Dear family, 

Since the library is closed, I am writing this email on an iPad. It has been a long time since I've held one of these! Unfortunately my typing is a lot slower so I hope I have the time to fill you in on everything!

I have been on my mission for 10 months now. I can't believe how fast it is going! I think I have only five transfers to go. Looking back I can see that I've come a long way and yet I don't think I've changed all that much. I have more people and communications skills. I can work longer and don't need so much "me time." I like going places and I don't think I'm going to be such a homebody when I get home. My knowledge of the scriptures has increased dramatically. My testimony is stronger. I have my priorities better aligned with what God wants them to be. But I still struggle with the natural man! I still have the tendency to be selfish and lazy and prideful. Before I became a missionary, I believed missions to be this magical, transformative machine. I would input my natural self and I would come out this polished, spiritual guru. I had looked at my mission as the ultimate fixer. All my deficiencies and weaknesses would somehow disappear. As silly as it sounds, I though my mission would make me perfect. Or at least as perfect as a fallen person can be. But I have learned an important lesson....

Missions don't do that. 

Missions do not make the imperfect, perfect. And that's okay because I improve every day. I am progressing! And that is a pretty exciting thing. I still lose my temper and my patience, often times  with myself. I still have days when I wish I could sleep in at least until 7. There are still times that I have no idea what to say. But I have come so far! The change has happened so gradually that I hadn't even noticed until I read some of my journal entries from a couple of months ago. 

Anyways. 

We had a busy, busy week. The Elders' investigators got married and the baptized. ON THE SAME DAY. The poor relief society president and compassionate service committee had their work cut out for them! President Holm performed the marriage ceremony. He also gave us permission to help Sierra get ready for the big day. Sister Stanley was in charge of her hair. I was in charge of assembling and attaching her train. ME. The train was made up of burlap, lace, and this silk fabric. I had to tie the thing into a bow on her back. I was so scared I would mess it up! All I could think is, "What would Ginger do?" which was quickly followed by, "I wish Ginger was here!" But it turned out pretty well. I was just impressed with Sierra's ingenuity. They didn't have much funds, so she used a beach cover up as her dress. I couldn't even tell! 

It was really exciting to see them change their lives for the gospel and I'm grateful that we have been able to be a part of their journey. The wedding was great and all but all I could think was, "This would not be my wedding." President Holm must have been thinking the same thing because he pulled us aside and said something like this: "You will be married in the right place to the right person at the right time and with the right authority." AMEN PRESIDENT. Their wedding just seemed so devoid of.... I can't think of the right word. I guess eternity? It just seemed so temporary. I can't explain it. 

I love you all! The mail has been super slow lately so I haven't received any of your letters yet but hopefully soon! Pops, you asked if I had any inspiration about my career and I think that I have! I'll write you a handwritten letter about it. 

Love, 

Sis D

Oi familia!

 

We had quite the adventures this week! First off, we got pulled over by the cops for looking "suspicious!" US! The missionaries! I didn't even know that we could be pulled over for so little cause. Granted we had just come our of a rather sketchy neighborhood and smelled like smoke and probably other not so legal drugs. {Don't worry Mom, we were visiting a less-active and it was super safe} but still! Poor Sister Stanley had never been pulled over before and was terrified it would go on her record. The police officer looked utterly confused to find two missonaries and kept saying things like, "I am just trying to figure out what you all are doing." Saving souls and crying repentance with the voice of a trump didn't seem like the response he was looking for!  

 

Adventure Number 2: We drove out to Hollywood. Hollywood, South Carolina, is ironically country. Deep country. We were at a gas station filling up and we saw a lady with a SQUIRREL on a leash. Sister Stanley and I couldn't stop staring at the squirrel perched on her shoulders. The best part? This lady got on her motorcycle, put the squirrel on the front and drove away. I could not believe it. That squirrel was riding shotgun!

 

Adventure Number 3: Our ward did its Day of Service last Saturday. We cleaned up an orphanage. When we first got there, they handed us a pair of pruning shears (at least I think that is what they are called) and instructed us to prune and shape a bush. Having never pruned a bush and not knowing what it was supposed to look like, our results were less than satisfactory. Fortunately we were given some rakes and a plot of ground and we did a lot better with that. Later, we saw Michael sneak over and fix our poor massacred bush. It was really funny! Then we got to organize the clothing donations, and that was a lot of fun. I do so love to organize :) Michael and Mona both came and seemed to enjoy it. They are very much a part of the ward now and have a lot of friends, so that's good!

 

We had a miracle yesterday. Although he wasn't in our plans, I had the prompting to go and see Grant Staley, who is a less-active. Usually, he lets us into the foyer to say a quick prayer in Portuguese (he loves that I am learning Portuguese) and rushes us out the door, but not this time. His nonmember wife whom we have never met opened the door and invited us in. We actually got to sit down and share a message. I know it sounds like such a little thing, but it meant a lot to me. We have been visiting with him since I first came here and we were never able to have a lesson or meet his wife. It was such a tender mercy and I know that it is because we followed the prompting of the Spirit.

 

There are big miracles on missions, but a lot of the time the miracles we see are small. Sometimes, it is simply that someone is nice at the door after we have had some not so nice contacts. Sometimes it is meeting someone who isn't interested, but recognized us as a sign from God that He loves them when they desperately needed that validation. It amazes me and will never cease to amaze me that when I am sad or when I am disheartened that the Lord will send a tender mercy, my own little miracle to show me that He has not forgotten or forsaken me. I know that God loves me and that love doesn't change. It isn't something that I have to earn by promotions or plaudits. It has always been and will forever be. I am grateful that I get to tell people this, because there are many who haven't realized that yet!  

 

I love you guys!

Sister D

Hi y'all!

 

It was so good to see and talk with y'all again! I can't believe how big the boys got. They are little men! I bet they will both be taller than me when I get back. Gone are the days I could just pick them up and remove them from my room :)

 

Things are going good here in Charleston. The Elders' investigators, Sierra and Orlo, are getting married so they can be baptized on the 24th. It will be my first mission wedding! Sister Stanley is doing Sierra's hair, so clearly it is imperative that we attend :) I am really excited for them.

 

We had two really cool experiences with less-actives this week. We went down to Folly to visit a less-active named Julie. Her daughter and husband aren't members. She knows the church is true and her whole family is very active. I guess missionaries used to come to her home a lot and she didn't really like it, so we are trying really hard to develop a relationship with her first and being really personable. We had a break through on Friday night. We met her daughter, Lucy, for the first time, and she really liked us. She invited us to her yard sale/lemonade stand that she is having this upcoming Saturday. Lucy also read us/ sang us her favorite book. It really softened Julie's heart to see us take such an interest in her daughter and her activities. That is one thing that I have learned on my mission. People need to know that you love them. When they can sense the love we have for them, they know that we are there to help them and are so much more willing to act. We also went to another less-active's home named Sister Hoezel. She was in the middle of making dinner, so we washed our hands and got to work. You are now writing the newest connossiere of Vietnamese spring rolls. Sister Stanley and I got that wrapping down to a science! Well, kinda...

 

I really love that I get to meet so many people and that I get to love and serve so many. Gosh, it is just the best!

Sorry this letter is so short! The library is a madhouse today. But I love you all so much! I look forward to your letters and hope you all have the best week!

 

Love,

Sister Daniels

 

The SCCM mission mantra:

I love tough things.

I am the first to do tough things.

I do tough things first.

I'm a finisher.

I love being a missionary.

Dear family,

 

This has been a wonderful week! I have really learned the importance of following spiritual promptings. {Side note: The Lord is constantly teaching me this particular lesson on my mission. I think it is THE lesson we learn on our missions} We were working in one area, when a name of a potential kept coming to my mind. I ignored it, because he was so far away and it just didn't make sense to use the miles, but the name kept coming. I told Sister Stanley and off we went to go see Larry. We had met him a couple weeks ago and gave him a Book of Mormon. He is so elect! He was happy to see us, had read from the Book of Mormon, wanted to take the lessons, and wanted to go to church! He officially considers himself "investigating the Mormon church." It was such a testimony builder to me. I have felt rather alone the last few weeks. I was having trouble feeling the Spirit, and nothing seemed to be happening although we were working hard. So having this spiritual prompting felt as good as a rain after a drought! I know that this is God's work. I know that there are lessons to be learned from every experience. I know and am so grateful to be part of "the work of angels" (Holland).

 

Last Saturaday, our plans fell through for the day, so Sister Stanley and I pleaded with the Lord for guidance on where we need to go. The same name came to both of us! We went to go see this family, but they weren't home. At first, we couldn't understand why we were prompted to go there, but we decided to make the best of it and knock the neighboring apartments. On the third door, we met Mark. He is married and has four kids and has that Mormon look. It was really cool because I just felt like I knew what I needed to say. Unfortunately, we weren't able to teach them then because they were about to leave, but they told us to come back next Saturday at the same time. I just know that the Lord prompted us to go to that apartment complex so we could meet Mark. I am still learning how to communicate to my Heavenly Father and I am learning how He talks to me. Developing a relationship with God is so important. I want to know Him, not just know of Him. I hope that I can say when all is said and done that I know the Master I served :)

 

Dear family,

Bikes are the way to go! Where have those been all my mission?? We more than doubled our lessons and contacts! It is just so much easier to meet and to talk to people on a bike. Plus I think people feel bad that we have to bike in skirts and are just more willing to be friendly :) 

We had exchanges this week. Sister Glauser came and worked with me in Charleston. It was exactly what I needed. I felt immediately comfortable with her and could just be myself. I feel like I have been love starved these last few weeks, and it felt so good to have someone value me for just me! Plus her first name is Lexi and she reminded me so much of you Lou! It felt like I had my real sista with me :) Thanks so much for all your advice! I think I just need to be more selfless and less prideful. So much easier said than done!

Things here on James' Island are going good. We are doing a lot of finding right now, since we had to drop a lot of our investigators. So our teaching pool is a bit slim. Missionary work is a whole lot like a roller coaster, highs and lows. I think we are in a bit of a slump right now, but they never last long so hopefully we can pull ourselves out of it soon. We taught a girl named Jenna this week. She is a devout Catholic, but loves talking about Christ and is willing to learn more. She is really sweet. I couldn't believe how willing she was to take a Book of Mormon, considering her background! She acts like a Christian ought to act. She invited us in immediately and was just so open and loving, even though she had finals for pharmacy school that week and could have used that as an excuse. Her actions spoke volumes. I serve in the Bible belt, and it is so sad that the people who are the rudest are the Christians. Atheists are usually the kindest! If I learned anything on my mission, it is the importance of kindness. We are all brothers and sisters. We have personal challenges and concerns.  I would hate to be an additional stumbling block in another's life because of my attitude, language, actions, etc.

I love you all! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the letters!

Sister Daniels

Dear Mom and Pops,

 

Michael and Mona took us to Middleton Plantations last Monday. Oh my goodness, those Southern marquis know how to landscape! UNBELIEVABLE! I understand Gone with the Wind on a completely different level now. It helped having Michael, a true dyed-in-the-wool Southern boy, talking about the great evil known as Yankees the whole time too. So funny! Also, Jane Austen did not describe the gardens she would always have her characters wander around, be proposed to, etc. with any kind of accuracy. Shame on her! I guess she never imagined a time when her gardens would not be something universally known to her audience. That's a real shame too. It was a very cool experience, because there was a special spirit about the place. It made me feel nostalgic for a time and a lifestyle that I had never been a part of! The magic was tarnished a bit after we visited the slave quarters. There was a long list of slaves and their price. I was saddened to see the value of a human life diminished to such paltry sums, especially knowing that each had been paid for with an infinite and atoning price.

 

We also had a Specialized Training Meeting. It was awesome. My favorite part was the video clip that President Holm showed us. It was a football clip, so not usually my favorite :) but it left an impression. In it, a football team was practicing to go against the best team in the area, and one member in particular had a foul attitude about it and was derogatory about their ability to win. So the coach called him out and told him that he was going to have to do the "death crawl". The death crawl: a person has to crawl across the field without letting his knees touch the ground, while carrying another player on his back. It looked painful. But anyway, the Coach asked him how far he thought he could go and the player said 20 yds maybe 30. The coach just told him to give his best, his very best and then proceeded to blindfold him. So he starts to death crawl and the coach is yelling encouragement. He starts out fast and gets slower and slower. His arms are shaky, and every step looks agonizing. But it was cool to see him continue on, long after his body told him to stop. He eventually collapsed, right at the end zone (distance 100 yds, I think). Even though he was sweaty and the coach's yelling was anything but peaceful, it was still beautiful. I don't know if that makes sense. But it was beautiful to watch someone realize that their potential as so much more than they thought it was. I think that is true of all of us. I know that I am guilty of limiting myself, but I also believe that the Lord hasn't given up on me and that He is kindly yelling encouragement. He knows what we are capable. He knows the person we can become and the great things that each of us are capbale of accomplishing. We can do hard things. And that is a beautiful thing! 

 

Bishop Schlegal invited us over to his home for Easter. He had an Easter basket all ready for us and even had his kids hide eggs for us! It was a lot of fun, even though the Elders trounced us on the Easter egg hunt :) I also got the package. THANK YOU! I love that shirt and wore it twice this week. Don't tell anyone ;) But you really can't send it to my apartment. It is going to get me in trouble! It has got to go to the mission home. I loved the limmerick, Dad! Even though it did make me cry :) 

 

I know that Christ lives. I know that because of Him, we will all live again. I love you all and am so grateful that we willalways be a family. 

Sister Daniels       

Rick sent Morgan's letter in limerick form in honor of his traditional Easter hunt!

Dear Morgan

Just for the sake of old time

Aloud it Might sound like a chime

I hope you will smile

And chuckle a while

My message for you is a rhyme

Remember the earlier days

When Easter would herald a race

Running stocking feet

Quick as a track meet

To find each egg’s hiding place

It started when you were quite little

Lexi would play second fiddle

Round the house you flew

Reading each clue

Figuring out every riddle

Perusing some old pics this week

To count all our blessings we seek

Our kids big to small,

We looked at them all

It almost made tears start to leak

On Saturday the boys did the hunt

Some of the clues were quite blunt

But some were tricky

Maybe even sticky

With Caden, then Blake out in front

The clues made them run here and there

For the most part they didn’t care

Buried in dirt you see

Or up in a tree

Under porta-potty, “Hey, that’s not fair”

It was almost automatic

When at last up in the attic

They found paintball guns

At the end of the runs

You might say that they were ecstatic

Georgetown has a new paintball place

We packed up our new stuff in its case

Picked up each boys friend

Gearing up to defend

It looked like we started an arms race

Paintballing was quite a blast

The day just flew by, it was fast

We battled each course

Against every force

Exhausted we came to the last

Before one match, something funny

To have it on film I’d pay money

“Get ready to run”

“Safety off your gun”

We were ready to go, it was sunny

Then a bang rang out like a bell

Followed quick by a scream or a yell

To see Caden’s eyes

The size of moon pies

Kid next to him, shot foot – oh well

So Morgan, we miss you a ton

We hope you are having some fun

This time of year

We pray you will hear

“Come on in” from every one

We've really been blessed by The Lord

I tell you He does keep His word

If you do what's right

He'll lend you his might

And help you each challenge to ford

Love Daddio