Week #49 – Is Heavenly Father Your Friend or Your Best Friend? – June 13, 2017 – June 19, 2017 (KK)

Is Heavenly Father your friend, or your best friend? One sister said this statement this week and it has stuck with me, a lot. First, what constitutes being a best friend? Probably someone you trust, can talk to and who will listen, can laugh and cry with, and loves you for who you are. Is this your relationship with God?

This week, we have been trying a new contacting method, a survey. There were 4 questions we asked that struck up some very interesting conversations:

1. Do you believe in God?

2. On a scale of 1-10, how close do you feel to God?

3. On a scale of 1-10, how close do you want to feel to God?

4. How do you think you can reach that goal?

I was surprised to find how many people did not know where they were on the scale, but they wanted to gain a strong relationship, at least 8 or above. Throughout this week, I had to ask myself these questions. I realized I wasn't where I wanted to be, and that I could improve. 

This week I have been studying a lot about The 12 Steps to Change. This is found on LDS.org. Even though these 12 steps to change are related a lot to addiction recovery, these are the 12 steps to repentance. Everyday, we are trying to change, to become better, and to ultimately do what we call repentance. This change is only possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Everyday, I am repenting. Everyday, I hope you too are repenting. Now don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean you are a bad person, but that you AND I are not perfect, and need to change, to become better. The first step to change is honesty. Are you honest with yourself? With Heavenly Father? I invite you today to answer those survey questions, and be honest. Just check where you are spiritually today.

One way to grow that relationship with God, with Heavenly Father, is to have an open, honest prayer. Prayer is the way to communicate with God. This is also made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Start your prayer by saying who you are speaking to, "Dear Heavenly Father". Then say the things on your mind and in your heart. How as your day today? What did you do? You can include questions such as, "Are you there? Are you listening? Do you care? Do you love me?" Include the things that were good and you were grateful for, as well as the secret pleadings of your heart. Since prayer is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, end with, "In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I am learning everyday how to have meaningful prayers and a deeper relationship with God, with my loving Heavenly Father. This is the first step to deepening that relationship and reaching the type of relationship you hope to have. I know the 12 steps to change are the 12 steps to repentance, the 12 steps to healing, the 12 steps to peace, and the 12 steps to happiness. Start today.

I love you all.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love,

Sister Vranes

Week #48 - Triangles: June 6, 2017 – June 12, 2017 (KK)

This week was crazy! It was very, very eventful, with Zone Conference, exchanges in Singapore, and the missionary open house. It feels forever ago that we had Zone Conference, but it was only on Tuesday. In Zone Conference, the topic was finding. President and Sister Simmons started with a focus on training the trainer. In the next few months of this mission, we are losing large groups of missionaries. At the end of THIS transfer , we lose 20+ missionaries, and then gain 20+ new missionaries. I forgot it's June already. Anyway, there's going to be a lot of turn over, and greenie fire. Whoot! 

In training, we learned how to adjust to life. There is a book called Adjusting to Missionary Life on LDS.org. We talked about how this book is really about adjusting to life. There are many things we can apply to life through this book, especially about stress. Sister Simmons said, "If you're not adjusting to missionary life, you are not repenting (changing)". Life is a constant change and at times, it gets very stressful. There are many ways and techniques to deal with these. The best manual to life, however, is The Book of Mormon. Take Nephi for example. Many times, his brothers oppose him, and at times, bully him. Instead of letting things just happen to him. He relies on the Lord, asks for strength (the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ), and take matters into his own hands, becoming an agent to do rather than be acted upon. Take a look through these two books and learn something to help you today.

On exchanges in Singapore, I was able to be reunited with my mission mama, Sister Durham. The duo is back and better than ever. It was lots of fun, with lots of contacting, and implementing the things I had just learned in Zone Conference. We went about Singapore talking to many people, rejected by many people, and giving commitments to everyone. We made a point to leave everyone we talked to with a commitment, such as write 3 things down that were good today. It was a great time! We taught English class later that night and were reunited with our Penang buds, Elder Elieson and Elder Hunt. 

Upon returning to Kota Kinabalu (KK), it was late at night, I got sick, and the next day we had a missionary open house. While riding back home with one of the members, we learned that all of KK had gotten sick overnight. We weren't sure if our decorations were complete for the room we were in charge of. No one had specific details to what we were doing specifically. To be frank, we thought it would be a complete disaster. In the end, it turned out better than expected. We were actually very impressed. Many people happily brought their friends that they had introduced and invited. Everyone's decorations were spectacular. Our investigators came and had a good time, and were even fellowshipped very well by the members. The next day we had church, combined with the other branch. Only a few people from the open house came, but the district was so unified. What made them all unified?

They remembered their purpose. They remembered that we are united in our love for Heavenly Father. In this mission, we often talk about triangles. Draw a triangle like this: an equilateral triangle, I/me on the left, you/them on the right, Heavenly Father at the top. In this triangle, you have to be equal. You draw nearer to your neighbor/spouse/friend/etc. by coming closer to Heavenly Father. If there was only you and the other person, you are the farthest apart. Additionally, without Heavenly Father, this triangle becomes a tug-of-war. There is no balance. When you remember Heavenly Father, there is perfect balance. Now it becomes a matter that both you and the other person must be coming closer to Heavenly Father. If not, the triangle becomes lop-sided. So, I invite you today to look beyond divides. Look beyond prejudices. Look beyond challenges and faults. Remember who you are and who those around you are, children of a LOVING Heavenly Father. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen

Week #47: May 30, 2017 - June 5, 2017

This week has gone by very quickly. Sister Evans and I are working hard to find new investigators and to prepare for the open house in KK (Kota Kinabalu) coming up on June 10th. One thought this week is the scripture found in Matthew 7:7, it says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." I immediately went to the Topical Guide, and under Ask; Seek; Knock, a similar word is prayer. Look in the Topical Guide and in every scripture excerpt, replace "ask", "seek", and "knock" with "pray" or "prayer". In the footnotes of Matthew 7:7, to ask=prayer; to seek=meditate and study; and to knock=learn. This is THE secret formula to growing your own testimony. I testify that this is true. I know that prayer is the doorway to know truth, to gain answers, and to talk WITH Heavenly Father. Prayer is our phone call to God, scriptures are His loving answers. I know Heavenly Father loves you and listens to you. He knows who you are, the things of your heart, and the answers to give to you. Please, give Him a call today. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Week #46: Making History (actually my companion is) – May 23, 2017 – May 29, 2017

I got a new companion this week named Sister Evans. She is from Gilbert, Arizona. She has served most of her mission in KL, kicked me out of Penang for one transfer, and has now switched places with my old companion. Need I say more? She's actually really awesome! She's patient, kind, and funny. I remember my mom found her on Facebook from the Singapore Missionary Mom's page, and said to me, you need to be friends with her. Little did I know I would even be companions with her. She's an English speaking sister, but has actually learned a little of every language. She can kick my butt in Malay. She's the first English sister in all of this mission to break the East Malaysia barrier, and to be serving in Kota Kinabalu.

One miracle this week was riding the bus on Sunday. For most of this week, I had lost my voice because of my cold (the first time I have ever lost my voice in my life!) We had appointments set up, and while I was sick and recuperating, we scheduled additional appointments. However, we had to cancel many of the appointments of our Chinese investigators and Chinese less actives we were working with, because my voice did not improve. Sister Evans and I had faith that I would have a voice by Sunday, so we could call these people back and set up another appointment. Well the miracle came and I was able to call them! But none of them picked up their phones... We were a bit bummed, but started on our way to visit a member. As we rode the bus, we found that everyone we talked to could speak English, had run into missionaries before (mostly the senior couple a few years ago), and wanted to learn the gospel. It was an amazing day for us!

On Sunday, in church, we were able to share our testimonies as a Relief Society. One thing that came to mind were pictures of Jesus. When we see pictures of Jesus, He is always looking lovingly, warm, and is inviting. He often has open body language, a hand out, that is beckoning you to come. As I've been sharing The Book of Mormon, I'm learning that IT IS another testament of Jesus Christ. It tells us of Christ's life.  The people are all normal people with their own problems, yet they tell their testimonies/prophecies/experiences of Christ and how they came to know Him. In all of the examples of Christ and how He treats those around Him, He simply invites. He says, "Come". In KK, we've been preparing for a missionary open house. This is for the members to do member missionary work. I have never seen such amazing member missionary work than here in KK! As I've been thinking about missionary work, even as a member, we don't need to be afraid to share. We are not overbearing, nor forcing, we are inviting. We are simply doing as Christ would do. Elder David A. Bednar said, "Don't do missionary work because you are a missionary. Do it because you were baptized." Think today how you can follow Christ's example. Just say, "Come".

Sister Vranes could not upload pictures this week.

Sister Clark

 Week #45: Add Up! – May 16, 2017 – May 22, 2017

It's that time again, transfer week! I'm staying in Kota Kinabalu. My companion is transferring to Penang, and she'll finish her mission there in 3 months. Our Mission President calls STL's if they are being called, released, or transferring to accept their calling in their new area. We were home playing Uno, trying to recover from illness and keeping our thoughts away from transfers last night. We thought we were home free, when we got a call. It was a restless night, full of tears. When I heard Penang though, I knew she was going to a great area.

This week we celebrated Sister Egan's birthday. We finished our last week of sugar with "Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate Cake" (my mom's recipe). It was delicious! Before getting sick, I went out with Sister Egan, the only healthy sister at the time, to her area. We visited a member's home and contacted 8 teenagers. I didn't speak a lick of Malay, but they were kind and listened to us. I realized, I had forgotten society and how to talk to teenagers. It was embarrassing, but the Spirit was still strong. That was one of the miracles this week. The rest of the week, we fell sick.

 

Happy Birthday Sister Egan!

After contacting the 8 teenagers, we taught Free English Class. We teach this for an hour, once per week, and then teach a short, optional Gospel Discussion. This week, we shared "A Shower of Heavenly Blessings" from LDS.org. While we were talking about this video, we explained how it is about positivity and gratitude. During this video, I had an "aha" moment about positivity. Often, when we think positive, we think of a (+) sign. This is a "plus sign" or "addition sign". I was thinking of blessings when we recognize them, we feel happy. Counting blessings is a positive way of thinking. We can only be positive, because we are adding up! Sure, you can look at others around you and say you don't have those things, but you when you look at your own life, you can't count your blessings down, they aren't taken away. So the key to life is to add up! Add up your blessings, and you will be amazed!

Our "Healthy" Breakfast

My "African" Companion

Branch Family Fun

Week #44 - Dear Mother, Thank you: May  9, 2017 – May 15, 2017

Happy Mothers Day!!

Thank you all of you mothers around the world! You make the world go round and round. Yesterday, in church, we of course celebrated mothers. In Sacrament, the Young Men and Elders Quorum sat behind the podium gave testimonies and stories of their mothers, and sang "Teach Me to Walk in the Light". The Spirit was so strong and it was great to see and hear the men have such great memories of their mothers. The sister missionaries were given the opportunity to teach the Primary for this Mother's Day. We showed them videos on the church website. One video I loved was "Life

Mothers Day Cake

Doesn't Come with a Manual--It Comes With a Mother" This is so true. My testimonies of mothers and motherhood has grown so strong this Mother's Day. Mothers are the windows to Heaven. In Heaven, we have both a Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. In the scriptures, the love our Heavenly Parents have for us is compared to a mother's love, "For can a woman forget her suckling child?" (1 Ne 21: 15; Isaiah 49: 15) One of the strongest ties of love is a mother and her child. There isn't anything a mother wouldn't do for her children Therefore, how much greater must be the love of our Heavenly Parents? I've been

Sisters Clark and  Vranes

thinking a lot about my own relationship with my mother and the experiences I have

with her that tell me she loves me. I'd like you to do the same this Mother's Day. Pay attention to the things they do for you. Pay attention to the things our Heavenly Parents do for you. I love my mother and appreciate her. I have a greater, new found respect for her. I love all of the women in my life. Each of you exemplify Christ and aspects of the person I want to become. Thank you. Thank you for your example, and for giving me a peek into the windows of Heaven. 

Sisters Vranes and Durham

Week #43 – Singapore, Lost Luggage, and Birthdays, Oh My!: May 2, 2017 – May 8, 2017

This week was Zone Conference in Singapore! Singapore was lots of fun and I got to see 2 of my mamas (trainers) who are still alive in the mission (still on their missions). Sister Clark and I went to a Swedish Bakery where I got to eat my first Swedish pastries. Swedish food is sooo good! For Conference, we focused a lot on planning and preparing, and it was superb! I officially have 5 pages front and back of notes from this conference. I learned a lot about goals and plans through the General Conference talk "Return and Receive" in the recent conference by Elder M. Russell Ballard. There was one video, however, that was phenomenal. It is called "His Grace is Sufficient" by Brad Wilcox. It was a BYU devotional given in July 12, 2011, and is a must see. This devotional helps us understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what it really means to receive His grace. He continues to relate grace to one who is learning piano. In this analogy, it was so easy to understand grace and what we must do to receive it. I cannot put into words how great this video was, and I invite all of you to watch it.

Returning home from Singapore, we had a layover in KL. Our flight was delayed 30 minutes and we thought we were going to miss our flight. Thankfully, we didn't. My bag, however, missed the flight. The whole time, I had been thinking how weird it would be and what I would do if my bag didn't make it. I was thinking of a few of the missionaries we had run into that had missing bags, and it just came to mind that mine might not make it. Well, we arrived at 5 pm, after 30 minutes of flying in circles in the air because of the bad, rainy weather, and sure enough, it wasn't there. The airline said they would ship my bag, but were very confused about our address (because we live in a mall). We ended up staying until it arrived at 9 pm. 

Sister Clark at the Swedish bakery.

Another thing that happened this week was a party. On Sunday night, we were invited to a members' home to help her with a Mother's Day service project for the Relief Society. She was making lots of food and I couldn't figure out why. She said some members from the Branch Presidency were coming over to meet a less active member in her home. Turns out she invited a lot of members from the Branch to celebrate my birthday! It was so sweet of them and they really tried to make me feel at home and part of their Branch family. I haven't been here long, but these amazing members know how to make missionaries feel at home. It was so sweet of them! I also got a delicious yam cake! It's healthy and delicious! Two things you wouldn't think would go together, but Aunty Josie knows how to bake! :)

Manicures