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

Sept 14, 2015 "Pierre's Baptism"

Hello my friends! So I am starting with this email this week, so hopefully its good. 

This week has been amazing. I am so so so eternally grateful to serve here at this time. We were really busy this week, we saw Pierre everyday except Saturday. We finished teaching the lessons and he had his interview... and Thursday night he was baptised! (along with our friend Marina, who the Zone Leaders have been teaching) It was an amazing experience. We definitely had our challenges getting him there, but it turned out to be a beautiful experience. He went down once, and on the way up the witnesses said, "No, that wasn't enough!" So before he came up for air, the brother baptised him pushed him BACK under! Oh dear, we thought the poor thing was going to be drowned. But it was great, he was so happy! 

Marina is a fragile person, due to a car accident when she was a teen, so we had to support her most of the night (because we're sisters, not elders), but it was a beautiful experience to support her as well. She was so cute, after coming out, Sister Stewart asked how she felt and she said, "Awesome!!" Haha, she was shaking like a leaf beforehand, but afterwards she was happy and wanted to stand to the side and watch Pierre after her. 

It was a spiritual confirmation to me to witness that the Lord is mindful of his children, and He is so so happy when they decide to make the decision to follow Him, into the waters of baptism. If only more people could have this same experience, to really come unto Christ and be sanctified by Him!

Besides our Baptismal/Confirmation excitement we had many opportunities to teach, and 3 of our friends, Anthony, Avril, and Melanie have made commitments to be baptised in October!

Anthony is a former who keeps coming back--he feels the Spirit, he knows the Book of Mormon is true, but has fear of commitment. We had an incredible lesson with him where we and our joint teach all felt the Spirit push us to be persistent with him. We invited him approx. 5 times to be baptised. He finally accepted, because he recognizes the Spirit, and that he has been running away out of fear. But he's great.

Avril is slowly progressing. She has many challenges and issues that she faces, but she knows she feels better when she's with us. So we're going to have to support her slowly and help her to feel the positive Spirit, so she can be drawn unto understanding. 

Melanie is a GOLDEN former who dropped before because her boyfriend disapproved... but now they've broken up :) She texted us, and we've met with her a couple times, and she accepts everything. She loves it. She's so ready.

We went on exchanges this week, so I went to Dublin with Sis. Wagner. It was good... except the mishap of swapping cars due to a flat tire, then getting to Dublin and realizing that we left the keys to the flat on the other car key...... hahahahaha, so we had a last-minute dinner with a member, and stayed with other sisters in Dublin. It was an adventure. 

I am so grateful to be a missionary, and so grateful to serve in Limerick. I have come to understand more and more deeply what Elder Holland said, Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.

I know that when we invite others to come unto Christ, by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentance, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, we will fulfill our purpose. Inviting is just the beginning. We aren't missionaries just to teach, but to help people be converted unto their Heavenly Father and accept His will and follow His ways. Don't forget that. Missionary work is so much more than teaching. Its helping people get home to our Heavenly Father's Home. 

I love you all! I hope you are all well, and know how eternally grateful I am for your prayers!

Yours Faithfully,

Sister Kirkpatrick

Sept 7, 2015 "Just Another Week in the Promised Land"

Hey y'all! This week has been great! we scheduled 13 lessons this week and 6 went through, so we had the frustration of getting stood up, but that's still an amazing number of lessons scheduled for the week! Silver lining :) 

There are some amazing people here in Limerick! 

Bernie is a recent convert who is preparing to go to the temple in Nov! That's super exciting and she's so ready! 

Connar, the one who walked into church last week seems to have a mental disability, so he's a little like Fred. Slow progress.

We met with a couple of men, Justin and Abate (separately) who both are really great, they're Christian and love the Bible, so they have potential too!

We were helping an African sister paint her house this week, which was fun.

A Brazilian family, the Barros invited non-member friends to dinner with us and it was so fun, it was a party and they were so nice! 

The branch president's family, the Faloons had us yesterday and they are so great too!! 

We had 3 investigators at church!

And, I know, you're waiting for an update on Pierre--

PIERRE'S GETTING BAPTISED THIS WEEK! His date was moved up and now its a manic scramble to have everything ready by Thursday! The elders have an investigator getting baptised the same time, so its a balance to try and share the program, but hopefully it will all turn out alright. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. He's so excited! He has a lot of faith and trust. 

We had an all-Ireland conference this week, and it was amazing, it focused on the Doctrine of Christ, and its amazing how deep we can study into these simple principles of salvation, and how much happiness they bring us! It was a fun day.

Limerick is amazing! I love it here, and I'm so excited to see what comes our way! Thank you all for everything! I love you all! 

Love,

Sister Kirkpatrick

Aug 31, 2015 "Limerick"

Hello! This week has been great! 

We are teaching a recent convert couple from Peru, Juan and Sonia, who were baptised last transfer, and they are so so sweet! They speak next to no English, so teaching them is an interesting experience, as Sis. Stewart doesn't speak espanol either! We love them though, and they are doing great. We had the opportunity to teach Sonia's brother a couple of times while he was visiting from Italy. He had questions and was curious about the difference he saw in them! 

We are meeting great new people! A lady with the cutest 5-week-old! Crazy, friendly Irish lady who was referred from a member as we drove past her house--quickly parked and rolled out when we saw her door open a few days later! A friendly Mary who said she would come to church and meet with us. A kid that just walked into church and stayed for all three hours and munch and mingle who wants to meet with missionaries. all of the missionaries working with people who are going to be baptised soon. Its so good. So so good. 

We're teaching a lady named Avril who is sweet, and struggles with depression, so she loves the feelings of peace and safety when she with us or at church. she's a kind of flaky though, so its hard to see her. 

Our investigator Pierre accepted a baptismal date for the 19th of September! He's so sweet, he's still kind of a skeptic, but keep him in your prayers--he is willing and he loves what he sees! He'll continue to love it if he continues to keep an open heart and mind. 

A recent convert just moved here from Spain and she has a strong desire to meet with us and strengthen her testimony of the Book of Mormon! Solanges is a very sweet girl--keep her in your prayers! 

Its been really good to meet and get to know several members this week! Azariah, her family, mum Nicki, sister Lauren, dad Jaffa, brothers... The Kellys--ALL the Kellys, haha (kind of), The Enokibaras from Brazil, Rita from Africa who we painted her living room with the elders, Bernie, a recent convert whose preparing for the temple, Sister Faloon... So great. They're all so great. I love Limerick :) 

I have to go now, but I love you all so much! I know that the Spirit is real, and that Heavenly Father loves us! 

Yours, 

Sister Kirkpatrick

Aug 24, 2015 "The Promised Land"

Hello from Limerick, Ireland!

Ah, things are doing great. It was really really sad to say goodbye to all my friends in Montrose! I broke a little bit Tuesday night in Edinburgh, for I left a little of my heart behind. But it all happens for a reason. 

Wednesday was a long day of travel. left Edinburgh at 7:10, drove through Glasgow and picked up more missionaries--including Sister Solum and Sister Hobbs! 

It was so good to see them again! They are amazing. Ferry ride was good, despite windy weather. Got to Belfast and travelled from there to Dublin by bus, and then SURPRISE! Sister Stevenson and I were driving the "Limerick car" to my flat in Limerick! I didn't know that my area had a car! Whoop whoop! (Dunno how long for though, many cars are slated to be taken away soon.) Soooo after a LONG LONG day of travelling and waiting and standing and driving, we finally got to Limerick at like, 10. We had all 6 sisters in the zone staying with us for the night. 

Thursday my new companion, Sister Stewart, got pooped on by a bird just before heading into a lesson! Sad day! 

The lesson was with our progressing investigator, Pierre, who is just so sweet, and sincere. He wants to make sure the Book of Mormon is consistent with the Bible, but he's willing to set a date with us at his next lesson! So great! He came to a branch activity on Saturday and made lots of friends! We got to go with them for part of it, a walk (a hike) up around a river, an area called Clare Glens. So Friday and Saturday I was able to meet and get to know some of the branch members :)

The branch is the largest unit I've served in! About 100+ come out to church each week! They are great, but I'm afraid I wont get to know them all personally with the limited time I have here. I'm so excited though. This area is so so good! There are so many prepared people just waiting to be found, taught, and baptised! 

I know this Church is true! I am so grateful to be in Limerick with an awesome companion! 

I love you all! Keep the Faith! 

Yours,

Sister Kirkpatrick

Aug 17, 2015 "Transfers"

After 7.5 months in Montrose, "the Spirit of the Lord has called [me] another way; [I am going] to the land," of Limerick, Ireland! Aw, I'm excited--its a good area and a good companion (her name is Sister Stewart) but I'm so sad to say goodbye to my Montrose friends! I'm near tears thinking about it! I'm so grateful for what I've learned, and I'd do it again, even though it was so hard, and I don't understand why all the time, but I'd do it again--for these people. 

"I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." (1 Ne. 11:17)

This week has been good, we got to see a less-active, Heather a couple of times, she's so sweet, and she gets so excited talking about her spiritual experiences! She said that when we visit, she knows its a reminder from Heavenly Father that He remembers her, and loves her, and its a gentle reminder and invitation from Him. So good. I love being the Lord's representative. 

We had a blitz (both sets of missionaries in one area) with the Sister Training Leaders on Tuesday, and that was really good! I enjoyed my time with Sister Sawyer, and Sister Norin and Sister Wilkinson chapped a castle in the forest! And they were interested! Crazy cool. 

We had a lot of opportunities to spend time with members this week, which was good, as it was my last. Sis. Rollo, the Watson family, the Glanvilles, Sister Herschell, The Dibdins, the Stronachs--They all are AMAZING and I'm going to miss them all so much! I'm so thankful for them, and all the other members! The Crawfords, the Jamiesons, The Maxtons, the Farquhars, Sister Craib.... Aw, My Montrose family, farewell! xxx

Didn't get a chance to see Tracy or Lesley this week, but we will see them before I go. Fred will continue to do what he can--slowly.

I have to go now, but I love you! 

Forever Yours,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

Aug 10, 2015 "I've been a missionary how long?

15 months. 

Hey! I love you all. I think you know that, but thought I should remind you! 

This week has been crazy. So, Monday we visited Tracy, and we tried to be bold and firm with her, making it clear that the purpose of the lessons is to prepare her for baptism. She prayed to know, but didn't get a lightbulb moment. She hasn't lost hope that she will, but its a little discouraging, because she's had some health issues recently that she doesn't feel He's answers those prayers either :/ So keep her in your prayers that she can break through the blocks she has up from receiving her firm and clear answer. 

We focused on being happy and hardworking missionaries in District Meeting, and one of the sisters said this: "If you're not a happy missionary, you're doing it wrong!" Which left an impression on me--it makes me evaluate what I can do to change my attitude, my obedience, my diligence, my circumstances (as far as my efforts can extend). I thought about today how we can offer a dandelion (our missionary heart and efforts) to the Lord and He will treasure it forever--even if its only a dandelion, not a full-bloom rose. 

President Donaldson joined us in our area on Wednesday--we met him at Dave Stead's (his convert) house and had a lesson with him and Dave's son Mark, who is also less-active. It was so good, and I loved the opportunity to watch President Donaldson teach!

He gave a fireside that night as well, and Beryl and Douglas came (and brought a friend named Irene, a Russian girl). President's presentation was so bold and clear and filled with the Spirit, I was in awe! He had no clue about Beryl and Douglas' situation, but he hit the nail on the head! He had a really good conversation with them afterwards, totally invited them to just make the jump and be baptised--even volunteered to do it himself! He's invited them and Sis. Maxton down to the mission home for dinner and a conversation about the temple--because that's truly the blessings that the Whites are yearning to know and realise. 

I just love President Donaldson :) 

Oh, and Irene had many questions! She was raised Orthodox, but is estranged from the church--Sister Maxton took her home and they spoke about the gospel till midnight in the car! She asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon! So an English one got to her the day after, but we're hoping to make a rendezvous with her to give her a copy in Russian :) She's so sweet. 

We had the crazy experience of trying by this potential investigator, who let us in at first contact, but we haven't been able to contact her since, until Friday. And we were barely in the door when she started saying that her neighbor was Christian and was missing attending church, because of her health condition, and was like, "Wait, you should meet her!" so she leaves us sitting in her lounge, goes next door and brings back her neighbor! That's how we met Ada, who has more written on her soul than on her skin. She has endured years of abuse, and now suffers from fibro myalgia because of it. She is the most sweet, genuine person though, and I just felt how much she needs and yearns for the closeness to God she used to have. She told me ('cause actually, I was pretty much teaching her on my own while my companion taught the original potential in a separate conversation in the same room!) that she had prayed to rekindle that feeling and the spirit she used to have, and she felt that we were an answer to her prayer! I love her so much already! Its amazing how Heavenly Father can help you instantly love someone--He helps you to feel a portion of what He feels for them. 

I love you all so much--I haven't the time to say anymore, but you are all amazing! You have the makings of greatness in you--because YOU are a CHILD OF GOD!

Love always,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

Aug 3, 2015 "He is With us"

Hello Loved Ones!! 

This week has resulted in so many challenges and blessings.

Last Sunday Sister Norin woke up in a lot of abdominal pain, and after a trip to a GP in Aberdeen, they told her that she had an infection, so they gave her antibiotics. She tried to work through the pain, but she was just miserable, and exhausted quickly. So we had to retreat and rest--really not much else we could do. Now the test results say no infection. Not positive what the problem really is. 

But what was interesting was how when we tried to work through it, everything was insane and dropped and was really hard... but when we took time to rest, the Lord made up the difference and brought us miracles! 

Several weeks ago now, this girl named Gemma came up to us when we were waiting for a bus on high st. and asked us when church started on Sunday! Sis. Norin met her again later the same day when she was on exchanges and we set a time to meet with her, but then she had to cancel, and we were out of contact with her for forever after that... until Friday when she texted us and asked when she and her friend should be at church! She AND her friend Georgia came (for all 3 hours!), and they are both so prepared! Georgia met missionaries in Japan, and went to church with her friend who was investigating--even attended her baptism! It really made her want it for herself! She is moving to Oman though!! Flip! Och well, we'll refer her to Skype missionaries :) Gemma went to church every Sunday growing up, went to sunday school and everything, even helped out with sunday school after she grew out of it. But then when she started university she stopped, and then visited her old church years later and it wasn't the same--so she's been floating around with nowhere she feels at home at this point. But craziness, she had somehow found the Gospel Library to download the Bible on her phone--which then included the Book of Mormon and she had read bits of it!! WHAT??!! Miracles happen. All the time. Hopefully they progress! They both (seperately) accepted the Soft Challenge--to be baptised when they know its true! It was so good! 

Other miracles that happened this week: We met an interesting guy named Gary who CHANGED so much after talking with us! He wouldn't give us his number, but he tried to refer us to his partner and her daughter. That didn't work out, but I think Gary believes in God now. 

So President Donaldson served in our area (as a young full-time missionary) and he had some assignments for us, one of which was locating a less-active, Sarah, he taught and baptised when she was 8/9, who was no longer on our records. WELL the Spirit totally led me to look at the old elder's area book, at formers ((thinking, yeah, totally can find someone to teach)) well, one of them mentioned the investigator was found living at a less-active's address ((It was Sarah's mum!)) and he was her grandson, living there with his mum. I knew that if it had Joan's ((Sarah's mum)) name on it--we had to follow up, so this detective work led us to an address--we chapped---SARAH ANSWERED!! And she was so so sweet! She had so many fond memories of elders and church members from when she was a child--she remember feeling the Spirit and a change in herself when she bore her testimony at a stake event. She went less-active when her mum stopped going. It was heaven-sent timing. She was so good and I'm really hoping that we can bring her back!

Something I really have learned from "The Highly Effective Missionary" and President Donaldson is how actively we must be INVITING. and that means Boldly inviting them to make commitments that will lead to covenants. WE CAN do more--by working smarter, rather than pushing the same old approaches that land on deaf ears. Changing habits and getting out of our comfort zones will make it possible to depend on the Lord and His Spirit more--and They will convert the people--not us. The Lord has prepared so many people, the Spirit is with them and with us. He'll make it all possible. I know there is still someone I'm meant to walk the Lord's path with to their gate unto the strait and narrow path. If the Spirit and the Lord is working for us--we have to do our part by Boldly inviting and warning the people we meet. There is much to do. Miracles are happening everyday! 

Keep Tracy in your prayers--we're inviting her make and keep commitments and to enter unto the strait and narrow. It will mean sacrifice, but so many blessings! Pray that she'll understand and desire and ACT.

So yeah. CrAzY week. Missions are weird. But the Lord loves us so so much. He is hastening His work here, and we are trying to lengthen our stride! The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. But that's what Christ's grace is for.  We need all the prayers we can get!

I love you all. Remember your Heavenly Father loves you more!!! 

Always lovingly yours,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

"Hurrah for Israel!"

July 27 Angels are Watching

Hey!  <3

so this week was good. Sis. Sawyer (originally from Wales :) ) came up to Montrose and we did exchanges. She was so supportive, and loving, and she taught me a lot in 24 hours :) "There is no such thing as a dead area, only dead missionaries and dead members!" We had a good day, even though we didn't get any potentials Tues, we knew we had done our very best. And then the Spirit totally confirmed where we needed to be Wed. morning and we found 3 Potentials within an hour. Pretty much, planning and confirming with God through the Spirit is so essential to success. 

Fred is doing well. We're teaching him from the Gospel Principles manual, and we'll see this week if he'll be able to quit smoking w/ the nicotene patches--if not, there's probably not much progress beyond this point. Keep him in your prayers. 

We met a nice, old lady named Mrs. McQuistan who had us in for the first lesson and accepted the invitation to read the BoM. She's sweet and said we could come back this week. 

We had the craziest experience having one of the most spiritual lessons I've ever had with a lady named Sally Fife, who is religious, but seriously depressed and feels abandoned by God. She invited us in and tearfully pleaded us for the answer for peace, and we testified of the Book of Mormon. It was amazing, and she already had a copy! She met elders before. We invited her to be baptised and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost that can be her source of lasting peace and at first she turned us down, but we prayed a couple times--first her, then me, and then she said we could come again. We gave her our number.... and then she flippin' called and cancelled>>   da heck? Said she counselled with God and she felt that she should cancel the appointment. I don't know what spirit told her to do that but it definitely wasn't the Holy Ghost. 

We saw Lesley on Friday, and I don't know what else we can do for her but help her once in a while to read the Book of Mormon and meet with her friends (referrals!) :/

 Saturday we had an amazing experience with Tracy. We've been working on breaking down her misconceptions and doubts about the restoration, and bring members to share their conversion stories, and she's started to connect the dots--but still, fear has held her back from making any big commitments. 

But this weekend we brought a member (a convert of 30 years) with us to have a lesson focused on the Holy Ghost and the pattern Joseph Smith used to receive answers from God. We used the Holy Ghost Principle to explain how she HAS felt the Holy Ghost in our previous lessons (which we KNOW she has!) that the feeling of calmness and peace and comfort can be with her always if she is baptised and receives the Holy Ghost. We testified that we knew it would only bless her life. And our joint teach shared her simple experience with the Spirit that helped her make the commitment to be baptised. The Spirit was so strong in the lesson. The best part was the ending commitment, though, because after several half-hearted, "I'll try"'s (in previous lessons) she said, "I WILL," to our invitation to pray that Heavenly Father will help her make time for the Book of Mormon, that the Spirit will confirm to her it is true, and that when she knows its true, to ponder when she should be baptised.

Our hearts were ready to BURST! Keep her in your prayers--she needs a miracle! 

The Spirit is real. And He testifies of truth. He will make the difference and break down the walls of fear. 

I love you all! Remember, "Getting out of your comfort zone requires you to rely on the Lord and His Spirit more fully--and that when they will be able to more fully feel the Spirit in the message you share." So yeah, its worth it to push past fear and be bold! You never know if you never try. And that applies to "real life" too. 

Love always and forever,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick 

July 20, 2015 "This Week in Montrose"

So, this week has been slow. Nobody wanted to see us--all ill or cancel or away. Bleh. 

We saw Chris and Iris (non-members) on Monday, and their son, Chris (member) was there, so that was a tender mercy! We had a good chat, and we'll just keep trying to soften their hearts spoonful by spoonful! They are amazing people though. 

Wednesday we had an amazing Zone Interview Training, the Assistants taught an amazing principle that Pres. Donaldson taught them, called "the Holy Ghost Principle" that is all about introducing the Spirit from the beginning, promising them that they WILL feel the Spirit (after explaining who/what/how of the Spirit) and then seeing with anointed eyes the Spirit fall upon them and testifying that the promised prophesy has come to pass--all building them up to seek the Spirit in getting their own revelation and motivating them to desire baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Its pretty much one of the most amazing things I've learned! Oh, how I wish I had this at the beginning of my mission!  I had a really good interview with Pres. Donaldson, we spoke about the work in our area, and how we can yet see a harvest here. He served in Arbroath as a full-time missionary, so he's going through old journals to find referrals for us! and he's planning on coming up for a weekend to work with us and do a fireside. Super super great. We're working for a miracle here. 

We had a good dinner appointment with the Crawfords, and the Spirit really touched and taught them that they need to prepare someone for us to teach! Yay :) And they're also making a list of names of people that they met that the missionaries were teaching that "disappeared". Working on our "living area book"! ;)

Fred is on the patches, but struggles to remember to put them on. He wasn't going to come to church, but then he changed his mind and caught the bus! He pleasantly surprised me! Its slow-going with him. 

Still working super hard on Louise (LA) to help her come to church! We tried applying the Holy Ghost principle and testifying to her--she knows we're right, but her past experiences hold her back.

Sunday we had a long discussion with the Bishop, trying to analyze and brainstorm what to do to help the ward. We had an idea that we'll see how it goes.

God loves us, even if we make mistakes, and we use our agency unwisely. How great a need have we to love one another as He loves us.  

Okey-dokey, I'm done for! I love you all, deeply. I miss you all, and I'll speak to yous soon! xx

Love always, 

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

(photo: I'm lucky to have a talented companion who bakes for me/us! yummy chocolate p-day cake!)

July 13, 2015 "I'll keep walking back to You, Lord"

"I'll keep walking back to You, Lord"

Other photos courtesy of Sis. Norin.

Hello Hello! So I'm going to have to make this short, but its been a good week!

Louise, who is less-active, was excited to see me stay, so we had a celebratory dinner on Monday.

We found a family to teach this week!! They are brilliant! Judith is a former, and so prepared. Keith says he's an atheist, but I don't think that's sincere. They have a 2 year old, Callum, who's really energetic and so so cute! Judith was impressed by the promise of the Book of Mormon and the Spirit helped us to get a return appointment! I know that we've met them for a reason! Its their time. 

Its also time for Dave Stead. He's less-active, and we saw him on Saturday, and he's looking forward to seeing his missionary--our new President Donaldson. He really would love to come back to church, and he knows the doctrine so well, he's just so afraid. He knows he's holding himself back. But he's on an upswing right now, so I do feel like its going to be time for him to come back! Keep Dave in your prayers!! (oh, so, Dave was at one point asked to be the drummer for the Beatles, but he turned them down because he didn't think they'd be successful and referred them to Ringo Star. Crazy. Thought I'd include that for my Beatle-fan pals.)

Funny story from yesterday--we were out chapping, and we opened this gate to chap their door, but  their door was open, and out rushed two, big, scary dogs, so sis. norin backed out and was like, "go, go!!" and she tried to slam the gate behind us, but it didn't shut properly, and the dogs went after us! We ran for the second gate and slammed that one behind us, stepped back in shock and then ran away!! We were paralyzed. 

Fred came to church! He's doing well, just reviewing the principles and waiting for him to be off smoking. he got patches this week, so hopefully the next twelve weeks will show. He needs a mum sometimes. 

The Gospel is perfect. people aren't. but Jesus Christ loves us, and He's leading the way! Trust Him.

I love you all and miss you so much! Shout out of thanks for the card from West Main RS! <3 

"We can be together, forever, someday!"

Love always,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

July 6 "Hello This is Sister Kirkpatrick"

"Hello this is Sister Kirkpatrick"

That's how moves call started. 

And then the zone leaders told me I'm staying with Sis. Norin in Montrose.

5 transfers, 7 1/2 months. 

I don't know what's going on. I don't know what Heavenly Father has up His sleeve for me, because I don't know what else He wants me to learn or accomplish here, but at the same time, I do sincerely love the people here, so all I can do is shake off routine and change things up to make them new. We're going to do our best. Find new people. Teach more. #fillthatfont

Tuesday we had our last district meeting--pretty hilarious, slightly sad. The instruction was excellent. I'm really going to miss this particular district. 2 elders "dying", now another moving and sisters moving in. Crazy stuff. 

We had a great Ward Council with the Stake Pres. about Sabbath Day Observance, and I can feel how an improved sacrament can do SO MUCH for the spirituality of a unit. 

The Glanvilles are back from the family wedding in France, woo-hoo! I love my Scottish family :) 

Friday we had a jaunt up to Aberdeen for physiotherapy--pretty cool city, by the looks of it, and we took the scenic route on the way back to Arbroath. We had lunch with Sis. Craib, and she was so sweet to make an early 4th of July lunch, hamburgers, fries, coleslaw :) twas good twas good. 

Saturday we went to Dundee to meet Pres. Donaldson! He and Sis. Donaldson are just lovely. They are going to be really good. Great stuff is in store for the next 3 years. We also got to see the Adams again in the evening. Soften hearts teaspoon by teaspoon. 

Investigators are good, Fred came to church, and got a blessing to overcome smoking, but this is really the crucial time for him to show that he really understands and wants it. Tracy's phone was broken most of the week, but we saw her yesterday and had a good lesson. She feels the Spirit, but pray that she will study the Book of Mormon this week! Not a lot of progress this week. We need to find new people with real intent. 

Fast and Testimony Sunday was great, the Spirit was really strong.

I have to go now, but I love you all so much!! xxxxx

Love,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick  

Posts from the field 6_22_15

So, not a lot happened this week... I really don't know what to write! We did a lot of finding. . . we had a few lessons. . . people were too busy to see us this week. . . 

Fred is doing well, he's starting to really progress (even though he didn't show up for church :P) but his biggest challenge is smoking--its really hard, because he doesn't work and he smokes when he's bored. I guess we'll see if he can give it up!

George is someone we started teaching recently, but he talks A LOT so teaching is a challenge. His biggest challenge is listening. 

We had dinner and a lesson with Tracy, and the Spirit was there, she feels it, but its like the adage from modern-day prophets "If you're literally too busy to read the scriptures each day then you are busier than God ever intended you to be!" She hasn't been taking the time to read and pray about what we teach, so we talked about "Where is the Pavilion?" by Pres. Eyring in the hopes that she understands that answers only come when we humble ourselves and listen to Him. 

Oh, a drunk Slovakian stopped us... and then started speaking in his native language and wouldn't let us leave until I was seriously like, "WE HAVE TO GO NOW." oh dear. drunk people. they're all over the place. 

Oh, and a less-active tried to convince us that it wasn't worth it to get married. Pretty sure that's essential in the Plan of Salvation. 

We had a fun Zone Development on Monday, played lots of sports. I think my body is starting to break down though... Pretty much everything is ache-y and disagreeable. I think my dentist is going to have a major overhaul for me when I get home! 

We're currently studying about listening (because, you know, Elder Christensen is trying to be a good leader and delegate training in district meeting again) and I was pondering this morning how listening is an expression of love, and how important it is to develop a relationship of love and trust with those we teach, and how listening is more than just hearing--its listening for the Spirit to give us what to say, and to understand what they're trying to express. So many people are trying to express what they're experiencing for the first time, and its not usually something they understand. Trying to explain the Spirit is like trying to describe salt to someone who has never tasted it, and many investigators don't know what they're feeling when they're feeling the Spirit. They are trying to express their joy, their concerns, their experiences, but only Jesus Christ truly understands what they're going through. So when we're listening to other people, we need to be listening to the Spirit simultaneously, because through the Spirit, He'll help us understand them and know what to say. Because like it says in the hymn, "Jesus listening can hear the song I cannot sing." 

I love you all! Take care of yourselves and keep the faith! xx

Love always,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

He Overcometh All

Basically the title came from the line that popped up in the song from Mormon channel radio, so... yeah. 

Hiya! <3

We had a good week, FHE with some members on Monday, and exchanges after district meeting on Tuesday. 

Tuesday morning we were waiting for the bus to travel to Arbroath (then from Arbroath to Dundee with the Hayballs) for district meeting and this young woman comes up to us and asks, "Excuse me, what time does church start on Sunday?" ..... WHAT?  [insert cartoon mouth drop and then pull-snap-up] "Er, Sacrament meeting starts at 12:20" "Oh, okay... my friend met missionaries in Japan and she's wanted to go back to church" "Oh, okay! Just your friend or..." "I would probably go as well" [insert internal excited childish scream] "Okay! What was your name?" "Gemma" 

Pretty much miracle. They happen. THEN Sister Sawyer and Sister Norin met her mum and sister on the street and they referred them to Gemma--she's wanted to come to church but has been afraid to come alone--who then came out of work at that very moment to meet her mum and sister! Contact. made. 

We're excited to see where she goes! 

So after an... interesting combined district meeting, I went to Dunfermline for Tuesday with Sister Montgomery, and we had a really good day, teaching investigators and a recent convert. It was great! I really felt the Spirit tell me what to say/teach, because, to be honest, there was little to no preparation for these lessons! It was a great day. I felt so much brighter. I can't explain why exactly. 

We taught some really good lessons back in our area, as well. Only awkward part is that some of our investigators don't seem to know they're investigators.... :/  but we had a couple of good lessons with Fred--he came to church!! and he seems to be absorbing more! Which is amazing. We've seen how who we bring with us to teach him really makes a difference. 

Sunday we had a really good lesson/dinner with a new investigator, Netty, who is Christian, has been attending JW, but has met with Mormon sister missionaries before. She had some good questions, and we really tried to apply what we learned from Elder Holland and President Brown about following the spirit and teaching to their level. It was really good, and she agreed to read the Book of Mormon! I think she has a bright future, if she asks to know it is true and wants an answer! 

Along the same vein as that, we took Sis. Maxton with us to teach Tracy, and the Spirit was really strong as she testified of her experience getting answer about the Book of Mormon. We asked Tracy how she felt, and she said she felt joyous that someone could really have that experience, but had doubts that she could receive an answer like that as well, but we encouraged her to try! We all knelt in prayer, and Sister Maxton, Sis. Norin and I each took a turn praying for Tracy, that she would receive her answer. I KNOW she felt the Spirit!! Keep her in your prayers!!

Photos coming next week from Zone Development yesterday--I'm sorry, I ran out of time! I love you all though! You are AMAZING children of God! LOVE LOVE... LOVE LOVE LOVE. 

I know He Lives. Always. 

Yours,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

Life Changing Weekend

So, pretty much, it was amazing, life-changing week(end).

Like, the rest of the week fades in comparison with the weekend, so I'll just talk about that, haha. 

So after tea with the Glanvilles on Thursday we took our things and went to Arbroath to stay the night with the Hayballs so we could leave directly from there with them early Friday morning in the car down to Edinburgh. It was so sweet to drive down into my old zone, just past my old area! I absolutely LOVE Edinburgh. No place in the world like it. 

So many memories came flooding back as we drove to the stake centre. We met up with and greeted old missionary friends currently serving in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh Zones, and it was so good to see them, I was so excited!! We received amazing instruction on digital missionary work coming in the future (not there yet due to UK data protection laws), so I don't know when that'll happen, if it will happen in my time here, but it was really good to evaluate how we are currently using the Lord's trust with the technology we already have, and how the best filtre is personal righteousness. 

We had some instruction from senior missionaries and the APs, and finally from President and Sister Brown, who were pretty emotional, as this was their last East Scotland Conference of their mission. They talked about how to distinguish the voice of the Spirit, how it always invites us to do good, it doesn't ask questions (most of the time). If there's a question, its either from us or the devil (most of the time) and if its negative, its definitely from the devil. 

President and Sister Brown had a pretty emotional week, being their last time to teach and testify in person for the Scottish missionaries. They had us all come give them a hug after the end of Scotland East. Elder Holland had them bear their testimonies one more time and President and Sister B shared a box of tissues as they did. They love us so much, and they are so sad to finish. He's talked a little about post-mission in emails, so they definitely have thought about it but they are really sad to finish. 

Then we went home. Rested. Got up, studied, and then traveled back down to Edinburgh. 144 Missionaries attended the all-Scotland Conference with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland! It was AMAZING. It was so so meaningful. 

I wish I could just share the whole thing with you! He talked a lot about how our missions need to change us and we can't live with regret because the chance only comes once. Literally, we only get this same experience once! We are God's investigators, we need to show Him the same commitment that we expect from them. The gospel is for everyone, we can't judge who will or will not receive it. He talked about lifting up our eyes and Vision from the physical reality to the spiritual. We need finishers! Missionary work is not easy because salvation was never easy! One of my favourite bits though was when he shared how our one tool of power is words. 15 After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. If Satan could kill us, he would, but he can't, and so the next most effective tool he'll try to use is cause us to bind our tongue. We must never voluntarily bind our tongue!! 

Then on Sunday, we traveled (more traveling) to Dundee, and Elder Holland was the key-note speaker for a conference broadcast to the UK, Ireland, and the Nordic countries.  he talked about the Book of Mormon and the last days and it was amazing--I was just like, PLEASE TELL ME THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE IS GETTING CONVERTED OVER THIS>> He talked about how the Book of Mormon is truly the keystone of our religion. Its either true, or its not, and if you think about "well if Joseph Smith didn't write it--because, lets be honest, he couldn't have--who did? Who of us could have ever written anything like it that would be worth studying for a lifetime? Nobody. So its true." So there. It was translated by the gift and power of God. It is another testament of Jesus Christ written by His "other sheep". All of our permanent spiritual conversions begin with the Book of Mormon. 

It was an amazing weekend.

I. was. exhausted. 

BUT. THEN. We went back to our area and had 3 joint teaches and a meal appointment at the Bishop's. Seriously. We (ahem--the Lord through us) kicked butt on our goals this week! Even after losing two days to traveling and conferences in Edinburgh. We prayed so hard the Lord would help us succeed and He did! It was a miracle. The work is exploding in this formerly, so-called "dead area". DON'T LET ANYBODY EVER TELL YOU AN AREA IS DEAD. THE LORD HAS PREPARED PEOPLE TO RECEIVE THE GOSPEL EVERYWHERE YOU GO. NO EXCEPTIONS. You have to do your part. Do whatever it takes to prepare your unit, the people around you, and yourself to invite others and then do it! This work is miraculous, and Elder Holland told the priesthood leaders this weekend, "Whatever the miracles of the past have been, they are nothing to what we will see in the future – the work has only begun in these islands!” He said that the scripture quoted by Moroni to the Prophet Joseph 4 times from Joel 2 “has scarcely begun to be realised” and that this generation would live to see the manifestation of it – he also said; “We’ve only seen the beginning” – and he repeated that statement twice for emphasis.

Miracles happen. You better Believe it. 

I know these things to be true. And its all through Jesus Christ. I love Him, and He loves me and all of us. 

I love all of you. I pray you come to know these things too.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

<3 Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

June 1, 2015 Tenth Transfer

Okey-dokey, another week down and today is the first day of my 10th transfer! Crazy stuff there! 

This week was a challenge in that we've been trying to improve our planning recently, and this week we had to change our plans a lot, which of course is just the adversary trying to make it harder on us, but the Lord has a plan for us and will get us to where we need to be! 

We saw Fred just once this week--he hasn't been waking up for church--he doesn't use an alarm clock because he's afraid that waking up too abruptly will cause him to have an epileptic fit. We still were going to try to set a subtle one on his phone, but then he wasn't there for our Saturday lesson :/ I don't know what's going to happen with him.

We're now in contact with a couple of solid potentials, which is exciting! We're hoping to meet up with them this week! One of them had to cancel her appointment last minute, but we'll see her soon, hopefully. 

We had an extra p-day for moves, so I got a haircut and we went shopping for sister Norin--she has had practically no clothes, because they've all... magically... shrunk and she thought she'd be able to buy some in the mission, but so far the shopping has been... limited, to say the least. But we found a couple of things :) 

We saw Tracy and taught her with Sister Watson, and we asked her the first few baptism questions, trying to discern the missing pieces of the puzzle--clearly it revealed that she doesn't yet have a testimony of Joseph Smith, or the need for one true church on the earth, so I'm glad to at least understand where she's really at--because sometimes soft approach doesn't bring up what their real concerns are. 

We had a busy Sunday! We taught Young Womens about receiving revelation through the Spirit (photos) and Lesley came for Relief Society!! and then we had a productive meeting with the bishop before lunch at his house about a new approach he wants us to try--we'll see, as its something we'll need permission from the mission president for. 

Then we had a new investigator/member present lesson! Sister Hayball went with us to meet with a man named Andrew :) He was christened Catholic, but that as an upbringing is his only relationship to the church anymore--he's long-since been disenchanted with the church. But he remains very wise, intelligent and spiritual, with a strong testimony of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. So we're hoping that he'll accept the Book of Mormon! 

Then, we had a member missionary fireside, following up on the principles from the Power of Everyday Missionaries, and President Clancy of our mission presidency spoke--it turned out to be a great evening. We could have had a few more attending, but hey-ho. 

Okay, I love you so so much! I know the church is true! The Book of Mormon is the word of God! Joseph Smith was a prophet of God! Heavenly Father loves us and knows us perfectly! Jesus Christ taught us John 15:13 by word and example! 

Love love. Love love love. 

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

May 25, 2015 Montrose Transfer #4

Haha, guess what! Moves again! And guess what! I'm staying with Sister Norin in Montrose! I'm ridiculously excited for so many reasons--I don't even understand what I'm feeling or why right now!!  I have so much to stay and live for here. I FLIPPIN GET TO MEET ELDER HOLLAND IN 2 WEEKS. I wasn't sure until yesterday when we got our calls, but its for sure now! We're going to Edinburgh for an all-Scotland meeting with Elder Holland and its going to be AMAZING. 

We read this talk this week about faith in missionary work and it was AMAZING. Definitely something I'm trying to apply. http://www.ldsinfobase.net/rh/missn/qualifications.html

It was Sister Norin's 20th Birthday this week and it was fun, even though our dinner appointment cancelled--sickys. We made homemade Chicken Korma Curry--excellente and had chocolate mud cake, profiteroles, and extra cream for dessert :) YUM! 

some things I learned this week by studying and pondering and district meeting (besides that amazing study gem mentioned above) are that the Plan of Salvation is a fairy tale, and we need to always remember that, keep a child-like joy about that truth; and titles don't give us confidence--we gain confidence when we truly come to understand our relationship with Heavenly Father and our Spirit brothers and Sisters. Magnificent. There is so much work to be done!!!

We have a couple of return appointments this week with people that we met, so keep us and those people (Antoinette and Andrew) particularly in your prayers! 

We had a really good lesson with Lesley with the YW President, the recently engaged Leah Farquhar :3 It was a good lesson for Lesley about what to look for as an answer to her prayers--what she would do and how she would feel when she knew it was the right thing to do. Leah was a great joint teach. We invited her to be baptised (again!) and she will when she knows its the right thing to do--100%. The RS President, Kirsty Watson sent Lesley a card inviting her to RS on Sundays and activities in the future and she loved it! She attends church of Scotland with her elderly parents the same time as our sacrament, but she could start coming to RS (the 1st hour) which she's excited for! Improvement! Members can make all the difference with investigators!

There was a Montrose Music Festival (Mo Fest) this weekend--which we tried to avoid like the plague. It looked and sounded pretty cool, kind of like a High Street take-over resembling the Blackfoot fair, but with MUCH MUCH MUCH more free-flowing alcohol. Thus the trips to Arbroath and St. Cyrus Sat/Sun. 

I love this gospel! Its true and the Book is blue! Missionary work is amazing and so so worth it. 

Love to all of you! I miss your faces! 

Always,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick