Dianna Update - 1 January 2011

Last email of 2010!!! - 29 December 2010

Well, Christmas was GREAT! I have another story to add onto the story I told you on Christmas. For Andrew's sake, I'll repeat the story. One morning last week Sis. Crofts and I were in a hurry to get out the door and catch our bus. We still needed to pack a lunch but there wasn't really time and we didn't really have much food. As we were bundling up though a man called and told us that he was from Cedar City, UT, that he served in this mission 24 years ago and was here visiting with his 2 teenage daughters and they wanted to talk to Sister missionaries so he invited us to lunch! This was a miracle! He took us to a nice restaurant on the waterfront and we had a really good time. His girls were so fun! When we were saying goodbye they slipped us each a $20 bill and said Merry Christmas. This was miraculous because we had no more money to buy food this month. So, to continue with this miracle, Pres. and Sis. Moses, for Christmas, gave Sis. Crofts and I EACH a ginormous basket OVERFLOWING with food! The baskets were so heavy we couldn't even lift them. We have been greatly blessed. My Christmas was wonderful.

Church on sunday was rather interesting. Our branch was more like a twig because there were only about 15 people there. Sis. Crofts and I were the speakers as well. The spirit was there though and we were able to have the sacrament so all is well. We only had a 20 minute sunday school lesson taught by Pres. Moses and then we went home. Unfortunately we just missed our bus and they only run every hour on sunday, so we hung out at the church for a while. We even had an investigator with us, Hari. He tried to teach us Tamil...

President Simpson informed us of some changes that are going to be occuring soon. Each missionary is going to make a profile on Mormon.org and then we're going to show members how to make their own. This is coming from Salt Lake and they're saying we need to use time other than our preparation day to do it and that we should go on the site frequently. How cool is that?! I'm excited! We give out cards for the website all the time, I'm excited to be more familiar with it. Have any of you created a profile yet?

Want to hear something weird that has happened to us the past couple of days? We've been encountering a lot of affectionate people. On sunday while we were street contacting (we weren't allowed to knock because it was boxing day) an old man in a jogging suit approached US, pulled Sis Crofts in hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. I'm pretty sure it was a wet one too. He put his hand on my shoulder about to do the same thing and I casually put my hand on his shoulder and locked my elbow so he couldn't even come any closer. He was a funny guy, super nice, just...weird. Then on Monday we were street contacting we met these 2 really cool people, I'm not sure if they were brother and sister or a couple. Anyway, we talked to them for quite awhile and when we went to leave the lady gave us each a hug and it was the tightest hug I think I've EVER had. Then not even 2 minutes later we were approached by an older lady who liked my rain boots (thanks mom!) and she bore her whole soul to us how her husbands in a nursing home and she's so lonely. We ended up hugging her too... THEN last night, while street contacting we ran into an investigator who we haven't seen in ages, (he just got back from the Bahamas) and when he saw us he hugged each of us. That one was awkward because he was a guy our age...anyway, he didn't know any better and we didn't have time to tell him. Whatever, it won't happen again.

Family! You're awesome! Enjoy the rest of your winter break! (Or for Andrew, enjoy your summer!)

Sister Nicholls


Happy winter! - 22 December 2010

Want to hear a crazy story from this week?! We have been knocking apartment buildings. Here, they're secure buildings, so we have to sneak in by tailgating someone (following someone else in). This has been convenient because it is getting colder outside so it's nice to be inside knocking. BUT the thing is, we get caught... there was one street that we got kicked out of 3 apartment buildings IN A ROW!!! The first one we were escorted out by the superintendent and the other 2 they just weren't happy and told us we couldn't be there "bothering" their tenants. Each time we innocently smiled, apologized, and left, just to begin terrorizing the next building. This has made me kind of jittery when we knock apartments because I don't like making people unhappy and getting in trouble. So, now when we get to apartments Sis. Crofts has to do most of the work because I'm frozen in fear. I would much rather be freezing outside. You would think that's I'd get used to knocking on doors. I mean, I've been doing this for over a year now and it still makes me want to pee my "pants" sometimes. The only thing that gets me to do it is knowing that finding is the only way we get people to teach and I LOVE teaching! Everytime we get a new investigator I feel like jumping for joy. Since I'm around the Universities and teach a lot of students, everyone is home for the holidays so all we have to do these days is find new people and we got a new investigator yesterday who is AWESOME! He told us he's Christian but not sure which church to join and he's excited to read the Book of Mormon and stuff. It's so exhilarating!

I LOVE the people here in Halifax! I hate to admit it, but this is my favorite area in my mission. It rocks here! I'm sad that I'll have to eventually leave this place. Sis. Crofts always talks about how she's going to move here and go to school and stuff. I told her that I want to join her, but I know that's just a fantasy because it is super expensive to live here. I'm excited to one day be able to bring some of you here and you can see why I love it so much.

I went to the temple today and it was awesome! There was a couple there from Kingston that I got to see AND there was a couple from...wait for it...MONTAGUE!!!! They came all the way from PEI to attend the temple and they just so happened to be there the same time as us. I got to sit next to the wife. It just made me so happy! You can tell I've been around this mission.... To add to that, Sister Tanner called me yesterday and asked me which airport I want to fly into. I wasn't expecting to be asked that question for at least another month. I told her Tucson. She told me I'll for sure be flying in on March 11th. This is all just really weird to me. I feel so much a part of this mission that I can't imagine being back in AZ. I know you all miss me and I of course miss you, but it's going to be really hard to have to leave this place. I HATE talking about the end! Everytime I forget about it, something else happens that makes me think about it. So, hopefully I'm done talking about it for awhile.

Well, I'm SO excited to talk to you all soon. Enjoy Christmas Eve talking to Andrew and I'll talk to you on Christmas!

Sister Nicholls


Potpourri - 15 December 2010

Well family, this has been a great week. So much good has happened.

Saturday was Andrew's baptism. Everything went as it should, but nothing went as planned. It was the most interesting baptism I've ever attended. There were 2 musical numbers and I accompanied both, without any warning. It's a good thing that I have more than just hymn experience with the piano. It turned out pretty good. Right after the baptism was our Branch Christmas Party. Andrew felt like it was a party for him. How many people have Santa at their baptism? It was fun. We even had a bunch of less actives and non members come to the party and some to the baptism. Oh, and we had 2 investigators there. They really enjoyed it. One of them said that they could see themselves being baptized one day too. How exciting!

Monday was pretty much the most perfect day of my mission. Everything went as planned! Our lessons were fantastic, our buses were on time and we didn't have to run for them, we got to eat all 3 meals that day, and our recent convert is taking his covenant very seriously and is trying his hardest not to make himself "dirty" again. I love my life!

Tuesday was transfer calls! Sister Crofts and I ran like maniacs (In a missionary sense) around the church when we were told we were staying together in Halifax! This will make 11 months in Halifax for Sis. Crofts. This is the craziest thing I've ever seen! We are super excited though, neither of us were ready to say goodbye. Her mother also sent her a huge package that we got yesterday. It had a tiny Christmas tree, a nativity scene, TONS of food and candy, and wrapped Christmas presents. She even sent me a stocking full of stuff that I can't wait to open on Christmas. Someone else has given us a gift too, so we have a little table with all of our Christmas stuff on it. We're so excited to know that we'll be here together for Christmas, it's going to be wonderful!

Okay, a little bit of business. Last week I got my hair cut and it ended up being $32!!! We know someone who works there so we went, but we didn't think it would be that expensive (Sis. Crofts was actually $45, so I'm lucky) but get this, neither of our mission cards worked!! It was really weird because they said they took that card too. So we both ended up using our cards from home, so just so you know, I used my card. Also, I send home a little Christmas package for the family. I sent it yesterday and they said it usually takes 2 weeks so you may not get it before Christmas, but you'll still love it. I used my mission card for that though to make up for my haircut (but it was only $10, so no big deal). Anyway, I just wanted to tell you.

Last week we had our Christmas Zone Conference and it was really fun. There was a talent show and the Sisters sang a song about the Restoration to the tune of Revolution by the Beatles, it was pretty good. I helped write most of it. FYI, we did it to an Elder playing the guitar so it's a bit different. Here are the words:

Chorus:
We're talking 'bout the Restoration
We want to change the world
He wants to give you exaltation
He loves you don't you know

We knock on your door and we talk to you
We come to tell you what we know it true
There's a Prophet on the Earth! Today!
He wants you to heed, and obey

Chorus

We have a book and it's covers blue
Will you pray to know if it's true?
And then be baptized!
We have a suit that's over sized!

Chorus


Trust me, it was really funny, especially because none of us are good singers. We have little visual aids too. I couldn't believe ourselves, but it was fun. Also, Santa and his elf came and brought presents like last year and I got a letter from both Mom and Dad. Actually, I got 2 copies of Dad's letter, I don't know how that happened because they were in 2 different envelopes...whatever. I really enjoyed and appreciated them both.

One last thing. I was thinking about this a couple weeks ago and I remembered it this morning. What kind of deal must I have made with Heavenly Father to be born into my life? I mean, I was born in the covenant to a faithful and loving family. It's even mentioned in my patriarchal blessing. I was spoon-fed the gospel. I understand that I did have to gain my own personal testimony and I'm grateful for the people in my life who helped me on the journey to get it, but really, what did I promise to do so that I could be so lucky? I feel that serving a mission is helping me fulfill that promise. At least to some degree. I owe Him at least that much. I'm happy to do it for Him too.

Family, I can't wait to talk to you on Christmas! I really don't know what's going to be happening yet. I just know I'll be free for most of the day. Just let me know what works best for you and I'll let you know next week what works best for me and hopefully they'll coincide. Also, I'll give you the number to reach me at. Andrew, I'm sad that we most likely won't talk to each other, but I'll be able to talk to you on Mother's day!!!!

Love you!
Sister Nicholls

P.S. There's no snow. It snowed like twice but it melted. It's just rainy. Thanks again for the rain boots!


Whoa! - 8 December 2010

Crazy week alert!

Scary story: So, we have an investigator, Isaiah that lives in a scetchy part of the city and we've been told by several people not to go to that part of the city at night. Well, we set up an evening appointment anyway because that was what was going to work for both of us. As we were waiting on the corner outside of his house (Creighton and Buddy Daye) for our member to show up all of these cop cars kept coming up the street and congregating right in front of us. They kept looking at us and we just smiled and waved. I was standing there holding a bright green umbrella, we are so funny looking sometimes. Anyway, we get a phone call from the member and she said, "Did you hear those gun shots?" We said "no" she said she was walking along Creighton and heard 2 shots in front of her. She quickly turned around and went down to the next street, to Gottingen street (referred to as got-a-gun street, how ironic). We walked down to Gottingen too to meet her, told her to walk with a purpose. When she got there we called Isaiah and he came to our rescue. I was completely freaked out. I was shaking on the inside because I knew we shouldn't be in that part of town at night and I felt really badly for making our member go down there alone. After the appointment we walked her to her bus stop because we were NOT going to let her be alone again. We're doing better at planning so we're not there at night, so that's good.

We went on exchanges this past week. I went over to Eastern Passage which is just over the bridge, near the temple. I was with Sis. Billings. She's from New Mexico and goes home one transfer before me. We plan on being friends for a long time because she's just 3 hours from Tucson. I see myself going to the Gila Valley temple a lot so that we can meet up. While I was there we taught this woman, April, for the 1st time. SHE'S AWESOME! They met with her on monday and she is on date to be baptized in January!!! I love that woman! She has a lot of changes to make because she is living a different lifestyle but she is going to accept it all really fast, I'm excited for her and for the Sisters teaching her!
I have more exciting baptism news! During Gospel Principles on sunday, Pres. Moses came and pulled Sis. Crofts and I out. He told us Andrew and Cat (Andrew is an investigator dating Cat who is a member) wanted to talk to us. We sat down in his office and they said they had some news. They told us they were pregnant but we didn't believe them for a SECOND! Andrew said that he was thinking and he really wants to get baptized, this saturday! He was originally supposed to be on date for Dec. 4th but he said no, so he hasn't had a baptism date but he said that when we had asked him to be baptized then he knew 100% that he should but he was too afraid. So on the 4th he thought about it all day, regretting his decision, so on the 5th is when he told us he can't take it anymore and he wants to be baptized. We're SO excited! He is having trouble with his family accepting this decision, but that seems to be the case with practically every YSA convert. He really is ready. It just is happening so fast!

Sis. Crofts had a couple funny experiences this week and with her permission I am sharing this story. Last night, it was cold and wet (like usual). When we came in for supper we took off our skirts and tights so that they could dry off. When we got dressed to go back out however, I was bending down to put on my boots and I noticed that Sis. Crofts was standing there with her coat, scarf, gloves and rainboots on, but she was missing her skirt!!!! That was SO funny. Being the kind hearted person that I am, I told her and she fixed it before we left. Aren't I a gem?

While we were knocking this week we got to an apartment complex that had a bunch of doorbells and glass door that they all came to. We just had to laugh the whole time because as we rang and they came, we could see their face as they realized it wasn't who they were expecting. We started saying things like "Let's see who's behind doorbell number 3!" There was one time too that we were talking to one guy and a food delivery person showed up and it was actually for him! He had originally came to the door thinking it was his food. Sorry to disappoint buddy!

I'm not too big of a fan of this next story.... A member told us that there was an article in the Dalhousie paper about us and it was not good. That freaked me out, so we went and picked up a copy. Sure enough, there was an opinion article about how annoying it is to be stopped by people of the "Church of Latter-day Saints" while walking around campus. He went on to state his unthoughtful opinion of how we should keep our religious opinion to ourselves. Let's just say that the spirit was not in that article. But for some reason, after reading it, we felt better. We knew this was one man's opinion and that it shouldn't put us down and stop us from sharing the good news with God's children. My hope is that not very many people read the opinion section of that paper.

Did you all enjoy the 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional? I sure did! I love that Pres. Uchtdorf referenced the Grinch! I just love those inspired men! I always feel so good when I hear them speak.

I went to the temple this morning and I love it there! I missed it so much while I was serving elsewhere, but I'm grateful that we have one nearby at home so that it's never too far. Everytime I hear a story about someone who had to make a trip that was a couple days by bus to go, I just feel such gratitude that I live where I do. I'm so blessed.

Love you all WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY MORE than Andrew does!!! (stick out tongue at Andrew here. Perhaps add a nana-nana-boo-boo).

Your favorite, Sister Nicholls

P.S. Is that Kaitlyn Whitaker in the fuzzy part of the picture on page 8 on the conference Ensign?


It's DECEMBER!!! - 1 December 2010

I can't believe that it is actually December, the last month of 2010!!!! It's SO weird to think about. Also, it's so cool that you're almost to your year mark Andrew. You're SO OLD! It's crazy that you have killed 5 of your companions! I'm glad you laid out your changes, that was helpful. It's hard to keep up sometimes. You're such a jokester, you had me going there for a second about Garrett. How cool would that be?! I'm so gullible sometimes. I wonder who your next companion WILL be and where you'll be. I'm excited as well to talk to you all on Christmas. Are we going to work it out so that Andrew and I can talk to each other? I'd like to here his cool new "missionary voice" ;) The only thing is that Andrew and I could each talk ALOT so that could end up being a REALLY long conversation. So far President Simpson hasn't said anything about calls home so I'm going to guess it will be the same as usual. We just need to pick a convenient time.

So, since Sister Crofts and I have been here forever we have knocked all the streets and we know practically everyone and it actually is getting pretty obnoxious. SO, we talked to President about changing our area boundaries and he said we could if we got permission from our zone leaders. AND...they helped us out! We traded a chunk of our area which is mostly families with a chunk of their area which surrounds one of the Universities. It makes WAY more sense since they're in the family ward and we're in the YSA branch. We have been enjoying our new area immensely!

Story time! Last night, it was cold and dark as usual. We were knocking one of our new streets and when we knock on this one door this ferocious bark comes from the back of the house. We stop and look at each other and our eyes grow wider as we hear the sound approaching. On the inside we were both hoping no one would answer the door, but our hopes were smashed when the sweetest little woman answered the door. When she opened it though this gigantic fluffy white beast came lunging at us! Luckily, she was holding it's collar, but it was almost twice the size she was! After only a couple seconds she closed the door to just a crack and tried to talk to us through that. We didn't say much on our end but what we heard from the other side of the door was quite amusing "Sparky! They're FRIENDS!" and "Oh, he just wants to come and give you a hug." After that one, we almost ran screaming from the door, we thought she might have been serious! We offered to come back at a different time and she agreed, I'm sure she was tired of holding Sparky back. As we walked away we talked about how it would be if he had come to give us a "hug". I'm pretty sure Sparky would be bigger than us and could put his front paws on our shoulders. It was rather scary, I'm not gonna lie.

That's pretty much the only exciting thing that happened this week I think. I did have to speak on sunday. We call someone in the branch presidency every friday or saturday to see who is speaking and what the topics are so that we can let the speakers know if we're going to have investigators there and to let our investigators know what the topics will be so we can prep them for it. Well, we called friday night and they told us that I was one of the speakers. I was like "what?!" They said that someone had said no to a speaking assignment so they were just going to have me do it. I was fine with it, speaking doesn't bother me much anymore. I think it comes with the name tag. They just didn't give me a topic and that drives me nuts because I have so many thoughts, I need someone to direct them for me. It all worked out though.

Well family, I love your stinkin' guts!
Sister Nicholls