Dear Family and Friends,
I hope all of you had a very merry Christmas. Mine was filled with great joy because I got to talk to the family! It was great to hear from them and all the good things that are happening back home. We spent Christmas Eve at some members home. We had a really good dinner and then got to play with the 7 children that were there. One of the brothers of the ward brought his guitar and we sang Christmas songs. It made me think of Uncle Nolan and how he would sometimes play for us during the holidays. The family whose house we were at gave us some lip gloss and a box of chocolate macadamia nuts. We were really excited about them.
On Christmas we opened presents from our families, friends and each other. My companion made me a picture calendar and a little book of quotes. Both were very nicely done. I loved them! We then went to breakfast at a member’s home. We had breakfast casserole. It was very good. We then watched Christmas with the Kranks. (We are allowed to watch movies on Christmas.) We then watched Santa Clause 2. While I was watching it my companion was calling her family. We then went over to another member’s home for Christmas dinner. We ate and saw all the children’s new toys. By the time I had finished eating it was my turn to call my family.
I was shocked to hear Todd’s voice when the phone was answered. My Dad and Todd had arranged for him to come home. It was a great surprise to talk to him. I cried the most when I talked to Hunter. I could barely talk to him because it was hard to hold back my emotions. He is getting so big and talking a lot. I was happy that he told me about the snow because it was 75 degrees in Florida and I got three mosquito bits while talking to the family!
After my phone call we went back over to the first people’s house we were at. We watched Santa Clause 3. We than went home and cleaned up the apartment for the evening. The ward was very generous to us and we got a lot of gift cards for food from different people in the ward. We also got some supplies to write home with! The best gift of all though was being able to serve the Savior at this time of year. The great thing is that I will probably get to be on my mission for next years Christmas as well.
Our lesson this Sunday was on “Finding Joy in the Journey.” This is a talk given by President Monson. Sister Anderton and I actually read this together in companionship study a few days earlier. I love this talk. It talks about how we are to endure to the end. Time is very precious and it is something that we will never get back. Take every minute and live it to the fullest. If you dwell on the positive, than your life will be much happier. The talk says “Not every cloud brings rain.” When a new opportunity comes your way, jump for joy at the possibilities that it can bring with it. When things don’t go as planned, remember that you can still be happy! Happiness is a choice not a circumstance!!!
In sacrament there was a musical number. Two men and two women sang “O, Holy Night.” A lady played the piano and another lady played the bassoon. It made me think of Michele. It was a beautiful number. The spirit was really strong. We have a very good ward. The High Counselor spoke about enduring to the end as well. He said that it is part of our baptismal covenants. If you read in Mosiah 18:8-10 it says something to the effect of how we must do certain things even until the end. This is talking about enduring or enjoying life to the end. Who knows when the end will be but when it comes I want to be standing tall!
The time is going by so fast. Next year when I call for Christmas I will only have about 6 weeks left in my mission. I am so thankful for this experience. I have learned a lot and I know that I would not have learned these things at home. I love the Lord. I know that He lives and that He loves us very much! I know that Joseph Smith restored this gospel and that it is now blessing millions of lives everywhere. I know that we have a living prophet today. I know that he talks to God and that it is through divine revelation that He leads His church. I hope all of you will become missionaries where ever you are at. A good part of missionary work is done through the members. I know that life is hard but if we can stay positive and moving forward we will be greatly blessed.
I love you all and wish you all the best. Have a great New Year. Resolve this year to be a little more Christlike and to change your hearts to become His servant.
Love,
Sister Comte
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Dear Family and Friends,
Jody's Mission has posted a Christmas blog for the holiday. There is a video and picture where Jody can be seen. Jody is in Zone 3. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!
Tampa Florida Mission Blog
-Sam
Jody's Mission has posted a Christmas blog for the holiday. There is a video and picture where Jody can be seen. Jody is in Zone 3. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!
Tampa Florida Mission Blog
-Sam
Monday, December 22, 2008
December 22nd Email
Hi
It has been another great week with lots to tell you all. Christmas is fast approaching. There are so many festivities going on that it is fun!!! I am still loving my area and my companion. We learn a lot from each other. I love her so much!
On Thursday we went to Christmas Zone Conference. It was wonderful. It went on all day but it was so good. We had missionaries from 3 stakes there. The stake presidents came and talked to us. One of them mentioned the scripture D&C 88:84. He said "I don't know how often we miss the angels." I know that there are angels all around us that we do not recognize. The same man told us that this life/mission is our change to be on the Lord's finest team.
Our stake president is actually from our ward, so I know him from church. He has a very strong testimony. He told us that our purpose was not to help people but to turn them to someone that could help them eternally.
The last stake president stake president said some really great things as well. The one I liked the best was "D&C:4 Not just a memory test but a way of living"
Sister Colton, the presidents wife, gave a great talk on the Touch of the Master's hand. She talked about the carpenter from Galilee and then gave all of us an ornament from the Holy Land. The ornament is made out of olive wood and is of the nativity! She also said "we are always changing, the test is to change for the better."
President Colton talked to us about reading the Book Of Mormon. The most touching part of his talk was the end. Every Christmas Eve he would play his harmonica for his children so that they would go to sleep. So once again for his children, his missionaries, he pulled out his harmonica and played for us Silent Night. I cried though the whole thing.
We then had the opportunity to bear our testimonies. I wanted to go up but there were so many missionaries that I couldn't get up. Here are some of the things that were said. One Elder talked about when people come home from war they are asked who they were fighting for? When we get home we want to be able to say we were fighting for the man next to us so that he might be able to return home to His Savior. Our Savior is also fighting for us because the worth of one soul is so great. Someone else said "To have a fullness of joy, we need to have a fullness of life." One elder recounted a story of seeing his brother come home from his mission. The first thing the brother did was say a prayer with his family. This elder was impressed that his brothers prayers had changed while on his mission. His brother said "my prayers haven't changed, I just realized who I was talking too."
An elder recited a poem about a mirror and then referred it to our own lives. We all have light in our lives. We need to be a mirror and reflect that light into dark places.
Another elder told us that he was a product of the BOM. I want the BOM to change my life and become the product of it as well.
The computer keeps kicking me off and I haven't know written this email three or four times. So I am going to hurry and pray that it doesn't do it again. Yesterday's church service was wonderful. I sang with the choir. They sang the Silent Night Cantata that my home ward has sung for years. Someone said in the meeting "Be someones Christmas gift by being Christlike." I really liked that.
We visited with a recent convert yesterday. She is having a lot of health problems. She said to us "Strength comes from experience." This is why we go through trials; so that we can have strength when the end of days come.
One of my dear friends in the North Port ward died yesterday night. She joined the church in June and soon there after was re diagnosed with breast cancer. This was her second time with the disease. She was a sweet dear lady and she will defiantly be missed. It is amazing to know that she had the gospel in her last months of life and this changed her whole outlook. She wasn't afraid to die because she knew the plan.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!! Have a very merry Christmas. Let us all remember the true meaning of this Holiday Season!
Love
Sister Comte
P.S. We went to a boat parade this weekend. This is defiantly a Florida thing. People decorated their boats with lights and then go along the coast line with them. It was neat to see the palm trees, dolphins jumping over the boat, and Santa Shark. They don't have lights like these in Utah!
It has been another great week with lots to tell you all. Christmas is fast approaching. There are so many festivities going on that it is fun!!! I am still loving my area and my companion. We learn a lot from each other. I love her so much!
On Thursday we went to Christmas Zone Conference. It was wonderful. It went on all day but it was so good. We had missionaries from 3 stakes there. The stake presidents came and talked to us. One of them mentioned the scripture D&C 88:84. He said "I don't know how often we miss the angels." I know that there are angels all around us that we do not recognize. The same man told us that this life/mission is our change to be on the Lord's finest team.
Our stake president is actually from our ward, so I know him from church. He has a very strong testimony. He told us that our purpose was not to help people but to turn them to someone that could help them eternally.
The last stake president stake president said some really great things as well. The one I liked the best was "D&C:4 Not just a memory test but a way of living"
Sister Colton, the presidents wife, gave a great talk on the Touch of the Master's hand. She talked about the carpenter from Galilee and then gave all of us an ornament from the Holy Land. The ornament is made out of olive wood and is of the nativity! She also said "we are always changing, the test is to change for the better."
President Colton talked to us about reading the Book Of Mormon. The most touching part of his talk was the end. Every Christmas Eve he would play his harmonica for his children so that they would go to sleep. So once again for his children, his missionaries, he pulled out his harmonica and played for us Silent Night. I cried though the whole thing.
We then had the opportunity to bear our testimonies. I wanted to go up but there were so many missionaries that I couldn't get up. Here are some of the things that were said. One Elder talked about when people come home from war they are asked who they were fighting for? When we get home we want to be able to say we were fighting for the man next to us so that he might be able to return home to His Savior. Our Savior is also fighting for us because the worth of one soul is so great. Someone else said "To have a fullness of joy, we need to have a fullness of life." One elder recounted a story of seeing his brother come home from his mission. The first thing the brother did was say a prayer with his family. This elder was impressed that his brothers prayers had changed while on his mission. His brother said "my prayers haven't changed, I just realized who I was talking too."
An elder recited a poem about a mirror and then referred it to our own lives. We all have light in our lives. We need to be a mirror and reflect that light into dark places.
Another elder told us that he was a product of the BOM. I want the BOM to change my life and become the product of it as well.
The computer keeps kicking me off and I haven't know written this email three or four times. So I am going to hurry and pray that it doesn't do it again. Yesterday's church service was wonderful. I sang with the choir. They sang the Silent Night Cantata that my home ward has sung for years. Someone said in the meeting "Be someones Christmas gift by being Christlike." I really liked that.
We visited with a recent convert yesterday. She is having a lot of health problems. She said to us "Strength comes from experience." This is why we go through trials; so that we can have strength when the end of days come.
One of my dear friends in the North Port ward died yesterday night. She joined the church in June and soon there after was re diagnosed with breast cancer. This was her second time with the disease. She was a sweet dear lady and she will defiantly be missed. It is amazing to know that she had the gospel in her last months of life and this changed her whole outlook. She wasn't afraid to die because she knew the plan.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!! Have a very merry Christmas. Let us all remember the true meaning of this Holiday Season!
Love
Sister Comte
P.S. We went to a boat parade this weekend. This is defiantly a Florida thing. People decorated their boats with lights and then go along the coast line with them. It was neat to see the palm trees, dolphins jumping over the boat, and Santa Shark. They don't have lights like these in Utah!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
December 15th Email
Dear Family and Friends,
It has been another busy week for me here in Florida! Monday was my last day in North Port. For my last day we went to the Fisherman's village. It is down by a river and is a collection of souvenir stores. It was fun to see all the Christmas stuff!
After the little village my companion and I went to say goodbye to a few people. First off was the Cuevas Family. I have really grown close to this family so it was really hard to say goodbye. I cried my eyes out of course. Then we went and said goodbye to Pam Johnson. She was the first person I met in that ward but at the time I meet her she wasn't a member. She was baptized on September 6. She is now one of the strongest members down there. She is amazing!
Tuesday was transfer day. It was so hard to say goodbye to North Port and the sisters that I had grown close to down there. But as soon as I saw Sister Anderton my fears disappeared. She is my new companion. I love her so much. I served around her for the first three months of my mission and we went on exchanges once. We get along pretty well. I actually had a class with her at BYU (my DAP class).
Seminole is beautiful. You have to go over this really cool bridge to get here. It is kind of scary but neat at the same time. This city is very festive. It seems that everyone decorates for Christmas here.
Wednesday we taught a man who isn't really interested in the church but wants us to answer all of his questions. It is hard to know things out of the Bible. But I am managing. The spirit gives me all the things I need to say. We went that evening to a place where there are a lot of lights. Almost every house was focused on the nativity. You don't have to pay to go through but they do ask for donations to Hospice. It was well worth the dollar donation we gave them.
Friday night was the Christmas Party for this ward. I have never been to a party like this before. We helped frost cookies with the children. We share the ward with Elders and they helped make ornaments with the kids. They had two pinatas. And of course, Santa came. There are 750 members in this ward. It needs to be split but there is only really one logical way to split it and the one side does not have enough worthy Priesthood holders to run a ward. So for now it will stay the same. There were 10 turkeys made and 3 were left by the end. The food was amazing.
Before I came out one of my co-workers from Mail Services was moving out to Tampa for law school. He told me that him and his wife would feed me if I was ever in their ward. Sisters only have five areas to serve in so I knew that I would probably never serve in his area. At the party I saw him. He is in this ward. We had a really good time reminiscing about the good times at work. It was fun to see someone I know!
On Saturday we went down to North Port for Caitlin Ridgeway's baptism. I was so glad that we got a ride to go. We had to post pone her baptism because she was sick. It was a wonderful day though. The spirit was really strong. I gave a talk to the Holy Ghost. I thought it was good. Her mother was so happy that I was there. She is a really sweet girl. The missionaries that were there sang "Walk Tall, You're a daughter." I cried as I looked into the eyes of this daughter of God. She said thank you after we were done singing.
Yesterday was also long. We went to church and all of our meetings and then went to a baptism afterwards. A little boy in the ward was baptized. We were put in charge of the food. It was really neat to see this little boy be baptized by his father.
We then went to a Christmas Choral Fireside. It was beautiful. I know that Grandma would have liked it. It was a stake fireside so it was great to see the talent of everyone.
We also went and saw this week I really cool light show. The lights go to the song "Carol of the Bells" done by Trans Siberian Orchestra. It was really cool.
Well, my time is up. I love you all. I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas. Thanks for all the love and support you give me. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love
Sister Comte
It has been another busy week for me here in Florida! Monday was my last day in North Port. For my last day we went to the Fisherman's village. It is down by a river and is a collection of souvenir stores. It was fun to see all the Christmas stuff!
After the little village my companion and I went to say goodbye to a few people. First off was the Cuevas Family. I have really grown close to this family so it was really hard to say goodbye. I cried my eyes out of course. Then we went and said goodbye to Pam Johnson. She was the first person I met in that ward but at the time I meet her she wasn't a member. She was baptized on September 6. She is now one of the strongest members down there. She is amazing!
Tuesday was transfer day. It was so hard to say goodbye to North Port and the sisters that I had grown close to down there. But as soon as I saw Sister Anderton my fears disappeared. She is my new companion. I love her so much. I served around her for the first three months of my mission and we went on exchanges once. We get along pretty well. I actually had a class with her at BYU (my DAP class).
Seminole is beautiful. You have to go over this really cool bridge to get here. It is kind of scary but neat at the same time. This city is very festive. It seems that everyone decorates for Christmas here.
Wednesday we taught a man who isn't really interested in the church but wants us to answer all of his questions. It is hard to know things out of the Bible. But I am managing. The spirit gives me all the things I need to say. We went that evening to a place where there are a lot of lights. Almost every house was focused on the nativity. You don't have to pay to go through but they do ask for donations to Hospice. It was well worth the dollar donation we gave them.
Friday night was the Christmas Party for this ward. I have never been to a party like this before. We helped frost cookies with the children. We share the ward with Elders and they helped make ornaments with the kids. They had two pinatas. And of course, Santa came. There are 750 members in this ward. It needs to be split but there is only really one logical way to split it and the one side does not have enough worthy Priesthood holders to run a ward. So for now it will stay the same. There were 10 turkeys made and 3 were left by the end. The food was amazing.
Before I came out one of my co-workers from Mail Services was moving out to Tampa for law school. He told me that him and his wife would feed me if I was ever in their ward. Sisters only have five areas to serve in so I knew that I would probably never serve in his area. At the party I saw him. He is in this ward. We had a really good time reminiscing about the good times at work. It was fun to see someone I know!
On Saturday we went down to North Port for Caitlin Ridgeway's baptism. I was so glad that we got a ride to go. We had to post pone her baptism because she was sick. It was a wonderful day though. The spirit was really strong. I gave a talk to the Holy Ghost. I thought it was good. Her mother was so happy that I was there. She is a really sweet girl. The missionaries that were there sang "Walk Tall, You're a daughter." I cried as I looked into the eyes of this daughter of God. She said thank you after we were done singing.
Yesterday was also long. We went to church and all of our meetings and then went to a baptism afterwards. A little boy in the ward was baptized. We were put in charge of the food. It was really neat to see this little boy be baptized by his father.
We then went to a Christmas Choral Fireside. It was beautiful. I know that Grandma would have liked it. It was a stake fireside so it was great to see the talent of everyone.
We also went and saw this week I really cool light show. The lights go to the song "Carol of the Bells" done by Trans Siberian Orchestra. It was really cool.
Well, my time is up. I love you all. I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas. Thanks for all the love and support you give me. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love
Sister Comte
Monday, December 8, 2008
December 8th Email
Hi
Christmastime is here! Even though it is 80 degrees outside and there is no snow, we still can put up our tree and remember our Saviors birth. I am really excited to be here during Christmas. It is such a different experience to be here rather than in Utah.
Alot has happened since I last emailed. The biggest thing is that I am getting transfered. I am going to a place called Seminole. It is near Clearwater which can be found on a map of Florida pretty easily. It is on the little penisula off of Florida. I will be serving with Sister Anderton. I am really excited but sad to leave North Port. I have grown so close to some of the people here and it is hard to say good-bye.
This last week, my companion and I and the Port Charlotte sisters decided to go caroling. We first started out at the mall. But decided that singing to all the people on smoke break was not ideal. Also they had really loud music blarring from the speakers above us. So we went to Wal-Mart. When we got there we saw a family that we know. They are not members but the dad helps alot with scouts and they love the missionaries. The mom has Parkinsons disease. They were just leaving the store. The mom stayed at the front while the dad, the daughter and the granddaughter got into the car. As we started to sing we saw this dear lady singing along with us. She was so excited to hear us. When the dad finally pulled up with the car, I tried to help get her into the car. It took us probably 10 minutes to get her in. It was sad to see them struggle but great to see the love that was shared in those moments. It was also neat to see how peoples entire continence changed as they heard us singing. It was alot of fun and the spirit was really strong!
On Thursday night we found out about transfers. We normally don't find out until Saturday morning but my companion got information from someone. So on Friday I decided I better ride the bike for one of the last times. Seminole is an all car area. We rode out to one of our appointments and then decided we would ride to a less active families home. We thought that there home was much closer and soon rode about 3 miles just to get to their house. It was crazy. I thought my little legs would fall off. By the time we had biked home we had biked at least 12 miles. I was so tired after that. But I was really proud of my self that I didn't fall once. I have come along ways since my first time on a bike!!!
Our ward Christmas Party was this weekend. We had alot of fun. Santa came and we all asked him for a call home for Christmas. They had asked different families to set up different tables for the dinner. It was neat to see how the tables were decorated so differently! The four sisters that are down here sang a rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. I will send it later as an attachment! It was alot of fun. The food was amazing, even though as a missionary you don't get much time to eat because you are to busy talking to everyone. You know me though I would rather be talking than eating! We had alot of inactives and non-members there so it was really good! We thought that there would be plenty of leftovers but there wasn't. That is always a good sign.
I loved the Christmas devotional yesterday. The messages were truly inspired. I am glad I got to see it. The decorations were beautiful! I want to wish you all a very merry holiday season. I love you all!
Love
Sister Comte
Christmastime is here! Even though it is 80 degrees outside and there is no snow, we still can put up our tree and remember our Saviors birth. I am really excited to be here during Christmas. It is such a different experience to be here rather than in Utah.
Alot has happened since I last emailed. The biggest thing is that I am getting transfered. I am going to a place called Seminole. It is near Clearwater which can be found on a map of Florida pretty easily. It is on the little penisula off of Florida. I will be serving with Sister Anderton. I am really excited but sad to leave North Port. I have grown so close to some of the people here and it is hard to say good-bye.
This last week, my companion and I and the Port Charlotte sisters decided to go caroling. We first started out at the mall. But decided that singing to all the people on smoke break was not ideal. Also they had really loud music blarring from the speakers above us. So we went to Wal-Mart. When we got there we saw a family that we know. They are not members but the dad helps alot with scouts and they love the missionaries. The mom has Parkinsons disease. They were just leaving the store. The mom stayed at the front while the dad, the daughter and the granddaughter got into the car. As we started to sing we saw this dear lady singing along with us. She was so excited to hear us. When the dad finally pulled up with the car, I tried to help get her into the car. It took us probably 10 minutes to get her in. It was sad to see them struggle but great to see the love that was shared in those moments. It was also neat to see how peoples entire continence changed as they heard us singing. It was alot of fun and the spirit was really strong!
On Thursday night we found out about transfers. We normally don't find out until Saturday morning but my companion got information from someone. So on Friday I decided I better ride the bike for one of the last times. Seminole is an all car area. We rode out to one of our appointments and then decided we would ride to a less active families home. We thought that there home was much closer and soon rode about 3 miles just to get to their house. It was crazy. I thought my little legs would fall off. By the time we had biked home we had biked at least 12 miles. I was so tired after that. But I was really proud of my self that I didn't fall once. I have come along ways since my first time on a bike!!!
Our ward Christmas Party was this weekend. We had alot of fun. Santa came and we all asked him for a call home for Christmas. They had asked different families to set up different tables for the dinner. It was neat to see how the tables were decorated so differently! The four sisters that are down here sang a rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. I will send it later as an attachment! It was alot of fun. The food was amazing, even though as a missionary you don't get much time to eat because you are to busy talking to everyone. You know me though I would rather be talking than eating! We had alot of inactives and non-members there so it was really good! We thought that there would be plenty of leftovers but there wasn't. That is always a good sign.
I loved the Christmas devotional yesterday. The messages were truly inspired. I am glad I got to see it. The decorations were beautiful! I want to wish you all a very merry holiday season. I love you all!
Love
Sister Comte
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
December 2nd Email
Hi
It has been another great week in Florida. The sun is shining and the weather is wonderful. Last week was Thanksgiving. We had dinner at a members home. The food was amazing!! We are allowed to watch movies on Thanksgiving. We watched Bridge to Terabithia, The Last Mimzy, Emma Smith, and Kung Fu Panda. I loved Emma Smith and Kung Fu Panda. All of you should watch Emma Smith. It is amazing. We also watched the Macey's Parade! It was a great day!!!
The girl that was to baptized this weekend got really sick. She was unable to be baptized because of her illness. Hopefully we can carry on with it this weekend. It actually gives us more time to talk to her cousin and see if he will be baptized. And maybe we could get her mom ready as well.
Yesterday was Scrub Day. We cleaned all day long. It took me 3 and a half hours to clean out our kitchen. Hopefully we pass our cleaning checks. We then spent time with the other sisters. It was a great day to get everything in order.
Six weeks have come and gone. It is time for transfers again. I don't know if I will be staying in North Port or not. I am a little nervous and excited at the same time. I have enjoyed Sister Harash.
Not much else is happening except for knocking doors. I hope everyone is looking forward to Christmas! I know that I am!!
Love
Sister Comte
It has been another great week in Florida. The sun is shining and the weather is wonderful. Last week was Thanksgiving. We had dinner at a members home. The food was amazing!! We are allowed to watch movies on Thanksgiving. We watched Bridge to Terabithia, The Last Mimzy, Emma Smith, and Kung Fu Panda. I loved Emma Smith and Kung Fu Panda. All of you should watch Emma Smith. It is amazing. We also watched the Macey's Parade! It was a great day!!!
The girl that was to baptized this weekend got really sick. She was unable to be baptized because of her illness. Hopefully we can carry on with it this weekend. It actually gives us more time to talk to her cousin and see if he will be baptized. And maybe we could get her mom ready as well.
Yesterday was Scrub Day. We cleaned all day long. It took me 3 and a half hours to clean out our kitchen. Hopefully we pass our cleaning checks. We then spent time with the other sisters. It was a great day to get everything in order.
Six weeks have come and gone. It is time for transfers again. I don't know if I will be staying in North Port or not. I am a little nervous and excited at the same time. I have enjoyed Sister Harash.
Not much else is happening except for knocking doors. I hope everyone is looking forward to Christmas! I know that I am!!
Love
Sister Comte
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
November 17th Email
Hello to all,
This week has gone by really fast. I can't believe it is Monday again. It is hard to imagine that it is November because most days it is 90 degrees outside. The leaves are still green and they will not be changing. Today though it is really cold. People have told us that it is going to be a cold week.
We have done alot of moving this week. Everyone seems to be moving. It is hard to see the good people of our ward leaving but I wish them all the best. I saw my first cockroach as I was packing a box this week. It ran across both of my arms. I didn't know what it was at first, I could only feel it. I screamed when I saw how big it was. I never want to see one of those again but unfortunatly I will here in Florida!
On Sundays we usually visit the members of our ward. Next Sunday is a special Sunday where members are asked to invite their non-member friends to church. It is a great opportunity to come and see what we are all about. So yesterday we went and encouraged people to invite their friends. I really love the ward here in North Port and my love grew for them yesterday. We decided to eat before we left because we didn't think anyone would feed us. The first house we went to, the lady had fixed a big meal. She dished up our plates. We were already full from what we had eaten about an hour before, that I didn't know how I would stomach all the food that was before me. My companion let me dish some onto her plate when the lady wasn't looking. It was really spicy stuff but I ate as much as I could. After the dinner, the lady gave me a BIG helping of Key Lime Pie. Then we went to the next house. They had set a place for us at their dinner table as well. I was already full to the brim but didn't want to hurt this families feelings. So I had a bowl of soup and a breadstick. The family gave us a loaf of bread. Thank goodness she didn't make us eat the bread right away because I was so sick from eating all the food we had been given. When we walked into the next house, I wanted to cry because I could smell food. But they didn't feed us. I am still full of all the food I ate yesterday.
We are onto another week. I don't know where the month of September, October and half of November has gone. My mission is going by so fast. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love
Sister Comte
P.S Next Monday I will not be emailing, but on Tuesday I will email because of the holiday! Thanks! GO BYU!!!
This week has gone by really fast. I can't believe it is Monday again. It is hard to imagine that it is November because most days it is 90 degrees outside. The leaves are still green and they will not be changing. Today though it is really cold. People have told us that it is going to be a cold week.
We have done alot of moving this week. Everyone seems to be moving. It is hard to see the good people of our ward leaving but I wish them all the best. I saw my first cockroach as I was packing a box this week. It ran across both of my arms. I didn't know what it was at first, I could only feel it. I screamed when I saw how big it was. I never want to see one of those again but unfortunatly I will here in Florida!
On Sundays we usually visit the members of our ward. Next Sunday is a special Sunday where members are asked to invite their non-member friends to church. It is a great opportunity to come and see what we are all about. So yesterday we went and encouraged people to invite their friends. I really love the ward here in North Port and my love grew for them yesterday. We decided to eat before we left because we didn't think anyone would feed us. The first house we went to, the lady had fixed a big meal. She dished up our plates. We were already full from what we had eaten about an hour before, that I didn't know how I would stomach all the food that was before me. My companion let me dish some onto her plate when the lady wasn't looking. It was really spicy stuff but I ate as much as I could. After the dinner, the lady gave me a BIG helping of Key Lime Pie. Then we went to the next house. They had set a place for us at their dinner table as well. I was already full to the brim but didn't want to hurt this families feelings. So I had a bowl of soup and a breadstick. The family gave us a loaf of bread. Thank goodness she didn't make us eat the bread right away because I was so sick from eating all the food we had been given. When we walked into the next house, I wanted to cry because I could smell food. But they didn't feed us. I am still full of all the food I ate yesterday.
We are onto another week. I don't know where the month of September, October and half of November has gone. My mission is going by so fast. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love
Sister Comte
P.S Next Monday I will not be emailing, but on Tuesday I will email because of the holiday! Thanks! GO BYU!!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
November 10th Email
Hi
This week has flown by. It is already the second week of the transfer and the tenth day of November! Life goes by fast when you are having fun!
We had zone conference this Wednesday. We talked about the fundamentals of the Florida Tampa Mission. In this mission we give church tours instead of teaching people in their homes. They can feel the spirit more in the church and there are alot less distractions. We also talked about members helping this work along. The most effective way to do missionary work is with the members. An easy way to share the gospel is by being an example. At baptism we all promised that we would take on Jesus' name. Out here on a mission, we have Jesus' name over our hearts. If only we all had a physical reminder of this covenant we made at baptism. Try and imagine His name over your heart and how you would act. Try to live this way. Just because you don't have a physical reminder (i.e a tag) you still carry His name. So act like it. You will never know who is watching you.
Friday we went to the Ridgeway's home. The dad has been a member all his life and the wife was baptized on the first of this month. Their oldest son is 8 and their other son is 6. They asked if we would start teaching their oldest. When we went over there to teach their son, Zion, his cousin was over. She is also 8. Both of them set in on the lesson and loved it. His cousin, Kaitlin, is really excited about the gospel and wants to learn more. Kaitlin's mom also sat in on the discussion. Her mother told us that Kaitlin has been asking all sorts of questions about religion. She said "I guess she is just at the age where she wants to know what is right." I don't think it is a coinsidence that she is 8, do you? So know we are teaching the whole family. They all came to church yesterday.
On Saturday, we had another car wash. We gave ten church tours and the ward had a blast. After the car wash, my companion and another sister went to Tampa for a baptism. I went with my old companion, Sister Hofheins, to teach a girl that is dating a boy who is a member. She was really receptive to what we taught her. When we talked about Joseph Smith, she said that she had already prayed about him. She said that she knew that he did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. She knew it was the truth. It was amazing!! I am so grateful to see how her testimony started to bloom!
In church yesterday someone said this quote and I really liked it. They said "When you lose yourself in service, there will be so much more of you to find." I really liked that!
Well, all is still going well. I can't wait to hear from you all next week. I wish you all the best!!!
Love
Sister Comte
This week has flown by. It is already the second week of the transfer and the tenth day of November! Life goes by fast when you are having fun!
We had zone conference this Wednesday. We talked about the fundamentals of the Florida Tampa Mission. In this mission we give church tours instead of teaching people in their homes. They can feel the spirit more in the church and there are alot less distractions. We also talked about members helping this work along. The most effective way to do missionary work is with the members. An easy way to share the gospel is by being an example. At baptism we all promised that we would take on Jesus' name. Out here on a mission, we have Jesus' name over our hearts. If only we all had a physical reminder of this covenant we made at baptism. Try and imagine His name over your heart and how you would act. Try to live this way. Just because you don't have a physical reminder (i.e a tag) you still carry His name. So act like it. You will never know who is watching you.
Friday we went to the Ridgeway's home. The dad has been a member all his life and the wife was baptized on the first of this month. Their oldest son is 8 and their other son is 6. They asked if we would start teaching their oldest. When we went over there to teach their son, Zion, his cousin was over. She is also 8. Both of them set in on the lesson and loved it. His cousin, Kaitlin, is really excited about the gospel and wants to learn more. Kaitlin's mom also sat in on the discussion. Her mother told us that Kaitlin has been asking all sorts of questions about religion. She said "I guess she is just at the age where she wants to know what is right." I don't think it is a coinsidence that she is 8, do you? So know we are teaching the whole family. They all came to church yesterday.
On Saturday, we had another car wash. We gave ten church tours and the ward had a blast. After the car wash, my companion and another sister went to Tampa for a baptism. I went with my old companion, Sister Hofheins, to teach a girl that is dating a boy who is a member. She was really receptive to what we taught her. When we talked about Joseph Smith, she said that she had already prayed about him. She said that she knew that he did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. She knew it was the truth. It was amazing!! I am so grateful to see how her testimony started to bloom!
In church yesterday someone said this quote and I really liked it. They said "When you lose yourself in service, there will be so much more of you to find." I really liked that!
Well, all is still going well. I can't wait to hear from you all next week. I wish you all the best!!!
Love
Sister Comte
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
November 3rd Email
Hello to all!
I can't believe that it is already November. This week has been stressful but I have learned alot! My new companions name is Sister Harash. She is amazing! I think that we will get alot of work done and have fun while doing it. It is hard to do the work now because it gets dark at 6:00. I thought they only had day light savings in Utah, but they have it here as well.
It has turned cold here in Florida or I have become even more of a wimp. I pulled out my sweaters and jackets this week. We had a trunk or treat with our ward and it was freezing. We went out and bought tons of glow sticks and decked out in them for our costumes. It was alot of fun. Surprisingly we didn't get alot of candy. The costumes were great and it was fun to see everyone there!
We had another baptism this week. The ladies name is Janice Ridgeway. Her husband has been a member all his life but has been inactive for sometime. They have actually been working with the Ridgeways for about 4 years now. She was so happy to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. You couldn't have whipped the smile off of her face the last two days. It was wonderful to see. I basically planned the whole baptism because my companion is so new to this area. It was very stressful but I thought it went well.
On Halloween night we went to a members house in the Port Charlotte ward. The young couple that invited us over, the Lamb's, are the son and daughter-in-law of the Lambs that are in the North Port ward. They fed us and then let us pass out candy. While passing out candy we threw in some pass-along cards into some children's bag. We were really happy with ourselves. Some other relative of the couples who was not a member asked me what my costume was. I told him that we were missionaries. He slapped me on the back and said "Nice one." It was really funny. Everyone thought we were dressed up for Halloween, when we really weren't.
Well, on to another week! All will go well this week and we go out and do the Father's work! I know that this church is true and that we will all be greatly blessed if we do what he wants us to do! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Love
Sister Comte
I can't believe that it is already November. This week has been stressful but I have learned alot! My new companions name is Sister Harash. She is amazing! I think that we will get alot of work done and have fun while doing it. It is hard to do the work now because it gets dark at 6:00. I thought they only had day light savings in Utah, but they have it here as well.
It has turned cold here in Florida or I have become even more of a wimp. I pulled out my sweaters and jackets this week. We had a trunk or treat with our ward and it was freezing. We went out and bought tons of glow sticks and decked out in them for our costumes. It was alot of fun. Surprisingly we didn't get alot of candy. The costumes were great and it was fun to see everyone there!
We had another baptism this week. The ladies name is Janice Ridgeway. Her husband has been a member all his life but has been inactive for sometime. They have actually been working with the Ridgeways for about 4 years now. She was so happy to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. You couldn't have whipped the smile off of her face the last two days. It was wonderful to see. I basically planned the whole baptism because my companion is so new to this area. It was very stressful but I thought it went well.
On Halloween night we went to a members house in the Port Charlotte ward. The young couple that invited us over, the Lamb's, are the son and daughter-in-law of the Lambs that are in the North Port ward. They fed us and then let us pass out candy. While passing out candy we threw in some pass-along cards into some children's bag. We were really happy with ourselves. Some other relative of the couples who was not a member asked me what my costume was. I told him that we were missionaries. He slapped me on the back and said "Nice one." It was really funny. Everyone thought we were dressed up for Halloween, when we really weren't.
Well, on to another week! All will go well this week and we go out and do the Father's work! I know that this church is true and that we will all be greatly blessed if we do what he wants us to do! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Love
Sister Comte
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
October 20th Email
Hi to all
This week has been a long one but many good things have come from it. This week
was filled with service. We did a service project almost everyday. Some where
not to pleasant but we found joy in them as we sang and chose to be positive.
We went on exchanges this week. I am really attached to my trainer/companion
and transfers are next week. So we decided that it would be best if we spent a
little bit of time away from each other. I went in my area, North Port, with
Sister Anderton. She is a wonderful sister and I really love her. She is very
caring. We had a lot of fun together even though Sister Anderton got sick. I
enjoyed my time immensly.
On Friday night, Sister Hofheins and I went to dinner with a young family. The
wife was baptized about 2 months ago and the husband has been reactivated. They
are an amazing family. We went to a wonderful Chinese Buffet. At the end of
the meal, they were talking about going to the temple. On Saturday was there
first time to go together to do baptisms at the temple. They were really
excited. We sent them with money to get something at an LDS bookstore that they
were going to. We were excited to see the goodies that they brought back,
especially the ones they got for themselves.
Yesterday was amazing. This week has been hard and so has the last couple of
weeks. But we knew that something good has to come because of the hardships.
Right after sacrament, a man in our ward came up to me and asked if we had ever
met the Ridgeways. The Ridgeways are great people. The husband is a member but
the wife is not. They have been coming to church for the last couple of weeks
with their two sons, one has autism. The man that was talking to me told me
that Bro. Ridgeways wife had just come up to him and told him that she wants to
be baptized. I was so happy. We will start teaching her this week.
After church we went to do some member visits. One house that we went to were
two ladies that just moved into our ward. They had gotten lost and didn't get
to come to church. They were so happy to see us. They both love the church and
read in the BOM. I kept being prompted to ask how they had joined the church.
I finally asked and the one said that she wasn't a member. She wants to know
for sure that this is right and she says it is about time that she finds out.
We will also be teaching her this week.
A lot of things are starting to fall into place. Because of hard work, miracles
are happening. If we are willing to give it to the Lord, He is more than
willing to give back tenfold what we gave. I know that He loves us very much.
I am so thankful for the sacrifice He made for me and for all those around me.
I love this work and will continue diligently. I LOVE YOU
ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love
Sister Comte
This week has been a long one but many good things have come from it. This week
was filled with service. We did a service project almost everyday. Some where
not to pleasant but we found joy in them as we sang and chose to be positive.
We went on exchanges this week. I am really attached to my trainer/companion
and transfers are next week. So we decided that it would be best if we spent a
little bit of time away from each other. I went in my area, North Port, with
Sister Anderton. She is a wonderful sister and I really love her. She is very
caring. We had a lot of fun together even though Sister Anderton got sick. I
enjoyed my time immensly.
On Friday night, Sister Hofheins and I went to dinner with a young family. The
wife was baptized about 2 months ago and the husband has been reactivated. They
are an amazing family. We went to a wonderful Chinese Buffet. At the end of
the meal, they were talking about going to the temple. On Saturday was there
first time to go together to do baptisms at the temple. They were really
excited. We sent them with money to get something at an LDS bookstore that they
were going to. We were excited to see the goodies that they brought back,
especially the ones they got for themselves.
Yesterday was amazing. This week has been hard and so has the last couple of
weeks. But we knew that something good has to come because of the hardships.
Right after sacrament, a man in our ward came up to me and asked if we had ever
met the Ridgeways. The Ridgeways are great people. The husband is a member but
the wife is not. They have been coming to church for the last couple of weeks
with their two sons, one has autism. The man that was talking to me told me
that Bro. Ridgeways wife had just come up to him and told him that she wants to
be baptized. I was so happy. We will start teaching her this week.
After church we went to do some member visits. One house that we went to were
two ladies that just moved into our ward. They had gotten lost and didn't get
to come to church. They were so happy to see us. They both love the church and
read in the BOM. I kept being prompted to ask how they had joined the church.
I finally asked and the one said that she wasn't a member. She wants to know
for sure that this is right and she says it is about time that she finds out.
We will also be teaching her this week.
A lot of things are starting to fall into place. Because of hard work, miracles
are happening. If we are willing to give it to the Lord, He is more than
willing to give back tenfold what we gave. I know that He loves us very much.
I am so thankful for the sacrifice He made for me and for all those around me.
I love this work and will continue diligently. I LOVE YOU
ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love
Sister Comte
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
October 13th Email and Pictures
Here are some pictures Jody sent back and an email we got today!
It is so wonderful to hear from you all. This might be short because I am running out of time, but I wanted everyone to know how much I love them. I am sorry that this didn't get sent yesterday but it was Columbus day and the library was closed.
We went to the beach yesterday. We didn't get into the water of course, but we picked up alot of neat shells and played frisbee. We also had a picnic. It was wonderful to see the Gulf. We also went to a place that has this really cool banyan trees. We took lots of pictures that I will try and send out later.
I got my hair cut this week as well. We live in the same apartment complex as another set of sisters. The one use to cut hair before she came out. On a whim we all cut our hair. I didn't cut much off but it is really cute. The sister that cut it also taught me how to do it so I am really enjoying it. It was fun for all three sisters, the one cutting was the only sister that didn't get hers done, to get new hair cuts. One sister cut off 15 inches.
Well things are picking up here. We are doing alot of service for people and alot of tracting. I love the work though and there is nothing more satisfying then to see the joy the gospel brings to others. I heard a quote this Sunday that I want to adopt as my motto. It says 'I will run to share the gospel and when I cannot run, I will walk, and when I can't walk anymore I will crawl, and when I cannot crawl, I will yell.' I want to do whatever it takes to get the message of our Savior out to the world. I love having one focus and that is my Savior Jesus Christ. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Thanks for the support!
Love
Sister Comte
It is so wonderful to hear from you all. This might be short because I am running out of time, but I wanted everyone to know how much I love them. I am sorry that this didn't get sent yesterday but it was Columbus day and the library was closed.
We went to the beach yesterday. We didn't get into the water of course, but we picked up alot of neat shells and played frisbee. We also had a picnic. It was wonderful to see the Gulf. We also went to a place that has this really cool banyan trees. We took lots of pictures that I will try and send out later.
I got my hair cut this week as well. We live in the same apartment complex as another set of sisters. The one use to cut hair before she came out. On a whim we all cut our hair. I didn't cut much off but it is really cute. The sister that cut it also taught me how to do it so I am really enjoying it. It was fun for all three sisters, the one cutting was the only sister that didn't get hers done, to get new hair cuts. One sister cut off 15 inches.
Well things are picking up here. We are doing alot of service for people and alot of tracting. I love the work though and there is nothing more satisfying then to see the joy the gospel brings to others. I heard a quote this Sunday that I want to adopt as my motto. It says 'I will run to share the gospel and when I cannot run, I will walk, and when I can't walk anymore I will crawl, and when I cannot crawl, I will yell.' I want to do whatever it takes to get the message of our Savior out to the world. I love having one focus and that is my Savior Jesus Christ. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Thanks for the support!
Love
Sister Comte
Monday, September 15, 2008
September 15th Email
Hello to all,
Sorry that this is a mass email, but I have alot to say and I don't want to say the same thing in 7 different emails. I want you to know though that I love you all individually. If I had time I would write you all individual to express my love to you.
This week has had many experiences that were good, some that were better and some that were best. I will start with the good and work up. This week we went to the Lamb's for dinner. A non-member family was suppose to come over as well but cancelled on us about 5 minutes before they were suppose to be there. The Lamb's are great members of our ward and do alot to strengthen people in the church. Bro. Lamb's father use to teach at good ol' Payson High School. Yes that's right, Mr. Lamb from the high school that taught history. It is interesting the connections you can find a million miles from home. Well, Bro. Lamb from our ward is going to Payson next month. He said that he was more than willing to take things home for me and that if my family wanted to send out homemade treats that he would find a way to do it. He said that last year at this time, Elder Adams family sent him a package and he wants to do the same for me. I will be sending some things home with him, so be aware that he will come around.
Something else that was good was I got peace of mind about Sam. I had a bad feeling on Wednesday that I couldn't get rid of. So I asked a member to call my family to see if everything was ok. He called and said that Dad laughed a little when he heard it was someone from Florida. I found out Sam was fine. I don't know the gender of the baby yet, so don't tell me. Sam has sent a package and I will find out soon!
Another good thing was we went and saw the sunset over the Peace River yesterday. It was so pretty and we really enjoyed ourselves. I will send pictures!
On to the better! Last Monday we, the zone that I am in, had a car wash to generate some publicity. We thought that we would only get a few people to come but we had a ton of success. I stayed inside and helped with church tours with another sister. We had so many people coming through that I had to start giving tours by myself. A ward member was there to help but she didn't know what to say, so it was up to me. It was really scary but I did a really good job and all the other missionaries couldn't believe I did it on my own because I am so new. I felt horrible about it because I did not get any information from anyone of the people we took on tours. We were just so busy, but it turned out alright. We took twenty people on tours within 2 1/2 hours! Crazy, huh! My companion told be not to worry about the information because it was my first time. It was a great learning opportunity for me.
Now, on to the best!!!! Yesterday was Stake Conference and Elder RIchard G. Scott came. We set in the second row with our newest convert, Pam. I wanted more than anything for Pam to met Elder Scott. My wish came true and after the meeting she shook his hand and gave him a hug. I have had a really hard time the last couple of weeks and Elder Scott was just what I needed. I was feeling down about myself and Elder Scott showed me alot of love. At the first of the meeting, I was sitting right in front of Elder Scott, he looked right into my eyes and smiled really big. It was like he could see my soul. When the choir started to sing, he got up and went over to talk to my mission president. The were talking and pointing at my companion and I. I couldn't beleive that an apostle was talking about me. When he sat back down he looked right at me again and smiled. It reaffirmed to me that I am a servant of the Lord and that I am His daughter. I felt so much love through Elder Scott. A few other times he looked at me and smiled. I had a feeling he was going to call me to the stand. It ended up that we ran out of time. Elder Scott had to cut his talk short. He is such a funny person. At first he talked to all the primary children. He had all of them stand and smile. Most of the children had been so quite through the whole meeting. He asked them very seriously "Do you know how to wake up every morning with a smile on your face?" I couldn't wait to hear his words of wisdom. He said "Go to bed with a coat hanger in your mouth." Everyone was laughing so hard. He was so serious when he said this which made it even more funny! After the meeting, he came down and shook my hand. He said that he was very impressed with me and that if they would have had more time he would have had us, Sister Hofheins and I, bear our testimony. There were missionaries all around us but it was us he was thinking of throughout the meeting. It was the neatest experience and one I will never forget. His talk was amazing and it felt like he was talking to each one of us personally. He address a topic that our convert needed to hear. We were all in tears afterwards. Pam said that when you looked in Elder Scotts eyes you could see the truth. I know that this is getting long but I want to add one more thing that he told us. He told us not to judge ourselves by what we know about ourselves. The Lord knows us better so let Him be the judge!
I love you all and am sorry for the long email, but life is too good to keep it to myself. I have to go but will write again next week!
Love,
Sister Comte
This is Sam >> P.s. Ryan and I found out Thursday we are having a girl. I promised Jody when we found out we would send her a package. I filled that package full of pink things. I can't wait for her to open it!
Sorry that this is a mass email, but I have alot to say and I don't want to say the same thing in 7 different emails. I want you to know though that I love you all individually. If I had time I would write you all individual to express my love to you.
This week has had many experiences that were good, some that were better and some that were best. I will start with the good and work up. This week we went to the Lamb's for dinner. A non-member family was suppose to come over as well but cancelled on us about 5 minutes before they were suppose to be there. The Lamb's are great members of our ward and do alot to strengthen people in the church. Bro. Lamb's father use to teach at good ol' Payson High School. Yes that's right, Mr. Lamb from the high school that taught history. It is interesting the connections you can find a million miles from home. Well, Bro. Lamb from our ward is going to Payson next month. He said that he was more than willing to take things home for me and that if my family wanted to send out homemade treats that he would find a way to do it. He said that last year at this time, Elder Adams family sent him a package and he wants to do the same for me. I will be sending some things home with him, so be aware that he will come around.
Something else that was good was I got peace of mind about Sam. I had a bad feeling on Wednesday that I couldn't get rid of. So I asked a member to call my family to see if everything was ok. He called and said that Dad laughed a little when he heard it was someone from Florida. I found out Sam was fine. I don't know the gender of the baby yet, so don't tell me. Sam has sent a package and I will find out soon!
Another good thing was we went and saw the sunset over the Peace River yesterday. It was so pretty and we really enjoyed ourselves. I will send pictures!
On to the better! Last Monday we, the zone that I am in, had a car wash to generate some publicity. We thought that we would only get a few people to come but we had a ton of success. I stayed inside and helped with church tours with another sister. We had so many people coming through that I had to start giving tours by myself. A ward member was there to help but she didn't know what to say, so it was up to me. It was really scary but I did a really good job and all the other missionaries couldn't believe I did it on my own because I am so new. I felt horrible about it because I did not get any information from anyone of the people we took on tours. We were just so busy, but it turned out alright. We took twenty people on tours within 2 1/2 hours! Crazy, huh! My companion told be not to worry about the information because it was my first time. It was a great learning opportunity for me.
Now, on to the best!!!! Yesterday was Stake Conference and Elder RIchard G. Scott came. We set in the second row with our newest convert, Pam. I wanted more than anything for Pam to met Elder Scott. My wish came true and after the meeting she shook his hand and gave him a hug. I have had a really hard time the last couple of weeks and Elder Scott was just what I needed. I was feeling down about myself and Elder Scott showed me alot of love. At the first of the meeting, I was sitting right in front of Elder Scott, he looked right into my eyes and smiled really big. It was like he could see my soul. When the choir started to sing, he got up and went over to talk to my mission president. The were talking and pointing at my companion and I. I couldn't beleive that an apostle was talking about me. When he sat back down he looked right at me again and smiled. It reaffirmed to me that I am a servant of the Lord and that I am His daughter. I felt so much love through Elder Scott. A few other times he looked at me and smiled. I had a feeling he was going to call me to the stand. It ended up that we ran out of time. Elder Scott had to cut his talk short. He is such a funny person. At first he talked to all the primary children. He had all of them stand and smile. Most of the children had been so quite through the whole meeting. He asked them very seriously "Do you know how to wake up every morning with a smile on your face?" I couldn't wait to hear his words of wisdom. He said "Go to bed with a coat hanger in your mouth." Everyone was laughing so hard. He was so serious when he said this which made it even more funny! After the meeting, he came down and shook my hand. He said that he was very impressed with me and that if they would have had more time he would have had us, Sister Hofheins and I, bear our testimony. There were missionaries all around us but it was us he was thinking of throughout the meeting. It was the neatest experience and one I will never forget. His talk was amazing and it felt like he was talking to each one of us personally. He address a topic that our convert needed to hear. We were all in tears afterwards. Pam said that when you looked in Elder Scotts eyes you could see the truth. I know that this is getting long but I want to add one more thing that he told us. He told us not to judge ourselves by what we know about ourselves. The Lord knows us better so let Him be the judge!
I love you all and am sorry for the long email, but life is too good to keep it to myself. I have to go but will write again next week!
Love,
Sister Comte
This is Sam >> P.s. Ryan and I found out Thursday we are having a girl. I promised Jody when we found out we would send her a package. I filled that package full of pink things. I can't wait for her to open it!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Address
I posted Jody's address on the side in case anyone needs it... (MICHELE!!) Sorry it took me a while. This is the mission home address. They forward everything to her so this address won't change. Write your favorite sister!!!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
September 3rd Email
Hi
I don't know why they call this state the Sunshine State because it rains more than it is sunny. Last Saturday, we were on bikes about 5 miles from home, we were caught in a terrible storm. Everything was drenched from head to toe. It was hard to get our clothes off because we were so wet. The wind was really bad as well, but I didn't fall off the bike once. I do not have a rain jacket and neither one of us had an umbrella, but what good would an umbrella be on a bike?
The biking is coming a lot better. I actually look forward to riding it. My companion has been great about it and hasn't let me quit. I owe her a lot. I ran over some type of dead animal last week that made me sick. My companion took pictures and I am sure that Dad, Todd, Ryan and Scott will find them interesting.
Last week we taught a man and we had him write down 10 things he liked about himself. One thing he said was that he wanted to be a ninja. A ninja, he told us, is someone that is good at something. He said that we were faith ninja's. He told me I could become a bike ninja. This is my new goal in life: To become a bike ninja!!!!!
I will be sending home some pictures soon. I have them on a cd, I just need to send them home. A lady down here called mom this last week. I am hoping that she can find it on my old cell phone. Investigators are asking about different church items all the time. There is no Desert or Seagull book here. So I tell them I will write home and see if anyone can help. Now is the real test to see if you really read my emails.
We have another baptism this weekend. It is a great lady and she is so excited. She told us two weeks ago that she couldn't wait to join the true church. We are overjoyed with her!
Well we are off to another busy week. We will be able to do alot of tracting this week because our teaching pool is dwindling with every baptism. Say hello to Grandma for me. Tell her that I am eating well. We don't do dinner appointments here because we need to be working during dinner hours. But I am trying to use my money wisely and I eat alot when we do get feed. We can have dinner appointments if it is with an investigator. I love you all and miss you a ton. Please pray that we will find people to teach!
Love
Sister Comte
I don't know why they call this state the Sunshine State because it rains more than it is sunny. Last Saturday, we were on bikes about 5 miles from home, we were caught in a terrible storm. Everything was drenched from head to toe. It was hard to get our clothes off because we were so wet. The wind was really bad as well, but I didn't fall off the bike once. I do not have a rain jacket and neither one of us had an umbrella, but what good would an umbrella be on a bike?
The biking is coming a lot better. I actually look forward to riding it. My companion has been great about it and hasn't let me quit. I owe her a lot. I ran over some type of dead animal last week that made me sick. My companion took pictures and I am sure that Dad, Todd, Ryan and Scott will find them interesting.
Last week we taught a man and we had him write down 10 things he liked about himself. One thing he said was that he wanted to be a ninja. A ninja, he told us, is someone that is good at something. He said that we were faith ninja's. He told me I could become a bike ninja. This is my new goal in life: To become a bike ninja!!!!!
I will be sending home some pictures soon. I have them on a cd, I just need to send them home. A lady down here called mom this last week. I am hoping that she can find it on my old cell phone. Investigators are asking about different church items all the time. There is no Desert or Seagull book here. So I tell them I will write home and see if anyone can help. Now is the real test to see if you really read my emails.
We have another baptism this weekend. It is a great lady and she is so excited. She told us two weeks ago that she couldn't wait to join the true church. We are overjoyed with her!
Well we are off to another busy week. We will be able to do alot of tracting this week because our teaching pool is dwindling with every baptism. Say hello to Grandma for me. Tell her that I am eating well. We don't do dinner appointments here because we need to be working during dinner hours. But I am trying to use my money wisely and I eat alot when we do get feed. We can have dinner appointments if it is with an investigator. I love you all and miss you a ton. Please pray that we will find people to teach!
Love
Sister Comte
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
August 12th Email
Jody arrived in Tampa, Florida last Monday on August 4th. We were all very excited to receive phone calls from her before she boarded her plane. Yesterday was the first email we received from her. Of course mom got the long one about everything. I guess she's pretty busy.
Below is Jody's Email
Hi
Today is my first pday in the field. Mondays are Pdays so that will be the day I email. Please pass this on to everyone (Grandma, Ryan, Todd, and anyone in the ward that wants to know) because I don't have time to write emails to everyone this week. I also have alot to say so it might take awhile to write this. My new companion/trainer is Sister Hofheins from Beaver. She is a great girl and very patient. We are in the North Port area. Elder Adams is in my Zone and we had a great talk over lunch last week. I am in a car share, which means one week we get the car and the next week we are on bikes. This is our week on bikes and I am really nervous but at the same time I know that God will help me to ride to teach his people. I already fell off last week and broke the light on the front. Don't worry about the light though because Bro. Harris from the ward bought me a new one. My knees were hurt really bad but the bruises are awesome looking. The seat is too high so we are working on it. Sister Colton is really concerned, she doesn't really want the sisters on bikes anyways. President called and is also worried. But I will try my best and I will succeed. All I need is faith.
It is not as hot as I thought it would be. It rains everyday, I mean it pours buckets. Florida is the lightening capital of the world so we have seen some neat displays as we run to shelter. I am so thankful for the umbrella. Everything got here safely. My bedding was lost for a few days but IT HAS BEEN FOUND!!! I was so happy when I found out. It was great being the only sister that came out because I was treated like a queen. I was the first one off the plane and I lead the group as we met Sister and President Colton. Everything basically was tailored to me. I know that that is selfish of me to say but it made the transition alot easier. I slept in a room by myself. I set the alarm and checked it twice. The next morning I woke to a knock on the door. Sister Colton told me it was time to get up. It was 7:10 and we were leaving at 7:30. I was so embarrassed that I almost cried. Sister Colton was really sweet with me and took me over later to the church for all of our meetings. Monday and Tuesday we stayed in Tampa because our area is two hours south of Tampa. But Wednesday we got right to work. We have two baptisimal dates already set. One was set before I came and the other was set last night. I love the people we teach and see so much potential. It is great to teach them and their desire to learn. It is really hard to go tracking for me. If you can beleive it, it makes me nervous to talk to complete strangers. Some times they are not very nice but for the magority they are. I pray alot and my companion says that it will get better.
We live in an apartment and some other sisters live in apartments just across the way. We have a great time together and laugh alot. There is a canal right behind the other sisters apartments. They have seen little alligators from a far, don't worry we are safe, in the back. I haven't seen any yet and if I do I hope that it is far away. There are bugs galore out here. As soon as you walk outside there is a buzzing noise. I got a red ant bite the other day and it wasn't fun. I use alot of bug spray!
I am so thankful for this opportunity. I know that this is the true church. I know that my Savior lives and that He died for me. I know it is because of Him that I have been strengthened. I know that He will provide a way for me to
preach His gospel. I love it here and I know that He has provided a way for me to handle the heat, the bugs, and my nerves. It is through Him that I continue onwards.
Love
Sister Comte
Below is Jody's Email
Hi
Today is my first pday in the field. Mondays are Pdays so that will be the day I email. Please pass this on to everyone (Grandma, Ryan, Todd, and anyone in the ward that wants to know) because I don't have time to write emails to everyone this week. I also have alot to say so it might take awhile to write this. My new companion/trainer is Sister Hofheins from Beaver. She is a great girl and very patient. We are in the North Port area. Elder Adams is in my Zone and we had a great talk over lunch last week. I am in a car share, which means one week we get the car and the next week we are on bikes. This is our week on bikes and I am really nervous but at the same time I know that God will help me to ride to teach his people. I already fell off last week and broke the light on the front. Don't worry about the light though because Bro. Harris from the ward bought me a new one. My knees were hurt really bad but the bruises are awesome looking. The seat is too high so we are working on it. Sister Colton is really concerned, she doesn't really want the sisters on bikes anyways. President called and is also worried. But I will try my best and I will succeed. All I need is faith.
It is not as hot as I thought it would be. It rains everyday, I mean it pours buckets. Florida is the lightening capital of the world so we have seen some neat displays as we run to shelter. I am so thankful for the umbrella. Everything got here safely. My bedding was lost for a few days but IT HAS BEEN FOUND!!! I was so happy when I found out. It was great being the only sister that came out because I was treated like a queen. I was the first one off the plane and I lead the group as we met Sister and President Colton. Everything basically was tailored to me. I know that that is selfish of me to say but it made the transition alot easier. I slept in a room by myself. I set the alarm and checked it twice. The next morning I woke to a knock on the door. Sister Colton told me it was time to get up. It was 7:10 and we were leaving at 7:30. I was so embarrassed that I almost cried. Sister Colton was really sweet with me and took me over later to the church for all of our meetings. Monday and Tuesday we stayed in Tampa because our area is two hours south of Tampa. But Wednesday we got right to work. We have two baptisimal dates already set. One was set before I came and the other was set last night. I love the people we teach and see so much potential. It is great to teach them and their desire to learn. It is really hard to go tracking for me. If you can beleive it, it makes me nervous to talk to complete strangers. Some times they are not very nice but for the magority they are. I pray alot and my companion says that it will get better.
We live in an apartment and some other sisters live in apartments just across the way. We have a great time together and laugh alot. There is a canal right behind the other sisters apartments. They have seen little alligators from a far, don't worry we are safe, in the back. I haven't seen any yet and if I do I hope that it is far away. There are bugs galore out here. As soon as you walk outside there is a buzzing noise. I got a red ant bite the other day and it wasn't fun. I use alot of bug spray!
I am so thankful for this opportunity. I know that this is the true church. I know that my Savior lives and that He died for me. I know it is because of Him that I have been strengthened. I know that He will provide a way for me to
preach His gospel. I love it here and I know that He has provided a way for me to handle the heat, the bugs, and my nerves. It is through Him that I continue onwards.
Love
Sister Comte
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Jody is at the MTC!
Hello friends and family... I am very proud to report the successful dropoff of Sister Jody Jean Comte at the Missionary Training Center on July 16th, 2008. I am sorry for the delayed blog and of course pictures but someone was so nervous about leaving that they accidentally wrote down the wrong email and password. Jody does leave the MTC on August 4th, so get your letters and packages to her there soon. Her location will change along with her experiences.
In her last letter she informed us of her companions. She is currently with two other sisters, both of whom won't be serving in Tampa with Jody. She is the only Sister in her District as of right now, along with 5 Elders. She loves the food there and she is staying healthy with exercise. Jody has been preparing for this mission for quite sometime by taking Missionary Prep at BYU, also at Church, and teaching the Missionary Prep course on Sundays before she left. She feels very grateful she had so much time to prepare and has had an easier time adjusting than others. I am really excited for her but can't wait to hear stories from the field. Everytime Ryan and I drive by the MTC we yell, "SISTER COMTE" out the window. I hope one day she hears us. Thanks for all your warm wishes and prayers for her. She's doing great!
Remember to write:
Sister Comte
MTC Mailbox #182
FL-TAM 0804
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Ut 84604-1783
In her last letter she informed us of her companions. She is currently with two other sisters, both of whom won't be serving in Tampa with Jody. She is the only Sister in her District as of right now, along with 5 Elders. She loves the food there and she is staying healthy with exercise. Jody has been preparing for this mission for quite sometime by taking Missionary Prep at BYU, also at Church, and teaching the Missionary Prep course on Sundays before she left. She feels very grateful she had so much time to prepare and has had an easier time adjusting than others. I am really excited for her but can't wait to hear stories from the field. Everytime Ryan and I drive by the MTC we yell, "SISTER COMTE" out the window. I hope one day she hears us. Thanks for all your warm wishes and prayers for her. She's doing great!
Remember to write:
Sister Comte
MTC Mailbox #182
FL-TAM 0804
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Ut 84604-1783
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Embarrassing but True
This is really embarrassing for me to say, but when I was little I never learned to ride a bike. Most missionaries ride bikes. So when my mission president said that I needed to buy a bike, I decided I better learn. It has taken awhile for me to get out there, but I rode for the first time by myself last night. I have taken a few falls and still can't steer very well. As you can tell in the video the neighbor kids were right beside me the whole time. One of them was right in front of me in probably not the safest place. Thanks to all the neighbors that have been so supportive and especially my family and the Barnums. It has been a lot of fun with tons of laughter!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
New Camera!
So I needed a new camera for my mission because my old one was not working properly. My mother's technician, Sheri Thane, bought me a new one for my mission. I am so excited to have it and can't wait to leave on Wednesday! The first picture is of Sheri! The second is of my wonderful neighbor, Norma Barnum. The last is of the Barnum Three: Cruz, Jaden, and Alexis! I am so thankful for all my friends and family that will be supporting me on my mission!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Jordan River Temple
Ryan, Sam, Dad, and Mother all went to the Salt Lake Temple early this morning only to find out that it was closed for cleaning. After the initial disappointment, we went back to the Jordan River Temple. It was wonderful to be there together. It was a beautiful day to be there.
Afterwards we went to Mimi's Cafe to eat. It is a very nice place to eat with a great French atmosphere. We ate some really tasty things, boxed up the left-overs, and headed home. This isn't the correct temple--it's actually the St George, but it's all we have right now until we find the camera.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Mission Pictures
About a week and a half ago I went and had my pictures taken for my mission. I didn't know that they would turn out so well. It has been really hard to decide which ones my mom and I liked the best. I would love to hear which ones are your favorites, just leave a comment! These pictures were taken by Marlayne Harward. They were taken behind the temple and at a waterfall on BYU campus.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Vacation
I wanted to do something really fun with my best friend before I left on my mission. Mom and I decided that we wanted to go to Tuacahn which is an outdoor amphitheater in St. George, UT. We saw Les Miserables, which was amazing!! We had really good seats and have not stopped singing the music every since. The pre-show was also amazing and we got to meet the man that played Javert in the play. Mom and I have decided to make this a yearly tradition, of course we won't be going next year. It was really warm, at midnight it was still 90 degrees. On our way down we stopped into see Cove Fort. My Mom really wanted to see it because there was a fire last year and she wanted to hear the story about it. It was amazing that the fire didn't touch the fort. It came within 150 feet of the barn. It went right around the missionaries trailer park. We had many great tour guides that were all missionaries. We also meet the head gardener who was nice enough to pick me some peas. The garden and the peas reminded me a lot of my Grandpa Bowen. We also went to the St. George Temple. It was beautiful and we felt an amazing spirit there. After the temple we went to the visitors center, where I recognized the sister missionaries that were there. We talked to them for along time. It was neat because that will be me in less than two weeks. The St. George temple is where a lot of prominent people have been baptized. Abraham Lincoln, Marie Antoinette, and many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were baptized there. And of course we did a lot of SHOPPING!!! We bought some things for my mission, and of course a lot for Hunter.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Fun Weekend
It has been a busy but fun last couple of weeks. My cousin Michele came into town early so that we could hang out together. The first thing we did was go to the temple. It was a beautiful day and it was a great experience to be together in the temple. After the temple we went to Michele's cousins, Adele's. Adele's baby is about 2 months old. He is so cute. Two days later we went out to Mosida Lodge for our family reunion, which was a blast. When we got home from the reunion we cleaned up the house and started preparing for my farewell. On Sunday I spoke in church (if you didn't or couldn't make it I will post a link with my talk) about testimony. I thought it went really well. It was so fun to have every one over and to see old family and friends that I hadn't seen in awhile!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Reunion Fun
Last week we had our family reunion. This year my family was in charge, so it was a little hectic but alot of fun! I loved planning the crafts and look forward to doing it in the future. Some of the things that we did was a trek, dancing, kids crafts and adult crafts, hikes, family movies nights, a fireside, and lots of eating! It was so nice to see everyone, especially those that live far away. I am so grateful for my family and the support we give one another. I am also so thankful for my mother and all the work she did for the reunion. We couldn't have done it without her. I am thankful for her example and the choice she has made.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Pictures of the Girls
I made these flower headbands for my cousins little girls! I love them so much!!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Life moves so fast!!
My life has seems to move so fast. As I am continually preparing for a mission, every day is filled with something that needs to be done. I never really have anything big to do but I fill like a have a million little errands. On top of these little errands I want to be with my family whenever I can before my mission. Last night my amazing sister-in-law, Deedra, made dinner for me. Both of my brothers and their wives live in the same apartment complex now. It is really nice because it makes everything central. Ryan and Sam also came for dinner. After dinner the girls decided to watch a chick flick. The boys had other plans so they went to Ryan's to do whatever guys do. The girls got to keep Hunter though because I wouldn't let him go. It was hard to watch the movie with Hunter wanting to play with me though. After the movie I was able to put Hunter into bed. He is such a sweetheart. He defiantly holds a soft spot in my heart. I am so thankful for a good family! Todd and Deedra mean alot to me and I was so happy to be able to spend the evening with them.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
MISSION CALL
It finally came! It took a lot of patiences, but my mission call came in the mail today. My family couldn't get together until 4:00 in the afternoon, so I had to wait even longer. But it was well worth the wait. I am going to Tampa Florida on July 16th! I can barely wait.
Some of my favorite people!
This is my oldest brother, Todd, his wife, Deedra, and their son, Hunter. I love them with all of my heart. Deedra is very caring and will do anything for you when you are in need. She is a good cook! I love to watch movies with her. My brother is also very caring. He was the brother that when I was younger would bandage up my owies and make me feel all better. He is a hard worker and would anything for our family. I am so thankful for them in my life. I love you!!!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
My Most Wonderful Brother!
This is my most wonderful brother, Ryan! He is really cool. He is very ambitious, he always has a new idea running through his head. He has a great sense of humor. If you ever need advice, Ryan is one person that I can always turn to. He is a very loving and caring brother. He is a great example to me!
My Amazing Sister-In-Law
This is my sister-in-law, Sam. She is amazing! I tried for hours on how to change my blog. She figured it out in about an hour. I am so glad that she is in my family. More than just being technologically savvy, she also is an amazing cook. Her mom in from Cambodia, so she is half Cambodian. She makes some of the greatest food. I love her and am very thankful for her!!!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Missions
This is my brother Elder Comte! He is on his mission to Paraguay. I am so proud of him! He is setting such a good example for me and many others. He flew out Monday to Paraguay. He has been in the Missionary Training Center for two months where he has learned Spanish. I had the opportunity of seeing him twice while he was there. I didn't plan on seeing him, but I work right next to the MTC and we happened to both be passing through at the same time. He will be such a good missionary. My family is very supportive and loves him very much!!!
Yee-Haw
This is my nephew, Hunter! He is one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. He is just starting to talk. The other day when he was at our house, he started to ride our toy horse. He loves this horse even though it is old and falling apart. I decided to put a hat on him. He rode around the whole house with the hat on. The whole time he was saying "Yee-Haw." I love him and am thankful for the joy he brings to my life!Just Starting
This is my first post. I wanted to start this to share my ideas with others. I will be going on a mission soon, I don't know when or where yet, but I am hoping that my friends and family will keep this blog up so everyone can hear about my exciting adventures!
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