To get ready for Christmas...

Our district got together at a members home and made a TON of cookies!

Cookies to pass out to investigators,potentials, formers, inactives,etc. We baked FOREVER! But hey, it was worth it because we were able to talk to more people because we brought them cookies and of course you can't turn us down when we have yummy treats in our hands. hehe It also forces them to think of us in a nicer way.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

HO! HO! HO!

Even sister

missionaries

wanna

talk to

Santa.

In everyday there are always pockets of sunshine

"Just after the rainy days there are pockets of sunshine. This week was a great week of missionary work. Each day is a new day. A day to be a better missionary; a day to find someone new; a new day of learning; a new day to draw myself and others closer to Christ and a new day of FUN!

CELEBRATION

Lauren turned 22 Nov.27,2010. The members in Duvall made sure Sister Kimball had a wonderful birthday. They didn't forget her. Even the Elders in her district remembered. The family and friends at home also remembered and sent gifts and best wishes.

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE !

Yes, It's December and it's cold outside.Sister Kimball and Sister Dennison were enjoying many MIRACLES the night of the Duval Community Tree lighting. Lauren often mentions all the "tender mercies" of the Lord that have been bestowed upon her and her companion.

It is wonderful!

Lauren has email

Hooray!!! Lauren can now email on Mondays. I will then email to her site and I will send it on to her friends. Yf you would like to email her ( she can't email anyone but family) Here it is} lauren.kimball@myldsmail.net

On the phone to Washington

Nov.8,2010 I {me,the mom} was able to talk with Sister Shaw, a member of Sister Lauren's ward. The Shaw family was going to Disneyland and Lauren was going to send home, via the Shaw's, some of her extra things to give to her dad and me. Anyway I felt just a little closer to my daughter on the day I talked to Sister Shaw. Lauren writes." I love Sister Shaw. She's so sweet. You guys would really love this ward alot! I sure do!

Sister Denison is awesome and fun to be with. We get along great and she speaks so clearly when she talks about the gospel. Something I strive to develop each and every day! She is very needed here in Duvall. She has lots of faith and works hard. Missionary work is hard but it gets easier as time goes on. And as you truly come close to the Lord, you realize how little this is about you. At the beginning you try to think"forget myself", but it takes time to truly put all your might. mind, and strength into it. Think about it ALL...how hard is that! Not just some time or a few hours here and there but ALL! I don't think I've ever done that until I came on my mission. It literally is no longer about you. It's about everyone else, about the Lord's work, about serving and talking to everyone. It took a good while to really apply that into my missionary work. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you do it the Lord's way.It's amazing who the Lord puts in your path and the people you meet and the tremendous amount of JOY that comes. I JUST LOVE MISSIONARY WORK! I LOVE MY SAVIOR! I LOVE HIS CHILDREN!

{Feast upon the words of Christ} AND good food !

I testify that FAITH alone is not going to get us that divine help even though the 1st step is faith, we must act! We must do our part which is just so small in comparison to the rewards we receive [Mosiah 2:41,Alma 32:42-43,Jacob 2:18-19}. So great are our blessings if we just stick with it! We are not alone. We are never alone. Elder Holland,"I testify of angels both heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face." How powerful that is coming from God's chosen apostle at this time. Another talk from the same conference,Elder Lawrence E. Corbride," No institution, plan, program...ever conceived by men has access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Ghost, therefore,while the Lord's invitation to follow him is the highest of all, it is also achievable by everyone, not because we are able but because HE IS ABLE."

" The Lord's way is not hard...life is hard, but life is simple. Get on the path and never give up. You never give up. You keep on going. You don't quit,and you will make it."

I know I am here today only because of our Savior and Redeemer and through the power of the Atonement. As I was reading these talks they just spoke directly to me. I knew God heard my prayers because He answered them by directing my attention to these particular scriptures and this exact Ensign {magazine}. I want you all to know He loves us and is right there. Have FAITH, believe, stay on the path and apply the Atonement. Life is hard but it's simple. I am called to do the work of the Lord despite how inadequate I feel.

Elder Anderson said," We each have moments of spiritual power, moments of inspiration and revelation. We must sink them deep into the chambers of our souls. As we do, we prepare spiritual home storage for moments of personal difficulty." Then I recalled times that I felt His spiritual power which wasn't long ago that I felt peace and comfort. If we just look we can see how much the Lord's hand is involved in our daily lives and just how much spiritual guidance we receive. Sorry I shared so much But I was just so excited.

A miracle!

We were able to get into a home at a former investigator who is a widow. Me and Sister Chhoeun had been trying to see her for the longest time. { now with my new companion,Sister Denison} she let's us in, finally. We were able to pray with her and she accepted {our challenge} to take the lessons again. She felt the spirit last time with the sisters and she was so close to being baptized but she wasn't really ready. She finds hope in the Gospel because she has trouble getting out of bed because of the loss of her husband. I've been thinking about her and praying for her.In the next week or so she said that we can come back. This could be her time! So this area could be a very discouraging area, however, it is my favorite area. It requires so much hard work,great faith and trust in the Lord. It requires all you can give and almost more. This area stretches you and sharpens you into a finer instrument.

We are to search diligently, pray always, and be believing.{then} all things shall work together for our good IF we walk uprightly and remember the covenant where with {we} have covenanted." The key action words to me : LORD WILL FIGHT...{our part} DO..SEARCH...PRAY...BELIEVE...REMEMBER

I am so grateful that the Lord called me to serve here in Duval and to be here with Sister Denison who is awesome! She is doing a great job!

"Oh How Beautiful Upon the Mountain"

Nov.5,2010...I miss going to the temple alot. I hope we go in January. I try to think about the temple often and the covenants I've made and the experiences I've had there because as you know, the temple is the only place you can feel so close to Heavenly Father and the veil between us and the other side is so thin! I definitely want to be a temple worker when I get home.

Anyhow, now let me tell you about our wonderful week of missionary work here in the small town of beautiful Duval.We met a real cool guy who is a Washington hippie, one that is very chill, teaches kids bird language,lived in the mountains in a YERT.He seemed interesting and very nice. He actually met with Elders before I know it was not coincidental at all. We're excited to start teaching him.

We also worked alot with the members this week. Our mission president said to me," the way we're going to have baptism here is through the members." We have alot of Doctrine of Christ lessons helping the members do missionary work. we still do our very best to find by tracting and visiting former investigators. I have no doubt in my mind that there is someone here that is seeking for truth and for the restored gospel but just doesn't know where to find it.

Here it is! The MUDDY MAYHEM MANIA!

UPLIFTING CONFERENCE

Sister Lauren Kimball meets up with Elder Jamie Hughs. They are both from the same ward back home in Temecula. Boyd K. Packer spoke to the missionaries. Wow!!!

WANTED: TRUTH SEEKERS

Even though miracles are small they still happen.There will be a baptism. There is a family here that are "truth seekers", seeking for the restored gospel and we are going yo FIND them! We are excited!! I love it here. You actually have to work really,really hard that you just crash and fall down as explained in 2Nephi 8:30. I mean missionary work is hard and I don't know if there is a harder area(there probably is) but MY GOODNESS! I'm up for what the Lord has called me to do! We can do this because the Lord will provide a way if we keep the commandments( 1Nephi 3:7) This is his work and He will not allow it to fail. We're apart of it! Thanks for all your prayers.

Duvall I have grown to love alot!

Who makes chocolate shoes?

Sister Chhoeun that's who ! Looks like a real treat

I guess we'll have to eat!

The work is moving forward in a miraculous way because the Lord is on our side. He is a part of this work because it is His work and His glory! In our zone meeting we say, "HAVE MIRACLES CEASED?" ( we all answer),
" Nay!" So true!

October 26th It has been one major ROLLER COASTER ...

NOW SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED IN JUST ONE WEEK! Nothing new to a missionary that's for sure. The 1st couple of days with Sister Denison were awesome, miracle days. We were able to visit a part member family in our ward whom we have tried to visit in the past with Sis. Chhoeun. This time we were able to share a scripture with the nonmember wife. After I shared Ether 12:4 (Book of Mormon) , she really opened and shared some difficult things that her extended family were going through. So the scripture that I was prompted to share helped her. She said,"That scripture is just what I needed to hear." I had no idea what to share, but as we were talking, the Spirit kept prompting me to share that scripture. So I did and she opened up and guess what? We have a return appointment with her. Yeah! Before she never would set up an appointment with us. Its because of our faith. Sister Dennison is great! She is a hard worker,a quick learner and smart. She has a strong testimony and is kind and humble. This week has been harder for her. I am grateful to Sister Dennison for being a hard worker. We have fun even though we are dead tired! I've never been so tired. I think the last time that I was this tired was when I first came out in June. Wow time flies! Seriously,I know I keep saying that but it does! I DON'T LIKE IT ONE BIT!!! It's almost November.

Now this is the AFTER sliding in the mud puddles picture.

Look at the CLEAN clothes BEFORE the mud puddles in the maze.

Life is beautiful!

OCTOBER 2010 Lunch with the girls...

All the sister missionaries in the Everett Washington Mission were invited to lunch with the Mission President and his wife.

JUST AROUND THE CORNER...

So the mission gives no instructions whatsoever on how to be a trainer except for general things to do. Today was awesome though we got some return appointments with people and met someone on the street and had a lesson with 2 inactive families. WAY COOL!!! Sister Denison did a great job teaching. She is a quick learner.
Things are really starting to pick up here in Duvall. Lots of miracles each day and we have more people we are teaching. YEAH!! Just trying to find those TRUTH SEEKERS.

I love the gospel and I'm so
grateful
to have
the truth
and share it with
God's
children.

I'm a happy camper! I'm grateful for trials.There were a lot of them last transfer and there will be a lot more ahead but I know it has and will build my faith and strengthen my relationship with Christ.I know that I can get through anything, any trial, any obstacle when I trust in the Lord and I 'm obedient. I have confidence {D&C 121:45} that God will deliver me, strengthen me, help me, comfort me,and abide in me.There's going to be a baptism here in Duvall. I know there is. I can just feel it. Just around the corner the Lord is preparing his children.I'm his instrument to teach with the spirit and to help them come unto Christ. What a task. What a privilege and a joy! I'm just so excited! I just don't know when it will be but the Lord has someone in store.

Time is flying by. I can't believe it. I would love it if it would slow down a bit.But I'm trying to do my best and make the best of it.

" Today was a wonderful day,WONDERFUL!!!

So GUESS WHAT? I'M TRAINING a new sister right out of the MTC! What the heck? Sister Chhoeun has been transferred and I have a greenie! HOLY COW! { that line should have been put with the other picture} What was the (mission) president thinking? LOL So my trainee is Sister Denison. She is from Texas,Fortworth. She was attending BYU before this and she's a vegetarian. She is so awesome and has a powerful testimony. She likes to work HARD. YEAH!

JUMPIN' FOR JOY!

IThe grass is always GREENER !!!

Sister Kimball with Sister Chhuen who came all the way from Cambodia to serve a mission. These missionaries sacrifice so much, but it's worth it!

THE COWS OF DUVALL I

The sisters got to go in a corn maze! Fun!

October 13, 2010

So, let me tell you about my last week--oh so crazy! Lots of funny little stories I'm excited to share. It's hard, but it's getting a lot better for me and Sister Chhoeun. I love her so much.
General Conference was amazing! We went to the stake center for all sessions with our zone. The stake center is 30 minutes away. It's crazy and our church building is 15 to 20 minutes away.
So, let me tell you life as a missionary has its ups and downs--a roller coaster. Half the day can be horrible, and a moment of the day was a fantastic miracle. We just feast upon that miracle. We have to here. It's like fasting all day and then having a delicious meal at the end of the fast.
Okay, another exciting thing happened this week (Monday). For P-day, we had a sister luncheon with all the sisters in the mission with our mission president's wife at their home. It was so much fun. We had lunch and a lesson by Sister Wilson (mission president's wife). Next week are transfers and two sisters are going home and one is coming in. So, we had a sister lunch on request of one of the sisters leaving for home. I'm excited to show you guys the pictures.
After the luncheon, we all decided with permission of the mission president to go to a corn maze which was of Washington. It was so cool. Very muddy! I have pictures of what me and Sister Dewitt and another sister did along with a video to explain our actions. We had tons of fun. It was so great to see Sister Dewitt again. When we first saw each other we looked at each other and hugged, pulled away and noticed that we were matching exactly--both wearing a purple cardigan, grey skirt and white undershirt. Oh, I love her so much. We just laughed and hugged for the longest time. Happy day!
In two days, Monday and Tuesday of this week, everything went wrong. I had the worst luck.
I realized it's okay to have some off days. It's okay not to be perfect. Life is great and beautiful as a missionary. It's never boring. It's an adventure, for sure. I love the work. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love the restored gospel. I love my family, and I love the temple!!!

We can grow and be edified when we have an open heart...

and ready to learn by the Spirit. I'm certainly not perfect at it but I'm sure trying!

What does the Lord require? Our very best- which in no way will be perfect but- our all!

We just started teaching a 16 yr. old girl. She is so sweet,Haileel. People at this age are searching and looking for truth,trying to find the way. Haileel is going against her family who are Catholic to find what she has been missing in her life.

I mentioned Juan. Oh how I love Juan. He has a great spirit searching for truth and peace. However, he is moving back to Oregon and we are really sad. He really enjoyed meeting with us. He told me that he has never met anyone like me and that when I speak he feels comforted and peaceful and he learned so much from me. The Spirit was teaching him,not me. But how sweet! I needed to hear that.

Didn't you guys just love General Conference? I sure did. We went to the Stake Center for each session with our zone. It was so cool! The Spirit was so strong! I think one of my all time favorite talks was Elder Hollands. I was just crying through the whole thing.

I thought about my parents (mom & Dad). I look back and recall I was given so much so that I can have all my dreams, ambitions and desires come true...Thank you! Thank you! I can't do justice to how grateful I am.I am so blessed and so humbled because I know if it wasn't for your faithfulness, love, charity, sacrifice and obedience to the Gospel I would not be here today. Thank you!! Thank you!! { Hee Hee! just wanted everyone to read the personal note to us (mom & dad) just because I feel like being a show off!!

We're going to see GREAT THINGS here in Duvall!

{There are } churches here that actually preach hardcore against us and one church here in a small, very rich town that actually train (their people) to deal with Mormons and how to avoid us. How sad is that ? Satan is working amongst the other churches,it's sad because they are still good people. Anyway...

I ask (the Lord) for help in being more patient--the Lord sends me to Duvall with Sister Chhoeun! In this area you really need to have lots and lots of patience. He definitely knows my needs and where I need to be and with whom to help me to be a more effective missionary.

You know one thing that is really hard (as a missionary) is to not compare yourself to other missionaries. How often do we compare ourselves with others? What good comrs out of it? When we compare ourselves we allow Satan in to put thoughts of failure and doubt in ourselves and God which pulls us away from Our Savior and the need for the Atonement. We must hold on to what we know and look at our strengths and what we are becoming.

We should evaluate ourselves based on standards and principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ok enough about that.So lately we have been learning about how we can better teach to our investigators needs by asking inspiring questions and teaching with love! Like in Moroni 7 where it says 'if you don't have charity you are nothing'. Isn't that so true! If we don't have love or serve one another, are we following our Savior's example? Are we truly disciples of Jesus Christ? Are we really effective teachers if we don't show love for each one of our investigators.Missionary work could not go forward without charity and love!

When we have charity, we are humble and we serve with the Spirit and the Spirit will work through us and will help us know their needs and how best to teach and help them come unto Christ. When we are obedient, humble and charitable we can have that sure promise that we will always have the Spirit to be with us! President Monson said about charity in the Relief Society Broadcast," True charity is love in action".

I'm so grateful to be out here!!! I don't know if I can say that enough!

Sister Lauren's letter dated Sept. 27,2010

Life as a missionary is going great!

According to the desires of your heart. He puts you where you need to be and in the area where you will learn and carry out his work and with the companion who will help you grow.

I'm learning more and more about our Savior,Jesus Christ and his perfect example of being compassionate, loving, and kind. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to learn and to have trials that really test me to help me to be humble and to be more like our Savior Jesus Christ.

My greastest fear {in coming out here on my mission} was that I would come home not changed. I would be my old self, not having my Savior written in my heart forever. I just saw so many missionaries returning home and returning to their old ways. I'm determined not to do that ! This time is short,very short,only a small wonderful moment compared to the rest of my life.

He hears us. He hears our cries,our pleas and he answers us but not necessarily when we want it but when we need the answer. The spirit is the key to everything. The Spirit testifies of the truth and of our Savior and Father in Heaven to receive answers,to be uplifted,enlightened,comforted, protected and to feel peace. Tobring all thto our remembrance,to make our weaknesses into strengths,to become aware...etc . Just want to share this: 'OBEDIENCE IS THE PRICE. FAITH IS THE POWER. LOVE IS THE MOTIVE. THE SPIRIT IS THE KEY. CHRIST IS THE REASON."

A cool experiance I'm excited to share with you guys..

We had an appointment with an investigator named Scott. He's not progressing much but he is a wonderful old man who loves to learn and study, but he has no intention of joining our Church,but he loves meeting with us and loves the Book opf Mormon and the Gospel Principle Book.He just doesn't want to say good-by to his church and denouncing his beliefs he has learned all his life, being a Baptist. He's a stubborn one!

We had a convert member who is preparing to go to the temple with her husband and children, come with us to help teach ( speaking of the temple) Scott asked why he couldn't go in and why would he want to be apart of a church that excldues others from going into the temple.The sister that came with us talked about the importance of the temple.Then the Spirit filled my heart telling me to testify of the temple.Then the words just fell out of my mouth so smoothly. I can't remember what I said. I just remember the enormous feeling that came into the room. I could feel angels among us. I felt the Savior's love so strongly. I bore testimony of temples. Tears just fillrd my eyes. The power of heaven was upon us.Scotts heart was really softened and he understood, I think what happened had abigger affect on the recent convert then it did on Scott. It was not me! It was the Spirit and the power of God that touched our hearts,not the words that came out of my mouth. It was a really neat experiance!

Just to remember my 1st area-transfer day

TIME IS FLYING. i FEEL LIKE I HAVE BEEN OUT FOREVER...I DON'T WANT IT TO END!

One day we had a few minutes before an appointment and I really wanted to find a scripture that I didn't already know and that I could relate to someone. I felt like on the the days prior that I hadn't yet found a scripture that people needed to hear. So I had a prayer asking for help to find a scripture that someone needs,so I picked up my Book of Mormon. I just flipped it open a couple of times and one scripture I turned to was in Mosiah. I felt impressed to write them down. Anyways our appointment canceled so we decided to go see a member and introduce myself to her and to offer service to her family {they have 8 kids}. We dropped by her house and she invited us in and as we were talking (and shared the scriptures) she broke down and asked,"How did you know to come visit me of all days, today?" I just wanted to give up. Those scriptures were for her-they talked about TRUSTING IN THE LORD. He's right there for us,encircling His arms around us. It was really cool,she needed that. Then we helped get her house in order. She said," I really needed that spiritual uplift we were her angels."
It's really cool how the Lord works in answering our prayers. He sends people to us, through a scripture or a prompting whatever it maybe, we must always be searching for it and be prepared to be that instrument in his hands to help bring about His great work here.
The Lord is truly blessing me so much! I was so nervous to be transferred and to not have my senior companion with me to help me. I was afraid that I wouldn't know anything. Of course it isn't like that because the Lord does not set us up to fail but to grow and learn, to stretch a little more. It's amazing how much the Spirit has been directing me and giving me the words (I need to say) 'in the very hour' given to me! ( D&C 84:85)

So I have a funny story to share...

One day last week I locked us out of our apartment OPPS! Just as we are leaving our District leader showed up to give us something so perfect timing, however, all the windows were locked. We even tried the balcony which are two sliding glass doors,I was hoping I had kept one unlocked. But I am pretty good at locking up before I leave. Thanks to Dad's example of always locking the doors even when we were home. So there were these ladders{4 of them} below our balcony but they were locked up together. We were hoping to get at least one of them straight so that I could climb up. Well we kind of did and we had the Elders and my companion hold all the ladders while I climbed up to the balcony, but all the doors were locked. All that work for nothing.The only spare key was in the mission office and the APS (assistants to the president)

would have to drive it out to us. We did not want that!! I was freaking out. They'll never let me drive again! Anyhow, one of the elders decided to use the card trick on the door and guess what,it worked! Yeah! I was happy! You know whats funny is that I hah had that impression to do that at the beginning but so much was going on that it had slipped my mind.Ahhhh it's so frustrating for me when I get promptings and don't act upon them. We receive little promptings all the time. I know and I'm recognizing them more and more. The spirit has been telling me more and more what to do what to do and what to teach. Sometimes they are so simple and small that it's easy to let it go. It's been happening to me a lot this week and I learned after the fact that I received a prompting and didn't act upon it. It could be the smallest thing to the very big thing! Grrr! I'm glad the spirit has been working more and more in me. I'm grateful to notice when I have received a prompting. Its been helping me to recognize the way the Spirit speaks to me in the smallest ways.

September 14,2010

Sister Kimball with her new companion Sister Chhoeun...

Right now I may pull my hair out.{ LoL}

My new companion is singing to primary songs. She's trying to learn all of them in English before she returns home in January. She is a convert of 5 yrs. which is way cool! However, she is still learning English and learn the song so please just imagine it for me. I'm trying to cocentrate but

struggling!

Sept.13,2010 A quick review of the surprise transfer

SO SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED IN A WEEK! So last week we were waiting and waiting for a phone call { transfers} to see if Sister Dewitt was going to be transferred . So we finally got the call and our DL said we were both staying. So we were a bit shocked that we were both staying but very excited to still be companions! Everyone tells us," we are the 'dream team' . We got along so well and miracles happened everyday,almost. So we figured that's why they kept us together. So we just continued through the rest of the day{the usual Pday}. We got our haircut from an investigator of ours at her house. { Then } we got a call from our Mission President...Sis.Dewitt would be training again and I was being transferred {he said that I should have already been told} There was some miscommunication.
I began to cry and she started to cry. The investigator, Shana, came to me and gave me a big hug and told me that it would be okay and not to cry. She told me how awesome it is for me to be dedicating my time to serving the Lord. { and she told me} that she is going to miss me. It was super rainy outside. Let's say it was a very gloomy day. We helped each other {to get through the rest of the day.} ...as the night went on and I trusted in the Lord,that this is what He has planned for me. My mind began to be at ease and it was a great night.
I was able to get done all that I needed to get done. I said my goodbyes to people {and} I was able to focus {again}.It was a late night as Sis. Dewitt stayed up {with me} packing and talking. I love her so much! I got my transfer slip {and} when I found out that my companion is Sister Chhoeun and I would be serving in Duvall,the spirit filled my heart and I felt a confirmation that is where I was supposed to be! It just felt right!

Smiling in the rain...

I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Can I say that enough times.

I've been transferred !

LETTER DATED SEPT.8,2010
{At first Sister Kimball was told she would remain in her 1st area and then President Wilson called and Lauren got transferred.} "I had very little time to say good-bye and pack because our night was already planned{with Sis. Dewitt} Crazy! Sister Dewitt & I cried! Anyways transfers were yesterday @3:00 p.m. and found out where I go. I'm in Duvall. It's a small area but lots of members!So no more 2 wards. I'm going to miss that area alot and Sister Dewitt. It was really,really hard for me. The first transfer is always the hardest. That is never easy (nor) does it get easier. Anyhow, my new companion is Sis.Chhean. She is from Cambodia. She speaks pretty good english, but its hard to understand. She didn't know anything coming to the States before the mission. She's so sweet and so amazing! I'm excited to be here in Duvall. It's going to be a definate change of pace, but as I went out to meet the people, the Spirit confirmed to me that this is where I'm suppose to be. The Lord needs me in Duvall. Not quite sure why but I'll find out soon! It's been really rainy the past few days in Washington.{ The rainfall in this new area gets as much rainfall in 1 month as Temecula ,Ca. gets in a year} I'm driving and I'm already the senior companion! That makes me nervous, but Sis. Chhean is so great that it's going to be a great transfer. This is going to be a short letter because I don't have lots of time. Lots of unpacking. I'll be living out of my suitcase for a few days. I love you guys and miss you so much! Sister Kimball
This is my new address: Sister Lauren Kimball
P.O. Box 1651
Duvall, Washington 98019

" I've never been happier."

The work is going forward remarkably! This area is a miracle land. People just come up to us wanting to be baptized without us doing a whole lot of work. It's through our faith and diligence that these miracles happen.
I had my first Bible bash. Well, we weren't part of the bashing,we just got bashed on. We picked up a former investigator that we had dropped about 3 weeks ago and set up an appointment to meet with him and we got another member to come with us. The whole time he was telling us who we are and that we don't know anything. It's all dogma...and we don't worship Jesus. He was so evil and mean. This was not normal for him. He just bashed us and so we just got up and bore our testimonies and left. We were all in tears. Not like our feelings were hurt but more like our spirits were hurt. My testimony and love for the Book of Mormon grew even more after that. I gained an even greater appreciation for the Gospel and the knowledge and testimony I have of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon. We'll never see him again but other missionaries may meet with him another time. As I was walking away I wanted him to know even though he wasn't listening that God loves him. How important to know that. If we don't know that or understand that God knows and loves us,what is the motivation or desire to do anything or to have faith. Faith (in God) is trusting in the Lord and knowing that He is always there for me and that I can do all things with Him.
We picked up another investigator,Shana who finally got out of her 1 year abusive relationship and it's back to investigating the Church. I love her ! I will be sending pictures soon of some of my favorite people here. She is one. We love her. She is going to be baptized.
We have a 14 yr. old and an 11 yr. old on date to be baptized on Sept. 18,2010. We are so excited about that !The 14 yr. old knows alot and understands a lot of what we are teaching her. It's so cool!
Did I tell you that I gave a talk on Sunday. My 2nd one in the same ward in 2.5 months. a..crazy! I talked on conversion in our lives and how we can help others in their conversion.(used Alma the younger example) What I learned was that Conversion is a process not an event.

P day prepare and play

Some of the missionaries from Sister Kimballs district (missionaries assigned to a specific area) went to a park next to one of Washingtons many beautiful lakes. Looks like fun,huh?

Life is beautiful !

Lauren is going and doing good things. This is her letter dated Aug.23,2010

....." Life is beautiful. I can't complain at all. It's all about your attitude and the way you look at and take everything that happens to you. There are a lot of things that happen to us missionaries that aren't so great but if we don't focus on them and dwell upon it and focus on all the good things and the blessings that come will make life happier. Missionary work brings the greatest joy I've ever felt. We are protected day in and day out. No joke ! There is this shield that protects us and allows us to keep going.The things people say to us when tracting could really get to us,but we just shrug it off and keep going...I just have to keep remembering our Savior and how he taught and loves each and everyone of us. Even he was rejected and crucified and still he loved them. I'm trying to that, to love and see everyone as God sees each of his children. President Uchtdorf said," Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father. Once we understand that, we can begin to understand how we should treat our fellowmen."
Last Sunday I had a cool experience, I was sitting in Sacrament meeting. As Sacrament was being passed these words came into my mind as if I was thinking of it myself,"REMEMBER I HAVE CHANGED YOU. THEN KNOW I CAN CHANGE ANYONE FROM THEIR ADDICTIONS AND WEAKNESSES." I was humbled by what the Lord wanted me to learn.
Funny how Andy's lesson(from family home evening) was on diligence. We talk about that alot as missionaries. It's all about being diligent,enduring to the end,faithful and hard working. Look at 1Nephi8:30 (remember) how after they partook of the fruit,they fell down because they were the ones holding on desperately with all that I have,never letting go,continually holding fast and we're tired. Just last night Sister Dewitt and me were talking late about our assessment (personal) We just feel we have so much to work on,so much! But there are times where I feel that I've done all I can. I'm trying to do my best and I'm not perfect but I know that the Lord will make up the rest after all that I can do.
1Nephi 17:5 "All these things were prepared of the Lord...that we might not perish."It's up to us whether we are going to follow and keep the commandments so we can be provided for. He has it all prepared for us as long as we have faith and do all we can. He's ready to give us all that he has.
Crazy things are going on with our recent converts and our investigators. So many are going through a hard time right now. And it feels that we can only do so much. We want to fix everything but we can't. They have their agency to choose and it's our job to help them and invite them, but the rest is up to them.
So let me tell you about a cool thing that happened. So we had an appointment with a new investigator that fell through.We had two guys from the ward with us so we decided to see a few people in the area from the branch and no one was home. We tried to visit a referral and he wasn't home, but their was a group of guys outside talking so we approached them, all four of us!! Anyhow as we were talking a guy came to pick up his mail which we were standing right next to,I turned to look at him and said Hi to him. Amongst the whole crowd of us people...the spirit told me,"it's Jake." He's the referral we tried to visit but wasn't home. Apparently he is now.After we finished talking with the group of guys(old)we went back to Jake's apartment and set up an appointment to come and teach him. How cool is that? This has happened to me a couple of times where the Spirit tells me who the person is before I have even met the person. Its crazy!! If I hadn't had that prompting and listened to it we would not have gone back to his apartment again.
Remember the most important work you'll do is missionary work.
Love you always, Sister Kimball

Sister missionaries at Zone Conference standing in front of one of our chapels.( notice the D.I. truck parked in the background ? )

The sisters are

IN THE ZONE !

AUGUST 15,2010

SISTER KIMBALL WRITES--- " OH WHAT A WEEK IT HAS BEEN. OH BOY A GREAT WEEK BUT ALSO A VERY DIFFICULT WEEK. LET'S START THINGS OUT ON A GOOD NOTE.WE HAD A BAPTISM ON SAT. HIS NAME IS ANDREW ADAMS. SERIOUSLY IT WAS A GREAT BAPTISM. SO MANY PEOPLE CAME UP TO ME AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE BEST BAPTISM AND THE SPIRIT WAS SO STRONG. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEND PHOTOS. ANDREW IS SO GREAT. HE IS GOING TO DO GREAT THINGS FOR THE CHURCH. HE WAS SO TEARY EYED THE WHOLE NIGHT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE BAPTISM TO THE END. WE HAD OUR MISSION PRESIDENT THERE. I HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR PREIDENT WILSON.
ON FRIDAY WE HAD ZONE CONFERENCE WHICH WAS GREAT. THE MAIN FOCUS WAS ON FAITH AND THE RESTORATION OF THE GOSPEL.I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME THINBGS I LEARNED. SO OUR VISION(THE MISSIONARIES) AND OUR MISSION PRESIDENT'S VISION FOR OUR MISSION . IT IS FOR US TO BECOME BETTER MISSIONARIES THROUGH FAITH,LOVE, AND OUR MESSAGE OF THE RESTORED GOSPEL. IT IS FOR US TO HAVE FAITH,NOT FAITH IN OURSELVES AND IN WHAT WE CAN DO BUT, FAITH IN WHAT GOD CAN DO. FAITH STARTS WITH DESIRE. DESIRE COMES THROUGH HEARING THE WORD OF GOD ( ROMANS 10:17 ). THE RESTORED GOSPEL WILL PRICK THEIR HEARTS. I LOVE MOSIAH 5:2 (FOUND IN THE BOOK OF MORMON) THE PROCESS IN WHICH THE PEOPLE HAD NO MORE DISPOSITION TO DO EVIL 1. THEY HEARD THE WORDS OF CHRIST 2. THE SPIRIT TOUCHED THEIR HEARTS 3. FAITH 4. THE MIGHTY CHANGE OF HEART. NOT ONLY DOES THIS APPLY TO ME AS A MISSIONARY BUT TO EVERYONE. IT'S THE PROCESS WE MUST GO THROUGH TO COME UNTO CHRIST AND TO HAVE THAT "MIGHTY CHANE OF HEART". I LIKE TO LIKEN THIS SCRIPTURE TO YOU MOM. THIS IS THE PROCESS YOU WILL BE WANTING YOUR SEMINARY STUDENTS TO GO THROUGH. THEY ARE AT A POINT IN THEIR LIVES WHERE THEY CAN GO EITHER WAY. THEIR TESTIMONIES ARE NOT VERY STRONG AND THEY ARE AT THIS CRITICAL POINT WHERE THEY'RE TRYING TO DECIDE WHICH WAY TO GO. I LOVE D&C 121:45. PRESIDENT WILSON POINTED OUT THAT THE WAY TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD IS TO HAVE ...
" CHARITY" TOWARDS ALL MEN AND VIRTUE ( CLEAN & WORTHY). YOU CAN'T ASK WITH CONFIDENCE FOR HELP FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT IF YOU ARE NOT OBEDIENT. HE ASKS US TO BE OBEDIENT SO THAT WE CAN BE HAPPY AND HAVE THE LORD'S PROMISED BLESSINGS GIVEN TO US. ....I JUST LOVE OUR MISSION PRESIDENT. HE STAYED FOR THE BAPTISM OF ANDREW (MENTIONED EARLIER IN THE LETTER)AND AFTER A LONG DAY OF ZONE CONFERENCE. VERY NEAT! ANYWAYS,AFTER THE BAPTISM ANDREW SAID TO BOTH SISTER DEWITT AND I," THANK YOU. I WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN BAPTIZED IF IT WEREN'T FOR YOU TWO. " HE HAD MET WITH OTHER MISSIONARIES BEFORE, BUT THE THINGS YOU BOTH SAID TO ME PERSONALLY HELPED ME TO BE BAPTIZED AT THIS TIME. HE SAID,"I RECALL CERTAIN THINGS YOU EACH SAID THAT HELPED ME TO BE HERE TODAY." ISN'T THAT JUST SO COOL? IT WAS WHAT SISTER DEWITT AND I NEEDED TO HEAR AT THAT TIME. I WAS TOLD THAT BEFORE MY MISSION THAT I WAS SENT TO THIS MISSION IN A CERTAIN AREA AT A CERTAIN TIME TO HAVE AN INFLUENCE ON THEM( THE PEOPLE IN THAT AREA) BEFORE THIS EXPERIANCE, I WONDERED IF I HAD AN IMPACT OR INFLUENCE ON ANYONE AND THEN ANDREW TELLS US THAT WE DID ( INFLUENCE HIM ) SO COOL AN ANSWER TO MY PRAYERS. GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS, NOT ONLY THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES BUT ALSO THROUGH HIS CHILDREN.

end of August pictures

Oh No,Sister Kimball....To late!! J/K

Lauren's mom

No No! Don't go in the water!

This picture was rotated but it springs to it's side when I place it in the blog...Oh,well, I don't have time to play with this anymore. I have to start my seminary lesson.

Lauren's mom

Letter of 8/10/10 Mom & Dad I miss you so much

It's been a tough week here in Washington! Not alot happening but we are working hard & doing alot of Doctrine of Christ lessons which is getting members involved in missionary work by talking and reaching out to people they know and inviting them to missionary lessons. So far it's going good. We just started so no success from it right now! But I know that this program is inspired and we will see success just not anytime soon and I'm ok with that.
So we have a baptism on Saturday and We are excited. It's going to be our 1st offical one because we started teaching him first and committed to be baptized whereas the older couple that got baptized were already wanting to be baptized. They just needed the lessons done and we did it in a week. It was still a really great experiance.
We have a baptism goal this month of 3. It's high for us but we know as we exercise faith and trust in the Lord he'll put the children in our pathway. And we need to work really hard.
So a cool experiance--We were trying to decide on the number of baptisms to set as our goal for the month. Sister Dewitt said," I'm thinking 2. I thought 3. So I suggested that we pray about what the goal # should be according to the Lord's will,2or 3 or more whatever it may be. We sat and pondered and I continued to feel like we should have a goal of 3 baptisms this month. It's amazing how fast the spirit tells us what we should do, but usually only when we are seeking for the inspiration. PRAYER is the key all the time. Oh how I wish that I had prayed alot more throughout the day before my mission. The strength and shield (of prayer) gives me the power against Satan & his temptation.
I got to recite the Young Womens theme for the 1st time in like 4 yrs, I still remember It! Oh, how I miss YW. Relief Society is awesome but the theme is so cool! we should recite it in Relief Society more!

We had a good dinner tonight with members. She cooked ham. It was actually really yummy. We really appriciate member dinners! I hope I remember my experiances here (on my mission) when I come home because there are so many and you (may not even remember ) 1/3 of them. It's so hard not to be able to share all my experiances with you guys. It's amazing how many I have. (Although),there are nights when I am so tired that I can't even remember what I did that day!
I love what Elder Wirthlin says,"If we approach adversities wisely our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness. The first thing we can do to help get us through the tough times of testting and trial is to learn to laugh. Sister Dewitt & I are great at that. Seriously we laugh all the time. She teaches me by example to laugh and we just laugh and laugh til we cry! It's going to be so hard not to be companions any more. Elder Wirthlin continues," Jesus Christ will strengthen us in our time of weakness and fortify us in our hour of distress. He will make weak things become strong. Come what may and love it." Sister Lauren Kimball

The strong and the mighty!!!

They're on their way to the Seattle Temple

Sister Dewitt & Sister Kimball 1st baptism