Aug 21 - 27, 2018

Monday, August 27, 2018

Cockburn, Western Australia

This was a really good week, and I'm staying in Success (Cockburn) with Hampel for another transfer. Five in each area.

It started out with exchanges with Narrogin, and then we had two days before another exchange with Kelmscott... It was good.  It was all good and fun. Se had a Blitz in the Kelmscott area on Tuesday. Then we also had Zone p-day on Monday.

Zone P-day

My District at Zone P-day

Kelmscott Blitz

More of the Blitz

Blitz part 3

Exchanges

Exchanges w/ Mejia

Just... stunning

Exchanges w/ Boaza

So, I am finally connected to the internet at the Library, and I just looked at the weather and it says that the whole next week is supposed to rain... so sad...I hate the rain... can't wait for the summer.

So we were able to take a member out tracting with us this week.  He just turned his papers in and is stoked to go on a mission.  It's really cool to see that preparation.  Then he shouted us Dominos; it was indeed a tender mercy from the Lord...

This week we also got to go to the hospital a few times to give blessings. it was good.  One was to a really old less-active guy who didn't even know we were coming, but he took the blessing anyways.  The other was also to a less-active member, and it was a good missionary moment because half of the people in the room weren't members.

Just a quick thought for all of yous, though... Something that has helped me is the thought that the Lord wants us to fail.  As we fail, we can better appreciate the success we gain.  And without failure, we wouldn't have any sort of success. (2 Nephi 2:11) This is the time that we are to prepare to meet God so that we can become like him (Alma 34:32). The Lord is going to mold us and help us to grow in ways that we thought we never would.

Elder Kleven

Good Morning, George! How Are You?

Monday, August 27, 2018

Burke & Fairfax, Virginia

That subject line isn't applicable. I just have Veggie Tales stuck in my head right now, and I was hoping that writing it down would alleviate the incessant sound of Junior Asparagus's voice. Even though Laura the carrot says the specific line I've written as my subject. 

 

Heart attacking the door of a cute sister!

We went to visit some members in the ward, and they have a cat, Boots, who I have a rivalry with.  This is probably the fattest cat I have ever seen, and it knows how to play people. I think I may be the only human to be able to see past his little charade. That's why he hates me so much. Anyway, every time we go over there, the cat always comes over to "play" with me. In reality, he is just looking for an excuse to sink his paws into my flesh. Anyway, I decided to pretend that I was friends with this cat, so I would throw a remote that was attached to a string and then pull it back to me as Boots would unsuccessfully try to pounce on the fast-moving object. Well, I guess Boots got a little excited, so he decided to run ahead before I launched the remote into the distance. And that wasn't a very good idea because after I let go of the remote, I could see that it was going to land just where Boots was. And before I could yell "Look out, Boots! Make way for the flying remote!" - THUNK -the thing collided with Boots's head. As I sat on the couch, I did an internal gasp of horror and looked around to see if anyone saw Boots get a concussion. Everyone seemed engaged in their own conversation, so I got up to make sure the cat was still breathing. I guess I seemed like a threat at that point because I was clearly not welcome in the close vicinity to the ailing creature. I whispered "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!! Just don't tell mom!" The cat didn't think I was funny. There is still a rivalry between me and Boots, but don't worry. I always win. 

 

My chalkboard drawing of Jesus.

We went to a mission farewell yesterday for someone leaving from the Fairfax Ward, and there was a little platter of cheese set aside from the rest with a sign that said "Sister Kleven's Cheese." And then the wife came up to me and said "We were going to have shrimp, but my husband said, 'We can't have shrimp! Sister Kleven doesn't like shrimp!'" I love these people. 

I was going to write about a miracle that happened this week, but it turns out that it wasn't actually a miracle after all. It's fine. I'm not bitter. 

There have been cockroach sightings all over our apartment complex so there are exterminators who are now invading our lives. I swear, there are more men with giant tanks of poison entering our apartment than cockroaches. I realize I probably shouldn't be complaining about that. We found a giant one the other day. I was just chillin' in my chair and saw a blob moving in my peripheral vision, so I glanced down and a lil' giant bug was meandering across our living room. He is now trapped safely under a cup that I will never be drinking from again. Who needs poison when you have cat-like reflexes? 

 

In the rain

We had Zone Conference this week! It was enjoyable. Except when they did our car inspections, Babe's window was left unrolled, so when it rained, Babe's interior was exposed to the elements. And we didn't realize it until afterwards and I sat right in a giant puddle as I was getting into the car to drive away. But it's okay. Poor Babe. Also, we had fried chicken. So, that was enjoyable.

I have very few cool stories this week. Just kidding. My life is awesome. 

Also, I actually really like Junior. Even if he is an asparagus. His message is always inspiring. 

There's a scripture I've been slightly fascinated with over the last couple of weeks. It's Helaman 5:11, and it says: "And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls." I love how it says "tidings of the condition of repentance." When I think of tidings, I think of happiness and joy and goodness and Christmas. But when I think of repentance, I...don't. This verse puts it all into perspective for me. Repentance does bring happiness and joy and goodness. Yay!

Love you all!

Me

Feed the Birds

Monday, August 20, 2018

Burke & Fairfax, Virginia

Is it bad to eat cupcakes for breakfast? Probably. Should I care? Probably. Do I actually care? No. 

We did service for a woman in our area this week. She pretty much just had us pull out all of her ivy and fill up bird feeders. It sounded like it would be fun, so we went in with smiles. And we left with smaller smiles that were weakened by extensive labor and time in the sun. But I felt invigorated by every chunk of root I savagely ripped and clipped from the dirt. It took a lot longer than I anticipated, and I'm a lot weaker than I anticipated. I survived, though. The Lord doth bless.  My companions didn't think it was funny when I started to dance around with my pruning shears and sing, "It's the hard-knock life!", but I thought I was hilarious.  I was put in charge of replenishing the bird feeders, so then the song was changed to "Feed the Birds."  None of them came to me and whistled a sweet tune while I sang, however.  Next time, I guess. 

 

Service with Sister Young

 We just saw the A* family in the library.  They said to tell you all "Hi." 

While we were sitting in Cava a few nights ago, two women came over and sat right next to me.  After I said an awkward "Hello!", they sat there for a few minutes.  Finally, one of them spoke up and said that she had seen my name tag and recognized me as a missionary.  She then bore her testimony about prayer and asked if there was anything on my mind that I wanted her to pray for.  We talked for a little bit and then we just said a prayer right there, and she prayed for me and my family and those that we are teaching to come unto Christ.  Nice lady.  It was just a great testimony builder for me, and I'm happy I was able to make a new friend!  

 

A brownie from a member that was totally TDF!

 

We also had exchanges, and I led out the area with Sister Hansen, my old companion!  It was so fun to reconnect with her again.  We were able to find a couple people to teach, and one was a new friend, I*.  She is a cute old lady who can't walk, so she crawls around everywhere.  It looks kind of creepy, actually.  Also, I realized that I'm an idiot because she asked me to open her drapes for her, and I accidentally knocked a plant over and ripped the string that was meant to keep the drapes away from the window.  I am a horrible person.  But that just goes to show how Christlike this person is because she invited us back. So we are going back to teach her more this week, and I'm excited to not break or knock over anything!  

 

Exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders.

 

Together again! Exchanges with Sister Hansen.

 

Kleven, I*, and Hansen

 

I was teaching in Gospel Essentials this week (again) and someone in the class pulled up a talk by President Nelson in this last April session of General Conference.  He says, "Our message to the world is simple and sincere: we invite all of God’s children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, receive the blessings of the holy temple, have enduring joy, and qualify for eternal life." While I was reading this, I realized that he wasn't only addressing those here on earth, but he was also talking to those listening in the Spirit World.  He's encouraging missionary work for those who have passed on. Isn't that great?

Well, love you all!

Love,

Me

God Is Bigger Than the Boogeyman! He's Bigger Than My Fright as I Teach Relief Society!

Monday, August 13, 2018

Burke & Fairfax, Virginia

Alright! There has been a slight change in...well, everything. I am still in Burke, I got my cute new companion (Sister Young), but I am still covering Fairfax, too. You see, Sister Anderson's companion didn't show up. So, now we are in a trio and living life until the companion we've ordered for her comes in. Or until next transfer. We're not all that sure what will happen. But let me tell you - walking into church yesterday and saying "Hi" to all the people I had previously said "Bye" to was thrilling. I love watching people do a double-take, and then I always have to say "Heh...yep! I guess you just can't get rid of me! Also, this is Sister Young". I probably said that about 10 billion times. Sister Young is from Sandy, Utah. She's awesome. 

The new Trio: Kleven, Young, & Anderson

I had to teach in Gospel Essentials and in Relief Society yesterday. It was nerve-wracking. You would think that three weeks notice would be plenty of time to prepare, but I apparently procrastinate. Who knew? RS was a nice lesson on Elder Zivic's talk this last session of General Conference. It all went smoothly even though, as I was writing on the board, I realized I had neglected to remove my pajama shorts, and that I was still wearing them under my dress. I don't remember putting them back on after I showered, but we had to leave early, so I can't be expected to remember everything I did this morning. Sister Nielson from the mission office came to support me as I taught it. I love that lady. 

On our first Sunday together.

We were visiting some members, and they wanted to sing a song with us. Because we're missionaries and were righteous, I chose a hymn. It was "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful." Sister Anderson was not very supportive of my choice. I miss Christmas. Here are pics with that lucky family:

Also, I think my toe is broken. 

We were checking on a less-active member this week, and as we were walking down the street, we passed by some Jehovah's Witnesses, and (because I'm annoyingly oblivious to everything going on around me) I tried to give them a pamphlet. Only after they rejected my kind offering and told me who they were did I realize how obvious it was. After a super awkward "Keep on preaching the good word!" from me (Yes, I know. I'm embarrassing. Poor Sister Young!), we started walking to the same door. I quickly became even more awkward. Maybe I should come with a disclaimer. 

First District Meeting - Transfer 9

S* told me that I would be a good CIA agent because it wouldn't be hard to leave everything behind. He's under the impression that the only thing I would need to leave behind is Utah. Wasn't all that impressed when I told him I was from Las Vegas. Cute little man. 

I'm in the process of renaming their family dog "Kleven."

Something I've started doing to help further the work of the Lord is share a scripture on a person's doorstep. Crazy, right? What makes it cool is that people don't even need to open the door to hear my message. And that is the little miracle called "RING" doorbells. We have been cautioned to act like representatives of Christ, even if no one is around because we could potentially be filmed. So, when we scurry on up to a door and knock (...or ring), I just say "Wow! What a spiritually fulfilling morning of studies, companion of mine! Shall I tell you about them?" And then I whip out my Book of Mormon and read a verse and say "And I just hope these people open the door so we can share it with them!" And then we inevitably leave because no one has been impressed. 

Yet. But I know that RING is picking up what I'm putting down. So, I continue even today. 

Love you all!

Me

PS: More awesome pics from this week:

A signed box of cereal from a member who found out how much I love it!

With the fabulous F* family!

Out to dinner with the A* & L* families.

Talking about USU with a wonderful family in the ward.

Wonder of Wonders; Mircale of Miracles

Monday, August 6, 2018

Burke & Fairfax, Virginia

Okay. 

I am never leaving Burke, apparently. 

We got transfer news this week and President Caplin called us about 5 minutes before our transfer doctrine came out, and he told us that he would assign a companionship to the Burke ward and a companionship to the Fairfax ward. He said that Sister Anderson would be in Fairfax with a new companion. He then told me that I would be training another missionary from the MTC, and we would cover Burke. *sputter of the mind* What? Anyway, by the end of this transfer, I will have spent half my mission in Burke. And guess what?? I love it! At church yesterday, the 1st counselor in the Bishopric stood up and announced at the pulpit that I would be spending my whole mission in the Burke ward. And then I laughed. And then I started to think about leaving here, and I started getting a bit emotional while sitting there in Sacrament Meeting. Let's be honest, people! It's going to suck! Anyway, it was a sad day of saying goodbye to people in the Fairfax Ward. Nice guys. I'm actually really bummed that I won't be staying in Fairfax another six weeks. 

Last District Meeting

A family we are working with is reactivating, and the two kids are about to be baptized, and another man that is reactivating was just given the priesthood on Sunday. Good things are happening here! Anyway, last night, we got to go to NARMF (New & Returning Member Fireside) again, and it was delightful. We brought Brother P* with us, and he said he loved it and was very grateful for the opportunity to receive "such divine inspiration from the Lord." I like him. 

Sister Koch & Sister Kleven at NARMF

We helped a member figure out how to use her new iPhone this week.

What really happened is Sister Anderson showed her how it worked and I sat on the couch because I was banished. I guess pressing random buttons and saying "What does this one do??" Is not actually considered helpful. Who knew? 

We went over to finish helping Sister C* out with her basement this week. It was sad. We had ice-cream to end the service and got pictures with them because they are awesome and I love them so much. Sister C* gives us "life lessons" every time we go to help her out. My favorite one she has ever given us is "Fear Is a Marker." Satan will make you fear something if you are going in the right direction. If you're walking one way and start to fear it, you're probably (most of the time) going the right way. If you begin second guessing yourself or your actions, start running. Keep going strong. Enjoy these pics of service with Sister C* and her family:

We were supposed to eat with a member at Cafe Rio yesterday, but they never showed up, so we decided to go ourselves. One of the workers was really nice, and after we got our food, he sent us two shrimp tacos on the house. That would have been quite nice, but they were shrimp. So I was slightly less impressed by that. 

There's a big sign in the library that says "Reading takes you everywhere". It's a cute little slogan, but I just keep thinking "Well, The Book of Mormon takes you to the ancient Americas and into the life of the Nephites and Lamanites. What is cooler than that? Nothing!" Maybe I should write a little sign and put mine up next to it. 

With the Senior Couple I love so much!

Sister Anderson got 12 inches of hair cut off today. I was sitting there thinking "Hm. You know, I could get my bangs back..." Anyway, I didn't. Thought I would share that experience. 

Love, 

Me