One for the Road

My Dearest Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

As I look at this large, blank page.... and contemplate the past 18 months.... I can barely picture the multiplicity of The Lord's tender mercies. 

From Edinburgh to Limerick to Dundee..... and back to Limerick again, haha! I have treasured my mission above all experiences in my life. 

For my investigators--Thank you for teaching me love, patience, and the reality of the Spirit. Thank you for listening and giving me the opportunity to teach you. I have greater love for you than I could possibly express. I have grown more from my interactions with you than from anything else. I wish you knew how much Heavenly Father truly loves you--He's blessed me with a portion of that love and let me tell you--it is GREAT.

For my members--you were my family away from home. I don't think you realize how you were truly ministering angels for me and my companions. I will miss you, and saying good-bye really sucks. But I'll be back--my love for you will bring me back to these beautiful isles. You made a difference in my life and how I view active, earnest, engaged membership in the church and in the home. Many of your examples will be incorporated into the rest of my life. Please, don't forget me. x

My fellow missionaries--KEEP GOING. The Work of Salvation carries on, until the Savior comes and says "the work is done!" I have learned SO SO SO SO much from each one of you! You all are exemplary, and the potential you have is out of this world! I love you all, for keeping me going when the world and the whirl-winds would keep me down--your outstretched hands lifted me higher than I thought I could reach!

Particularly to my companions: You have been the stability, the testing, the constant friend, the teachers and the students chosen just for me... and I don't think you realize that my companionship with each of you has built me from the ground up. Haha, I always would say--This is so weird! I'm with you as much as I'm with myself! But that constant companionship has taught me so much about the principles of the Gospel, and what you've done for me will benefit my family for years to come. 

My friends, particularly those who stayed with me throughout the past year and a half.... thank you for waiting and writing diligently. Thank you for your love and support and all the tenderness you've shown me. I could not repay you any more than you have given me. 

Most importantly.... My family.

Thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for making this possible for me, through all your kind support, prayers, fasting, and temple attendance. Thank you for motivating me to bring the gospel to all the families of the earth. Thank you for teaching me the gospel by example. I can't wait to see you again. I can't wait to spend eternity with you. I appreciate you more than anything, especially being away from you for so long. Central to the Lord's Plan is my family. My service as a missionary has many many purposes, but I hope you see how all of it was for you. I have no words to express the love I have for you. 

My Lord, My Father in Heaven, My Saviour, Jesus Christ....

I humbly summit the last 18 months as the greatest, quickest, most effective experience to teach me of the Atonement... the Restoration of the Gospel... The Plan of Salvation... The Gospel of Jesus Christ... of Obedience, Prayer, Scripture Study, and all the commandments, laws, and ordinances which enables all these people I love to be a part of that Kingdom as a family. Our Father's family. 

I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. Joseph Smith DID in reality see God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is a second witness that confirms the hope of every Christian heart--that Jesus is the Christ, the very Son of God. Through Him, all the children of the earth are blessed, changed, ennobled, and exalted. He is the Messiah who will save us. I know that God has a Plan for me and my family. I know that the blessings of the gospel are for everyone who will choose to receive them. Through faith, repentance, the ordinances of the gospel, and enduring to the end, we will all see our Saviour's face. And once more be held in our Father's arms. I know the Lord's Kingdom on earth is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am humbled to be part of the Lord's Kingdom, and especially to be His servant, and His partner is bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. 

I Love You All. 

Yours,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

Scotland/Ireland Mission.

(Ahem... Just So you know, I'll be flying out from Edinburgh airport at 9:00 am. 11 Nov. Arrive in Idaho Falls Airport at 11:00 pm same day. My homecoming should be held the 29 November, 2015 in the Rexburg, West Main Ward, Park Street Chapel. My contact info for home: WinterMoon31@gmail.com; FB: Mary Ann Kirkpatrick; 1 (208) 313-4510)

10_26_15 Sister Conference in Edinburgh

SUPER fast email! 

So we just had an amazing, fast week, we realized that we have been teaching 8 people! Its so amazing! We found a South African couple who are amazing! Tracy and Vezu!

Keep Anthony in your prayers, he's really been strugglin', but we know he can make it if he has the desire! 

Saw Melanie for the first time in weeks! She was feeling unqualified, and held back by friends, but hopefully she can find the faith and courage to change--and trust the Lord to help!

We had an amazing sisters conference in Edinburgh today. I wish I could express to you everything we learned today! We learned from both Pres. and Sis. Donaldson, the Sister Training Leader Trainers (Sis. APs) who planned so much! We had workshops about overcoming challenges (including companionships), handling faults and stress and overcoming anxiety and depression through the Atonement, any girly clothing/hair/poise thing we could ask Sis. Ladle, dancing exercise with sis. Solum, healthy/thrifty eating with the mission home chef, relaxation exercise, funny get-to-know you games.... so so good. The best part was getting to see all of my last 5 companions before I head home. I will send photos when I have time! Hopefully :x 

Oh, how I love my mission. And my family. I love you all. I miss those far, and I love those near. I can't express all that I've learned over my mission, it would take an eternity to express it all.  But today I realized something from the overcoming depression/anxiety workshop. If I did not have my weaknesses, I would never have turned to the Atonement. I have learned that I have really changed through the Atonement, but only when I really broke my heart and handed it over to the Lord. I can do no thing of myself, but He can do all things, and I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I certainly will be doing my best to stay worthy and accountable to the work I began here. 

I love my Father in Heaven and the Work He has asked me to do.

Soon.... very...soon... (>^_^)> <(^_^<)

LOVE ALWAYS,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

10_19_15 This Week...

We went to see Juan and Sonia after district meeting Tues. Tried to teach them about prayer and teach them to pray in English! Then on Saturday we talked about Scripture Study and their non-member son-in-law translated for us the importance of it to Juan, who has been struggling with personal study. One day we'll soften up Renato. He's so funny though, he introduced himself to Sis. Buttars as "Brother Rubino" hahaha. They've moved out to Castetroy, which is far from the church with limited transport on Sunday, but a member was kind enough to take them yesterday. 

Anthony is doing well, he came well-dressed to church, and after many attempts to entice him to pick a date, we ended up inviting him to the 7th of November, which he said he would work towards!

We had dinner with the Enokibaras, and got there a half hour late because we thought they told us 6:30! Elders were waiting 20 minutes for us, ahaha. Talked all about how dangerous Brazil is. Taught them about how they should talk about the church the way Lehi enticed his family towards the fruit of the Tree. They made up their own fruits (drawn on sticky-notes) and sold them to each other! Fun fun. 

Eiehlis is so sweet. We watched the Hope in God's Light video with her, and she expressed how she wants that light in her and in her life. Talked about the Holy Ghost and the Book of Mormon (explained it all to her) and I testified that we were chosen to come to her at this time. It was so spiritual. We set up a time for tomorrow to watch "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" with her. 

We taught a new investigator named Patty who is an old Irish man, and he was so sweet. He understood a lot of what he read in the Restoration pamphlet, especially the apostasy. He's willing to study to find where he's meant to be to follow God. 

Friday found out we had to give the car to the new senior couple, theirs had a tax issue, so we're walking everywhere. We are so sore!! We got softened up, haha! 

Bernie was our savior to give us lifts to teaching appointments on Saturday. She was so so sweet, I love her so much! 

Had several ups downs this week, but it looks like a bright week ahead of us! Next Monday we will be in Edinburgh for an All-Sisters Conference (all the sisters in Scotland and Ireland), so we will be only allotted an hour for email later in the day. Its going to be a really really great day. Flying from Dublin Sunday night, fly back Tuesday Morning.  I'll get to see Sisters Wilkin, Skagen, Norin, and Stewart! :D

I love you all so much. I know Christ gives us strength when we can't do it alone. I have seen so many tender mercies and loving-kindnesses here in Limerick, especially this last week. Even on the rubbish days, there was something to smile about. 

'Till the Work is Done!

Love,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

10_11_2015 Questions

I don't have a lot of time to say about my week, but I'll answer some questions from my Mum.

When did you feel the spirit strongest this week?

I felt the Spirit really strong in Zone Interview Training this week when I bore my departing testimony. Its always been my childhood dream to serve on this beautiful Emerald Isle(s) and nothing has made me happier. I know that some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven, but to those who embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. I'm excited to be a missionary for the rest of my life. Nothing has affected me more than my mission and all the experiences that I've had the last year and a half. 

I also loved my interview with President Donaldson, as always.

And I really felt the Spirit as we taught this week, to Eiehlis, and the trials she's going through, teaching her about personal prayer (Sister Buttars shared an amazing experience and method that I tried in turn to help one feel closer to God when you pray--to really imagine yourself curled up next to Him on the couch, pouring out your heart the way you would to your earthly father. Its marvelous) and the Atonement from Alma 7:11-13

And as we taught Anthony, and his strong, spiritual prayers that he truly expresses his desires, worries, and hopes--all towards being baptised. I love it. 

This girl named Sarah let us in and had us teach her about the Book of Mormon for 15-20 minutes! That was great :) Hopefully she becomes a new investigator this week or soon. 

 Tell us something that made you laugh this week.

Er, well last night our GPS took us on a creepy country-road/forest journey really late at night when it was really dark at night and we thought this was going to turn into a horror story! Haha! Sister Buttars makes me laugh everyday! We're so goofy together sometimes!

WE had three sleepovers this week: Sister Sawyer and Sister Wagner for exchanges on Tuesday, Sisters Hobbs, Pennock, Prescott, and Stevenson for ZIT Wed-Thurs., and Thurs. with Sis. Solum and Sis. Wilkinson (they were in a meeting with pres. Donaldson, Pres. Roy, Pres. Faloon, BML, and the ZLs about the work here in Limerick District). We had like, no food and our flat was trashed. So tired. But it was good, I love our sisters! 

Pierre is so good! We finally got to watch the prophet of the restoration with him, and I think it was really good for him. He got a calling as a branch missionary yesterday! Juan and Sonia had to move with the kids out to Castletroy--and the first bus isn't until 11:30! :( We're still figuring out how to make it work.

If I talked to your companion today, what would she tell me about you?

Well, just this morning she described me as, "bipolar" in the best possible way, where one minute I'm crazy and goofy, and the next I'm really really serious! Haha, also, I'm the best mom to her, I cook for her and rub her back all the time. Bahaha.

Okay, I'm out of time, I wish I could tell you more, but alas, today is not that day. 

I love you all! Take care of yourselves! I'll be seeing you soon. 

Love,

Sister Kirkpatrick

10_5_15 Another crazy move

So, this has been a crazy week! Monday morning we got a call from the Dublin Sister Training Leaders at 6:45 am... "Hey, you may be leaving Limerick today..." ?! Zone Leaders: "nooooo......" 2.5 hours later... "yeah, you're leaving tonight." 

So, Sister Stewart had to travel with Sister Wagner to Edinburgh a day early, so I was in Dublin from late Monday night to early Thursday morning. Whoo. #numberssuckedthisweek

Monday Sis. Stewart and I desperately tried to do everything we needed to, pack, email, say goodbye, etc. It was a crazy day, and we didn't get to say goodbye to everyone we would have liked to, but c'est la vie. The members were really sad to see Sis. Stewart go, but they were so kind! 

I think we fed ourselves (AKA ramen once and subway once) twice from Monday to Thursday. And Babs, from Dublin, our good friend who works at Cadbury, who LOVES my new companion Sis. Buttars as her own, sent us home with loads of chocolate, cookies, pancakes, nutella, bagels.... I don't even know what else! Its pretty insane. I guess a sister needs her chocolate. 

We had a really good working day in Dublin on Tuesday, Sister Solum and I. It was really funny. We taught this russian guy who kept saying sis. solum looked like a gerbil from redwall.... and we met with hadiza, who is the sweetest african lady who was referred from other elders in the zone and is going to be baptised soon! 

Wednesday we hung out at the Finglas chapel waiting for new companions to arrive, and, of course, the ferry/bus travel was complicated and the sisters got in late and the elders even later.

Sis. Solum and I were waiting with Babs and sis. Diaz at the bus station for the sisters, and the moment we saw them come in, I shot out of my seat, nearly abandoning my bag (for some unknown urgency kicked me up and out to the platform) and the moment I saw sister buttars we magically embraced and we're basically the best of friends and I love her and she's amazing. mah wee baby buttars. x 

(and no, we had never met previously #friendsinthepremortalworld) 

Due to the late hour we had to stay in Dublin another unplanned night, and then we drove down to Limerick Thursday morning. 

Thursday was just getting on our feet again, and some *ahem* scattered planning. 

We taught Anthony on Friday, and again between sessions on Sunday, and he's not ready to be baptised on the tenth, but we basically warned him that he'd regret it if he walked away now. #promisedcursing He's going to keep learning and keep studying, but he's not off the hook yet!

Conference was amazing. We watched the women's meeting and the first 3 sessions of conference broadcast-ed to the Limerick chapel with other members. Got to watch Saturday morning and Sunday morning live at 5 pm here. Loved Sunday morning's tributes to the mums and the sisters. I loved basically all the talks. There was so much about keeping the Sabbath Day Holy, Being a courageous example of the believers, and *ahem* all those trunky subjects soon-to-be-RMs have to take notes on. Education...dating...marriage...parenthood... the whole bit. 

I know I got answers to my questions from conference. It was amazing to feel the Spirit remind me that I need to be a little more exact, and a little more disciplined and diligent (Larry R. Lawrence/Quentin L. Cook).

I love this work of salvation. I love the gospel and my family. I wouldn't be here if it weren't true.

I love you all! Take care! My thoughts and prayers are with you. x

Yours Faithfully,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

Sept 28, 2015 "Really Fast Post"

So things are good. I got my last moves call last night. I'm just like, yeah.... not real. 

Anyways, news is that Sis. Stewart is sadly leaving Limerick! She's been reassigned to be an STL in Dunfermline, Scotland. I'm going to miss her. My new companion is Sis. Buttars, haven't met her yet, but should be good! 

The week has been good... worst week we've had in Limerick so far together, but no big deal. Our zone still got 54 new investigators and 101 lessons taught THIS WEEK! Landmark for SIM!

Melanie is doing good, but she's stalling a little bit, because she's still trying to quit smoking, and she really needs to come to church! But hopefully being a little bold with her will work out.

Anthony is doing really really good. We taught him the Plan of Salvation this week, and he really liked it! He came to District Conference, and Pres. Donaldson and Elder Dryden of the 70 were there to speak in the Sun. meeting and a special meeting for investigators and recent converts. Really really good meetings! So good. 

We had a rough week for finding/new investigators, but they're coming! New transfer, new companion, new adventures! Its going to be great! 

I love you all! I'll see you soon! 

Love,

Sister Kirkpatrick

Sept 21, 2015 "Singing While we Work"

So, we had a good week. Our branch is trying to have 50 hours with members between the 3 sets of missionaries and we had 21 hours... haha, it was great. I love the people here in Limerick. 

Melanie is progressing well, we had some good lessons with her this week. She just wants to go to the celestial kingdom, be clean, and make Heavenly Father proud. She's so so sweet. We thought she might be ready to move up her baptismal date to the 26th, but we found out she smokes and then she didn't come to church, so we're still aiming for the 10th of Oct. with her. She's going to be so so great though! 

We were challenged to translate/set up Juan and Sonia's family search accounts this week---next time, probably should bring a Spanish speaking member, haha. 

We went visiting teaching with the RS Pres. Jacqui on Wed. to visit a couple of new move-in sisters from the states :) That was really fun. 

Pierre is doing well, we had a chat about Helaman 5:12 and putting on the armor of God to endure to the end :) Which was good. We also retaught the Plan of Salvation and had a debate with him--he had concerns, but they're not really concerns, (or at least that we understand) because of scriptures about the celestial kingdom in Revelation--but it was the funniest, most frustrating debate because in reality--we were agreeing with each other! We had to go get a treat from tesco after that, haha. 

Avril is doing well, she's progressing really slowly though. She's trying to find a new place to live, and its putting her under a lot of stress, which irritates her depression... Its a nasty situation, so all we can do is support, teach, and wait for her to get to the place where she'll act--read, pray, and ask! She just isn't seeing it clearly right now.  

The adversary is working against Anthony, and he has things come up every time we have an appointment with him, so he keeps cancelling on us. :P

We did service this week, to sort out lots of clothes for refugees--kind of mingin, but worth it. We ended up on Facebook, haha :) 

We met with a really sweet less-active named Derek this week, he has... spina bifuda(?) or something along those lines. He is funny, and he misses church a lot. Hopefully we see him at District Conference this weekend! 

Oh, speaking of district conference, we found out the primary is singing on sun.... and we and the elders have been roped into singing with/leading them! So I'm leading the little girls in the first verse of a child's prayer while elder wall leads the boys in the second, and together on the third, hahahaha. we only found out Sunday. And district conference is this coming Sunday... yay--embarrassing moments to come! 

We had a pizza dinner with the YSA on Friday. That was fun. 

This week Limerick Zone has a goal of 50 new investigators! FOR THIS WEEK! we have a goal of 5--we're hoping and praying to find a family! 

Things are great. Limerick is great. We're trying hard. Coming home tired. Its great.

I love this gospel, and I love honoring the role my Heavenly Father has asked me to fill. I love the miracles I've seen, and I love Scotland/Ireland!! 

See y'all soon. 

Love You!

Sister Kirkpatrick