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