down while we wait a few minutes for her husband to come home. She talked with us of how sad she is for her son being on his Mission in Chile Santiago. But then she smiled, "We talked with him on Mother's Day. He is doing great! I just wish he could come home!" Later, her daughter came in and sat down. She talked with us for a few minutes. They're both non-members, the daughter asked us questions. It was a good dinner, they told us, "We're not interested. But we love how you Missionaries never give up on us!"

We went out with a member, Sister Brown. We were going to the family who moved from New Mexico. As we walked up to their door, the Mom opened the door. When she saw us walking up, we squealed and slammed the door. Awkwardly standing there, we weren't sure what to do. We went up the door and knocked anyway. We did a couple of knocks, then I saw someone peeking through the window. It was dark in the room, I could see two eyes staring at me. I waved at the little girl who was looking through the opened blinds. She slowly moved back. It was strange, I could remember seeing the two eyes!

Anyway, Saturday we had a meeting. After the meeting we saw one of our Ward Mission Leader and his family setting decorations up for Jensen Parrish's wedding. We offered to help for an hour. It was so beautiful! It was gorgeous! Later, after that, we had a lesson with a less-active family. They've been coming back to Church and recently Sister Hill asked if we could teach their family some lessons! It was wonderful! We got to know them and we invited them to pray, read, and to come to Church.

I am running out of times! But I have loved this week!

I want to share my testimony, that I know my Savior lives. I am grateful for the good news the gospel brings! I love this Gospel, I love being a Missionary! I am grateful that I could take a year and a half to proclaim and share about the Savior, Jesus Christ. The truth and fullness of the Gospel. I know that Joseph Smith was the true Prophet of God. I know that the Book of Mormon is to be true!

I love you all!

Sincerely,

Sister Hatch.

Got to hold the member's BOA (small, can grow to 5 feet)

 IDAHO POCATELLO NORTH ZONE! President and Sister Brinkerhoff last transfer!

Letter #32- "I thanked Heavenly Father for these wonderful experiences"

May 11, 2015

Dear Everyone,

This week has been amazing!

Tuesday, I went on exchanges with Sister Warren! It brings back so much memory when we were companions together! I learned so much while I was with her! I felt like I was led by the Spirit not knowing what to do, like Nephi! It was great to feel the love of the Savior!

We taught a less active man outside on his bench. We visited with him and got to know him. Then we shared Moroni's promise, which is if you read the Book of Mormon with real intent and prayed to the Father with sincere heart, asking if it's NOT true, the Holy Spirit will manifest the truth of it unto you. We invited Brother Hall and his Family to read the Book of Mormon and to come to Church. He expressed his concerns about not wearing appropriate clothes to Church.  We talked with him for a little longer until he committed to come to Church. Later that day, all of our appointments fell through, we went through our back up plans. I prayed to Heavenly Father, "I don't know where to go, but I know there is someone." I remembered the referral President Brinkerhoff gave to Sister Ikimau and I. We went over and we met a young boy named Danny! He was playing basketball with a few of the priest aged young men in the Ward. We talked with Danny for a while, he said we could come back! I  On the exchanges I learned how I can better help our Investigators improve in the Gospel. I love these people, Children of God, so much! I want to help them! My worries and concerns are a few of them who are not able to get Parents' permission. I know that as Sister Ikimau and I follow up with them daily and pull the wires, as Elder Haws and Elder Deppermen gave the training on, they will want to progress and they will see that light and love of our Loving Father in Heaven

Oh my goodness! Sister Ikimau and I did meet a basher! His name is John! Contentions and anger, we could just feel it rise! It was so sad to see John that way! As he kept asking questions trying to prove us wrong. He then asked us, "Are you convinced that you are going to go to Heaven if you were to die right now?" I felt like I stood up tall! I felt confident, "YES! I DO!" He gave us this look as if we were stupid, "Really!? Because I don't think you will! I KNOW THAT AT THE LAST DAY I WILL TELL GOD THAT YOU DIDN'T LISTEN TO ME!" We let John go on the rant. He told us he believe in the Trinity, which is Heavenly Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit is one. He asked more questions trying to still prove us wrong. I kept opening my mouth trying to testify to his questions. But every time I do, he interrupts me! Finally I said, "Okay! Can I ask you a question?" John said, "Sure." I asked, "Why would God send Himself down to die on the cross for us?" He said, "Easy! In John3:16, 'For God so loved the world that He sent His. . ." He stumbled for a while, "His. . .His Only Begotten Son! But there's other scriptures that talks about that!" OH MY! It was intense! I was so sad for John. We told John we had to get going, he said, "Oh okay! Well anytime you want to, come by and I'll prepare some scriptures for you!"

I love working with my Companion, Sister Ikimau! I have enjoyed learning from her as she share what she studied from her Personal Study, what revelation she receives after we have taught a lesson or correlation meeting, and I have enjoyed her company, and that we're able to work together! We both felt so stupid when she shared what she learned in Personal Study this morning. In the past week we got some people who have asked, "What if you find out that there is no God?" or "What if there is no life after death?" And our response was, "But what if there was a God?" or "What if you do find out there is a life after death?" We would respond their question to a question! What Sister Ikimau shared this morning just have clicked! Why do we respond their question to a question, when we have been called to TESTIFY to what we KNOW!? SILLY! We know there is a God, we know there is a life after death. Why don't we just testify of that? It was great to be able to recognize how we could progress in our Missionary effort!

I got to talk to my Family for Mother's Day! It was great to see them! I have enjoyed them. It felt like I have never left them! After skyping, Sister Ikimau and I had a few miracles!

Sister Ikimau and I had a few miracles last night! I believe it was because we followed the Spirit immediately! For the past month, Sister Ikimau and I have been trying to see a Part-member Family. After dinner, Sister Ikimau said, "Let's go see the Bisson's." We went over there, just in time she got home! We helped her haul in some things in her home and Sister Bissoon offered water. We kindly said, "No thank you, but thank you so much!" We complimented on her beautiful house and the pictures of her beautiful Family on the wall. She told us her husband past Missionary experiences. We listened with love as she told us what have happened in the past. After spending almost an hour there, she said that her husband just recently wanted to take the lessons again! Sister Bissoon told us that we should be expecting a call from him sometime soon or we could call him up someday! We left her home with a prayer. As Sister Ikimau and I were heading down to the Apartment area, I thanked Heavenly Father for this miracle and prayed for the Bissoon Family. We went to an Apartment and a man was standing outside smoking. Without fear, Sister Ikimau and I walked up to him and talked with him. His wife is a member, he is not. He have had Missionary discussion before, but then he moved from Ammon to here six months ago. We got to know Jason and his wife Marie. I felt such great love for him as I imagine the both of them in white. We were able to set up a return appointment. He has been to Church more than three times. After we left and open up our planning for the night, again, I thanked Heavenly Father for these wonderful experiences. I was grateful that we followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit!

I love you all! I got to go!

Sister Hatch.

Letter #31- May The Fourth Be With You!

May 4, 2015

Dear Everyone,

May the 4th be with you! This month is going to fly by so quick! But I wish it could slow down!

My heart aches as I think of this upcoming month, because I will be halfway through my Mission!

But I am enjoying it as much as I can, and refocus on the Lord's work.

Okay, really quick funny story:

This happened last night! Sister Ikimau and I finished planning, we went to kneel down for a prayer. Oh my goodness! I can't believe I'm about to tell you all this, but hope it'll brighten up your day! So, we were about to pray when I saw a random yellow note paper. I asked my Companion, "Sister, is this yours?" I went to grab it, but it was too far! I couldn't reach it! My chair has wheels on it, I was still on the chair trying to grab the piece of paper. By the time my whole body was on the chair, I rolled off the chair! I did a summer salt off the chair, I could remember Sister Ikimau saying, "OH!", then she was pretty silent as I did five different turns. My skirt flew up! My poor Companion! I felt bad that I pretty much flashed her! Then I landed, after have had kicked my legs against the wall! We were just laughing so hard! She saw everything! We had a good laugh about it, I hope you all did too!

Anyway, this week I have seen myself grown! Our Zone did another blitz in one of the Elder's area. Sister Ikimau and I met a family that were having a barbarcue outside. A girl said, "DAD! THE MORMONS ARE HERE!" We were smiling, then she looked at us, "I'm already Christians!" I smiled even bigger, "OH! So you have that belief in Christ!" She has a sassy tone, "Yes!" Her Dad came to us and asked how we were doing. We talked with David for a few minutes. He said, "I will respect you if you will respect me. I believe in God, and I am comfortable with my religion. So, don't preach to me." Then he said, "No offense, but you guys, Mormons are cults!" Sister Ikimau and I talked with David for a long while. He rubbed his hands together and said, "Okay, now. Let me ask you a question." "Okay!" Sister Ikimau and I respond. David continued, "If I was mowing my lawn, would you help me with my yard work?" We said, "Yes." "Okay, if I was drunk and I'm about to pass out. Would you carry me to the coach and watch the fight with me?" Apparently there's a boxing tournament everyone was watching that night. Anyway, my Companion and I said, "No, because we can't watch T.V." Oh my goodness Sister Ikimau is so bold! She looked at David, "If we needed help with the Baptism font, would you be the first one to be baptize?" He stood there and looked in doubt. Sister Ikimau, "HA! I got you! I got you!" He nod and smiled, "You got me." Later that night we met a man named Brent. He's inactive and his wife is not a member. We talked with Brent at the door. Sister Ikimau, him, and I going back and forth. He said, "I believe there is no God. No prayers. No Bible or your Mormon's Bible. All I know is that you live life until that day comes when we'll see who's right and who's wrong!" Then out of no where, I asked, "AND what if it was wrong?" He stood there in silent and shrugged his shoulders a couple of times. Brent then said, "Well, you ladies have a nice night. I don't want to waste any of your times." He shut the door. I turned to my Companion, "Sister Ikimau, was that right for me to say?" HELLO! Of course Sister Hatch is was right! Sister Ikimau nods her head and said, "Yes. That leaves him a question to ponder on."

Sister Ikimau and I went to visit a less active man who we were told that he wants to come back. We were sitting on his front porch just talking to Brother Condie. He started talking about the Second Coming. Then it was quiet for a while, Brother Condie looked at me straight in the eyes. He pointed at me, "You are going to be a witness of Christ's Second Coming! I can feel it!" Brethren and sisters, this is the last dispensation. I can testify that to you. I don't know when, we all don't know when, even the Savior, Himself, doesn't know when He is coming. But I can promise you that if you prepare yourself for that day, endure to the end of your life, you will come to know that God loves you unconditionally! And that you, your family, and your eternal salvation will be saved!

On Thursday, we were going to contact some of the referrals we have received. Sister Ikimau and I went to contact a lady named Ruth. I got told off by her. She has member neighbors and friends. She said she was not interested and that she belongs to the Presbyterian Church. She was talking about her religion and she mentioned that she reads the Bible. I asked, "How do you feel when you read the Bible and pray?" Ruth stood up straight, she act stunned. She started to say, "Well, I find that VERY PERSONAL AND VERY INTRUSIVE!" By this time she raised her voice, and she went on a rant. I just stood there and listened. At the end she continued to raise her voice, "DO YOU UNDERSTAND YOUNG LADY!?!" I felt bad, so I kindly said, "Yes ma'am. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that." Sister Ikimau and I went on splits. I went with a member while she went with one of the Sister Training Leader. I went to Chris, the boy who works under the hood. Sister Bassett, the member and I went up on his porch. After a couple knocks the Chevy truck pulled up the driveway. We heard Chris' Mom from the truck yelled, "WHY ARE THEY ON MY PORCH!" We pretended that we didn't hear her and we smiled as they got out of the truck. "Hi Chris!" The Mom's friend walked between us and Chris and gave me a scowling look on her face, "Don't talk to me! I'm Atheists!" I smiled at her and nods, "Oh okay!" I looked at Chris, "What does Atheists believe in?" He laughed, "Pretty much no God and everything is Hell!" I respond politely, and then asked, "Have you got the chance to read what we left you?" He said, "Yes. I read a couple of Chapters." His Mom came out of the house and they had to leave just as Sister Bassett asked what he have learned or read. Later the next day Sister Ikimau and I saw Chris as we were walking home from the Church. We went to talk to him. He had a whole bag full of empty beer cans. We talked to him as he finished his last bottle of beer. Then a random man walked out of his home and said, "Come let's go!" Chris asked, "Where are we going?" The man shouts, "We're going on a five mile ride!"

I got to go, but one more story.

So, Sister Ikimau and I were talking to the Radmacher's twins outside on the street. It was Friday night and we were just talking with the boys. Reineer was about the get on his skateboard and ride it across the road. But just before he crossed the road a Jeep sped a hundred miles down the twenty-five mile road of the Trailor Park! There was a lady holding a beer can in her hands out the window. Sister Ikimau and I knew who this was. It was Crystal and Tyrel! Gas was smoking out the car. I watched them go across the busy road at the end of the Trailor Park! Oh my goodness! It was scary! Sister Ikimau and I told the twins and all of the mad Moms that we were going to talk to them, because we teach them. The next day we saw them drive back home and one of our Potential Investigator, Mike, was following them home. We talked to Tyrel and Crystal. Sister Ikimau kindly asked, "Did any of your neighbors come to talk to you?" "No." "Were you guys speeding down the road?" They were so hang over, they just laughed!

Anyway, I got to go! Love you all!

Sincerely,

Sister Hatch.

Letter #30- "I experienced so much this past week!"

April 27, 2015

Dear Everyone,

This week was good. I experienced so much this past week! It has been wonderful seeing miracles and the Lord's hand this week! I am just going to go by names of who we saw this week.

Monday Sister Ikimau and I were talking to these teenagers. We talked with them for a little while then from the corner of our eyes we saw one of our Potential Investigator walked out on her porch, grabbing her chest! We excused ourselves from the young teenagers and walked over to her. Her daughter and her Aunt was sitting with her, they called the Ambulance and explained all of the symptoms she was having. Sister Ikimau asked her some questions, but she didn't say anything. Then I offered a prayer, I knelt down on my knees and began to offer up a prayer. The Ambulance's sirens went silent, I felt the Spirit rush in. After I closed in the name of Jesus Christ, the Paramedics came to the porch to take care of the rest. We told her nephew, Thomas, that we were going to get going. We left and I kept praying to Heavenly Father that Gabby will be alright. The next day we stopped by to see how Aundreya, Gabby's daughter, was doing. We talked with her for a bit, and she said her Mom was doing better. A couple days later we stopped by and Gabby let us in. She said that she was happy! She was happy because her Aunt, Thomas, and another one of her nephew left. They had a big fight apparently, so they all left. It's just Aundreya and Gabby now. We gave them the tour of the Church Saturdayevening. It was good. The Spirit was there, we invited them to be baptized, they just stood there. It wasn't a yes or no answer, but they seemed to hesitate a little bit. We invited them to go to Church the next day, they said, "yes." Gabby did explain that she felt different during the Church Tour. Sunday, they came to Church! But Gabby's back was hurting, so after Sacrament they left. Aundreya just cried! She wanted to stay longer! It was so sweet!

We met a lady on Tuesday name Debbie. Sister Ikimau and I were walking home for lunch after District meeting. There was a lady outside her yard talking to her youngest son. We got to know their name and them a little bit, then we went on home. Later, after lunch, we were walking back out. We stopped in front of Debbie's yard as she was doing yard work. Sister Ikimau said, "Looks good!" As she takes an overview look of the weeds that have been pulled out from the soft dirt. We asked if we could help, she said, "No, I'm fine. I love the dirt!" We talked with Debbie for a while and then she asked us, "Do you ever get homesick?" "Sometimes, but when we get to work we know we're here for the Lord." I respond. Then she asked how long we serve. We talked with her some more. Then she said, "Well, I had a son who was in the military. He served in Iraq for three years." Sister Ikimau and I smiled and express excitement for her. Debbie continues, "But it was so weird." I could tell my facial expression changed for concerns and love for her. She said, "It was weird that I prayed for him everyday for three years for him to come home safely. Then he came home, he was safe! Three days later, he get hit by a car and die!" She burst out into tears. Sister Ikimau and I stood there in silence and listened with love! She kept talking with us. Sister Ikimau and I talked with her and testified. We asked her if she thinks she'll see her son again after this life. She kept telling us, "I don't know! I don't know! It was just weird that I prayed for him to come home safe for three years. Then he comes home and then he dies!" We were talking with her still, then she said, "Come, walk with me." We followed her to the end of her front yard. She kneel down on the sidewalk, "See?" She brushed some dirt off the sidewalk. A child hand print placed on the hard concrete. Debbie continued, "This was when he was nine years old. This is the reason why I am not moving out of my home." Sister Ikimau and I sat with Debbie and talked some more. We suggested that she should pray for comfort and we promised her that she would rebuild her Faith in God.

A couple days later, we were walking past by Debbie's house when she was outside working on her yard. "Hi Debbie!" She got up and cried, then she raised her voice, "It has been seventeen years since I called in!" She harshly threw her working gloves off and scrambled back to her door. I was so shock! I thought it was weird. Sister Ikimau and I walked in silent for ten minutes. Later that day, a random number called. Sister Ikimau answered it. It was Debbie! She was apologizing for running off like that, she thought it was rude. We told her it was no problem, we were just worried about her.

The next day we saw her again working in her yard. We walked from the other side of the street, "Hi Debbie!" She waved. We asked how she was doing, she said, "Doing better." We told her to have a nice day and she went back to her yard work.

Remember that guy who I told ya'll about, who was drinking the big jug of "40" and smacking their gum? Yes, we have adventures with them! So, one day we were going to see the Radmacher's. They weren't home, but then the Radmacher's neighbor opened their bathroom window. Their names are Tyrel and Crystal, they're not married. So, anyway, Crystal opened her bathroom's window and stuck her head out, "Pst! Hey!" We looked over at her, "Do you have a lighter?" "Uh. . .no. Sorry!" Then Tyrel popped up out of no where and peeked out the window, "OH! OH HEEEEY! It's the ladies! Hey! Come over in a few hours and we can pray together!" We said, "Sorry! We have an appointment!" "Oh okay! Well you keep doing what you do and pray to your Mormon God Joseph!" Sister Ikimau and I laughed! They closed the window. Okayu. . . I got to go. But it was fifteen minutes before curfew and Sister Ikimau brought up about Church Tour. Tyrel said, "Let's go!" We went and gave a surprised Church Tour!

I love you all! I got to go!

sISTER hATCH.

We love the snow!

I was standing in this position, then Sister Ikimau said, "Sister Hatch, put your hand up to your head."

Can you make this my Facebook Profile picture?

 She loved the package! XD

Beautiful!

I'm Gorgeous Inside-Out!

 Idaho Weather, one day it's sunny-the next it's snowing

Sister Ikimau is Gorgeous Inside-Out!

Wearing Zeke's Clown Nose!

Riding bikes!

Letter #29- "...I've seen myself grow"

April 20, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

This week was quite an adventure! It has been crazy, yet I've seen myself grow.

We met with Anthony this week. He said he wants to get baptize, but he's not ready yet. We encourage him to read and pray. He hesitated for a while, but he said he will. After we met with Anthony and Stormy, I thought of Anthony all dressed in white. I saw Heavenly Father opening His arms for Anthony and hugged him. I know Anthony will get there, he's a Child of God. I want him to be happy with our Father in Heaven.

Later that night, Sister Ikimau and I were going to see a part-member family. The Cruz's and Hall's. The nine and eight years old were outside playing in the street. Their names are Angelica and Aliscia. We talked with them, they're not baptize, their brother got baptize a couple years ago. Mom, Dad, and Grandparents are inactives. The girls said to come meet her Grandma. We talked with Grandma Hall and got to know her. She seems like she wanted to avoid us. But the girls said they were coming to Church this Sunday! Later that week, on Sunday, we saw Angelica and Aliscia playing in their Sunday dress out on the street. They explained how they got ready to go, but their Dad had to take them somewhere. We went to the park with them and their brother, they were going to play baseball and wanted us to watch them. Sister Ikimau and I went to watch them play baseball, cheering them on! Then we had to go, we started packing up our bag. Angelica said, "Can we talk about baptism?" We started teaching the girls with one of their member friend at the park. Aliscia asked, "What is baptism?" We explained a short, sweet message. They want to get baptize! We just have to meet with the parents and get parents' permission! But they are sweet girls!

Okay, adventures! Sister Ikimau and I were walking in the blizzard. We were heading over to a home, but I saw a man walking down the street with a beer can in one hand and smoking on a cigarette in the other. I whispered to Sister Ikimau, "Let's go talk to him." We crossed over, "Hi!" "Hi. . ." The man looked drunk and wandered side to side. "What is your name?" I asked. He smiled and his eyes were black, "Jay." We asked him inspired questions, but he said he had to get going. Sister Ikimau then said, "Where do you live?" He pointed towards the apartments and he gave us his address. He lives with his Mom, he's a less-active. He mentioned how he felt he can't go back to Church because of everything he got himself into. SISTER IKIMAU IS SO LOVINGLY BOLD, SHE SAID, "Well, you know you can do better things! You can read the Book of Mormon and that will change your life around! I can promise you that if you do that, your temptations and addictions will disappear!" Jay was so high, he just smiled at us! After a few moment of awkward silent we asked more inspired questions. Then we left him with a pass along card.

After Sister Ikimau and I had our weekly planning on Thursday, we went to go on Chickadee Street. We were walking through the street and a whole bunch of people were out! We were going to go see one of our less-active, Terry. Just as we were heading up towards her house, her son was getting arrested! Sister Ikimau and I kept walking not sure where to go. So we started heading to one of our Potential investigator's home, but the Spirit told the both of us to not go. We walked past her home walked around the dead end and head the other directions. I felt weird, Sister Ikimau felt weird. So we just decided to head back towards our apartment to go up the hill. As we were heading that way, a car pulled up next to us. "Hi Sisters!" It was one of our less-active! We talked with her and she said, "Come over to my house!" Sister Ikimau and I have never been over to teach her, we only talked to her at the door step. We went to her house, and she told us her conversion story. We got to know her and invited her to read and pray and to come to Church!

Quinn's parents forgot we were coming. But we talked with her at the door and she said she still wants to get baptize! We are going to try to set a date with her and her parents.

Saturday was an interesting day. We went to go see the Radmacher's. Brother Radmacher was driving past us. We smiled and waved at him. He was so funny! It totally made my day! He waved both of his hands in the air at us, and honk his car horn! Sister Ikimau and I thought it was so funny! He was so excited to see us! We taught the Radmacher's twins, Brandon and Reineer. We talked about the Holy Ghost. They're so funny! 

A Catholic man tried to convert us. And he was telling us everything that we believe and dropping everything telling us he disagree. Then we met two Muslim. That was interesting. I felt sadden for the lost and confusion of these people. Okay, one last adventure, then I have to go. . .

Sister Ikimau and I tried a new move in. All of the neighbors' kids were in their yard. Their door was wide opened, we knocked. A man voice said, "COME IN!" We shouted from outside, "Is there a woman home?" He yelled, "COME IN!" We asked again, he said, "Yes. She's right here." He came to the door, "Hi" We told him who we were. His hands were behind his back. He smiled, "I got a 40!" I was confused. He pulled a whole jug of alcohol from behind his back. "OH!" Sister Ikimau and I were surprised. He said to come in. We were talking to him and his girlfriend the whole time while they were drinking out of the whole jug. He was smacking his big ball of gum in his mouth as he talked about his religion. He's Native American, some cultural religion. I've never knew so much more about other religions this week. . .

Love you all!

Sincerely,

Sister Hatch

Idaho Pocatello Mission

Letter #28- Be That Missionary, Reach The Standards!

April 13, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

I don't know how to explain how much I love being a Missionary! I just love it!

First off, I would like to explain our Mission's Standard of Excellence. President and Sister Brinkerhoff will be going home in June (so sad!). Our Mission has a goal to baptize one in April and one in May. As they had meetings and the counsel we got from President Brinkerhoff, this goal will help us in our Mission and with our future life. We were all given three specific changes we need to do in order to reach the Standard of Excellence. Those are: Three Sacrifices, Three Actions of Faith, and Three Evidences. I know that Heavenly Father trust us with this Standard! He loves all of us! I imagine the person we meet in white!

Anyway, this week was wonderful! Sister Ikimau and I went out tracting homes, apartments, and talking with as much people as we could! Our Zone had a meeting together one day. It was so spiritual and inspiring! We talked about having confidence and overcoming fears! Then we were going to meet at the Costco's Parking Lot after lunch for a practice. Elder Williams and Elder Sincere, our Zone Leaders, handed each companionship a Book of Mormon. They explain what we were going to do and we said a prayer together. "Let's go teach!" Sister Ikimau and I went wandering in the Parking Lot, I saw a twenty-years looking young man hurrying into the Firehouse restaurant. I sped walk towards him, but he got to the entrance! I picked up my speed, desperate to share the Gospel with him, I yelled out, "EXCUSE ME! SIR!" He turned and looked at me,but I noticed my companion was gone! I felt so insecure; panic, I glanced around looking for her. Then I found her talking to a lady in her car. I was stuck! I felt so inspired to speak to this man, but I had to be with my companion. I walked away from the young man, feeling a little overwhelmed. The lady in the car was from Utah, but she has no interest. She said, "I appreciate all that you ladies do, but I just don't see a reason for joining the Mormon Church."

I was studying from Preach My Gospel the Addiction Recovery for Anthony. Pondering on the Faith and Repentance from Chapter 3: Lesson 3. Then I remembered some personal experiences. I wrote out my Testimony and gathered some ideas on how we can help Anthony. We'll stop by sometime this week to see him and Stormy. Anthony had a couple dates, but he feel he's not ready yet. We're praying for him and hope that the things I want to share will help him.

There was this one day when Sister Ikimau and I tract all day! We went down a street knocking on doors. An elderly lady opened the door and shook her head, "I'm not interested." And slammed the door. Then we met an inactive guy name Carl. He was not interested in coming back into the Church, but he was very nice. Then we met a man outside of his home, he was smoking. Sister Ikimau and I said, "Hi!" We asked what his name was, Dale Dilly. He was converted when he was nineteen and active for a couple years. We asked inspired questions and just had a conversation with him. He said we can talk to him if he's outside. We went across the street and we knocked on this trailor house. The lady said opened the door, "Come in." Sister Ikimau and I came in and she had us sit down on the bed that was in her living room. She started to tell us her problems. Shen ended saying, "I prayed so much last, and here you are." Unfortunately, we explained that we couldn't help her with her bills. We invited her to come to Church and talk with Bishop. Then I said, "I promise you if you go to Church and read your scriptures, you will not have to have trouble with finances and you will not have to leave your home." We closed with a prayer. I looked up after the prayer and she started crying. The Spirit was so strong!

Later that day we met with the Radmacher's. Brother Radmacher is a very nice man, but there's one thing that is really interesting about him. He look up every words and define all of them. He looked up the word, 'Restoration'. And oh my, let me tell you, that man is intelligent! Very interesting. He came to Church this Sunday with his son, Brandon. Brandon was baptize just before I got to Pocatello. After dinner, Sister Ikimau and I went tracting some more. In our Mission we're told to knock three times (or until someone answer the door). Sister Ikimau and I went to a door, and knocked the first time. Someone peeked out the window. Thinking they were coming to the door, we waited for while. It was awkward, so we knocked again. Nobody came to the door. So we knocked the third time, from outside I could hear feet stumping towards the door. She unlocked the door, opened it, and she gave us a look! Her tone was harsh, "I DIDN'T ANSWER FOR A REASON!" Slammed the door, and I just felt torn apart for her salvation. I prayed quietly for comfort, and we moved onto the next apartment complex.

We met a couple of dedicated people! One divorced Mom with five daughters, her name is Stevie. Her oldest is eleven years old. She has a pretty name, Harmony.After she told us her story of being a divorced Mom, and how she felt like she couldn't handle things on her own, we testify to Stevie that Heavenly Father trust her with these five beautiful daughters. We then testify that the Gospel blesses Families, and that God gave us Family to help us become who He wants us to be. Stevie have had Missionary discussions before, but then she got too busy with trying to work a job and provide needs for her family. Then we met a man name Cutter. We talked with him at the door, he said he have had Missionary's discussions before and the he loved it! We testified and then we invited him to be baptize. He said yes! Then Sister Ikimau extended a baptism date for May. He said, "No." He was so nice though! He said we can stop by anytime!

Miracle! Okay, there's a family we met a couple weeks ago. Quinn, the daughter who was jumping up and down. This is the Merica's family! Dad and son are inactive, Mom and daughter are not members. We taught the Restoration. The lesson was going really well, the Mom has no interest, but she participated and explained Prophets and a few other doctrines. At the end we invited Quinn and the whole family to read the Book of Mormon and to pray individually, then we extended a baptism invite. Quinn said, "Yes." Then her Mom said, "You know Quinn, there are other churches out there. . ." The SPIRIT left! At the end Sister Ikimau and I discussed about how the lesson went. Then my beautiful and inspiring companion said, "I know that all what's going to get Quinn to know that this is true is if the Spirit continue to dwell within the lessons."

Saturday, we went to see one of our Potential Investigator. His name is Ken. With a member, he invited us inside. He showed us his collections of cars, Marine's rewards, family pictures, snow globes, etc. He had us sit down and we asked inspired questions. He then asked about baptism, "Why do you guys have to enter heaven to be baptize? I believe you only have to be a nice person in order to get to heaven." Sister Ikimau tried to talk with him, but he scourge her down! Then the member testified, he listened to her. He kept asking questions, Sister Ikimau and the member tried to explained. Then I felt impressed to flip to Moroni 7:41, "I have something!" The room went silent as I read the scripture and testify of the Atonement and eternal life. I explained that we're not the judge of how can be in placed in which Kingdom. Tears filled his eyes, and it was silence for a while. Then Sister Ikimau testified after me. We closed with prayer, he said to stop by anytime.

I love being a Missionary!

Love,

Sister Hatch.