6 Months?? Cray.

April 25, 2016

Hello Fam and Friends!!!

This week was a pretty good week. I felt like it was crazy, and I barely had time to breath. We probably had a total of 5 hours in our area total this week. Lots of service projects, and shifts at the Trail Center. But, Heavenly Father always makes up the difference for us :)

First things first... I HAVE BEEN OUT 6 MONTHS. Isn't that so weird?? 1/3 of my mission is past! (well, kinda.. my release date is May 17th, 2017). These past 6 months have gone by crazy fast. It needs to slow down, because I love it too much. It is so cool to look back and see how I have grown. It makes me excited for the rest of my mission, because I know I will grow even more. Guys, missions are the best. Go on one.

Like I said, we didn't have much time in our area this week. We had a super fun service project though!! The Zone went and helped paint this woman's house, and fix up her yard. Her house was white, and now it is bright blue! We were outside for like 5 hours, but it was about 80 degrees with a light breeze, so it was perfect weather for service outside. I even got a sunburn!! I have never been more excited for a sunburn more in my life. It is turning tan now, and I am stoked. It may only be on one arm, and I may have an awkward farmers tan, but I feel so alive.

Sister Hall and I had a cool experience at the Trail Center this week!! Our goal at the TC was to testify of eternal families on tour. We took this cute couple on tour, and found out they weren't members. They told us they were going to be married in August, so it gave us the perfect opportunity to testify of eternal families!! They were asking so many of the right questions, and it was obvious that they were prepared. Towards the end of the tour, the girl even asked about the Angel on top of the temple. We were able to testify of The Book of Mormon, and they both wanted a copy. Sister Hall then invited them to have missionaries teach them more in their homes, and they agreed. To end our tour, we took them out to the cemetery, because of the sweet spirit that was there. On the way there, I received the impression to invite them to be baptized. I was kind of nervous, but as we were walking back I knew I had to do it. So, we stopped and I asked them what it would mean to them if this was true. They said it would mean everything. I then invited them to be baptized once they received that witness for themselves that it was true. They accepted with a smile :) We were kind of bummed because they aren't in our area, but it was still such a spiritually rewarding tour. Then, the next day, the Bascoms (a senior couple from the TC) called us and told us they took people on tour that wanted to meet with missionaries, and they were in OUR area! So what goes around comes around. :) Heavenly Father blessed us! I love the Trail Center with all of my heart. It is so obvious every single day that I am where I am supposed to be.

We had Stake Conference this week, and it sounds like you did too! :) It also sounds like we had about the same theme. Going to the temple, and recognizing revelation. It was so good :) Courtney took us with her! I love her!! During one of the talks, she turned to me and said "this makes me uncomfortable when I'm not able to take the sacrament.." She's so cute, I can't even handle it. Transfers are next Wednesday, and if I happen to get transferred, leaving Courtney will be the most painful thing in the world.

Well, that's about all I have for you this week. I hope all is well :) I miss you all, but I know I need to be here. :) It is so clear to me every day that this is the Lord's work, and I need to be His instrument.

Love,
Sister Missy Hutchison

We found a stray dog.. It literally smelled like a cow. But don't worry, we found its owner.

me and some sisters got together for lunch. We played the "Ha" game. It is too hard and awkward to explain, so I'll just tell you the objective. The first person who laughs loses. We all lost.

6 MONTHS

Volleyball, Old Men, and Service!

April 18, 2016

Hello Family and Friends!

I will just start out saying straight up that I am going to be sending a lot of pictures. So, be ready :)

This week was another good one here in NE! :) I feel like I say that every week, but hey, when you are doing the Lords work, it will ALWAYS be a good week!!

I feel like I don't have too much to say, though. I can just start with last Monday! Last Monday we had an "Omaha Sisters" activity! All of the sisters serving in Omaha met at the institute building, and we had lunch, sand volleyball, air hockey, a pool table, and just lots of lots of fun. I love having such great relationships with all of the Sisters here! It is like a cheer team, with less bruises and drama. :)

We did service this week at a Food Pantry! It was so much fun! We were able to pack bags of lunch for less-fortunate children. It is such a cool thing that they do. They make these lunch bags, and secretly put them in kid's backpacks before they leave for the weekend, because they know they probably wont have a lot of food at home.

We had interviews with President Gardner this week. I love that man so much. He is truly such a great person, and manages to make every missionary feel like absolute gold! Whenever I talk to him, the spirit always testifies to me that I am meant to be here, and he is meant to be my mission president!

I got hit on by an old man this week. It was one of the creepiest experiences ever. We were doing service at a retirement home, and this old man without a leg, who looked very nice, asked Sister Hall and I to come talk to him. We went over there and he asked us what we were doing there, and we told him we were there for service. He looked at me and asked me if I thought he was attractive, and I just said with a smile "Well, sir, you are too old for me" and he proceeded to tell me that he was 29 years old (by the way, he's probably like in his 80's). I just laughed and said "Okay, whatever you say!" Then he kept asking me if I have ever "smoked the good stuff" and "drank the good stuff". I told him no, and he asked why! I thought it was a good missionary moment! So I told him about the Word of Wisdom, and how those things aren't good for our bodies. I wont go into detail about the other things he said, but lets just say it was along the lines of sneaking out and going through his window in the middle of the night to try the "good stuff". The conversation then ended very abruptly. I wanted to throw up a little bit. (A lot).

That is about all of the excitement that this week had to offer for me! We met with a lot of less-active members this week, so that was good. :) I love the spirit you feel as these less-active members realize how much the gospel has blessed them, and want to come back. It is a testimony builder to me about how lucky we are to have so many churches nearby, and be in good health to go. Don't take advantage of it. :)

Oh! The outside of the Trail Center is beautiful and very Springy!! So, of course we got pictures, we are girls!!

Love you all! I hope you have an amazing week. :) You are in my prayers.

Love,
Sister Missy Hutchison

Dramatic volleyball picture. Very professional. Look at 'dat form.

Me and Sister Young :)

Me and a few sisters at the Trail Center :)

Me and Sister Chappell. We kind of matched.. So we thought we would get a picture.

The 3 blonde, crimpy haired girls, trying to be creative but it failed.

Service, Soreness, and Bashed

April 11, 2016

Hello Everyone!!

Another good week was had here in Omaha, Nebraska. (Every time I use the word "Omaha", I think of Justin Bieber's forever old song called "Omaha Mall". No, don't look it up. It's terrible and you'll hate it.)

I don't exactly know where to begin! I'll start with the "service" part of my subject line. As a zone, we go to a park every week for service! I told you about the super cold park last week. This week, the park we went to was so small that we actually cleaned 3 parks! I am sure people that drove past thought we were a bunch of juvenile delinquents with our "garbage picker uppers".  No shame, though. It was so fun. One park had Tennis Courts, so I started singing the tennis courts song by Lorde. Only a couple people understood what I was talking about.. Those peasants.

The "Soreness" part of my subject line was the Missionary Olympics!! After Zone Training this week, we had the Olympics. Sister Hall and I made matching shirts and everything. They just had a few different competitions that we were able to compete in. BTW, I totally won the push-up competition. A few girls in my zone used to be Cheerleaders, so we even through up some stunts!! (nothing to crazy.. Don't worry) I've still got it!! Sorta.. A little shaky. I can still do a round-off back-tuck though. Which is surprising considering the extra 10 pounds on my body. But yes, I am sore.

Sister Hall and I had an interesting encounter this week. This is the "bash" part of the subject line. This woman we met told us we could come back on Saturday afternoon, so we were excited that she made an appointment. We prepared a lesson and everything. She was a Former Investigator, and her progress record said she was very aware of the Bible, so Sister Hall and I studied how the Bible and Book of Mormon support each other in Preach my Gospel. As soon as we were walking to her door, a big pit all of the sudden came into my stomach and I felt kind of queasy. But, we continued to visit her. I now understand how the spirit tells me not to go somewhere. She had no intent of learning more. She was just interested in trying to Bible Bash us, for 2 hours. Her home definitely had an evil feeling about it, and she was trying to disprove everything we said. But, because Sister Hall and I studied for her, we were able to speak by the spirit. It was incredible. The things we said to her, and the way we responded to her accusations were definitely not our words. The spirit filled our mouths, and we testified of what we know to be true. My testimony grew so much about why we properly prepare and study for lessons. I know if we would have just thought we'd be okay with the pamphlet alone, the Lord would not have blessed us. Although she told us she "would not read the Book of Mormon with a sincere heart", she did say she would read it. That was a miracle in itself. So that was my first, real, bible bash experience!! I found out really quick how nervous I was afterwards when I finally took off my jacket and saw some gross sweat marks. Yum.

That was pretty much our week!! We also found a couple new investigators, which is exciting. It is a mom and her 15 year old  daughter.

I hope you all have a good week!! I love you!

Love,
Sister Hutchison

ps. Lots of pictures.

Matching shirts 

Stuntin' is a habit

Sister Cope has been out 6 months, and I have been out 5!

Chillin at the trail center (taken from Sister Cope's phone)

Hello, I Love Conference

April 4, 2016

Hello Family and Friends!!!

This week has been a pretty good week here in Omaha! Yesterday was like 85 degrees, so it was way nice! It was a perfect day for tracting, that's for sure! We found a couple potential investigators, so that was fun :)

I feel like my week is mostly the same every week. Trying to re-activate less-actives, teaching our investigator who has literally broken every commandment, and having fun dinner appointments with members!

Something new we did this week was a fun service project with our Zone! We picked up trash in a huge park. Even though it was FREEZING that day and I felt like my face was going to fall off, it was fun being with the good ol' Papillion Zone! Afterwards, Sister Hall and I, and a few TC Sisters, went out to lunch. It was a good time. :)  We also did more service this week! Sister Hall and I were able to rake leaves on the temple grounds. Again, it was cold, but it is cool how being on the temple grounds warms you right up.

President Gardner gave the whole mission a challenge! He has asked us to read 5 pages of the Book of Mormon a day (Starting last Tuesday, and should end on the 4th of July), and highlighting and numbering every reference of Jesus Christ (Attributes, His words, His different names, and the Doctrine of Christ). Oh my gosh, I love it! It is so cool. It just reminds me even more that The Book of Mormon truly is another testament of Jesus Christ. My testimony of The Book of Mormon and the Savior has already increased so much, and it has only been a week! It is amazing to think that the whole mission is doing it too. At least the obedient ones..... ;)

Okay, okay... Time for my missionary spill about conference. WASN'T IT AMAZING? I loved it so much. I was even able to watch Priesthood session at a members house. I would be lying if I said conference didn't make me a little marriage hungry, but it's fine. I absolutely loved every session, but the Sunday afternoon session was probably my favorite. I especially loved Elder Holland's talk. I connected it to my missionary work. Sometimes missionary work is so frustrating, and it may feel like I am literally accomplishing nothing. But, as long as I am doing my best to fulfill my purpose, God will recognize that, and he will bless me. I loved when he said "Sanctify yourself. For tomorrow, the Lord will work wonders among you." It is so true. No matter what situation you are in, whether it's a mission, struggling with your testimony or just trying to feel God's love , working your hardest at it will bring miracles. Like Elder Holland said, if you are constantly striving to do your best, tomorrow will be a marvelous day. Why? Because the Lord will wants it to be.

I am so grateful for this gospel everyday. I have such a strong testimony. It is crazy to see my testimony grow more and more each day. I am so glad it is still the beginning of my mission, because I have so much more to learn. I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of Him, there is hope. I am happy to wear His name over my heart each day. You may not physically have a nametag like I do, but His name can be engraved in your heart, as well, and you strive to follow His perfect example. :) (that's the beautiful thing about the atonement. When we mess up at following His example, we can always start again). I love you all! Have a great week, and remember God is mindful of you.

Love,
Sister Missy Hutchison

ps. The pictures are from the park cleaning. I look super awkward in the second picture. The elder taking the picture cracked a Harry Potter joke, and took the picture right when I was reacting.

Happy Easter (yesterday) !!

March 28, 2016

Hello everyone!!

I hope you all had a fantastic week and an even better Easter!! I had a pretty good Easter. Church was soo focused on the Savior, and His atonement for us. It was so wonderful. :) We had a nice, big dinner last night, and I probably wont be hungry for at least 3 days. Some ward members would ask me what I did for Easter at home, and I just told them that my dad always shot the Easter Bunny.. Haha. They got a kick out of that.

We were able to watch the General Women's Conference this week!! It was soo good. It was all about service, and it really made me reflect on how I can better myself each day. I loved it. If you weren't able to watch it, find it and watch it. It will be worth your time :)

Last week was also transfer week! Sister Hall and I are still together, and still in Rockbrook! It is weird when ward members tell me "I've been here forever", because I really feel like I just got here like 2 weeks ago.

This week was honestly kind of a blur, but one thing I do remember is a tour I gave at the Trail Center. It was a Utah family on a church history tour for Spring break. They were so nice and so interested the whole time. There is a room at the TC that overlooks the cemetery and the temple. In that room, I testified of eternal families and felt prompted to sing "Families Can Be Together Forever". The whole family sang along with me, and wrapped their arms around each other. It was so special. It was just another testament to me that families ARE forever. I am so grateful for that sacred knowledge in my life. I am so grateful that I can be with my family for eternity.

That's about all I have for ya this week!!! I hope that you all have a safe week, and know that you are all in my prayers. Love you!

Love,
Sister Missy Hutchison

I forgot to explain the pictures... The first one is in front of the Easter Initiative banner, and the second one is our 5 month picture!!!!

Happy 5 Months!!

March 21, 2016

Hello Fam and Friends!!

I hope you all had a fabulous week. I had a pretty good week out here in NE. Busy, as usual :) But that is exactly the way it should be, so it was great!

Congrats to James and Jamie for their sweet baby!!! I love my new niece, Finley Jo Hutchison, already. She is so beautiful, and I want to kiss her sweet face.

I honestly don't know much to say about my week. I am kind of scatter-brained today, and have forgotten a lot of the things I have done. I have heard pregnancy-brain is real, but I can tell you for a fact that missionary-brain is real too. I guess I can't really compare until that day comes. (In 30 years, right dad?)

I had a really cool experience over Teaching Center (online chatting) this week! This woman came on chat, and we had an instant connection. She immediately opened up, telling me that she is a Jehovah's Witness, but she has a weird desire to know more about our church. She went on to tell me that she has a friend that is a member of our church, but every time they talk religion, she gets really defensive and feels like Jehovah's witness is the right church. I asked her a lot about her personal prayers, and she admitted to me that she is scared to pray about it because her family would disown her. I shared with her my favorite scripture, like I shared in my farewell talk, Alma 36:3 -
 "And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust‍ in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up‍ at the last day."
She really took this scripture to heart. She told me she feels "different" when she talks with me, and she feels a sense of peace. I informed her that I wasn't the one causing her that peace, but that it was the Holy Ghost testifying the truth to her. She told me she would pray about her questions. When I asked her if I could keep in touch with her, she told me "Of course". She then said that she hopes to hear from me soon. I am so excited to email her when I am at the Trail Center, and see how everything is going. She is a wonderful woman. It really shows how certain people are meant to come in contact with each other.

There was another Missionary Musical Fireside last night that I participated in! It was amazing, and there was an incredible turnout. Every single seat was full, and the spirit was so strong the whole entire time. I love the way music can bring peace.

I listened to a very famous talk the other day by Elder Holland. I have heard it many times, but it strikes me every single time. If you have an extra 15 minutes during your day today, look up "Safety for the Soul", by Jeffery R. Holland. If you don't have an extra 15 minutes, make time for 15 minutes. It will change your life, I can promise you that.

I hope you all have a great week this week! I am thinking and praying for you! Have a very Happy Easter on Sunday. :) Remember how lucky we are to have a knowledge that, because of our Savior, we will all live again.

Love,
Sister Missy Hutchison

ps. The pics are from the missionary musical fireside. Sister Hall and I have this thing that whenever we are on the same wavelength, we shout out "#COMP-UNITY", and throw up a "C" and a "U". Just thought I would explain the picture.. Haha. Love you all.

Crazy Week!

March 14, 2016

Hi Everyone!

This week was kind of cray-cray, So I don't exactly know where to start!!

I'll just start with last Monday. Last Monday was so fun. After we emailed, and did the essential P-Day stuff, we went to downtown Omaha. We walked around the "Old Market, and then went to Pedestrian Bridge! Pedestrian Bridge is the bridge that crosses the river into Iowa. It was such a fun day! I have many pictures. Later that night, we participated in a musical fireside at a retirement home. Even though many of those old people weren't members, it was sweet to see their eyes fill with tears as they heard our songs that were focused on the Savior.

Tuesday was great, as well! President Gardner put together a special meeting for just the Sister Missionaries in the mission. It was just one of those feel-good meetings. I loved it so much.

Wednesday we were on exchanges! We spent the day in a little town called Fremont. It was way fun! It is pretty far out of the city, so lets just say I have never seen so many corn fields in my life. It was awesome.

We were able to go to the temple on Friday! It was amazing. You truly realize how special the temple is when you aren't able to go every week. In my case, I can only go once every other transfer, so the temple was much-needed. :)

The days I didn't mention were days spent at the Trail Center! Those days are always great too :) We were able to take this nice guy on tour that served his mission here 10 years ago. It was his first time being back, and he was only back because of a business trip. It was definitely a spiritual tour, and he bore a powerful witness of The Book of Mormon. The only word I can use to explain it is AMAZING. I love the Trail Center.

I have to start seeing a back doctor because my back randomly gets really really numb. I had my first appointment today. They pretty much told me that cheer ruined my body and that I have the posture of a 90 year old woman. So that's great! Don't worry though, because they gave me many exercises I have to do for it every day. So things should start feeling normal again!

Sorry if this email is jumbled. I have a short amount of time for emailing today! I love you all. Thank you for all you do! Remember to watch the new Easter initiative :) its AMAZING. I challenge you to watch it AND share it with a friend. I can promise you will feel the spirit as you do so. Its on FollowHim.mormon.org.

Love,

Sister Missy Hutchison

ps. I have a picture overload.... So... Beware.

These pics are from the Temple. I love the one of me and Sister Chappell. haha :)