Ting Bu Dong?

Dear Family,

         I have run out of titles for my emails so now I am just going to insert random Chinese words/phrases.  I hope you didn't press the refresh button for too long yesterday Mom. Haha. I laughed out loud when I found out the library would be closed yesterday. It was SO AMAZINGLY GOOD to talk with you all on Sunday!!!!! You guys crack me up. Dad in his weird shirt.  I love the Mitchell Family.  Did you know that?

          Well... I wish I had thought out what I wanted to say more because there is SOOOOOO much I wanted to tell you. Guess it will have to wait until next Christmas! This past week was amazing. I had a great Christmas and loved all of the fun gifts you sent me. (In fact I'm wearing the orange watch as we speak...) We had exchanges again this past week and we had some really cool experiences. I was with Sister Montgomery on Wednesday. She is from Washington, graduated in engineering from BYU, and went to CHINA! So we have a lot in common and a lot to laugh about. We made a lot of visits that day and had a LOT of success! We were able to finally meet with an old contact again and help him rake some leaves. (He broke his ankle) He is a sixty-year-old retired Biology teacher who rides dirt bikes. LOVE him! He showed us his back yard and we found out his wife is an artist. She has a room where she paints and their backyard is the coolest place ever. It reminds me of our house in Tucson with the cool waterfall, and then they have a gazebo and everything. It was really peaceful and we sat out there and taught him about the restoration and about God's love for us. We went tracting and ran into a sweet lady who was outside gardening. (She has a rose garden) In conversation it came up that gardening relaxes her. She likes to get down in the dirt and forget about everything else she has to do. Her husband has brain cancer and doesn't have much longer to live. I have really come to have a love of gardening since being out here. I love being outside and just breathing fresh air. It was just an amazing day and we met so many wonderful people. I found myself just being so thankful to be alive and to get to smile and smell the roses. This is called the California ROSEville mission for a reason. Everywhere you go there is a rose bush and I love it!

         Anyways... the BEST part of that day was going to visit a family in our ward where the husband is dying of brain cancer. As a missionary, I learn things every day that are saddening. That are hard. I never knew how much suffering was here, in America; amongst the people we see every day. But as we met with them, we had an opportunity to share a message about God’s plan. We read in 1 Nephi 11:17. We talked about God’s plan for us. We talked about how we might not understand everything that happens, but we KNOW that God loves us. This brother can hardly find the strength to sit up but he bore a testimony that I will never forget. He told us that all we can do is live day-by-day. Every moment we must put our faith in God because we never know what tomorrow holds. That is so true! It was such an example to me to see someone who is going through so much pain, have so much faith!

          Well my thoughts are scattered today and I don't have much time to write because we have an appointment. (A woman who had started coming back to church lately)  But I do love you.  I am so happy to be out serving a mission. There were a lot of things you said on the phone Sunday that I really needed to hear. I am so grateful for you and for all you teach me. Have an amazing week! 

Love,

Sista Mitchell 

Feliz Navidad!

Dear Family,

         It has been an EXCELLENT week! We worked hard and have been blessed because of it.  I received both of the packages you mentioned and all the presents are gathered around our cute little tree. I just about cracked up when I opened the fake fireplace. I hope you know we are probably the two "best-cared for" missionaries in the field! Spoiiiiled! 

          I love the Christmas season! There was ice on our car the other morning and I got all excited to scrape it off. Sister Garfield just rolls her eyes at me when I wander off onto the grass so I can hear it crunch underneath my feet.  It’s cold here! (But not as cold as Utah I guess...) Up here in the North it’s "mandarin season." We keep getting mandarins from everyone left and right. In fact, there is this crazy old guy that we met from doing service at the "Senior Life" center at the Methodist church. He is from Mexico and always asks me, "You staying out of trouble?" In which my response is always, "of cooouurse not." He nods approvingly and says, "Good, Good, Keep it that way." He thinks I speak fluent Spanish because he talks to me all the time. I will use what little I know and then just nod and smile the rest of the time. I've been teaching him Spanish hymns lately and he likes those. Anyways, we went to his house this week and he had us pick a bunch and take them home. We already had a fridge full but couldn't help ourselves because he really wanted to help us out. But man are they deeeeeelicious! The north is the only place where they grow this sweet this time of year. (You may or may not be receiving a sample in the mail soon....) All I eat is mandarins!

          As far as missionary work goes. Things have been looking up. I regret the time I spent these past couple weeks feeling...down? Because as I look at this area and the great responsibility I have, I'm excited! There are people out there waiting. Many of which we ran into this week! We stopped and took the time, talked with people we would normally "leave be." Bottom line; we had faith. I drove by a woman this week who looked pretty angry and upset. She was yelling at her neighbor or arguing about something. We were on our way home for lunch we had tracted a little longer than expected and were super hungry. I drove by the woman and continued driving. I thought about her. I thought about what might have made her angry and why she was so upset. I kept driving for a minute until eventually I turned the car around. I had no idea what I was going to say to her or why I even needed to talk to her. She could have chased me out of her yard! But she didn't. We talked for a long while and came to find out she hadn't celebrated Christmas in 13 years. (Not since her grandpa died) I asked her why. "There was nothing left to celebrate." We talked with her for a long time. It was amazing to me to see the pain that comes from not knowing why? Why sometimes the ones we love leave us before we are ready to let them go. We were able to teach her why that happens and where he went. I have been grateful everyday that I turned that car around. That woman needed to hear that her Heavenly Father loved her. She needed to hear that, even in this time of pain, there is something to celebrate. The birth of Jesus Christ. He takes away our pain! How much more need do we have to celebrate his life as we face, (what seems to be) insurmountable challenges.

          Okay well I won't take up too much more of your time but I wanted to just tell you how grateful I am that we live in a country where we celebrate Christmas. It is so amazing to watch people come together and serve one another. I thought a lot this week about why that is. Why is it, this time of year, that everyone’s nicer, a little more patient, a little less hurried? It all comes from putting Christ at the center of our lives. It’s impossible not to give a little more when you think of what our Savior, Jesus Christ, has given. It’s impossible not to be a little kinder when we think of the love he has freely shown for all of us. It’s impossible not to slow down to recognize someone in need when we study his life and see the many times he went out of his way to help those that were maimed or wandered from the path. In a talk by President Monson entitled "what is Christmas?" he said, "True happiness comes only by making others happy--the practical application of the Savior's doctrine of losing one's life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Spirit of Christ that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to do kind deeds of service. It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring 'peace on earth,' because it means--good will toward all men." 

          I know that to be SO true. This has been, hands down, the BEST Christmas of my entire life!!!!!!!! I get to celebrate Christmas by witnessing of him who we celebrate. I have enjoyed serving others. I am happy when they’re happy. It’s really indescribable the joy that comes from just LOVING people to their core. I love the people here in California. I love my family. Mom, Dad, Alicia, Aunts and Uncles, My Grandparents that I know are watching over me. I love you all. I am grateful for my friends that have treated me like family and have taught me and spent time with me. I am just soooo stinkin' grateful for EVERYTHING! BEST. LIFE. EVER! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and remember that I love you soooooooooooooooooooo much!

Love,

Sista Ashley Rose!  

NEW INVESTIGATOR!

Dear Family,

         Wow. I have to be, hands down, the most spoiled missionary on the planet!  The pumpkin cookies couldn't have come at a more perfect time and I just... I love you guys. Thanks so much for all you do for me and for all the love you send my way.

Overlooking Penryn & Loomis. (My area)    

         This week has been a busy one full of goals and plans to make this area better. We have, what other missionaries might deem to be a "dead area." The work is slow and we have very few investigators. It’s humbling to admit that the "work" is never slow but sometimes the missionaries are.  I have vowed to never be a "slow" missionary.  There are doors I could be knocking on and people I could be helping and inviting that I have not been. There is about to be some change here in Loomis first ward.

         Speaking of change...the whole time I have been out here we haven't actually picked up (or started teaching) any NEW investigators. We have picked up former investigators. (People that previously met with the missionaries) And we spend a LOT of our time with the Less-active members of the ward. But this week we picked up a BRAND NEW INVESTIGATOR!  She used to run an animal sanctuary here in town. She LOVES animals and is super funny. She is a great lady who is going through some really hard times.  She was at a member’s house for dinner when we shared a thought on centering our lives around Christ.  Heleman 5:12. She came to tears when we talked about the strength the gospel can bring into your life. Things may not always be easier, but you will be stronger as you live the gospel and follow Jesus Christ's example. I am SO excited to start teaching her this week! We also have been doing a lot of tracting lately. As I have mentioned before, it’s not my favorite thing, but it has given me a great opportunity to work hard and never make excuses. There is so much potential here that is not being reached and so many people that are suffering, not knowing there is a better place to be.

Sister Garfield and I picking grapefruit.    

          Times haven't been the easiest the past couple weeks. Now, don't get me wrong, when I say it hasn't been easy... I don't mean I'm not still having fun! Haha. Things have been turning up. Actually... this week. Man I am the luckiest person alive. This week Sister Adamson was selected to go to a specialized training. Which means she had to drive past Loomis to get there. She may or may not have stopped by on her way home, met Sister Garfield and spent a little time with us. I can't tell you the relief that came just seeing her.  It changed my perspective and my week. I am so blessed to have so many good friends!  Seriously!  I just keep running into these goldmine people. Vanessa, Jackie, Meredith, Cyd, Natalie, Montana, Sister Adamson... all gold. I can't even believe how blessed I've been to have these awesome people be a part of my life! The list just keeps growing.

Persimmon orchards. 

They are EVERYWHERE here in nor cal.

Have you ever heard of a persimmon?    

          This holiday season has been so awesome! The leaves on the trees are gorgeous and it’s FREEZING outside! I looooooooove it! All is well here in Loomis and I am learning lots. I hope that Christmas preparations go well for all of you guys and that Alicia isn't eating too many of those chocolates from Sees!  Haha. Oh!  And Sister Garfield and I were wondering if you could send the pumpkin roll recipe? Thanks so much for all you do and have an awesome week!

Love,

Sister Ashley Mitchell

Thanks For The Package!

Dear Family,

         WOW MOM! Seriously!?!?!?! I can't even tell you how big I grinned when I put that CD in this morning. So classic! I forget all the little traditions we have until we are away from them. I was even trying to sing that "Christmas in Korea and something about CNN" to Sister Adamson a few weeks ago and kicking myself because I couldn't remember the words! So thanks! You even found a nativity set JUST like the one we have at home!??!!? How did you do that!?!?! It’s amazing! Thank you so much for finding a way to include me in your Christmas and make me still feel apart of things. As far as needing a coat goes... I'm all good. I bought one in China before I came out and even have my rain jacket as well so I'm all set. Thank you sooooo much for all the clothes you've been sending too. The skirt worked, I liked the orangeish shirt and the black sweater. Some of the sweaters are a little too big and baggy (grey pearl one) but there are some other Sisters here that were drooling over them so I passed them along. I hope that’s okay. I could send them back if you like. I’m more about the plainish sweaters. Anyways. I hope that answered all the questions you had. I know I always forget to answer them, and you are so kind to constantly remind.  I'm sorry! I'll do better! 

          Well this week I enjoyed reading the conversion stories that Dad sent me. Seriously?!?! Why have I not seen those before?!?! Amazing. What makes it even more real is to see your name in there dad. Elder Mitchell. Its amazing to me the things people will do through faith when they are truly converted. I especially love the part when Lisa said something like..."I didn't want to even go down stairs. I told them I wasn’t worth the wait, hoping that the missionaries would eventually leave. But when I walked down the stairs, I made eye contact with one of them and I felt something that I had never felt before." That’s paraphrasing but it stood out to me so much that these missionaries were living their lives in a way that the spirit could speak through them. They didn't say a word. All it took was one look for this woman to be able to recognize and feel the Spirit. Powerful! You are such a good example to me Dad and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your advice. Sometimes I wonder how you know what I'm thinking or what I need to learn that week because I never really have time to write it all in this email. I am so grateful to have parents that are returned missionaries! 

          I took Sister Garfield tracting this week. It’s something I don't have much experience with. It was a cold windy day and the roads back in our Penryn area are really long and windy and there are long distances in between houses. I sat in the car gathering all the materials I would need and it took me a few minutes before I could psyche myself up enough to actually open the door. Almost like right before you pull the wax strip off of your leg? Haha. You know what I'm talking about right Dad? Well. I did it. And I have got to do it more! It’s so weird to be the one... in charge of our day. We obviously decide together, as a companionship, what to do that day. But seeing as Sister Garfield has only been here two weeks... it’s kind of my job to set the standard as far as what is expected.  Anyways... the point of the story is that we found someone to teach! Other areas in the mission are booming with investigators. Ours... not so much. We have one.  And I don't want to take Sis. Garfield to see her just yet because...her lessons are.... a little harder to teach. I love her to death! She is a crack up. But she is wildly sarcastic and I don't want Sista G to take it personally, you know?  So... this was HUGE! We tracted out this man. He is an older guy who has two dragons outside his door, and loves everything oriental. We will go by to teach him this week! I AM SO EXCITED! I am trying to take your advice Dad. To take this opportunity to do more. To do this work in the way Heavenly Father would have it be done. I know there are many things Sister Adamson and I did that were good, but we have been given the opportunity to do BETTER, and I'm taking it.  It’s amazing what can happen when we are reliant on Heavenly Father. When we do all that is asked of us and have the faith that there will be success... There will be.

          I love you all so much! Again... if there were questions I didn't answer, please ask again. It’s hard to keep track. Maybe highlight them. Or just drive out here to Loomis and come tape it to my windshield.... Haha. I love you! Have a great week! I love reading all the little notes from people in the ward. I miss them! Xie Xie!

Love,

Sista Mitchell

Me? A Trainer? Nawwwww…

Hola Mi Familia,

The New Lincoln Zone! (Sis. Garfield is right by me!)

         Well I got my new companion! Her name is Sister Lisa Garfield and she is from...............I'll give you one guess.... UTAH! Haha. It seems like all those Mormons are from there! This week was.... humbling? The work was really slow because most of the people we meet with were out of town with the holidays. Sister Adamson left on Tuesday afternoon and then I went straight over to pick up Sister Garfield. Man I have never been more nervous in my life. When new missionaries come out they put the trainers and the greenies all in one room and make a big deal about calling out who goes with whom. Come to find out... I was the only Sister training so it was pretty easy for Sister Garfield to guess who would be her trainer.

Sister Kingsley and
our Thanksgiving Dinner.    

          We had Thanksgiving with a woman from our ward. Sister Kingsley. She is awesome and hilarious and cooked for about 500 days to prepare for us. She had Christmas music playing and we just had a blast!

Sister Adamson :)

         Nothing all that exciting happened this week. Times have been... more difficult that usual.  I feel this overwhelming weight has been placed on my shoulders. Not only am I responsible for taking care of a new missionary and for working hard, but it means... these people we meet with... are reliant on ME. Sister Garfield doesn't know them and what they need.  I do.  And so I'm realizing the difference. With Sister Adamson it felt like US. It felt like we were doing it together. I miss her lots! She was so good at loving me every step of the way too. So to go from feeling so loved and accepted to feeling alone and weighed down is difficult. But, I am realizing that this position is from my Heavenly Father. That there is a reason he wants me here at this time with THIS missionary. I would be prideful to think I have to do it on my own. Because we have the privilege of knowing that we DON'T have to do it alone! We have our Heavenly Father to lean on and to rely on. We have to humble ourselves and to remember that it is only through him that we will make it. I can PROMISE you that it is ONLY through him that I have made it this week. I spend a good chunk of my time on my knees. I am sure that is the way it’s supposed to be. But Mom, you know how long it takes me to learn my lessons! I'm stubborn! Why did you make me so stubborn? Haha. I'm learning. Or at least trying to.

          I got your package today!?!?!?!?!? AHHHHHHH!!! Thanks so much! We have a lesson with Zane on Tuesday and I am excited to give that book to him.  I can't even describe how busy things are and how my brain is bogged down with a million things to remember. I'm sure you know the feeling. Haha. Glad Thanksgiving was good! Thanks for the email Dad! It is always good to hear from you!

Have a great week! I love you!

Love,

Sista Mitchell

Ashley's Greenie

I am assuming this is Ashley's new companion.
I'll let you know for sure when she writes on P-Day.

The Inevitable.

Dear Family,

         Well. I was right!  Adamson is getting transferred to Feather River. NOOOOOOOO!!!!! We were lucky and found out about it early. (Saturday Night) That gave us time to say goodbye to everyone and cry our eyeballs out. The past two days have not been the happiest. At every house I think..."Okay, I'm done crying now." But at every house there are so many sweet people--like this less active Sister that started coming back to church since we've been here.  She has a  sweet-awesome daughter and a brand new baby boy.   She told us that they will never forget us and then continued on to explain the way we have blessed their lives more than any other missionaries. It’s always good to hear nice things. But it’s different when it has that kind of sincerity behind it. There are SO many people here that LOVE Sister Adamson with all their hearts. In my letter to President Weston this week I informed him that there might have been a slight mistake with transfers. He didn't quite go for it, but I tried. 

As we were driving around saying goodbye to everyone...

We saw a rainbow. 

Rainbows mean everything is going to be okay right?

 I'm sure going to miss this girl!!!!!

          Speaking of mistakes. Saturday night we got a call from one of Assistants to the President.  A call from the AP's can mean only one thing. Someone’s training. When Sister Adamson handed the phone over to me I just about had a heart attack. (It didn't help that she was jumping up and down and pointing and laughing at me) I thought it had to be a joke for sure! I mean, as of today, I AM STILL A GREENIE. (You’re a greenie for 2 transfers)  It probably wasn't very professional of me to say, "Seriously!?!? Are you sure?!?!?! Is this a JOKE!?!?!" But family. It’s no joke. I'm training this next transfer. Gahhhhhh! I'm leaving my trainer and now becoming one. I pick her up tomorrow from the office. I am SO incredibly nervous!

Kathy (Alicia's twin) and Sister Adamson!    

          Well I don't have much time today but I wanted to tell you all how thankful I am for you. I am grateful to have been born into this family.  I was touched to hear about Wil's funeral. I am glad Dad had an opportunity to speak. I know how much you love Judy and Wil and the influence they have been in your life. They have been a great influence in my life as well. I just LOVE our family. They have had such a tremendous effect on my outlook on life. They remind me of the things that are most important. They teach me the importance of laughter. (And lots of it)  I wish more than anything that I could have been there. The Mitchell’s know how to love each other, that’s for sure! Dad, thank you for being such a great example of that. Thank you for calling your Sisters when you’re driving in the car or hiking the Grand Canyon with your brother. It is such a good example to me of the way that we should look out for and love one another. Mom, thank you for teaching me that our family is not just those that we are related to by blood. I have learned that lesson ten fold since being on my mission. You have such an ability to reach outside yourself and include people in our lives. Anyone and everyone that crosses your path are welcomed into your home and I love it! Alicia, you’re just the coolest sister in the world and you know it. Keep it real and don't kiss any boys while I'm gone. Not allowed! Haha. Know that I love you sis. I hope you all have a FABULOUS thanksgiving and remember how thankful I am to have you in my life. I LOVE YOU! Wo ai ni!

Love,

Sista Mitchell

Hot Chocolate Season!

Making pens with Bro. Clement!

Hello My Loves

 Dear Family,

This week was amazing! If you didn't know it yet.... Life is good! The weather is still quite delicious and I'm having the time of my life. This week we picked up a new investigator! She is a former investigator and she has a 6 year old boy who is crazy hilarious. He likes to challenge me with math problems every time we come over. He’s keeping my skills sharp. We helped her with her garage sale and got to talking with her. She is having a really rough time. As we talked with her, it became apparent that she was not happy. She is struggling in her marriage and having some financial problems. Seeing as her marriage is struggling, you wouldn't logically think that it would be an appropriate time to talk about eternal families. But as we met with her, I felt strongly that this was what she needed to hear. As we talked about families and how we have the ability to be together for time (this life) and all eternity, (life after this), she began to cry. She told us that she always thought that marriage was "forever." Just earlier that day she had been wondering about that same question. We had an amazing talk with her and were able to promise her the blessings and comfort that can come as you study the gospel. So that is exactly what we are going to do! I'm excited to start meeting and learning with her!!!!

          I got all the letters from the ward and I can't even tell you how amazing it was to hear from everyone. It’s amazing to see how many people in our ward are converts to the church. I have thought about this a lot being a daughter of two converts. There is an excellent CD out called "The Work: A National Tribute to Missionaries." There is a song on there that I think is called, "I was born." I can't remember the lyrics exactly but somewhere at the end it says... "I was born of humble converts, now I'm here to pay it forward." I was moved by that part. I feel that is exactly what I am here to do. I am grateful for those missionaries who knocked on your door Dad. I am grateful for your sweet friends in High School who were such loving and kind examples to you Mom. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who threw me so directly into the path of his gospel. He knows I'm stubborn. He knows that there would have been no other way. I am forever grateful to those brave missionaries for opening their mouth. Their simple actions, have blessed my life in ways they could never imagine.

         This is our last and final week of the transfer. Next week I'll know who’s staying and who’s going! Today has been an AMAZING preparation day. This morning we woke up early and went over to Bro. Clements house. He has an awesome workshop and let us make our own wooden pens! Dude. This family is soooooooo awesome! I love the Clements! He is building his wife a spinning wheel because she wants to take up pottery. They always go abalone diving, spearfish hunting, hiking, paintballing, they make jewelry out of tusks.... You name it... they do it! (And I'm moving in with them after the mission...Haha) So that was a blast to hang with them and then we went over to the Cook's house. (Love them too!) The Cooks are the ones that go biking all the time. They know all the good trails and I drool looking at the places they've been. Sister Cook taught us how to make French Bread. Mmmmm. I'm telling you right now it’s the best thing you've ever had so be prepared. When I come home I am going to be a PRO-baker! The ward members keep inviting us over left and right. I think they all want to be sure to see Sister Adamson before she leaves. (IF she leaves...Cross your fingers.....Haha) Seriously guys. I'm going to need lots of letters if she leaves. I LOVE THIS GIRL! She is the all-time best trainer, best missionary, best friend. How can a person get so lucky?!?!?

          This week was a busy one. We had Zone Conference this week so all of the missionaries that were going home bore their testimonies. It was a really cool experience but also scary. It’s amazing how fast the time flies. I can't believe I have been out for 3 whole months! CRAZINESS! It was just a reminder to me to work as hard as I possibly can and to never stop progressing. I want to get to the end of this 18 months and be the tiredest, happiest person you've ever seen! Haha. Easier said than done. There are times when I feel SO TIRED! During those times... it’s hard to remember how important every minute is. But when I think of the people we meet with, and the way that they have suffered in their life. I don't think I could ever slow down. There are too many out there that are looking. Right? 

      Random Side Note: In the library right now... Someone’s phone keeps going off and it’s the "Kim possible" alert! Haha. Brings back memories.

         To everyone: Sorry I've been so bad at writing everyone back. I am about 25 letters behind still.  I will try to do better.

          I also always forget to bring my camera so forgive me! Haha. Haha. And hey! I heard something about an NBA blockout? What’s the sitch? It’s weird (and sometimes good) but still weird to not know what’s going on in the world! I love you all and hope that your healthy and happy. As Christmas time approaches I am starting to miss you guys a bit. You’re in my prayers and I love you lots!

Love,

Sista Mitchell! 

Fall

Dear Family,

         California has seasons!!!! I'm not sure if you've ever heard about them before...(being from AZ) but there is this one called "fall" when all the leaves change color and everything is GORGEOUS!!!! Seriously. I die. I loooooovvve the weather, the multi-colored leaves, and the fresh crisp air. It’s practically heaven. I never did like the heat all that much so I'm soaking it up while I can.

          Things with Sister Adamson and I are going well. We keep busy and always have a lot of fun. We continue to do exchanges. This week I served with Sister Threlkeld in Roseville and Sister Carter in Auburn. While I was in Auburn we got the chance to drive out into the sticks to go visit a man. He was baptized when he was 8 and has never been back to any kind of church since then. When we pulled up there were all these caution signs and road signs on his driveway. Sister Carter was a little wary if we should enter....but we had driven 10 miles to go out there so we got out of the car and walked up to the door. An old man answered the door; we asked for this man, and he responded, "Just a minute, I'll get him." We waited for quite some time and to make a long story short... about 5 more guys came to the door and said hi to us. (One at a time) Then we would hear whispers of "Girls! There are girls out there!" Haha. I was cracking up by the end of it. We met a quirky little guy who changed his shirt 5 times. We finally met the man we came to visit and he is the SWEETEST guy on the planet. He has hit some troubled patches in his life, and his seem to have lasted most of his life. I can't imagine having to deal with addictions and conflicts that some these people have had to manage. He moved out here away from the city to get away from some bad situations. We talked with him for a while and he even took us down to a pond where we fed GEESE! I know right? My life is so cool. He even invited us over for snacks or something whenever we want. He (and his 8 roommates) are going to try to cook us dinner next Wednesday! Haha. (Should be interesting...) I loved serving in Auburn and meeting some new people. Things in our area here in Loomis are slow. We have a lot of people we KNOW. But very few people we teach.

          This past Sunday was fast and testimony week. Sister Adamson and I both got up to bear our testimonies together. (This will probably be her last fast Sunday because transfers are in 2 weeks) Afterwards it was as if everyone knew. Sister Jibson from our ward approached us afterwards in tears and talked about how grateful she was to know us. She spoke about how blessed she's been to have the both of us here and how unfair it is how quickly we move on. She said something actually kind of odd. She talked about how happy she is that we (Sista Adamson & I) were able to meet each other. She told us she has never seen such unity in a companionship before. We were approached several times yesterday with sweet words and half-goodbyes.

          It’s hard with transfers because you don't find out until Monday and you have to leave Tuesday. That leaves absolutely NO time to see everyone and say goodbye. I hope I'm staying. You never know. I could pull an Adamson and be here for the first 9 months of my mission. There is so much left for me to do here. The work is slow, but the harder we work and the more faith we have, I know that we will see miracles happen! This gospel is such a blessing in my life. Sometimes I struggle. I mean...we look crazy walking around, talking about Jesus Christ when other people are worried about car payments, soccer practice, and college classes. But I wouldn't be out here if I didn't know this message can help you through all of that. It can help you through and ease your burden in ANYTHING you face. I'm grateful for you guys and for all you do for me. Congrats on the job Alicia! Your such a grown up. I hope that this email finds you all healthy and happy and all that good stuff.

Love,

Sista Mitchell

Happy Halloween!

Dear Family,

         Happy Halloween! This week was crazy-good! We were in-charge of the trunk-or-treat this year and our ward missionaries did a killer job of decorating. We had a HUGE turn out and met a lot of the people that we hadn't been able to meet yet. It was a blast. Brother Rackham had his wife at a picture booth where everyone could get there picture taken, we barbequed, they played some rad tunes. All-in-all, great night! I dressed up as a, "Greenie." (Cut out a green letter "E" and taped it to my tag) That’s about as crazy as I got this year! It was so much fun to hang out with all the kids and I never really realized how MANY people from the ward I know. It feels as if I've been here forever. Sister Kingsley works at the family history center in Sacramento and LOVES what she does. She has been working on some of our genealogy work and I have found out some super cool things from her, I'll have to send what she found home to you.

          Yesterday was the 5th Sunday lesson at church. Bishop Hansen put Sister Adamson and I in charge of teaching and guess what the topic was.... "MISSIONARY WORK!" Ha-ha. It was actually a really awesome meeting. I looked out at our whole ward and just was filled with love for them. They all work so hard to take care of and look out for each other. We meet in their homes each week and I have really just come to love them! Loomis 1st ward is awesome!!! I have sat through so many meetings where we focused on what we do wrong. We focus on how we need to be doing this and that and the other thing. But for our meeting we decided to focus on the blessings and the JOYS of missionary work. There is a quote by President Ezra Taft Benson that says, "Member-Missionary work is one of the great keys to the individual growth of our members. It is my conviction that member-missionary work will raise the spirituality in any ward where applied." Why is that? Why would doing missionary work raise our spirituality? I mean... sometimes missionary work is just plain uncomfortable sometimes right? Alma 29:10. We talked about a bunch of cool things. We read a little bit from President Eyering's conference talk entitled, "A Witness." He speaks of the promises we've made and how we have promised to become charitable and to be a witness of Jesus Christ. It was a pretty cool talk and an excellent meeting. Sister Adamson and I really thought and prayed about what we should leave as a commitment or goal for our ward. Normally it’s things like..."Pass out a book of Mormon" or "Invite a friend to church." But the more we thought about it the more we realized that the Book of Mormon is the answer. Read it. Drink deeply from its pages. President Eyering says that reading the book of Mormon will strengthen, empower and embolden you! I know this to be true. I know that when it sits on your shelf it does nothing. But as you read it’s pages you will feel a power in your life that you never knew existed. Our challenge to the members was just to read it. Read it. Read it. Read it. Because as you do so... your love will grow. As you do so... you will become a disciple of Jesus Christ. As you do so you will be emboldened and your example will be missionary work enough. Our Stake President was there and afterwards he approached us and had some really nice things to say. He says he has been begging President Weston to send him some more Sisters! Eh. He's the Stake President... he HAS to say nice things. But things are good. Sister Adamson and I only have three more weeks left together. We are pretty sure she is getting transferred........but I HOPE NOT! We are just trying to squeeze as much work and fun times out of these last few weeks! I love you all. 

Love,

Sister Mitchell

Exchange Sister

Dear Family,

We held signs for the Del Oro (high school)
band parade competition thingy.

      This transfer has gone by SOOOOO fast. And it is about to go even faster. Guess what? Juuuuust when I thought I had some good time left with Sister Adamson, they decide to mix things up. She was called to be the "exchange sister" for this transfer. Which means that she spends a full 24 hours with each individual sister from all our surrounding areas. Twice a week, at night, I will be driven out to another companionship, dropped off and exchanged! Sister Adamson is trying to get rid of me! Haha. No... it will be really fun to get to work with all the other Sisters from the mission and see how they do things. I will be working with Sister Totau this Wednesday and she is straight from TONGA!!! SOOOOO COOOOL! I'm super stoked!

      First of all... thank you SOOOO much again for the shirts! They have been so great to have!!! I also got the CD from Michelle Dustman and Jenny Nielson. It was really good!!!! You have NO idea how fun it is to get new music. I live for it. Well this week was pretty hard. I was sick with some kind of stomach thing that eventually Sister Adamson got too. She refused to let me do the things I wanted to and so we had one day where we were not nearly as productive as we had hoped. Buuuuuuut... can I just say one thing. I dislike tracting with a passion. Okay... I just had to say it. Does it mean I don't do it? No. But it is not my favorite way to do missionary work. I love to do service and to work for referrals from the ward. We go to festivals in town and even just go to the grocery store sometimes to contact people. There is something about knocking on someone’s door that just...rubs them the wrong way. I can't blame them! All too often we are busy. We keep to ourselves. People think, when they see the nametag at the door that we are not people. All they see is a product pushing something at their door. So bottom line. It’s hard for me. But whom the Lord loveth he correcteth right?

     Well. He does. And he did. We were out contacting a referral we had been given by a member of our ward. She has a neighbor whose husband was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. She has a big yard and we were just going over to offer help with the yard work. We didn't have anything planned right afterwards and so we decided to tract the next couple houses around the area. I did NOT want to do it. I hung my head down thinking...."I just can't take one more slammed door today." I suggested to Sister Adamson that maybe we could just go accidentally tract into all the member’s homes instead. This way we would be received with friendly hellos, warm welcomes and exclamations about how cute my outfit is or something.... She didn't quite go for it. Haha. So we went on. We went to a couple houses and then I suggested that we could go work on some paperwork really quick! Sweet Sister Adamson is so patient with me. But she disagreed. She said... let’s do ONE more house. And we did. And that, my dearest most marvelous family, is where we met him!  He is a retired biology teacher who rolls around in an old ford with a shiny paint and purple dice on the mirror. (If I was cool like that I would tell you what kind of car it is and what kind of engine it has in it because he showed us... but I'm not cool. I don't remember) Anyways. He is a biologist. So he is one SMMMMMMART dude. But he is also a Christian. When asked why. He said... I don't quite know. Biology explains so many things. But it doesn't quite explain the lessons I wanted to teach my children like..."Why do we treat each other with respect." "Why do we deal honestly with one another and never seek to bring each other down?" We had a long conversation with him. I gotta tell ya. This is the ONLY time I have ever tracted into someone and actually got to speak WORDS with them. Haha. Even in Loomis. (The nicest place in the world!) Well it got to the end of our conversation. I handed him a card with our phone number on it and was about to speak when he said, "You know... I've talked to a lot of these religious folk that come around...but I have never shared the things that I shared with you today. I can't quite figure out why I did that...." I told him, I said. "We must be worth your time then eh? Do you mind if we come back to meet with you." He had a curious look on his face almost like he didn't believe his answer as he said yes. We will be going by this Tuesday to meet with him.

      I learned my lesson this week. I never want to...."push" my beliefs on someone. But I DO want to help those that are looking. This man felt something as we talked that day. What if I hadn't done one more house? I think that has a lot to do with our everyday lives. What if we hadn't talked to just one more person that day? What if. I never want to ask myself that. I want to do all that I am asked. I want to smile and wave and be crazy Sister Ash Mitch and never have those days where I don't do enough.

I miss you guys like crazy! I love you tons.  I got a letter from Alicia this week. OH MY LADY GAGA does she have some EXPLAINING to do! Haha. I love you all and will write you back soon leesh. Sounds like the Hogwarts party was a blast. Tell Miranda to keep you in line. I can't believe she is home now! Say hi to all my loves! The Schicks, the Shielas, the Jacobsons, Jack and Jude and all the lovely people I am so lucky to call mine. Haha. Have a great week!!!!!

Love,

Sista Ash Mitch

Pictures from Loomis and the MTC!

Hola Mi Familia,

     It feels like I was just here! Do the weeks go by just as quickly for you as they do for me?!?!?! That’s so good to hear that Bob Lee is back at home! He has been on my mind a lot this week. Go see him for me will ya?  Hopefully he can make a full recovery. I was sad to hear the illnesses in our extended family.  Man do I love our family! We really are sooooooo incredibly blessed to have all of these Aunts and Uncles who care so much about what’s going on in our crazy little lives!!!! (It also helps that the Mitchell's are just flat out hilarious by nature...)  Be sure to let them know that my prayers are with them and that I love them very very very VERY much!!!!

     Well, ironically, this week I have been thinking a lot about trials. Trials that come as the result of others, ones we've brought upon ourselves, and then those trials that are just a part of life. Why do we have them? Why do they come along at the exact time that they do? Why is it always when we are worried and stressed and lonely that THEN is the time for our next big trial? Why can't they come when we are at our very best and ready to face it?!?!?! I find myself often times thinking, "SERIOUSLY!?!?!, NOW?!?!?!" I have come to the conclusion that we just don't know yet. Our Heavenly Father knows where we are going. He knows the challenges we must face and there is a man who felt the pain and the trials that we must go through in the process.

      We were teaching one of our less-active members one evening and ended up in the kitchen doing her dishes. One of her friends came over to visit and we got to talking. She is going through a hard time right now. She recently lost her husband and has a son that has a lot of struggles. She is having some financial problems because a realtor had dealt with her unjustly and man... the list just went on and on. We had not planned to share a message. But Sister Adamson gave me that look that I know all to well what it means. I grabbed my scriptures and we read in 2nd Nephi about Hope. We talked about the Atonement and about how Jesus Christ has given us an opportunity to lay those things at his feet. To bring relief, comfort and peace into our lives. There are some STRONG people out there. People that think they can handle it on their own. They can take the abuse they can deal with the pain. To be honest, I thought I was one of them. I have felt beaten, I have felt alone, but I also have thought that I could handle it on my own. That I could find things that would make me happy despite my pain. You know! All those things we do to ignore it. The Yoga, the chocolate, the eating out with friends. They are all good things! (Well maybe not the chocolate...) But there is a better way. There is a way out of the storm! The Atonement was no small thing. He paid our debt for us. And how do we pay him back? By utilizing His Atonement every day in our lives. By not allowing ourselves to suffer when all we have to do is get down on our knees to bring that peace. It was really cool to meet with this woman. She is one cool lady and actually came to church with us this week! Sister Adamson and I were asked by Brother Rackham to teach Gospel Principles. What was the lesson on?... The Atonement. It was such a great opportunity to teach. All of the members of the class are the people that we meet with regularly each week. One man, (recently re-activated member from Tucson Arizona) bore his testimony in a way only he could. He brings life to the words "heart felt." I love this gospel. I love the joy it’s brought into my life and the opportunity I have to continue to serve people.

      Thanks so much for getting a book ready for Zane! I really love that family! Zane will demand that we sit by him each week and I accept every time! It may have something to do with the fact that he may or may not bring snacks each week...... Haha. Is it bad that I'm a missionary and I still eat cheerios in church? Well. I LOVE the Ensign and Friend idea. I can't think of any other families at this point that would like them but boy would that be PERFECT for the Savery's!!!!! They are so eager to re-learn things! It’s so cute! I can't remember any of the other questions you asked me but if I ever forget to answer one just be sure to write it to me again and be like, "YO! Ashley! Get your act together and communicate with your parentals!" I'm just as forgetful as always. But I still love you like crazy and can't wait to hear from you! (Sister Adamson got her letter and she TOTALLY called me on it!) She said..."You just told your mom to write me because I haven't been getting any mail!" I denied it but she saw right through me... I asked her why and she said, "Because I did the same thing to MY trainer just 2 months ago!!!!!!" Hahahaha. Sister Adamson and I are the same person sometimes. It's ridiculous. The ward keeps fighting over having us over for dinner. As Megan Schmitt describes it. (14 year old awesome basketball player from the ward) "We love you guys because you’re BOTH crazy!!! Usually we only get one crazy one and one quiet one... but your BOTH insane!!!" I'm not entirely sure it was a compliment. But Sister A and I try our best to make this whole "missionary deal" look gooooood! Keep it real! I love you all!

Love,

Sista Mitchell!!!!

     REALLY bad pictures of us 
     after Zane's baptism!

Guess who spoke the DAY

I left the MTC? My favorite apostle....

President Holland! I knew it!

Literally. I left at 5 in the morning...

he spoke at 7 that night!

                          Sister Adamson and I at

                          half-mission conference

                          where we heard  

                          Elder Kieran speak!

        This is how we do our Ward Mission

        Leader meetings with Bro. Rackham.

        Haha. He is the COOLEST guy ever.

        Next week for our meeting... we are

        using the zip-line in his backyard.

        Yeah... life here is rough. haha.

Sister Mckellar, Mitchell, Grant,

Adamson. These are the sisters

from the zone last transfer.

(We lost Mckellar to Folsom

this transfer though :( )

                    Bro. Smith from our ward.

                    (Goes windsurfing with his

                    kids all the time and is the

                    coooolest dad ever!) picked

                    a rose for me one day when

                    we came over. (He picks one

                    for his wife every now and

                    then too.... so cute!

                                                                                                       

Folsom Lake. (The other sisters                                                                                                      live within eyesight of this                                                                                                        place!!!! Agh! So jealous!)

Folsom Lake

Our Zone for my 

second transfer!

    Its been raining A LOT in loomis! 

    And...it was so wierd... 

    there were seagulls everywhere 

    the other day!

   Sister A and I at the 
   Sacramento Temple!

      

           Sisters at the Temple 

            for the first time!!!

MTC Pictures:

Sis Knutson and I. (She is serving 

in Bangkok Thailand) She's the 

sister that knows Montana and 

lives in Bellingham!!!!

                               This is Sis. Green!!! 

                               (My MTC companion) 

                               We are at the Provo Temple.

Sista Ash Mitch. Provo Temple

                       Sis Williams mom 

                       sent us cupcakes 

                       (in the MTC)

Elder Healey from the MTC. 

In my district. 

Coollllest kid ever!