Big changes

Hey, so transfers are in 2 weeks, eke!!! I feel like I say that every week, but I think that that is really the only dramatic change as missionaries we experience so it is the most talked about. I keep getting the dreaded "So Sister Coleman. You have been in Harlem for 5 cycles now..." blah, blah, blah! Haha, they are trying to kick me out of here. Im hoping its not until my mission life is over so I guess I could say, "over my mission dead body!" oh missionary jargon! (Not speaking in terms of real death of course but come the end of the mission we "die", or are released from the calling.) I will not be mad though if I do get transferred, I will however be sad! And so it is...

Anyways, this past week was Easter; such a conclusion to a great week of religious appreciation and learning! I think it was because so many things clicked for me. The entire week was so great! As I explained in the previous post, Sunday was the the commencement of Jesus' final week. Lazareth Saturday and Palm Sunday, all these amazing events to commemorate the Savior were celebrated in their own way. Then on the next Saturday, taking focus completely away from the Savior for most, but drawing near to Him for the Latter-Day Saints, our ward missionary council conducted a Passover Seder. In the Jewish community this is a feast that marks the beginning of the Passover Holiday, it was such an experience. Jen, who is a chef in our ward (hehe, needless to say we're besties!), made traditional kosher foods and conducted the rituals that follow their traditions. It was amazingly authentic and even made the Jewish newspaper in town which was cool. But by far the most amazing thing was seeing the Catholic churches in the neighborhood display their Good Friday Celebration. I have never seen such a sight, and being on the 17th floor, surrounded by 3 cathedrals we got to see quite a bit. All in all though, the best was observing the Sabbath in our Easter Program this past Sunday. It was such a great service. The musical numbers and talks were so sincere and really brought the spirit. The thing that I loved most was the knowledge of the resurrection. I dont know that I honestly considered what happened when the Savior was raised from the dead. He obtained new life, celestial, perfected and complete.

His work was finished and at that time he came again to minister to the people their eternal destiny when the time too would come for them. He was there in the flesh. People could touch his hands, feet and side and feel the scars of the weight in which he carried for all of us. I was taken aback a little by the reality of it all. I think the line in a hymn that describes it best is "Oh it is wonderful that he would care for me enough to die for me. Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me." I cannot repay the Lord for what he did on my account. I can only do what I can to prove myself worthy for such a sacrifice and I am thankful for the opportunity. There is such joy in this work! I love the word joy because it describes something that cannot easily be received. It is a word that is more internal than happy and in some cases doesn't involve that word when used. It is a feeling and a knowledge above that that can be obtained by worldly things. I have such joy in this work and learning that is this mission.


I am so thankful for the time I have out here. The weather is warming up and the trees are green again! So beautiful. Well, its time to go to work! And so it is...


Oh PS! Thanks Cubs in the ward for the Easter basket/box!!! You are the best :) Thanks everyone, Love you love you!
3333 Broadway E17E
NY, NY 10031

Oh Another Week

This week has been a good week! The weather has been wacky pants and there is no other way of explaining it. One day it is so hot you cant bear to be outside and the next is so cold you wouldn't dare go outside! Haha, either way we were going out so it really didn't even matter. Nonetheless, today it is nice, cloudy and foggy but cool.

There hasn't really been too much action going on around here besides the baptism of Darold (I act like it wasn't a big deal!). He has been meeting with us for just about four months now and has decided to take the plunge, haha! I have to say that is was not the easiest decision for him to make but I believe his expression after being confirmed on Sunday was "I feel wonderful Sisters!" It has been such an exciting journey thus far with him and it is so great to see him exercise his faith even into the waters of baptism. I wish everyone could have been at his service. We had such remarkable talents speaking and singing praises to our Savior. Such a great day it was to be baptized, commencing the final week of the Saviors earthly reign: Lazareth Saturday. When Darold approached us with his baptismal date 3 weeks ago he said, "It has to be the 16th Sisters. I don't know, there is just something special about that date." And he is so right.

As Easter approaches and the celebration begins with eggs, bunnies and candy, I can't help but remember all the reason why I carry the name Jesus Christ on my name tag. It is by him that I have this wonderful message to share with all of those who are willing to listen and exercise faith. It is because of him that I know that through the walks of life that I will have him as my redeemer after all that I can do. And it is also by him that I know that there is no other way. So as the Easter celebrations start, remember why it is this day that we are.

Other than that mission life is serving me well. This last week Sister Fui and I went and ate Trinidadian food...I say this for no other reason than I had curried goat (Marilyn!!! Haha!) It was so good! I love being able to find any and every kind of food that I desire on this one little island; another testimony to why I was called here and no place else...man, the Lord just knows me too well.

We continue to do the work and move forward with our calling. Sister Fuimaono and I are just so grateful to be out here serving together. I ask her everyday if she is tired of me yet and the answer is still no, it's gonna be a sad day when we are no longer companions. Anyways until then we are having a great time! The weather is warming up and more and more people are out on the street. You know what that means right?!? Haha! Ya'll just know me too well. I just love you all and appreciate your love and encouragement. Have a great week!

Conference And All The Other Shenanigan​s

I always feel like PepperAnn when I use that words, but anyway...

So a couple of weekends ago was Conference weekend! How did everyone like it?!

It was amazing! And of course I would say that because I am a missionary but in the same breath it really was so beneficial, as it always is! I think the one thing that I came away with that I am going to share is the concept that Elder Holland spoke about in one of the concluding talks of the conference Sunday evening. He said that so much is covered during Conference, things that one would say aren't applicable to them or that have little to no matter to them because maybe their problems are minuscule or obscure. But then he explained that it is ok if not all the topics of Conference directly relate to you because the reality is, not everyone has problems with pornography or debt or receiving revelation. He said a couple of things that were so cool: 1. They have an obligation to address all of the world about issues that are alarming and bring us away from the Spirit, whether they are applicable to the individual or not, and 2. That they are lead to teach by the Spirit which has the ablitiy to teach us the things we need to know, if not by their words then by its edifying power. I love this! I was reading the book of Jacob in the Book of Mormon when he was in the temple addressing his people and he said exactly that. In chapter 2 he apologizes to those who were looking "to hear the pleasing word of God," but then explains that he is, to his displeasure, commanded to address weighter issues.

I guess the idea here is to have patience. As we have all felt the loving patience of a parent or friend, Jesus Christ our Savior has the utmost patience with us. He sits and waits, with his arms stretched out still. He calls us through his loyal servants to come unto Him and let Him bear with us our burdens. I am always so touched to know how much the Creator knows us His children. How he will guide us if we seek earnestly for His counsel. It is such an amazing thing! Of course there was so much more to take away from a weekend of Conference but ultimately this is what touched my heart.

In other news, this last week we had the opportunity to address some of the more frivolous issues pertaining to the Book of Mormon...Musical that is. Yes, the Book of Mormon musical is playing here in Manhattan and has been the best thing since sliced bread. Not that I have seen it of course, but we do hear all about it when people come up to us and ask if we are REAL Mormon missionaries. Haha! It is so funny. We had the chance to attend an activity on Columbia University campus hosted by the LDSSA, where through a quiz that was readily made available to test the LDS doctrinal knowledge of the average Ivy League attendee we could troubleshoot some of the most misconceived topics involving Latter-Day Saints.
It was such a great time! We got to teach so many people and let them know that we are out there, not polygamist or in most cases radically extreme. The results were awesome, many people came away from this event knowing more truth about the Church than the crazy shenanigans that have been spread through the media. We introduced them to LDS students on campus and showed them mormon.org that paints more realist views of the LDS community. All in all it was a great expereince.

As always is said, life out on the mission is going well! I am enjoying my time bearing my testimony and building it up in the process. I love this calling and I love all of you. Thank you for all the support and well wishes! I just love you love you! And so it is..

Once Around The Sun

It just dawned on me that any day after today I will be home on your next year's calendar! That's nuts! The next time I use the phrase "once around the sun" will be when I have taken that trip in New York, and will only have six months remaining. Oh wow!

So whats been going on huh?!

Well, I finished the Book of Mormon right on cue and will be beginning it again tomorrow. I always gain such a respect for the scriptures when I conclude my reading. I have found that those mysteries that are spoken about begin to unfold with the desire and will of searching through them for answers. I also have accomplished carrying my large print quad with me everyday since I have been out, without even a whimper of wishing I bought smaller ones, haha! I mostly threw that little bit of information in to let everyone know that it can be done :) anyways...

I have had two companions, one being my trainer, Sister Child who has now finished her mission and has returned home (we were together one cycle), and the other is Sister Fuimaono, who I have been with since. They have just added to my friend pool and I know that I will love and cherish them putting up with me everyday all day, for the rest of my existence.

I have been in the Harlem 3 Young Single Adult (YSA) Ward for all of my mission life! Honestly, the best thing ever! I love the work here in Harlem and I am so lucky to be serving in such an amazing place! I have made beaucoup friends and have met people that wouldn't have been possible anywhere else. It has been a great opportunity!

I have lived in a 2 bedroom apartment on the 17th floor with 6 sisters total and have loved every second, every mouse, every roach, every long strand of fill-in-the-sister's hair on my coat of it and wouldn't change a thing.

I have had the opportunity to learn, teach and grow in all ways (and yeah, it has been delicious!) Haha! My shoe bottoms are disappearing faster than I have ever seen and I truly know what it means to be tired.

Anyways, along with many other things that have been going on, I have ultimately learned that there is no other way I could have had these experiences except by this coming out to serve the Lord. I just love it and appreciate every moment! Thanks for coming along for the ride! I just love you love you! And so it is...

Corned Beef and Cabbage!

So another St. Patty's day is fast approaching so you know that I'm making corned beef and cabbage for the Zone this week. I love it! Its the little bit of normalcy that I get as a missionary; everyone knows how much I love to cook! But let's talk about normalcy for a second, its definitely not sleeping in anymore, going to class or work, listening to music, going to the movies or being frivolous with my time, so maybe this is a privilege rather than sinking back into what's normal considering the shift my life has taken.

This week in the field has been real good. We are just so blessed with the opportunity to teach such great people. I'm a bit saddened though because it has taken us out of the usual grunt work that would normally occupy our schedule, like contacting! And I almost hesitate to say grunt work because contacting on the street is some of the best work there is here in New York, besides teaching of course. Maybe I'm sad purely for the selfish reason that I am no longer out on the streets as much as I used to, getting to know the people of the city. Nonetheless, I came across a great scripture in Alma 62 early last week that helped me with this conflict: 4. "...and he did raise the standard of liberty in whatsoever place he did enter, and gained whatsoever force he could in all his march towards the land of Gideon." Amazing right?! Sometimes we don't have as much time as we used to to contact on the streets but in whatsoever place we are headed we can still lift the liberty of the people, aka contacting along the way. I know this sounds dumb because that is ideally what should be happening all the time, but sometimes running in and out of trains is so busy, stopping to talk with individuals as you run, already late, to your next appointment is the furthest thing from your thoughts. Nonetheless, I have made a better attempt at it this week and I have to say that I am thankful that I did. Going back to the basics!

So let me tie this into the normalcy of real life. Life is busy. I don't know that that can be over exaggerated more! So, slow down, at least for a second to get back to the basics. I have found that they are truly what I need in the week to help me stay grounded and focused. Soon we will run out of busy things to do and we are left with nothing. Now back to the Gospel and life (I sound like an Old Spice commercial, "now back at your man" haha), keep on the basics, ie reading scriptures, praying, going to church and service. I have gained such a testimony of service both on and off the mission. I have found that the people that we are serving benefit from the service provided, but it is we as the one's who are serving that get the better end of the deal. I have true testimony of that. As with the work I am involved in here in NY. I love this! I love all of you and hope that you all are having a great week. I am thankful for all that I have and at a time of disaster for so many, my heart and prayers go out to them and their families. Thank you for everything! Love you love you!

Why The Silence?

Ok, so now that everything is said and done let me just tell you that I had the best week ever!!!! I didn't update anyone last week because I was sure to go against everything we had been told, which was to not let the world know that Elder Bednar would be visiting us! Haha! Yes, Elder Bednar visited with our mission and it was such a great experience. It was such a day of learning, so let me just start spouting off some of the things I learned.

• Every church meeting should be looked at as a revelatory experience. Before he came we were asked to study his talk "Ask In Faith" which of course is about sincerely asking the Lord in faith knowing that until now everything that we NEEDED has been provided for us and by living righteously we can have a hope, and faith that what we will need in the future will continue to be provided for us when we ask. In addition to that he explained that the questions we have may not always be answered of course right away or on a large scale like hearing a voice, or having a vision. What he counselled us to do was to approach every event that is accompanied by the Spirit with our questions readily available because in this "Revelatory Experience" we can receive answers to our prayers. I have to say that that day definitely proved that for me!
• Be a good girl. In the talk given by Elder Packer, "20 Mark Note" an experience is shared regarding an elder on his mission. That elder, who turns out to actually be Elder Bednar serving his mission in South Germany at the time, recalled in this story that what he was doing was just being a good boy. He then reminded us that we should continue to just be good boys and good girls because sometimes revelation doesn't come knowingly, but as long as we know that we are doing what is good we will have the support of the Spirit. He also related this to big decisions that we sometimes need to make. We may be left to our own good judgement to make big decisions because the Lord trusts us with our choices.
• Foundational Knowledge of the Gospel is a must. Being on a mission it is hard not to agree with this, but when I speak with the members and also remember instances when I was not a missionary I would say that this notion is very hard. My schedule now promotes at least an hour of scripture study each day, helping me to build a foundation of gospel principles. Everyday I am faced with people looking to me for answers so my efforts are to be able to provide them with inspired answers that I have built through inspiration and study. This however is something that can only be borrowed. What I know and what I share is only on loan. I am not able to give my testimony to others so for a short moment they feel validated but soon enough will have to find that inspiration for themselves. It absolutely is so amazing to be able to provide that light for others.

These were just some of the things that I left knowing. I am so thankful for this experience. It is rare to counsel with an apostle of God. To know that he is a servant of the Lord and has been called to hold the Keys to the priesthood that provide for us opportunities to make and keep sacred covenants. In his talk "Seek Learning by Faith" he stated that "the soles of their feet were already wet before the water even parted." I am thankful to know that through the action of faith we can see miracles! I just love you all so much and am glad you are sharing these experiences with me. Thank you for everything! Love you love you.

Another Day In Paradise aka Harlem!

Shot Calls! Once again Sister Fuimaono and I will be serving right here in the lovely Harlem 3 ward for at least the next 6 weeks and we are so so excited! The last few weeks have been so terrible with being sick and kicking whatever virus has been floating around our 6 sister pad, but have also been so great because we have just been so blessed to teach amazing investigators who are preparing themselves to receive the Gospel, such an opportunity! Along with that it looks like the weather is warming up! It is so great to see the sun and feel its warmth again. Utah doesn't hold a candle to this cold and I am so over it, but soon the treacherous summer will be around the corner and I will be hoping for sweater weather again, huh.

It is just so amazing this Gospel is. I received an email earlier today testifying of the power that the Book of Mormon possesses and I have to agree 100%. The sister that sent it was speaking of an experience that she has had the last week where she was able to read and share portions of the Book of Mormon to a couple of her investigators. That single experience led them to gain a testimony of many things that are essential to know to better understand the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. In a recent lesson we were having with one of our investigators he said he was praying to know if the things he was learning were true. He said that he knows that this year would be the year that he would be baptized and he knows of its importance but he didn't know which church would be the one. Last week at our appointment he stressed his necessity to learn quickly what it was he was to do, and so I asked him if he had been reading the Book of Mormon. As he hesitated to answer this question directly I promised him that the only way to know if it is or isn't is to read it. No greater knowledge can be gained about these things until the desire meets the faith required to do it. Read it. Then pray and you will receive your answer is what we told him, the Spirit will testify. This week he approached our appointment with a slight smirk on his face. He hasn't told us of his experience yet but the Spirit has definitely confirmed something for him.

Speaking of the Spirit another of our investigators, the one who bore testimony last week during sacrament meeting has often said something along the lines of "I just feel different with ya'll (she's a southern belle). I feel it when I'm at church and when I'm around other Mormons." This "it" that she is referring to is the Spirit! I love when people can sense and feel the difference. It just makes me so happy that they feel a portion of that Spirit that can be gained in full when they are baptized and receive that great gift. Recently I have personally been studying the Spirit of the Lord this last week and my studies have just been so revealing. I have learned such a great deal about the Holy Ghost; who he is and what he does (D&C 130:22, John 14:26). The most amazing part about it though is the fact that this member of the godhead has sacrificed his opportunity to have a body so that he can dwell with all of us if we ask for it. And it is that simple, as it states in Matthew 7:7-8, "knock and it shall be opened unto you." It is generally our choice whether to have this presence in our life or not and so it is. As Elder Boyd K. Packer stated in the book Hearing The Voice Of The Lord "The still small voice is difficult to describe to one who has never experienced it and is almost unnecessary to describe to one who has." When we feel it, we know. I know and am grateful for that knowledge. I love sharing that with others here in New York! Again, they really feel a difference.

Its been a great week. I am happy to be out here doing this work. One thing though, and you cant blame me for this, its the mission! I feel the missionary awkwardness creeping up on me, eke! I don't know how it happened or how I can avoid it so my best bet is to just give in. I have been told it is a natural part of eating, sleeping and drinking every moment of the Gospel. I guess that is just what happens, haha! And this is the best part, soon enough I'll be back in your life and it will then be your problem too! You can't say you're not looking forward to it... Genn! Haha, I just love you all! It is great to hear from you and know you are sharing these experiences with me. The time is flying by all too fast! I love you love you and wish you all a great week! Smooches!