God Bless America.....And Poland!!!

June 30th, 2014

Eating at a Thai members house!  Thai Food is the Best!!!

 Oh my goodness i can't believe it's the Fourth of July already! Life flies by, when you're having fun:) We have had a lot of fun this week! I think this week I'm going to do a photo Montague because I want to:)

I just want to talk about how many miracles we've seen! It's been crazy to see that the Lord is preparing His people for the message. The beginning of this week was a little hard for me, but I can testify that a few things REALLY make a big difference. Food, Sleep, Exercise( really big!) Prayer, Fasting, Service, and the Atonement. These things comprise my week:) But I am so grateful because I can say that I remembered this week even better why I am here and what I am doing:) I am a servant of the Lord. I have learned about His atonement for me and I am so grateful to share the knowledge we have about His true character with others! He is truly our Savior, and Faith in Him does make more sense than knowledge about other things. I have learned that truly faith is 100 times more powerful than knowledge. For faith is inscribed in our very souls. I really don't think that it can be fully removed. I am thankful for faith, and for the quiet whisperings of the Holy Ghost.

Yummy suckers!  Thanks Aunt Erika and Uncle Shawn!!!

We have two progressing investigators right now with baptismal dates and we are so excited!  President Uchtdorf talked about the ability to pray as a family and thank Heavenly Father for specific traits we all have together. For instance... Grateful for my dad, and his wonderful example of a loving and worthy priesthood holder in our home. It has made a big difference for me and Sis. Blake as we have loved our time together! We are both go getters and I want to marry someone who is hard-working and so it's been cool to learn how to work with a really hard-worker. Family... I want you to try this! I know there is so much love in our home, but I think this is a great idea for anyone to try! Pray and thank Heavenly Father for each other for specific reasons out loud during family prayer. I know it will make a big difference and the Holy Ghost will be even more evident in our everyday lives!

Warsaw! Isn't is gorgeous!!

Well, I know the Savior Lives. I love Poland. Prayer is real, and I am grateful for Joseph Smith for helping us to understand the power behind the scriptures. This week I watched the Testaments and the Book of Mormon came a live! These people were real. I've been getting a real kick lately of how often they send in the word of God to take care of the rough-housing or even murderous criminals. It is truly powerful for it testifies of Christ.

I Love you All So Much!!!

Love, Siostra Hemming

Faith, Seeking in Diligence with Lowliness of Heart:)

June 23rd, 2014

My Darling Family!

I loved seeing those sweet pictures! I sure do love you all. Right off the bat I'll have to tell you that today is a bit of a harder day. Sometimes those happen, but you've just got to serve others and trust in the Lord through it all. I am so grateful to be able to talk with you about this week and remind myself of all the blessings that Heavenly Father has given me during it all! Sister Blake and I had a wonderful week! We started it off making some great goals, it was wonderful because as we went outside to work after making them, I realized that I was fully expectant that the Lord would accomplish them. And He did~! We me this wonderful lady who had met the missionaries before but for whatever reason stopped meeting with them... we taught about the Gospel of Christ and she accepted baptism! People are so prepared! We had so many miracles that day of so many people who wanted to learn about the gospel and were interested in the message.. I even talked to an interested nun... :)

I have seen Heavenly Father's hand reach out and bless my life and the lives of those around me so much this week. I have felt it in prayer, and then seen it in results. We met this wonderful lady on the tramwaj the other day and she gave us her adress to go out to her działka( a random spot of land with a cute house on it:) It was pretty hard to find and we were just walking around and it was a little chilly and Sis. Blake said... Let's ask this house if they know them... well guess what... It was them!!! it was so cool, the mom was not there at the time, so we got their numbers and decided to come back, but I was so grateful and it was a real miracle! I think the most important thing is really just recognizing the miracles as they come. Acknowleding the Lord's hand.

I am striving in my discussions with people to really speak what I believe and to really get on a good level with them. I know that this will help them see that I am a real person and that this gospel has changed my life. It is real and has real power! I read in the Book of Mormon in 1 Nephi 2:19. Nephi is searching that he may know the things that his father said were true. It lead me to think about those kind of experiences I've had in my life. I remember being really young and desiring to know for myself as well that these things were true. I remember seeking out in prayer to know if these things were true, that has happened multiple times in my life. When I look at if from a distant standpoint, I can see that it is like a huge pyramid. The Lord is preparing every one of us so that we can withstand and hold strong to our faith. It started out with knowing that Heavenly Father exists and that He loves me. This has been reiterated to me again and again over the course of my life. In the love in my family, in nature, in peace, in hope, in other people. This is the kind of faith that all mankind can have, not even mattering to what church they belong. Then it gets a little bit more personal... I know and have felt many times in my life the peace and overwhelming power of the atonement of my Savior. His life, what it means to me, His love, and His willingness to hold strong in every circumstance, to give all He had to His Father, and His deep and powerful love, even to the removing of sins of all people. Only those who are Christian understand this particular point, and even that gets more and more clear and deep as we know more and more about Him through modern revelation. I know that in every single instance where I need help and peace and where I want to experience deeper joy, I can always do two things... read the Book of Mormon and pray. The Book of Mormon coupled with sincere prayer has changed my life. I know who I am! I am confident in the Savior, I understand His doctrine, and this book includes inside of it power unto the humbling of souls, it contains the words of Life. It testifies of Christ. This book was translated by a prophet in our day! Joseph Smith sincerely sought with faith and real intent to know the character and the path of God. He sought it out in deep prayer and pondering. I know that he had a vision, was called as a prophet, and then translated the Book of Mormon in God's power. Jesus Christ restored His church through this young man, who was humble enough to be a tool in the Lord's hands, and faithful and noble enough to resist all the doubts that were had among others. I love the Prophet Joseph Smith! Because of His willingness, the church was restored! Because of this, I know who I am, I know the fullness of the plan of salvation. I know about eternal families, about free-agency, I know about the love of God. I understand scripture, I don't seek in false places for false imitations of happiness. I know where true happiness lies. Mankind can be lead to live with a great purpose of becoming like the Savior, and at the same time becoming like God. They can be lead to know of their eternal potential, of their divine qualities, of the great love that enabled the atonement. They can be lead to understand all of the blessings of making good choices, making and keeping sacred covenants, and living with God forever someday!

Yesterday at church we were super blessed and had a lot of people there!!! Miracles! People come out of the woodwork, seeking for change and hoping that this is where they can find it! I love it:) After church we were able to go the Dressler's and have dinner, I have not been so full in such a  long time! We had soup, and then enchiladas( YUM!!!) and then we had ice cream and cake and we were so full:) It was so fun and I was in awe at their testimonies, at their love an strength and their willingness to give so much to the Lord. It is a miracle and I sure do love them. He is the district president and she is a wonderful member who loves missionary work! I sure love these people!

I am certain of the truth of these things, and I felt prompted to testify of them today. Families are forever, God's love is eternal and everlasting, we as mankind are nothing in comparison to God, but everything to Him, His Son is the Great Redeemer.

I love you all! Love, Siostra Hemming

The Eagle Has Landed:)

President Uchtdorf Conference!! Happy reunion with members!!!

June 16th, 2014

Hello my lovely family!!!

I hope you had a wonderful week, from the sounds of it you played and served each other:) I love you all so much!

This week I'm going to give you a rundown of the few days during Pres. Uchtdorf conference~!

On Friday night Sis. Barth and Whitely came and stayed with us, we pulled out the hide-a-bed and had a sleepover. It was fun:) Then on Saturday we woke up and went to the kaplica to clean up and make sure everything was ready for Pres. Uchtdorf. There was also a baptism...so we filled the font up almost all the way and then proceeded to boil water and heat up our chinik ( tea pot) to make the water bearable. During this time I decided to fast so that I could really feel the Spirit, and Sis. Blake and i studied and went out contacting while we waited for the othe missionaries to get there. Then all the missionaries started showing up... it was crazy! We all greeted each other and laughed and hugged and then we went into the chapel and waited ( we had choir practice) while Pres. Uchtdorf was arriving. When he came in the spirit was immediately felt. It was so beautiful.

Ali with lovely Karina:)

He came in and with his sweet wife and then had all of us go in a line to shake their hands. He was so personable and asked everyone where they were from and their name. He really cared. I was so grateful for that. i told Sis. Uchtdorf about her book and it's help in my life and I was so grateful because she just hugged me and was so kind! I love them! Then we sat down and listened to some wonderful general authorities and their wives speak. They are such humble and sincere people. One of them was from Rome! I have always wanted to go there and even more so now, they were so kind and sweet and I loved them! Then President Uchtdorf spoke to us, he talked about so many things, but the ones that really stuck out were Letting each day be like the rising and setting sun. Talk with the Lord at the close of the day. Tell Him all the good and be grateful, and then speak about the bad, seek forgiveness, and show your love by willingness to change. Then go to bed. The next day have a new day, don't rehash all the previous day's bads, but rather be excited for the next days goods! I loved that. He also said.... Time flies, and you're the captain. Considering his flight experience I really loved that. He talked about family and how much he loves his wife, and he told us to make sure that we always work with deep diligence! That is how the missionaries found his wife. Fourth floor, last door! So cool. I felt super inspired to know that the Lord trusts me to do His work. What a blessing I have been given!

Ali with her beautiful Kielce members!!!

Then we went and had a lesson and went out tracting for a few hours. At our own fourth floor, last door we found a family who weren't quite ready to learn more but were so sweet! I love them so much! The next day we got to the Marriot early and were practicing for a song when I saw my Kielce saints!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I dropped everything and ran to them and hugged them all! Ania Trybel came without her kids and karina brought Wiktoria and Artur! he looked so old;) Unfortunately some things happened and I couldnt' take a ton of pictures but I had someone else take them and so I will send you those later. During that whole meeting I sat with these saints and Sis. Barth and was so grateful to be with my little Poland family. I have a real desire to always keep in contact with them, and also to build those relationships in other branches. It ended too fast and was so wonderrful. President Uchtdorf talked with everyone about so many things, but most importantly about love and unity in a family and in our branches. He is a servant of the Lord, and his presence was a powerful source for good. Seeing all the Polish saints was a miracle as well, and they all have so much faith and sacrifice. One lady from Kraków quit her job so that she could come! Oh My! I love these Polish people.

My mission kind of flashed before my eyes! It was a great picture. It was a lot of people who I love and have served and a lot of lessons learned, and most importatnly I felt joy that I could have been so blessed to have been here. The best part is it's not over! I'm the captain of my time:)

This week I don't have a ton of time because I wanted to write a loving message to my dad:) This Father's Day I really wanted to focus on letting him know how much I care about him, he is the best dad in the whole world! I have proof! And I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father who has blessed me to learn the lessons that I needed and also to feel His love and acceptance. What a blessing I have been given from Him on this Father's Day! I'd better go and tell His children;)

I want to tell Grandpa Bird and Grandpa Lane how much I love them this father's day. My Family is so blessed and I truly stand all amazed at my blessings!

I love you all so much!

Love, Siostra Hemming

The Utility Belt.....

June 9th, 2014

 

Hello Hello! Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! I thought about that yesterday, how grateful I am that my parents were married in the temple and that I get to be with my family for time and all eternity!

This week we were talking about all of the tools we as missionaries have to help others come unto Christ. I decided it's like batman's utility belt;) We are prepared, by the Spirit, to say and give and testify and wait in the right way for every child of God! What a miracle!

Our sweet Teresa was baptized this week! She was the other sister's investigator for a while and we were able to teach her for the past couple of weeks and she is prepared and understands the principles of the gospel so well. As I was reflecting on my mission while we were preparing her this week, I become aware of all of the experiences I have had to strengthen and better understand so many facets of the gospel. Baptism and Repentance are so vital, and I never understood why before my mission. I am eternally grateful for the experiences I have had on my mission!

Teresa's baptism came with a lot of miracles! She came in on Friday and really wanted to get baptized in a dress... crumbs! So we went searching around in the font( yep... the ONLY one in Poland!!!! narazie:) and what do you know, there was a dress! Next miracle... we really felt prompted to meet with one of our members before the baptism. When we sat down she said" why do you want to meet with me?" we were a little nervous , but then she quickly responded to her own question " I know why you wanted to meet with me, becuase Heavenly Father needed me to know that He listens to my prayers and I am never alone". When she said that statement I felt the powers of Heaven give me a message. It was litteraly like a wall of the Spirit just hit me in that meeting. I know that Heavenly Father is there and He sends us help often through other people. Let us ALWAYS be open to listen to His Spirit. She was baptized and took upon herself the name of Christ! It was so lovely.

We also taught a family! This family is a sweet and intelligent couple. The wife is pregnant and they are sincerely seeking truth! Because of this I am certain that the Spirit will testify to them.

This week I learned a SUPER lovely lesson! Setting Goals is the key to progression physically, mentally, and especially spiritually. We sisters were having a rougher day this week and sat down and thought about what we needed to do in our lives to feel the Spirit more strongly. Suddenly This cotton tree started blowing TONS of cotton through the air directly at us. It was a lovely experience I shall never forget as we were "snowed on" by sweet smelling cotton. I knew in that moment that we needed to be grateful. Gratititude is key. So I set a goal to live more in Gratitude. Then at home that night we were talking and we decided to set some goals for teh next transfer. I really sought that out and discovered that the kind of goals I want to set don't only affect my mission, but my eternities. I am learning about the Savior that my banner may be clear!! I want my face and my deeds and my whole soul to shout " I am Thy servant"!!! As I thoguht about that today I realized that I couldn't be doing anything better to prove that than what I am right now! I am so grateful for my mission:)

Today I re-read the book by Sis. Uchtdorf as I'm trying to prepare for President Uchtdorf to come! I love that woman! I love how she talks about enthusiastically living the Gospel! That is how it should be:) The gospel has brought me greater happiness and self-worth and peace on my mission than ever before in my life! It has also brought me greater love for others and the Lord. What a blessed thing! She was truly inspired to write that book, and I love being a missionary and truly sharing the light that I have been blessed with." Brighter and brighter until the perfect day". While I was reading this I felt so strongly that there are more people searching for this very thing in Warsaw who are prepared. I can't wait to find them!

I wanted to give you a little sneak peek of my life;)

We woke up today and worked out, then we listened to Alex Boye as we made vegan pancakes( yep.... they were so good!) We had a wonderful study time as a companionship after studying by ourselves. We just laugh and cry and share our testimonies and talk about how to help others for an hour! Miracle:) Then I spoke and learned Polish ( the most beautiful language !) and then we came here. After this we are going to Sis. Edgren's to help her prepare for the new missionaries! I sure love that woman;) Tonight we will go contacting and then to a lesson.

Missionary life is wonderful.

so.... now for the big news... we are having transfers and guess what is happening..

I'm staying with Sis. Blake in Warsaw and Sis. Poklinkowska is staying in a new area in Warsaw with a new companion! ahhhh! I can't believe this. President called and said he likes what's going on and doesn't want to change it! I kind of can't believe it's real, I just love these sisters. But I know it is for the Lord's purpose, and I can't wait to fulfill it.

Well... I will report next week on the wonderful Pres. Uchtdorf conference! I cannot wait:) I hope you all have a good week. I hope Talia loves being 5, that you go skiiing alot, and camping every weekend( at least on the deck;) and family scripture study and prayers!~ I hope you all know how much you mean to me and what a wonderful, blessed family I have been blessed with!

Love you all!

Siostra Ali Hemming

"Three is NOT a crowd!"

My lovely sisters! We are the luckiest companionship in the World!!

June 2nd, 2014

Hello Hello my Lovely Family!!!

Sisters Hemming, Blake, Poklinkowska

Sister Blake asked me the other day what are the special things I think Heavenly Father has given me to help me know of His love. The Savior, and His atonement, the gospel, and MY FAMILY came to my mind. I want you all to know that you are just the sweetest family in the world! I brag about you all the time to everyone! Dad's spiritual power, Mom's selflessness, Rori's willingness to give, Heathi's deep sense of who he is, Harmi's kind heart, Olivia's patience, and Talia's sweet spirit! I love you all:)

This week I was able to participate in training from MLC on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was such a miracle! On Tuesday the Spirit was able to speak through me and I felt SO much power as I testified about being an engaged missionary, with a change of heart. Then on Wednesday I went back to my Polish home in Kielce! Oh how I love that city. I couldn't wait to step foot on Sienkiewicza. I am loving Warsaw more every day but I have to say that Kielce is my home away from home. I got to talk with President Najberg and he told me that Karina is coming for sure in June!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ania Trybel as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait;) it will be similar( I imagine) as the day when we get to see all of our loved ones and friends and brothers and sisters after this life . I love these people so much! I was so grateful to be there and realize that I came to know who I am in that city and who all of God's children are. What a blessing to serve among these lovely Poles!

Back in Kielce!!!

Then we were place into a threesome! I have to admit that I was a bit nervous at first, I've gotten used to being senior companion and " set in my ways;" but WE LOVE IT! IT is a wonderful opportunity. It has really helped me to be myself ! It is like having your two best friends with you, but all you talk about and do is for the work of the Lord, I can't imagine anything better! Except being in that situation with my husband:) Anyways, we have loved it!

Warsaw!! So beautiful!!

We took our culture night this Saturday and it was so fun! We ate at this little french cafe... yep;) and then we went to a picturesque park nearby and took some pictures. I am so grateful we are allowed to experience the culture at night here! I thought often and long this week about how blessed I am to be in Poland. I am really loving my mission and everything associated with it. I think that is the best part about loving someone or something, you have to love it for the good and the bad, but I think that if you really love it, the good is SO much stronger and bolder than the bad and so you hardly even know it's there. I think my mission has been the most beautiful experience.

Imitating this statue:)

This week a lovely investigator named Teresa is getting baptized!!! Sis. Blake and Owen taught her but we love her as well! Another miracle happened this week as we met with a lady named Magda and she accepted a baptismal date for the 5th of July! She is so sweet and has strong faith in the Savior. Also on Sunday 70 people were at church, including 6 investigators and one of them was Elżbieta!!! She just up and came to church, yay! It is a miracle because the most this branch has had a in a long time was 60:) Miracles. President Edgren was also there and I got to have an interview with him. I sure do love he and sister Edgren. They are a wonderful example of two people who are go getters with realistic expectations! I hope to take some of their traits with me;)

Chopin and Me....

Today I just want to say that I am so grateful for the wonderful example my parents have given me of a wonderful marriage and eternal companionship. I love you both so much, and I know that Love Stories are real because of you. I am so grateful that I got the VERY best parents for me in the whole world. Today in Studies I read Alma 50 : 19 and 22, I thought about how the Lord always keeps His promises, if we are faithful. I felt prompted to look at my patriarchal blessing and list off my promised blessings. I am so blessed. I am so grateful to be me! One of my blessings is my family, and I thought back on all of the wonderful memories I have had in my life, and would encourage you all to do the same. My Heart swelled with gratitude for my family and the experiences with them. For my experiences with prayer and my Heavenly Father, my knowledge of My Savior, and the blessing of serving a mission of Love for Him:) I am truly blessed.

I hope you all have a lovely week. Especially my parents and my sweet little Talia!!! Happy Birthday Talia!!!!!!! I can't believe she's so old and soooo cute. I can't wait to hug her and tell her how much I love her!

Have a great week!

Love, Siostra Ali Hemming;)