Cookies and Milk

Merry Christmas!

First of all… I want to say thank you to everyone who sent me
Christmas cards and packages! That was so sweet of everybody and it
made me feel so loved. It is amazing how Blessed I am. I am working on
thank you notes… Please be patient. I promise you I will get one
eventually ha ha Ha.

Hope everyone had an amazing Christmas!

Christmas is truly an amazing time to share the gospel with everyone.
For some reason people are more willing to hear our message and to let
us in their homes. I'm very grateful for the spirit that Christmas
brings, and the love and softened hearts people have. Sister Clark and
I have been working really hard to find people who are ready to hear
the gospel. It can be very challenging at times and I sure you this is
probably the hardest thing I have done so far in my life, but it is
well worth it. I get to see people change. And that is truly worth it.

Dahni and Sakonni are out of town this coming week so we moved their
baptism date to January 7! I am really really excited for them. They
have expressed that they are so excited to get baptized and to be
official members of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints.
They are truly amazing girls and they deserve all the happiness and
joy the gospel brings in their life.

we have been teaching a man named Dale. He is an older gentleman,
around 80 years old. His wife passed away about a year ago. He is a
delightful man and very sweet to us. But he does not understand the
concept of God and has a hard time believing in the plan of salvation.
He doesn't know for sure if he will see his wife again. He lacks
faith. We have expressed to him that there is a God and that the only
way he can know for himself is if he prays about it and really asked
God if he is there. I know that if he does so God will answer his
prayers. But he being the stubborn old man he is, will not pray.
Sister Clark and I love them very much and it is frustrating and hard
to see someone struggle when you have the answers to their problems
right in front of them, but they refused to take it. It is an
interesting perspective I have being a missionary. He dropped this a
few weeks ago but we have managed to keep teaching him :-) keep Dale
in your prayers please.

I was reading and studying 3 Nephi this week. 3 Nephi chapter 1 is
when Christ is born. 3 Nephi 1:13 is one of my favorite verses. It
reads, "Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time
is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the
morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will
fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my
holy prophets." I love this verse because it shows that we to believe
in the birth of Christ. And that the sign (Star) was seen from all
over the world. For me, it really puts things into perspective. I know
that Christ is the savior and redeemer of the world. I am very
thankful for everything that he has done for me personally. He atone
for my sins and for your sins as well. He knows the way. He came to
this earth to set the ultimate example and to die for us. "For this
cause I came into the world." I know that no matter what we are going
through in our lives if we humble ourselves, and pray to our father in
heaven and asked for forgiveness by taking the proper repentance steps
we can be forgiven. All we need to do is rely on the atonement of
Jesus Christ then correct ourselves. Through faith, repentance,
baptism, receiving the youth of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end
we will be saved.

Xoxoxo
Love,

Sister McCormick 💖

Alma 29:9

Candy Canes, Candy Corn, and Syrup!

Hello Everyone!  🎄

Christmas is coming up fast!! I am so excited for Christmas this year!

I want to challenge everyone to serve on Christmas or Christmas.
Something as small as writing a friend or family member a letter,
letting them know you love them or shoveling someone's driveway:)
#lighttheworld by serving and being Christlike.

This week has been really great! We have been working with the
Cambodian girls, Sakonni and Dahni. They are set to be baptized on
January 7th! They were original going to be baptized on December 31st,
but they will be out of town visiting family that week. They are
progressing so fast and we love teaching them!

We will also be going to the Columbus Temple to do baptisms for the
dead at the end of January with them! :) exciting! There parents are
also set to be baptized, but it is harder to meet with them so their
baptism date is going to be sometime in the near future. Not exactly
sure when yet unfortunately.

We had three Christmas parties this week! Perk of being a Sister
Missionary haha. The Ward Christmas party, Relief Society party, and
Young Womens party. Really fun, although I am pretty sure I gained 10
1bs just from this week! So much food !! Haha We have been blessed to
have our investigators come to each one:)

I am grateful for my companion, Beavercreek, and Ohio! I love being a
Sister Missionary, especially during the holidays. Please email me
your address if you have not yet...I have a special gift to send out
to everyone.

Remember the true meaning of Christmas. Christ is the Lord, our
savior. He is the reason for this special time of year. And what he
did for all of us. He made it possible for us to return to God by
atoning for our sins. He paid the price so that we could repent of our
sins and be made clean. He loves and knows each and everyone of us.

John 15:13
2 Nephi 26:24
Moroni 7:47
John 17:11
3 Nephi 11:13&14


Love,

Sister McCormick 💖

Alma 29:9

Peas and Carrots

No time to post this week.  Here are some pics.

MEAT

I do not have a whole lot of time to write at the moment. Transfers are tomorrow then we got transfer calls earlier today. I will be staying in Beavercreek with sister Clark! I am really happy that we will continue to teach our investigators and continue to help the ward and members grow spiritually. I have gotten to know and love the members of Beavercreek so well, and I love the people that I am teaching. I am excited to find more people in Beavercreek to teach. This is just me, but I have a feeling I'll be in this area for a very long time.

Thanksgiving was awesome! I am going to try this thing called being a vegetarian. I'll let you know how long I last. Haha I am also trying to learn French, but that's another story. I ate at a members home and then we taught a few lessons throughout the day about giving thanks for what we have. It was interesting not being home with my own family, but I wouldn't change it for anything. Christmas is coming up! I'm really excited to experience Christmas on the mission! I am excited to teach people about the true meaning of Christmas. I think a lot of the time people get mixed up in the presence and decorations and craziness of Christmas… But we must remember that it's all centered in Christ. 

I am really happy to be serving a mission and I am very lucky to be serving during the holidays. Everyday on the mission is a blessing. I not only get the opportunity to teach the gospel, but I get the opportunity to learn more about the gospel and to build upon what I already know. My testimony is already grown so much and I can't wait to continue to progress and to realize my true potential. I get caught up in perfection, how I will never be perfect. It's a concern that I've always had, and a realization that I have recently experienced. That I can not teach true perfection. But I will always progress. There is a quote that I love I may have already shared it but I can't remember ha ha Ha…

"I do not think the Lord expects immediate perfection of us, but I do believe he expects immediate progress, and with that progress comes consecration. "

Tad R Callister 

I constantly think about this every day. The great thing to reflect on. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday and I will talk to you all on Monday XO XO XO

Been out for two months! 

Love, 

Sister McCormick 

Alma 37:37 

Alma 29:9

Wendy's!

Last Sunday was Fast and Testimony meeting. I bore my testimony, and I
started with my Wendy's story. I told the congregation how Wendy's was
my FAVORITE restaurant and that I was meant to serve in Ohio because
the Wendy's headquarters was located here.

Everyone laughed and thought it was a good joke. However, I may or may
not wish I had not told the congregation that. The last five nights
members have brought us Wendy's for dinner! Haha I love it, but I mean
too much of a good thing can become bad! Sister Clark jokes that she
should go up next Fast Sunday and bare her testimony about Jimmy
Johns.

This week went by really fast. I miss being able to relax when I want,
but it is not about what I want. It is about what God wants. I am on
the Lords time.

I really appreciate everyone's support and Love. I would not be able
to do this if it wasn't for my family and the love they have for me
and missionary work.

I am blessed to be surrounded by people who are willing to serve and
support the missionaries and our work by doing whatever it takes. I
love Ohio and I know that I was called of God to come here and share
the Gospel. This is the hardest but most rewarding thing that I have
ever done. There are tough times ahead but I am excited for those
times. It's the hard things that shape us into who God wants us to be.
Our devine potential.

We had Stake Conference yesterday, The main thing I took away from
it was my true self worth. Don't attach your worth on anything or
anyone. (Which I have done in the past, and it only brings sadness.)
you must attach your self worth in God and your divine nature. Don't
be prideful, be humble and realize what you need to do to accomplish
this task. Be self aware and take the steps to become that much closer
to your Father in Heaven. Find Joy in repentance, trials and service.

If there is any confusion, read the Book of Mormon. I know " Reading
the Book of Mormon" sounds so simple, but don't dismiss it because of
the simpleness of the way. Read and apply the teaching of the BOM to
your daily life and the fog will be lifted.

Love you all!

SOUND FORTH the trumpet!

Peace and Blessings!

Sister Keilara McCormick

Chicken and Waffles!

Hello everyone.

The thing I have miss most from back home is my mothers Chicken and
waffles. (Chancy, I know you would agree with me.)

This week has gone by crazy fast. Today we had the opportunity to go
to the Air Force base and take a tour. I attached some pictures.
Almost every member of the Beavercreek ward has at least one person in
their family who works on base. It's a military area. I love the
patriotism and the love for our country in the area I am currently in.

I know there is a lot of people talking about the election. A lot of
crazy things being said. I saw a quote on a billboard that said, "If
the donkey and the elephant let you down, turn to the Lamb." I want to
invite everyone to turn to God during this time. To really review and
evaluate your thoughts and actions. Are we being Christlike?

My companion has been pretty sick over the last week. Seems to be
getting worse. She received a Priesthood blessing from some Brothers
in our ward the other night. We pray she gets better soon.

We have been teaching a 14 year old boy named Logan. His family is not
LDS but his best friend Cooper is, and has always set a good example
and been a light to Logan. We usually have his lessons at Coopers home
with his family. He has just accepted int invitation to be baptized on
Dec 31 7 baptisms for the month of December. Crazy. We just
pray and do our best to keep them on the right path so that the
adversary can not persuade them otherwise. I will attach a picture of
Logan and Cooper and Coopers family. We taught the plan of Salvation.
We had Logan and Cooper draw it out, so the drawing has a lot of
personality (see pic) hahaha.

Thank you everyone for your emails, letters, and packages. They really
do lift my spirits! I love Ohio, and the people here. I will be sad to
move areas. Transfers are coming up and I hope I stay in Beavercreek
but we shall see. The Lord will send me wherever I need to go:) I know
that.

PEACE AND BLESSINGS!

3702 E Patterson RD. Apt A
Beavercreek, OH 45430

Love,
Sister McCormick 💖

Alma 29:9

Breakfast Food!

This week was an interesting one.

Tuesday morning I had a really hard time. I was sad and felt like I
missed my family and for some reason I was really concerned with what
I wanted to do with my life after my mission. I was thinking about
school and career path options and it was making me feel a little
blue. I remembered the saying by Gordon B Hinckley, forget thyself and
go to work. So I tried to do just that. We had a lesson planned with a
member named Sarah Sellers. I was not up for it, but I put my emotions
behind me and we went to work. Let me tell you, it lifted my spirits.
I know that that lesson was not meant for her. It was meant for me.
She did most of the talking and the teaching and it was so
inspirational! She needs to become a motivational speaker. It was in
that very moment talking with her that I received revelation pf what
exactly I want to do with my life. It was so crazy!!! I can't tell you
how insane that moment was. No joke. She is also an artist herself. I
won't spoil what my new life goal is, but I will tell you it has
something to do with art:) I know that I can actually make that dream
a reality with hard work, dedication, and the Lord.

On Wednesday we had our Zone training meeting. It was inspirational
and informational. The music instrument rule just changed a few days
ago. It changed to where you can't have musical instruments in the
field at all in any mission. I was a little sad because I was going to
have my mother send me my violin so that I could practice on P days.
:/

On Friday Sister Clark got pretty sick. She was sick for the rest of
the week so we took it pretty easy. She was only able to eat chicken
broth and constantly had a headache. I felt really bad for her, but
she is doing much better now!

There is a member in the ward named Sister Fuerst. I love her lots!
She is amazing and reminds me of my aunt. Anyway, her son, Jared
leaves for his mission to Korea on Wednesday. She was renovating her
kitchen and needed lots of help with cooking etc, so Sister Clark and
I went over to her house after church and helped her clean/cook.
Attached is a picture of us and Jared. He's awesome. He is very
personable and everyone loves him and his mom. He is going to be a
great missionary!

Also attached is a picture of Brother Hubbard. (Josh and Ben wanted to
know what he looked like because he is a Star Wars fan hahah.) There is
also a picture of my companion and me and the people/ families we have
been teaching... including the Cambodian family. They are amazing!
They have come to church the last few Sunday's and continue to keep
coming. I have so much love for them it is insane. You really see
everyone through the eyes of God on the mission. Because of that, I
have so much love for EVERYONE.

Sister Homer (Young Women counselor) made us dinner Saturday night.
She had asked us the night before what I would like for dinner. I told
her that I love breakfast food and miss my moms big breakfast dinners.
She said "I am on it." I included a picture, but it's probably one of
my favorite dinners I have had so far:)

Josh and Ben, I included a photo that is just for you. See if you can
figure out which one it is haha. I also included a video my companion
secretly filmed of me trying to a talk to a cat. (Somethings will
never change 😇😬😂)

Bike Week!

Hello.... it's me... 

So much has happened this week I don't know where to start. First of all... it was Bike week last week. We have a car the we share with the sisters in the area next to us. Every other week we have the car. Luckily our area is one of the smallest in the whole mission so biking is not that bad. But it definitely helps me stay in shape! At least I look so cool in my bike helmet haha. Riding a bike in a skirt is also not as challenging as I thought it would be. Sore your skirt gets stuck in your bike chain every once in a while... but what is a few crashes here and there. 

 I have been teaching a Cambodian family and on Friday we invited all 4 of them to be baptized on December 31st, and they all said YES!! I am so happy and excited for them. One of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had. The parents of the family do not speak very good English, however, even though there is a language barrier they understand the spirit. The gospel speaks for itself. Let the spirit speak and somehow they will understand. They came to church for the first time on Sunday, and told us they really enjoyed it! My companion and I have a total of 6 people on date to be baptized. (The Cambodian family, Robyn, and Deb) and I have only been here for almost 2 weeks! My companion and I have been told that the area we are in is one of the lowest baptizing areas. The bishop and previous missionaries who served here have told us not to expect to have a lot of baptism. Wr already have 6 people who have agreed to be baptized after teaching them only three sometimes two times. The spirit is so strong. We do not the let that stop us. We both agreed to hit the ground running and to talk to as many people as we can and it has payed off. It shows that good and hard work does not go unnoticed by God. He will put people in our path who are ready and if we are ready to teach them as well. Sister Clark and I joke about how everyone had little faith in us. But it's not really us, it's the gospel and the Holy Ghost converting the people we talk with. We are just the Lord's messengers. I got to give credit where credit is due haha. 

Sister Clark and I get a long really well. Every day we grow closer and closer. Sure, there are times where we get on each other's nerves but we love each other deeply. I am very grateful for her. 

Happy Halloween! Saturday night we had our ward trunk or Treat. It was so fun! We passed our candy and pass along cards with a picture of Jesus on them. Sister Clark put a card in a little girls (maybe 4 years old) Halloween bag. The little girl opened her bag, looked in it, pulled out the card to examine it. The look on her face was "what exactly did she just put on my bag?" She turned to us, pointed at us, and said Jesus is NOT candy. And handed it back. Haha I love how honest children are. 

My Beavercreek ward is amazing! It's one of the smallest areas of the whole mission, but I love it. Everyone in the ward is so friendly and excited to see us. My favorite person in the ward is probably Brother Hubbard. Brother Hubbard was baptized on March 7th of 2016. So he is a very recent convert. However his testimony is so strong, and he relates almost everything to Star Wars!! We hold Book of Mormon class every Tuesday night, and he always attends. Last week we were reading from Alma chapter 32. We were talking about how people tend to take the road less traveled... and Brother Hubbard chipped in with a quote from Yoda, "if you take the quick and easy path as Vador did you will be become an agent of evil." I also noticed thatevery time we read a verse where the adversary wad involved he would always say "it's a trap"! He also loves cars. Works on HotRods Josh and Ben would love him!! 

I would invite you to read Alma Chapter 32. What I got out of it is that we all have the ability to plant the seed of the Gospel in someone. The seed becomes dormant but knowledge grows out of the seed. As You spiritually progress and your tree will grow. ALMA 32:34

This Gospel is true. Without a doubt. Although people may reject the message, we at least bring them the knowledge of the gospel and the option to accept it or reject it. I love being set apart to be an instrument in the hand of God to Bring some soul unto repentance. Love this work! 

My one Month day was on Friday:) Yippie! 

O. H. IIIIOOOOOO!

PREPARATION DAY changed from Wednesday to Monday! 

My first area is Beavercreek:) It is one of the smaller areas of the mission. My companion (Trainer) is really sweet and has the cutest laugh. Her name is Sister Clark and has been out for almost a year. We get a long really well and we work pretty well together when teaching lessons. Our personalities mesh well. She is perfect. Literally perfect. She goes strongly by the Missionary Handbook, and likes to stay organized. Our workout time is from 6:30-7am. The other day we were working out and got back a little earlier than normal from our run. I went to hop in the shower but she stopped me and then asked what time it was. I told her it was 6:58. She looked at me sternly and said, "You must work out for 2 more minutes. Follow the morning schedule Sister McCormick." I was shocked and thought she might be joking. But she was not. So now I look at the clock closely to make sure I am following the schedule exact or I get in trouble lol. It is good for me to have a strict companion. She is pretty clean but tends to leave her stuff all around the apartment. I have been working really hard to keep my things organized, but it's hard when I find some of her things mixed with mine lol. We have similar style so she wares all my clothes. Since I got here I don't think she has worn anything of her own haha. I don't mind. I just have to do more laundry on preparation days haha. We laugh a lot together. There are times where just look at each other and start laughing for no reason. Those times are my favorite. 

The people of Ohio are amazing! Everyone is so kind! Sure, you have the occasional person who doesn't want to hear what you have to say and slams the door...but for the most part people are so sweet even if they are not interested. The other day my Companion and I walked up to a lady putting things in her car. We asked her how she was doing and if she needed help with anything. She said "No." So we then asked her if she had heard of the Mormons before but she just looked at us, rolled her eyes and then proceeded to put things in her car. One last effort we asked her what her name was as polite as we could... she said "I don't have a name." Shut her car door and went inside her house, even though she had not finished putting away her things inside her car. We laughed about it for a second and went to the next house where we found an 80 year old man named Dale. He was so cute and sweet! His wife had passed away just 13 months ago and he was looking for answers. We told him, that it's possible for him to see his wife again and that there is life after death. He was reluctant to believe at first, and tried to get rid of us by telling us he was too old and far gone for our message, but we didn't let that stop us. The more we answered his questions the more interested he was. We gave him a link to a message about Jesus Christ and a pamphlet about the Plan of Salvation. He currently had a Book of Mormon he kept from a missionary that given it to him about a year and a half ago, before his wife passed. We invited him to read the introduction. He was so ready to hear our message! We are set to go back and teach him and I am so excited! I have learned that you can't let the negative experiences or the angry people that reject you get to you. You got to brush it off quick and move on, because someone out there is ready and waiting to hear our message. And I have to be diligent in finding those people. 

I extended baptism to an investigator the Sisters before me and my companion had been teaching. Her name is Robyn. My very first lesson with her I had the urge to ask her to be baptized. I was unsure but listened to the prompting. To my amazement and my companions ...she said yes! And that she had been taking all the lessons but no one had asked her to be baptized. But she was waiting for the right person and the right time for someone to extend the invitation. Crazy spiritual. She is amazing and it was such a spiritual experience! She is to be baptized on Christmas Eve, December 24th:) Her 19 year old son, Robert was baptized 2 years ago and so he is going to baptize his mother. Truly amazing! Hopefully I stay in this area long enough to see her baptized. 

My mission is a blessing. I am my message. 

The ward we serve in is Amazing! All the members are so attentive and supportive. They feed us every night. We have a dinner sign up and it's full until Christmas!! And sometimes the members take us out to eat. So far the food has been food I'm used to eating. Meatloaf, hamburgers, thai food, Chick fil A, spaghetti etc. I am so thankful and so blessed! Although, I have gained 7 pounds in 4 weeks total. Getting good meals will be the death of me hahaha. 

I know this Gospel is true with all my heart. I am prepared and willing to share it with all. I know that we can all return to God by using the Atonement and repenting so that we can become clean through baptism to enter into the Kingdom of God. (3 Nephi 27:19) 

I hope all is well! 

My new mailing address is: 

3072 E Patterson RD.

APT. A

Beavercreek Ohio, 45430

PEACE AND BLESSINGS 

Love, 

Sister McCormick