Baptism scheduled!

I've had a great week! Sister DuBrueler is the best. I just love her. I am so blessed to have her as my companion. We get along so so so well.

I honestly don't have anything too exciting to share this week, other than Janelle and Dustin and the boys are doing well, September 28 is THE DAY! She even put it on her calendar: 'Family Baptism' so that is exciting. I love them. With all my heart. Seriously. I will be friends with these people for eternity!! Ahhhh. We taught them the Word of Wisdom yesterday, and Janelle was really bummed about the coffee dealio. Cigarettes are tough for her too. But, luckily we had our cute joint teacher Sister Pugh who is a convert of 3 years, and was the BIGGEST coffee addict. The things she shared with Janelle and Dustin were PERFECT.

We met a cutie pie named Gramma G.G. She's 93 years old. She talks like she's 40. She works like she's 30. She dances like she's 50. And.... she's practically a Mormon. She knows sooo much about our church. She has attended the Easter Pageant a billion times, has been to Temple Square a ton, listens to MoTab regularly, and LOVES our church. Wouldn't that be cool if we got to baptize a 93 year old?! Stay tuned. It's happening.

We're gonna go to a thrift store and and buy huuuuuge jeans, and she's going to make us jean aprons! She knits, sews, and crochets like crazy. She's a cutie.

Sister Clements called us a couple of days ago, and asked if Sister D. and I would be able to play a musical number at the President's fireside this upcoming Sunday. This fireside is huge. A ton of investigators come, and there are about 3-4 recent converts who tell their story. It is very powerful. So, Sister D and I are so excited to be able to use our talents in front of all these people! I might arrange a hymn while she sings. We don't know yet. But it'll be fun!

Well, I love you all so much. I'm staying busy, which means I don't have much time to think about you---which is good. :)

Stay safe and keep those commandments!
xoxo

Sister Beeson

Called to LABOR -IN-HIS-VINEYARD-DAY:)

Mi Familia!!! Happy Labor Day! 

Oh my heck. This week. There are no words.

First off, I am soooo happy Buzz is ok. That really scared me. It's so weird, I am convinced I know when something is 'off' at home, because I feel anxious/uneasy the whole day, and I definitely felt that at one point during this week. 

I am so sorry to hear about Jodee. I'll keep their fam in my prayers too. 

Ok, well, as I'm sure you are aware, I went to the Youngquists for dinner on Tuesday, and Sis Y. asked "So what are your names?" "Sister Beeson" "Sister Beeson?! Are you related to Gaylene Beeson?!" "Yes! That's my grandma!" "That's my cousin!" WHAT THE. I'm related to someone in my own ward. Who knew. It made me feel so so so comforted, it was nice to feel at home and close to family (even though its not the closest relation). She and her husband are just the SWEETEST. We talked about Ron and Great Grandpa Alf, and she even showed me some pics of her from forever ago, it was lovely. She also made a very Grandma-Gaye-esque salad. With carrots and celery...and even had a lot of the same mannerisms as her. I loved everything about that dinner. TENDER MERCY.

We had district meeting on Wednesday, and Sister DuBrueler and I sang and sang and sangggg hymns together. I'm actually getting pretty dece at harmonizing.. FINALLY. Everyone LOVED it. The Elders were like.. "Keep singing" And I'm not saying this for bragging rights...mmm....actually...yes. I am. But also to make you happy, MOM. And I know you want to hear me say it, so... here it goes: YOU WERE RIGHT. (also thank you for that piano music:))

And then, about somewhere in the middle of the week, we were having personal study, and Sister D just leaves the room, and I just kept hearing sniffles in the other room. So, I finally went to see if she was ok, and she was a WRECK. She was balling. She was saying she didn't want to do this anymore, she's always soooo exhausted, everyday feels like the same day, she knows she doesn't HAVE to be here, thats why it is hard to stay, etc. That made me sad. :( But, I've honestly BEEN there. I still am sometimes, and so we talked, I told her what I love about her, what she is good at, the example she is to her family, how much I am learning from her and how much this ward and the investigators love her. That seemed to help a lot. But, I somehow ended up crying too. It's just funny. I'm 19. She's 20. I've been here for 4 months. She's been here for 3. We have NO clue how to do this, but yet we know we can. It was just one of those moments where we needed the reassuring 'you can do this' chat from our parents, BUUUUT, since that's impossible, we went to our second option: our faux-parents. We called up Sister Clements, and we talked to her for 50 minutes. She is SUCH a sweetheart, we addressed all our worries and concerns and she replaced those with love and confidence in us. It helped SO much. And the funny thing is, is that Sister Clements said everything you, mom, would have said! Sister DuBrueler said the same. So, we went on to have studies, and about 5 minutes later, President Clements calls. AH. He told us that his wife told him we were struggling (just like what would happen at home) haha and then he talked to us about what we need to do, gave us great advice and told us he loved us--just like dad! It was just a tender mercy from Heavenly Father that even though I can't talk to my own parents when I'm struggling, I can talk to God--obviously, but also turn to our loving Mission President and sweet wife.I am so grateful that they took the time out of their BUSY schedule to talk to us! My relationship with the two of them jumped to a hoool-nuvuh-levuh. 

Amazing things have also been happening with Janelle, Dustin and the boys. We taught them the Law of Chastity yesterday (which makes that two for the week) ahhh. Sister D and I had to roleplay that lesson like crazy because...we're 12. So immature. Sheesh. But they committed to keep it! So, we'll be working out Janelle's divorce issues this week, plan a wedding, then dunk 'em!!!! Brother Camp (legend in the ward) invited them over for a brunch, Janelle and her boys were able to make it, not Dustin, but it was SOOO good. Brother Camp brought such a sweet spirit, and Janelle lost it, and expressed her love for us teaching her, and for her Heavenly Father. It was amazing. 

I've just felt the Spirit SO strong this week with all these tender mercies and things that have happened. I love this GOSPEL. It's so true. It is. It's black and white. 

I hope you all have a lovely week, and I'll see you in 432 days :)

xoxo Sister Eliza B

ps. Thank you all for writing me this week! Sheesh! Let's make that a weekly thing, yeah? It really made my day. Buzz: I can assure you, that you will have no dating success unless you write me begging for my advice. ;)

Also, Julia Larsen from Dear Lizzie gave me a package with CUTE letters from her little primary class and my fav COOKIES from DL! So nice. Everyone is the best. Thank you all!

A New companion...Sister DuBrueler!!

Hey there my lovely fam!

First off, I LOVED the school pics. You are so so so so soooo stinkin good lookin. Honestly. Beesons are HAWT.  I have a new companion and she is SO cute. Her name is Sister DuBrueler. She is from Queen Creek Arizona, when Sister DuBrueler testifies, you feel the Spirit SO so so strong. It truly is unbelievable. I love when she testifies.

So, it was really really really difficult to leave Sister Szabo. I didn't realize how close we were, and how much she feels like family, until she left :( but she's such a cutie and left me a sweet note and gift for me. LOVE HER. I know she's doing so good in Andover.

Ok, so as for missionary work:

Janelle, Dustin, and the boys are so awesome.

We had a movie night the night before transfers, where some ward members and a group of investigators watch a short 20 min church film, have a recent convert bear testimony, and then have treats after. Well, we did that, and THAT was the night where Sister Szabo and I totally clicked with Janelle. (Of course the night before she got transferred.) We stayed an hour AFTER the movie night just chatting. She is really really great.

So about a day or two later, when Sister DuBrueler became my comp, we had a lesson at their house, and we just read 3 Nephi 11 together, and I can honestly say that was the best scripture study I've ever attended. The boys were even just so so good and asked questions and it was just a very spiritual experience. It reminded me of the POWER of the Book of Mormon. I really loved that. Didn't want to be ANYWHERE else at that moment.

I've just really enjoyed this week, so I thank you for the prayers, because I was a STRESS CASE last Monday freaking out about not knowing the area well enough, or not knowing what we were gonna do, or not planning very well, etc. But things have been JUST fine. In fact, I'm pretty sure Sister DuBrueler is training ME. She is amazing. I have already learned soooo much from her.

Also, we had a half/half baptism! We taught Peace Ngafua with the Mathis's! So that was great, I'll send a pic.

So, we're completely out of food and money for the rest of the month :/ sooo... we didn't know what to do for lunch or dinner yesterday, and luckily our DL brought us some crap from home (boxed potatoes and craisins and popcorn) but after church, we were just BEAT. We were so tired, and it was SOOO hot. 100 degrees plus humidity. No bueno. So, we decided to go drop by one of our investigators, and we knocked on the door, she let us inside, and there was a table. of food. for us. AHHH. Heavenly Father loves Sister DuBrueler and I so much! Sometimes we think we're His favorite. :) what a TENDER mercy.

 I only have about 14ish months left :) can you believe it's almost september? crazy.

I love you all. I'm so happy to be here.

I'm really doing my best to be exactly obedient and I know that that is when the miracles will come.

Thanks for all you do everybody! mwah
xoxo Sister Beeson

Hey!! Holy cowww. QUITE. THE. WEEK.

I hope you're not gonna be bored, because this email is gonna be massive.

I'll start with Monday.
Monday (Andy's birthday) was one of the TOUGHEST days of the mish. It was very very very discouraging. We (Szabo and I) even cried a little.

... a lot. All of our appointments fell through, no one was answering the door, and if they did, they weren't interested, and we didn't teach one Restoration... it was just nothing nothing nothing. So, we were just really hard on ourselves and wondering what the deal was. Satan's biggest tool is discouragement! AH. It was tough. But we prayed our little hearts out, and we were comforted.

Tuesday, I was able to spend 4 hours with Sister Ballif! She came to my area, and we were able to see some amazing people. I felt the Spirit SOOOO strong when I worked with her. She amazes me. The way she teaches, and makes people feel loved, and LISTENS. I learned so so so much from her. It was a real treat to be with her. :) We visited a couple amazing people, and after that, I was headed over to the Crystal Towers apartment, and parked the car. We were about to head out to teach a gal named Christina, when I was prompted that we needed to visit Roxy. We headed out on the street, and... I got lost. So, I was on a street and for some reason immediately slammed my breaks and turned into a neighborhood so I could turn around. When I turned into that neighborhood, there were these Town Homes that we've NEVER seen before! TENDER MERCY (We've been struggling to find new places, because the Elders have knocked all the main apartments) Sister Ballif and I started on our little tracting adventure and met some wonderful people. I love the Lord.

Ehhh... I'll skip to the good stuff... 

Twins game: Prime.
Thursday: We had a lovely district meeting.. (always perfect and FOR me.)

on the 16th (mom's birthday) that was another really really hard day. We've just had a hard week, but we know that we've just gotta press forward with FAITH! So everything will be ok.

Well, Saturday, we took the boys (Preness and Prinell) to a baptism. And, Sister Szabo and I were asked to teach the Restoration. Well, President was there. AH. I've never taught in front of him before, so that was pretty freaky. But it went sooo well. In fact, he came up to us after and was complimenting us like CRAZY. He was very very impressed. So that was a relief! 

Then came Sunday... The day we were NEEDING Preness, Prinell, and their mom to come to church! Well, THEY DID!!!!!! FINALLY!!!!! We pulled up to the Apartments for them to follow us down, and they came out. All of them. Even the boyfriend! It literally was a miracle. They really enjoyed it, they even stayed for all 3 meetings! It was a big deal. We have another appointment scheduled to meet with them Wednesday this week :)

... But... Wednesday, Sister Szabo and I won't be together :'(

There are 37ish new missionaries coming in on Wednesday, and 14 of them are Sisters. I JUST finished training yesterday (aka I still have NO idea what I'm doing) and so I was freaking out that I'd have to train, because of all the new sisters coming in.

Well, last night, we received a text from the Presidents Assistance saying "Sister Szabo, please report to the conference call at 8:30 am tomorrow morning." She starts FREAKING OUT. Number one, because we convinced ourselves that we'd stay together. Pfft. And 2, because she knew she'd be leaving and opening a new area. I was trying to calm her down, and we were talking for like 20 min... and then I decided to say a prayer with her. Mid-prayer, the phone beeps again. "Sister Beeson, please report to the conference call at 8:30 am tomorrow morning." WHAAAAT??!?! I just finished training! I can't train!!! I cried. A bit. I don't wanna leave Sister Szabo, and I don't know what the heck I'm doing, and all of these fearful thoughts were going through my head. BUT. It's fiiiiiine.

I just barely found out like 5 min ago who/where I'm going.

Ready?

I'm taking over the Medicine Lake Area, and training a cute cute gal named Sister Debruler. Sister Szabo, is getting a new-bee from the MTC, and opening in Andover.. (Still in the same zone thankfully!) 

So there you have it, yer lil' baby is growing up and is actually having some responsibility put on her shoulders. Haha oh man. This is so good for me. God just totally knows what He's doing. 

So, wish me luck, prayers are going to be needed now more than ever! 

I know that through the enabling and strengthening power of the Atonement that everything will be a-ok :) such a blessing. 

I'm so so so happy that everything went well at band camp! Claire, you're rocking it. I know it. You're already a better flutist than I am. You're working much harder than I've ever worked... haha I love you, cutie. Buzzard: STUD. what was the DL's 'clothing theme' this year? I'm so happy you're on snare! Is the show sweet? What's it called? I don't know anything!!! 

Mom: You're BEAUTIFUL. I thought Terrilyn was done? You're looking so so good. You're the best :) Dad, I'm gonna reply to your email, so I'll talk to you soon :)
I love you all SO much. I'm growing like crazy. I really am. I'm so blessed to be here in Minnesota!!!! 

Please be safe this week, lovelies! 
xoxo
Sis B

Sad day when Sis. Szabo and I found out we were not going to be companions:(

Sister Ballif, Sister Szabo and I at Twins game

Say EYE love missionary work!

Sister Szabo and I got to go to the temple this week...AMAZING.  Feeling blessed.

Feeling LARGE at life!

For Andy:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY!!! I love love love YOU.

I miss you so much.
I've been thinking a lot about you these past couple days. And ya know, I have missed about 5 of your birthdays! Band camp x 4 and now here & then next year! :( but I hope you know that I miss your hugs, your smile, your laugh/humor. You are the best! I remember the day you were born. I remember dad had me choose your middle name: between Grant and Houstan. I remember holding you in my 10 year old arms. I remember feeling so lucky to have you as my little brother, and I still am so so blessed! You've been a bright light through my life and have ALWAYS made me happy :) I hope you have the best day, bud. I'll be there for your 11th birthday :) LOVE YOU FOREVER! <3

P.S. Tell me what you did for your birthday! Looks like you had some yummy waffles in bed :) are you gonna have a birthday party? Tell me everything :)

For the fam and friends:

Hellooooo! I miss and love you all as usual. Dad: Hope you got my letter, I got yours. Loved it. Thanks for taking time to do that. What'd you do for your birthday? Mom: I got your letter, thank you for writing me as well, it really means a lot. Your cursive is lovely. :) Are you going to be at band camp for your birthday AGAIN??? Where is band camp this year by the way? Haha oh man. Wish Claire good luck. Has Buzz kissed Camilla yet? Are Jack and Spencer besties? What's Andy up to? AHHH I wanna be thoroughly updated!

Here's your update:

We've been so so so blessed to have nice weather here. It's been in the 70's/cloudy and there's been some big storms. Sister Szabo and I parked our car at a gas station one evening, and just walked and walked. We had no appointments, so we just contacted for the evening, and as life would have it, it just started pouringgg. One of those 'missionary moments' :)

Nothing really crazy or amazing happened this week, actually... yes, kind of.

So, Budda and Prinell, their mom, Janelle, accepted to meet with us this week, (I told you that, right?) well, we did. Sister Szabo and I are really scared of her for some reason. Haha... she's just so intimidating. I think it's because she's asian and gorgeous. Anyway, we put on our let's-fake-it-and-be-bold-even-though-this-is-completely-out-of-our-comfort-zone-face, and we taught her. We chatted about her boys, what we've been teaching them, then we taught her, and it went SO. WELL. It really really did. The Spirit was strong, and things ran smooth. We had another appointment scheduled with her, on Saturday, so we did all we could to find a solid joint teacher to come with us, and everything was working out perfectly, we texted Janelle the night before our appointment and she was good for us to come by! Well, I had a gut feeling that things would crash and burn, because this was just too good to be true. Well---my gut was right. Boo. Janelle texted us the morning of telling us she wasn't feeling well (believable because there's a nasty bug going around--which I'm pretty sure I've caught btw I'll explain later) DANG ITTT. We decided to make her some soup and take it to her. We did, she was appreciative, and then Sunday came. We were REALLY hoping the soup would help her feel better, but she wasn't able to come to church :( gahh. BUT BUT BUT! We texted her asking if there was another day we could come by and teach her, and she accepted and ALSO asked if 'there is any chapter in the Book of Mormon to read in the mean time' WHAAAAT. Golden. Sister Szabo and I have complete faith in her and are praying things will work out!!!

But guess what? Freaking transfers are next week!!! :( what am I gonna do without Szabo?!?!  ugh. I'm nervous I'm gonna train or white wash an area :/ So, I'll letcha know next week what's gonna happen! I wanna stay put with Szabo and this area! It's been AMAZING here!!!

I'll tell you 2 more funny things that happened this week:

1. Sister Szabo and I had an appointment with a gal named Carolyn, who of course, wasn't home. So, we went outside of her apartment, sighed, and looked to the right of us, which was a crazy ghetto trailer park, and the left which were nice condo's. We prayed, and chose the latter. We started off our tracting night by going to the condo at the very end. We walked up to a door that was wide open, with the screen door shut, and there was a brown man sitting right next to the door. When he saw us, he hopped off the chair, and with a big smile, opened the door and said 'Hello!!' --it was like we were old friends of his and he was waiting for us to show up. We told him we were representatives of Jesus Christ, and he immediately motioned us to come in. His house was very nice. He had two cuuuute kiddies, and his mom was cooking dinner and his wife welcomed us in too. It was really...weird... haha

Anyway, we found out they were Hindu... eek... I didn't really know how to deal with that one, but Sister Szabo and I managed to teach them, and they were very appreciative and wanted to learn more. We were about to head out, when they offered us both a Diet Coke. WEIRD. Nicest family, invites us in on FIRST visit, wants to learn more, and gives us a drink on the way out. wowowow. We'll be going back soon. Anyway. Funny, eh?

2. So, how I mentioned, there's like a nasty flu going around, and I have NOT been feeling myself. Poor Sister Szabo has to deal with me. She's a cutie though. Mothering me. Well, it's been hard for me to eat without my stomach just absolutely KILLING, so I've been trying to take it easy. Well, I didn't eat much yesterday morning, and when I got home from church I was real hungry, so I had some soup. We had dinner about an hour later at a members house and they fed us salad, steak, potatoes, veggies, and a huuuuge creamy strawberry pie. BLEEEHHH. I felt real gross after that. WELL. We had an appointment with one of our questionably 'progressing' investigators about an hour after dinner and we were just planning on reading Alma 40 with them. Welp. Plans changed. We walked in, and there was a table set. NOOOOO. She made ribs & fried chicken & veggies & potatoes & icecream for dessert. OH MY HECK. It was just one of those funny 'mission moments' where you have no choice but to stuff it down. Two HEFTY meals within like 2 hours. Oh my heck I'm done for.

So you don't have to worry about me being fed well down here! Sheesh. Make sure you still love me when I'm 500 llbs. see yaaaa.

Anyway, we have a tiny P-day today because we're going to the Twins game on Wednesday! What theeee. Normal life? This will be weird.

Thanks for all that you ALL do. I love love love you. Read your scriptures. Say your prayers. Go to the temple (which I did btw and I was AMAZED.) Have a lovely week! <3

xoxo Sister B